The light curve of the semiregular variable L2 Puppis – I. A recent dimming event from dust |
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| Authors: | T. R. Bedding A. A. Zijlstra A. Jones F. Marang M. Matsuura A. Retter P. A. Whitelock I. Yamamura |
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| Affiliation: | School of Physics, University of Sydney 2006, Australia;UMIST, Department of Physics, PO Box 88, Manchester M60 1QD;Carter Observatory, PO Box 2909, Wellington, New Zealand;SAAO, PO Box 9, Observatory 7935, South Africa;The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, 3-1-1 Yoshino-dai, Sagamihara, 299-8510, Kanagawa, Japan |
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| Abstract: | The nearby Mira-like variable L2 Pup is shown to be undergoing an unprecedented dimming episode. The stability of the period rules out intrinsic changes to the star, leaving dust formation along the line of sight as the most likely explanation. Episodic dust obscuration events are fairly common in carbon stars but have not been seen in oxygen-rich stars. We also present a 10-μm spectrum, taken with the Japanese Infrared Telescope in Space satellite, showing strong silicate emission that can be fitted with a detached, thin dust shell, containing silicates and corundum. |
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| Keywords: | stars: AGB and post-AGB stars: individual: L2 Pup stars: mass-loss stars: oscillations stars: variables: other |
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