Non-thermal radio emission in Sakurai's Object

Journal article, 2024

Context. The very late thermal pulse (VLTP) affects the evolution of ∼20% of 1-8 M⊙ stars, repeating the last red giant phases within a few years and leading to the formation of a new, but hydrogen-poor, nebula within the old planetary nebula. The strong dust formation in the latter obscures the optical and near-infrared radiation of the star. Aims. We aimed to determine the reheating timescale of the central star in Sakurai's Object, which is an important constraint for the poorly understood VLTP evolution. Methods. We observed the radio continuum emission of Sakurai's Object for almost 20 years, from 2004 to 2023. Continuous, multi-frequency observations proved to be essential for distinguishing between phases dominated by photoionization and shock ionization. Results. The flux density fluctuates by more than a factor of 40 within months to years. The spectral index remained negative between 2006 and 2017 and has been close to zero since 2019. The emission region has been only barely resolved since 2021. Conclusions. Non-thermal radio emission observed from 2004 to 2017 traces shocks induced by wind interactions due to discrete mass-loss events. Thermal emission dominates from 2019 to 2023 and may indicate photoionization of the nebula by the central star.