Related papers: A new look at the primary distance indicators

We present recent results concerning distance determinations based on the two most popular primary distance indicators, namely classical Cepheids and RR Lyrae. We discuss the problems affecting the Cepheid distance scale, and in particular…

The RR Lyrae distance scale is reviewed. In particular, we discuss theoretical and empirical methods currently adopted in the literature. Moreover, we also outline pros and cons of optical and near-infrared mean magnitudes to overcome some…

A number of recent technical developments, including the Hipparcos satellite, the Hubble Space Telescope fine guidance sensors and long base line near-IR interferometry has made it possible to employ several largely geometrical methods to…

We discuss recent theoretical and empirical results concerning cosmic distances and discuss the problems affecting the Cepheid and the RR Lyrae distance scales. In particular, we outline the key role that first overtone Cepheids can play to…

We review the current status of classical Cepheid and RR Lyrae distance scales. We discuss the most recent theoretical and empirical findings together with pros and cons of different methods. The use of Cepheids and RR Lyrae stars as…

The extragalactic distance scale relies heavily on Cepheids. However, it has become clear from observations and pulsation models that the slope and zero point of their P-L relations differ from galaxy to galaxy. This makes the determination…

In this invited review I discuss the calibration and applications of the period-luminosity relation of classical Cepheid and RR Lyrae stars. After a brief introduction, starting with results from Hipparcos and discussing some post-Hipparcos…

A review is given of the current status of the primary distance indicators. The relevance of these indicators for determining the local expansion rate and the age of globular clusters is briefly outlined.

A general review is given of the calibration of the Cepheid distance scale, with particular reference to its use in the determination of H0. Emphasis is placed on the advantage of using a galactic calibration of the Cepheid scale, rather…

Cepheids and RR Lyrae stars are important pulsating variable stars in distance scale work because they serve as standard candles. Cepheids follow well-defined period-luminosity (PL) relations defined for bands extending from optical to…

Classical Cepheid and RR Lyrae variables are radially pulsating stars that trace young and old-age stellar populations, respectively. These classical pulsating stars are the most sensitive probes for the precision stellar astrophysics and…

We present new absolute trigonometric parallaxes and proper motions for seven Pop II variable stars: five RR Lyr variables; RZ Cep, XZ Cyg, SU Dra, RR Lyr, UV Oct; and two type 2 Cepheids; VY Pyx and {\kappa} Pav. We obtained these results…

Using the method of ``reduced parallaxes'' for the Halo RR Lyrae stars in the Hipparcos catalogue we derive a zero point of 0.77 $\pm$ 0.26 mag for an assumed slope of 0.18 in the $M_{\rm V}$-[Fe/H] relation. This is 0.28 magnitude brighter…

By using the same algorithm in the Baade-Wesselink analyses of Galactic RR Lyrae and Cepheid variables, it is shown that, within 0.03 mag (1 sigma) statistical error, they yield the same distance modulus for the Large Magellanic Cloud. By…

Distance measurements beyond geometrical and semi-geometrical methods, rely mainly on standard candles. As the name suggests, these objects have known luminosities by virtue of their intrinsic proprieties and play a major role in our…

I review statistical parallax absolute magnitude determinations which employ data from the HIPPARCOS satellite for RR Lyrae and Cepheid variables, and for several other stellar classes. Five groups have studied the RR Lyrae stars, and the…

Classical variables like RR Lyrae, classical and Type-II Cepheids and Mira variables all follow period-luminosity relations that make them interesting as distance indicators. Especially the RR Lyrae and delta Cepheids are crucial in…

Redshift-independent distances underpin much of astrophysics, and there exists a plethora of methods to estimate them. However, the extent to which the distances they imply are consistent, while crucial for the integrity of the distance…

Classical Cepheids are the most important primary indicators for the extragalactic distance scale. Establishing the precise zero points of their Period-Luminosity and Period-Wesenheit (PL/PW) relations has profound consequences on the…

Pulsating stars, such as Cepheids, Miras, and RR Lyrae stars, are important distance indicators and calibrators of the "cosmic distance ladder", and yet their period-luminosity-metallicity (PLZ) relations are still constrained using simple…