A collimated, high-speed outflow from the dying star V Hydrae

Area of Science:

• Astronomy and astrophysics
• Stellar evolution
• Planetary nebula formation

Background:

• Stars with 1-8 solar masses undergo distinct evolutionary phases.
• Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars eject significant mass through spherical winds.
• The transformation to aspherical planetary nebulae is poorly understood, with recent theories suggesting a role for high-speed jets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide direct observational evidence of high-speed outflows during the transition from AGB stars to planetary nebulae.
• To investigate the role of jets in shaping planetary nebulae.
• To test models involving compact companions and accretion disks in driving these outflows.

Main Methods:

• Observation of the nearby AGB star V Hydrae.
• Detection of proper motions within a newly launched jet-like outflow.
• Monitoring the evolution of the outflow over time.

Main Results:

• Discovery of a newly launched, high-speed jet-like outflow from V Hydrae.
• Confirmation of proper motions and ongoing evolution in the detected jet.
• Identification of a central, dense equatorial disk-like structure.

Conclusions:

• The observed jet provides direct evidence for high-speed outflows during the late stages of stellar evolution.
• The findings support models where jets are driven by accretion disks around unseen compact companions.
• The equatorial disk may play a role in enabling or enhancing accretion disk formation and subsequent jet launching.