Shell star variables. Pleione and Gamma Cassiopeiae itself are both variable stars that have intermittent shell episodes where strong shell features appear in the spectrum and the brightness increases or decreases significantly. At other times the shell is not detectable in the spectrum, and even the emission lines may disappear. Shell star A shell star is a star having a spectrum that shows extremely broad absorption lines, plus some very narrow absorption lines. They typically also show some emission lines, usually from the Balmer series but occasionally of other lines. The broad absorption lines are due to rapid rotation of the photosphere,
Brendan (given name) There is no etymological link between "Brendan" and "Brenda". This feminine given name, pronounced , is thought to be derived from the Old Norse element "brand", meaning "(flaming) sword". In most cases, the masculine given name "Brandon", pronounced , is considered to be derived from the surname "Brandon", which is in turn derived from two Old English elements. In some cases, the masculine given name "Brennan" may be used as a contracted form of "Brendan". Brennan is etymologically unrelated to "Brendan". It is derived from the surname "Brennan", which is an Anglicised form of the Irish "Ó Braonáin". The popularity