Pulsation theory

Pulsation theory explains how and why stars, like our Sun, can experience rhythmic expansions and contractions in their outer layers. These pulsations are caused by internal processes, such as changes in temperature and pressure, which create waves that travel through the star. When certain conditions are met, these waves cause the star to rhythmically grow and shrink, leading to observable brightness variations. This theory helps astronomers understand the internal structures of stars, classify variable stars, and measure cosmic distances by analyzing their pulsation patterns.