Silicate Carbon Stars Research Articles

WISE observations for the variety of Galactic carbon stars

WISE observations of visual carbon stars (VCSs), infrared carbon stars (IRCSs), extreme carbon stars (ECSs), J-type carbon stars JCSs), and silicate carbon stars (SCSs) are presented in this paper. We found that in the WISE observational region carbon stars still form a sequence of VCSs → IRCSs → ECSs with the color gradually increasing. We also found that in the WISE two-color diagrams the JCS distribution is similar to that for the VCS, while the ECS distribution is similar to the IRCS. In addition, most of these carbon stars are around or on the lower right side of blackbody distributions in the WISE two-color diagrams due to the thermal radiation from dusty circumstellar envelopes, while some of them are around or on the upper left side of power law distributions possibly due to the radiation from dusty disks or showing the influence from some molecular features.

A Radio Molecular Line Search for Evidence of an O-rich Environment Around Binary in Silicate Carbon Stars

Abstract We report observations of oxygen-rich (O-rich) radio molecular line tracers, including H2CO, H2O, and HCO+ toward 28 silicate carbon stars (SCSs). SCSs are special evolved star systems that consist of a carbon star associated with peculiar O-rich circumstellar material. Absorption in the 6 cm transition was detected from seven SCSs using the Shanghai 65 m Tianma radio telescope. In order to further investigate their O-rich material, several 3 mm molecular lines including HCO+ and CO were also observed with the Purple Mountain Observatory 13.7 m telescope. Double-peak profiles in some of these lines suggest the possible presence of a companion in the SCS system. A negative association between H2O masers and H2CO absorption was found in our sample of SCSs. The maser sources may correspond to an earlier evolutionary stage when the circumstellar envelope (CSE) material is O-rich and limited to a compact and denser region. As the star evolves the CSE gradually expands and carbon abundance is enhanced, resulting in the masers disappearing and H2CO absorption arising.

A NEW CATALOG OF SILICATE CARBON STARS

A silicate carbon star is a carbon star which shows circumstellar silicate dust features. We col-lect a sample of 44 silicate carbon stars from the literature and investigate the validity of the classification. For some objects, it is uncertain whether the central star is a carbon star. We confirm that 29 objects are verified silicate carbon stars. We classify the confirmed objects into three subclasses based on the evolution phase of the central star. To investigate the effect of the chemical transition phase from O to C, we use the radiative transfer models for the detached silicate dust shells. The spectral energy distributions and the infrared two-color diagrams of the silicate carbon stars are compared with the theoretical model results. For the chemical transition model without considering the effect of a disk, we find that the life time of the silicate feature is about 50 to 400 years depending on the initial dust optical depth.

VLA survey of 22 GHz H2O masers toward ten silicate carbon stars

Context. Despite their carbon-rich photospheres, silicate carbon stars show evidence of oxygen-rich circumstellar material, which is thought to exist in disks. Silicate carbon stars represent interesting cases that allow us to study the possible effects of binarity on stellar evolution and mass loss accompanied by the formation of disks.

Infrared two-colour diagrams for AGB stars using AKARI, MSX, IRAS and near-infrared data

Using a revised version of the catalog of AGB stars by Suh & Kwon (2009), we present various infrared two-colour diagrams (2CDs) for 3003 O-rich, 1168 C-rich, 362 S-type and 35 silicate carbon stars in our Galaxy. For each object in the new catalog, we cross-identify the AKARI, MSX and 2MASS counterparts by finding the nearest one from the position information in the IRAS PSC. For the large sample of AGB stars, we present infrared two-colour diagrams using IRAS (PSC), AKARI (PSC and BSC), MSX (PSC) and near infrared (K and L bands; including 2MASS data at KS band) data for different classes of AGB stars based on the chemistry of the dust shell and/or the central star. The infrared 2CDs of AGB stars can provide useful information about the structure and evolution of the dust envelopes as well as the central stars. On the 2CDs, we plot tracks of the theoretical radiative transfer model results with increasing dust shell optical depths. Comparing the observations with the theoretical models on the new 2CDs, we find that the basic model tracks roughly coincide with the densely populated observed points. Generally, we can explain the observations of O-rich and C-rich AGB stars on the various 2CDs with the theoretical models using dust opacity functions of amorphous silicate, amorphous carbon, SiC and corundum. For O-rich AGB stars, we find that the models using corundum as well as silicate can improve the fit with the observations.

Identification of new silicate carbon stars

IRAS low-resolution spectra for 17 sources are presented in this paper. Together with the carbon star catalog, information from recent literatures, the ISO observation and the IRAS two-color diagram, it is found that among them 5 sources are new silicate carbon stars, 5 sources are candidates of silicate carbon stars and other 7 sources are probable candidates of silicate carbon stars. Some discussions are made for their infrared properties.

Asymmetric silicate dust distribution toward the silicate carbon star BM Geminorum

Context. Despite their carbon-rich photospheres, silicate carbon stars show 10 μm silicate emission. They are considered to have circumbinary or circum-companion disks, which serve as a reservoir of oxygen-rich material shed by mass loss in the past. Aims. We present N-band spectro-interferometric observations of the silicate carbon star BM Gem using MIDI at the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI). Our aim is to probe the spatial distribution of oxygen-rich dust at high spatial resolution. Methods. Using the UT2-UT3 and UT3-UT4 configurations, BM Gem was observed with VLTI/MIDI at 44–62 m baselines. Results. The N-band visibilities observed for BM Gem decrease steeply between 8 and ∼10 μm and increase gradually longward of ∼10 μm, reflecting the optically thin silicate emission feature emanating from sub-micron-sized amorphous silicate grains. The differential phases obtained at baselines of ∼44–46 m show significant non-zero values (∼−70 ◦ ) in the central part of the silicate emission feature between ∼9 and 11 μm, revealing a photocenter shift and the asymmetric nature of the silicate emitting region. The observed N-band visibilities and differential phases can be described adequately by a simple geometrical model in which the unresolved star is surrounded by a ring with azimuthal brightness modulation. The best-fit model is characterized by a broad ring (∼70 mas across at 10 μm) with a bright region offset from the unresolved star by ∼20 mas at a position angle of ∼280 ◦ . This model can be interpreted as a system with a circum-companion disk and is consistent with the spectroscopic signatures of an accretion disk around an unseen companion, which were discovered in the violet spectrum of BM Gem.

Evidence for a Companion to BM Gem, a Silicate Carbon Star

Balmer and Paschen continuum emission, as well as Balmer series lines of P Cygni-type profile from Hγ through H23, are revealed in the violet spectra of BM Gem, a carbon star associated with an oxygen-rich circumstellar shell (silicate carbon star). The blueshifted absorption in the Balmer lines indicates the presence of an outflow, the line-of-sight velocity of which is at least 400 km s−1. The Balmer lines show a significant change in profile over a period of 75 days. We argue that the observed unusual features in BM Gem are strong evidence for the presence of a companion, which should form an accretion disk that gives rise to both an ionized gas region and a high-velocity variable outflow. The estimated luminosity of ~0.2 (0.03-0.6) L☉ for the ionized gas can be maintained by a mass accretion rate for a dwarf companion of ~10−8 M☉ yr−1, while ~10−10 M☉ yr−1 is sufficient for accretion to a white dwarf companion. These accretion rates are feasible for some detached binary configurations on the basis of the Bondi-Hoyle-type accretion process. Therefore, we conclude that the carbon star BM Gem is in a detached binary system with a companion of low mass and low luminosity. However, we are unable to determine whether this companion object is a dwarf or a white dwarf, although the gas outflow velocity of 400 km s−1, as well as the nondetection in the X-ray survey, favor its identity as a dwarf star. The upper limits for binary separation are 210 and 930 AU for a dwarf and a white dwarf, respectively, in the case of circular orbit. We also note that the observed features of BM Gem mimic those of Mira (o Cet), which may suggest actual similarities in their binary configurations and circumstellar structures.

Characteristic Low-Temperature Crystallization of Amorphous Mg-bearing Silicate Grains under Electron Irradiation

Amorphous Mg-bearing silicate grains, which were produced by the coalescence between MgO and SiOx smoke particles, were crystallized to forsterite (Mg2SiO4) by electron-beam irradiation in a transmission electron microscope at room temperature. The crystallization induced by electron beams was accelerated by the presence of CH4 adsorbed on the surface and incorporated interior of the grains. This experimental result implies the possibility of low-temperature crystallization in a silicate carbon star. In the case of binary stars, since the materials that flow from the stars stationarily exist around the star, the formed amorphous silicate grains will be irradiated by electrons from the star for a long duration. As a result, a significant amount of crystalline silicates can be produced.

Imaging the oxygen-rich disk toward the silicate carbon star EU Andromedae

Context. Silicate carbon stars are characterized by oxygen-rich circumstellar environments as revealed by prominent silicate emission, despite their carbon-rich photospheres. While the presence of a circumbinary disk or a disk around an unseen, low-luminosity companion has been suggested to explain the peculiar dust chemistry, the origin of silicate carbon stars is still a puzzle to date. Aims. We present multi-epoch, high-angular resolution observations of 22 GHz H2O masers toward the silicate carbon star EU And to probe the spatio-kinematic distribution of oxygen-rich material. Methods. EU And was observed at three epochs (maximum time interval of 14 months) with the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). Results. Our VLBA observations of the 22 GHz H2O masers have revealed that the maser spots are distributed along a straight line across ∼20 mas, with a slight hint of an S-shaped structure. The observed spectra show three prominent velocity components at VLSR= −42, −38, and −34 km s −1 , with the masers in SW redshifted and those in NE blueshifted. The maser spots located in the middle of the overall distribution correspond to the component at VLSR = −38 km s −1 , which approximately coincides with the systemic velocity. These observations can be interpreted as either an emerging helical jet or a disk viewed almost edge-on (a circumbinary or circum-companion disk). However, the outward motion measured in the VLBA images taken 14 months apart is much smaller than what is expected from the jet scenario. Furthermore, the mid-infrared spectrum obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope indicates that the 10 µm silicate emission is optically thin and the silicate grains are of sub-micron size. This lends support to the presence of a circum-companion disk, because an optically thin circumbinary disk consisting of such small grains would be blown away by the intense radiation pressure of the primary (carbon-rich) star. If we assume Keplerian rotation for the circum-companion disk, the mass of the companion is estimated to be 0.5–0.8 M� . We also identify CO2 emission features at 13–16 µm in the Spitzer spectrum of EU And–the first unambiguous detection of CO2 in silicate carbon stars.

Infrared Study of J-Type Carbon Stars Based onInfrared Astronomical Satellite, Two Micron All Sky Survey, andInfrared Space ObservatoryData

collected 113 J-type carbon stars from the published literature. Observations from 2MASS, IRAS, and ISO show that, except for silicate carbon stars in the J-type carbon star domain, the infrared properties of the other J-type carbon stars are quite similar to those of ordinary carbon stars. The above results imply that the chemical peculiarity of enhanced C-13 for J-type carbon stars is not reflected in the infrared region. In addition, the possible evolutionary scenario and binarity for J-type carbon stars are also discussed.

Newly Identified Silicate Carbon Stars from IRAS Low-Resolution Spectra

The discovery of silicate carbon star poses a challenge to the theory of stellar evolution in the late stage, hence it is important to look for more silicate carbon stars. To this end we have carried out cross-identifications between the new IRAS Low-Resolution Spectrum (LRS) database and the new carbon star catalog, CGCS3. We have found nine new silicate carbon stars with silicate features around 10 mu m and/or 18 mu m. These newly identified stars are located in the Regions IIIa and VII in the IRAS two-color diagram, which means they indeed have typical far infrared colors of silicate carbon stars. The infrared properties of each of these sources are discussed.

A warped m= 2 water maser disc in V778 Cyg?

The silicate carbon star V778 Cyg is a source of 22 GHz water maser emission which was recently resolved by MERLIN. Observations revealed an elongated S-like structure along which the velocities of the maser features show a linear dependence on the impact parameter. This is consistent with a doubly-warped m=2 disc observed edge-on. Water masers and silicate dust emission (detected by IRAS and ISO) have a common origin in O-rich material and are likely to be co-located in the disc. We propose a detailed self-consistent model of a masing gas-dust disc around a companion to the carbon star in a binary system, which allows us to estimate the companion mass of 1.7 +- 0.1 M_sun, the disc radius of 40 +-3 AU and the distance between companions of about 80 AU. Using a dust-gas coupling model for water masing, we calculate the maser power self-consistently, accounting for both the gas and the dust energy balances. Comparing the simulation results with the observational data, we deduce the main physical parameters of the masing disc, such as the gas and dust temperatures and their densities. We also present an analysis of the stability of the disc.

규산염탄소항성의 먼지층 모형

비정질규산염과 비정질탄소 먼지입자들이 혼합된 불투명계수를 사용하여. 규산염탄소항성의 구형대칭 먼지층에 대한 복사전달 모형계산을 진행하였다. 계산결과들을 적외선 관측자료와 자세히 비교하여 최적의 모형 계수들을 얻어내었고 규산염탄소항성과 그 먼지층의 물리적,화학적 구조에 대한 해석에 적용하였다. 이 연구에 사용된 4개의 항성들은 먼지충의 화학성분이 변하는 과도기의 특징들을 다양하게 나타내었다. 단순히 규산염으로 이루어져 있지만 항성 표면으로부터 많이 떨어져 있는 먼지층은 홑별로서의 과도기 규산염탄소항성의 전형적인 모습이다. 그러나 쌍성일 경우 전시대의 규산염과 이후의 탄소 먼지입자들이 공존하는 독특한 특징을 보일 수 있다. We have modeled dust envelopes around silicate carbon stars using optical properties for a mixture of amorphous carbon and silicate dust grains paying close attention to the infrared observations of the stars. The 4 stars show various properties in chemistry and location of the dust shell. We expect that the objects that fit a simple detached silicate dust shell model could be in the transition phase of the stellar chemistry. For binary system objects, we find that a mixed dust chemistry model would be necessary.

A self-consistent model of a 22 GHz water maser in a dusty environment near late-type stars

We study the conditions for operation of the 22 GHz ortho-water maser in a dusty medium near late-type stars. The main physical processes, such as exchange of energy between dust and gas in the radiation field of a star, radiative cooling by water molecules and pumping of water masers are described self-consistently. We show that the presence of dust grains of various types (or of one type with size distribution) strongly affects the maser action. The pumping mechanism based on the presence of the dust of different optical properties is able to explain water masers in the silicate carbon star V778 Cyg. However, the masers in the winds from asymptotic giant branch stars require an additional source of heating, for instance due to the dust drift through the gas.

High angular resolutionN-band observation of the silicate carbon star IRAS08002-3803 with the VLTI/MIDI instrument

We present the results of N-band spectro-interferometric observations of the silicate carbon star IRAS08002-3803 with the MID-infrared Interferometric instrument (MIDI) at the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) of the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The observations were carried out using two unit telescopes (UT2 and UT3) with projected baseline lengths ranging from 39 to 47 m. Our observations of IRAS08002-3803 have spatially resolved the dusty environment of a silicate carbon star for the first time and revealed an unexpected wavelength dependence of the angular size in the N band: the uniform-disk diameter is found to be constant and ∼36 mas (72 R� ) between 8 and 10 µm, while it steeply increases longward of 10 µm to reach ∼53 mas (106 R� )a t 13µm. Model calculations with our Monte Carlo radiative transfer code show that neither spherical shell models nor axisymmetric disk models consisting of silicate grains alone can simultaneously explain the observed wavelength dependence of the visibility and the spectral energy distribution (SED). We propose that the circumstellar environment of IRAS08002-3803 may consist of two grain species coexisting in the disk: silicate and a second grain species, for which we consider amorphous carbon, large silicate grains, and metallic iron grains. Comparison of the observed visibilities and SED with our models shows that such disk models can fairly – though not entirely satisfactorily – reproduce the observed SED and N-band visibilities. Our MIDI observations and the radiative transfer calculations lend support to the picture where oxygen-rich material around IRAS08002-3803 is stored in a circumbinary disk surrounding the carbon-rich primary star and its putative low-luminosity companion.

IRAS 19227+1700: A carbon-rich or oxygen-rich start?

In the new version of the catalogue of carbon stars, IRAS 19227+1700 is listed as a carbon-rich sta. However, in the IRAS infrared two-color diagram, it is located in the typical region of stars with rather thick oxygen-rich circumstellar envelopes, and not in the region commonly occupied by silicate carbon stars. Moreover, there are other pieces of evidence that show that this star not only has the main and satellite line OH maser emissions, but also has water emission close to the central star. Its IRAS low- resolution spectrum (LRS) displays dust emission features in the range of 9–12 μm, and near infrared observation has confirmed that it really possesses a hot circumstellar envelope. Therefore, the circumstellar envelope of IRAS 19227+1700 should be completely oxygen-rich in nature, and quite possibly its central star is also oxygen-rich.

IRAS 19111+2555 (=S Lyr): A Possible Silicate Carbon Star

The properties and classification of IRAS 19111+2555 have so far not been well determined. We collect all the available information and data of this star, and take the data obtained by IRAS LRS and ISO SWS to discuss its properties and classification. The star is found to have a 3.1µm feature in absorption and a 10µm feature in emission, so it is possibly a new silicate carbon star.

A further identification of silicate carbon stars

A new cross identification of 22 silicate carbon stars is made using the GCGCS, IRAS, PSC, HST/GSC and USNO catalogues. More precise positions for the sources are given for further study and cases of unconfirmed identification listed.

Infrared observation and the energy distribution of silicate carbon stars

Near-infrared photometry of all 11 silicate carbon stars north of declination −10° is made. Combined with available data in the visible range and from IRAS, we discuss their distribution on the infrared two-color diagrams and their spectral distribution, and we compare with the results for normal carbons and so ascertain their evolutionary status.