RS Canum Venaticorum Variables

RS Canum Venaticorum variables are a type of pulsating star found in the constellation Canes Venatici. These stars are important because they exhibit regular variations in brightness due to changes in their outer layers. The changes occur as helium and hydrogen in their atmospheres undergo complex processes, causing the star to swell and contract. This rhythmic pulsing can take place over several hours to days. Astronomers study these stars to understand stellar evolution, the physical properties of stars, and the mechanisms behind their brightness variations.