T Cephei -- Mira Type Variable Star in Cepheus
A Dying Star
The Red Giant Star, T Cephei, is pulsating in its death, sending out wave after wave of material
into space. When fully expanded T Cephei’s photosphere would engulf Mars if it were at the
sun’s location. It is on its way to become a White Dwarf. Over a period of about a year the
magnitude of this star changes from 5.2 (visible to the unaided eye from a dark site) to 11.3
(requiring a telescope to see).
It is the orange star at the center of the drawing. Its magnitude (my estimate) places it about
half-way between its extremes during a pulse. An interesting star to keep an eye on.
into space. When fully expanded T Cephei’s photosphere would engulf Mars if it were at the
sun’s location. It is on its way to become a White Dwarf. Over a period of about a year the
magnitude of this star changes from 5.2 (visible to the unaided eye from a dark site) to 11.3
(requiring a telescope to see).
It is the orange star at the center of the drawing. Its magnitude (my estimate) places it about
half-way between its extremes during a pulse. An interesting star to keep an eye on.