The Dust Properties of R Coronae Borealis Variables

Learn about the dust formation properties of R Coronae Borealis (RCB) variables in this 20-minute astronomy lecture that explores these rare supergiant carbon stars formed through white dwarf mergers. Examine comprehensive light curve data from multiple sources including AAVSO, ASAS, OGLE, and others to understand the relationship between surface temperatures and dust production frequency in approximately 200 RCB stars. Discover how decline waiting times follow Poisson distributions, analyze decline slopes to understand dust formation mechanisms, and explore the distinctions between RCB stars and DY Persei type variables in terms of their dust production characteristics despite spectroscopic similarities.