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Title: THE PERIOD-LUMINOSITY RELATION OF RED SUPERGIANT STARS IN THE SMALL MAGELLANIC CLOUD

Journal Article · · Astrophysical Journal

The characteristics of light variation of red supergiant (RSG) stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) are analyzed based on the nearly 8-10 year data collected by the ASAS and MACHO projects. The 126 identified RSGs are classified into five categories accordingly: 20 with poor photometry, 55 with no reliable period, 6 with semi-regular variation, 15 with a long secondary period (LSP) and distinguishable short period, and 30 with only an LSP. For the semi-regular variables and the LSP variables with distinguishable short period, the K{sub S} -band period-luminosity (P-L) relation is analyzed and compared with that of the Galaxy, the Large Magellanic Cloud, and M33. It is found that the RSGs in these galaxies obey a similar P-L relation except for those in the Galaxy. In addition, the P-L relations in the infrared bands, namely, the 2MASS JHK{sub S} , Spitzer/IRAC, and Spitzer/MIPS 24 {mu}m bands, are derived with high reliability. The best P-L relation occurs in the Spitzer/IRAC [3.6] and [4.5] bands. Based on the comparison with the theoretical calculation of the P-L relation, the mode of pulsation of RSGs in the SMC is suggested to be the first-overtone radial mode.

OSTI ID:
22039304
Journal Information:
Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 754, Issue 1; Other Information: Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0004-637X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English