Mira
Videos
Mira, pronounced, is a binary star system in the constellation Cetus. It has the Bayer designation Omicron Ceti, which is Latinized from ο Ceti, and abbreviated Omicron Cet or ο Cet. The system consis
Mira imaged by European Southern Observatory
Mira at two different times
Mira as seen from the Earth
Mira in UV and visible light
Red giant
Videos
A red giant is a luminous giant star of low or intermediate mass in a late phase of stellar evolution. The outer atmosphere is inflated and tenuous, making the radius large and the surface temperature
An illustration comparing the structure of the Sun (left) and its possible future as a red giant (right; not to scale). The inset at the bottom right shows a size comparison.
This image tracks the life of a Sun-like star, from its birth on the left side of the frame to its evolution into a red giant on the right after billions of years
Mira A is an old star, already shedding its outer layers into space