Galactic post-AGB stars distances

J/A+A/469/799), and present, for the first time, homogeneously derived distance determinations for the 209 likely and 87 possible catalogued PAGB stars from that compilation. Knowing distances are essential in determining meaningful physical characteristics for these sources and this has been difficult to determine for most objects previously.

The distances were determined by modelling their spectral energy distributions (SEDs) with multiple blackbody curves, and integrating under the overall fit to determine the total distance-dependent flux. This approach was undertaken for consistency as precise spectral types, needed for more detailed fitting, were unknown in the majority of cases. The SED method works because the luminosity of these central stars is very nearly constant from the tip of the AGB phase to the beginning of the white dwarf cooling track.