Abstract
We present recent Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA)-based studies of circumstellar envelopes (CSEs) around Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars and pre-Planetary Nebulae (pPNe). In only a few years of operation, ALMA is revolutionising the field of AGB-to-PN research by providing unprecedentedly detailed information on the complex nebular architecture (at large but also on small scales down to a few ∼10 AU from the centre), dynamics and chemistry of the outflows/envelopes of low-to-intermediate mass stars in their late stages of the evolution. Here, we focus on continuum and molecular line mapping studies with high angular resolution and sensitivity of some objects that are key to understanding the complex PN-shaping process. In particular, we offer (i) a brief summary of ALMA observations of rotating disks in post-AGB objects and (ii) report on ALMA observations of OH 231.8+4.2 providing the most detailed and accurate description of the global nebular structure and kinematics of this iconic object to date.
Highlights
Due to its unique capabilities, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) has an immense potential to make great advances, and to answer major questions, in the field of AsymptoticGiant Branch (AGB)-to-Planetary Nebulae (PNe) evolution
The first ALMA images of an Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) star, R Sculptoris [1], showed a spiral structure inscribed in the circumstellar envelope (CSE), and, for the first time, astronomers could get full three-dimensional information about this outrageous structure, created by a hidden companion star orbiting the red giant
These ALMA maps were the prelude for future discoveries and marked the beginning of a new era in AGB/post-AGB/pre-Planetary Nebulae/PNe research
Summary
Due to its unique capabilities, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) has an immense potential to make great advances, and to answer major questions, in the field of Asymptotic. R Sculptoris [1], showed a spiral structure inscribed in the circumstellar envelope (CSE), and, for the first time, astronomers could get full three-dimensional information about this outrageous structure, created by a hidden companion star orbiting the red giant These ALMA maps were the prelude for future discoveries and marked the beginning of a new era in AGB/post-AGB/pre-Planetary Nebulae (pPNe)/PNe research. Galaxies 2018, 6, 94 collimation process and (ii) to gather a very detailed characterization of large-scale structures (and to discover new ones) that can help us to build up the nebular shaping history of these objects. In this presentation, we show some examples of these two types of studies.
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