Preliminary results on SiO v=3 J=1-0 maser emission from AGB stars

TL;DR

This study reports VLBA observations of SiO masers in AGB stars, revealing unexpected maser distributions that challenge existing pumping models, suggesting a need for revised theories.

Contribution

First detailed VLBA observations of SiO v=3 J=1-0 masers in AGB stars, questioning current maser pumping models.

Findings

Relative positions of SiO v=1,2,3 masers differ from expectations

Current maser pumping theories may be incorrect

Results prompt revision of SiO maser models

Abstract

We present the results of SiO maser observations at 43GHz toward two AGB stars using the VLBA. Our preliminary results on the relative positions of the different J=1-0 SiO masers (v=1,2 and 3) indicate that the current ideas on SiO maser pumping could be wrong at some fundamental level. A deep revision of the SiO pumping models could be necessary.