Submillimeter array observations of CS J = 14-13 emission from the evolved star IRC +10216

We present imaging observations of the evolved star IRC +10216 in the CS J = 14-13 line at 685.4 GHz and the associated submillimeter continuum at ∼2″ resolution made with the partially constructed Submillimeter Array. The CS J = 14-13 line emission from the stellar envelope is well resolved both spatially and spectrally. The strong central concentration of the line emission provides direct evidence that CS is a parent molecule that forms close to the stellar photosphere, in accord with previous images of the lower excitation CS J = 2-1 line and inferences from unresolved observations of vibrationally excited transitions. The continuum emission is dominated by a compact, unresolved component, consistent with the photospheric emission, that accounts for ∼20% of the broadband 450 μm flux. These are the first interferometer imaging observations made in the semitransparent 450 μm atmospheric window.

Duke Scholars

Author Ken H Young Pathology