Cepheid Variable in Spiral Galaxy

  • Released Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007
  • Updated Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 at 1:55PM
  • ID: 10145

A Cepheid is a star that varies in light intensity over regular, measurable periods. The period of pulsation is directly related to a Cepheid's intrinsic brightness making observations of these stars a powerful tool for determining distance. This animation shows a Cepheid variable star varying in brightness in the arm of a spiral galaxy.

This animation shows a Cepheid variable star varying in brightness in the arm of a spiral galaxy.

Credits

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA

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