| Abstract
| - Abstract. A globular cluster distance scale based on Hipparcos parallaxes of subdwarfs has been used to derive estimates of MK for cluster Miras, including one in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) globular cluster NGC 121. These lead to a zero-point of the Mira infrared period-luminosity (PL) relation, PL(K), in good agreement with that derived from Hipparcos parallaxes of nearby field Miras. The mean of these two estimates together with data on LMC Miras yields a Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) distance modulus of in evident agreement with a metallicity-corrected Cepheid modulus . The use of luminous asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars as extragalactic population indicators is also discussed.
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