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 GW UMa is a fast pulsating variable star with a period of
292.60 minutes and which involves a delta mag of 0.49 (V) magnitudes during this brief time interval. GW Ursae Majoris was discovered by the
Hipparcos satellite and confirmed by Hintz et al
to be monoperiodic with a constant period. Further details from the General Variable Star Search Gateway are available
here
whereas an AAVSO finder chart is available
here.
Variable Star: GW UMa Other Designation: HIP 52508 RA / Dec: 10h 44m 11s / +44° 40' 44" Magnitude: 9.48 - 9.97 Period: 0.20319389 days Variability: SXPHE Comparison Star: GSC 3011:2535 Check Star: GSC 3011:2527 |
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Date: Feb 11-12, 2011 20:10 - 04:15 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 |