Optical and near-IR spectra of O-rich Mira variables: A comparison between models and observations

• DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361:20031430
• Publication Date: 2003-11-28T10:06:17Z
• Authors: A. Tej; A. Lançon; M. Scholz; P. R. Wood
• Keywords: Stars: variables: general; Astrophysics (astro-ph); Mira variables; FOS: Physical sciences; Keywords: Atmospheric optics; Stars: late-type; Galaxies; Astrophysics; Stars; 01 natural sciences; Light emission; 520; Interferometry; Spectrophotometry; 0103 physical sciences; Molecular bands; Infrared radiation Stars: atmospheres; Stars: fundamental parameters

Pulsation models are crucial for the interpretation of spectrophotometric and interferometric observations Mira variables. Comparing predicted observed spectra is one way establishing validity such models. In this paper, we focus on published between 1996 1998 by Bessell, Hofmann, Scholz Wood. A few new model added, to improve available phase coverage. We compare synthetic with low resolution optically selected oxygen-rich Miras, over a range optical near-IR wavelengths that encompasses most stellar energy output. investigate overall distributions, specific spectral features in wavelength range. The agreement model-predicted properties found be reasonably good. However, there discrepancies seen especially various molecular bands. find different combinations parameters pulsation phases often result very similar spectra. Therefore problem deriving variable from its spectrum has no unique solution. More advanced than presently available, providing even better fits data covering wider parameters, would needed achieve discrimination.