Planetary Nebulae from Miras?

Abstract

The properties of large amplitude AGB variables (Miras) are reviewed with particular emphasis on their relevance for evolution into PNe. We concentrate on recent observations in the LMC and Galactic Bulge. The available evidence is consistent with the idea that most Miras evolve into PNe and that most old disk stars go through the Mira and PNe phases. However, there are some suggestions that the most metal rich stars in the Galactic Bulge go through neither phase or do so very rapidly. The lifetime of a typical Bulge Mira must be more than 105 yrs and Miras outnumber PNe in the Bulge by about 10 to 1.