A molecular line survey of the extreme carbon star CRL 3068 at millimeter wavelengths

TL;DR

This study conducts a detailed molecular line survey of the extreme carbon star CRL 3068, identifying numerous molecules and isotopologues, and analyzing its chemical composition to understand circumstellar chemistry.

Contribution

First detection of several molecules and isotopologues in CRL 3068, with analysis of isotopic ratios and chemical differences compared to similar stars.

Findings

72 emission features from 23 molecules detected

CRL 3068 is more carbon-rich than similar stars

Distinct chemical composition with extensive cyclic and long-chain molecules

Abstract

We present the results of a molecular line survey of the extreme carbon star CRL 3068. The observations were carried out with the Arizona Radio Observatory (ARO) 12m telescope and the Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope (SMT) at the 2mm and 1.3mm atmospheric windows. The observations cover the frequency bands from 130--162 GHz and 219.5--267.5 GHz. The typical sensitivities achieved are T_R<15 mK and T_R<7 mK for the ARO 12m and SMT, respectively. Seventy two individual emission features belonging to 23 molecular species and isotopologues were detected. Only three faint lines remain unidentified. The species c-C3H, CH3CN, SiC2, and the isotopologues, C17O and C18O, HC15N, HN13C, C33S, C34S, 13CS, 29SiS, and 30SiS are detected in this object for the first time. Rotational diagram analysis is carried out to determine the column densities and excitation temperatures. The isotopic ratios of the elements C, N, O, S, and Si have also been estimated. The results are consistent with stellar CNO processing and suggest that CRL 3068 is more carbon rich than IRC+10216 and CIT 6. It is also shown that the chemical composition in CRL 3068 is somewhat different from that in IRC+10216 with a more extensive synthesis of cyclic and long-chain molecules in CRL 3068. The results will provide valuable clues for better understanding circumstellar chemistry.