Carbon and Oxygen Isotopic Ratios. II. Semiregular Variable M Giants

Abstract

Carbon and oxygen isotopic ratios are reported for a sample of 51 SRb- and Lb-type variable asymptotic giant branch stars. Vibration-rotation first- and second-overtone CO lines in 1.5–2.5 μ m spectra were measured to derive isotopic ratios for 12 C/ 13 C, 16 O/ 17 O, and 16 O/ 18 O. Comparisons with previous measurements for individual stars and with various samples of evolved stars, as available in the extant literature, are discussed. Using the oxygen isotopic ratios, the masses of the SRb stars can be derived. Combining the masses with Gaia luminosities, the SRb stars are shown to be antecedents of the Mira variables. The limiting parameters where plane-parallel, hydrostatic equilibrium model atmospheres can be used for abundance analysis of M giants are explored.