Post-AGB evolution much faster than previously thought

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that post-AGB stellar evolution occurs much faster than previously believed, using new evolutionary sequences to analyze central stars of planetary nebulae and confirming accelerated evolution.

Contribution

The paper introduces updated evolutionary tracks that better match observed stellar parameters, confirming faster post-AGB evolution than earlier models suggested.

Findings

Final stellar masses between 0.53 and 0.58 solar masses

Star formation history constrained between 3 and 11 Gyr

Good agreement with white dwarf mass distribution

Abstract

For 32 central stars of PNe we present their parameters interpolated among the new evolutionary sequences. The derived stellar final masses are confined between 0.53 and 0.58 $M_\odot$ in good agreement with the peak in the white dwarf mass distribution. Consequently, the inferred star formation history of the Galactic bulge is well restricted between 3 and 11 Gyr and is compatible with other published studies. The new evolutionary tracks proved a very good as a tool for analysis of late stages of stars life. The result provide a compelling confirmation of the accelerated post-AGB evolution.