Delta Scuti variable

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AAVSO light curve of VX Hydrae, a large-amplitude delta Scuti star

A Delta Scuti variable (also known as a Dwarf Cepheid, AI Velae Star or AI Velorum Star) is a variable star which exhibits variations in its luminosity due to both radial and non-radial pulsations of the star's surface. Typical brightness fluctuations are from 0.003 to 0.9 magnitudes in V over a period of a few hours, although the amplitude and period of the fluctuations can vary greatly. The stars are usually A0 to F5 type giant or main sequence stars.

The prototype of these sorts of variable stars is Delta Scuti, which exhibits brightness fluctuations from +4.60 to +4.79 in apparent magnitude with a period of 4.65 hours. Other well known Delta Scuti variables include Denebola (β Leonis) and β Cassiopeiae. Vega (α Lyrae) is a suspected Delta Scuti variable, but this remains unconfirmed.

[edit] References

Samus N.N., Durlevich O.V., et al. Combined General Catalog of Variable Stars (GCVS4.2, 2004 Ed.)
AI Velae Star at scienceworld
AI Velorum star at The Encyclopedia of Astrobiology, Astronomy, and Spaceflight