The Local Group galaxy NGC 6822 and its asymptotic giant branch stars

JHK(S) photometry is presented from a 3.5 yr survey of the central regions of the irregular galaxy NGC 6822. The morphology of the colour-magnitude and colour-colour diagrams is discussed with particular reference to M-, S- and C-type asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and to M supergiants. Mean JHK(S) magnitudes and periods are given for 11 O-rich and 50 presumed C-rich Miras. Data are also listed for 27 large-amplitude AGB stars without periods and for 69 small-amplitude AGB variables. The slope of the bolometric period-luminosity relation for the C-rich Miras is in good agreement with that in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Distance moduli derived from the C- and O-rich Miras are in agreement with other estimates. The period distribution of C-rich Miras in NGC 6822 is similar to that in the Magellanic Clouds, but differs from that in the dwarf spheroidals in the Local Group. In the latter there is a significant proportion of large-amplitude, short-period variables indicating a population producing old carbon-rich AGB stars.