Optical and Near-IR Monitoring of Symbiotic Binary Systems

Symbiotic stars are long-period interacting binary systems in which an evolved red giant star transfers material to its much hotter compact companion. Such a composition places them among the most variable stars. In addition to periodic variations due to the binary motion they often show irregular changes due to nova-like eruptions of the hot component. In some systems the cool giant is a pulsating Mira-type star usually surrounded by a variable dust shell. Here, I present results of optical and IR monitoring of symbiotic systems as well as future prospects for such studies.