The evolutionary state of Miras with changing pulsation periods
Abstract
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 consequence of a recent thermal pulse in these stars.
Aims: We aim to clarify the evolutionary state of these stars, and to determine in particular whether or not they are in the thermally-pulsing (TP-)AGB phase.
Methods: One important piece of information that has been neglected so far when determining the evolutionary state is the presence of the radio-active s-process element technetium (Tc). We obtained high-resolution, high signal-to-noise-ratio optical spectra of a dozen prominent Mira variables with changing pulsation period to search for this indicator of TPs and dredge-up. We also use the spectra to measure lithium (Li) abundances. Furthermore, we establish the evolutionary states of our sample stars by means of their present-day periods and luminosities.
Results: Among the twelve sample stars observed in this programme, five were found to show absorption lines of Tc.
Conclusions: We conclude that there is no clear correlation between period change class and Tc presence. The stars that are most likely to have experienced a recent TP are BH Cru and
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- July 2011
- DOI:
- 10.1051/0004-6361/201116463
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1105.2198
- Bibcode:
- 2011A&A...531A..88U
- Keywords:
-
- stars: AGB and post-AGB;
- stars: oscillations;
- stars: evolution;
- stars: abundances;
- Astrophysics - Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 11 pages, 7 figures, 2 tables