Probing Mira Atmospheres Using Optical Interferometric Techniques (Abstract)

Volume 40 number 1 (2012)

Sam Ragland

W. M. Keck Observatory, 65-1120 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela, HI 96743; sragland@keck.hawaii.edu

Abstract

(Abstract only) Modern optical interferometric observations of Mira atmospheres are discussed. The earlier near-infrared closure-phase measurements of a sample of Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars and subsequent imaging observations of a handful of brighter ones show that asymmetry is common in the cool atmospheres of late-type stars. The potential of optical interferometric observations in conjunction with radio interferometric observations in studying the structure and kinematics of the envelope around Mira stars are highlighted.