Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2002-01-29
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
8 pages, 3 figures (Fig. 1 in color); to appear in ApJ Letters
Scientific paper
10.1086/339897
We present thermal infrared images of the bipolar nebula surrounding eta Carinae at six wavelengths from 4.8 to 24.5 microns. These were obtained with the MIRAC3 camera system at the Magellan Observatory. Our images reveal new intricate structure in the bright core of the nebula, allowing us to re-evaluate interpretations of morphology seen in images with lower resolution. Complex structures in the core might not arise from a pair of overlapping rings or a cool (110 K) and very massive dust torus, as has been suggested recently. Instead, it seems more likely that the arcs and compact knots comprise a warm (350 K) disrupted torus at the intersection of the larger polar lobes. Some of the arcs appear to break out of the inner core region, and may be associated with equatorial features seen in optical images. The torus could have been disrupted by a post-eruption stellar wind, or by ejecta from the Great Eruption itself if the torus existed before that event. Kinematic data are required to rule out either possibility.
Gehrz Robert D.
Hinz Phillip M.
Hoffmann William F.
Hora Joseph L.
Mamajek Eric E.
No associations
LandOfFree
A disrupted circumstellar torus inside eta Carinae's Homunculus Nebula does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with A disrupted circumstellar torus inside eta Carinae's Homunculus Nebula, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A disrupted circumstellar torus inside eta Carinae's Homunculus Nebula will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-583492