EUVE Spectroscopy and Variability Analysis of β Canis Majoris in the 300-700 Angstroms Band

The star β CMa (B1 II-III) is among the brightest of the β Cephei class of variables. It is fortuitously located along a low (2x1018 cm-2) HI column density ``tunnel" which allows study in the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer's LW bandpass (300-700 Angstroms). It presents a unique opportunity as one of only two early-type stars which can be observed in this wavelength regime. We have acquired a large (roughly 700 ks) set of observations for this star, spanning four years. We present a high signal-to-noise photospheric spectrum of this star and discuss the periodicities detected in this data series. Analysis of β CMa's EUV variablility complements knowledge of the star's well-known optical variability by sampling a different layer in its atmosphere. We discuss insights into β Cephei pulsations resulting from investigation of its three periods which are each near a quarter day.