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Summary
The Egg Nebula (RAFGL 2688) shows a dusty core and recent mass ejection. Its centimeter-wavelength emission is misaligned with its jets, suggesting complex stellar system dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Stellar Evolution
- Protoplanetary Nebulae
Background:
- The Egg Nebula (RAFGL 2688) is a well-studied protoplanetary nebula.
- Previous observations have revealed complex structures including jets and lobes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dust distribution and morphology of the Egg Nebula at centimeter wavelengths.
- To understand the mass loss history and symmetry of the Egg Nebula.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Very Large Array (VLA) for detections at 1.3, 2, and 3.6 cm wavelengths.
- Resolved the source to analyze the inner core structure and emission extension.
Main Results:
- Detected a 9-arcsecond diameter dust core (approx. 0.01 solar masses).
- Evidence suggests a major mass ejection of ~1 solar mass within the last 1200 years.
- Centimeter-wavelength emission is extended at 53 degrees, misaligned with the 15-degree position angle of jets and lobes.
- Dust opacity varies as nu^0.6 from 3.6 cm to 350 µm, implying grain sizes up to 0.5 cm.
Conclusions:
- The misalignment of emission and jets suggests the star's rotation axis is not perpendicular to the binary's orbital plane.
- Large dust grains are likely present in the Egg Nebula.