Cepheid variable stars have a characteristic called a "standard candle" that can be used to measure the brightness and, consequently, the distance of the star.
<h3>What characteristic or characteristics of Cepheid variables make them an effective standard candle?</h3>
Cepheid variable stars make for good reference candles. Due to their extreme luminosity, which is 40,000 times greater than that of the Sun, the brightest Cepheids can be seen at a great distance.
<h3>To determine a Cepheid variable star's luminosity, astronomers measure what characteristic of the star?</h3>
Variable time period
Henrietta Swan Levitt discovered a strong correlation between a Cepheid's fluctuation period and luminosity. As the variability period lengthens, the Cepheid gets brighter and brighter.
<h3>What exactly is a Cepheid variable star, and how can one be utilised as a standard candle?</h3>
Cepheid variable stars are stars that exhibit periodic, pulsating behaviour. As the star grows, it cools and dims; as it contracts, it heats up and becomes brighter. This cycle of expansion and contraction can last up to 100 days.
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