The Sign of Four: A new class of cool non-radially pulsating stars?

Abstract

In this paper we discuss four early F-type variable stars whose periods are an order of magnitude slower than known pulsators of comparable luminosity. They cannot be stars undergoing simple radial pulsations. For one or more of these stars we can discount the possibility that the variability is due to rotational modulation of star spots, interactions with (or tidal distortions by) a close companion, or obscuration by a rotating lumpy ring of dust orbiting the star. They are certainly not eclipsing binaries. The only possibility left seems to be non-radial pulsations, though this explanation involves difficulties of its own. If they are indeed pulsating stars exhibiting non- radial gravity modes, they would be the first stars on the cool side of the Cepheid instability strip in the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram to be so identified.