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Paper: Evolved Stars with Complex Atmospheres – the High Spectral Resolution, mid-IR View
Volume: 497, Why Galaxies Care about AGB Stars III: A Closer Look in Space and Time
Page: 67
Authors: Ryde, N.; Lambert, J.; Richter, M. J.; Josselin, E.; Harper, G. M.; Eriksson, K.; Boogert, A.; DeWitt, C.; Encrenaz, T.; Greathouse, T.; Jaffe, D.; Kulas, K.; McKelvey, M.; Najita, J.; Vacca, W.
Abstract: The physical structures of the outer atmospheres of red giants are not known. They are certainly complex, and a range of recent observations are showing that we need to embrace non-classical model atmospheres to interpret these regions. This region's properties are of importance, not the least for an understanding of the mass-loss mechanism for these stars. Here we present observational constraints on the outer regions of red giants, based on mid-IR, high spectral resolution spectra. We also discuss possible non-LTE effects and highlight a new non-LTE code that will be used to analyse the spectra of these atmospheric layers. We conclude by mentioning our new SOFIA/EXES observations of red giants at 6 μm, where the vibration-rotation lines of water vapour can be detected and spectrally resolved for the first time.
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