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Secular Evolution in Mira Variable Pulsations
Stellar evolution theory predicts that asymptotic giant branch (AGB)stars undergo a series of short thermal pulses that significantly changetheir luminosity and mass on timescales of hundreds to thousands ofyears. These pulses are confirmed observationally by the existence ofthe short-lived radioisotope technetium in the spectra of some of thesestars, but other observational consequences of thermal pulses are subtleand may only be detected over many years of observations. Secularchanges in these stars resulting from thermal pulses can be detected asmeasurable changes in period if the star is undergoing Mira pulsations.It is known that a small fraction of Mira variables exhibit largesecular period changes, and the detection of these changes among alarger sample of stars could therefore be useful in evolutionary studiesof these stars. The American Association of Variable Star Observers(AAVSO) International Database currently contains visual data for over1500 Mira variables. Light curves for these stars span nearly a centuryin some cases, making it possible to study the secular evolution of thepulsation behavior on these timescales. In this paper we present theresults of our study of period change in 547 Mira variables using datafrom the AAVSO. We use wavelet analysis to measure the period changes inindividual Mira stars over the span of available data. By making linearfits to the period versus time measurements, we determine the averagerates of period change, dlnP/dt, for each of these stars. We findnonzero dlnP/dt at the 2 σ significance level in 57 of the 547stars, at the 3 σ level in 21 stars, and at the level of 6 σor greater in eight stars. The latter eight stars have been previouslynoted in the literature, and our derived rates of period change largelyagree with published values. The largest and most statisticallysignificant dlnP/dt are consistent with the rates of period changeexpected during thermal pulses on the AGB. A number of other starsexhibit nonmonotonic period change on decades-long timescales, the causeof which is not yet known. In the majority of stars, the periodvariations are smaller than our detection threshold, meaning theavailable data are not sufficient to unambiguously measure slowevolutionary changes in the pulsation period. It is unlikely that morestars with large period changes will be found among heretoforewell-observed Mira stars in the short term, but continued monitoring ofthese and other Mira stars may reveal new and serendipitous candidatesin the future.
| CHARM2: An updated Catalog of High Angular Resolution Measurements
We present an update of the Catalog of High Angular ResolutionMeasurements (CHARM, Richichi & Percheron \cite{CHARM}, A&A,386, 492), which includes results available until July 2004. CHARM2 is acompilation of direct measurements by high angular resolution methods,as well as indirect estimates of stellar diameters. Its main goal is toprovide a reference list of sources which can be used for calibrationand verification observations with long-baseline optical and near-IRinterferometers. Single and binary stars are included, as are complexobjects from circumstellar shells to extragalactic sources. The presentupdate provides an increase of almost a factor of two over the previousedition. Additionally, it includes several corrections and improvements,as well as a cross-check with the valuable public release observationsof the ESO Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI). A total of 8231entries for 3238 unique sources are now present in CHARM2. Thisrepresents an increase of a factor of 3.4 and 2.0, respectively, overthe contents of the previous version of CHARM.The catalog is only available in electronic form at the CDS viaanonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/431/773
| Guilt by Association: The 13 Micron Dust Emission Feature and Its Correlation to Other Gas and Dust Features
A study of all full-scan spectra of optically thin oxygen-richcircumstellar dust shells in the database produced by the ShortWavelength Spectrometer on ISO reveals that the strength of severalinfrared spectral features correlates with the strength of the 13 μmdust feature. These correlated features include dust features at 19.8and 28.1 μm and the bands produced by warm carbon dioxide molecules(the strongest of which are at 13.9, 15.0, and 16.2 μm). The databasedoes not provide any evidence for a correlation of the 13 μm featurewith a dust feature at 32 μm, and it is more likely that a weakemission feature at 16.8 μm arises from carbon dioxide gas ratherthan dust. The correlated dust features at 13, 20, and 28 μm tend tobe stronger with respect to the total dust emission in semiregular andirregular variables associated with the asymptotic giant branch than inMira variables or supergiants. This family of dust features also tendsto be stronger in systems with lower infrared excesses and thus lowermass-loss rates. We hypothesize that the dust features arise fromcrystalline forms of alumina (13 μm) and silicates (20 and 28 μm).Based on observations with the ISO, a European Space Agency (ESA)project with instruments funded by ESA member states (especially thePrincipal Investigator countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, andthe United Kingdom) and with the participation of the Institute of Spaceand Astronautical Science (ISAS) and the National Aeronautics and SpaceAdministration (NASA).
| Reprocessing the Hipparcos data of evolved stars. III. Revised Hipparcos period-luminosity relationship for galactic long-period variable stars
We analyze the K band luminosities of a sample of galactic long-periodvariables using parallaxes measured by the Hipparcos mission. Theparallaxes are in most cases re-computed from the Hipparcos IntermediateAstrometric Data using improved astrometric fits and chromaticitycorrections. The K band magnitudes are taken from the literature andfrom measurements by COBE, and are corrected for interstellar andcircumstellar extinction. The sample contains stars of several spectraltypes: M, S and C, and of several variability classes: Mira, semiregularSRa, and SRb. We find that the distribution of stars in theperiod-luminosity plane is independent of circumstellar chemistry, butthat the different variability types have different P-L distributions.Both the Mira variables and the SRb variables have reasonablywell-defined period-luminosity relationships, but with very differentslopes. The SRa variables are distributed between the two classes,suggesting that they are a mixture of Miras and SRb, rather than aseparate class of stars. New period-luminosity relationships are derivedbased on our revised Hipparcos parallaxes. The Miras show a similarperiod-luminosity relationship to that found for Large Magellanic CloudMiras by Feast et al. (\cite{Feast-1989:a}). The maximum absolute Kmagnitude of the sample is about -8.2 for both Miras and semi-regularstars, only slightly fainter than the expected AGB limit. We show thatthe stars with the longest periods (P>400 d) have high mass lossrates and are almost all Mira variables.Based on observations from the Hipparcos astrometric satellite operatedby the European Space Agency (ESA \cite{Hipparcos}).Table \ref{Tab:data1} is only available in electronic form at the CDSvia anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/403/993
| How many Hipparcos Variability-Induced Movers are genuine binaries?
Hipparcos observations of some variable stars, and especially oflong-period (e.g. Mira) variables, reveal a motion of the photocentercorrelated with the brightness variation (variability-induced mover -VIM), suggesting the presence of a binary companion. A re-analysis ofthe Hipparcos photometric and astrometric data does not confirm the VIMsolution for 62 among the 288 VIM objects (21%) in the Hipparcoscatalogue. Most of these 288 VIMs are long-period (e.g. Mira) variables(LPV). The effect of a revised chromaticity correction, which accountsfor the color variations along the light cycle, was then investigated.It is based on ``instantaneous'' V-I color indices derived fromHipparcos and Tycho-2 epoch photometry. Among the 188 LPVs flagged asVIM in the Hipparcos catalogue, 89 (47%) are not confirmed as VIM afterthis improved chromaticity correction is applied. This dramatic decreasein the number of VIM solutions is not surprising, since the chromaticitycorrection applied by the Hipparcos reduction consortia was based on afixed V-I color. Astrophysical considerations lead us to adopt a morestringent criterion for accepting a VIM solution (first-kind risk of0.27% instead of 10% as in the Hipparcos catalogue). With this moresevere criterion, only 27 LPV stars remain VIM, thus rejecting 161 ofthe 188 (86%) of the LPVs defined as VIMs in the Hipparcos catalogue.Based on observations from the Hipparcos astrometric satellite operatedby the European Space Agency (ESA 1997).Table 1 is also available in electronic form at the CDS, via anonymousftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/399/1167
| Hipparcos red stars in the HpV_T2 and V I_C systems
For Hipparcos M, S, and C spectral type stars, we provide calibratedinstantaneous (epoch) Cousins V - I color indices using newly derivedHpV_T2 photometry. Three new sets of ground-based Cousins V I data havebeen obtained for more than 170 carbon and red M giants. These datasetsin combination with the published sources of V I photometry served toobtain the calibration curves linking Hipparcos/Tycho Hp-V_T2 with theCousins V - I index. In total, 321 carbon stars and 4464 M- and S-typestars have new V - I indices. The standard error of the mean V - I isabout 0.1 mag or better down to Hp~9 although it deteriorates rapidly atfainter magnitudes. These V - I indices can be used to verify thepublished Hipparcos V - I color indices. Thus, we have identified ahandful of new cases where, instead of the real target, a random fieldstar has been observed. A considerable fraction of the DMSA/C and DMSA/Vsolutions for red stars appear not to be warranted. Most likely suchspurious solutions may originate from usage of a heavily biased color inthe astrometric processing.Based on observations from the Hipparcos astrometric satellite operatedby the European Space Agency (ESA 1997).}\fnmsep\thanks{Table 7 is onlyavailable in electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp tocdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/397/997
| Stellar and circumstellar evolution of long period variable stars
In a first paper, HIPPARCOS astrometric and kinematic data were used tocalibrate both infrared K and IRAS luminosities at the same time askinematic parameters of Long Period Variable stars (LPVs). Individualestimated absolute magnitudes and a probabilistic assignation togalactic populations were deduced from these calibrations for each LPVof our sample. Here we propose a scenario of simultaneous stellar andcircumstellar evolution according to the galactic populations. Thetransitory states of S and Tc stars allow us to confirm the location ofthe first dredge-up at Mbol=-3.5. There is also evidencesuggesting that a previous enrichment in s-elements from a more evolvedcompanion may accelerate the evolution along the AGB. The possibleevolution to OH LPVs is included in this scenario, and any of thesestars may have a mass at the limit of the capability for a C enrichmentup to C/O > 1. A list of bright massive LPVs with peculiar envelopeand luminosity properties is proposed as Hot Bottom Burning candidates.The He-shell flash star, R Cen, is found to be exceptionally bright andcould become, before leaving the AGB, a C-rich LPV brighter than theusual luminosity limit of carbon stars.
| Polarimetry of 167 Cool Variable Stars: Data
Multicolor photoelectric polarimetry is presented for 167 stars, most ofwhich are variable stars. The observations constitute a data set thatfor some stars covers a time span of 35 yr. Complex variations are foundover time and wavelength and in both the amount of polarization and itsposition angle, providing constraints for understanding the polarizingenvironments in and around these cool stars.
| The comparative accuracy of photographic observations of radio stars observed at the Engelhardt Astronomical Observatory
At the Engelhardt Astronomical Observatory (EAO), we observedphotographic positions of 113 Galactic Radio Sources (GRS) in the systemPPM catalogue (Rizvanov & Dautov 1998). Analysis of their accuracyis made by comparison with the Hipparcos catalogue (Perryman et al.1997) and astrometric catalogue of radio stars in the radio window fromthe article of Walter et al. (1991). Table 2 is only available inelectronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr(130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/375/670
| Long period variable stars: galactic populations and infrared luminosity calibrations
In this paper HIPPARCOS astrometric and kinematic data are used tocalibrate both infrared luminosities and kinematical parameters of LongPeriod Variable stars (LPVs). Individual absolute K and IRAS 12 and 25luminosities of 800 LPVs are determined and made available in electronicform. The estimated mean kinematics is analyzed in terms of galacticpopulations. LPVs are found to belong to galactic populations rangingfrom the thin disk to the extended disk. An age range and a lower limitof the initial mass is given for stars of each population. A differenceof 1.3 mag in K for the upper limit of the Asymptotic Giant Branch isfound between the disk and old disk galactic populations, confirming itsdependence on the mass in the main sequence. LPVs with a thin envelopeare distinguished using the estimated mean IRAS luminosities. The levelof attraction (in the classification sense) of each group for the usualclassifying parameters of LPVs (variability and spectral types) isexamined. Table only available in electronic form at the CDS viaanonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/374/968 or via ASTRIDdatabase (http://astrid.graal.univ-montp2.fr).
| On the shock-induced variability of emission lines in M-type Mira variables. I. Observational data
We present time-resolved observations of metallic emission lines of MgI, Mn I, Si I, Fe I and Fe II, including forbidden emission lines of [FeII], for the six M-type Mira variables RR Sco, R Aql, R Car, R Leo, SScl and R Hya, which range in period from 281 to 389 days. Data is alsopresented for the Balmer emission lines Hγ , Hdelta , Hzeta andHeta . The observations were carried out in the optical wavelengthregion 3600-5700 Å. Narrow-slit observations with dispersion of1.53 km s-1 pixel-1 and a 3-pixel resolution of4.6 km s-1 were made in some cases while most observationswere done with a wide slit corresponding to a resolution of 15.3 kms-1. The variation of line shape, flux and velocity withphase is discussed. The data presented in this paper will be used insubsequent papers for comparison with detailed models of the emissionfrom shock waves in the upper atmospheric layers of Mira variables. Itis in these important upper layers that dust formation occurs and massloss is initiated.
| Stars with the Largest Hipparcos Photometric Amplitudes
A list of the 2027 stars that have the largest photometric amplitudes inHipparcos Photometry shows that most variable stars are all Miras. Thepercentage of variable types change as a function of amplitude. Thiscompilation should also be of value to photometrists looking forrelatively unstudied, but large amplitude stars.
| Metal Emission Lines as Diagnostic Tools for Shock Waves in Outer Atmospheres of M-type Mira Stars
One way to reveal the thermo- and hydrodynamical conditions in M-typeMira atmospheres is to study the various emission lines which areemitted behind a shock front and can be observed over a substantialportion of the pulsation period. Analysing a time-resolved series ofthese emission lines offers the possibility to determine theseconditions in different atmospheric layers influenced by the passingshock wave. In particular, the metal emission lines are a diagnostictool to probe the hydrodynamical conditions of the outer, dust-forminglayers of the atmosphere, because they appear late in the pulsationcycle when the shock wave has reached these layers. We presentquantitive data on radial velocities, shapes, widths and fluxes of metalemission lines obtained by spectral observations in the opticalwavelength region for a sample of six M-type Miras (periods 281-389days), namely R Aql, RR Sco, R Car, R Leo, S Scl and R Hya (cf. Richter& Wood 2001, A&A 369, 1027-1047). Because of the multiple phasecoverage of our observations, the data shows the history of the shock asit emerges through the deep photosphere and then moves out through theatmosphere. The observations are analysed and discussed with regard tothe atmospheric conditions.
| Infrared colours for Mira-like long-period variables found in the (Mȯ<~10-7 Msolar yr-1) Hipparcos Catalogue
Near-infrared, JHKL, photometry is presented for 193 Mira andsemi-regular variables that were observed by Hipparcos; periods,bolometric magnitudes and amplitudes are derived for 92 of them. Becauseof the way in which the Hipparcos targets were selected, this group ofstars provides a useful data base of Miras with low mass-loss rates(Mȯ<~10-7Msolaryr-1).Various period-colour relationships are discussed in detail. The colour,particularly BCK = 10.86 - 38.10 K (J - K)0 +64.16(J - K)20 - 50.72(J -K)30 + 19, K-L, at a given period is found todepend on the pulsation amplitude of the star. A comparison with modelssuggests that this is a consequence of atmospheric extension, in thesense that large-amplitude pulsators have very extended atmospheres andredder Mȯ<10-7Msolaryr-1, K-L and H-K but bluerJ-H than their lower amplitude counterparts. The stars with veryextended atmospheres also have higher values of K-[12] and hence highermass-loss rates. This finding provides further evidence for the causalconnection between pulsation and mass loss. Two sequences are identifiedin the Hp-K versus logP diagram (where Hp is the Hipparcos broad-bandmagnitude) at short periods (logP<2.35). At a given period these twogroups have, on average, the same pulsation amplitude, but differentJHKL colours and spectral types. The short-period stars in the bluersequence have similar near-infrared colours to the Miras found inglobular clusters. Long-term trends in the infrared light curves arediscussed for stars that have sufficient data.
| Distribution and Kinematics of Molecular Gas in Barred Spiral Galaxies. II. NGC 253
The large scale mapping of the disk of a nearby barred galaxy, NGC 253in CO (J=1-0), was made with an angular resolution of 16''. Moleculargas concentrates in the nuclear region and the large-scale bar seen innear-infrared images. The radial distribution of molecular gas indicatesa secondary peak, whose radius agrees with that of the Hα ring andthe ends of the bar, as well as a central strong peak. The radialdistribution is well fitted by an exponential function or a power lawoutside the secondary peak. A rotation curve is rising in the innerregion and changes to flat at the ring. These facts suggest thatmolecular gas infalls from the outer disk by losing angular momentum dueto gaseous viscosity in the region of the differential rotation, andaccumulates at the ring. In the bar region (and within the corotationradius), molecular gas again loses its angular momentum due to the barpotential, and is infalling toward the nuclear region. The upper limitof the noncircular motion along the major axis of the bar in the leadingedge of the bar is ~ 70-130 km s-1 in the rest frame of thebar.
| Mira kinematics from Hipparcos data: a Galactic bar to beyond the Solar circle
The space motions of Mira variables are derived from radial velocities,Hipparcos proper motions and a period-luminosity relation. Thepreviously known dependence of Mira kinematics on the period ofpulsation is confirmed and refined. In addition, it is found that Miraswith periods in the range 145-200d in the general Solar neighbourhoodhave a net radial outward motion from the Galactic Centre of75+/-18kms-1. This, together with a lag behind the circularvelocity of Galactic rotation of 98+/-19kms-1, is interpretedas evidence for an elongation of their orbits, with their major axesaligned at an angle of ~17° with the Sun-Galactic Centre line,towards positive Galactic longitudes. This concentration seems to be acontinuation to the Solar circle and beyond of the bar-like structure ofthe Galactic bulge, with the orbits of some local Miras probablypenetrating into the bulge. These conclusions are not sensitive to thedistance scale adopted. A further analysis is given of the short-period(SP) red group of Miras discussed in companion papers in this series. InAppendix A the mean radial velocities and other data for 842 oxygen-richMira-like variables are tabulated. These velocities were derived frompublished optical and radio observations.
| Modelling of oxygen-rich envelopes using corundum and silicate grains
A set of 31 oxygen-rich stars has been modelled using corundum andsilicate grains. These stars were selected according to theirdust-envelope class, as suggested by Little-Marenin and Little in 1990.Then 16 stars classified as Sil were modelled using silicate grains; 10Broad class stars using corundum (Al2O3) grains;and 5 `Intermediate' class stars using two kinds of grainsimultaneously: corundum and silicate. The temperature of the centralstars and some characteristics of their circumstellar envelopes such astheir extinction opacities and extensions were determined by fitting theflux curves. The corundum/silicate ratios as well as the energydistributions and temperature laws have been obtained. Based on theauthors' results they suggest the existence of chemical and structuralevolution of the modelled circumstellar dust shells. The temperature ofthe central stars and the temperature of the hottest grains decreasefrom Broad to Intermediate to Sil classes, while the inner radii andoptical depths increase in this sequence.
| The Variability of Emission Lines in Shocked M Mira Atmospheres
One of the outstanding problems concerning M Mira variables is the basicmass loss mechanism and its relation to stellar pulsation and dustformation. Theoretical works suggest that the substantial mass loss canbe explained by the pulsation of the star producing shock waves whichlevitate the outer atmosphere and thereby trigger the dust formation,which in turn can amplify the shock waves. One way to probe thehydrodynamical conditions in different layers of the atmosphereinfluenced by the passing shock wave is to analyse a time resolvedseries of emission lines profiles. In particular emission linesappearing late in phase are good candidates to study the hydrodynamicalconditions of the dust producing layers, since they appear when theshock wave has reached the outer atmosphere. A sample of six M Miras (RRSco, R Aql, R Car, R Leo, S Scl and R Hya), which range in period from281 to 389 days, have been observed from maximum to minimum visiblelight. We obtained time resolved, high resolution spectra in the opticalwavelength region (3600-5700 Å) of the Balmer emission linesHγ, Hδ, Hζ,Hη and several metal emission lines, namely Mg I, Mn I,Si I, Fe I, Fe II and [Fe II]. The variation with phase of the emissionline profiles, the velocity shifts and fluxes are analysed in detail.Emphasis is put on metal emission lines which appear around the minimumlight, in particular the [Fe II] lines, which are good candidates toprobe the outermost atmospheric layers.
| Millimeter and some near infra-red observations of short-period Miras and other AGB stars
Millimeter observations of 48 oxygen- and 20 carbon-rich AGB Miras withperiods shorter than 400 days are presented. In addition, observationsof 14 O-rich and 15 C-stars with longer, or no known, periods have alsobeen obtained. The detection statistics is as follows: in12CO J=1-0 and 2-1 we observed 97 stars, and detected 66 inat least one line. We find 24 new detections in the 1-0 line, 38 newdetections in the 2-1 line, and 29 stars have been detected for thefirst time in one or both lines. In 12CO J=3-2 we observed 14stars and detected 11, with 4 new detections. In 13CO J=2-1,3-2 we observed 2 stars and had one new detection. In HCN(1-0) weobserved 5 carbon stars and detected 3, one new. In SO(6_5-5_4) weobserved the same 5 stars and detected none. In CS(3-2) we observed 8carbon stars and detected 3, all new. In SiO(3-2, v=0) we observed 34O-rich stars and detected 25, all new except one. Near-infrared JHKphotometry is presented for seven stars. For four stars it is the firstNIR data published. The luminosity and dust mass loss rate are obtainedfor seven very red stars with unknown pulsation period from modellingthe spectral energy distribution (SED) and IRAS LRS spectra. Thereby, anew IR supergiant is confirmed (AFGL 2968). For the rest of the sample,luminosity and distance are obtained in a variety of ways: usinghipparcos parallaxes, period-luminosity and period-M_K-relationscombined with apparent K magnitudes, and kinematic distances. The dustmass loss rate is obtained from model fitting of the SED (either fromthe literature, or presented in the present paper), or from the observedIRAS 60 mu m flux, corrected for the photospheric contribution. The gasmass loss rate is derived from the observed CO line intensities, aspresented here, combined with existing literature data, if any. Thisallows the derivation of the dust-to-gas ratio. Our and literature CO J= 3-2 data has been used to calibrate the relation between mass lossrate and peak intensity of the CO(3-2) line. Diagrams showing mass lossrate, dust-to-gas ratio and expansion velocity versus pulsation periodare presented. Our observations confirm the existence of an upper limitfor the expansion velocity of C- and O-rich stars, and that this maximumis larger for C-stars, as predicted by the theory of radiation pressureon dust particles. The James Clerk Maxwell Telescope is operated by theObservatories on behalf of the Science and Engineering Council of theUK, the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, and theNational Research Council of Canada. Based on observations made with theCarlos Sanchez telescope operated on the island of Tenerife in theSpanish Observatorio del Teide of the Instituto de Astrof\'\i sica deCanarias. Based on observations collected at the European SouthernObservatory, La Silla, Chile within programs ESO 57.E-0105, 59.E-0198and 61.E-0254. Based on data from the ESA Hipparcos astrometrysatellite.
| Period-Luminosity-Colour distribution and classification of Galactic oxygen-rich LPVs. I. Luminosity calibrations
The absolute K magnitudes and kinematic parameters of about 350oxygen-rich Long-Period Variable stars are calibrated, by means of anup-to-date maximum-likelihood method, using Hipparcos parallaxes andproper motions together with radial velocities and, as additional data,periods and V-K colour indices. Four groups, differing by theirkinematics and mean magnitudes, are found. For each of them, we alsoobtain the distributions of magnitude, period and de-reddened colour ofthe base population, as well as de-biased period-luminosity-colourrelations and their two-dimensional projections. The SRa semiregulars donot seem to constitute a separate class of LPVs. The SRb appear tobelong to two populations of different ages. In a PL diagram, theyconstitute two evolutionary sequences towards the Mira stage. The Mirasof the disk appear to pulsate on a lower-order mode. The slopes of theirde-biased PL and PC relations are found to be very different from theones of the Oxygen Miras of the LMC. This suggests that a significantnumber of so-called Miras of the LMC are misclassified. This alsosuggests that the Miras of the LMC do not constitute a homogeneousgroup, but include a significant proportion of metal-deficient stars,suggesting a relatively smooth star formation history. As a consequence,one may not trivially transpose the LMC period-luminosity relation fromone galaxy to the other Based on data from the Hipparcos astrometrysatellite. Appendix B is only available in electronic form at the CDSvia anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/Abstract.html
| The Infrared Spectral Classification of Oxygen-rich Dust Shells
This paper presents infrared spectral classifications for a flux-limitedsample of 635 optically identified oxygen-rich variables includingsupergiants and sources on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB). Severalclasses of spectra from oxygen-rich dust exist, and these can bearranged in a smoothly varying sequence of spectral shapes known as thesilicate dust sequence. Classification based on this sequence revealsseveral dependencies of the dust emission on the properties of thecentral star. Nearly all S stars show broad emission features fromalumina dust, while most of the supergiants exhibit classic featuresfrom amorphous silicate dust. Mira variables with symmetric light curvesgenerally show broad alumina emission, while those with more asymmetriclight curves show classic silicate emission. These differences may arisefrom differences in the photospheric C/O ratio.
| Evolutionary Oddities in Old Disk Population Clusters
With a luminosity zero point fixed by the kinematics of old disksuperclusters (HR 1614, t = 6 Gyr, [Fe/H] = +0.1 dex) and groups(Arcturus, t = 14 Gyr, [Fe/H] = -0.65 dex), the luminosities and colorsof evolved old disk stars, especially red horizontal branch (RHB), earlyasymptotic branch [AGB(1)], thermally pulsing asymptotic giant branch[AGB(2)], and sdOB stars in old disk clusters (NGC 6791, 47 Tuc, M71,M67, Mel 66, NGC 2420, NGC 2204, and NGC 2443) are discussed. (1) TheRHB stars in the old disk all have M_V = +0.7 +/- 0.1 (M_K = -1.3 +/-0.1) mag. (2) Large-amplitude red variables (LARVs) with quasi-stableperiods and light curves are old disk stars on AGB(2). (3) AGB(1)objects include CH stars and semiregular (SRa) variables. (4) Thepopulous and overabundant cluster NGC 6791 may be the only disk clusterwith sdOB stars, populating the lower portion of the bifurcated extendedhorizontal branch that is usual in most ``blue tailed'' and high-densityhalo clusters. (5) Post-red giant branch (RGB) stars in old diskclusters show a B - V (b - y) defect when compared with RGB stars,possibly because of a change in the character of the atmospheres. (6) Ifthe bulk of the LARVs are pulsating in the fundamental mode, R Vir (P =145 days) is possibly a first-overtone pulsator. (7) The overabundantold disk clusters are within the solar circle, with Liller 1 being atthe Galactic center. (8) Several probable RHB stars at the southGalactic pole are identified. (9) The period-age relation, combined withthe known spatial distribution of Galactic LARVs, leads to a relationbetween age and scale height of distribution that monotonicallyincreases with age, leaving no obvious reason for a bifurcation of thepopulation.
| Classification and Identification of IRAS Sources with Low-Resolution Spectra
IRAS low-resolution spectra were extracted for 11,224 IRAS sources.These spectra were classified into astrophysical classes, based on thepresence of emission and absorption features and on the shape of thecontinuum. Counterparts of these IRAS sources in existing optical andinfrared catalogs are identified, and their optical spectral types arelisted if they are known. The correlations between thephotospheric/optical and circumstellar/infrared classification arediscussed.
| Mean light curves of long-period variables and discrimination between carbon- and oxygen-rich stars
Using 75 years of AAVSO data, mean light curve parameters of a sample of355 long period M, S, and C mira and semi-regular variable stars areinvestigated. We present a classification of the light curves of LPVsinto 6 distinct groups. Combining this classification with IRAS colorsmakes it possible to distinguish oxygen-rich from carbon-rich miras.Table 2 is only available in electronic form at the CDS via anonymousftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/Abstract.html
| Line emission in stellar envelopes
We examine the problem of what could be called a `compact planetarynebula' in studying the radiative equilibrium of a spherical envelopewith inner radius comparable or equal to the radius of the illuminatingcore. The envelope is composed of hydrogen atoms in statisticalequilibrium and photoionized by a central radiation of relatively hightemperature T*>15 000K. We consistently solve the equations ofradiative transfer in spherical geometry for all lines and continua,including the Lyman transitions, together with the equations ofstatistical equilibrium. Yet we ignore the energy balance equation andconsider the electronic temperature as a given parameter. We show thatBalmer and other subordinate lines may appear in emission, even at lowtemperature, provided that (i) the density is low enough for theradiative terms to partly control the populations of the levels and (ii)the geometrical extension of the H II region is significant. Althoughthe present model is only intended to isolate and illustrate a specificphysical mechanism, we suggest that the emission features detected inthe spectrum of cool giant or supergiant stars could result from purelyradiative processes, at least in some cases.
| SiO Maser Survey of Late-Type Stars. II. Statistical Study
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1996AJ....111.1987C&db_key=AST
| Accurate Positions Of Variable Stars Near The South Galactic Pole
Not Available
| SiO maser survey of late-type stars. I. Simultaneous observations of six transitions of ^28^SiO and ^29^SiO.
Simultaneous observations of the ^28^SiO v=0, 1, 2, and 3, J=1-0 and^29^SiO v=0 and 1, J=1-0 transitions for 102 late-type stars were madewith a sensitivity of about 2Jy at the 3σ level using the 45 mtelescope of Nobeyama Radio Observatory (NRO). SiO maser emission wasdetected in 83 stars; seven of them being new detections. The v=3 maserwas detected in 12 stars with eight new detections. Most of the v=3masers occur at the same radial velocity of the strongest spikes of thev=1 and 2 masers. We also newly found the ^29^SiO v=0 maser in sixstars. The ^29^SiO v=0 line is stronger and narrower than the ^28^SiOv=0 line, indicating that the ^29^SiO line is masing. In most cases, the^29^SiO line shows a single narrow profile (FWHM=1 to 3km/s), with peakradial velocities coincident with the stellar velocity derived from OHmaser and/or SiO/CO thermal lines within 1km/s. Therefore, this maserline provides excellent means to measure the stellar velocities oflate-type stars. The ^28^SiO v=0, J=1-0 line was detected in elevenstars, with three new detections.
| Vitesses radiales. Catalogue WEB: Wilson Evans Batten. Subtittle: Radial velocities: The Wilson-Evans-Batten catalogue.
We give a common version of the two catalogues of Mean Radial Velocitiesby Wilson (1963) and Evans (1978) to which we have added the catalogueof spectroscopic binary systems (Batten et al. 1989). For each star,when possible, we give: 1) an acronym to enter SIMBAD (Set ofIdentifications Measurements and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) ofthe CDS (Centre de Donnees Astronomiques de Strasbourg). 2) the numberHIC of the HIPPARCOS catalogue (Turon 1992). 3) the CCDM number(Catalogue des Composantes des etoiles Doubles et Multiples) byDommanget & Nys (1994). For the cluster stars, a precise study hasbeen done, on the identificator numbers. Numerous remarks point out theproblems we have had to deal with.
| A search for observational evidence of OH molecule photoproduction
Observational evidence for OH molecule photoproduction by theinterstellar UV radiation in the circumstellar envelopes of Miravariables has been searched for. A sample of Me-type Miras was observedin the main OH maser lines with the Nancay radio telescope. Two newlines were detected. The intensity of the 156.5-nm wavelengthinterstellar radiation is estimated by integration of the observed UVlight of OB stars in common star catalogues. A statistically significanttrend is found that OH Miras are illuminated by stronger UV fields thannon-OH objects.
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Observation and Astrometry data
| Constellation: | Sculptor |
| Right ascension: | 00h15m22.27s |
| Declination: | -32°02'43.0" |
| Apparent magnitude: | 8.891 |
| Distance: | 469.484 parsecs |
| Proper motion RA: | 39.2 |
| Proper motion Dec: | -0.9 |
| B-T magnitude: | 10.285 |
| V-T magnitude: | 9.007 |
Catalogs and designations:
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