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The Infrared Spectra of Mira Stars

Research output: Contribution to conferencePresentation

Abstract

Over the past two decades, much has been learned about the atmospheric structure of the pulsating Mira-type variable stars from computer modeling and the analysis of ultraviolet and visible wavelength spectra. This talk reports on the first set of infrared spectra taken of these stars under high dispersion with the Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) onboard the Spitzer Space Telescope. A sample of 25 galactic Miras was observed in the 10-37 micron spectral regime anywhere from two to several times during their pulsation cycle. Many of the stars observed show marked changes in overall flux levels as a function of phase. We are able to identify many strong emission lines from neutral and singly ionized metals and emission features due to silicate and carbon dusts and molecular constituents. This work was financially supported through a NASA Spitzer grant for Program GO 50717.

Original languageAmerican English
StatePublished - May 19 2014
EventStars: Old, Young, and Variable - Ames, Iowa
Duration: May 19 2014 → …

Conference

ConferenceStars: Old, Young, and Variable
Period5/19/14 → …

Keywords

  • infrared spectra
  • mira stars
  • solar sytems
  • stellar systems

Disciplines

  • Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
  • Stars, Interstellar Medium and the Galaxy

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