Period-Luminosity Relationship of Type I Cepheids - Need Better Formula

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the need for a more precise formula for the Period-Luminosity relationship of Type I Cepheids. The user highlights discrepancies between Wikipedia's description and their textbook, particularly regarding the classification of Cepheids into Population I and II. The established formula for Population I Cepheids is Mv = -2.81 log10(P) - 1.43, where Mv represents absolute magnitude and P denotes the period in days. The user expresses difficulty in deriving accurate estimates from graphical data, indicating a need for clearer methodologies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Cepheid variable stars and their classifications
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions and their applications in astrophysics
  • Knowledge of absolute magnitude and its significance in stellar astronomy
  • Ability to interpret graphical data related to stellar luminosity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between Population I and Population II Cepheids
  • Explore advanced methods for deriving the Period-Luminosity relationship
  • Study the impact of various factors on Cepheid luminosity
  • Learn about the application of linear and logarithmic functions in astrophysical calculations
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Astronomers, astrophysics students, and researchers interested in stellar classification and the Period-Luminosity relationship of Cepheid variables.

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This is related to a HW post I made over in the HW forum. I am stuck trying to find a more detailed formula for the Period-luminosity relationship of Type I Cepheids.

Wikipedias description doesn't seem to match with the book (or include any mention of type I or type II), and frankly the graphical approach in my book isn't cutting it for me. Is there a better formula/relationship out there.

It seems I might be able to get a decent estimate by taking making my own linear/log function from the graph, but when I do so the answer varies quite a bit depending on which values for the points on the graph I estimate.
 
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Read Wiki more carefully.

Cepheid variables are divided into at least two subclasses: Population I or classical Cepheids, and Population II or W Virginis Cepheids. The former are young massive stars, whereas the latter are older fainter stars.[13] Population I and II Cepheids follow different period-luminosity relationships. The luminosity of Population II Cepheids is, on average, less than classical Cepheids by about 1.5 magnitudes (but still brighter than RR Lyrae stars).

Also from the Wiki article,

Mv = -2.81 log10(P) - 1.43( +/- 1)

where:

Mv = absolute magnitude (Population 1 Cepheids)
P = period in days

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cepheid_variable
 
I went ahead and used that as well. However the book makes a distinction between type and population. O well, thanks though.
 

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