The Last Hurrah: PPN Formation by a Magnetic Explosion
Loading...
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Description
We discuss a mechanism by which a giant star can expel its envelope in an outburst, leaving its core exposed. The outburst is powered by rotational kinetic energy of the core, transferred to the envelope via the twisting of magnetic fields. We show that, if the core is magnetized, and if it has sufficient angular momentum, this mechanism may be triggered at the end of the asymptotic giant branch phase, and drive a proto-planetary nebula (pPN) outflow. This explosion of magnetic energy self-consistently explains some of the asymmetries and dynamics of pPNe.
7pgs, incl 3 figs; to appear in ASP Conf. Ser.: Asymmetric Planetary Nebulae III
7pgs, incl 3 figs; to appear in ASP Conf. Ser.: Asymmetric Planetary Nebulae III