Pumping Mechanisms for SiO Masers around VX Sgr
Abstract
VX Sgr, a semi-regular variable, is a red giant star with intense SiO maser emission at 43 GHz. The pumping mechanism of the circumstellar SiO masers has been controversial for decades since its discovery. In order to pursue this long-standing problem further, we have carried out simultaneous VLBA observations of two 7 mm SiO masers at five epochs in about two years. We present relatively aligned υ = 1 and υ = 2, J = 1-0 SiO maser maps and discuss the dominant pumping mechanism, which may be epoch dependent or a combination of both mechanisms.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy
- Pub Date:
- June 2011
- DOI:
- 10.1007/s12036-011-9002-y
- Bibcode:
- 2011JApA...32..261S
- Keywords:
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- Stars: individual (VX Sgr);
- techniques: interferometric.;
- Stars: individual (VX Sgr) — techniques: interferometric.