Wareing, CJ, Zijlstra, AA, O'Brien, TJ et al. (1 more author) (2007) It's a wonderful tail: The mass-loss history of Mira. Astrophysical Journal, 670 (2). L125 - L129 . ISSN 0004-637X
Abstract
Recent observations of the Mira AB binary system have revealed a surrounding arc-like structure and a stream of material stretching 2 degrees away in opposition to the arc. The alignment of the proper motion vector and the arc-like structure shows the structures to be a bow shock and accompanying tail. We have successfully hydrodynamically modelled the bow shock and tail as the interaction between the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) wind launched from Mira A and the surrounding interstellar medium. Our simulations show that the wake behind the bow shock is turbulent: this forms periodic density variations in the tail similar to those observed. We investigate the possiblity of mass-loss variations, but find that these have limited effect on the tail structure. The tail is estimated to be approximately 450000 years old, and is moving with a velocity close to that of Mira itself. We suggest that the duration of the high mass-loss phase on the AGB may have been underestimated. Finally, both the tail curvature and the rebrightening at large distance can be qualitatively understood if Mira recently entered the Local Bubble. This is estimated to have occured 17pc downstream from its current location.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Keywords: | circumstellar matter, hydrodynamics, ISM : structure, stars : AGB and post-AGB, stars : individual (Mira), stars : mass loss |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences (Leeds) > School of Mathematics (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 08 May 2013 10:10 |
Last Modified: | 23 Jun 2023 21:32 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/524407 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Institute of Physics |
Identification Number: | 10.1086/524407 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:75494 |