Mid-infrared Period-Luminosity Relations for Miras in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Abstract

We present the mid-infrared (mid-IR) period-luminosity relations (PLRs) using over 1000 Mira variables in the Large Magellanic Cloud, for the four Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer and the four Spitzer bands. These PLRs cover a mid-IR wavelength range from 3.4-22 μm and are presented separately for the oxygen-rich (O-rich) and carbon-rich (C-rich) Miras. These relations can be used to measure distances to individual O-rich and/or C-rich Mira stars with an accuracy of 5% and 12%, respectively. They are the most accurate Mira PLRs in the mid-IR to date.