Based on the sample of stars we observed, it appears that the flux density at radio frequencies from long-period variables can be modeled with a simple formula. Given the excellent agreement between measured and modeled flux densities, it is possible that distances can be estimated from a flux density measurement with a precision of about 10/100. Since the radio-frequency emission from long-period vari- ables has a well-defined spectrum, is very compact, and is relatively constant in time, we suggest these stars can be used to determine the absolute flux density scale for millimeter- and submillimeter- wavelength interferometers.
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