Binarity - its Influence on Planetary Nebula Formation
Abstract
Probably most stellar systems are multiple rather than single stars. If one star in a binary is capable of blowing off an envelope that can become a planetary nebula, the influence of the other star may be significant in determining the evolutionary stage at which the envelope is ejected, and consequentially the remnant core's mass (as well as in determining the shape of the envelope after it is ejected and the evolution of this shape with time). A reasonably close binary companion could in principle either prevent entirely the ejection of an envelope (by swallowing it via Roche-lobe overflow), or it could enhance the process dramatically (by common envelope and spiral-in evolution). A range of intermediate kinds of behavior should also be possible. If both components of a binary are over about 1 solar mass, then each star may be capable, in turn, of going through M-giant-to-planetary-nebula evolution.
- Publication:
-
From Miras to Planetary Nebulae: Which Path for Stellar Evolution?
- Pub Date:
- 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990fmpn.coll..513E
- Keywords:
-
- Binary Stars;
- Planetary Nebulae;
- Roche Limit;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Stellar Systems;
- Red Giant Stars;
- Stellar Envelopes;
- Stellar Mass;
- Astrophysics