How can a cepheid variable indicate distance?

Answer 1

Cepheid variables can be used as a standard candles.

There is a relationship between luminosity and pulsation period, and since the luminosity is known, the distance can be calculated as the intensity of light decreases inversely proportional to distance square.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer 2

Levi Alexander

The luminosity of a Cepheid variable star is directly proportional to its variability period; astronomers can measure the period of a Cepheid variable's brightness fluctuations to determine its intrinsic luminosity, which they can then use to calculate the distance of the star using the inverse square law of light.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.