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The Spectra of Mira Variable Stars

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R. F. Garrison

David Dunlap Observatory, University of Toronot, Richmond Hill, Ontario

Abstract

The spectra of long period variable stars are bizarre at best. Anyone who has looked at them in detail will agree. The complexity and the unpredictablity of some of the variations make a detailed interpretation difficult. Because of this, the study of their spectra is an apparent sink for astronomers; observations have been made and some interesting bits of information have been added. The result has been to complicate or discredit the current interpretation. It all adds up to a discouraging picture, but it is precisely this challenge which attracts some of us and makes the study of the spectra of long period variables exciting.