The Long-Term Variability of Luminous Blue Variables

Abstract

AbstractThe stars known as Luminous Blue Variables include two very distinctive subgroups - the S Dor-type variables which basically define what we call an LBV and the much rarer ‘giant eruption’ LBV’s which include famous stars like η Car and P Cyg. The distinctive characteristics and long term variability of these two groups is reviewed. The lesser 1890 eruption of η Car is shown to have been much more significant than previously believed and resembles the second peak seen in the historic light curve of P Cyg. Because so many, if not all, stars in certain parts of the HR diagram appear to be luminous, blue, and variable, I suggest returning to our previous designation - S Dor variables and η Car variables for these two important groups of stars.