We present preliminary results from an imaging survey of bright northern Mira variables and Supergiants. Diffraction-limited images of Mira exhibit the same elongation along PA 120° as observed in previous observations. Of the other Mira variables observed, R Cas is unambiguously detected as non-spherically symmetric. Our observations of α-Her are consistent with there being a ‘hot-spot’ on its surface, similar to those we have previously detected on Betelgeuse.

The review covers the properties of red variables in globular clusters and the Galactic Bulge. Details are given of our current understanding of the Mira evolutionary phase. There is evidence that Miras in the LMC and the Bulge occupy different parts of the instability strip but obey the same PLC relation. The Bulge contains at least 2 × 104 Miras of which 100 or so have luminosities in excess of Mbol = — 5 mag. The Mira phase lasts more than 105 yr. These objects originate from stars with a wide range of metallicity, but it is currently unclear if the most metal-rich stars reach the top of the AGB to become Miras. Preliminary data suggest that the distribution of the Miras along the minor axis of the Bulge is different from that of the late-M stars but similar to the 2.4 μm luminosity.

Our knowledge of the Bulge carbon stars is briefly reviewed. It is suggested that, by analogy with the carbon-rich dwarfs, these stars are probably best understood as the products of binary evolution.