Related papers: ``Real-Time'' Evolution in Mira Variables
We review ways in which observations of the changing periods of pulsating variable stars can be used to detect and directly measure their evolution. We briefly describe the two main techniques of analysis -- (O-C) analysis and wavelet…
Long-period variables (LPVs) and Miras are highly evolved stars at the upper region of the asymptotic giant branch. They exhibit a pronounced variability of their luminosity with a more or less well defined period and suffer large mass loss…
Dust plays an important role in the evolution of a galaxy, since it is one of the main ingredients for efficient star formation. Dust grains are also a sink/source of metals when they are created/destroyed, and, therefore, a self-consistent…
Context: The details of the mass-loss process in the late stages of low- and intermediate-mass stellar evolution are not well understood, in particular its dependence on stellar parameters. Mira variables are highly suitable targets for…
Some Miras -- long-period variables in late evolutionary stages -- have meandering pulsation periods and light curve asymmetries, the causes of which are still unclear. We aim to understand better the origin of these phenomena by…
With the help of model calculations we aim at reproducing the observational photometric findings for a large sample of well-characterised galactic C-type Mira variables losing mass at different rates. We used dynamic model atmospheres,…
Some aspects of the chemical evolution of late-type dwarf galaxies are reviewed, together with their implications on three issues of cosmological relevance: similarity to primeval galaxies, derivation of the primordial helium abundance,…
We present the discovery that Mira variables separate in two distinct sequences in a near- to mid-IR color versus pulsation period diagram, if a distinction is made with respect to the presence of technetium (Tc) in the stars. Tc is an…
Recent models of galactic chemical evolution account for updated evolutionary models of massive stars (with special emphasis on stellar winds) and for the effects of intermediate mass and massive binaries. The results are summarised. We…
We discuss phenomenon of simultaneous presence of O- and C-based material in surroundings of evolutionary advanced stars. We concentrate on silicate carbon stars and present observations that directly confirm the binary model scenario for…
Recent ground-based mid-infrared spectra of 29 late-type stars, most with substantial dust shells, are compared to ground-based spectra of these stars from the 1960s and 1970s and to IRAS-LRS spectra obtained in 1983. The spectra of about…
The determination of chemical abundances in star-forming galaxies and the study of their evolution on cosmological timescales are powerful tools for understanding galaxy formation and evolution. This contribution presents the latest results…
We present our past and current long-term monitoring program of water masers in the circumstellar envelopes of evolved stars, augmented by occasional interferometric observations. Using as example the Mira-variable U Her, we identify three…
Our understanding of large amplitude pulsating stars and their status in stellar evolution is briefly reviewed. The paper then describes the near-infrared light curves of various asymptotic giant branch stars, concentrating on possible…
It is becoming clear that `self--pollution' by the ejecta of massive asymptotic giant branch stars has an important role in the early chemical evolution of globular cluster stars, producing CNO abundance spreads which are observed also at…
The AAVSO-based historical light curve of the oxygen-rich Mira variable R Leonis is used to determine and analyse the properties of the star's maxima and minima. The pulsation period is found to have shortened by about 3 days over the past…
Context: Miras are long-period variables thought to be in the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) phase of evolution. In about one percent of known Miras, the pulsation period is changing. It has been speculated that this changing period is the…
Stellar evolution theory predicts that asymptotic giant branch stars undergo a series of short thermal pulses that significantly change their luminosity and mass on timescales of hundreds to thousands of years. Secular changes in these…
The physical processes driving the chemical evolution of galaxies in the last $\sim 11\, \rm{Gyr}$ cannot be understood without directly probing the dust-obscured phase of star-forming galaxies and active galactic nuclei. This phase, hidden…
Mira variables, RR Lyrae variables, and type II Cepheids all represent evolved states of low-mass stars, and long term observations have revealed that changes in pulsation period occur for each of these classes of variable. Most Mira…