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 500 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 KZ Hya is a fast pulsating variable star with a period of
85.70 minutes and which involves a delta mag of 0.80 (V) magnitudes during this brief time interval. KZ Hydrae has been studied fairly intensely
during the past few decades and ever since its discovery in 1975 by Przybylski and Bessell. It has been noted that its period is continuously
increasing with the passage of time, thus suggesting that a degenerate companion which is not visible must be present.
Further details from the General Variable Star Search Gateway are available
here
whereas an AAVSO finder chart is available
here.
Variable Star: KZ Hya Other Designation: HD 94033 RA / Dec: 10h 50m 54s / -25° 21' 15" Magnitude: 9.46 - 10.26 Period: 0.0595104212 days Variability: SXPHE Comparison Star: GSC 6638:764 Check Star: GSC 6638:483 |
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Date: Feb 08-09, 2011 23:15 - 02:54 UT+2 Location: Athens, Greece Equipment: AP 160 f/7.5 Starfire EDF 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 |