Computer Science
Scientific paper
Jul 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006hst..prop10851s&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #10851. Cycle 15
Computer Science
Scientific paper
We propose to use ACS to obtain second-epoch, high spatial-resolution images of the nearest Pre-Planetary nebula, the Red Rectangle RR. The RR is a Rosetta Stone for testing our understanding of binarity in the evolution of AGB stars to bipolar planetary nebulae, because it is a known binary with well determined orbital and circumbinary disk characteristics, and because of its proximity 330-700 pc. Recent analysis of archival STIS data shows evidence for outflow motion of about 100 km/s. Thus, 2nd epoch observations, in combination with those of 8 years ago, will yield a direct detection of proper motion of sharp nebular structures and the overall expansion rate of this nebula. The observations will therefore detect and characterise for the first time, the outflow motions of a possibly disk-collimated outflow from an evolved binary shaping a bipolar nebula. Deep narrow-band imaging of the RR using the HRC and WFC with the F658N filter will be used to trace H-alpha emission in the central and distant parts of RR, as a probe of the shocked gas. We will run numerical simulations of two currently competing models for shaping the RR, using the FLASH MHD code. This code has been implemented on the JPL supercomputer to study interacting wind processes in the formation of pre-planetary and planetary nebulae. The model predictions of the proper motion vectors will be compared to the observed values, and we will investigate whether tuning of the model parameters is adequate to find fits to the data, or these models have to be abandoned in favor of new ones. This study will help to improve our currently very limited understanding of the role of binarity in the tranformation of AGB stars to planetary nebulae.
No associations
LandOfFree
Solving the Riddle of the Red Rectangle: Proper Motion Study of a Bipolar Nebula around a Binary 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 Solving the Riddle of the Red Rectangle: Proper Motion Study of a Bipolar Nebula around a Binary, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Solving the Riddle of the Red Rectangle: Proper Motion Study of a Bipolar Nebula around a Binary will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1792657