Asymptotic Giant Branch Variables in the Galaxy and the Local Group
Abstract
AGB variables, particularly the large amplitude Mira type, are a vital step on the distance scale ladder. They will prove particularly important in the era of space telescopes and extremely large ground-based telescopes with adaptive optics, which will be optimized for infrared observing. Our current understanding of the distances to these stars is reviewed with particular emphasis on improvements that came from Hipparcos as well as on recent work on Local Group galaxies. In addition to providing the essential calibration for extragalactic distances Gaia may also provide unprecedented insight into the poorly understood mass-loss process itself.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.1201.2997,
title = {Asymptotic Giant Branch Variables in the Galaxy and the Local Group},
author = {Patricia A. Whitelock},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1201.2997},
year = {2015}
}
Comments
Accepted for publication in Astrophysics and Space Science. From a presentation at the conference "The Fundamental Cosmic Distance Scale: State of the Art and Gaia Perspective, Naples May 2011. 8 Pages, 9 Figures