What type of star is V838 Mon classified as?

V838 Mon is classified as a red variable star, specifically known for its dramatic outbursts and changes in brightness. This classification stems from its unusual behavior observed in 2002 when it underwent a significant eruption, becoming one of the brightest stars in our galaxy. The characteristics of red variable stars are typically defined by their red hue and variability in luminosity, which occurs over periods ranging from days to years.

V838 Mon is particularly intriguing because its outburst was not just a simple increase in brightness; rather, it involved a complex series of events, including a reflection nebula forming around it, driven by the star's massive ejection of material. This behavior aligns well with that of red variable stars, which often exhibit erratic changes in brightness due to pulsations or sudden eruptions.

The other classifications, such as binary stars or white dwarfs, do not accurately describe V838 Mon's characteristics or behavior. Binary stars involve two stars orbiting each other, while white dwarfs are the remnants of stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel and collapsed. Cepheid variable stars have specific periods of brightness variations that are tied to their pulsation rates, which also does not fit V838 Mon's profile. Hence, classifying V838 Mon