Molecular gas around the Wolf-Rayet star WR 18 (WN4)

Abstract

Optically observed ring nebulae and H i cavities around Wolf-Rayet stars have enabled us to obtain information on the history of mass-loss associated with these massive evolved stars. However, such studies have left a number of unanswered questions regarding the amount of mass-loss and the conditions of the stars during a sequence of mass-loss phases. Here we discuss the molecular gas environments of the WR star WR 18, which has an associated optical ring nebula NGC 3199. Our observations show that significant amounts of molecular gas appear close to and associated with the star. Mapping of molecular CO near the star shows that molecular materials appear to substantially avoid areas of optical emission and, instead, form a distorted clumpy shell interior to NGC 3199. Molecular emission lines are broader than lines seen in the interstellar medium and suggest the shell is composed of ejecta. This is further corroborated by the enhanced abundances of molecules containing C, N and O. Implications of the observations for the evolution of WR 18 are discussed.