scholarly journals Detection of CI line emission towards the oxygen-rich AGB star omi Ceti

2018 ◽  
Vol 612 ◽  
pp. L11 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Saberi ◽  
W. H. T. Vlemmings ◽  
E. De Beck ◽  
R. Montez ◽  
S. Ramstedt
Keyword(s):  
Uv Radiation ◽  
Line Emission ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
High Angular Resolution ◽  
Circumstellar Envelope ◽  
Velocity Shift ◽  
Compact Region ◽  
Fractional Abundance ◽  
Stellar Velocity ◽  
First Time

We present the detection of neutral atomic carbon CI(3P1–3P0) line emission towards omi Cet. This is the first time that CI is detected in the envelope around an oxygen-rich M-type asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star. We also confirm the previously tentative CI detection around V Hya, a carbon-rich AGB star. As one of the main photodissociation products of parent species in the circumstellar envelope (CSE) around evolved stars, CI can be used to trace sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in CSEs. The observed flux density towards omi Cet can be reproduced by a shell with a peak atomic fractional abundance of 2.4 × 10−5 predicted based on a simple chemical model where CO is dissociated by the interstellar radiation field. However, the CI emission is shifted by ~4 km s−1 from the stellar velocity. Based on this velocity shift, we suggest that the detected CI emission towards omi Cet potentially arises from a compact region near its hot binary companion. The velocity shift could, therefore, be the result of the orbital velocity of the binary companion around omi Cet. In this case, the CI column density is estimated to be 1.1 × 1019 cm−2. This would imply that strong UV radiation from the companion and/or accretion of matter between two stars is most likely the origin of the CI enhancement. However, this hypothesis can be confirmed by high-angular resolution observations.

scholarly journals Enhanced UV radiation and dense clumps in the molecular outflow of Mrk 231

2020 ◽  
Vol 633 ◽  
pp. A163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Cicone ◽  
Roberto Maiolino ◽  
Susanne Aalto ◽  
Sebastien Muller ◽  
Chiara Feruglio
Keyword(s):  
Gas Phase ◽  
Uv Radiation ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Line Emission ◽  
Molecular Gas ◽  
Spectral Features ◽  
Giant Molecular Clouds ◽  
Dense Phase ◽  
Molecular Outflow ◽  
First Time

We present interferometric observations of the CN(1–0) line emission in Mrk 231 and combine them with previous observations of CO and other H2 gas tracers to study the physical properties of the massive molecular outflow. We find a strong boost of the CN/CO(1–0) line luminosity ratio in the outflow of Mrk 231, which is unprecedented compared to any other known Galactic or extragalactic astronomical source. For the dense gas phase in the outflow traced by the HCN and CN emissions, we infer XCN ≡ [CN]/[H2]> XHCN by at least a factor of three, with H2 gas densities of nH2 ∼ 105−6 cm−3. In addition, we resolve for the first time narrow spectral features in the HCN(1–0) and HCO+(1–0) high-velocity line wings tracing the dense phase of the outflow. The velocity dispersions of these spectral features, σv ∼ 7−20 km s−1, are consistent with those of massive extragalactic giant molecular clouds detected in nearby starburst nuclei. The H2 gas masses inferred from the HCN data are quite high, Mmol ∼ 0.3−5 × 108 M⊙. Our results suggest that massive complexes of denser molecular gas survive embedded into the more diffuse H2 phase of the outflow, and that the chemistry of these outflowing dense clouds is strongly affected by UV radiation.

SMA Spectral Line Survey of the Proto-Planetary Nebula CRL 618

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (S343) ◽  
pp. 483-484
Author(s):  
Nimesh A. Patel ◽  
Carl Gottlieb ◽  
Ken Young ◽  
Tomasz Kaminski ◽  
Michael McCarthy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spectral Line ◽  
Planetary Nebula ◽  
Line Emission ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
60 Ghz ◽  
Agb Stars ◽  
Complex Molecules ◽  
Compact Region ◽  
Line Survey ◽  
Pn Stage

AbstractCarbon-rich Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars are major sources of gas and dust in the interstellar medium. During the brief (∼1000 yr) period in the evolution from AGB to the Planetary Nebula (PN) stage, the molecular composition evolves from mainly diatomic and small polyatomic species to more complex molecules. Using the Submillimeter Array (SMA), we have carried out a spectral line survey of CRL 618, covering a frequency range of 281.9 to 359.4 GHz. More than 1000 lines were detected in the ∼60 GHz range, most of them assigned to HC3N and c-C3H2, and their isotopologues. About 200 lines are unassigned. Lines of CO, HCO+, and CS show the fast outflow wings, while the majority of line emission arises from a compact region of ∼1” diameter. We have analyzed the lines of HC3N, c-C3H2, CH3CN, and their isotopologues with rotation temperature diagrams.

scholarly journals Detection of highly excited OH towards AGB stars

2019 ◽  
Vol 623 ◽  
pp. L1 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Khouri ◽  
L. Velilla-Prieto ◽  
E. De Beck ◽  
W. H. T. Vlemmings ◽  
H. Olofsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rotational Temperature ◽  
Zeeman Effect ◽  
Line Emission ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
High Angular Resolution ◽  
Agb Stars ◽  
Vibrationally Excited ◽  
Maser Effect ◽  
Molecular Excitation ◽  
The Magnetic Field

Aims. We characterise the gas in the extended atmospheres of the oxygen-rich asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars W Hya and R Dor using high angular resolution ALMA observations. Methods. We report the detection and investigate the properties of high-excitation Λ-doubling line emission of hydroxyl (OH). Results. The OH lines are produced very close to the central stars and seem optically thin and with no maser effect. We analyse the molecular excitation using a population diagram and find rotational temperatures of ∼2500 K and column densities of ∼1019 cm−2 for both sources. For W Hya, we observe emission from vibrationally excited H2O arising from the same region as the OH emission. Moreover, CO v = 1, J = 3 − 2 emission also shows a brightness peak in the same region. Considering optically thin emission and the rotational temperature derived for OH, we find a CO column density ∼15 times higher than that of OH, within an area of (92 × 84) mas2 centred on the OH emission peak. These results should be considered tentative because of the simple methods employed. The observed OH line frequencies differ significantly from the predicted transition frequencies in the literature, and provide the possibility of using OH lines observed in AGB stars to improve the accuracy of the Hamiltonian used for the OH molecule. We predict stronger OH Λ-doubling lines at millimetre wavelengths than those we detected. These lines will be a good probe of shocked gas in the extended atmosphere and are possibly even suitable as probes of the magnetic field in the atmospheres of close-by AGB stars through the Zeeman effect.

scholarly journals IRC +10 216 in 3D: morphology of a TP-AGB star envelope

2018 ◽  
Vol 610 ◽  
pp. A4 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Guélin ◽  
N. A. Patel ◽  
M. Bremer ◽  
J. Cernicharo ◽  
A. Castro-Carrizo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Angular Resolution ◽  
Binary Star ◽  
3D Structure ◽  
Line Emission ◽  
High Spectral Resolution ◽  
High Angular Resolution ◽  
Circumstellar Envelope ◽  
Outer Envelope ◽  
Radial Profiles

During their late pulsating phase, AGB stars expel most of their mass in the form of massive dusty envelopes, an event that largely controls the composition of interstellar matter. The envelopes, however, are distant and opaque to visible and NIR radiation: their structure remains poorly known and the mass-loss process poorly understood. Millimeter-wave interferometry, which combines the advantages of longer wavelength, high angular resolution and very high spectral resolution is the optimal investigative tool for this purpose. Mm waves pass through dust with almost no attenuation. Their spectrum is rich in molecular lines and hosts the fundamental lines of the ubiquitous CO molecule, allowing a tomographic reconstruction of the envelope structure. The circumstellar envelope IRC +10 216 and its central star, the C-rich TP-AGB star closest to the Sun, are the best objects for such an investigation. Two years ago, we reported the first detailed study of the CO(2–1) line emission in that envelope, made with the IRAM 30-m telescope. It revealed a series of dense gas shells, expanding at a uniform radial velocity. The limited resolution of the telescope (HPBW 11″) did not allow us to resolve the shell structure. We now report much higher angular resolution observations of CO(2–1), CO(1–0), CN(2–1) and C4H(24–23) made with the SMA, PdB and ALMA interferometers (with synthesized half-power beamwidths of 3″, 1″ and 0.3″, respectively). Although the envelope appears much more intricate at high resolution than with an 11″ beam, its prevailing structure remains a pattern of thin, nearly concentric shells. The average separation between the brightest CO shells is 16″ in the outer envelope, where it appears remarkably constant. Closer to the star (<40″), the shell pattern is denser and less regular, showing intermediary arcs. Outside the small (r< 0.3′′) dust formation zone, the gas appears to expand radially at a constant velocity, 14.5 km s-1, with small turbulent motions. Based on that property, we have reconstructed the 3D structure of the outer envelope and have derived the gas temperature and density radial profiles in the inner (r< 25′′) envelope. The shell-intershell density contrast is found to be typically 3. The over-dense shells have spherical or slightly oblate shapes and typically extend over a few steradians, implying isotropic mass loss. The regular spacing of shells in the outer envelope supports the model of a binary star system with a period of 700 yr and a near face-on elliptical orbit. The companion fly-by triggers enhanced episodes of mass loss near periastron. The densification of the shell pattern observed in the central part of the envelope suggests a more complex scenario for the last few thousand years.

scholarly journals η Carinae: high angular resolution continuum, H30α and He30α ALMA images

2020 ◽  
Vol 499 (2) ◽  
pp. 2493-2512
Author(s):  
Zulema Abraham ◽  
Pedro P B Beaklini ◽  
Pierre Cox ◽  
Diego Falceta-Gonçalves ◽  
Lars-Åke Nyman
Keyword(s):  
Angular Resolution ◽  
Line Emission ◽  
High Angular Resolution ◽  
Proper Motions ◽  
Recombination Line ◽  
Compact Source ◽  
Continuum Source ◽  
Velocity Images ◽  
First Time ◽  
Compact Sources

ABSTRACT We present images of η Carinae in the recombination lines H30α and He30α and the underlying continuum with 50 mas resolution (110 au), obtained with ALMA. For the first time, the 230 GHz continuum image is resolved into a compact core, coincident with the binary system position, and a weaker extended structure to the NW of the compact source. Iso-velocity images of the H30α recombination line show at least 16 unresolved sources with velocities between −30 and −65 km s−1 distributed within the continuum source. A NLTE model, with density and temperature of the order of 107 cm−3 and 104 K, reproduce both the observed H30α line profiles and their underlying continuum flux densities. Three of these sources are identified with Weigelt blobs D, C, and B; estimating their proper motions, we derive ejection times (in years) of 1952.6, 1957.1, and 1967.6, respectively, all of which are close to periastron passage. Weaker H30α line emission is detected at higher positive and negative velocities, extending in the direction of the Homunculus axis. The He30α recombination line is also detected with the same velocity of the narrow H30α line. Finally, the close resemblance of the H30α image with that of an emission line that was reported in the literature as HCO+(4–3) led us to identify this line as H40δ instead, an identification that is further supported by modelling results. Future observations will enable to determine the proper motions of all the compact sources discovered in the new high angular resolution data of η Carinae.

scholarly journals Maser emission from the CO envelope of the asymptotic giant branch star W Hydrae

2021 ◽  
Vol 654 ◽  
pp. A18
Author(s):  
W. H. T. Vlemmings ◽  
T. Khouri ◽  
D. Tafoya
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Radiation Field ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
High Angular Resolution ◽  
Circumstellar Envelope ◽  
Agb Stars ◽  
Maser Emission ◽  
Co Emission ◽  
Loss Rates

Context. Observation of CO emission around asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars is the primary method to determine gas mass-loss rates. While radiative transfer models have shown that molecular levels of CO can become mildly inverted, causing maser emission, CO maser emission has yet to be confirmed observationally. Aims. High-resolution observations of the CO emission around AGB stars now have the brightness temperature sensitivity to detect possible weak CO maser emission. Methods. We used high angular resolution observations taken with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to observe the small-scale structure of CO J = 3−2 emission around the oxygen-rich AGB star W Hya. Results. We find CO maser emission amplifying the stellar continuum with an optical depth τ ≈−0.55. The maser predominantly amplifies the limb of the star because CO J = 3−2 absorption from the extended stellar atmosphere is strongest towards the centre of the star. Conclusions. The CO maser velocity corresponds to a previously observed variable component of high-frequency H2O masers and with the OH maser that was identified as the amplified stellar image. This implies that the maser originates beyond the acceleration region and constrains the velocity profile since we find the population inversion primarily in the inner circumstellar envelope. We find that inversion can be explained by the radiation field at 4.6 μm and that the existence of CO maser emission is consistent with the estimated mass-loss rates for W Hya. However, the pumping mechanism requires a complex interplay between absorption and emission lines in the extended atmosphere. Excess from dust in the circumstellar envelope of W Hya is not sufficient to contribute significantly to the required radiation field at 4.6 μm. The interplay between molecular lines that cause the pumping can be constrained by future multi-level CO observations.

scholarly journals How to disentangle geometry and mass-loss rate from AGB-star spectral energy distributions

2020 ◽  
Vol 642 ◽  
pp. A142 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Wiegert ◽  
M. A. T. Groenewegen ◽  
A. Jorissen ◽  
L. Decin ◽  
T. Danilovich
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Loss Rate ◽  
Mass Loss Rate ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
High Angular Resolution ◽  
Circumstellar Envelope ◽  
Spectral Energy Distributions ◽  
Energy Distributions ◽  
The Impact

Context. High-angular-resolution observations of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars often reveal non-spherical morphologies for the gas and dust envelopes. Aims. We aim to make a pilot study to quantify the impact of different geometries (spherically symmetric, spiral-shaped, and disc-shaped) of the dust component of AGB envelopes on spectral energy distributions (SEDs), mass estimates, and subsequent mass-loss rate (MLR) estimates. We also estimate the error made on the MLR if the SED is fitted by an inappropriate geometrical model. Methods. We use the three-dimensional Monte-Carlo-based radiative-transfer code RADMC-3D to simulate emission from dusty envelopes with different geometries (but fixed spatial extension). We compare these predictions with each other, and with the SED of the AGB star EP Aqr that we use as a benchmark since its envelope is disc-like and known to harbour spiral arms, as seen in CO. Results. The SEDs involving the most massive envelopes are those for which the different geometries have the largest impact, primarily on the silicate features at 10 and 18 μm. These different shapes originate from large differences in optical depths. Massive spirals and discs appear akin to black bodies. Optically thick edge-on spirals and discs (with dust masses of 10−4 and 10−5 M⊙) exhibit black-body SEDs that appear cooler than those from face-on structures and spheres of the same mass, while optically thick face-on distributions appear as warmer emission. We find that our more realistic models, combined spherical and spiral distributions, are 0.1 to 0.5 times less massive than spheres with similar SEDs. More extreme, less realistic scenarios give that spirals and discs are 0.01 to 0.05 times less massive than corresponding spheres. This means that adopting the wrong geometry for an AGB circumstellar envelope may result in a MLR that is incorrect by as much as one to two orders of magnitude when derived from SED fitting.

scholarly journals Through the magnifying glass: ALMA acute viewing of the intricate nebular architecture of OH 231.8+4.2

2018 ◽  
Vol 618 ◽  
pp. A164 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Sánchez Contreras ◽  
J. Alcolea ◽  
V. Bujarrabal ◽  
A. Castro-Carrizo ◽  
L. Velilla Prieto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Angular Resolution ◽  
Line Emission ◽  
Equatorial Region ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
High Angular Resolution ◽  
Unknown Species ◽  
Fast Wind ◽  
Central Regions

We present continuum and molecular line emission ALMA observations of OH 231.8+4.2, a well studied bipolar nebula around an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star. The high-angular resolution (~0.′′2–0.′′3) and sensitivity of our ALMA maps provide the most detailed and accurate description of the overall nebular structure and kinematics of this object to date. We have identified a number of outflow components previously unknown. Species studied in this work include 12CO, 13CO, CS, SO, SO2, OCS, SiO, SiS, H3O+, Na37Cl, and CH3OH. The molecules Na37Cl and CH3OH are first detections in OH 231.8+4.2, with CH3OH being also a first detection in an AGB star. Our ALMA maps bring to light the totally unexpected position of the mass-losing AGB star (QX Pup) relative to the large-scale outflow. QX Pup is enshrouded within a compact (≲60 AU) parcel of dust and gas (clump S) in expansion (Vexp ~ 5–7 km s−1) that is displaced by ~ 0.′′6 to the south of the dense equatorial region (or waist) where the bipolar lobes join. Our SiO maps disclose a compact bipolar outflow that emerges from QX Pup’s vicinity. This outflow is oriented similarly to the large-scale nebula but the expansion velocities are about ten times lower (Vexp ≲ 35 km s−1). We deduce short kinematical ages for the SiO outflow, ranging from ~50–80 yr, in regions within ~150 AU, to ~400–500 yr at the lobe tips (~3500 AU). Adjacent to the SiO outflow, we identify a small-scale hourglass-shaped structure (mini-hourglass) that is probably made of compressed ambient material formed as the SiO outflow penetrates the dense, central regions of the nebula. The lobes and the equatorial waist of the mini-hourglass are both radially expanding with a constant velocity gradient (Vexp ∝ r). The mini-waist is characterized by extremely low velocities, down to ~1 km s−1 at ~150 AU, which tentatively suggest the presence of a stable structure. The spatio-kinematics of the large-scale, high-velocity lobes (HV lobes), and the dense equatorial waist (large waist) known from previous works are now precisely determined, indicating that both were shaped nearly simultaneously about ~800–900 yr ago. We report the discovery of two large (~8′′ × 6′′), faint bubble-like structures (fish bowls) surrounding the central parts of the nebula. These are relatively old structures, although probably slightly (~100–200 yr) younger than the large waist and the HV lobes. We discuss the series of events that may have resulted in the complex array of nebular components found in OH 231.8+4.2 as well as the properties and locus of the central binary system. The presence of ≲80 yr bipolar ejections indicate that the collimated fast wind engine is still active at the core of this outstanding object.

scholarly journals The extended molecular envelope of the asymptotic giant branch star π1 Gruis as seen by ALMA

2019 ◽  
Vol 633 ◽  
pp. A13 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Doan ◽  
S. Ramstedt ◽  
W. H. T. Vlemmings ◽  
S. Mohamed ◽  
S. Höfner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Angular Resolution ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
Total Power ◽  
High Angular Resolution ◽  
Transfer Model ◽  
Circumstellar Envelope ◽  
Spiral Pattern ◽  
Bipolar Outflow ◽  
Non Local

Context. This study is a follow up to the previous analysis of lower-angular resolution data in which the kinematics and structure of the circumstellar envelope (CSE) around the S-type asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star π1 Gruis were investigated. The AGB star has a known companion (at a separation of ~400 AU) that cannot explain the strong deviations from spherical symmetry of the CSE. Recently, hydrodynamic simulations of mass transfer in closer binary systems have successfully reproduced the spiral-shaped CSEs found around a handful of sources. There is growing evidence for an even closer, undetected companion complicating the case of π1 Gruis further. Aims. The improved spatial resolution allows for the investigation of the complex circumstellar morphology and the search for imprints on the CSE of the third component. Methods. We have observed the 12CO J = 3–2 line emission from π1 Gruis using both the compact and extended array of Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). The interferometric data have furthermore been combined with data from the ALMA total power array. The imaged brightness distribution has been used to constrain a non-local, non-local thermodynamic equilibrium 3D radiative transfer model of the CSE. Results. The high-angular resolution ALMA data have revealed the first example of a source on the AGB where both a faster bipolar outflow and a spiral pattern along the orbital plane can be seen in the gas envelope. The spiral can be traced in the low- to intermediate-velocity (13–25 km s−1) equatorial torus. The largest spiral-arm separation is ≈5.′′5 and consistent with a companion with an orbital period of ≈330 yr and a separation of less than 70 AU. The kinematics of the bipolar outflow is consistent with it being created during a mass-loss eruption where the mass-loss rate from the system increased by at least a factor of five for 10–15 yr. Conclusions. The spiral pattern is the result of an undetected companion. The bipolar outflow is the result of a rather recent mass-loss eruption event.

scholarly journals Gas phase formation of c-SiC3molecules in the circumstellar envelope of carbon stars

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (29) ◽  
pp. 14471-14478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Yang ◽  
Luke Bertels ◽  
Beni B. Dangi ◽  
Xiaohu Li ◽  
Martin Head-Gordon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Star ◽  
Asymptotic Giant Branch ◽  
Formation Mechanisms ◽  
Circumstellar Envelope ◽  
Outer Envelope ◽  
Parent Molecule ◽  
Silicon Carbon ◽  
Electronically Excited ◽  
Circumstellar Environments ◽  
A Chain

Complex organosilicon molecules are ubiquitous in the circumstellar envelope of the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star IRC+10216, but their formation mechanisms have remained largely elusive until now. These processes are of fundamental importance in initiating a chain of chemical reactions leading eventually to the formation of organosilicon molecules—among them key precursors to silicon carbide grains—in the circumstellar shell contributing critically to the galactic carbon and silicon budgets with up to 80% of the ejected materials infused into the interstellar medium. Here we demonstrate via a combined experimental, computational, and modeling study that distinct chemistries in the inner and outer envelope of a carbon star can lead to the synthesis of circumstellar silicon tricarbide (c-SiC3) as observed in the circumstellar envelope of IRC+10216. Bimolecular reactions of electronically excited silicon atoms (Si(1D)) with allene (H2CCCH2) and methylacetylene (CH3CCH) initiate the formation of SiC3H2molecules in the inner envelope. Driven by the stellar wind to the outer envelope, subsequent photodissociation of the SiC3H2parent operates the synthesis of the c-SiC3daughter species via dehydrogenation. The facile route to silicon tricarbide via a single neutral–neutral reaction to a hydrogenated parent molecule followed by photochemical processing of this transient to a bare silicon–carbon molecule presents evidence for a shift in currently accepted views of the circumstellar organosilicon chemistry, and provides an explanation for the previously elusive origin of circumstellar organosilicon molecules that can be synthesized in carbon-rich, circumstellar environments.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document