Full polarization VLBA maps of a proto-planetary nebula

Abstract The morphological evolution of stars from the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) to the planetary nebula (PN) phases presents an intriguing problem in stellar research. Planetary nebulae show bright-rims, well-defined shell-like structures and a large proportion of them are axisymmetric. In contrast their progenitor AGB stars are largely spherically symmetric (Sahai, 2004). Studies of proto-planetary nebulae, which are objects in transition between these two phases of stellar evolution, offer insight into the mechanisms which are responsible for the onset of axisymmetry. This poster presents the first polarization VLBI observations of the 1612 MHz OH maser emission from the proto-planetary nebula candidate OH O.9+1.3. The morphology, kinematics and polarization properties of these masers are discussed.