The Magnetohydrodynamics of Planetary Nebulae: New Paradigm, New Tools

University Of Rochester, Rochester NY

Investigators

Abstract

Frank, Adam "The Magnetohydrodynamics of Planetary Nebulae: New Paradigm, New Tools" AST-0098442 In the course of this award, the goal is to advance our understanding of planetary nebulae and the late stages of stellar evolution for stars with low and intermediate mass. New high-resolution images of planetary nebulae and their progenitors are leading to a re-evaluation of the mechanism by which the nebulae are shaped. The new observations have revealed features that cannot be explained by pure hydrodynamic theories. In addition, the winds from cool giants which precede the protoplanetary planetary nebula stage apparently lack the energy for radiative driving of the expanding gas shells. During the period covered by this award, magnetic fields will be incorporated to see to what extent the observations can be understood better with the inclusion of magnetohydrodynamics in the theoretical framework. A new computer code will be developed for this purpose that is expected to have wide application to other stars which display prominent circumstellar nebulae. ***