Variable Star (Noun)
Meaning
A star that varies noticeably in brightness.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- Betelgeuse, the reddish supergiant star in the constellation Orion, is a semi-regular variable star whose brightness has been studied extensively by astronomers.
- Algol is an eclipsing variable star whose variability can be detected by even modest backyard telescopes, its light sometimes visible only half a century.
- For two hundred years now it was obvious to astronomers that Sirius was a variable star, though over just a tiny part of its frequency spectrum.
- A team of astronomers discovered that V1351, a star in the constellation Virgo, is actually a triple star and a variable star.
- In order to study the atmosphere of the variable star delta Scuti, it would be necessary to map every ten minutes how brightness compares to different times of day.