An SX Phoenicis variable is a type of variable star. These stars exhibit a short period pulsation behavior that varies on time scales of 0.03–0.08 days (0.7–1.9 hours). They have spectral classifications in the range A2-F5 and vary in magnitude by up to 0.7.[2] Compared to the Sun, these stars have a lower metallicity, which means they have a reduced abundance of elements other than hydrogen and helium. They also have relatively high space velocity and low luminosities for stars of their stellar classification.[3][4] These properties distinguish the SX Phoenicis variables from their cousins, the Delta Scuti variables. The latter have longer periods, higher metallicity and large amplitudes.[5]
SX Phoenicis variables are found primarily in globular clusters and galactic halos. The variability cycle has a period-luminosity relation.[6] All known SX Phoenicis variables in globular clusters are blue straggler stars.[7] These are stars that appear more blue (having a higher temperature) than the main sequence stars in the same cluster that have similar luminosities.[8]
List
The following list contains selected SX Phoenicis variable that are of interest to amateur or professional astronomy. Unless otherwise noted, the given magnitudes are in the V-band.[citation needed]
^Burki, G.; Mayor, M. (1986). "Radial velocities with CORAVEL - Results on stellar variability and duplicity". Instrumentation and research programmes for small telescopes; Proceedings of the IAU Symposium. Christchurch, New Zealand: Dordrecht, D. Reidel Publishing Co. p. 392. Bibcode:1986IAUS..118..385B.