Variable Star
A variable star is a star whose brightness as seen from Earth fluctuates. This variation in brightness may be caused by periodic changes in the star's luminosity, or by the presence of dark or bright patches on the star's surface. Variable stars are of great interest to astronomers, as they can provide important information about the physical properties of stars, such as their mass, size, and temperature. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, variable stars are also important because they can be used as reference points for navigation. By measuring the brightness of a variable star, spacecraft can determine their position and orientation in space.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Accretion: Accretion is the process by which cosmic dust and gas in the interstellar medium (ISM) come together under the influence of gravity to form larger objects, such as stars, planets, and moons. In the context of space and astronautical enginee ... Read More >>
- Power Management Strategies: Power Management Strategies refer to the techniques and methods used to optimize the use of power in space and astronautical systems. These strategies involve the design and implementation of systems that can efficiently generate, store, di ... Read More >>
- Low-gravity Environment: A low-gravity environment refers to a condition where the gravitational force acting on an object or a person is significantly lower than that on Earth. In space, microgravity or zero gravity conditions are considered as low-gravity environ ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06