Sakurai's Object: characterizing the near-infrared CO ejecta between 2003 and 2007

A. Evans, H. L. Worters, M. T. Rushton, S. P. S. Eyres, T. R. Geballe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We present observations of Sakurai's Object obtained at 1–5 μm between 2003 and 2007. By fitting a radiative transfer model to an echelle spectrum of CO fundamental absorption features around 4.7 μm, we determine the excitation conditions in the line-forming region. We find 12C/13C = 3.5+2.0−1.5, consistent with CO originating in ejecta processed by the very late thermal pulse, rather than in the pre-existing planetary nebula. We demonstrate the existence of 2.2 × 10−6≤MCO≤ 2.7 × 10−6 M⊙ of CO ejecta outside the dust, forming a high-velocity wind of 500 ± 80 km s−1. We find evidence for significant weakening of the CO band and cooling of the dust around the central star between 2003 and 2005. The gas and dust temperatures are implausibly high for stellar radiation to be the sole contributor.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)108-112
JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume393
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Feb 2009

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