1989•The Astrophysical JournalRequires access
On the onset of mass loss in late-type stars
Moshe Elitzur, Jeffery A. Brown, Hollis R. Johnson
Open publisher page 14 citations
Abstract
It is shown that the radiation pressure caused by photons trapped in the rotation-vibration transitions of the H2O molecule exceeds the gas pressure in the atmospheres of cool late-type stars with low surface gravity. This mechanism can aid in lifting the material to the dust formation point, thus solving the long-standing problem of how the wind is initiated in these sources.