Post-AGB evolution much faster than previously thought

Abstract

For 32 central stars of PNe we present their parameters interpolated among the new evolutionary sequences. The derived stellar final masses are confined between 0.53 and 0.58 $M_{\odot }$ in good agreement with the peak in the white dwarf mass distribution. Consequently, the inferred star formation history of the Galactic bulge is well restricted between 3 and 11 Gyr and is compatible with other published studies. The new evolutionary tracks proved a very good as a tool for analysis of late stages of stars life. The result provide a compelling confirmation of the accelerated post-AGB evolution.

4 pages, 3 figures, to be published by Astronomical Society of the Pacific Conference Series in the proceedings of the "20th European Workshop on White Dwarfs"