Best Variable Prototype
Updated Daily
Algol is a binary star system notable for its predictable dimming due to an eclipsing orbit. The primary and secondary stars regularly pass in front of each other from our perspective, causing fluctuations in brightness. This behavior was one of the first astronomical phenomena to be explained throu...
RR Lyrae is a variable star in the constellation Lyra and the prototype of the RR Lyrae class of pulsating variable stars. These stars regularly expand and contract in size and brightness over periods typically lasting less than a day. Because their intrinsic luminosity is predictable, astronomers u...
Delta Scuti is an A-type subgiant star located in the constellation Scutum that serves as the prototype for a class of short-period pulsating variable stars. These variables undergo slight, rapid fluctuations in luminosity over periods ranging from a few minutes to a few hours due to radial and non-...
UV Ceti is a red dwarf star located approximately 8.7 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cetus, making it one of the closest known star systems to the Sun. It serves as the prototype for the UV Ceti class of variable flare stars, which are characterized by dramatic, sudden increases in lumi...
Gamma Doradus is a white-yellow main-sequence star located in the southern constellation of Dorado. It serves as the prototype for the class of Gamma Doradus variable stars, which exhibit brightness fluctuations caused by non-radial gravity-mode pulsations. These types of stars are typically slightl...
BY Draconis is a multi-star system located in the northern constellation of Draco, consisting of at least three components. The primary stars are K-type main-sequence dwarfs that serve as the prototype for the BY Draconis class of variable stars. This class is defined by brightness variations caused...
SX Phoenicis is the prototype of SX Phoenicis variables, Population II pulsating stars analogous to Delta Scuti stars and often associated with blue stragglers.
