A Search for Flares and Structure in Light Curves of Newly Discovered Long Period Variable Stars
Abstract
The Global Network of Astronomical Telescopes (GNAT), in conjunction with the Moving Object and Transient Event Search System (MOTESS), has published its first comprehensive variable star catalog, containing in excess of 26,000 newly discovered variables. We report here on a data mining effort directed at investigating rates of previously suggested short term flaring events (occasionally posited as possible signatures of massive planets orbiting the host star), as well as other light curve anomalies, reportedly observed in long period variable (LPV) stars. We have extracted from the catalog about 50 well observed LPV candidates that appear to be Mira-type stars. We have, where possible, refined periods for these stars, collected additional photometry and spectra, and analyzed light curves based on the catalog photometry, which typically extends over a 2-3 year interval. We provide a data table for these stars, sample light curves and graphics of features of interest. Real flare events appear to be extremely rare, with only one possible such event seen in our sample to date; plateaus and humps are much more frequently seen.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #214
- Pub Date:
- May 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009AAS...21443003C