Light curve
Videos
In astronomy, a light curve is a graph of the light intensity of a celestial object or region as a function of time, typically with the magnitude of light received on the y-axis and with time on the x-axis. The light is usually in a particular frequency interval or band.
Light curve of δ Cephei showing magnitude versus pulsation phase
Cepheid variable
Videos
A Cepheid variable is a type of variable star that pulsates radially, varying in both diameter and temperature. It changes in brightness, with a well-defined stable period and amplitude.
RS Puppis, one of the brightest known Cepheid variable stars in the Milky Way galaxy (Hubble Space Telescope)
Illustration of Cepheid variables (red dots) at the center of the Milky Way