Re: Variable Star Book

[aah@nofs.navy.mil]

Note that the real problem with almost all variable star classification
is that it is based on light curve shape, not on physical parameters.
That is why, for example, there are so many cataclysmic variable
classes when they are really mostly similar beasts with just different
mass loss rates, spacing, magnetic field, etc.  Astronomers love
to catagorize things, much like biologists with new species.  A recent
example is astro-ph/0207088, where we formed the new class of
novas called 'SECS' (I won't touch that one with a 3-meter pole...).
There are some attempts at creating 'unification theories'.
So far the 'variable of the month' stuff from the AAVSO is doing
a pretty good job of describing different variable types, with good
references to modern research.
Arne