  Oscillations of the Sun and solar-like stars are believed to be excited
stochastically by convection near the stellar surface. Theoretical modeling
predicts that the resulting amplitude increases rapidly with the luminosity of
the star. Thus one might expect oscillations of substantial amplitudes in red
giants with high luminosities and vigorous convection. Here we present evidence
that such oscillations may in fact have been detected in the so-called
semiregular variables, extensive observations of which have been made by
amateur astronomers in the American Association for Variable Star Observers
(AAVSO). This may offer a new opportunity for studying the physical processes
that give rise to the oscillations, possibly leading to further information
about the properties of convection in these stars.
