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1.
  • Alcolea, J., et al. (author)
  • HIFISTARS Herschel/HIFI observations of VY Canis Majoris. Molecular-line inventory of the envelope around the largest known star
  • 2013
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 559, s. (article nr.) A93-
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Aims.The study of the molecular gas in the circumstellar envelopes of evolved stars is normally undertaken by observing lines ofCO (and other species) in the millimetre-wave domain. In general, the excitation requirements of the observed lines are low at thesewavelengths, and therefore these observations predominantly probe the cold outer envelope while studying the warm inner regions ofthe envelopes normally requires sub-millimetre (sub-mm) and far-infrared (FIR) observational data.Methods.To gain insight into the physical conditions and kinematics of the warm (100–1000 K) gas around the red hyper-giantVY CMa, we performed sensitive high spectral resolution observations of molecular lines in the sub-mm/FIR using the HIFI instru-ment of theHerschelSpace Observatory. We observed CO, H2O, and other molecular species, sampling excitation energies from afew tens to a few thousand K. These observations are part of theHerschelguaranteed time key program HIFISTARS.Results.We detected theJ=6–5,J=10–9, andJ=16–15 lines of12CO and13CO at∼100, 300, and 750 K above the groundstate (and the13COJ=9–8 line). These lines are crucial for improving the modelling of the internal layers of the envelope aroundVY CMa. We also detected 27 lines of H2O and its isotopomers, and 96 lines of species such as NH3,SiO,SO,SO2HCN, OH andothers, some of them originating from vibrationally excited levels. Three lines were not unambiguously assigned.Conclusions.Our observations confirm that VY CMa’s envelope must consist of two or more detached components. The molecularexcitation in the outer layers is significantly lower than in the inner ones, resulting in strong self-absorbed profiles in molecular linesthat are optically thick in this outer envelope, for instance, low-lying lines of H2O. Except for the most abundant species, CO and H2O,most of the molecular emission detected at these sub-mm/FIR wavelengths arise from the central parts of the envelope. The spectrumof VY CMa is very prominent in vibrationally excited lines, which are caused by the strong IR pumping present in the central regions.Compared with envelopes of other massive evolved stars, VY CMa’s emission is particularly strong in these vibrationally excitedlines, as well as in the emission from less abundant species such as H13CN, SO, and NH3.
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2.
  • Beuther, H., et al. (author)
  • JWST Observations of Young protoStars (JOYS): Outflows and accretion in the high-mass star-forming region IRAS 23385+6053
  • 2023
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 673
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. Understanding the earliest stages of star formation, and setting it in the context of the general cycle of matter in the interstellar medium, is a central aspect of research with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Aims. The JWST program JOYS (JWST Observations of Young protoStars) aims to characterize the physical and chemical properties of young high- and low-mass star-forming regions, in particular the unique mid-infrared diagnostics of the warmer gas and solid-state components. We present early results from the high-mass star formation region IRAS 23385+6053. Methods. The JOYS program uses the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) with its integral field unit (IFU) to investigate a sample of high- and low-mass star-forming protostellar systems. Results. The full 5-? 28 μm MIRI MRS spectrum of IRAS 23385+6053 shows a plethora of interesting features. While the general spectrum is typical for an embedded protostar, we see many atomic and molecular gas lines boosted by the higher spectral resolution and sensitivity compared to previous space missions. Furthermore, ice and dust absorption features are also present. Here, we focus on the continuum emission, outflow tracers such as the H2(0-? 0)S(7), [FeII](4F9/2-6D9/2), and [NeII](2P1/2-2P3/2) lines, and the potential accretion tracer Humphreys α H I(7-6). The short-wavelength MIRI data resolve two continuum sources, A and B; mid-infrared source A is associated with the main millimeter continuum peak. The combination of mid-infrared and millimeter data reveals a young cluster in the making. Combining the mid-infrared outflow tracers H2, [FeII], and [NeII] with millimeter SiO data reveals a complex interplay of at least three molecular outflows driven by protostars in the forming cluster. Furthermore, the Humphreys α line is detected at a 3-?4σ? level toward the mid-infrared sources A and B. One can roughly estimate both accretion luminosities and corresponding accretion rates to be between ∼2.6 × 10-6 and ∼0.9 × 10-4 Mo yr-1. This is discussed in the context of the observed outflow rates. Conclusions. The analysis of the MIRI MRS observations for this young high-mass star-forming region reveals connected outflow and accretion signatures, as well as the enormous potential of JWST to boost our understanding of the physical and chemical processes at play during star formation.
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3.
  • Bjerkeli, Per, 1977, et al. (author)
  • Herschel observations of the Herbig-Haro objects HH52-54
  • 2011
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 533
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. The emission from Herbig-Haro objects and supersonic molecular outflows is understood as cooling radiation behind shocks, which are initiated by a (proto-)stellar wind or jet. Within a given object, one often observes both dissociative (J-type) and non-dissociative (C-type) shocks, owing to the collective effects of internally varying shock velocities. Aims. We aim at the observational estimation of the relative contribution to the cooling by CO and H(2)O, as this provides decisive information for understanding the oxygen chemistry behind interstellar shock waves. Methods. The high sensitivity of HIFI, in combination with its high spectral resolution capability, allowed us to trace the H(2)O outflow wings at an unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio. From the observation of spectrally resolved H(2)O and CO lines in the HH52-54 system, both from space and from the ground, we arrived at the spatial and velocity distribution of the molecular outflow gas. Solving the statistical equilibrium and non-LTE radiative transfer equations provides us with estimates of the physical parameters of this gas, including the cooling rate ratios of the species. The radiative transfer is based on an accelerated lambda iteration code, where we use the fact that variable shock strengths, distributed along the front, are naturally implied by a curved surface. Results. Based on observations of CO and H(2)O spectral lines, we conclude that the emission is confined to the HH54 region. The quantitative analysis of our observations favours a ratio of the CO-to-H(2)O-cooling-rate >> 1. Formally, we derived the ratio A(CO)/A(o-H(2)O) = 10, which is in good agreement with earlier determination of 7 based on ISO-LWS observations. From the best-fit model to the CO emission, we arrive at an H(2)O abundance close to 1 x 10(-5). The line profiles exhibit two components, one that is triangular and another that is a superposed, additional feature. This additional feature is likely to find its origin in a region that is smaller than the beam where the ortho-water abundance is smaller than in the quiescent gas. Conclusions. Comparison with recent shock models indicate that a planar shock cannot easily explain the observed line strengths and triangular line profiles. We conclude that the geometry can play an important role. Although abundances support a scenario where J-type shocks are present, higher cooling rate ratios are derived than predicted by these types of shocks.
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4.
  • Bjerkeli, Per, 1977, et al. (author)
  • Resolving the shocked gas in HH54 with Herschel CO line mapping at high spatial and spectral resolution
  • 2014
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 571
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. The HH 54 shock is a Herbig-Haro object, located in the nearby Chamaeleon II cloud. Observed CO line profiles are due to a complex distribution in density, temperature, velocity, and geometry. Aims. Resolving the HH 54 shock wave in the far-infrared (FIR) cooling lines of CO constrain the kinematics, morphology, and physical conditions of the shocked region. Methods. We used the PACS and SPIRE instruments on board the Herschel space observatory to map the full FIR spectrum in a region covering the HH 54 shock wave. Complementary Herschel-HIFI, APEX, and Spitzer data are used in the analysis as well. The observed features in the line profiles are reproduced using a 3D radiative transfer model of a bow-shock, constructed with the Line Modeling Engine code (LIME). Results. The FIR emission is confined to the HH 54 region and a coherent displacement of the location of the emission maximum of CO with increasing J is observed. The peak positions of the high-J CO lines are shifted upstream from the lower J CO lines and coincide with the position of the spectral feature identified previously in CO(10-9) profiles with HIFI. This indicates a hotter molecular component in the upstream gas with distinct dynamics. The coherent displacement with increasing J for CO is consistent with a scenario where IRAS12500 - 7658 is the exciting source of the flow, and the 180 K bow-shock is accompanied by a hot (800 K) molecular component located upstream from the apex of the shock and blueshifted by -7 km s(-1). The spatial proximity of this knot to the peaks of the atomic fine-structure emission lines observed with Spitzer and PACS ([O I]63, 145 mu m) suggests that it may be associated with the dissociative shock as the jet impacts slower moving gas in the HH 54 bow-shock.
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5.
  • Blommaert, Jadl, et al. (author)
  • On the detection of CO and mass-loss of bulge OH/IR stars
  • 2018
  • In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 479:3, s. 3545-3562
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • We report on the successful search forCO(2-1) and (3-2) emission associated with OH/IR stars in the Galactic bulge. We observed a sample of eight extremely red asymptotic giant branch stars with the Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment telescope and detected seven. The sources were selected at a sufficiently high galactic latitude to avoid interference by interstellar CO, which hampered previous studies of inner galaxy stars. To study the nature of our sample and the mass-loss, we constructed the spectral energy distribution (SEDs) from photometric data and Spitzer IRS spectroscopy. In a first step, we apply radiative transfer modelling to fit the SEDs and obtain luminosities and dust mass-loss rates (MLRs). Through dynamical modelling, we then retrieve the total MLR and the gas-to-dust ratios. We derived variability periods of our stars. The luminosities range between approximately 4000 and 5500 L⊙and periods are shorter than 700 d. The total MLR ranges between 10-5and 10-4M⊙yr-1. Comparison with evolutionary models shows that the progenitor mass ≈ 1.5 M⊙, similar to the bulge Miras of intermediate age (3 Gyr). The gas-to-dust ratios are between 100 and 400 and are similar to what is found for OH/IR stars in the galactic disc. One star, IRAS 17347-2319, has a very short period of approximately 300 d that may be decreasing further. It may belong to a class of Mira variables with a sudden change in period as observed in some Galactic objects. It would be the first example of an OH/IR star in this class and deserves further follow-up observations.
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6.
  • Blommaert, Jadl, et al. (author)
  • On the nature and mass loss of Bulge OH/IR stars
  • 2019
  • In: Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union. - 1743-9213 .- 1743-9221. ; 14:S343, s. 353-354
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • We report on the successful search for CO (2-1) and (3-2) emission associated with OH/IR stars in the Galactic Bulge. We observed a sample of eight extremely red AGB stars with the APEX telescope and detected seven. The sources were selected at sufficient high Galactic latitude to avoid interference by interstellar CO, which hampered previous studies of inner galaxy stars. We also collected photometric data and Spitzer IRS spectroscopy to construct the SEDs, which were analysed through radiative transfer modelling. We derived variability periods of our stars from the VVV and WISE surveys. Through dynamical modelling we then retrieve the total mass loss rates (MLR) and the gas-to-dust ratios. The luminosities range between approximately 4,000 and 5,500 L⊙ and periods are below 700 days. The total MLR ranges between 10-5 and 10-4 M⊙ yr-1. The results are presented in Blommaert et al. 2018 and summarized below.
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7.
  • Bouchet, P., et al. (author)
  • The Mid-Infrared Instrument for the James Webb Space Telescope, III: MIRIM, The MIRI Imager
  • 2015
  • In: Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. - : IOP Publishing. - 0004-6280 .- 1538-3873. ; 127:953, s. 612-622
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • In this article, we describe the Mid-Infrared Imager Module (MIRIM), which provides broadband imaging in the 5-27 mu m wavelength range for the James Webb Space Telescope. The imager has a 0 ''.11 pixel scale and a total unobstructed view of 74 '' x 113 '' The remainder of its nominal 113 '' x 113 '' field is occupied by the coronagraphs and the low-resolution spectrometer. We present the instrument optical and mechanical design. We show that the test data, as measured during the test campaigns undertaken at CEA-Saclay, at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, indicate that the instrument complies with its design requirements and goals. We also discuss the operational requirements (multiple dithers and exposures) needed for optimal scientific utilization of the MIRIM.
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8.
  • Bujarrabal, V., et al. (author)
  • Herschel/HIFI observations of high-J CO transitions in the protoplanetary nebula CRL 618
  • 2010
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 521:1, s. Article Number: L3-
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Aims. We aim to study the physical conditions, particularly the excitation state, of the intermediate-temperature gas components in the protoplanetary nebula CRL 618. These components are particularly important for understanding the evolution of the nebula. Methods. We performed Herschel/HIFI observations of several CO lines in the far-infrared/sub-mm in the protoplanetary nebula CRL 618. The high spectral resolution provided by HIFI allows measurement of the line profiles. Since the dynamics and structure of the nebula is well known from mm-wave interferometric maps, it is possible to identify the contributions of the different nebular components (fast bipolar outflows, double shells, compact slow shell) to the line profiles. The observation of these relatively high-energy transitions allows an accurate study of the excitation conditions in these components, particularly in the warm ones, which cannot be properly studied from the low-energy lines. Results. The (CO)-C-12 J = 16-15, 10-9, and 6-5 lines are easily detected in this source. Both (CO)-C-13 J = 10-9 and 6-5 are also detected. Wide profiles showing spectacular line wings have been found, particularly in (CO)-C-12 J = 16-15. Other lines observed simultaneously with CO are also shown. Our analysis of the CO high-J transitions, when compared with the existing models, confirms the very low expansion velocity of the central, dense component, which probably indicates that the shells ejected during the last AGB phases were driven by radiation pressure under a regime of maximum transfer of momentum. No contribution of the diffuse halo found from mm-wave data is identified in our spectra, because of its low temperature. We find that the fast bipolar outflow is quite hot, much hotter than previously estimated; for instance, gas flowing at 100 km s(-1) must have a temperature higher than similar to 200 K. Probably, this very fast outflow, with a kinematic age
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9.
  • Bujarrabal, V., et al. (author)
  • Herschel/HIFI observations of molecular emission in protoplanetary nebulae and young planetary nebulae
  • 2012
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 537, s. Article Number: A8-
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Aims. We aim to study the physical conditions, particularly the excitation state, of the intermediate-temperature gas in protoplanetary nebulae and young planetary nebulae (PPNe, PNe). The information that the observations of the different components deliver is of particular importance for understanding the evolution of these objects. Methods. We performed Herschel/HIFI observations of intermediate-excitation molecular lines in the far-infrared/submillimeter range in a sample of ten nebulae. The high spectral resolution provided by HIFI allows the accurate measurement of the line profiles. The dynamics and evolution of these nebulae are known to result from the presence of several gas components, notably fast bipolar outflows and slow shells (that often are the fossil AGB shells), and the interaction between them. Because of the diverse kinematic properties of the different components, their emissions can be identified in the line profiles. The observation of these high-energy transitions allows an accurate study of the excitation conditions, particularly in the warm gas, which cannot be properly studied from the low-energy lines. Results. We have detected FIR/sub-mm lines of several molecules, in particular of (CO)-C-12, (CO)-C-13, and H2O. Emission from other species, like NH3, OH, (H2O)-O-18, HCN, SiO, etc., has been also detected. Wide profiles showing sometimes spectacular line wings have been found. We have mainly studied the excitation properties of the high-velocity emission, which is known to come from fast bipolar outflows. From comparison with general theoretical predictions, we find that CRL 618 shows a particularly warm fast wind, with characteristic kinetic temperature T-k greater than or similar to 200 K. In contrast, the fast winds in OH 231.8+4.2 and NGC 6302 are cold, T-k similar to 30 K. Other nebulae, like CRL 2688, show intermediate temperatures, with characteristic values around 100 K. We also discuss how the complex structure of the nebulae can affect our estimates, considering two-component models. We argue that the differences in temperature in the different nebulae can be caused by cooling after the gas acceleration (that is probably caused by shocks); for instance, CRL 618 is a case of very recent acceleration, less than similar to 100 yr ago, while the fast gas in OH 231.8+4.2 was accelerated similar to 1000 yr ago. We also find indications that the densest gas tends to be cooler, which may be explained by the expected increase of the radiative cooling efficiency with the density.
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10.
  • Cordiner, M. A., et al. (author)
  • On the Nature of the Enigmatic Object IRAS 19312+1950: A Rare Phase of Massive Star Formation?
  • 2016
  • In: Astrophysical Journal. - 1538-4357 .- 0004-637X. ; 828:1
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • IRAS 19312+1950 is a peculiar object that has eluded firm characterization since its discovery, with combined maser properties similar to an evolved star and a young stellar object (YSO). To help determine its true nature, we obtained infrared spectra of IRAS 19312+1950 in the range 5–550 μm using the Herschel and Spitzer space observatories. The Herschel PACS maps exhibit a compact, slightly asymmetric continuum source at 170 μm, indicative of a large, dusty circumstellar envelope. The far-IR CO emission line spectrum reveals two gas temperature components: ≈0.22 solar masses of material at 280 ± 18 K, and ≈1.6 solar masses of material at 157 ± 3 K. The O i 63 μm line is detected on-source but no significant emission from atomic ions was found. The HIFI observations display shocked, high-velocity gas with outflow speeds up to 90 km/s along the line of sight. From Spitzer spectroscopy, we identify ice absorption bands due to H2O at 5.8 μm and CO2 at 15 μm. The spectral energy distribution is consistent with a massive, luminous (~2 × 10^4 solar luminosities) central source surrounded by a dense, warm circumstellar disk and envelope of total mass ~500–700 solar masses, with large bipolar outflow cavities. The combination of distinctive far-IR spectral features suggest that IRAS 19312+1950 should be classified as an accreting, high-mass YSO rather than an evolved star. In light of this reclassification, IRAS 19312+1950 becomes only the fifth high-mass protostar known to exhibit SiO maser activity, and demonstrates that 18 cm OH maser line ratios may not be reliable observational discriminators between evolved stars and YSOs.
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11.
  • Danilovich, Taissa, 1987, et al. (author)
  • Classifying the secondary component of the binary star W Aquilae
  • 2015
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 574
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Aims. The object W Aql is an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star with a faint companion. By determining more carefully the properties of the companion, we hope to better constrain the properties of the AGB star. Methods. We present new spectral observations of the binary star W Aql at minimum and maximum brightness and new photometric observations of W Aql at minimum brightness. Results. The composite spectrum near minimum light is predominantly from the companion at wavelengths lambda 6000 angstrom. This spectrum can be classified as F8 to G0, and the brightness of the companion is that of a dwarf star. Therefore, it can be concluded that the companion is a main sequence star. From this, we are able to constrain the mass of the AGB component to 1.04-3 M-circle dot and the mass of the W Aql system to 2.1-4.1 M-circle dot. Our photometric results are broadly consistent with this classification and suggest that the main sequence component suffers from approximately 2 mag of extinction in the V band primarily due to the dust surrounding the AGB component.
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12.
  • Danilovich, Taissa, 1987, et al. (author)
  • Detailed Modelling of the Circumstellar Envelope of the S-type AGB Star W Aquilae
  • 2015
  • In: Why Galaxies Care About AGB Stars III: A Closer Look in Space and Time, Conference on Why Galaxies Care About AGB Stars III: A Closer Look in Space and Time, Vienna JUL 28-AUG 01, 2014. - : ASTRONOMICAL SOC PACIFIC. - 9781583818794 ; 497, s. 219-220
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • We present new Herschel(1) HIFI (de Graauw et al. 2010) and PACS (Poglitsch et al. 2010) sub-millimeter and far-infrared line observations of several molecular species towards the S-type AGB star W Aql. We use these observations, which probe a wide range of gas temperatures, to constrain the circumstellar properties of W Aql, including mass-loss rate and molecular abundances.
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13.
  • Danilovich, Taissa, 1987, et al. (author)
  • Detailed modelling of the circumstellar molecular line emission of the S-type AGB star W Aquilae
  • 2014
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 569, s. Art. no. A76-
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. S-type AGB stars have a C/O ratio which suggests that they are transition objects between oxygen-rich M-type stars and carbon-rich C-type stars. As such, their circumstellar compositions of gas and dust are thought to be sensitive to their precise C/O ratio, and it is therefore of particular interest to examine their circumstellar properties. Aims. We present new Herschel HIFI and PACS sub-millimetre and far-infrared line observations of several molecular species towards the S-type AGB star W Aql. We use these observations, which probe a wide range of gas temperatures, to constrain the circumstellar properties of W Aql, including mass-loss rate and molecular abundances. Methods. We used radiative transfer codes to model the circumstellar dust and molecular line emission to determine circumstellar properties and molecular abundances. We assumed a spherically symmetric envelope formed by a constant mass-loss rate driven by an accelerating wind. Our model includes fully integrated H2O line cooling as part of the solution of the energy balance. Results. We detect circumstellar molecular lines from CO, H2O, SiO, HCN, and, for the first time in an S-type AGB star, NH3. The radiative transfer calculations result in an estimated mass-loss rate for W Aql of 4.0 x 10(-6) M-circle dot yr(-1) based on the (CO)-C-12 lines. The estimated (CO)-C-12/(CO)-C-13 ratio is 29, which is in line with ratios previously derived for S-type AGB stars. We find an H2O abundance of 1.5 x 10(-5), which is intermediate to the abundances expected for M and C stars, and an ortho/para ratio for H2O that is consistent with formation at warm temperatures. We find an HCN abundance of 3 x 10(-6), and, although no CN lines are detected using HIFI, we are able to put some constraints on the abundance, 6 x 10(-6), and distribution of CN in W Aql's circumstellar envelope using ground-based data. We find an SiO abundance of 3 x 10(-6), and an NH3 abundance of 1.7 x 10(-5), confined to a small envelope. If we include uncertainties in the adopted circumstellar model - in the adopted abundance distributions, etc. - the errors in the abundances are of the order of factors of a few. The data also suggest that, in terms of HCN, S-type and M-type AGB stars are similar, and in terms of H2O, S-type AGB stars are more like C-type than M-type AGB stars. We detect excess blue-shifted emission in several molecular lines, possibly due to an asymmetric outflow. Conclusions. The estimated abundances of circumstellar HCN, SiO and H2O place W Aql in between M-and C-type AGB stars, i.e., the abundances are consistent with an S-type classification.
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14.
  • Danilovich, Taissa, 1987, et al. (author)
  • New observations and models of circumstellar CO line emission of AGB stars in the Herschel SUCCESS programme
  • 2015
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 581
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars are in one of the latest evolutionary stages of low to intermediate-mass stars. Their vigorous mass loss has a significant effect on the stellar evolution, and is a significant source of heavy elements and dust grains for the interstellar medium. The mass-loss rate can be well traced by carbon monoxide (CO) line emission. Aims. We present new Herschel/HIFI and IRAM 30 m telescope CO line data for a sample of 53 galactic AGB stars. The lines cover a fairly large range of excitation energy from the J = 1 → 0 line to the J = 9 → 8 line, and even the J = 14 → 13 line in a few cases. We perform radiative transfer modelling for 38 of these sources to estimate their mass-loss rates. Methods. We used a radiative transfer code based on the Monte Carlo method to model the CO line emission. We assume spherically symmetric circumstellar envelopes that are formed by a constant mass-loss rate through a smoothly accelerating wind. Results. We find models that are consistent across a broad range of CO lines for most of the stars in our sample, i.e., a large number of the circumstellar envelopes can be described with a constant mass-loss rate. We also find that an accelerating wind is required to fit, in particular, the higher-J lines and that a velocity law will have a significant effect on the model line intensities. The results cover a wide range of mass-loss rates (~10-8 to 2 × 10-5 M⊙ yr-1) and gas expansion velocities (2 to 21.5 km s-1), and include M-, S-, and C-type AGB stars. Our results generally agree with those of earlier studies, although we tend to find slightly lower mass-loss rates by about 40%, on average. We also present "bonus" lines detected during our CO observations.
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15.
  • Danilovich, Taissa, 1987, et al. (author)
  • Sulphur molecules in the circumstellar envelopes of M-type AGB stars
  • 2016
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 588
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Aims. The sulphur compounds SO and SO2 have not been widely studied in the circumstellar envelopes of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. By presenting and modelling a large number of SO and SO2 lines in the low mass-loss rate M-type AGB star R Dor, and modelling the available lines of those molecules in a further four M-type AGB stars, we aim to determine their circumstellar abundances and distributions. Methods. We use a detailed radiative transfer analysis based on the accelerated lambda iteration method to model circumstellar SO and SO2 line emission. We use molecular data files for both SO and SO2 that are more extensive than those previously available. Results. Using 17 SO lines and 98 SO2 lines to constrain our models for R Dor, we find an SO abundance of (6.7 +/- 0.9) x 10(6) and an SO2 abundance of 5 x 10(6) with both species having high abundances close to the star. We also modelled (SO)-S-34 and found an abundance of (3.1 +/- 0.8) x 10(7), giving an (SO)-S-32/(SO)-S-34 ratio of 21.6 +/- 8.5. We derive similar results for the circumstellar SO and SO2 abundances and their distributions for the low mass-loss rate object W Hya. For the higher mass-loss rate stars, we find shell-like SO distributions with peak abundances that decrease and peak abundance radii that increase with increasing mass-loss rate. The positions of the peak SO abundance agree very well with the photodissociation radii of H2O. We also modelled SO2 in two higher mass-loss rate stars but our models for these were less conclusive. Conclusions. We conclude that for the low mass-loss rate stars, the circumstellar SO and SO2 abundances are much higher than predicted by chemical models of the extended stellar atmosphere. These two species may also account for all the available sulphur. For the higher mass-loss rate stars we find evidence that SO is most efficiently formed in the circumstellar envelope, most likely through the photodissociation of H2O and the subsequent reaction between S and OH. The S-bearing parent molecule does not appear to be H2S. The SO2 models for the higher mass-loss rate stars are less conclusive, but suggest an origin close to the star for this species. This is not consistent with current chemical models. The combined circumstellar SO and SO2 abundances are significantly lower than that of sulphur for these higher mass-loss rate objects.
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16.
  • De Beck, Elvire, 1985, et al. (author)
  • Probing the mass-loss history of AGB and red supergiant stars from CO rotational line profiles. II. CO line survey of evolved stars: derivation of mass-loss rate formulae
  • 2010
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 523
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. The evolution of intermediate and low-mass stars on the asymptotic giant branch is dominated by their strong dust-driven winds. More massive stars evolve into red supergiants with a similar envelope structure and strong wind. These stellar winds are a prime source for the chemical enrichment of the interstellar medium. Aims: We aim to (1) set up simple and general analytical expressions to estimate mass-loss rates of evolved stars, and (2) from those calculate estimates for the mass-loss rates of the asymptotic giant branch, red supergiant, and yellow hypergiant stars in our galactic sample. Methods: The rotationally excited lines of carbon monoxide (CO) are a classic and very robust diagnostic in the study of circumstellar envelopes. When sampling different layers of the circumstellar envelope, observations of these molecular lines lead to detailed profiles of kinetic temperature, expansion velocity, and density. A state-of-the-art, nonlocal thermal equilibrium, and co-moving frame radiative transfer code that predicts CO line intensities in the circumstellar envelopes of late-type stars is used in deriving relations between stellar and molecular-line parameters, on the one hand, and mass-loss rate, on the other. These expressions are applied to our extensive CO data set to estimate the mass-loss rates of 47 sample stars. Results: We present analytical expressions for estimating the mass-loss rates of evolved stellar objects for 8 rotational transitions of the CO molecule and thencompare our results to those of previous studies. Our expressions account for line saturation and resolving of the envelope, thereby allowing accurate determination of very high mass-loss rates. We argue that, for estimates based on a single rotational line, the CO(2-1) transition provides the most reliable mass-loss rate. The mass-loss rates calculated for the asympotic giant branch stars range from 4 \times 10^-8 M_ȯ yr^-1 up to 8 \times 10^-5 M_ȯ yr^-1. For red supergiants they reach values between 2 \times 10^-7 M_ȯ yr^-1 and 3 \times 10^-4 M_ȯ yr^-1. The estimates for the set of CO transitions allow time variability to be identified in the mass-loss rate. Possible mass-loss-rate variability is traced for 7 of the sample stars. We find a clear relation between the pulsation periods of the asympotic giant branch stars and their derived mass-loss rates, with a levelling off at ~3 \times 10^-5 M_ȯ yr^-1 for periods exceeding 850 days. Conclusions: Appendices are only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org
  •  
17.
  • Decin, L., et al. (author)
  • Probing the Mass-Loss History of VY CMa
  • 2008
  • In: Mass Loss from Stars and the Evolution of Stellar Clusters, Proceedings of conference in Lunteren May-June 2006, The Netherlands, eds. A. de Koter, L.J. Smith, L.B.F.M. Waters, ASP Conference Series, San Francisco. ; 388, s. 159-
  • Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
    • Mass loss plays a dominant role in the evolution of low mass stars while they are on the Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB). Recent studies have hinted towards the importance of time variability of the mass-loss rates of such objects. Likewise, more massive stars (MZAMS ⪆ 8 Msun) may pass through a red supergiant phase and lose mass in a similar manner. By modelling the full line profiles of low excitation CO transitions emitted in the circumstellar envelope (CSE), we have studied the mass-loss history of the well-studied supergiant VY CMa. We show that this source underwent a phase of high mass loss (˜ 2.8 × 10-4 Msun/yr) some 1000 yr ago, lasting some 100 yr, followed by a low mass-loss phase (˜ 1 × 10-6 Msun/yr) taking some 800 yr. The current mass-loss rate is estimated to be in the order of 1 × 10-4 Msun/yr.
  •  
18.
  • Decin, L., et al. (author)
  • Water content and wind acceleration in the envelope around the oxygen-rich AGB star IK Tauri as seen by Herschel/HIFI
  • 2010
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 521:1, s. Article Number: L4-
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • During their asymptotic giant branch evolution, low-mass stars lose a significant fraction of their mass through an intense wind, enriching the interstellar medium with products of nucleosynthesis. We observed the nearby oxygen-rich asymptotic giant branch star IK Tau using the high-resolution HIFI spectrometer onboard Herschel. We report on the first detection of (H2O)-O-16 and the rarer isotopologues (H2O)-O-17 and (H2O)-O-18 in both the ortho and para states. We deduce a total water content (relative to molecular hydrogen) of 6.6 x 10(-5), and an ortho-to-para ratio of 3:1. These results are consistent with the formation of H2O in thermodynamical chemical equilibrium at photospheric temperatures, and does not require pulsationally induced non-equilibrium chemistry, vaporization of icy bodies or grain surface reactions. High-excitation lines of (CO)-C-12, (CO)-C-13, (SiO)-Si-28, (SiO)-Si-29, (SiO)-Si-30, HCN, and SO have also been detected. From the observed line widths, the acceleration region in the inner wind zone can be characterized, and we show that the wind acceleration is slower than hitherto anticipated.
  •  
19.
  • Francis, L., et al. (author)
  • JOYS: MIRI/MRS spectroscopy of gas-phase molecules from the high-mass star-forming region IRAS 23385+6053
  • 2024
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 683
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. Space-based mid-infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the characterization of important star formation tracers of warm gas which are unobservable from the ground. The previous mid-IR spectra of bright high-mass protostars with the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) in the hot-core phase typically show strong absorption features from molecules such as CO2, C2H2, and HCN. However, little is known about their fainter counterparts at earlier stages. Aims. We aim to characterize the gas-phase molecular features in James Webb Space Telescope Mid-Infrared Instrument Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MIRI/MRS) spectra of the young and clustered high-mass star-forming region IRAS 23385+6053. Methods. Spectra were extracted from several locations in the MIRI/MRS field of view, targeting two mid-IR sources tracing embedded massive protostars as well as three H2 bright outflow knots at distances of >8000 au from the multiple. Molecular features in the spectra were fit with local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) slab models, with their caveats discussed in detail. Results. Rich molecular spectra with emission from CO, H2, HD, H2O, C2H2, HCN, CO2, and OH are detected towards the two mid-IR sources. However, only CO and OH are seen towards the brightest H2 knot positions, suggesting that the majority of the observed species are associated with disks or hot core regions rather than outflows or shocks. The LTE model fits to 12CO2, C2H2, HCN emission suggest warm 120a-200 K emission arising from a disk surface around one or both protostars. The abundances of CO2 and C2H2 of ~10âà  à  7 are consistent with previous observations of high-mass protostars. Weak ~500 K H2O emission at ~6a-7 μm is detected towards one mid-IR source, whereas 250a-1050 K H2O absorption is found in the other. The H2O absorption may occur in the disk atmosphere due to strong accretion-heating of the midplane, or in a disk wind viewed at an ideal angle for absorption. CO emission may originate in the hot inner disk or outflow shocks, but NIRSpec data covering the 4.6 μm band head are required to determine the physical conditions of the CO gas, as the high temperatures seen in the MIRI data may be due to optical depth. OH emission is detected towards both mid-IR source positions and one of the shocks, and is likely excited by water photodissociation or chemical formation pumping in a highly non-LTE manner. Conclusions. The observed molecular spectra are consistent with disks having already formed around two protostars in the young IRAS 23385+6054 system. Molecular features mostly appear in emission from a variety of species, in contrast to the more evolved hot core phase protostars which typically show only absorption; however, further observations of young high-mass protostars are needed to disentangle geometry and viewing angle effects from evolution.
  •  
20.
  • Gasman, Danny, et al. (author)
  • JWST MIRI/MRS in-flight absolute flux calibration and tailored fringe correction for unresolved sources
  • 2023
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 673
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. The Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) is one of the four observing modes of JWST/MIRI. Using JWST in-flight data of unresolved (point) sources, we can derive the MRS absolute spectral response function (ASRF) starting from raw data. Spectral fringing, caused by coherent reflections inside the detector arrays, plays a critical role in the derivation and interpretation of the MRS ASRF. The fringe corrections implemented in the current pipeline are not optimal for non-extended sources, and a high density of molecular features particularly inhibits an accurate correction. Aims. In this paper, we present an alternative way to calibrate the MIRI/MRS data. Firstly, we derive a fringe correction that accounts for the dependence of the fringe properties on the MIRI/MRS pupil illumination and detector pixel sampling of the point spread function. Secondly, we derive the MRS ASRF using an absolute flux calibrator observed across the full 5- 28 µm wavelength range of the MRS. Thirdly, we apply the new ASRF to the spectrum of a G dwarf and compare it with the output of the JWST/MIRI default data reduction pipeline. Finally, we examine the impact of the different fringe corrections on the detectability of molecular features in the G dwarf and K giant. Methods. The absolute flux calibrator HD 163466 (A-star) was used to derive tailored point source fringe flats at each of the default dither locations of the MRS. The fringe-corrected point source integrated spectrum of HD 163466 was used to derive the MRS ASRF using a theoretical model for the stellar continuum. A cross-correlation was run to quantify the uncertainty on the detection of CO, SiO, and OH in the K giant and CO in the G dwarf for different fringe corrections. Results. The point-source-tailored fringe correction and ASRF are found to perform at the same level as the current corrections, beating down the fringe contrast to the sub-percent level in the G dwarf in the longer wavelengths, whilst mitigating the alteration of real molecular features. The same tailored solutions can be applied to other MRS unresolved targets. Target acquisition is required to ensure the pointing is accurate enough to apply this method. A pointing repeatability issue in the MRS limits the effectiveness of the tailored fringe flats is at short wavelengths. Finally, resulting spectra require no scaling to make the sub-bands match, and a dichroic spectral leak at 12.2 µm is removed.
  •  
21.
  • Gieser, C., et al. (author)
  • JOYS: Disentangling the warm and cold material in the high-mass IRAS 23385+6053 cluster
  • 2023
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 679
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. High-mass star formation occurs in a clustered mode where fragmentation is observed from an early stage onward. Young protostars can now be studied in great detail with the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Aims. We study and compare the warm (>100 K) and cold (<100 K) material toward the high-mass star-forming region (HMSFR) IRAS 23385+6053 (IRAS 23385 hereafter) combining high-angular-resolution observations in the mid-infrared (MIR) with the JWST Observations of Young protoStars (JOYS) project and with the NOrthern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) at millimeter (mm) wavelengths at angular resolutions of 0.a2 1.a0. Methods. We investigated the spatial morphology of atomic and molecular species using line-integrated intensity maps. We estimated the temperature and column density of different gas components using H2 transitions (warm and hot component) and a series of CH3CN transitions as well as 3 mm continuum emission (cold component). Results. Toward the central dense core of IRAS 23385, the material consists of relatively cold gas and dust ( 50 K), while multiple outflows create heated and/or shocked H2 and show enhanced temperatures ( 400 K) along the outflow structures. An energetic outflow with enhanced emission knots of [FeII] and [NiII] suggests J-type shocks, while two other outflows have enhanced emission of only H2 and [SI] caused by C-type shocks. The latter two outflows are also more prominent in molecular line emission at mm wavelengths (e.g., SiO, SO, H2CO, and CH3OH). Data of even higher angular resolution are needed to unambiguously identify the outflow-driving sources given the clustered nature of IRAS 23385. While most of the forbidden fine structure transitions are blueshifted, [NeII] and [NeIII] peak at the source velocity toward the MIR source A/mmA2 suggesting that the emission is originating from closer to the protostar. Conclusions. The warm and cold gas traced by MIR and mm observations, respectively, are strongly linked in IRAS 23385. The outflows traced by MIR H2 lines have molecular counterparts in the mm regime. Despite the presence of multiple powerful outflows that cause dense and hot shocks, a cold dense envelope still allows star formation to further proceed. To study and fully understand the spatially resolved MIR properties, a representative sample of low- and high-mass protostars has to be probed using JWST.
  •  
22.
  • Glasse, A., et al. (author)
  • The throughput and sensitivity of the JWST mid-infrared instrument
  • 2010
  • In: Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering. - : SPIE. - 0277-786X .- 1996-756X. - 9780819482211 ; 7731
  • Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
    • The Verification Model (VM) of MIRI has recently completed an extensive programme of cryogenic testing, with the Flight Model (FM) now being assembled and made ready to begin performance testing in the next few months. By combining those VM test results which relate to MIRI's scientific performance with measurements made on FM components and sub-assemblies, we have been able to refine and develop the existing model of the instrument's throughput and sensitivity. We present the main components of the model, its correlation with the existing test results and its predictions for MIRI's performance on orbit. © 2010 SPIE.
  •  
23.
  • Glauser, A. M., et al. (author)
  • Characterizing exoplanets in the visible and infrared: A spectrometer concept for the EChO space mission
  • 2013
  • In: Journal of Astronomical Instrumentation. - 2251-1725 .- 2251-1717. ; 2:1
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Transit-spectroscopy of exoplanets is one of the key observational techniques used to characterize extrasolar planets and their atmospheres. The observational challenges of these measurements require dedicated instrumentation and only the space environment allows undisturbed access to earth-like atmospheric features such as water or carbon dioxide. Therefore, several exoplanet-specific space missions are currently being studied. One of them is EChO, the Exoplanet Characterization Observatory, which is part of ESA's Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 program, and which is one of four candidates for the M3 launch slot in 2024. In this paper we present the results of our assessment study of the EChO spectrometer, the only science instrument onboard this spacecraft. The instrument is a multi-channel all-reflective dispersive spectrometer, covering the wavelength range from 400 nm to 16μm simultaneously with a moderately low spectral resolution. We illustrate how the key technical challenge of the EChO mission - the high photometric stability - influences the choice of spectrometer concept and fundamentally drives the instrument design. First performance evaluations underline the suitability of the elaborated design solution for the needs of the EChO mission.
  •  
24.
  • Grant, Sierra L., et al. (author)
  • MINDS. The Detection of 13 CO 2 with JWST-MIRI Indicates Abundant CO 2 in a Protoplanetary Disk
  • 2023
  • In: Astrophysical Journal Letters. - 2041-8213 .- 2041-8205. ; 947:1
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • We present JWST-MIRI Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) spectra of the protoplanetary disk around the low-mass T Tauri star GW Lup from the MIRI mid-INfrared Disk Survey Guaranteed Time Observations program. Emission from 12CO213CO2, H2O, HCN, C2H2, and OH is identified with 13CO2 being detected for the first time in a protoplanetary disk. We characterize the chemical and physical conditions in the inner few astronomical units of the GW Lup disk using these molecules as probes. The spectral resolution of JWST-MIRI MRS paired with high signal-to-noise data is essential to identify these species and determine their column densities and temperatures. The Q branches of these molecules, including those of hot bands, are particularly sensitive to temperature and column density. We find that the 12CO2 emission in the GW Lup disk is coming from optically thick emission at a temperature of ∼400 K. 13CO2 is optically thinner and based on a lower temperature of ∼325 K, and thus may be tracing deeper into the disk and/or a larger emitting radius than 12CO2. The derived N CO 2 / N H 2 O ratio is orders of magnitude higher than previously derived for GW Lup and other targets based on Spitzer-InfraRed-Spectrograph data. This high column density ratio may be due to an inner cavity with a radius in between the H2O and CO2 snowlines and/or an overall lower disk temperature. This paper demonstrates the unique ability of JWST to probe inner disk structures and chemistry through weak, previously unseen molecular features.
  •  
25.
  • Groenewegen, M. A. T., et al. (author)
  • The ALMA detection of CO rotational line emission in AGB stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud
  • 2016
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 596, s. 50-
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. Low- and intermediate-mass stars lose most of their stellar mass at the end of their lives on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB). Determining gas and dust mass-loss rates (MLRs) is important in quantifying the contribution of evolved stars to the enrichment of the interstellar medium.Aims. This study attempts to spectrally resolve CO thermal line emission in a small sample of AGB stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC).Methods. The Atacama Large Millimeter Array was used to observe two OH/IR stars and four carbon stars in the LMC in the CO J = 2−1 line.Results. We present the first measurement of expansion velocities in extragalactic carbon stars. All four C stars are detected and wind expansion velocities and stellar velocities are directly measured. Mass-loss rates are derived from modelling the spectral energy distribution and Spitzer/IRS spectrum with the DUSTY code. The derived gas-to-dust ratios allow the predicted velocities to agree with the observed gas-to-dust ratios. The expansion velocities and MLRs are compared to a Galactic sample of well-studied relatively low MLRs stars supplemented with extreme C stars with properties that are more similar to the LMC targets. Gas MLRs derived from a simple formula are significantly smaller than those derived from dust modelling, indicating an order of magnitude underestimate of the estimated CO abundance, time-variable mass loss, or that the CO intensities in LMC stars are lower than predicted by the formula derived for Galactic objects. This could be related to a stronger interstellar radiation field in the LMC.Conclusions. Although the LMC sample is small and the comparison to Galactic stars is non-trivial because of uncertainties in their distances (hence luminosities), it appears that for C stars the wind expansion velocities in the LMC are lower than in the solar neighbourhood, while the MLRs appear to be similar. This is in agreement with dynamical dust-driven wind models.
  •  
26.
  • Harwit, M., et al. (author)
  • Polarisation observations of VY Canis Majoris H2O 532-441 620.701 GHz maser emission with HIFI
  • 2010
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 521:1, s. Article Number: L51-
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. Water vapour maser emission from evolved oxygen-rich stars remains poorly understood. Additional observations, including polarisation studies and simultaneous observation of different maser transitions may ultimately lead to greater insight. Aims. We have aimed to elucidate the nature and structure of the VY CMa water vapour masers in part by observationally testing a theoretical prediction of the relative strengths of the 620.701 GHz and the 22.235 GHz maser components of ortho H2O. Methods. In its high-resolution mode (HRS) the Herschel Heterodyne Instrument for the Far Infrared (HIFI) offers a frequency resolution of 0.125 MHz, corresponding to a line-of-sight velocity of 0.06 km s(-1), which we employed to obtain the strength and linear polarisation of maser spikes in the spectrum of VY CMa at 620.701 GHz. Simultaneous ground based observations of the 22.235 GHz maser with the Max-Planck-Institut fur Radioastronomie 100-m telescope at Effelsberg, provided a ratio of 620.701 GHz to 22.235 GHz emission. Results. We report the first astronomical detection to date of H2O maser emission at 620.701 GHz. In VY CMa both the 620.701 and the 22.235 GHz polarisation are weak. At 620.701 GHz the maser peaks are superposed on what appears to be a broad emission component, jointly ejected from the star. We observed the 620.701 GHz emission at two epochs 21 days apart, both to measure the potential direction of linearly polarised maser components and to obtain a measure of the longevity of these components. Although we do not detect significant polarisation levels in the core of the line, they rise up to approximately 6% in its wings.
  •  
27.
  •  
28.
  • Hirschauer, Alec S., et al. (author)
  • Imaging of I Zw 18 by JWST. I. Detecting Dusty Stellar Populations
  • 2024
  • In: Astronomical Journal. - 1538-3881 .- 0004-6256. ; 168:1
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • We present a JWST imaging survey of I Zw 18, the archetypal extremely metal-poor, star-forming (SF), blue compact dwarf galaxy. With an oxygen abundance of only similar to 3% Z circle dot, it is among the lowest-metallicity systems known in the local Universe, and is, therefore, an excellent accessible analog for the galactic building blocks which existed at early epochs of ionization and star formation. These JWST data provide a comprehensive infrared (IR) view of I Zw 18 with eight filters utilizing both Near Infrared Camera (F115W, F200W, F356W, and F444W) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (F770W, F1000W, F1500W, and F1800W) photometry, which we have used to identify key stellar populations that are bright in the near- and mid-IR. These data allow for a better understanding of the origins of dust and dust-production mechanisms in metal-poor environments by characterizing the population of massive, evolved stars in the red supergiant (RSG) and asymptotic giant branch (AGB) phases. In addition, it enables the identification of the brightest dust-enshrouded young stellar objects (YSOs), which provide insight into the formation of massive stars at extremely low metallicities typical of the very early Universe. This paper provides an overview of the observational strategy and data processing, and presents first science results, including identifications of dusty AGB, RSG, and bright YSO candidates. These first results assess the scientific quality of JWST data and provide a guide for obtaining and interpreting future observations of the dusty and evolved stars inhabiting compact dwarf SF galaxies in the local Universe.
  •  
29.
  •  
30.
  • Jones, O. C., et al. (author)
  • Probing the Dusty Stellar Populations of the Local Volume Galaxies with JWST/MIRI
  • 2017
  • In: Astrophysical Journal. - : American Astronomical Society. - 1538-4357 .- 0004-637X. ; 841:1, s. Article Number: 15-
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • The Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will revolutionize our understanding of infrared stellar populations in the Local Volume. Using the rich Spitzer-IRS spectroscopic data set and spectral classifications from the Surveying the Agents of Galaxy Evolution (SAGE)-Spectroscopic survey of more than 1000 objects in the Magellanic Clouds, the Grid of Red Supergiant and Asymptotic Giant Branch Star Model (GRAMS), and the grid of YSO models by Robitaille et al., we calculate the expected flux densities and colors in the MIRI broadband filters for prominent infrared stellar populations. We use these fluxes to explore the JWST/MIRI colors and magnitudes for composite stellar population studies of Local Volume galaxies. MIRI color classification schemes are presented; these diagrams provide a powerful means of identifying young stellar objects, evolved stars, and extragalactic background galaxies in Local Volume galaxies with a high degree of confidence. Finally, we examine which filter combinations are best for selecting populations of sources based on their JWST colors.
  •  
31.
  • Justtanont, Kay, 1965, et al. (author)
  • A HIFI preview of warm molecular gas around chi Cygni: first detection of H2O emission toward an S-type AGB star
  • 2010
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 521:1, s. Article Number: L6-
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Aims. A set of new, sensitive, and spectrally resolved, sub-millimeter line observations are used to probe the warm circumstellar gas around the S-type AGB star chi Cyg. The observed lines involve high rotational quantum numbers, which, combined with previously obtained lower-frequency data, make it posible to study in detail the chemical and physical properties of, essentially, the entire circumstellar envelope of chi Cyg. Methods. The data were obtained using the HIFI instrument aboard Herschel, whose high spectral resolution provides valuable information about the line profiles. Detailed, non-LTE, radiative transfer modelling, including dust radiative transfer coupled with a dynamical model, has been performed to derive the temperature, density, and velocity structure of the circumstellar envelope. Results. We report the first detection of circumstellar H2O rotational emission lines in an S-star. Using the high-J CO lines to derive the parameters for the circumstellar envelope, we modelled both the ortho-and para-H2O lines. Our modelling results are consistent with the velocity structure expected for a dust-driven wind. The derived total H2O abundance (relative to H-2) is (1.1 +/- 0.2) x 10(-5), much lower than that in O-rich stars. The derived ortho-to-para ratio of 2.1 +/- 0.6 is close to the high-temperature equilibrium limit, consistent with H2O being formed in the photosphere.
  •  
32.
  • Justtanont, Kay, 1965, et al. (author)
  • ALMA spectrum of the extreme OH/IR star OH 26.5+0.6
  • 2019
  • In: Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union. - 1743-9213 .- 1743-9221. ; 14, s. 436-437
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • We present ALMA band 7 data of the extreme OH/IR star, OH 26.5+0.6. In addition to lines of CO and its isotopologues, the circumstellar envelope also exhibits a number of emission lines due to metal-containing molecules, e.g., NaCl and KCl. A lack of C18O is expected, but a non-detection of C17O is puzzling given the strengths of H217O in Herschel spectra of the star. However, a line associated with Si17O is detected. We also report a tentative detection of a gas-phase emission line of MgS. The ALMA spectrum of this object reveals intriguing features which may be used to investigate chemical processes and dust formation during a high mass-loss phase.
  •  
33.
  • Justtanont, Kay, 1965, et al. (author)
  • H2O Isotopologues in Extreme OH/IR Stars
  • 2015
  • In: Astronomical Society of the Pacific Conference Series: Conference on Why Galaxies Care About AGB Stars III: A Closer Look in Space and Time, Vienna, Austria, JUL 28-AUG 01, 2014. - 9781583818794 ; 497, s. 85-89
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Using Herschel Space Observatory we we observed isotopologues of H2O in extreme OH/IR stars. We detected strong (H2O)-O-16 and (H2O)-O-17 while the (H2O)-O-18 lines are missing, contrary to the overall galactic oxygen abundance in the interstellar medium and the Sun, where O-18 is more abundant than O-17. Theoretical stellar evolution suggests that O-18 is being destroyed during the hot-bottom burning. This implies that these OH/IR stars come from a population of intermediate-mass stars which have an initial mass >= 5 M-circle dot.
  •  
34.
  • Justtanont, Kay, 1965, et al. (author)
  • Herschel/HIFI observations of O-rich AGB stars: molecular inventory
  • 2012
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 537, s. Article Number: A144 -
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Aims. Spectra, taken with the heterodyne instrument, HIFI, aboard the Herschel Space Observatory, of O-rich asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars which form part of the guaranteed time key program HIFISTARS are presented. The aim of this program is to study the dynamical structure, mass-loss driving mechanism, and chemistry of the outflows from AGB stars as a function of chemical composition and initial mass. Methods. We used the HIFI instrument to observe nine AGB stars, mainly in the H2O and high rotational CO lines. We investigate the correlation between line luminosity, line ratio and mass-loss rate, line width and excitation energy. Results. A total of nine different molecules, along with some of their isotopologues have been identified, covering a wide range of excitation temperature. Maser emission is detected in both the ortho-and para-H2O molecules. The line luminosities of ground state lines of ortho- and para-H2O, the high-J CO and NH3 lines show a clear correlation with mass-loss rate. The line ratios of H2O and NH3 relative to CO J = 6-5 correlate with the mass-loss rate while ratios of higher CO lines to the 6-5 is independent of it. In most cases, the expansion velocity derived from the observed line width of highly excited transitions formed relatively close to the stellar photosphere is lower than that of lower excitation transitions, formed farther out, pointing to an accelerated outflow. In some objects, the vibrationally excited H2O and SiO which probe the acceleration zone suggests the wind reaches its terminal velocity already in the innermost part of the envelope, i.e., the acceleration is rapid. Interestingly, for R Dor we find indications of a deceleration of the outflow in the region where the material has already escaped from the star.
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35.
  • Justtanont, Kay, 1965, et al. (author)
  • Herschel observations of extreme OH/IR stars: The isotopic ratios of oxygen as a sign-post for the stellar mass
  • 2015
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 578
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • © ESO 2015. Aims. The late stages of stellar evolution are mainly governed by the mass of the stars. Low- and intermediate-mass stars lose copious amounts of mass during the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) which obscure the central star making it difficult to study the stellar spectra and determine the stellar mass. In this study, we present observational data that can be used to determine lower limits to the stellar mass. Methods. Spectra of nine heavily reddened AGB stars taken by the Herschel Space Observatory display numerous molecular emission lines. The strongest emission lines are due to H2O. We search for the presence of isotopologues of H2O in these objects. Results. We detected the 16O and 17O isotopologues of water in these stars, but lines due to H218O are absent. The lack of 18O is predicted by a scenario where the star has undergone hot-bottom burning which preferentially destroys 18O relative to 16O and 17O. From stellar evolution calculations, this process is thought to occur when the stellar mass is above 5 M⊙ for solar metallicity. Hence, observations of different isotopologues of H2O can be used to help determine the lower limit to the initial stellar mass. Conclusions. From our observations, we deduce that these extreme OH/IR stars are intermediate-mass stars with masses of ≥5 M⊙. Their high mass-loss rates of ∼10-4M⊙ yr-1 may affect the enrichment of the interstellar medium and the overall chemical evolution of our Galaxy.
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36.
  • Justtanont, Kay, 1965, et al. (author)
  • Mapping the PAHs and H2 in ρ Oph A
  • 2008
  • In: in Proceedings of "Organic Matter in Space", Hong Kong Feb.18-22, 2008, IAU symposium 251, eds. S. Kwok, S. Sandfjord, Cambridge University Press. - 9780521889827 ; , s. 227-228, s. 227-228
  • Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
    • We present an ISOCAM-CVF map of the ρ Oph A region, covering 3′ × 3′. For each 6 arcsec2 pixel, we extract the spectrum from 5–15 μm. We determine the fluxes of the main PAH features by fitting Lorentzian profiles to the spectrum. The peaks of the various PAH components correspond well with the known positions of the PDRs in this vicinity. The spectrum in several pixels exhibits strong rotational lines of molecular hydrogen which can be used to derive the physical properties of the cloud. The H2 emission traces the hot gas of the bipolar CO outflow from VLA1623.
  •  
37.
  • Justtanont, Kay, 1965, et al. (author)
  • Mass loss from an extreme OH/IR star: OH 26.5+0.6
  • 2017
  • In: Memorie della Societa Astronomica Italiana - Journal of the Italian Astronomical Society. - 1824-016X. ; 88:3, s. 342-345
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Observations of H 2 O isotopologues of the extreme OH/IR star OH 26.5+0.6 show that the star has an initial mass consistent with it being an intermediate-mass star. The Herschel-HIFI spectra show clear detection of H 162 O and H 172 O while H 182 O is missing, consistent with the prediction of hot bottom burning which occurs in stars with an initial mass ≥ 5 M ʘ . The star is currently losing mass at a high rate of a few 10 -4 M ʘ yr −1 which is thought to commence in the past ∼ 200 years. We present new ALMA CO J=3-2 image which show that this high mass loss (superwind) region is compact, surrounded by extended shells of lower mass loss.
  •  
38.
  • Justtanont, Kay, 1965, et al. (author)
  • OH/IR stars and their superwinds as observed by the Herschel Space Observatory
  • 2013
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 556
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Aims. In order to study the history of mass loss in extreme OH/IR stars, we observed a number of these objects using CO as a tracer of the density and temperature structure of their circumstellar envelopes. Methods. Combining CO observations from the Herschel Space Observatory with those from the ground, we trace mass loss rates as a function of radius in five extreme OH/IR stars. Using radiative transfer modelling, we modelled the dusty envelope as well as the CO emission. The high-rotational transitions of CO indicate that they originate in a dense superwind region close to the star while the lower transitions tend to come from a more tenuous outer wind which is a result of the mass loss since the early AGB phase. Results. The models of the circumstellar envelopes around these stars suggest that they have entered a superwind phase in the past 200-500 years. The low O-18/O-17 (similar to 0.1 compared to the solar abundance ratio of similar to 5) and C-12/C-13 (3-30 cf. the solar value of 89) ratios derived from our study support the idea that these objects have undergone hot-bottom burning and hence that they are massive M >= 5 M-circle dot AGB stars.
  •  
39.
  • Justtanont, Kay, 1965, et al. (author)
  • W Hya through the Eye of Odin
  • 2005
  • In: Astronomy & Astrophysics. ; 439, s. 627-633
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)
  •  
40.
  • Khouri, T., et al. (author)
  • The wind of W Hydrae as seen by Herschel I. The CO envelope
  • 2014
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 561, s. Article no. A5-
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars lose their envelopes by means of a stellar wind whose driving mechanism is not understood well. Characterizing the composition and thermal and dynamical structure of the outflow provides constraints that are essential for understanding AGB evolution, including the rate of mass loss and isotopic ratios. Aims. We characterize the CO emission from the wind of the low mass-loss rate oxygen-rich AGB star W Hya using data obtained by the HIFI, PACS, and SPIRE instruments on board the Herschel Space Observatory and ground-based telescopes. (CO)-C-12 and (CO)-C-13 lines are used to constrain the intrinsic C-12/C-13 ratio from resolved HIFI lines. Methods. We combined a state-of-the-art molecular line emission code and a dust continuum radiative transfer code to model the CO lines and the thermal dust continuum. Results. The acceleration of the outflow up to about 5.5 km s(-1) is quite slow and can be represented by a beta-type velocity law with index beta = 5. Beyond this point, acceleration up the terminal velocity of 7 km s(-1) is faster. Using the J = 10-9, 9-8, and 6-5 transitions, we find an intrinsic C-12/C-13 ratio of 18 +/- 10 for W Hya, where the error bar is mostly due to uncertainties in the (CO)-C-12 abundance and the stellar flux around 4.6 mu m. To match the low-excitation CO lines, these molecules need to be photo-dissociated at similar to 500 stellar radii. The radial dust emission intensity profile of our stellar wind model matches PACS images at 70 mu m out to 20 '' (or 800 stellar radii). For larger radii the observed emission is substantially stronger than our model predicts, indicating that at these locations there is extra material present. Conclusions. The initial slow acceleration of the wind may imply inefficient dust formation or dust driving in the lower part of the envelope. The final injection of momentum in the wind might be the result of an increase in the opacity thanks to the late condensation of dust species. The derived intrinsic isotopologue ratio for W Hya is consistent with values set by the first dredge-up and suggestive of an initial mass of 2 M-circle dot or more. However, the uncertainty in the isotopologic ratio is large, which makes it difficult to set reliable limits on W Hya's main-sequence mass.
  •  
41.
  • Khouri, T., et al. (author)
  • The wind of W Hydrae as seen by Herschel II. The molecular envelope of W Hydrae
  • 2014
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 570, s. Art. no. A67-
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. The evolution of low- and intermediate-mass stars on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) is mainly controlled by the rate at which these stars lose mass in a stellar wind. Understanding the driving mechanism and strength of the stellar winds of AGB stars and the processes enriching their surfaces with products of nucleosynthesis are paramount to constraining AGB evolution and predicting the chemical evolution of galaxies. Aims. In a previous paper we have constrained the structure of the outflowing envelope of W Hya using spectral lines of the (CO)-C-12 molecule. Here we broaden this study by including an extensive set of H2O and (SiO)-Si-28 lines. It is the first time such a comprehensive study is performed for this source. The oxygen isotopic ratios and the (SiO)-Si-28 abundance profile can be connected to the initial stellar mass and to crucial aspects of dust formation at the base of the stellar wind, respectively. Methods. We model the molecular emission observed by the three instruments on board Herschel Space Observatory using a state-of-the-art molecular excitation and radiative transfer code. We also account for the dust radiation field in our calculations. Results. We find an H2O ortho-to-para ratio of 2.5(-1.0)(+2.5), consistent with what is expected for an AGB wind. The O-16/O-17 ratio indicates that W Hya has an initial mass of about 1.5 M-circle dot. Although the ortho-and para-H2O lines observed by HIFI appear to trace gas of slightly different physical properties, we find that a turbulence velocity of 0.7 +/- 0.1 km s(-1) fits the HIFI lines of both spin isomers and those of (SiO)-Si-28 well. Conclusions. The modelling of H2O and (SiO)-Si-28 confirms the properties of the envelope model of W Hya, as derived from (CO)-C-12 lines, and allows us to constrain the turbulence velocity. The ortho-and para-(H2O)-O-16 and (SiO)-Si-28 abundances relative to H-2 are (6(2)(+3)) x 10(-4), (3(-1)(+2)) x 10(-4), and (3.3 +/- 0.8) x 10(-5), respectively, in agreement with expectations for oxygen-rich AGB outflows. Assuming a solar silicon-to-carbon ratio, the (SiO)-Si-28 line emission model is consistent with about one-third of the silicon atoms being locked up in dust particles.
  •  
42.
  • Labiano, A., et al. (author)
  • The MIRI Medium Resolution Spectrometer calibration pipeline
  • 2016
  • In: Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering. - : SPIE. - 0277-786X .- 1996-756X. - 9781510601994 ; 9910, s. 99102W-
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • The Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) is the only mid-IR Integral Field Spectrometer on board James Webb Space Telescope. The complexity of the MRS requires a very specialized pipeline, with some specific steps not present in other pipelines of JWST instruments, such as fringe corrections and wavelength offsets, with different algorithms for point source or extended source data. The MRS pipeline has also two different variants: the baseline pipeline, optimized for most foreseen science cases, and the optimal pipeline, where extra steps will be needed for specific science cases. This paper provides a comprehensive description of the MRS Calibration Pipeline from uncalibrated slope images to final scientific products, with brief descriptions of its algorithms, input and output data, and the accessory data and calibration data products necessary to run the pipeline.
  •  
43.
  • Labiano, A., et al. (author)
  • Wavelength calibration and resolving power of the JWST MIRI Medium Resolution Spectrometer
  • 2021
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 656
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. The Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) onboard the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will provide imaging, coronagraphy, low-resolution spectroscopy, and medium-resolution spectroscopy at unprecedented sensitivity levels in the mid-infrared wavelength range. The Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) of MIRI is an integral field spectrograph that provides diffraction-limited spectroscopy between 4.9 and 28.3 μm, within a field of view (FOV) varying from ∼13 to ∼56 arcsec square. The design for MIRI MRS conforms with the goals of the JWST mission to observe high redshift galaxies and to study cosmology as well as observations of galactic objects, and stellar and planetary systems. Aims. From ground testing, we calculate the physical parameters essential for general observers and calibrating the wavelength solution and resolving power of the MRS which is critical for maximizing the scientific performance of the instrument. Methods. We have used ground-based observations of discrete spectral features in combination with Fabry-Perot etalon spectra to characterize the wavelength solution and spectral resolving power of the MRS. We present the methodology used to derive the MRS spectral characterization, which includes the precise wavelength coverage of each MRS sub-band, computation of the resolving power as a function of wavelength, and measuring slice-dependent spectral distortions. Results. The ground calibration of the MRS shows that it will cover the wavelength ranges from 4.9 to 28.3 μm, divided in 12 overlapping spectral sub-bands. The resolving power is R 3500 in channel 1, R 3000 in channel 2, R 2500 in channel 3, and R 1500 in channel 4. The MRS spectral resolution optimizes the sensitivity for detection of spectral features with a velocity width of ∼100 km s-1 which is characteristic of most astronomical phenomena JWST aims to study in the mid-infrared. Based on the ground test data, the wavelength calibration accuracy is estimated to be below one-tenth of a pixel (0.1 nm at 5 μm and 0.4 at 28 μm), with small systematic shifts due to the target position within a slice for unresolved sources that have a maximum amplitude of about 0.25 spectral resolution elements. The absolute wavelength calibration is presently uncertain at the level of 0.35 nm at 5 μm and 46 nm at 28 μm, and it will be refined using in-flight commissioning observations. Conclusions. Based on ground test data, the MRS complies with the spectral requirements for both the R and wavelength accuracy for which it was designed. We also present the commissioning strategies and targets that will be followed to update the spectral characterization of the MRS.
  •  
44.
  • Ladjal, D., et al. (author)
  • 870 µm observations of evolved stars with LABOCA
  • 2010
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 513:10, s. A53-
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. During their evolution, asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars experience a high mass loss which leads to the formation of acircumstellar envelope (CSE) of dust and gas. The mass loss process is the most important phenomenon during this evolutionary stage.In order to understand it, it is important to study the physical parameters of the CSE. The emission of the CSE in the (sub)millimetrerange is dominated by the dust continuum. This means that (sub)millimetre observations are a key tool in tracing the dust andimproving our knowledge of the mass loss process.Aims. The aim of this study is to use new submillimetre observations of a sample of evolved stars to constrain the CSE physicalparameters.Methods. We used aperture photometry to determine the fluxes at 870 μm and to investigate the extended emission observed with thenew APEX bolometer LABoCa. We computed the spectral energy distribution (SEDs) with the 1D radiative transfer code DUSTY,which we compared to literature data. Grain properties were calculated with both the spherical grains distribution and the continuousdistribution of ellipsoids (CDE), and a comparison between the two is drawn. Synthetic surface brightness maps were derived fromthe modelling and were compared to the LABoCa brightness maps.Results. A sample of nine evolved stars with different chemistry was observed with LABoCa.We detected extended emission aroundfour stars. Physical parameters of the circumstellar envelope were derived from SED modelling, like the dust chemical composition,the dust condensation temperature and the total mass of the envelope. It proved to be difficult to fit the SED and the intensity profilesimultaneously however. The use of the CDE leads to “broad” SEDs when compared to spherical grains, and this results in steepdensity distributions (∝r−2.2 typically).
  •  
45.
  • Liseau, René, 1949, et al. (author)
  • ALMA observations of α Centauri. First detection of main-sequence stars at 3 mm wavelength
  • 2015
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 573, s. L4 (4 pages)-
  • Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. The precise mechanisms that provide the non-radiative energy for heating the chromosphere and the corona of the Sun and those of other stars constitute an active field of research. By studying stellar chromospheres one aims at identifying the relevant physical processes. Defining the permittable extent of the parameter space can also serve as a template for the Sun-as-a-star. This feedback will probably also help identify stars that potentially host planetary systems that are reminiscent of our own.Aims: Earlier observations with Herschel and APEX have revealed the temperature minimum of α Cen, but these were unable to spatially resolve the binary into individual components. With the data reported in this Letter, we aim at remedying this shortcoming. Furthermore, these earlier data were limited to the wavelength region between 100 and 870 μm. In the present context, we intend to extend the spectral mapping (SED) to longer wavelengths, where the contrast between stellar photospheric and chromospheric emission becomes increasingly evident.Methods: The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is particularly suited to point sources, such as unresolved stars. ALMA provides the means to achieve our objectives with both its high sensitivity of the collecting area for the detection of weak signals and the high spatial resolving power of its adaptable interferometer for imaging close multiple stars.Results: This is the first detection of main-sequence stars at a wavelength of 3 mm. Furthermore, the individual components of the binary α Cen AB are clearly detected and spatially well resolved at all ALMA wavelengths. The high signal-to-noise ratios of these data permit accurate determination of their relative flux ratios, i.e., SyB / SyA> = 0.54 ± 0.04 at 440 μm, = 0.46 ± 0.01 at 870 μm, and = 0.47 ± 0.006 at 3.1 mm, respectively.Conclusions: The previously obtained flux ratio of 0.44±0.18, which was based on measurements in the optical and at 70 μm, is consistent with the present ALMA results, albeit with a large error bar. The observed 3.1 mm emission greatly exceeds what is predicted from the stellar photospheres, and undoubtedly arises predominantly as free-free emission in the ionized chromospheric plasmas of both stars. Given the distinct difference in their cyclic activity, the similarity of their submm SEDs appears surprising.
  •  
46.
  • Liseau, René, 1949, et al. (author)
  • Gas and dust in the star-forming region ρ Oph A ∗, ∗∗, ∗∗∗: The dust opacity exponent β and the gas-to-dust mass ratio g2d
  • 2015
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 578
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • © ESO, 2015. Aims. We aim at determining the spatial distribution of the gas and dust in star-forming regions and address their relative abundances in quantitative terms. We also examine the dust opacity exponent β for spatial and/or temporal variations. Methods. Using mapping observations of the very dense ρ Oph A core, we examined standard 1D and non-standard 3D methods to analyse data of far-infrared and submillimetre (submm) continuum radiation. The resulting dust surface density distribution can be compared to that of the gas. The latter was derived from the analysis of accompanying molecular line emission, observed with Herschel from space and with APEX from the ground. As a gas tracer we used N2H+, which is believed to be much less sensitive to freeze-out than CO and its isotopologues. Radiative transfer modelling of the N2H+ (J = 3-2) and (J = 6-5) lines with their hyperfine structure explicitly taken into account provides solutions for the spatial distribution of the column density N(H2), hence the surface density distribution of the gas. Results. The gas-to-dust mass ratio is varying across the map, with very low values in the central regions around the core SM 1. The global average, = 88, is not far from the canonical value of 100, however. In ρ Oph A, the exponent β of the power-law description for the dust opacity exhibits a clear dependence on time, with high values of 2 for the envelope-dominated emission in starless Class -1 sources to low values close to 0 for the disk-dominated emission in Class III objects. β assumes intermediate values for evolutionary classes in between. Conclusions. Since β is primarily controlled by grain size, grain growth mostly occurs in circumstellar disks. The spatial segregation of gas and dust, seen in projection toward the core centre, probably implies that, like C18O, also N2H+ is frozen onto the grains.
  •  
47.
  • Liseau, René, 1949, et al. (author)
  • Multi-line detection of O2 toward rho Ophiuchi A
  • 2012
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 541
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. Models of pure gas-phase chemistry in well-shielded regions of molecular clouds predict relatively high levels of molecular oxygen, O-2, and water, H2O. These high abundances imply high cooling rates, leading to relatively short timescales for the evolution of gravitationally unstable dense cores, forming stars and planets. Contrary to expectations, the dedicated space missions SWAS and Odin typically found only very small amounts of water vapour and essentially no O-2 in the dense star-forming interstellar medium. Aims. Only toward rho OphA did Odin detect a very weak line of O-2 at 119 GHz in a beam of size 10 arcmin. The line emission of related molecules changes on angular scales of the order of some tens of arcseconds, requiring a larger telescope aperture such as that of the Herschel Space Observatory to resolve the O-2 emission and pinpoint its origin. Methods. We use the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far Infrared (HIFI) aboard Herschel to obtain high resolution O-2 spectra toward selected positions in the rho Oph A core. These data are analysed using standard techniques for O2 excitation and compared to recent PDR-like chemical cloud models. Results. The N-J = 3(3)-1(2) line at 487.2 GHz is clearly detected toward all three observed positions in the rho Oph A core. In addition, an oversampled map of the 5(4)-3(4) transition at 773.8 GHz reveals the detection of the line in only half of the observed area. On the basis of their ratios, the temperature of the O-2 emitting gas appears to vary quite substantially, with warm gas (greater than or similar to 50 K) being adjacent to a much colder region, of temperatures lower than 30 K. Conclusions. The exploited models predict that the O-2 column densities are sensitive to the prevailing dust temperatures, but rather insensitive to the temperatures of the gas. In agreement with these models, the observationally determined O-2 column densities do not seem to depend strongly on the derived gas temperatures, but fall into the range N(O-2) = 3 to greater than or similar to 6 x 10(15) cm(-2). Beam-averaged O-2 abundances are about 5 x 10(-8) relative to H-2. Combining the HIFI data with earlier Odin observations yields a source size at 119 GHz in the range of 4 to 5 arcmin, encompassing the entire rho Oph A core. We speculate that one of the reasons for the generally very low detection rate of O-2 is the short period of time during which O-2 molecules are reasonably abundant in molecular clouds.
  •  
48.
  • Liseau, René, 1949, et al. (author)
  • O(18)O and C(18)O observations of rho Ophiuchi A
  • 2010
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 510:1, s. A98 -
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context. Contrary to theoretical expectation, surprisingly low concentrations of molecular oxygen, O-2, have been found in the interstellar medium. Telluric absorption makes ground based O-2 observations essentially impossible and observations had to be done from space. Millimetre-wave telescopes on space platforms were necessarily small, which resulted in large, several arcminutes wide, beam patterns. Observations of the (N-J = 1(1)-1(0)) ground state transition of O-2 with the Odin satellite resulted in a greater than or similar to 5 sigma detection toward the dense core rho OphA. At the frequency of the line, 119 GHz, the Odin telescope has a beam width of 10', larger than the size of the dense core. Aims. The precise nature of the emitting source and its exact location and extent are therefore unknown. The current investigation is intended to remedy this. Methods. Although the Earth's atmosphere is entirely opaque to low-lying O-2 transitions, it allows ground based observations of the much rarer (OO)-O-16-O-18 in favourable conditions and at much higher angular resolution with larger telescopes. In addition, rho OphA exhibits both multiple radial velocity systems and considerable velocity gradients. Extensive mapping of the region in the proxy (CO)-O-18 (J = 3-2) line can be expected to help identify the O-2 source on the basis of its line shape and Doppler velocity. Line opacities were determined from observations of optically thin (CO)-C-13-O-18 (J = 3-2). During several observing periods, two C18O intensity maxima in rho OphA were searched for (OO)-O-18 in the (2(1)-0(1)) line at 234 GHz with the 12m APEX telescope. These positions are associated also with peaks in the mm-continuum emission from dust. Results. Our observations resulted in an upper limit on the integrated O18O intensity of integral T-A* dv 16. Combining Odin's O-2 with the present (OO)-O-18 observations we infer an O-2 abundance 5 x 10(-7)
  •  
49.
  • Liseau, René, 1949, et al. (author)
  • Oxygen in dense interstellar gas : the oxygen abundance of the star forming core ρ Ophiuchi A
  • 2009
  • In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 499, s. 799-
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Context: Oxygen is the third most abundant element in the universe, but its chemistry in the interstellar medium is still not understood well. Aims: To critically examine the entire oxygen budget, we initially attempt to estimate the abundance of atomic oxygen, O, in the only region where molecular oxygen, O{2}, has been detected to date. Methods: We analysed ISOCAM-CVF spectral image data toward ρ Oph A to derive the temperatures and column densities of H{2} at the locations of ISO-LWS observations of two [O I] ^3P{J} lines. The intensity ratios of the (J = 1-2) 63 μm to (J = 0-1) 145 μm lines largely exceed ten, attesting to these lines being optically thin. This is confirmed by radiative transfer calculations, making these lines suitable for abundance determinations. For that purpose, we calculated line strengths and compared them to the LWS observations. Results: Excess [O I] emission is observed to be associated with the molecular outflow from VLA 1623. For this region, we determine the physical parameters, T and N(H{2}), from the CAM observations, and the gas density, n(H{2}), is determined from the flux ratio of the [O i] 63 μm and [O i] 145 μm lines. For the oxygen abundance, our analysis essentially leads to three possibilities: (1) extended low-density gas with standard ISM O-abundance, (2) compact high-density gas with standard ISM O-abundance, and (3) extended high-density gas with reduced oxygen abundance, [O/H] 2 × 10-5. Conclusions: As option (1) disregards valid [O i] 145 μm data, we do not find it very compelling; instead, we favour option (3), as lower abundances are expected as a result of chemical cloud evolution, but we are not able to dismiss option (2) entirely. Observations at higher angular resolution than offered by the LWS are required to decide between these possibilities.
  •  
50.
  • Maercker, Matthias, 1979, et al. (author)
  • A HIFI View of Circumstellar H2O Emission from the S-type AGB Star X Cyg
  • 2011
  • In: Proceedings from conference Why Galaxies Care about AGB stars II, in Vienna 16 - 20 August 2010; published in Astronomical Society of the Pacific conf series, vol 445. - 9781583817704 ; 445, s. 613-617
  • Conference paper (other academic/artistic)
  •  
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