Magnetic Fields in Circumstellar Envelopes of Evolved AGB Stars

Abstract

In this paper, a time-dependent magnetohydrodynamic model is presented which aimed at understanding the superwind production by an evolved AGB star and the consecutive formation of a dense circumstellar envelope (CSE) around it. We know henceforth from various observations that a large scale magnetic field, probably toroidal in shape, is duly attested within these envelopes. Where does this large scale coherent field come from? The apparent antinomy between the quasi-round dense CSEs and their likely descendants, i.e., the elongated or bipolar Planetary Nebulae is also questioned. How is the spherical symmetry broken? We suggest in the present model that the nebula must effectively appear round during the superwind phase from the point of view of a distant observer. By contrast anisotropic structures are already appearing at the same time, but these ones remain hidden in the innermost regions. We predict thus the existence of a large bipolar cavity above the AGB star during the slow superwind phase. We then conjecture that the PPNe phase begins when the fast wind emitted by the core engulfs this cavity and increases the anisotropy of the distribution of gas. Thus even though paradoxically enough a beautiful evolved PNe can eventually emerge from a quasi-round dense CSE.