stellar variability

Stellar variability refers to changes in a star's brightness over time. These variations can occur due to different reasons, such as the star’s natural pulsations, spots on its surface similar to sunspots, or eclipses caused by orbiting companions like planets or other stars passing in front. Some stars are inherently unstable and periodically change size or temperature, leading to brightness fluctuations. Monitoring these variations helps astronomers understand the star's internal processes, structure, and evolution, providing valuable insights into the life cycle of stars and the dynamics of their systems.