The massive expanding molecular torus in the planetary nebula NGC 6302

Peretto, Nicolas ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6893-602X, Fuller, G., Zijlstra, A. and Patel, N. 2007. The massive expanding molecular torus in the planetary nebula NGC 6302. Astronomy and Astrophysics 473 (1) , pp. 207-217. 10.1051/0004-6361:20066973

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Abstract

Aims.We measure the mass and kinematics of the massive molecular torus in the the proto-typical butterfly planetary nebula NGC 6302. Determining the mass-loss history of the source is an important step in understanding the origin and formation of the wing-like morphology. Methods. Using the SMA interferometer we have imaged both the continuum emission and the J=2-1 transitions of 12CO and 13CO at arcsecond resolution. These data are analysed in combination with observations of both the J=2-1 and J=3-2 transitions of 12CO and 13CO made with JCMT. Results. The 12CO and 13CO emission match the dark lane seen in absorption in the H${\alpha}$ image of the object and trace an expanding torus of material. The CO indicates a mass of the torus of ~2 $M_\odot \pm 1$ $M_\odot$. The torus is expanding with a velocity of ~8 km s-1, centred at $V_{\rm lsr}=-31.5\rm\,km\,s^{-1}$. The size and expansion velocity of the torus indicates that it was ejected from ~7500 yr to 2900 yr ago, with a mass-loss rate of $5\times10^{-4}\,M_\odot\,\rm yr^{-1}$. In addition we detect a ballistic component in the CO images which has a velocity gradient of 140 km s-1 pc-1. Conclusions.The derived mass-loss history of the torus favours binary interaction as the cause of the ejection of the torus and we predict the existence of a companion with an orbital period $P\lesssim 1\,$month.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Physics and Astronomy
Subjects:	Q Science > QB Astronomy
Uncontrolled Keywords:	stars: AGB and post-AGB; planetary nebulae: general; planetary nebulae: individual: NGC 6302
Additional Information:	Pdf uploaded in accordance with publisher's policy at http://www.sherpa.ac.uk/romeo/issn/0004-6361/ (accessed 17/04/2014)
Publisher:	EDP Sciences
ISSN:	0004-6361
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	23 May 2023 15:03
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/56282

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