Milky Way Zero-point Calibration of the JAGB Method: Using Thermally Pulsing AGB Stars in Galactic Open Clusters

Abstract We present a new calibration of the J -band absolute magnitude JAGB method based on thermally pulsing AGB stars that are members Milky Way open clusters, having distances and reddenings, independently compiled published by Marigo. A total 17 these photometrically selected J-Branch give M = ?6.40 mag with scatter ±0.40 mag, 1 ? mean ±0.10 mag. Combining field carbon star Lee this determination gives weighted average (MW) ?6.19 ± 0.04 (error mean). This value is statistically indistinguishable from determined for population distance indicators in LMC SMC, giving further evidence extremely reliable high luminosity universal applicability. zero-points three systems, ?6.20 0.01 (stat) ±0.04 (sys) becomes our best current estimate zero-point its associated errors. Finally, we note no found any significant dependence metallicity.