Snooping around the big dog: VY CMa as seen with Herschel/HIFI

TL;DR

This study used Herschel/HIFI to observe over 70 molecular emission lines in VY CMa, revealing multiple outflow components and providing detailed kinematic data, with no significant polarization in maser lines.

Contribution

First high-resolution spectral survey of VY CMa with Herschel/HIFI revealing complex outflow structures and molecular emission characteristics.

Findings

Multiple outflow components supported by water line kinematics

High-intensity maser lines show no strong polarization

Over 70 molecular emission lines detected with high S/N

Abstract

In the framework of the HIFISTARS guaranteed time key programme, we measured more than 70 molecular emission lines with high signal-to-noise ratio towards VY CMa using the high-resolution HIFI spectrometer on board the Herschel satellite. The kinematic information obtained from the measured water lines supports the hypothesis of multiple outflow components. The observed high-intensity maser lines give no indication for strong polarisation.