LP Andromedae (often abbreviated to LP And) is a carbon star in the constellation Andromeda. It is also a Mira variable[ whose mean apparent visual magnitude is 15.12 and has pulsations with an amplitude of 1.50 magnitudes]
In 1974 LP Andromedae, known then as IRC+40540, was identified as a carbon star and also shown to be variable.[ It had previously been suspected of variability during the 2 Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS). A detailed study of its spectrum showed an unusually cool star with a basic class of C8, and Swan band strength of 3.5. It also showed strong C13 isotopic bands.][ The period was narrowed down to around 614 days, one of the longest periods known for a Mira variable.][
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This star has a dusty envelope with an estimated mass of 3.2 , fueled by the star itself which is losing mass at a rate 1.9 /yr. Such a high mass loss rate should place LP Andromedae close to the end of its asymptotic giant branch evolution. The envelope extends to a distance of 3 parsec from the star, and is mainly made of silicon carbide and carbon particles.
See also
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List of largest known stars
