Radio Photosphere and Mass-Loss Envelope of VY Canis Majoris (original) (raw)

NASA/ADS

;

• Jura, M. ;
• Reid, M. J.

Abstract

We have used the VLA to detect emission from the supergiant VY CMa at radio wavelengths and have constructed 3000-4500 K isothermal outer atmospheres constrained by the data. These models produce a radio photosphere at 1.5-2 R*. An extrapolation of the model can account for the observed total mass-loss rate of the star. We also present mid-infrared imaging of the supergiant which suggests that warm dust is extended in the same direction as the near-infrared reflection nebula around VY CMa. The origin of the asymmetries in the outflow remains an unsolved problem.

Publication:

The Astrophysical Journal

Pub Date:

June 2005

DOI:

10.1086/429900

arXiv:

arXiv:astro-ph/0502586

Bibcode:

2005ApJ...626..439L

Keywords:

• Infrared: Stars;
• Radio Continuum: Stars;
• Stars: Atmospheres;
• Stars: Individual: Constellation Name: VY Canis Majoris;
• Stars: Mass Loss;
• Stars: Supergiants;
• Astrophysics

E-Print:

Accepted for publication in June 10, 2005, ApJ. 20 pages, 5 figures