Radio Photosphere and Mass-Loss Envelope of VY Canis Majoris
Abstract
We have used the VLA to detect emission from the supergiant VY CMa at radio wavelengths and have constructed 3000-4500 K isothermal outer atmospheres constrained by the data. These models produce a radio photosphere at 1.5-2 R*. An extrapolation of the model can account for the observed total mass-loss rate of the star. We also present mid-infrared imaging of the supergiant which suggests that warm dust is extended in the same direction as the near-infrared reflection nebula around VY CMa. The origin of the asymmetries in the outflow remains an unsolved problem.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- June 2005
- DOI:
- 10.1086/429900
- arXiv:
- arXiv:astro-ph/0502586
- Bibcode:
- 2005ApJ...626..439L
- Keywords:
-
- Infrared: Stars;
- Radio Continuum: Stars;
- Stars: Atmospheres;
- Stars: Individual: Constellation Name: VY Canis Majoris;
- Stars: Mass Loss;
- Stars: Supergiants;
- Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- Accepted for publication in June 10, 2005, ApJ. 20 pages, 5 figures