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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 April 2016
Observations show that long period variables (LPVs) as well as many other giant and supergiant stars are losing mass extensively. As evidence of mass loss one can mention the presence of circumstellar envelopes around LPVs. Such envelopes are inferred from infrared excesses (Gehrz and Woolf, 1971; Reimers, 1975) and maser radiation. P Cyg type profiles are observed in the spectra of some LPVs (Sanner, 1977). The increased brightness of the companion of Mira (a white dwarf) has been interpreted as the result of accretion of matter ejected by the primary (Shklovsky, 1976).