Luminous Blue Variable
A Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) is a type of massive star that undergoes significant changes in brightness and temperature. These stars are typically very large, often exceeding 30 times the mass of our Sun, and they can be found in the later stages of stellar evolution. LBVs are known for their instability, which can lead to dramatic outbursts that increase their luminosity by thousands of times.
One of the most famous examples of an LBV is Eta Carinae, located in the Carina Nebula. This star system has exhibited massive eruptions, making it a key object of study for astronomers. LBVs play an important role in understanding the life cycles of massive stars and the dynamics of stellar evolution.