GBT22A-469

Testing the Limits of ARGUS: A 3mm Molecular Survey of IRC+10216

Abstract

Ring-like features appear in the neutral material that surrounds some young planetary nebulae (PNe). The results of episodic mass-loss from a dying star, the exact formation mechanism remains much debated. In the case of proto-PN IRC+10216, such features have been observed extending >180" from the central star in the optical and mm-regime. Imaging of these nearly-circular features in molecular CO provided estimates of shell separation and thus intervals between mass loss periods. We now propose to enhance our mapping of the extended shells of IRC+10216 in CO with a slew of irradiation tracing molecules using high spatial (~8.5") and kinematic resolution imaging of the proto-PN molecular gas. The results will provide important quantitative information on what Argus-16 can accomplish and the analysis of HCN, HNC, and HCO+ will enable a range of chemical processing tests with the entire shell structure in a late-stage star.

Investigators

Name	Institution
Jesse Bublitz *	Green Bank Observatory; Rochester Institute of Technology
Jay Lockman	Green Bank Observatory

* indicates the PI