Universe ID: 10145

Cepheid Variable in Spiral Galaxy

Released on July 3, 2007

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.

Credits

Dana Berry (Skyworks Digital): Lead Animator
Michael McClare (HTSI): Writer

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA

Short URL to share this page:
https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/10145

This item is part of these series:
Astrophysics Visualizations
Astrophysics Animations

Goddard TV Tape:
G2007-007HD

Keywords:
SVS >> Galaxy
SVS >> HDTV
SVS >> Astrophysics
NASA Science >> Universe