A Unique Variable Star

Abstract

MESSRS. MÜLLER and Kempf, of the Astrophysical Observatory of Potsdam, have recently announced the discovery of a variable star of so short a period that it must take a unique position among this class of phenomena. Up to this time the variables which went through a complete cycle of their light phases in the shortest time were those two stars situated in the rich star cluster ω Centauri; these bodies completed their periods in 7h. 11.4m. and 7h. 42.8m. Another variable running these rather close is that of S. Antliæ, the period of which is 7h. 46.8m. The new variable is, however, of a much shorter period than any of these, nearly one-half as short, occupying only four hours and a few seconds to complete its light changes.