variable star: Extrinsic Variable Stars

Eclipsing variables are not true (intrinsic) variables but rather are binary star systems, i.e., pairs of stars revolving around a common center of mass. The apparent brightness of an eclipsing variable fluctuates because the orbit of the pair is seen edgewise, so that first one star and then the other regularly blocks the light of its companion. Best known of this type is Algol (Beta Persei).

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Extrinsic Variable Stars
• Eruptive Variables
• Pulsating Variables
• Bibliography

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