MESS (Mass-loss of Evolved StarS), a Herschel Key Program

TL;DR

The MESS program utilizes Herschel observations to systematically study mass-loss in a diverse sample of evolved stars, providing a comprehensive far-IR and sub-mm flux database to advance understanding of stellar evolution.

Contribution

It presents the first large, uniform far-IR/sub-mm flux database for evolved stars, along with detailed target selection, observing strategy, and initial scientific results.

Findings

Aperture photometry for 70 AGB and post-AGB stars

Largest uniform database of late-type star fluxes in far-IR/sub-mm

Initial results from Herschel's science demonstration phase

Abstract

MESS (Mass-loss of Evolved StarS) is a Guaranteed Time Key Program that uses the PACS and SPIRE instruments on board the Herschel Space Observatory to observe a representative sample of evolved stars, that include asymptotic giant branch (AGB) and post-AGB stars, planetary nebulae and red supergiants, as well as luminous blue variables, Wolf-Rayet stars and supernova remnants. In total, of order 150 objects are observed in imaging and about 50 objects in spectroscopy. This paper describes the target selection and target list, and the observing strategy. Key science projects are described, and illustrated using results obtained during Herschel's science demonstration phase. Aperture photometry is given for the 70 AGB and post-AGB stars observed up to October 17, 2010, which constitutes the largest single uniform database of far-IR and sub-mm fluxes for late-type stars.