Mira
Article
Mira is a red giant star in the constellation Cetus and the prototype of the class known as Mira variables. Its brightness changes dramatically over a period of roughly 332 days.
Mira is an evolved star on the asymptotic giant branch. It pulsates as its outer layers expand and contract, producing changes in temperature, radius, luminosity, and spectral appearance.
The system is a binary containing the pulsating giant Mira A and a compact companion, Mira B. Material lost by the giant can be transferred toward the companion and contributes to a complex surrounding environment.
Mira's variability was recognised in the seventeenth century and became an important example of periodic stellar behaviour. Observations across visible, infrared, ultraviolet, and radio wavelengths reveal its pulsation, mass loss, atmosphere, and extended tail.
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- Source / publisher: Wikipedia
- URL type: WWW
- Credits: Wikipedia
- URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mira