Cepheid variables are found in star forming regions?

Question

I know that this statement is false but I need to know why. Where are Cepheid Variables usually found?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Cepheids are yellow supergiants, meaning they are quite massive stars in what you could call middle age, so they won't be among young stars unless they're just visiting. They are often (not always) found in open clusters.

Some exist in globular clusters, which tend to contain much older giant stars. For some reason, these Cepheids have shorter periods than those "living alone". I don't know why, so maybe someone can enlighten us . . .

Answer 2

Hi. Tom A is correct. Polaris is a variable, just FYI, but most are much more massive. From the web "classical Cepheids have periods from about 1.5 days to over 50 days and are Population I stars" Most of the star forming gas may have been used up during the Population I phase.