Detailed atmospheric abundance analysis of the optical counterpart of the IR source IRAS 16559-2957

TL;DR

This study conducts a detailed chemical abundance analysis of IRAS 16559-2957 to determine its evolutionary stage, suggesting it is a red giant branch star that has undergone first dredge-up, supporting its post-AGB candidacy.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed elemental abundance analysis of IRAS 16559-2957, clarifying its evolutionary status as a likely RGB star rather than post-AGB.

Findings

Star has solar metallicity.

Evidence of first dredge-up in chemical composition.

Likely still on the RGB, not post-AGB.

Abstract

We have undertaken a detailed abundance analysis of the optical counterpart of the IR source IRAS16559-2957 with the aim of confirming its possible post-AGB nature. The star shows solar metallicity and our investigation of a large number of elements including CNO and 12C/13C suggests that this object has experienced the first dredge-up and it is likely still at RGB stage.