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Title:
How Mira Variables Change Visual Light by a Thousandfold [ Erratum: 2002ApJ...572..694R ]
Authors:
Reid, M. J.; Goldston, J. E.
Affiliation:
AA(Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138; , ), AB(Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138; , )
Publication:
The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 568, Issue 2, pp. 931-938. (ApJ Homepage)
Publication Date:
04/2002
Origin:
UCP
ApJ Keywords:
Molecular Processes, Stars: AGB and Post-AGB, Stars: Atmospheres, Stars: Late-Type, Stars: Variables: Other
DOI:
10.1086/338947
Bibliographic Code:
2002ApJ...568..931R

Abstract

Mira variables change visual light by up to 8 mag over their roughly yearly cycle. Here we present a simple explanation for the extremely large amplitudes of light curves of oxygen-rich Mira variables. Metallic oxides, such as TiO, form throughout the stellar atmosphere as the star cools when approaching minimum light. When this happens, the visual light can be almost completely absorbed at large radii, extending the visual photosphere to nearly twice its nominal size. At these large radii, temperatures can fall to ~1400 K and essentially all of the star's radiation emerges in the infrared. Since almost no optical light is emitted at these low temperatures, Mira variables can decrease their visual light by more than a thousandfold and almost ``disappear'' to the human eye.

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