Using CO J=2→1 and 1→0 data, we revise an earlier model of the circumstellar envelope of IRC +10216. We determine that the mass loss rate is Mdot ≈ 4 × 10-5 (d/200 pc)2 Msun yr-1, and [CO]/[H2] ≈ 6 × l0-4. If we assume that Mdotυt ∝ L/c (where L is the stellar luminosity and υt the terminal outflow velocity) for a sample of evolved stars, we find that, as Mdot varies with L at constant Vt, the antenna temperature is roughly linearly proportional to the apparent luminosity or L/d2.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Kwan et al. (1982) studied this question.