Alpha Circini
Encyclopedia
Alpha Circini is a variable star
in the constellation
of Circinus
, belonging to the class of rapidly oscillating Ap stars
.
Variable star
A star is classified as variable if its apparent magnitude as seen from Earth changes over time, whether the changes are due to variations in the star's actual luminosity, or to variations in the amount of the star's light that is blocked from reaching Earth...
in the constellation
Constellation
In modern astronomy, a constellation is an internationally defined area of the celestial sphere. These areas are grouped around asterisms, patterns formed by prominent stars within apparent proximity to one another on Earth's night sky....
of Circinus
Circinus
The constellation Circinus is a small constellation in the southern sky, first defined in the 18th century. Its name is Latin for compass, referring to the drafting tool used for drawing circles; it should not be confused with Pyxis, a constellation that represents a mariner's...
, belonging to the class of rapidly oscillating Ap stars
Rapidly oscillating Ap stars
Rapidly oscillating Ap stars are a subtype of the Ap star class that exhibit short-timescale rapid photometric or radial velocity variations. The known periods range between 5 and 21 min. They lie in the delta Scuti instability strip on the main sequence.-Discovery:The first roAp star to be...
.