Outflows from Binary AGB stars with ALMA

Conference contribution, 2014

Binary stars have long been expected to hold the key to the formation of asymmetrical planetary nebulae. With ALMA, we can study the circumstellar outflows from potential precursors in never-before-reached sensitivity and detail. Our pioneering Cycle-0 study of the AGB star R Sculptoris established theoretical predictions and raised new, fundamental questions on the role of binarity in shaping the outflows from evolved stars. In Cycle 1, we have been awarded time to study a small sample of binary AGB stars, for which resolved observations of the binary pairs exist, covering a decisive range in binary separation. We are also preparing a follow-up ALMA proposal of binary planetary nebulae by searching for appropriate CO-emitting candidates with APEX. The current status of and results from these studies will be presented.