Bremen 2017 – scientific programme

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EP: Fachverband Extraterrestrische Physik

EP 15: Exoplaneten und Astrobiologie

EP 15.5: Talk

Friday, March 17, 2017, 12:15–12:30, GW2 B2880

Stable ring systems around evolved massive stars: Indication for minor bodies and planets? — •Michaela Kraus^1,2, Lydia Cidale³, Dieter Nickeler¹, Grigoris Maravelias⁴, Maria Laura Arias³, and Anna Aret² — ¹Astronomical Institute AVCR, Ondrejov, Czech Republic — ²Tartu Observatory, Toravere, Estonia — ³Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina — ⁴Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile

Studies of the environments of evolved massive stars revealed the surprising result that some objects are surrounded by multiple stable rings of material with alternating densities, alike the rings around Saturn. During the late stages of the evolution, massive stars encompass several short-lived phases, in which they expel large amounts of material. This material accumulates into stable disk-like structures, creating environments with a rich ongoing chemistry. The newly discovered ring structures remind of planetary systems found around young stars.