The multiple molecular winds of CRL 2688

Three rotational transitions of ¹²C¹⁶O, two of ¹³C¹⁶O, and one of ¹H¹²C¹⁴N were observed toward the proto-planetary nebula CRL 2688. The spectra reveal a previously undetected wing of emission representing an outflow velocity of about 100 km s^-1. The mechanical momentum in this wind appears to be too large to be supplied by radiation pressure. Also observed is an absorption feature which is on the blueshifted side of the spectrum with respect to the systemic velocity. This feature is interpreted as due to the low-velocity wind absorbing radiation from higher velocity gas near the star. High-resolution spectra of this absorption feature show that its blue edge is very sharp, providing a tight constraint on the turbulent velocity of the low-velocity stellar wind.

Duke Scholars

Author Ken H Young Pathology