Related papers: Asymptotic Giant Branch Variables as Extragalactic…
Because of their enormous intrinsic brightness blue supergiants are ideal stellar objects to be studied spectroscopically as individuals in galaxies far beyond the Local Group. Quantitative spectroscopy by means of efficient multi-object…
New theoretical evaluations of the Red Giant Branch Tip (TRGB) luminosity, by adopting the most updated physical inputs in computing canonical stellar models, are presented. Theoretical relations for the run of the TRGB bolometric and I…
I present a review of recent observational work on Cepheid variables and eclipsing binaries in our Galaxy, the Magellanic Clouds, and other members of the Local Group.
The extragalactic distance scale relies heavily on Cepheids. However, it has become clear from observations and pulsation models that the slope and zero point of their P-L relations differ from galaxy to galaxy. This makes the determination…
We review some of the characteristics of irradiated extrasolar giant planets (EGPs), in anticipation of their direct detection from the ground and from space. Spectral measurements are the key to unlocking their structural and atmospheric…
The Cepheid period-luminosity relation is the primary distance indicator used in most determinations of the Hubble constant. The tip of the red giant branch (TRGB) is an alternative basis. Using the new ANU SkyMapper Telescope, we calibrate…
Asteroseismology, i.e. the study of the internal structures of stars via their global oscillations, is a valuable tool to obtain stellar parameters such as mass, radius, surface gravity and mean density. These parameters can be obtained…
Classical Cepheids are the most popular distance indicators and tracers of young stellar populations. The key advantage is that they are bright and they can be easily identified in Local Group and Local Volume galaxies. Their evolutionary…
This paper summaries the status of a large project to improve distance scales of various classes of variable stars. This is being carried out by a large group in Cape Town, Japan, England and the USA. The results are illustrated by giving…
Using multi-epoch JHK photometry obtained with the 1.4-m Japanese-South African Infrared Survey Facility at Sutherland we have identified large numbers of AGB variables in NGC 6822. This paper uses 30 large amplitude variables, with periods…
We demonstrate how the Fundamental Manifold (FM) can be used to cross-calibrate distance estimators even when those "standard candles" are not found in the same galaxy. Such an approach greatly increases the number of distance measurements…
Asymptotic giant branch stars are essential contributors to the near and mid-IR emission of intermediate age (0.1-1Gyr old) stellar populations. Detecting this light sets constraints on the star formation history in galaxies and,…
We have commenced a detailed analysis of the known sample of Galactic post-asymptotic giant branch (PAGB) objects compiled in the Toru\'n catalogue of Szczerba et al., and present, for the first time, homogeneously derived distance…
Deep K' images with 0.1 arcsec angular resolution, obtained with ALTAIR+NIRI on Gemini North, are used to investigate photometric variablity among the brightest asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in the central regions of M32. Based on a…
For sequences of non-lattice weakly dependent random variables, we obtain asymptotic expansions for Large Deviation Principles. These expansions, commonly referred to as strong large deviation results, are in the spirit of Edgeworth…
In recent years there has been considerable activity in using gamma-ray bursts as cosmological probes for determining global cosmological parameters complementing results from type Ia supernovae and other methods. This requires a…
Asymmetries in the neutral hydrogen gas distribution and kinematics of galaxies are thought to be indicators for both gas accretion and gas removal processes. These are of fundamental importance for galaxy formation and evolution. Upcoming…
Quasars accreting matter at very high rates (known as extreme Population A [xA] quasars, possibly associated with super-Eddington accreting massive black holes) may provide a new class of distance indicators covering cosmic epochs from…
The purpose of this review is to discuss the advantages and problems of near-infrared surveys in observing pulsating stars in the Milky Way. One of the advantages of near-infrared surveys, when compared to optical counterparts, is that the…
The popularity of pulsating stars resides in their capacity of determining several crucial and relevant parameters such as heliocentric distances, ages, metallicity gradients and reddening. RR Lyrae stars are old stellar tracers and have…