Water in IRC+10216: a genuine formation process by shock-induced chemistry in the inner wind

Details Water in IRC+10216: a genuine formation process by shock-induced chemistry in the inner wind Water in IRC+10216: a genuine formation process by shock-induced chemistry in the inner wind

2010-12-22

arxiv.org/abs/1012.5076v1

Astronomy & Astrophysics 526 (2011) L11

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Solar and Stellar Astrophysics

5 pages, 2 figures. Accepted for publication in A&A Letters

Scientific paper

10.1051/0004-6361/201016035

Context: The presence of water in the wind of the extreme carbon star IRC+10216 has been confirmed by the Herschel telescope. The regions where the high-J H2O lines have been detected are close to the star at radii r \geq 15 R\ast. Aims: We investigate the formation of water and related molecules in the periodically-shocked inner layers of IRC+10216 where dust also forms and accelerates the wind. Methods: We describe the molecular formation by a chemical kinetic network involving carbon-and oxygen-based molecules. We then apply this network to the physical conditions pertaining to the dust-formation zone which experiences the passage of pulsation- driven shocks between 1 and 5 R\ast. We solve for a system of stiff, coupled, ordinary, and differential equations. Results: Non-equilibrium chemistry prevails in the dust-formation zone. H2O forms quickly above the photosphere from the synthesis of hydroxyl OH induced by the thermal fragmentation of CO in the hot post-shock gas. The derived abundance with respect to H2 at 5 R\ast is 1.4\times10-7, which excellently agrees the values derived from Herschel observations. The non-equilibrium formation process of water will be active whatever the stellar C/O ratio, and H2O should then be present in the wind acceleration zone of all stars on the Asymptotic Giant Branch.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Water in IRC+10216: a genuine formation process by shock-induced chemistry in the inner wind 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 Water in IRC+10216: a genuine formation process by shock-induced chemistry in the inner wind, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Water in IRC+10216: a genuine formation process by shock-induced chemistry in the inner wind will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-582734