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R Leonis Star's Pulsation Rate Accelerates, Insights Unveiled

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

R Leonis, a red giant star in the constellation Leo, is experiencing a faster pulsation rate.
Over roughly 200 years, its fundamental pulsation period shortened by about three days.
Researcher Mike Goldsmith analyzed data from the American Association of Variable Star Observers and found long-term cycles.
Some findings may be artifacts, but the study offers insights into aging stars as they near the end of life.

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Story summary

R Leonis, a red giant star in the constellation Leo, is experiencing a faster pulsation rate.
Over roughly 200 years, its fundamental pulsation period shortened by about three days.
Researcher Mike Goldsmith analyzed data from the American Association of Variable Star Observers and found long-term cycles.
Some findings may be artifacts, but the study offers insights into aging stars as they near the end of life.