How semiregular are irregular variables?

Abstract

We investigate the question whether there is a real difference in the light change between stars classified as semiregular (SRV) or irregular (Lb) variables by analysing photometric light curves of 12 representatives of each class. Using Fourier analysis we try to find a periodic signal in each light curve and determine the S/N of this signal. For all stars, independent of their variability class we detect a period above the significance threshold. No difference in the measured S/N between the two classes could be found. We propose that the Lb stars can be seen as an extension of the SRVs towards shorter periods and smaller amplitudes. This is in agreement with findings from other quantities which also showed no marked difference between the two classes.

7 pages, accepted for publication by AN

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• Carbon and Oxygen Isotopic Ratios. II. Semiregular Variable M Giants
• Circumstellar HI and CO around the carbon stars V1942 Sgr and V CrB
• Kepler and the Long Period Variables