Department of Physics and Astronomy: Publications and Other Research

 

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

8-15-1981

Citation

THE ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL, 248:291-297,1981 August 15

Comments

Copyright 1981 The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Fourier decompositions are performed for the V magnitude variations of a sample of 57 Cepheids ranging in period from 2 to 17 days. The coefficients have been tabulated to allow rapid reconstruction of the light curves. It is shown that combinations of the low-order coefficients quantitatively describe the progression of curve shape with period. The pulsation amplitude plays only a minor role. Sharp breaks in the progression, occurring at around 10 days, are attributed to the resonance P2/P0 =0.5. It is suggested that the Fourier decompositions provide a straightforward method for resolving a number of controversies concerning theoretical interpretations of the Hertzsprung sequence. The paper closes 'With a brief discussion of three short-period stars which seem to occupy a unique position in our sample.

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