Areas of Research
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Research
Pulsating Variable Stars
Light curves for V9, an SX Phe star in the globular cluster NGC 5897
The observed properties of pulsating variable stars reflect the internal structure of the stars and provide constraints on the theories of stellar evolution. In turn knowledge of the evolutionary status of the stars leads to information on the origin and evolution of the systems to which they belong. Despite work by many researchers in the field there still remain a number of hotly contested theories about the relationship between the observed and physical properties of the stars. The studies we do at UWO are intended to help understand this relationship.
We have investigated RR Lyrae stars in a number of globular clusters and dwarf spheriodal galaxies. In addition work has been done on SX Phe stars and the longer period Type II Cepheids and red variables found in globular clusters. Other research has concentrated on Delta Scuti stars, a younger group of variables which display multiple periods of pulsation.
The majority of our studies are based on photometric data. Light curves constructed from both CCD images and older photoographic observations are used to determine periods of pulsation, period change rates and colours of the stars. Fourier decompostion of the light curves is used to determine modes of pulsation and stellar masses.
