Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 April 2016
The amplitude variability of δ Scuti stars is demonstrated by the behavior of the evolved δ Scuti star 4 CVn. The data on 4 CVn covering over 30 yr shows the amplitudes of almost all modes to be extremely variable with a time scales of ten years or longer. The most rapid decrease of amplitude in V is shown by the 7.38 d−1 mode of 4 CVn, which collapsed from 15 mmag in 1974 to 4 mmag in 1976, and 1 mmag in 1977. Between 1974–6 and 1977–8 phase jumps of almost half a cycle occurred. While a simple beating model of two close frequencies can be ruled out from the photometric data, the change is compatible with the growth of a new mode between 1976 and 1977.