Detection of C2, CN, and NaID absorption in the AGB remnant of HD56126

Abstract

We present the detection of molecular absorption lines in the optical spectrum of the post-AGB star HD56126. The C2 Phillips A^{1}Π_{u}-X^{1}Σ^{+}_{g} (1,0), (2,0), and (3,0); Swan d^{3}Π_{g}-a^{3}Π_{u} (0,0) and (1,0); and CN Red system A^{2}Π-X^{2}Σ^{+} (1,0), (2,0), (3,0), and (4,0) bands have been identified. From the identification of the molecular bands we find an expansion velocity of 8.5+-0.6 kms independent of excitation condition or molecular specie. On the basis of the expansion velocity, rotational temperatures, and molecular column densities we argue that the line-forming region is the AGB remnant. This is in agreement with the expansion velocity derived from the CO lines. We find column densities of log N_C2=15.3+-0.3 cm-2 and log N_CN=15.5+-0.3 cm-2, and rotational temperatures of T_rot=242+-20 K and T_rot=24+-5 K respectively for C2 and CN. By studying molecular line absorption in optical spectra of post-AGB stars we have found a new tracer of the AGB remnant. From comparison with the results of CO and IR observations it is possible to obtain information on non-spherical behavior of the AGB remnant. Using different molecules with different excitation conditions it should be possible to study the AGB remnant as a function of the distance to the star, and thus as a function of the evolutionary status of the star on the AGB.