A variable star, as its name suggests, is a star whose magnitude varies intrinsically, in contrast to eclipsing binaries whose magnitude
varies as a result of one star in the binary system eclipsing the other. True variables are one of five types, namely Mira stars, semiregular
stars, cepheids, eruptive variables and, finally, cataclysmic variables. Minimum to maximum magnitude can range from days to many months with
some variables displaying irregular periods.
A popular method for the study of variable stars, particularly short-term variables, is by the use of the technique known as "differential
photometry". Rather than measure the (variable) magnitude of a variable star on an absolute scale, measurements are made over time relative to
one or more non-variable star(s) and these differences are then plotted so as to study and illustrate the relative or differential change in
magnitude. Due to the very large number of variables stars, the field of differential photometry represents one of the key fields in astronomy
whereby the amateur astronomer can make a meaningful and long-lasting contribution to both science and astronomy.
More recently, the search for extrasolar planets (over 750 discovered so far) has identified yet another interesting application for the
practice of differential photometry whereby the minute drops in magnitude of a star hosting an exoplanet are studied. Further details for the
interested party are available here.
Note: The large-amplitude short-period pulsating star GSC 04500-00083 is a fast pulsating variable star with a period
of 122.50 minutes and which involves a delta mag of 0.25 (R) magnitudes during this brief time interval. GSC 04500-00083 is a high-amplitude
delta-Scuti variable which was discovered by Shaw et al
while mining the results of the Northern Sky Variability Survey (NSVS,
Wozniak et al., 2004). Initially thought to be an
eclipsing binary (W UMa type), a 2009 follow-up study by Sokolovsky
revealed GSC 04500-00083 to be a delta-Scuti variable.
Further details from the International Variable Star Index are available
here.
Variable Star: GSC 4500-0083 Other Designation: NSVS 304708 RA / Dec: 00h 09m 49s / +80° 21' 41" Magnitude: 13.76 - 14.01 (R) Period: 0.0850695 days Variability: HADS Comparison Star: GSC 4500:085 Check Star: GSC 4500:411 |
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Date: Aug 06-07, 2012 21:45 - 04:30 UT+3 Location: Athens, Greece Equipment: AP 305/f3.8 Riccardi-Honders AP 1200GTO GEM SBIG ST-10XME SBIG CFW10 SBIG LRGB filters Integrations:
Temperatures:
Software: CCDSoft V5.00.201 AIP4Win V2.4.0 Processing: Reduction Differential Photometry |