Alma Reveals The Molecular Outflows In The Envelope Of Hypergiant Vy Canis Majoris

Singh, Ambesh Pratik

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/116830 Copy

Description

Title

Alma Reveals The Molecular Outflows In The Envelope Of Hypergiant Vy Canis Majoris

Author(s)

Singh, Ambesh Pratik

Contributor(s)

• Ziurys, Lucy M.
• Humphreys, Roberta M.
• Richards, Anita M.

Issue Date

2022-06-20

Keyword(s)

Astronomy

Abstract

Extreme supergiant stars, or hypergiants, are thought to undergo extensive, chaotic mass loss events in their later stages, with complex envelope structures composed of arcs, clumps, and knots. The red hypergiant VY CMa is one of the best examples of these types of stars. Previous studies in the infrared of VY CMa of dust emission have shown the presence of distinct arcs to the southwest (Arc 1, Arc 2), a NW arc, and another clumps and knots, many extending several arcseconds from the central star. Using ALMA, we imaged the envelope of VY CMa in multiple molecular lines at Band 6 (1 mm) with 0.25 arcsecond resolution and with the sensitivity to structures as large as 3-4 arcseconds. While some observations are still in progress, preliminary maps of SO$_{2}$, H$^{13}$CN, and PO have been produced. From SO$_{2}$ emission, a map of the global molecular outflow structure of VY CMa has been obtained for the first time on scales of 6-8 arcseconds. These molecular data show the striking morphology seen in dust emission in VY CMa, including Arc 1, Arc 2, and the NW Arc, among other features. These new images will be presented, as well as other new data, and the implications for the evolution of massive stars will be discussed.

Publisher

International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy

Type of Resource

text

Language

eng

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/116830

DOI

https://doi.org/10.15278/isms.2022.MN09

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2022 held by the authors

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