noun
Cepheid variable
Technical term in astronomy for a type of variable star whose pulsation period is directly related to its luminosity, used as a standard candle for measuring cosmic distances.
ケフェウス型変光星は、銀河の距離を測るのに使われる。
Cepheid variables are used to measure the distances to galaxies.
変光星 is the general term for variable stars; ケフェウス型変光星 is a specific subclass.
From ケフェウス (Cepheus, the constellation) + 型 (type) + 変光星 (variable star). Named after the prototype star Delta Cephei in the constellation Cepheus.