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Atefeh Javadi

Publications and source records attributed to Atefeh Javadi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Detection of Open Cluster Members Inside and Beyond Tidal Radius by Machine Learning Methods Based on Gaia DR3

In our previous work, we introduced a method that combines two unsupervised algorithms: DBSCAN and GMM. We applied this method to 12 open clusters based on Gaia EDR3 data, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying reliable cluster members within the tidal radius. However, for studying cluster morphology, we need a method capable of detecting members both inside and outside the tidal radius. By incorporating a supervised algorithm into our approach, we successfully identified members beyond the tidal radius. In our current work, we initially applied DBSCAN and GMM to identify reliable members of cluster stars. Subsequently, we trained the Random Forest algorithm using DBSCAN and GMM-selected data. Leveraging the random forest, we can identify cluster members outside the tidal radius and observe cluster morphology across a wide field of view. Our method was then applied to 15 open clusters based on Gaia DR3, which exhibit a wide range of metallicity, distances, members, and ages. Additionally, we calculated the tidal radius for each of the 15 clusters using the King profile and detected stars both inside and outside this radius. Finally, we investigated mass segregation and luminosity distribution within the clusters. Overall, our approach significantly improved the estimation of the tidal radius and detection of mass segregation compared to previous work. We found that in Collinder 463, low-mass stars do not segregate in comparison to high-mass and middle-mass stars. Additionally, we detected a peak of luminosity in the clusters, some of which were located far from the center, beyond the tidal radius.

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The Complex Star Formation History of the Halo of NGC 5128 (Cen A)

NGC 5128 (Cen A) is the nearest giant elliptical galaxy and one of the brightest extragalactic radio sources in the sky, boasting a prominent dust lane and jets emanating from its nuclear supermassive black hole. In this paper, we construct the star formation history (SFH) of two small fields in the halo of NGC 5128: a northeastern field (Field 1) at a projected distance of $\sim 18.8$ kpc from the center, and a southern field (Field 2) $\sim 9.9$ kpc from the center. Our method is based on identifying long period variable (LPV) stars that trace their sibling stellar population and hence historical star formation due to their high luminosity and strong variability; we identified 395 LPVs in Field 1 and 671 LPVs in Field 2. Even though the two fields are $\sim 28$ kpc apart on opposite sides from the center, they show similar SFHs. In Field 1, star formation rates (SFRs) increased significantly around $t\sim 800$ Myr and $t\sim 3.8$ Gyr; and in Field 2, SFRs increased considerably around $t\sim 800$ Myr, $t\sim 3.8$ Gyr, and $t\sim 6.3$ Gyr, where $t$ is look--back time. The increase in SFR $\sim 800$ Myr ago agrees with previous suggestions that the galaxy experienced a merger around that time. The SFH reconstructed from LPVs supports a scenario in which multiple episodes of nuclear activity lead to episodic jet-induced star formation. While there is no catalog of LPVs for the central part of NGC 5128, applying our method to the outer regions (for the first time in a galaxy outside the Local Group) has enabled us to put constraints on the complex evolution of this cornerstone galaxy.

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Star formation history for the starburst dwarf galaxy in the Local Group, IC 10

IC 10 as a starburst dwarf galaxy in the Local Group (LG) has a large population of newly formed stars that are massive and intrinsically very bright in comparison with other LG galaxies. Using the Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) with the Wide Field Camera (WFC) in the i-band and V-band, we performed an optical monitoring survey to identify the most evolved asymptotic giant branch stars (AGBs) and red supergiant stars (RSGs) in this star-forming galaxy, which can be used to determine the star formation history (SFH). The E(B - V) as an effective factor for obtaining the precise magnitude of stars is measured for each star using a 2D dust map (SFD98) to obtain a total extinction for each star in both the i-band and V-band. We obtained the photometric catalog for 53579 stars within the area of 0.07 deg$^{2}$ (13.5 kpc$^{2}$), of which 762 stars are classified as variable candidates after removing the foreground stars and saturated ones from our catalog. To reconstruct the SFH for IC 10, we first identified 424 long-period variable (LPV) candidates within the area of two half-light radii (2r$_{h}$) from the center of the galaxy. We estimated the recent star formation rate (SFR) at $\sim$ 0.32 M$_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$ for a constant metallicity Z = 0.0008, showing the galaxy is currently undergoing high levels of star formation. Also, a total stellar mass of 0.44 $\times$ 10$^{8}$ M$_{\odot}$ is obtained within 2r$_{h}$ for that metallicity.

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The formation and evolution of Andromeda IX

Local Group (LG), the nearest and most complete galactic environment, provides valuable information on the formation and evolution of the Universe. Studying galaxies of different sizes, morphologies, and ages can provide this information. For this purpose, we chose the And\,IX dSph galaxy, which is one of the observational targets of the Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) survey. A total of 50 long-period variables (LPVs) were found in And\,IX in two filters, Sloan $i'$ and Harris $V$ at a half-light radius of 2.5 arcmin. The And\,IX's star formation history (SFH) was constructed with a maximum star formation rate (SFR) of about $0.00082\pm0.00031$ M$_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$, using LPVs as a tracer. The total mass return rate of LPVs was calculated based on the spectral energy distribution (SED) of about $2.4\times10^{-4}$ M$_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$. The distance modulus of $24.56_{-0.15}^{+0.05}$ mag was estimated based on the tip of the red giant branch (TRGB).

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The Isaac Newton Telescope Monitoring Survey of Local Group Dwarf Galaxies. VI. The Star Formation History and Dust Production in Andromeda IX

We present a photometric study of the resolved stellar populations in And IX, the closest satellite to the M31, a metal-poor and low-mass dwarf spheroidal galaxy. We estimate a distance modulus of $24.56_{-0.15}^{+0.05}$ mag based on the tip of the red giant branch (TRGB). By probing the variability of asymptotic giant branch stars (AGB), we study the star formation history of And IX. We identified 50 long period variables (LPVs) in And IX using the Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) in two filters, Sloan $i'$ and Harris $V$. In this study, we selected LPVs within two half-light radii with amplitudes in the range of 0.2-2.20 mag. It is found that the peak of star formation reaches $\sim$ $8.2\pm3.1\times10^{-4}$ M_sun yr$^{-1}$ at $\approx 6$ Gyr ago. Our findings suggest an outside-in galaxy formation scenario for And IX with a quenching occurring $3.65_{-1.52}^{+0.13}$ Gyr ago with the SFR in the order of $2.0\times10^{-4}$ M_sun yr$^{-1}$ at redshift < $0.5$. We calculate the total stellar mass by integrating the star formation rate (SFR) within two half-light radii $\sim$ $3.0\times10^5$ M_sun. By employing the spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting for observed LPVs in And IX, we evaluate the mass-loss rate in the range of $10^{-7}$ $\leq$ $\dot{M}$ $\leq$ $10^{-5}$ M_sun yr$^{-1}$. Finally, we show that the total mass deposition to the interstellar medium (ISM) is $\sim$ $2.4\times10^{-4}$ M_sun yr$^{-1}$ from the C- and O-rich type of dust-enshrouded LPVs. The ratio of the total mass returned to the ISM by LPVs to the total stellar mass is $\sim 8.0\times10^{-10}$ yr$^{-1}$, and so at this rate, it would take $\sim$ 1 Gyr to reproduce this galaxy

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The Isaac Newton Telescope monitoring survey of Local Group dwarf galaxies--V. The star formation history of Sagittarius dwarf irregular galaxy derived from long period variable stars

We conducted an optical monitoring survey of the Sagittarius dwarf irregular galaxy (SagDIG) during the period of June 2016 -- October 2017, using the 2.5-m Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) at La Palama. Our goal was to identify Long Period Variable stars (LPVs), namely asymptotic giant branch stars (AGBs) and red supergiant stars (RSGs), to obtain the Star Formation History (SFH) of isolated, metal-poor SagDIG. For our purpose, we used a method that relies on evaluating the relation between luminosity and the birth mass of these most evolved stars. We found $27$ LPV candidates within two half-light radii of SagDIG. $10$ LPV candidates were in common with previous studies, including one very dusty AGB (x-AGB). By adopting the metallicity $Z = 0.0002$ for older population and $Z=0.0004$ for younger ages, we estimated that the star formation rate changes from $0.0005\pm0.0002$ M$_{\odot}$yr$^{-1}$kpc$^{-2}$ ($13$ Gyr ago) to $0.0021 \pm 0.0010$ M$_{\odot}$yr$^{-1}$kpc$^{-2}$ ($0.06$ Gyr ago). Like many dwarf irregular galaxies, SagDIG has had continuous star formation activity across its lifetime, though with different rates, and experiences an enhancement of star formation since $z \simeq 1$. We also evaluated the total stellar mass within two half-light radii of SagDIG for three choices of metallicities. For metallicity $Z = 0.0002$ and $Z=0.0004$ we estimated the stellar mass M$_*$ = ($5.4 \pm 2.3$) $\times$ $10^ 6$ and ($3.0 \pm 1.3$) $\times$ $10^ 6$ M$_{\odot}$, respectively. Additionally, we determined a distance modulus $μ$ = $25.27\pm0.05$ mag, using the tip of the red giant branch (TRGB).

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Spectral identification and classification of dusty stellar sources using spectroscopic and multiwavelength observations through machine learning

We proposed a machine learning approach to identify and distinguish dusty stellar sources employing supervised and unsupervised methods and categorizing point sources, mainly evolved stars, using photometric and spectroscopic data collected over the IR sky. Spectroscopic data is typically used to identify specific infrared sources. However, our goal is to determine how well these sources can be identified using multiwavelength data. Consequently, we developed a robust training set of spectra of confirmed sources from the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds derived from SAGE-Spec Spitzer Legacy and SMC-Spec Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) spectral catalogs. Subsequently, we applied various learning classifiers to distinguish stellar subcategories comprising young stellar objects (YSOs), C-rich asymptotic giant branch (CAGB), O-rich AGB stars (OAGB), Red supergiant (RSG), and post-AGB stars. We have classified around 700 counts of these sources. It should be highlighted that despite utilizing the limited spectroscopic data we trained, the accuracy and models' learning curve provided outstanding results for some of the models. Therefore, the Support Vector Classifier (SVC) is the most accurate classifier for this limited dataset.

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Star Formation History of Two Fields in the Halo of NGC5128

NGC5128 galaxy is a giant elliptical galaxy located in the Centaurus group of galaxies at 3.8 Mpc. We aim to study the star formation history (SFH) of two different fields of the galaxy. The northeastern field (Field 1) is located at a distance of 18.8 kpc, while the southern field (Field 2) is at 9.9 kpc. We use a photometric method that is based on identifying long period variable (LPV) stars and asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, as they are strong tracers of star formation and galaxy evolution due to their luminosity and variability; 395 LPVs in Field 1 and 671 LPVs in Field 2 have been identified. These two fields present similar SFHs, although the SF rate of Field 2 is more enhanced. We find that the galaxy has three major star formation episodes t $\sim$ 800 Myr ago, t $\sim$ 3.2 Gyr ago, and t $\sim$ 10 Gyr ago, where t is look-back time. The rate of star formation at $\sim$ 800 Myr ago agrees with previous studies suggesting that the galaxy experienced a merger around that time. Furthermore, NGC5128 has experienced a lower star formation rate in its recent history which could have been driven by jet-induction star formation and multiple outbursts of AGN activity in this galaxy, as well as a minor merger around 400 Myr ago.

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The Astrophysical Distance Scale: V. A 2% Distance to the Local Group Spiral M33 via the JAGB Method, Tip of the Red Giant Branch, and Leavitt Law

The J-region asymptotic giant branch (JAGB) method is a new standard candle that is based on the stable intrinsic J-band magnitude of color-selected carbon stars, and has a precision comparable to other primary distance indicators such as Cepheids and the TRGB. We further test the accuracy of the JAGB method in the Local Group Galaxy M33. M33's moderate inclination, low metallicity, and nearby proximity make it an ideal laboratory for tests of systematics in local distance indicators. Using high-precision optical BVI and near-infrared JHK photometry, we explore the application of three independent distance indicators: the JAGB method, the Cepheid Leavitt Law, and the TRGB. We find: $μ_0$ (TRGB I) = 24.72 +/- 0.02 (stat) +/- 0.07 (sys) mag, $μ_0$ (TRGB NIR) = 24.72 +/- 0.04 (stat) +/- 0.10 (sys) mag, $μ_0$ (JAGB) = 24.67 +/- 0.03 (stat) +/- 0.04 (sys) mag, $μ_0$ (Cepheid) = 24.71 +/- 0.04 (stat) +/- 0.01 (sys) mag. For the first time, we also directly compare a JAGB distance using ground-based and space-based photometry. We measure: $μ_0$ (JAGB F110W) = 24.71 +/- 0.06 (stat) +/- 0.05 (sys) mag using the (F814-F110W) color combination to effectively isolate the JAGB stars. In this paper, we measure a distance to M33 accurate to 2% and provide further evidence that the JAGB method is a powerful extragalactic distance indicator that can effectively probe a local measurement of the Hubble constant using spaced-based observations. We expect to measure the Hubble constant via the JAGB method in the near future, using observations from JWST.

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From evolved Long-Period-Variable stars to the evolution of M31

One of the ways to understand the genesis and evolution of the universe is to know how galaxies have formed and evolved. In this regard, the study of star formation history (SFH) plays an important role in the accurate understanding of galaxies. In this paper, we used long-period variable stars (LPVs) to estimate the SFH in the Andromeda galaxy (M31). These cool stars reach their peak luminosity in the final stage of their evolution; their birth mass is directly related to their luminosity. Therefore, we construct the mass function and the star formation history using stellar evolution models.

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Mass-loss rates of cool evolved stars in M33 galaxy

We have conducted a near-infrared monitoring campaign at the UK InfraRed Telescope (UKIRT), of the Local Group spiral galaxy M33 (Triangulum). In this paper, we present the dust and gas mass-loss rates by the pulsating Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars and red supergiants (RSGs) across the stellar disc of M33.

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The Isaac Newton Telescope monitoring survey of Local Group dwarf galaxies. II. The star formation history of Andromeda I derived from long period variables

An optical monitoring survey in the nearby dwarf galaxies was carried out with the 2.5-m Isaac Newton Telescope (INT). 55 dwarf galaxies and four isolated globular clusters in the Local Group (LG) were observed with the Wide Field Camera (WFC). The main aims of this survey are to identify the most evolved asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and red supergiants at the end-point of their evolution based on their pulsational instability, use their distribution over luminosity to reconstruct the star formation history (SFH), quantify the dust production and mass loss from modelling the multi-wavelength spectral energy distributions, and relate this to luminosity and radius variations. In this second of a series of papers, we present the methodology used to estimate SFH based on long-period variable (LPV) stars and then derive it for Andromeda\,I (And\,I) dwarf galaxy as an example of the survey. Using our identified 59 LPV candidates within two half-light radii of And\,I and Padova stellar evolution models, we estimated the SFH of this galaxy. A major epoch of star formation occurred in And\,I peaking around 6.6 Gyr ago, reaching $0.0035\pm0.0016$ M$_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$ and only slowly declining until 1--2 Gyr ago. The presence of some dusty LPVs in this galaxy corresponds to a slight increase in recent star formation peaking around 800 Myr ago. We evaluate a quenching time around 4 Gyr ago ($z<0.5$), which makes And\,I a late-quenching dSph. A total stellar mass $(16\pm7)\times10^6$ M$_\odot$ is calculated within two half-light radii of And\,I for a constant metallicity $Z=0.0007$.

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The Isaac Newton Telescope monitoring survey of Local Group dwarf galaxies -- IV. The star formation history of Andromeda VII derived from long period variable stars

We have examined the star formation history (SFH) of Andromeda VII (And VII), the brightest and most massive dwarf spheroidal (dSph) satellite of the Andromeda galaxy (M 31). Although M 31 is surrounded by several dSph companions with old stellar populations and low metallicity, it has a metal-rich stellar halo with an age of 6$-$8 Gyr. This indicates that any evolutionary association between the stellar halo of M 31 and its dSph system is frail. Therefore, the question is whether And VII (a high-metallicity dSph located $\sim$220 kpc from M 31), can be associated with M 31's young, metal-rich halo. Here, we perform the first reconstruction of the SFH of And VII employing long-period variable (LPV) stars. As the most-evolved asymptotic giant branch (AGB) and red supergiant (RSG) stars, the birth mass of LPVs can be determined by connecting their near-infrared photometry to theoretical evolutionary tracks. We found 55 LPV candidates within two half-light radii, using multi-epoch imaging with the Isaac Newton Telescope in the $i$ and $V$ bands. Based on their birth mass function, the star-formation rate (SFR) of And VII was obtained as a function of cosmic time. The main epoch of star formation occurred $\simeq 6.2$ Gyr ago with a SFR of $0.006\pm0.002$ M$_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$. Over the past 6 Gyr, we find slow star formation, which continued until 500 Myr ago with a SFR $\sim0.0005\pm0.0002$ M$_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$. We determined And VII's stellar mass $M=(13.3\pm5.3)\times10^6$ M$_\odot$ within a half-light radius $r_{\frac{1}{2}}=3.8\pm0.3$ arcmin and metallicity $Z=0.0007$, and also derived its distance modulus of $μ=24.38$ mag.

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INT monitoring survey of Local Group dwarf galaxies: star formation history and chemical enrichment

The Local Group (LG) hosts many dwarf galaxies with diverse physical characteristics in terms of morphology, mass, star formation, and metallicity. To this end, LG can offer a unique site to tackle questions about the formation and evolution of galaxies by providing detailed information. While large telescopes are often the first choices for such studies, small telescope surveys that perform dedicated observations are still important, particularly in studying bright objects in the nearby universe. In this regard, we conducted a nine epoch survey of 55 dwarf galaxies called the Local Group dwarf galaxies survey using the 2.5m Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) in La Palma to identify Long-Period Variable (LPV) stars, namely Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) and Red Super Giant (RSG) stars. AGB stars formed at different times and studying their radial distribution and mass-loss rate can shed light on the structure formation in galaxies. To further investigate the evolutionary path of these galaxies, we construct their star formation history (SFH) using the LPV stars, which are at the final stages of their evolution and therefore experience brightness fluctuations on the timescales between hundred to thousand days. In this paper, we present some of the results of the Local Group dwarf galaxies survey.

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The Isaac Newton Telescope monitoring survey of Local Group dwarf galaxies. I. Survey overview and first results for Andromeda I

An optical monitoring survey in the nearby dwarf galaxies was carried out with the 2.5-m Isaac Newton Telescope (INT). 55 dwarf galaxies and four isolated globular clusters in the Local Group (LG) were observed with the Wide Field Camera (WFC). The main aims of this survey are to identify the most evolved asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and red supergiants at the end-point of their evolution based on their pulsational instability, use their distribution over luminosity to reconstruct the star formation history, quantify the dust production and mass loss from modelling the multi-wavelength spectral energy distributions, and relate this to luminosity and radius variations. In this first of a series of papers, we present the methodology of the variability survey and describe the photometric catalogue of Andromeda I (And I) dwarf galaxy as an example of the survey, and discuss the identified long period variable (LPV) stars. We detected 5581 stars and identified 59 LPV candidates within two half-light radii of the centre of And I. The amplitudes of these candidates range from 0.2 to 3 mag in the $i$-band. 75 % of detected sources and 98 % of LPV candidates are detected at mid-infrared wavelengths. We show evidence for the presence of dust-producing AGB stars in this galaxy including five extreme AGB (x-AGB) stars, and model some of their spectral energy distributions. A distance modulus of 24.41 mag for And I was determined based on the tip of the red giant branch (RGB). Also, a half-light radius of 3.2 arcmin is calculated.

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A three-dimensional map of the hot Local Bubble using diffuse interstellar bands

The Solar System is located within a low-density cavity, known as the Local Bubble, which appears to be filled with an X-ray emitting gas at a temperature of 10$^6$ K. Such conditions are too harsh for typical interstellar atoms and molecules to survive. There exists an enigmatic tracer of interstellar gas, known as Diffuse Interstellar Bands (DIB), which often appears as absorption features in stellar spectra. The carriers of these bands remain largely unidentified. Here we report the three-dimensional structure of the Local Bubble using two different DIB tracers ($λ$5780 and $λ$5797), which reveals that DIB carriers are present within the Bubble. The map shows low ratios of $λ$5797/$λ$5780 inside the Bubble compared to the outside. This finding proves that the carrier of the $λ$5780 DIB can withstand X-ray photo-dissociation and sputtering by fast ions, where the carrier of the $λ$5797 DIB succumbs. This would mean that DIB carriers can be more stable than hitherto thought and that the carrier of the $λ$5780 DIB must be larger than that of the $λ$5797 DIB. Alternatively, small-scale denser (and cooler) structures that shield some of the DIB carriers must be prevalent within the Bubble, implying that such structures may be an intrinsic feature of supernova-driven bubbles.

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Recovering the Star Formation History of IC 1613 Dwarf Galaxy Using Evolved Stars

Determining the star formation history (SFH) is key to understand the formation and evolution of dwarf galaxies. Recovering the SFH in resolved galaxies is mostly based on deep colour--magnitude diagrams (CMDs), which trace the signatures of multiple evolutionary stages of their stellar populations. In distant and unresolved galaxies, the integrated light of the galaxy can be decomposed, albeit made difficult by an age--metallicity degeneracy. Another solution to determine the SFH of resolved galaxies is based on evolved stars; these luminous stars are the most accessible tracers of the underlying stellar populations and can trace the entire SFH. Here we present a novel method based on long period variable (LPV) evolved asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and red supergiants (RSGs). We applied this method to reconstruct the SFH for IC 1613, an irregular dwarf galaxy at a distance of 750 kpc. Our results provide an independent confirmation that no major episode of star formation occurred in IC 1613 over the past 5 Gyr.

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An Infrared Census Of Dust In Nearby Galaxies With Spitzer (DUSTiNGS): V. The Period-luminosity Relation For Dusty Metal-Poor AGB Stars

The survey for DUST In Nearby Galaxies with Spitzer (DUSTiNGS) has identified hundreds of candidate dust-producing Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars in several nearby metal-poor galaxies. We have obtained multi-epoch follow-up observations for these candidates with the Spitzer Space Telescope and measured their infrared (IR) lightcurves. This has allowed us to confirm their AGB nature and investigate pulsation behavior at very low metallicity. We have obtained high-confidence pulsation periods for 88 sources in seven galaxies. We have confirmed DUSTiNGS variable star candidates with a 20% success rate, and determined the pulsation properties of 19 sources already identified as Thermally-Pulsing AGB (TP-AGB) stars. We find that the AGB pulsation properties are similar in all galaxies surveyed here, with no discernible difference between the DUSTiNGS galaxies (down to 1.4% solar metallicity; [Fe/H]=-1.85) and the far more metal-rich Magellanic Clouds (up to 50% solar metallicity; [Fe/H]=-0.38). These results strengthen the link between dust production and pulsation in AGB stars and establish the IR Period-Luminosity (P - L) relation as a reliable tool (+/- 4%) for determining distances to galaxies, regardless of metallicity.

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