All bandheads predicted by spectra from CO and SiO linelists can be clearly seen. The features of CO, SiO and OH are very prominent in the spectra of relatively hot SR variables, whereas they are only weak or disappear completely in cool Mira stars. The spectra of cool Mira variables are dominated by absorption of H 2 O and maybe CO 2 . Also for hotter SR variables some of the features come out too strong. Any interpretation of ISO-SWS spectra of cool giants has to take into account the molecular absorption caused by water.
All figures are available with two different resolutions.