Imaging Scattered Light from the Inner Nebulae of Miras and Post-AGB Stars

摘要 CROTTS，Arlin AST-9421474 渐近巨分支（AGB）的质量损失仍然是现代天文学中最缺乏了解的课题之一。 该计划的目标是以前所未有的时间分辨率研究AGB和后AGB阶段恒星最近的质量损失历史和尘埃壳形态变化。 利用星火光学靶场的自适应光学系统，研究人员将绘制Miras和post-AGB恒星周围拱星包层（CSE）内部散射光的亚弧秒分辨率地图。 散射光的强度是到中心星星的角距离的函数，它绘制出尘埃密度分布图，并包含了最近质量损失率和形态变化的信息。 更好地理解AGB质量损失过程不仅对更好地理解恒星演化的后期阶段至关重要，而且还支持天文学的其他领域，例如将处理过的物质回收到星际介质中，以及研究古老的恒星种群和星系化学演化。 * * *

ABSTRACT CROTTS, Arlin AST-9421474 Mass loss on the Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) is still one of the most poorly understood topics in modern astronomy. The goal of this program is to study, with unprecedented time resolution, the most recent mass loss history and changes in dust shell morphology of stars in the AGB and post-AGB phase. Utilizing the adaptive optics system at the Starfire Optical Range the investigators will make subarcsec resolution maps of the scattered light from the inner parts of circumstellar envelopes (CSEs) around Miras and post-AGB stars. The intensity of scattered light as function of angular distance to the central star maps out the dust density distribution and contains information about recent variations in mass loss rate and morphology. A better understanding of the AGB mass loss process is not only crucial for a better understanding of the late stages of stellar evolution, but also supports other areas in astronomy such as the recycling of processed material into interstellar medium and studies of old stellar populations and galactic chemical evolution. * * *