Asymptotic Giant Branch Variables as Extragalactic Distance Indicators
  Large-amplitude asymptotic giant branch variables potentially rival Cepheid
variables as fundamental calibrators of the distance scale, particularly if
observations are made in the infrared, or where there is substantial
interstellar obscuration. They are particularly useful for probing somewhat
older populations, such as those found in dwarf spheroidal galaxies, elliptical
galaxies or in the halos of spirals. Calibration data from the Galaxy and new
observations of various Local Group galaxies are described and the outlook for
the future, with a calibration from Gaia and observations from the next
generation of infrared telescopes, is discussed.
