The structural properties of cepheid light curves. (original) (raw)
ADS
Abstract
Fourier decompositions are performed for the V magnitude variations of a sample of 57 Cepheids ranging in period from 2 to 17 days. The coefficients have been tabulated to allow rapid reconstruction of the light curves. It is shown that combinations of the low-order coefficients quantitatively describe the progression of curve shape with period. The pulsation amplitude plays only a minor role. Sharp breaks in the progression, occurring at around 10 days, are attributed to the resonance P2/P0 = 0.5. It is suggested that the Fourier decompositions provide a straightforward method for resolving a number of controversies concerning theoretical interpretations of the Hertzsprung sequence. The paper closes with a brief discussion of three short-period stars which seem to occupy a unique position in the sample.
Publication:
The Astrophysical Journal
Pub Date:
August 1981
DOI:
Bibcode:
Keywords:
- Cepheid Variables;
- Light Curve;
- Stellar Oscillations;
- Stellar Structure;
- Fourier Analysis;
- Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram;
- Stellar Models;
- Astrophysics