Different stellar oscillations observed by COROT

This figure displays the frequencies of the different modes of oscillations observed by COROT in a star of the Delta Scuti type.

Delta Scuti is a class of variable stars in which the variations found (for example also in the Sun) are exaggerated, and thus are easier to study. Scientists expect to increase their understanding of the mechnaisms causing stellar variability by observing several Delta Scuti stars with COROT.

The different peaks provide information about the internal constituency of the star. The level of detection from the ground is represented by the red horizontal line.