Careful measurements reveal that a star maintains a steady apparent brightness at most times,except that at precise intervals of 73 hours the star becomes dimmer for about 2 hours.The most likely explanation is that

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The regular and predictable dimming of the star at precise intervals suggests that it is being eclipsed by another object in orbit around it. This is a characteristic feature of eclipsing binary star systems. A Cepheid variable star would exhibit regular, predictable fluctuations in brightness, but not at such precise intervals. Ejecting gas into space would not cause regular dimming patterns. A white dwarf is a type of star, but there is no evidence to suggest that this particular star is a white dwarf.

Careful Measurements Reveal That a Star Maintains a Steady Apparent