Encyclopedia.com > Dictionaries, Thesauruses, Pictures, and Press Releases > A Dictionary of Astronomy > January 1997

RS Canum Venaticorum star

A Dictionary of Astronomy | 1997 | 612 words | Copyright

RS Canum Venaticorum star A type of close binary star, typically containing solar‐type and cool stars in which the light varies due to rotational modulation caused by starspots and chromospheric activity on the cooler component; abbr. RS. The light curve resembles a sine wave, but additional variation of up to 0.2 mag. with periods of years appears to be due to changes in activity akin to the solar cycle. These systems are officially classified as eruptive variable stars but should perhaps be included in the rotating variable star class. They are detached binaries, and many undergo eclipses.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"RS Canum Venaticorum star." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"RS Canum Venaticorum star." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-RSCanumVenaticorumstar.html

"RS Canum Venaticorum star." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-RSCanumVenaticorumstar.html

Learn more about citation styles

Find thousands of answers for hundreds of subjects at Answers Encyclopedia .

All answers verified by trusted sources at Encyclopedia.com

Try Answers Encyclopedia now!

For students and teachers!

Encyclopedia.com provides students and teachers facts, information, and biographies from verified, citable sources, including:

Encyclopedia.com provides students and teachers facts, information, and biographies from verified, citable sources, including: