Luminous Blue Variables: A Step Towards Exploring a Critical Phase in Massive Star Evolution
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Luminous Blue Variables (LBVs) are a rare class of early type, bright variable stars of late O to A spectral types thatrepresent one of the most enigmatic phases in the evolution of massive stars. Optical spectra of LBVs display prominentemission lines of HI, HeI, FeII, and [FeII], often showing P Cygni-type profiles indicating mass loss. Traditionally, LBVshave been viewed as a transitional phase between massive O-type and Wolf-Rayet stars, marked by significant massloss, 10 to 100 times compared to normal supergiant stars having similar luminosity, through episodes of eruptions and strong winds. However, these enigmatic objects still remain mysterious but important to better understand thelife cycle of massive stars, motivating further investigations to unravel their true nature. In this article, we provide an introduction to the various observable properties of LBVs and explore both traditional and alternate models of theirorigin. The article is written to motivate both young readers and scholars of the astronomy community by highlighting the importance of exploring these rare but exotic stars, the LBVs
Source: Mapana Journal of Sciences
DOI: 10.12723/mjs.72.10
Authors: Prasoon Ashok Singh, Gourav Banerjee, Arun Roy, Blessen Matthew, Maheswar Gopinathan
Institution: Indian Institute of Astrophysics
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412102721