The excitation of solar-like oscillations in a δ Sct star by efficient envelope convection

Sometimes referred to as dwarf Cepheids, Delta Scuti ( Sct) stars vary in luminosity owing to changes in helium ionization. It is predicted that surface convection should occur in Sct stars, causing 'starquake' oscillations similar to those observed on the Sun, but until now it has not been possible to observe them. Antoci et al. now report the detection of solar-like oscillations in the Sct star HD 187547, implying that surface convection can operate efficiently in stars about twice as massive as the Sun.