This poster presented results from a detailed analysis of observed and theoretical light-curves of classical Cepheid variables in the Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds. The theoretical light-curves were based on non-linear convective hydrodynamical pulsation models; the observational data were taken from ongoing wide-field variability surveys. The variation which we found in theoretical and observed light-curve parameters as a function of period, wavelength and metallicity was used to constrain the input physics to the pulsation models, such as the mass–luminosity relations obeyed by Cepheid variables. We also accounted for the variation in the convective efficiency as entered into the stellar pulsation models and its impact on the theoretical amplitudes and Period-Luminosity relations for Cepheid variables.

KIC 4851217 is a short period eclipsing binary (P = 2.47 days) in the field of the Kepler K1 mission. As well as variability caused by the eclipses, low-amplitude pulsations are also present in the data. A frequency analysis of the residual light-curve revealed δ Sct pulsations in the frequency range from 15–21 d−1 with amplitudes up to 3.5 mmag. Strong linear coupling (fi = fp + kforb) to orbital frequency was found, indicating tidally locked modes. From an analysis of 5 selected groups of frequencies we identified a radial mode on the secondary component, 3 dipole modes (l = |m| = 1), one of them present on the secondary component, and a quadrupole mode (l = |m| = 2), also located on the secondary component.

We summarize the properties of the new periodic, small-amplitude, variable stars recently discovered in the open cluster NGC 3766. They are located in the region of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram between δ Sct and slowly pulsating B stars, a region where no sustained pulsation is predicted by standard models. The origin of their periodic variability is currently unknown. We also discuss how the Gaia mission, launched at the end of 2013, can contribute to our knowledge of those stars.

We present new and independent estimates of the distances to the Magellanic Clouds (MCs) using near-infrared (NIR) and optical–NIR period–Wesenheit (PW) relations. The slopes of the PW relations are, within the dispersion, linear over the entire period range and independent of metal content. The absolute zero points were fixed using Galactic Cepheids with distances based on the infrared surface-brightness method. The true distance modulus we found for the Large Magellanic Cloud—(m − M)0 = 18.48 ± 0.01 ± 0.10 mag—and the Small Magellanic Cloud—(m − M)0 = 18.94 ± 0.01 ± 0.10 mag—agree quite well with similar distance determinations based on robust distance indicators. We also briefly discuss the evolutionary and pulsation properties of MC Cepheids.

RR Lyrae variables are the primary standard candles for old stellar populations, and the traditional first step in the definition of the distance scale. Their properties are known on the basis of well-established physical concepts and their calibration is based on several empirical methods. Both aspects are critically reviewed, and their application as distance indicators within the Galaxy and the Local Group are discussed, also in view of the observing facilities that will be available in the near future.

Based on radial-velocity measurements and photometric observations, we calculated the radii of around 200 classical Cepheids that were previously assumed to be fundamental-mode pulsators. Our detailed analysis of the period–radius diagram shows that the sample of Cepheids with pulsation periods shorter than 9 days probably contains a significant fraction (up to 30%) of stars pulsating in the first overtone.