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| Paper: |
The Mass Loss and Life Expectancy of Eta Carinae |
| Volume: |
332, The Fate of the Most Massive Stars |
| Page: |
147 |
| Authors: |
de Koter, A.; van Boekel, R.; Kervella, P.; Schoeller, M. |
| Abstract: |
Van Boekel et al. (2003) have determined the current mass loss rate dM/dt and mean wind clumping factor ƒ of η Car from interferometric observations that resolve the central source. Here, we discuss the method that leads to their result dM/dt = 1.6 ± 0.3 × 10−3MSolaryr−1 and ƒ = 0.26 in more detail. We then use information on the mass loss history of the star to derive an estimate of the time the star has left before it will end its life in a supernova explosion. We find that this is about 50,000 years, assuming a current mass of 90 MSolar. |
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