Observations of Evolutionary Changes in the Pulsation Period of Cepheids

Abstract

In spite of the fact that Cepheid variables pulsate quite regularly their pulsation period remains constant only in the first approximation. The pulsation period is subject to variations because of stellar evolution. The calculations made by Hofmeister (1965) predicted that the evolutionary period changes of classical Cepheids should be observed on a time scale of several decades or longer. No detailed analysis of the observed period changes has been made since Hofmeister's fundamental theoretical work.