The Ages, Masses, Evolution and Kinematics of Mira variable

TL;DR

This paper reviews the ages, masses, and evolution of Mira variables, highlighting how their periods relate to initial mass, the role of hot bottom burning, and implications for stellar energy production.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the relationship between Mira periods, masses, and the effects of hot bottom burning on stellar evolution.

Findings

Mira period increases correlate with higher initial masses.

Miras with logP about 3.0 have initial masses near 4 solar masses.

Hot bottom burning influences the period-luminosity relation and stellar energy output.

Abstract

Evidence on the ages and masses of Mira variables is reviewed. Period increases with increasing initial mass. Miras of logP about 3.0 have initial masses of near 4 solar masses. It is suggestd that the apparent gap in the LMC PL relation at about this period may be due to the onset of hot bottom burning and that this adds about 15 to 20 percent to the stellar energy production. Shorter period HBB stars are probably overtone pulsators. T Lep may be an example of cool bottom processing.