The light curve of the semiregular
variable L$_2$~Puppis: dimming from a
dust-formation event and evidence for solar-like oscillations
Bedding T.R., Zijlstra A.A., Retter A., Yamamura I, Jones A.,
Whitelock P.A.,
Marang F., Matsuura M., 2002, MNRAS, 337, 79
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-micron 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.
paper (pdf, MNRAS reprint, 315k)