An eruptive variable is a variable star that undergoes sudden and marked changes in brightness due to activity in its chromosphere or corona. The brightness variations may also be accompanied by an enhanced stellar wind or the ejection of shells of matter. Among the types of eruptive variable are:

 

   • BY Draconis stars
   • FU Orionis stars
   • Gamma Cassiopeiae stars
   • irregular variables
   • nebular variables
   • R Coronae Borealis stars
   • RS Canum Venaticorum stars
   • S Doradus stars
   • T Tauri stars
   • UV Ceti stars
   • Wolf-Rayet stars

 

Eruptive variables should not be confused with cataclysmic variables.