Abstract
The CCN radical (X2∏r) has been detected for the first time in the interstellar medium. The molecule was observed at the 1-2 mK level toward the circumstellar envelope of IRC + 10216, using the facilities of the Arizona Radio Observatory (ARO). Lambda doublets of the J = 4.5 → 3.5 and the J = 6.5 → 5.5 transitions at 106 GHz and 154 GHz in the Ω = 1/2 ladder were measured with the ARO 12 mtelescope, as well as the J = 9.5 → 8.5 lines near 225 GHz, using the ARO Sub-Millimeter Telescope (SMT). In the two lower frequency transitions, the e component of the doublet was partially blended with other lines, while emission from the f component was uncontaminated. The lambda doublet of the 1 mm transition is collapsed and appears adjacent to an unidentified line. Modeling of the spectra, using the new radiative transfer code ESCAPADE, indicates that CCN arises from a shell in the outer envelope centered at r ∼ 3 × 1016 cm, with a peak fractional abundance of f0 ∼ 6 × 10-8. The column density of the radical is ∼4 × 1013 cm-2, in agreement with that derived from a rotational diagram analysis. Modeling was also conducted for spectra of CN, C3N, and HC3N, obtained with the SMT in the ARO 1 mm survey. CCN, C3N, and HC3N appear to originate from adjacent shells in the envelope, suggesting they are chemically related. The [CN]/[CCN]/[C3N] abundance ratio was found to be ∼500:1:50.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | L1 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal Letters |
Volume | 795 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 1 2014 |
Keywords
- Astrochemistry
- Circumstellar matter
- ISM: Abundances
- ISM: Molecules
- Radio lines: Stars
- Stars: Individual (IRC+10216)
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science