More metal cyanide species: Detection of A1NC (X1+) Toward IRC + 10216

L. M. Ziurys, C. Savage, J. L. Highberger, A. J. Apponi, M. Guélin, J. Cernicharo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

140 Scopus citations

Abstract

A new metal-containing species, A1NC, has been detected toward the circumstellar envelope of the late-type carbon star IRC + 10216, using the IRAM 30 m telescope. The J = 11 → 10, 12 → 11, and 13 → 12 rotational transitions at 2 mm and the J = 18 → 17 and J = 21 → 20 transitions at 1.2 mm of this linear, closed-shell molecule were observed in this object. The line profiles appear U-shaped, indicating a source ≃20″, and the horn-to-center ratios suggest a shell-like distribution. In contrast, the other two Al-bearing molecules previously detected, A1F and A1C1, exist exclusively near the stellar photosphere. Modeling of the detected transitions, assuming a spherical-shell distribution, indicates a column density of Ntot ∼9 × 1011 cm-2 and a fractional abundance relative to H2 of ∼ 3 × 10-10 for A1NC. A rotational temperature of Trot ∼ 60 K was also derived for this molecule, suggesting that shock waves may be synthesizing A1NC in the outer envelope. This species is the fourth metal cyanide/isocyanide compound discovered in this object, along with MgNC, MgCN, and NaCN. These data suggest that cyanide/isocyanide species are the major molecular carriers of metals in circumstellar gas.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)L45-L48
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume564
Issue number1 II
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2002

Keywords

  • Circumstellar matter
  • ISM: molecules
  • Line: identification
  • Radio lines: stars

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'More metal cyanide species: Detection of A1NC (X1+) Toward IRC + 10216'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this