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... > Stellar astronomy > Stellar types > Variable stars > Intrinsic variable stars > Pulsating variable stars > Cepheid variable stars > Type II Cepheid variable stars > W Virginis variable stars

Preferred term

W Virginis variable stars  

Definition

  • A member of a class of pulsating stars with a period of 1 to 35 days located in the instability strip of the H-R diagram. Also known as type II Cepheid variables, W Virginis stars are typically 1.5 mag fainter than classical Type I Cepheids and have a mass less than that of the Sun. They also exhibit a period-luminosity relation which is distinct, but works in a similar way to the relation for Type I Cepheids. Hence W Virginis stars can also be used to measure Galactic and extragalactic distances. (en)

Broader concept

Entry terms

  • W Virginis stars (en)
  • W Virginis variables (en)
  • W-Virginis variables (en)

Contributor

Editorial note

URI

http://astrothesaurus.org/uat/1784

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