Understanding Variable Stars

A concise introduction and overview of variable stars, for undergraduate students and experienced amateur astronomers, first published in 2007.

John R. Percy (Author)

9780521232531, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 24 May 2007

374 pages
25.4 x 17.8 x 2.2 cm, 0.87 kg

Review of the hardback: 'In this beautiful book, John Percy, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of Toronto, describes in detail the wide range of variable stars and their study. After a touching memory of Janet Mattei (1943–2004), director of the AAVSO for thirty years (and G. B. Lacchini UAI Award 1995), with whom Percy shared a long season of collaborations, the author describes the … development of the variable stars, doing well to understand how technology has, over time, changed the conditions of observation, accuracy, and reduced mass of data. … The book is well documented and full of charts, drawings and images. Each chapter has a specific and very accurate bibliography.' Astronomia

This book was first published in 2007. Variable stars are those that change brightness. Their variability may be due to geometric processes such as rotation, or eclipse by a companion star, or physical processes such as vibration, flares, or cataclysmic explosions. In each case, variable stars provide unique information about the properties of stars, and the processes that go on within them. This book provides a concise overview of variable stars, including a historical perspective, an introduction to stars in general, the techniques for discovering and studying variable stars, and a description of the main types of variable stars. It ends with short reflections about the connection between the study of variable stars, and research, education, amateur astronomy, and public interest in astronomy. This book is intended for anyone with some background knowledge of astronomy, but is especially suitable for undergraduate students and experienced amateur astronomers who can contribute to our understanding of these important stars.

1. Introduction
2. Stars in general
3. Rotating variable stars
4. Eclipsing variable stars
5. Pulsating variable stars
6. Cataclysmic variable stars
7. Young variable stars
8. Miscellaneous variable stars
9. Applications of variable stars
10. Epilogue
Appendices.

Subject Areas: Popular astronomy & space [WNX], Astrophysics [PHVB], Galaxies & stars [PGM], Astronomical observation: observatories, equipment & methods [PGG]