Asymmetries in asymptotic giant branch stars and their winds. I. From 3D RHD models to synthetic observables

Vol. 690
7. Stellar structure and evolution

Asymmetries in asymptotic giant branch stars and their winds. I. From 3D RHD models to synthetic observables

by Joachim Wiegert, Bernd Freytag, Susanne Höfner 2024, A&A, 690, A162 alt

Between JWST and ALMA, the ability to spatially resolve the environments of evolved stars has become almost routine. This paper illustrates the wealth of possible structures that can result from asymptotic giant branch evolution. Combining state-of-the-art hydrodynamic modeling and a suite of radiative transfer models, this study presents synthetic spectral energy distributions and monochromatic images for a range of dust properties and viewing angles for realistic observing constraints of distance and angular resolution. However, these dramatic simulations also demonstrate the requirements for the proper interpretation of observed structures: channel maps and multiwavelength comparisons are essential.