CO molecule in transition region between chromosphere and cool stellar wind: A new probe on the outer atmospheres of cool luminous stars

Abstract

Presence of CO layer well separated from photosphere is confirmed and this revealed a presence of quasi-static turbulent transition layer in normal red (super)giant stars. This layer may be related to an outer part of the extended chromosphere and/or a cool part of the chromospheric inhomogeneity, and will play major role in stellar mass-loss.