Rotating Variable
Wiley Book of Astronomy:
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rotating variable
A star that changes in brightness as it spins around, due to variations in brightness on its surface or to a nonspherical shape (see ellipsoidal variable). Irregular surface brightness may be due to the presence of large starspots (see BY Draconis star) or magnetic effects, as in magnetic variables (see Alpha2 Canum Venaticorum star and SX Arietis star) or oblique rotators. See also FK Comae Berenices star.
Oxford Dictionary of Astronomy:
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Rotating Variable
A star that varies in brightness as it rotates, due to an ellipsoidal shape or non-uniform surface brightness. Irregular surface brightness may result from magnetic effects, as in a magnetic variable or an oblique rotator, or the presence of starspots. .
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