R Equulei

R Equulei is a Mira variable star located in the constellation Equuleus. It is a pulsating red giant star whose brightness varies significantly over a long period.

Characteristics:

• Type: Mira Variable Star
• Variability: R Equulei exhibits a large amplitude of variation in brightness, typical of Mira variables. Its visual magnitude ranges from approximately 8.2 to 15.7.
• Period: The period of its variability, the time it takes to complete one full cycle of brightening and dimming, is approximately 261 days.
• Spectral Type: Its spectral type is typically classified as M4e - M8e, indicating a cool red giant with emission lines in its spectrum. The 'e' denotes the presence of emission lines, often associated with the star's extended atmosphere and mass loss.
• Distance: R Equulei is located at a distance of several hundred to a few thousand light-years from Earth, although the exact distance is not precisely known due to the challenges in determining accurate distances for variable stars.

Observation:

Due to its faint minimum brightness, R Equulei is generally not visible to the naked eye and requires a telescope or binoculars for observation. Amateur astronomers monitor R Equulei and other Mira variables to track their light curves and contribute to our understanding of stellar evolution.

Significance:

Mira variables like R Equulei represent a late stage in the life cycle of stars with masses similar to or somewhat larger than the Sun. Studying these stars provides valuable insights into the processes of stellar pulsation, mass loss, and the chemical enrichment of the interstellar medium. The changing brightness and spectral characteristics of R Equulei offer a unique opportunity to observe and analyze the dynamic processes occurring within these evolved stars.