Luminous Blue Variable Stars
Luminous Blue Variable Stars (LBVs) are massive stars that exhibit significant changes in brightness and temperature over time. They are typically found in the late stages of stellar evolution, often nearing the end of their life cycle. LBVs can be hundreds of thousands of times more luminous than the Sun and are characterized by their instability, which leads to dramatic outbursts and variations in their light output.
These stars are often surrounded by large nebulae formed from their ejected material. LBVs play a crucial role in the chemical enrichment of the interstellar medium as they expel heavy elements into space during their eruptions. Their study helps astronomers understand the life cycles of massive stars and the dynamics of stellar evolution.