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We present Herschel Space Observatory photometric observations of the unique, long-period eclipsing binary star Epsilon Aurigae. Its extended spectral energy distribution is consistent with our previously published cool (550 K) dust disk model. We also present an archival infrared spectral energy distribution of the side of the disk facing the bright F-type star in the binary, which is consistent with a warmer (1150 K) disk model. The lack of strong molecular emission features in the Herschel bands suggests that the disk has a low gas-to-dust ratio. The spectral energy distribution and Herschel images imply that the 250 GHz radio detection reported by Altenhoff et al. is likely contaminated by infrared-bright, extended background emission associated with a nearby nebular region and should be considered an upper limit to the true flux density of Epsilon Aur., Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures; to be published in Astrophysical Journal Letters

We have assembled new Spitzer Space Telescope Infrared Array Camera observations of the mysterious binary star Epsilon Aurigae, along with archival far-ultraviolet to mid-infrared data, to form an unprecedented spectral energy distribution spanning three orders of magnitude in wavelength from 0.1 microns to 100 microns. The observed spectral energy distribution can be reproduced using a three component model consisting of a 2.2+0.9/-0.8 Msun F type post-asymptotic giant branch star, and a 5.9+/-0.8 Msun B5+/-1 type main sequence star that is surrounded by a geometrically thick, but partially transparent, disk of gas and dust. At the nominal HIPPARCOS parallax distance of 625 pc, the model normalization yields a radius of 135+/-5 Rsun for the F star, consistent with published interferometric observations. The dusty disk is constrained to be viewed at an inclination of i > 87 deg, and has effective temperature of 550+/-50 K with an outer radius of 3.8 AU and a thickness of 0.95 AU. The dust content of the disk must be largely confined to grains larger than ~10 microns in order to produce the observed gray optical-infrared eclipses and the lack of broad dust emission features in the archival Spitzer mid-infrared spectra. The total mass of the disk, even considering a potential gaseous contribution in addition to the dust that produces the observed infrared excess, is << 1 Msun. We discuss evolutionary scenarios for this system that could lead to the current status of the stellar components and suggests possibilities for its future evolution, as well as potential observational tests of our model., Comment: 13 pages, 3 figures. Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal.

The circumstellar dust shells of intermediate initial-mass (about 1 to 8 solar masses) evolved stars are generated by copious mass loss during the asymptotic giant branch phase. The density structure of their circumstellar shell is the direct evidence of mass loss processes, from which we can investigate the nature of mass loss. We used the AKARI Infrared Astronomy Satellite and the Spitzer Space Telescope to obtain the surface brightness maps of an evolved star R Cas at far-infrared wavelengths, since the temperature of dust decreases as the distance from the star increases and one needs to probe dust at lower temperatures, i.e., at longer wavelengths. The observed shell structure and the star's known proper motion suggest that the structure represents the interface regions between the dusty wind and the interstellar medium. The deconvolved structures are fitted with the analytic bow shock structure to determine the inclination angle of the bow shock cone. Our data show that (1) the bow shock cone of 1 - 5 x 10^-5 solar masses (dust mass) is inclined at 68 degrees with respect to the plane of the sky, and (2) the dust temperature in the bow shock cone is raised to more than 20 K by collisional shock interaction in addition to the ambient interstellar radiation field. By comparison between the apex vector of the bow shock and space motion vector of the star we infer that there is a flow of interstellar medium local to R Cas whose flow velocity is at least 55.6 km/s, consistent with an environment conducive to dust heating by shock interactions., Comment: 7 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics

The mysterious 3rd magnitude long period eclipsing binary star system epsilon Aurigae is predicted to be starting its 2 year eclipse in the late summer of 2009. While this is when the real excitement starts, much is to be learned before first contact. This paper discusses current observational results that have accumulated thus far, using photometric monitoring, H-alpha spectroscopy and with other data sources. Key among the findings are that (1) the low amplitude light variation quasi-period has decreased significantly over the past 20 years, and (2) that the duration of egress, eclipse-to-eclipse has been decreasing, while the duration of total eclipse has been increasing. The website for the observing campaign is: www.du.edu/~rstencel/epsaur.htm ., Comment: Comments: 10 pages, PDF. See also Proceedings of the May 2008 Society for Astronomical Sciences annual symposium

The subject of micro-variability among Mira stars has received increased attention since DeLaverny et al. (1998) reported short-term brightness variations in 15 percent of the 250 Mira or Long Period Variable stars surveyed using the broadband 340 to 890 nm Hp filter on the HIPPARCOS satellite. The abrupt variations reported ranged 0.2 to 1.1 magnitudes, on time-scales between 2 to 100 hours, with a preponderance found nearer Mira minimum light phases. However, the HIPPARCOS sampling frequency was extremely sparse and required confirmation because of potentially important atmospheric dynamics and dust-formation physics that could be revealed. We report on Mira light curve sub-structure based on new CCD V and R band data, augmenting the known light curves of Hipparcos-selected long period variables [LPVs], and interpret same in terms of [1] interior structure, [2] atmospheric structure change, and/or [3] formation of circumstellar [CS] structure. We propose that the alleged micro-variability among Miras is largely undersampled, transient overtone pulsation structure in the light curves., Comment: 8 pages. Appeared in the Proceedings of the May 2006 Society for Astronomical Sciences annual conference

New Spitzer imaging observations have revealed the structure around the Mira variable star R Hya to be a one-sided parabolic arc 100 arcsec to the West stretching from North to South. We successfully model R Hya and its surroundings in terms of an interaction of the stellar wind from an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star with the interstellar medium (ISM) the star moves through. Our three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulation reproduces the structure as a bow shock into the oncoming ISM. We propose this as another explanation of detached shells around such stars which should be considered alongside current theories of internal origin. The simulation predicts the existence of a tail of ram-pressure-stripped AGB material stretching downstream. Indications for such a tail behind R Hya are seen in IRAS maps., Comment: 5 pages, 3 colour figures, submitted to MNRAS letters, revised version after referee's comments

We present the first results of the MIRIAD (MIPS [Multiband Imaging Photometer for Spitzer] Infra-Red Imaging of AGB [asymptotic giant branch] Dustshells) project using the Spitzer Space Telescope. The primary aim of the project is to probe the material distribution in the extended circumstellar envelopes (CSE) of evolved stars and recover the fossil record of their mass loss history. Hence, we must map the whole of the CSEs plus the surrounding sky for background subtraction, while avoiding the central star that is brighter than the detector saturation limit. With our unique mapping strategy, we have achieved better than one MJy/sr sensitivity in three hours of integration and successfully detected a faint (< 5 MJy/sr), extended (~400 arcsec) far-infrared nebula around the AGB star R Hya. Based on the parabolic structure of the nebula, the direction of the space motion of the star with respect to the nebula shape, and the presence of extended H alpha emission co-spatial to the nebula, we suggest that the detected far-IR nebula is due to a bow shock at the interface of the interstellar medium and the AGB wind of this moving star. This is the first detection of the stellar-wind bow-shock interaction for an AGB star and exemplifies the potential of Spitzer as a tool to examine the detailed structure of extended far-IR nebulae around bright central sources. \, Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in ApJL

We present the results of an extensive campaign of coordinated X-ray (ROSAT) and UV (IUE) observations of the symbiotic star AG Dra during a long period of quiescence (1990-1993) followed by two optical outbursts in 1994 and 1995. The hot component (i.e. X-ray emitting compact object) turns out to be very luminous during the quiescent phase: (9.5+/-1.5)*10^36 (D/2.5 kpc)^2 erg/s. This suggests that the compact object is burning hydrogen-rich matter on its surface even in the quiescent (as defined optically) state at a rate of (3.2+/-0.5)*10^-8 (D/2.5 kpc)^2 M_sun/yr. Assuming a steady state, i.e. burning at precisely the accretion supply rate, this high rate suggests a Roche lobe filling cool companion though Bondi-Hoyle accretion from the companion wind cannot be excluded. We have discovered a remarkable decrease of the X-ray flux during both optical maxima. In the UV these events were characterized by a large increase of the emission line and continuum fluxes. The anticorrelation of X-ray/UV flux and optical brightness evolution is very likely due to a temperature decrease of the hot component which could be the result of an increased mass transfer to the burning compact object, causing it to slowly expand to about twice its original size during each optical outburst., Comment: accepted for publ. in A&A, 17 pages incl. 5 Figs

The ISOPHOT (Infrared Space Observatory Photometry) instrument onboard the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) was used to obtain 3.6-90 micron photometry of Vega-type systems. Photometric data were calibrated with the ISOPHOT fine calibration source 1 (FCS1). Linear regression was used to derive transformations to make comparisons to ground-based and IRAS photometry systems possible. These transformations were applied to the photometry of 14 main-sequence stars. Details of these results are reported on.

Analysis is presented of time-series, high dispersion spectra of the Mg II, k, Ca II H, and K lines of the semiregular giants Rho Per (M4 II-III, periodicity of about 50 days), R Lyr (M5 III, period of about 46 days), and g Her (M6 III, period of about 90 days). The fine error sensor on the IUE satellite and ground based UBV photometry was used to relate line profile variations to photospheric variations. The above mentioned stars were selected to study the relative importance of convective motions and global stellar pulsations in determining the structure of the outer atmospheres. Small amplitude changes, but substantial changes in the profiles of Mg II and Ca II lines were detected. It is contended that the observed variability is due to changes in chromospheric conditions and not variations within the circumstellar shell. The picture of a steady state chromosphere, which is modulated on long time scales, is corroborated by these observations. Localized heating is found in g Her.

Accomplishments under this grant effort include: successful scientific utilization of the IRAS Low Resolution Spectrometer (LRS) database of over 150,000 scans of 7-23 micron spectra for over 50,000 celestial sources; publication in refereed journal of an additional 486 critically evaluated spectra of sources brighter than 20 Jy, completing the LRS ATLAS (Olnon and Raimond 1986 A&A) uniformly to that level, and production of an additional 1,830 critically evaluated spectra of sources brighter than 10 Jy; creation and maintenance of on-line, remotely accessible LRS spectra of over 7500 sources; cooperation with Astrophysics Data System personnel for transitioning this LRS database to the ADS access system after funding for this project expires; and publication of research highlights, which include a systematic variation of the shapes of LRS silicate features among stars of differing IRAS broad-band colors, maser characteristics and light curve asymmetries, all correlated with the chemical and physical development and processing of solid phase materials, and preliminary evidence for silicate profile variations in individual stars as a function of visual light curve phase.

An assumption inherent to most models of dust-driven winds from cool, evolved stars is that the radiative and collisional drag forces acting on an individual dust grain are in balance throughout the flow. We have checked the validity of this supposition of 'complete momentum coupling' by comparing the grain motion obtained from such a model with that derived from solution of the full grain equation of motion. For physical conditions typical of the circumstellar envelopes of oxygen-rich red giants, we find that silicate grains with initial radii smaller than about 5 x 10 exp -6 cm decouple from the ambient gas near the base of the outflow. The implications of these results for models of dust-driven mass loss from late-type giants and supergiants are discussed.

The literature on all OB associations was reviewed, and their IRAS point source content was studied, between galactic longitude 55 and 150 deg. Only one third of the 24 associations listed by Ruprecht et al. (1981) have been the subject of individual studies designed to identify the brightest stars. Distances to all of these were recomputed using the method of cluster fitting of the B main sequence stars, which makes it poossible to reexamine the absolute magnitude calibration of the O stars, as well as for the red supergiant candidate stars. Also examined was the composite HR diagram for these associations. Associations with the best defined main sequences, which also tend to contain very young clusters, referred to here as OB clusters, have extremely few evolved B and A or red supergiants. Associations with poorly defined main sequences and few OB clusters have many more evolved stars. They also show an effect in the upper HR diagram referred to as a ledge by Fitzpatrick and Garmany (1990) in similar data for the Large Magellanic Cloud. It is suggested that the differences in the associations are not just observational selection effects but represent real differences in age and formation history.

Low-resolution spectra of 486 IRAS point sources with F sub nu(12 microns) in the range 20-40 Jy are presented. This is part of an effort to extract and classify spectra that were not included in the Atlas of Low-Resolution Spectra and represents an extension of the earlier work by Volk and Cohen which covers sources with F sub nu(12 microns) greater than 40 Jy. The spectra have been examined by eye and classified into nine groups based on the spectral morphology. This new classification scheme is compared with the mechanical classification of the Atlas, and the differences are noted. Oxygen-rich stars of the asymptotic giant branch make up 33 percent of the sample. Solid state features dominate the spectra of most sources. It is found that the nature of the sources as implied by the present spectral classification is consistent with the classifications based on broad-band colors of the sources.

All well-exposed high-resolution IUE spectra obtained of the eclipsing binary system VV Cephei (M2Iabep + B) are examined. High-temperature absorption features attributable to the hot companion were detected, indicating that the companion (or the inner regions of its accretion disk) are not as hot as a B1-B2 star. Doubling of Fe II (UV 1) lines, with an additional narrow component redshifted by about 60 km/sec, occurs only when the B star is behind the plane of the sky containing the M supergiant, suggesting the existence of mass transfer from the red to the blue star. Absorption features from neutral elements weaken dramatically during egress, while those from ionized elements remain at nearly constant strength. During egress from primary eclipse, the Mg II resonance doublet shows asymmetric double-peaked emission indicative of formation in an expanding chromosphere. It is concluded that the outer atmosphere of the M supergiant is highly clumped.

The M supergiant S Persei was monitored since 1984 optically and since 1987 for water maser emission at 22 GHz. The dozen H2O maser features show complex variations in intensity with many of the features varying independently of one another. Some of the water maser features brightened dramatically at the time of the bright optical maximum observed in 1988 August and again 10 weeks later. It is possible the increase in water maser intensity is related to the ejection of a dust shell near the time of the preceding optical minimum. The intensity variations of the maser spectrum as being produced by an asymmetric distribution of maser spots are interpreted. A double shell of maser spots may be present on the near side of the shell, but appears to be lacking or be occulted on the far side. No chromospheric activity was detected about 10 weeks after optical maximum. A well developed shock is seen in a near-infrared spectrum obtained in 1988 October.

Results are reported from a search of the IRAS data base for flare stars and for a control sample of dM stars. At 12 microns, 70-80 percent of both samples have been detected. The K-12 colors of flare stars are significantly different from those of dM stars: for a given K magnitude, a flare star is about 70 percent brighter at 12 microns than a dM star. At 100 microns, 27 percent of the flare stars which are sources at 12 microns have been detected, while none of the comparable dM stars has been detected. Implications for microflaring are discussed.

Conventional theory explains the origin of carbon stars as due to dredge up of carbon enriched material from the stellar core during helium flash events late in the life of solar mass AGB stars. This relatively efficient process, however, seems to produce a larger C/O ratio than observed (Lambert et al., 1987). A secondary effect which could contribute to the appearance of carbon stars, is the selective removal of oxygen from the atmosphere by radiative force expulsion of oxygen-rich dust grains. Calculations for this scenario are presented, which evaluate the degree of momentum coupling between the grains and gas under the thermodynamical conditions of AGB star atmospheres.

Observations were made in the IUE LWP camera, low dispersion mode, with alpha Ori being offset various distances from the center of the Long Wavelength Large Aperture along its major axis. Signal was acquired at all offset positions and is comprised of unequal components of background/dark counts, telescope-scattered light, and scattered light emanating from the extended circumstellar shell. The star is known from optical and infrared observations to possess an extended, arc-minute sized, shell of cool material. Attempts to observe this shell with the IUE are described, although the deconvolution of the stellar signal from the telescope scattered light requires further calibration effort.

IRAS survey data for all known symbiotic binaries are reported. S type systems have 25 micron excesses much larger than those of single red giant stars, suggesting that these objects lose mass more rapidly than do normal giants. D type objects have far-IR colors similar to those of Mira variables, implying mass-loss rate of about 10 to the -6th solar masses/yr. The near-IR extinctions of the D types indicate that their Mira components are enshrouded in optically thick dust shells, while their hot companions lie outside the shells. If this interpretation of the data is correct, then the very red near-IR colors of D type symbiotic stars are caused by extreme amounts of dust absorption rather than dust emission. The small group of D prime objects possesses far-IR colors resembling those of compact planetary nebulae or extreme OH/IR stars. It is speculated that these binaries are not symbiotic stars at all, but contain a hot compact star and an exasymptotic branch giant which is in the process of ejecting a planetary nebula shell.

The red supergiant star alpha Ori was monitored with the Very Large Array (VLA). Thirteen observations at 6 cm show stochastic variations, at the 30 to 40 percent level, with no long term trend. All data was clipped and tapered in AIPS to minimize differences between VLA arrays. The calibration source varied by less than 10 percent over the same interval. The VLA observations of alpha Ori were continued, as well as alpha Her and alpha Sco, at both 2 and 6 cm, to confirm this result and search for long term trends. The stochastic 6 cm flux behavior, with 30 to 40 percent changes on all timescales from the shortest interval of 10 days to the longest, seems at odds with the 400 day periodic variations in U-band photometry and Mg II UV fluxes reported by Dupree, et al. The observed 6 cm flux was 25 percent below the 6 cm flux reported earlier this decade. Several models for the outer atmosphere of alpha Ori place the 6 cm optical depth unity location at several stellar radii above the optical photosphere. The rapid, stochastic variations reported are difficult to reconcile with almost any global process, such as pulsation, Alfven waves or periastron passage.

Interstellar dust grains are presumed in part to have their origins in the outer atmospheres of red giant and supergiant stars because, despite the efficiency of shock destruction of grains in the interstellar medium (ISM), meteoritic samples possess isotopic signatures that are consistent with nucleosynthetic origin in the interior of evolved stars. There is ample evidence to suggest that once dust grains form near red giants and supergiants, radiation pressure is sufficient to drive them to infinity. The molecular catastrophe description for the conversion of chromospheric gas into molecular masers and circumstellar dust holds promise for a coherent explanation of the formation of these entities and the process of mas loss from cool, high luminosity objects.

Previous observational evidence implies that the presence of Ca II emission, a chromospheric indicator, is correlated with the gas/dust ratio in the envelopes of red giant and supergiant stars. An attempt is made to determine whether this correlation can be generalized to all chromospheric activity indicators and the gas/dust ratio. New ultraviolet observations address the strength of UV emission features and the fraction of the total chromospheric flux emitted in various lines. Evidence is found that chromospheres are not completely quenched in the presence of dust, but that significant alteration of relative radiative loss patterns may occur. These observations are interpreted in terms of an instability that converts warm, chromospheric gas into near-surface dust grains and cool gas capable of supporting molecular masing. This supports the dust-driven mass loss scenario for red giant winds.

Recent infrared photometry indicates that the alleged disk of particulate matter surrounding the mysterious secondary object in the Epsilon Aur system is cold, around 500 K. IUE spectra, on the other hand, contain significant flux in excess of that expected from an F0 Ia star in the far UV, which if interpreted as a hot secondary star leads to a possible contradiction with the IR data. Other models of the UV excess have been proposed, including the idea that the bulk of the short-wavelength flux is light scattered into the SWP camera from longer wavelengths. With the recent availability of a detailed generalized IUE descattering algorithm it is possible to thoroughly investigate the scattered-light contribution to the short-wavelength continuum. It is found that the IUE spectra are indeed partially contaminated by scattered light, but that even after correction for this instrumental effect a significant time-dependent UV excess is still present.

A multistep scenario which describes a plausible mass loss mechanism associated with red giant and related stars is outlined. The process involves triggering a condensation instability in an extended chromosphere, leading to the formation of cool, dense clouds which are conducive to the formation of molecules and dust grains. Once formed, the dust can be driven away from the star by radiation pressure. Consistency with various observed phenomena is discussed.

Proceedings of a workshop held from February 27 to March 1, l985. The workshop was attended by 50 astronomers, astrophysicists, planetary scientists and meteoriticists; and emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of studies of cosmic dust.

Circumstellar gas and dust surrounding M giants and supergiants show luminous M stars to split into two distinct classes. Stars with a high gas to dust ratio all show chromospheric Ca II, H, and K emission. Stars with a high dust to gas ratio do not show chromospheric Ca II emission but are the only ones to show Balmer emission indicative of atmospheric shocks and are also the only ones to show maser emission. In order to determine whether all chromospheric indicators disappear in high dust to gas ratio stars, a survey of stars in both these classes was conducted with the IUE satellite. Long wavelength infrared fluxes for the program stars were obtained from the IRAS point source catalog. There is no obvious difference in the long wavelength observations between the two groups of stars. The long wavelength excess tends to follow the 10 micron excess and not the dust to gas ratio.