ALMA observations of the Red Rectangle, a preliminary analysis

Abstract

Aims: We aim to study equatorial disks in rotation and axial outflows in post-AGB objects so as to disclose the formation and shaping mechanisms in planetary nebulae. So far, both disks and outflows have not been observed simultaneously.
Methods: We obtained high-quality ALMA observations of ¹²CO and ¹³CO J = 3-2 and ¹²CO J = 6-5 line emission in the Red Rectangle, the only post-AGB/protoplanetary object for which a disk in rotation has been mapped.
Results: These observations provide an unprecedented description of the complex structure of this source. Together with an equatorial disk in rotation, we find a low-velocity outflow that more or less occupies the region situated between the disk and the optical X-shaped nebula. From our observations and preliminary modeling of the data, we confirm the previously known properties of the disk and obtain a first description of the structure, dynamics, and physical conditions of the outflow.

Appendix A is available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org