Cepheid variables as extra-galactic distance indicators

Abstract

The role of Cepheid variables in establishing the inner distance scale to nearby galaxies is discussed. Emphasis is placed on the necessity for broad wavelength coverage in attempting to account for metallicity differences and reddening internal to the parent galaxies. In addition linear detectors are essential in minimizing the effects of any unresolved background contribution to the photometry. Recent infrared observations of Cepheids in Local Group galaxies are surveyed and all published data on extra galactic Cepheids are presented for convenient access.