R Normae

R Normae is a Mira variable star located in the constellation Norma. It is a red giant star whose apparent magnitude varies between 6.5 and 13.9 with a period of approximately 507.5 days. This large magnitude range makes it a popular target for amateur astronomers seeking to observe variable stars.

Mira variables, like R Normae, are pulsating asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. These stars are nearing the end of their lives and are characterized by significant mass loss. The pulsations cause changes in the star's temperature and radius, leading to the observed variations in brightness.

R Normae is located approximately 1600 light-years away from Earth. Its variability was first noted in 1893. The spectral type of R Normae varies along with its brightness, typically ranging from M4e to M7.5e at minimum light. The "e" in the spectral type indicates the presence of emission lines in its spectrum, a common feature of Mira variables.