SiO maser emission and the intrinsic properties of Mira variables

This paper presents observations of SiO maser emission from 161 Mira variables distributed over a wide range of intrinsic parameters like spectral type, bolometric magnitude and amplitude of pulsation. The observations were made at 86.243 GHz, using the 10-4 m millimeter-wave telescope of the Raman Research Institute at Bangalore, India. These are the first observations made using this telescope. From these observations, we have established that the maser emission is restricted to Miras having mean spectral types between M6 and M10. The infrared period-luminosity relation for Mira variables is used to calculate their distances and hence estimate their maser luminosities from the observed fluxes. The maser luminosity is found to be correlated with the bolometric magnitude of the Mira variable. On an H-R diagram, the masing Mira variables are shown to lie in a region distinct from that for the non-masing ones.     

Testing the 'clump' model of SiO maser emission

Building on the detection of the J =7–6 SiO maser emission in both the v =1 and v =2 vibrational states towards the symbiotic Mira R Aquarii, we have used the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope to study the changes in the SiO maser features from R Aqr over a stellar pulsational period. The observations, complemented by contemporaneous data taken at 86 GHz, represent a test of the popular thermal-instability clump models of SiO masers. The 'clump' model of SiO maser emission considers the SiO masers to be discrete emitting regions which differ from their surroundings in the values of one or more physical variables (SiO abundance, for example). We find that our observational data are consistent with a clump model in which the appearance of maser emission in the J =7–6 transitions coincides with an outward-moving shock impinging on the inner edge of the maser zone.     

SiO maser emission in Miras

We describe a combined dynamic atmosphere and maser propagation model of SiO maser emission in Mira variables. This model rectifies many of the defects of an earlier model of this type, particularly in relation to the infrared (IR) radiation field generated by dust and various wavelength-dependent, optically thick layers. Modelled masers form in rings with radii consistent with those found in very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations and with earlier models. This agreement requires the adoption of a radio photosphere of radius approximately twice that of the stellar photosphere, in agreement with observations. A radio photosphere of this size renders invisible certain maser sites with high amplification at low radii, and conceals high-velocity shocks, which are absent in radio continuum observations. The SiO masers are brightest at an optical phase of 0.1–0.25, which is consistent with observed phase lags. Dust can have both mild and profound effects on the maser emission. Maser rings, a shock and the optically thick layer in the SiO pumping band at 8.13 μm appear to be closely associated in three out of four phase samples.     

The simultaneous detection of 22- and 321-GHz H2O maser emission towards the symbiotic Mira R Aquarii

We report high spatial and spectral resolution measurements of masers towards R Aqr and H1−36, both of which are examples of the sub-class of symbiotic stars that contain a long-period Mira-type variable. Our observations have resulted in the first detection of 321-GHz H₂O maser action towards a symbiotic Mira — R Aqr. Comparison with simultaneous 22-GHz H₂O maser data suggests that the masers do not have the same properties as those in the circumstellar envelopes of field Miras. R Aqr's 22-/321-GHz peak flux density and luminosity ratios are low, as is the line width ratio. Continuum and spectral-line maps indicate that the 22-GHz maser and free–free emission are aligned. Three mechanisms can reproduce the data with varying degrees of success. All three lead naturally to normal levels of maser emission in SiO and 321-GHz H₂O and anomalously weak OH and 22-GHz H₂O masers. In the most convincing model, UV radiation and a fast wind from the companion remove the Mira's envelope of dusty, molecular gas, leaving a relatively small cavity of dense, neutral material within a large, ionized nebula. Excitation temperatures suggest that 321-GHz masers are normally excited close to the Mira whilst 22-GHz masers are more remote; in R Aqr, therefore, the 22-GHz masers do not form under optimum conditions. Instead, we see weak and narrow lines that form closer to the Mira, consistent with our high-resolution maps.     

Near-infrared photometry and analysis of SiO maser stars

Near-infrared photometry of 35 SiO maser stars (v = 1, J = 1 - 0) of various types is presented in this paper. Combining the JHK flux densities from IRAS, the distributions of the stars on two color-color diagrams are obtained. The spectral slopes, equivalent black-body temperatures, maser luminosities and mass-loss rates of the central stars are calculated from the infrared or radio data. These parameters are then analysed together with the integrated SiO fluxes. The results show that SiO masers are common in AGB stages. The integrated SiO maser flux is only weakly correlated with the mass-loss rate, and increase slowly along the sequence from Mira stars to OH/IR stars. It is more closely correlated with the near-infrared colors and the equivalent black-body temperatures. Also, its upper limit is correlated with 12μm and 25μm fluxes. We also briefly discusses the general function and specific role of SiO maser in the evolution of AGB stars.     

VLBI measurements of the parallax and proper motion of U Herculis

The OH 1667 maser in the circumstellar shell around the Mira variable U Her has been observed with the VLBA at 6 epochs, spread over 4 years. By using straightforward phase referencing techniques the stellar proper motion can be measured. Preliminary analysis indicates that the parallactic motion is also detected. An important question is whether the maser spots can be assumed to be fixed with respect to the star. The observations show both evidence supporting and contradicting the idea that one maser spot is the amplified stellar image.     

A flare in the mira X oph

Before the observation of the 1974 U Ori eruption, it was considered that the Mira stars had only some regular OH variations. With this eruption, we realized that sometimes flares can occur in this type of star. In the course of an OH Mira star monitoring programme with the Nançay radio telescope, we have discovered a new eruptive type of OH maser emission in several sources. Especially, in early 1992, we observed a quickly rising 1665 Mhz emission in the Mira X Oph. The main characteristics of this flare were: large flux variations independent of the light curve; large degree of circular polarization; radial velocity emission close to the stellar velocity.     

A further discussion on the mass loss of Mira stars

For 42 Mira variables with known period, spectral type, and associated OH maser spectrum, we calculated their mass loss rate and hence found the relations between the mass loss rate and luminosity, period and the velocity of the associated maser source. There was no clear dependence of the mass loss rate on the surface temperature. A brief discussion is given on these results.     

Near infrared photometry of stellar maser sources

Results of infrared photometry in J, H, and K bands for 24 stellar maser sources are given. On the colour-colour diagram, nearly all the Mira variable masers are closer to the black body line than the normal M giants, which also have brighter H magnitudes. The main reason for the location of the Mira masers is the strong H₂O absorption bands at 1.4 and 1.9 μm. The dust envelopes for maser sources have temperature of 600 – 700 K, so the radiation shorter than 3μm may be expected to be close to black body. The physical conditions in M supergiants are such that a peak intensity near 1 – 6 μm (the H band) may be expected.Maser-associated Mira variables have longer periods and redder colours than normal Mira stars and M giants, suggesting greater amount of mass ejection from the central stars.     

Simulating H2O Maser Emission in the Mass Outflows from Evolved Stars

The combination of a time-dependent spherically symmetric hydrodynamic model of stellar atmosphere pulsation and a radiation transport code, which incorporates maser saturation theory, enabled us to synthesise maps and spectra of H₂O maser emission from the circumstellar envelopes of long period variable stars. The synthetic maps and spectra compare favourably with observed 22, 321 and 325 GHz H₂O maser emission. As is observed in H₂O maser regions the peak emission occurs between 3–8 stellar radii from the star. The calculated H₂O maser regions are in conditions of n_H2 = 10⁶ − 10⁸ cm⁻³, assuming a fractional abundance of 10⁻⁴; kinetic temperatures of 550–3000 K; dust ensemble temperatures of 500–1200 K and an accelerating velocity field. The IR radiation field is explicitly included in the radiation transport model, incorporating the latest absorption efficiency data for silicates from Draine. We reproduce the features seen in high angular resolution MERLIN spectral line datacubes. This shows that a mass outflow model which extends the photosphere using pulsations and incorporates radiation pressure on silicate based dust particles can produce the observed data on small (10-mas) angular scales. This revised version was published online in September 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

猎户座中SiO脉泽分布的新模型

我们研究了Orion-IRc2SiO脉泽饱和辐射谱线轮廓，找到了很好的拟和谱线轮廓的函数．在观测结果中发现，Orion－IRc2SiO脉泽饱和辐射谱线轮廓中存在着若干峰，为了解释这一现象，我们提出了一个新的分布模型，即多重分离的旋转膨胀盘壳模型.计算结果表明，这个新模型，不仅可以解释脉泽的非饱和辐射谱，而且可以解释脉泽的饱和辐射谱.     

Long-term variations and periods of Mira stars from ROTSE-IIId

We have studied the long-term variations of Mira type variables observed with Robotic Optical Transient Search Experiment telescope (ROTSE-IIId) between 2004 and 2009 located at TÜB?TAK National Observatory (TUG) in Antalya, Turkey. The actual pulsation periods, variability amplitudes, epochs of maximums and light curves of selected 70 Mira type variables already defined in the SIMBAD database were investigated. In these variables, 17 periods are identified for the first time.     

A Possible Origin of 6.7 GHz Linear Methanol Maser Sources

LETTERS1 INTRODUCTIONNew1y formed massive stars are obscured by dust, and their clearest signature is oftenat radio frequencies from strong maser emission. Methanol maser emission arises from severaItransitions, the strongest being the 5o -- 61A line at 6.7 GHz, which is also the second strongestGalactic masers of any molecule, first reported by Meaten (1991) and recognized as typical ofClass II masers. CIass II methanol masers are always found in regions of receat massive starfOr…     

Correlation between velocity separation of maser lines and period of associated star

We found the velocity separations of both OH and SiO maser lines are strongly correlated with the period of the associated variable star and this lends support to the model of expanding shell for masers. Using our statistical result, we calculated the rate of mass loss as caused by the driving of radiation pressure and our results are in agreement with observations. The variation of flow velocity with radial distance we derived predicts a position for the SiO shell that agrees with previous estimates based on independent, astrophysical considerations, and that could be checked by future microwave observations.     

Mode switching in the nearby Mira-like variable R Doradus

We discuss visual observations spanning nearly 70 years of the nearby semiregular variable R Doradus. Using wavelet analysis, we show that the star switches back and forth between two pulsation modes having periods of 332 d and about 175 d, the latter with much smaller amplitude. Comparison with model calculations suggests that the two modes are the first and third radial overtone, with the physical diameter of the star making fundamental-mode pulsation unlikely. The mode changes occur on a time-scale of about 1000 d, which is too rapid to be related to a change in the overall thermal structure of the star and may instead be related to weak chaos.   The Hipparcos distance to R Dor is 62.4 ± 2.8 pc which, taken with its dominant 332-d period, places it exactly on the period–luminosity (P–L) relation of Miras in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Our results imply first-overtone pulsation for all Miras which fall on the P–L relation. We argue that semiregular variables with long periods may largely be a subset of Miras and should be included in studies of Mira behaviour. The semiregulars may contain the immediate evolutionary Mira progenitors, or stars may alternate between periods of semiregular and Mira behaviour.     

Amplification by Stimulated Emission in Rydberg Matter Clusters as the Source of Intense Maser Lines in Interstellar Space

The detailed processes giving maser line radiation from various molecules in space are not well understood, as can be seen from many recent detailed studies of maser line emission with high spatial and velocity resolution, and with polarization measurements. We now propose an improved maser mechanism based on amplification of the original molecular line emission by stimulated emission in Rydberg Matter (RM) clouds in HII regions, containing clusters H _N and (H₂) _N . This mechanism will amplify the molecular lines, depending on the position, velocity, cluster size and state of excitation of the clusters in the RM cloud. RM will only support certain frequencies, corresponding to rotational transitions of the clusters. The bond lengths in the RM clusters are known within 1% from radio frequency emission measurements in the laboratory, and it is now shown that all the commonly studied maser lines agree well with stimulated emission transitions in several types of RM clusters simultaneously. This may explain the strongly varying intensities of neighboring or related maser lines, an important effect that is not well understood previously. It is also pointed out that the magnetic field due to RM is of the same order of magnitude as observed from the Zeeman splitting in maser lines; thus, the molecules that are the original sources of the lines may be embedded in the RM clouds, for example in dense HII regions that are likely to be RM regions.     

Pulsation mode and period-luminosity relation of Mira variables

Employing recent TP-AGB synthesis, we have carried out a detailed study on pulsation mode and period-luminosity relation of Mira variables by means of a population synthesis code. The theoretical criterion for selecting Mira variables has a great effect on the periods distribution. Compared with the observations, the distributions of the periods and the period-luminosity relations support that Mira variables are the fundamental mode pulsators.     

AGB后星OH 17.7-2.0附近一个新的弱OH脉泽源

使用澳大利亚Ｐａｒｋｅｓ６４ｍ射电望远镜,在五个不同的位置上观测了ＯＨ１７．７２．０附近的弱ＯＨ脉泽源．发现了一个新的弱ＯＨ脉泽源,其峰值速度为５２．５ｋｍ／ｓ．利用二维Ｇａｕｓｓｉａｎ拟合技术,得到了这个源的最佳拟合位置     

Investigation of OH and H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O masers in the star-forming region G 188.946+0.886

We present the results of our observations of the maser radio emission source G188.946+0.886 in hydroxyl (OH) molecular lines with the radio telescope of the Nançay Observatory (France) and in the H₂O line at λ = 1.35 cm with the RT-22 radio telescope at the Pushchino Observatory (Russia). An emission feature in the 1720-MHz satellite line of the OH ground state has been detected for the first time. The radial velocity of the feature, V _LSR = 3.6 km s^?1, has a “blue” shift relative to the range of emission velocities in the main 1665- and 1667-MHz OH lines, which is 8–11 km s^?1. This suggests a probable connection of the observed feature in the 1720-MHz line with the “blue” wing of the bipolar outflow observed in this region in the CO line. We have estimated the magnetic field strength for three features (0.90 and 0.8 mG for 1665 MHz and 0.25 mG for 1720 MHz) from the Zeeman splitting in the 1665- and 1720-MHz lines. No emission and (or) absorption has been detected in the other 1612-MHz satellite OH line. Three cycles of H₂O maser activity have been revealed. The variability is quasi-periodic in pattern. There is a general tendency for the maser activity to decrease. Some clusters of H2O maser spots can form organized structures, for example, chains and other forms.     

An analysis of the line shape for H2O maser emission peaks in star-forming regions

We analyze the line shape for emission peaks of H₂O maser sources associated with star-forming regions by using the spectra obtained with the RT-22 radio telescope at the Pushchino Radio Astronomy Observatory. For five sources, we found the line profile of emission peaks to be asymmetric. In all cases, the left (high-frequency) line wing is higher than the right wing. Our analysis of the line shape yielded additional information on the structure and evolution of the maser sources under study. In G43.8-0.1, the emission feature was found to split up into two components. To explain the evolution of the 16.8 km s^?1 line in NGC 2071, we propose a model in which the line-of-sight velocity gradient changes under the effect of a (non-shock) wave. The observed short-duration flares of individual emission features in W75N can emerge due to a chance projection of the numerous clumps of matter involved in Keplerian motion onto each other.