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Multiple rings around Wolf-Rayet evolutionWe present optical narrow-band imaging of multiple rings existing around galactic Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars. The existence of multiple rings of material around Wolf-Rayet stars clearly illustrates the various phases of evolution that massive stars go through. The objects presented here show evidence of a three stage evolution. O stars produce an outer ring with the cavity being partially filled by ejecta from a red supergiant of luminous blue variable phase. A wind from the Wolf-Rayet star then passes into the ejecta materials. A simple model is presented for this three stage evolution. Using observations of the size and dynamics of the rings allows estimates of time scales for each stage of the massive star evolution. These are consistent with recent theoretical evolutionary models. Mass estimates for the ejecta, from the model presented, are consistent with previous ring nebula mass estimates from IRAS data, showing a number of ring nebulae to have large masses, most of which must in be in the form of neutral material. Finally, we illustrate how further observations will allow the determination of many of the parameters of the evolution of massive stars such as total mass loss, average mass loss rates, stellar abundances, and total time spent in each evolutionary phase.
Document ID
19950063732
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Marston, A. P.
(University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ United States)
Date Acquired
August 17, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: Astronomical Journal
Volume: 109
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0004-6256
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
95A95331
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG8-264
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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