Morphology and kinematics of the Egg Nebula:: CO and H2

We report high angular and spectral resolution mapping results of the protoplanetary nebula RAFGL 2688 in the CO (J=2-1) line and the continuum at 230 GHz (1.1" x 0.9"), using the IRAM interferometer and in the H(2) 1-0 S(1) transition at 4712.9 cm(-1) (2.12 mum) and the nearby continuum (0.5") obtained with BEAR at the CFHT. Both sets of observations reveal details of the structure and the kinematics of the gas ejected by the star over the past few hundred years. Two distinct, high-velocity outflow directions are detected emerging from a central core of gas which surrounds the star: one is oriented north-south along the optical axis, the other is oriented cast-west, close to the equatorial plane. The north-south and east-west outflows are resolved into a striking series of collimated, bipolar outflows. The tips of the outflows correspond precisely to H(2) emission peaks, providing direct evidence for the impact and likely shaping effects of jets on the nearly spherical AGB molecular envelope. These outflows exemplify the mechanism by which point symmetries are imprinted on the structure of planetary nebulae at early stages of their formation.