MY Camelopardalis is a long-period variable star located in the northern constellation Camelopardalis (The Giraffe). It is classified as a Mira variable, a type of pulsating red giant star known for significant changes in brightness over several months.
Characteristics
- Type: Mira variable (M)
- Constellation: Camelopardalis
- Variability: MY Camelopardalis undergoes substantial periodic changes in its visual magnitude, typically varying between approximately 10.6 and 17.5. This large amplitude means it is generally too faint to be observed with the naked eye, requiring a telescope even at its brightest.
- Period: The pulsation period of MY Camelopardalis is approximately 320 days. These pulsations are caused by the expansion and contraction of the star's outer layers.
- Spectral Type: As a cool, evolved star, it possesses an M-type spectral classification. Mira variables are characterized by prominent molecular absorption bands in their spectra, particularly from titanium oxide (TiO).
- Physical Nature: MY Camelopardalis is an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star, an evolved star that has exhausted hydrogen in its core and is undergoing shell burning. These stars are known to be highly luminous, cool, and possess extended atmospheres, often shedding mass into space as they near the end of their stellar lives.
Designation
The designation "MY Camelopardalis" adheres to the standard variable star naming conventions established by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The sequence of prefixes (R, S, T... Z, then RR, RS... RZ, SS... SZ, etc., eventually reaching MY) indicates the order in which variable stars were discovered and cataloged within a particular constellation. "MY" signifies that it was one of the later identified variable stars in Camelopardalis.