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mm-VLBI observations of SiO masers: Further support for radiative pumping and rotation of the inner shell

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 August 2017

Jean-François Desmurs
Affiliation:
Observatorio Astronómico Nacional (IGN), Spain
Valentín Bujarrabal
Affiliation:
Observatorio Astronómico Nacional (IGN), Spain
Francisco Colomer
Affiliation:
Observatorio Astronómico Nacional (IGN), Spain
Javier Alcolea
Affiliation:
Observatorio Astronómico Nacional (IGN), Spain

Abstract

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We have performed VLBA observations of the SiO v = 1 and v = 2 J = 1-0 masers in two AGB stars, TX Cam and IRC +10011. We confirm the ring-like spatial distribution, previously found in several AGB objects, as well as the tangential polarization pattern, already reported for TX Cam. Both properties, that seem to be systematic in this kind of objects, are characteristic of radiatively pumped SiO masers. On the contrary, we do not confirm the previous report on the spatial coincidence between the J = 1-0 v = 1 and 2 masers, a result that would have argued in favor of collisional pumping. We find that both lines sometimes arise from nearby spots, typically separated by 1-2 mas, but are rarely coincident. The discrepancy with previous results is explained by the very high spatial resolution of our observations, ∼ 0.5 mas, an order of magnitude better than in the relevant previously published experiment. Moreover, we have been able to measure a probable rotation of the inner shell of a few km/s. Rotation of circumstellar shells is assumed by the most convincing models explaining the drastic change of symmetry between the AGB envelopes (spherical symmetry) and Proto Planetary Nebulae (axial symmetry).

Type
Part 2. Stellar Masers
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of the Pacific 2002 

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