Planetary Nebulae with UVIT: a Progress Report. 6 7 8 N

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Planetary Nebulae with UVIT: a Progress Report. 6 7 8 N Manuscript Click here to access/download;Manuscript;uvitpnrev_v4p.pdf J. Astrophys. Astr. (0000) 000: #### DOI 1 2 3 4 5 Planetary Nebulae with UVIT: A Progress Report. 6 7 8 N. Kameswara Rao1,*, Sutaria F. 1, Murthy J.1, Ray A.2,3 & Pandey G. 1 9 10 1Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore 560034, India. 11 2Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Colaba, Mumbai 400005,India. 12 3 Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (TIFR) Mumbai 400088, India. 13 *Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] 14 15 MS received 7 Nov. 2020; accepted – 16 17 18 Abstract. The spectral region between 1250 Å -3000 Å contains important spectral lines to understand the 19 morphological structures and evolution of planetary nebulae. This is the region sampled by UVIT through various 20 filter bands both in the continuum and in emission lines (e.g.. C iv, He i, Mg ii etc.). We have mapped several 21 planetary nebulae with different characteristics, ranging in morphology from bipolar to wide and diffuse, and in 22 various states of ionization, comparing the UV with the x-ray morphologies wherever the x-ray images were also 23 available. The major unanticipated discovery with UVIT has been the detection of previously undetected, cold, 24 fluorescent, H2 gas surrounding some planetary nebulae. This may be a possible solution to the missing mass 25 problem. Here we present a review of our studies so far done (both published and on going) with UVIT. 26 27 Keywords. Star: AGB and post — AGB stars, winds, outflows — planetary nebulae: ISM: Planetary nebulae: 28 general — planetary nebulae: individual: NGC 6302. 29 30 1. Introduction rial starts to glow as the planetary nebula, and “illumi- 31 nates the pages of the book that tells the star’s story” 32 Planetary nebulae (PNs) are splendid remnants of ex- (Bianchi 2012). In the interacting stellar wind model 33 traordinary deaths of ordinary stars in the mass range (Kwok 1978), it the interaction of the the high speed 34 of 1 – 8 M⊙. They disburse the nucleosynthetically stellar wind and the slowly expanding super-wind ma- 35 processed stellar material like Carbon and s-process el- terial that shapes the planetary nebulae. Presence of 36 ements into the interstellar medium, thus enriching the a companion and or magnetic fields may further al- 37 38 matter which forms the next generation of stars. The ter the morphology of the PN. In general, PNe show 39 extensive, slow, stellar wind, moving at speeds of 10 to very many shapes ranging from spherical to bipolar to −1 −7 −1 40 15 km s , with a mass-loss rate of ∼ 10 M⊙ yr , multipolar, with some even having chaotic geometries. 41 that starts on the thermally pulsing asymptotic giant Morphological studies of these objects reveal their past 42 branch (AGB) – double shell (He & H) burning sources history of mass ejections, their time scales, kinemat- 43 – transforms into a heavy super-wind with mass-loss ics, properties of the ionizing source, wind interac- −4 −1 44 rates of ∼ 10 M⊙ yr (Delfosse et al. 1997) as the tions as well as interactions with interstellar medium 45 star evolves to the tip of AGB in the H-R diagram. In etc.. The UV region is important for the study of both 46 a relatively short time most of the mass is lost through the central stars (CSPNs) as well as the nebula, be- 47 − a super-wind till the envelope mass falls below 10 3 - cause the most important lines of the most abundant 48 −4 ii 49 10 M⊙, when a structural change occurs to the star elements and their ionization states like C 1335 Å, iv ii iii ii 50 as a degenerate CO oxygen core (which ultimately be- C 1550 Å, He 1640 Å,N ] 1760 ÅC ] 2326 Åetc., 51 comes a white dwarf) develops. The photospheric ra- fall in this region. These lines are important for model- 52 dius shrinks and the effective temperature Teff starts to ing the ionization structure, shocked regions, chemical 53 increase keeping the luminosity almost constant. Con- composition etc., and for the estimation of the Teff of 54 sequently, the mass-loss rate stellar wind decreases to the hot CSPNs. Moreover, the interstellar extinction −8 −1 55 about 10 M⊙ yr and the wind speed picks up to 200 through 2179 Åbump can be studied only in the UV 56 to 2000 km s−1. This fast stellar wind plows into the band. The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope(s) (UVIT) 57 material that was earlier lost through super-wind gener- on ASTROSAT (ref.), with broad and narrow band fil- 58 ating a shock at the interface, while the stellar radiation ters which cover important spectral lines and contin- 59 60 heats and ionizes the ejecta. The circumstellar mate- uum with an angular resolution of about 1”.5, over a 61 62 ⃝c Indian Academy of Sciences 1 63 64 65 #### Page 2 of 1 J. Astrophys. Astr. (0000) 000: #### 1 28’ field of view, are well suited for the study of PNs. 6302 are to be found in (Kameswara Rao et al 2018a,b), 2 Details of UVIT are provided in Kumar et al (2012) while and for NGC 2818 in (Kameswara Rao et al., 3 and its in-orbit performance is described in Tandon et A& A, submitted). Although observations of NGC 650, 4 + 5 al (2017a) and in Tandon et al. (2020). UVIT is one OH231.8 4.2, Mz3, (and IC 4997) have been done the 6 of the five payloads on the multiwavelength Indian as- data is not yet available from ISSDC. 7 tronomical satellite ASTROSAT that was launched on The compact low excitation planetary nebula, NGC 8 2015 September 28. It consists of two 38 cm aperture 40, was the first object we studied with a view to 9 telescopes, one of which is optimized for FUV, while look for correspondence of high excitation UV line re- 10 the other has a dichroic beam splitter that reflects NUV gions with Chandra X-ray images. It has been im- 11 and transmits the optical. Each UV channel can be aged in the far-ultraviolet filters F169M (UVIT/FUV- 12 studied in five broad and narrow band filters, as well F3 with λeff = 1608 Å ) and F172M (UVIT/FUV- 13 as by low resolution transmission gratings. The Visual F5 with λeff of 1717 Å), as well as in the near- 14 channel (VIS channel), which operates only in the in- ultraviolet (UVIT/NUV) filters N245M (UVIT/NUV- 15 tegration mode, is used for tracking. Our project uses B13) and N279N (UVIT/NUV-N2 with λeff of 2792 Å). 16 iv 17 UVIT imaging of x-ray bright and x-ray faint Planetary The filters selected would allow imaging in C 1550Å ff ii 18 Nebulae of di erent morphologies in various UV emis- (F169M) and C ] 2326Å (N245M) emission lines, as 19 sion lines, particularly C iv 1550 Å, C ii] 2326 Å, [O ii] well as in the continuumn (F172M) and (N263). Mor- 20 2470 Å, Si iv 1400 Å, Mg ii] 2800 Å, He ii 1640 Å etc., phological studies in optical and infrared (IR) show 21 using various filters of the UVIT-FUV and -NUV chan- that NGC 40 has ionized high density central core sur- 22 nels. We aim to study the UV morphologies, shocked rounded by faint filamentary halo with circumnebu- 23 regions and correspondence of UV and X-ray emissions lar rings that are seen only in Hα but not in [O iii]. 24 in PNs, and to that end, several PNs of varied morpho- UVIT studies show that C ii] 2326Å emission is con- 25 logical types in both near (NUV) and far (FUV) UV fined mostly to the core and shows similar morphology 26 ranges have been observed. Unfortunately, the NUV as low excitation lines in optical. However, strong C iv 27 28 channel became dysfunctional after 2017. In this paper, 1550Å emission is present in the core and shows simi- 29 we discuss our observations conducted so far of the se- lar morphology and extent as that of X-ray (0.3-8 keV) 30 lected PNs (Table 1), as well as some of the results and emission observed by Chandra, suggesting interaction 31 surprises that emerged. Detailed studies of individual of the high-speed wind from WC8 central star (CS) 32 objects would be presented else where but some salient with the nebula. An unexpected UVIT discovery is the 33 observational features particularly brought out by UV presence of faint large emission halo in FUV F169M 34 studies are dealt in the current presentation. Detailed surrounding the central core (Figure 2-top). This FUV 35 discussion of NGC 40 and NGC 6302 have been pre- halo is absent in the other filters. This emission halo 36 sented in Kameswara Rao (2018a,b). is unlikely to be due to C iv 1550Å emission, or due to 37 Table 1 shows a broad morphological classification dust scattering. Instead, it most likely is due to UV fluo- 38 39 of the nebulae we observed with UVIT so far which rescence emission from Lyman bands of H2 molecules 40 range from compact bipolar nebulae (B) to large ellip- since a few vib-rotational lines have already been de- 41 tical (E) and round (R) nebulae. Some are irregular. tected in the IR from Spitzer spectra. The FUV halo in 42 Figure 1 illustrates typical nebular emission lines that NGC 40 highlights the extensive existence of cold H2 43 are enclosed by UVIT filters that were used for our PN molecules in the regions even beyond the optical and 44 studies.
Recommended publications
  • April 2020 Page 1 of 11
    Pretoria Centre ASSA April 2020 Page 1 of 11 NEWSLETTER APRIL 2020 Dear member In the light of the current situation and based upon advice from a virologist at one of the leading pathology laboratories, we regret to have to cancel the March and April viewing evenings and meetings of the Pretoria Centre of ASSA. The situation will be reviewed in time for the May activities and members will be informed of any changes. This decision was not taken lightly, but we believe the health of our members is important and we would not like to be the reason one of our members should fall victim to the virus. We apologize for the inconvenience and trust the skies will be clear wherever you wish to spend time under the stars. Bosman Olivier Chairman TABLE OF CONTENTS Astronomy-related articles on the Internet 2 Astronomy basics: Galaxies 3 Feature of the month: Biggest explosion seen since the Big Bang 3 Astronomy-related images and video clips on the Internet 3 Astronomy basics: Galaxies 3 Observing: A different star cluster - by Magda Streicher 4 NOTICE BOARD 5 Pretoria Centre committee 5 Open Star Clusters with Superimposed Planetary Nebulae: 6 M46/NGC 2438 and NGC 2818/2818A Pretoria Centre ASSA April 2020 Page 2 of 11 Astronomy-related articles on the Internet Is bright Comet ATLAS disintegrating? https://earthsky.org/space/how-to-see-bright- comet-c-2019-y4-atlas?utm_source=EarthSky+News&utm_campaign=11f7198ca6- EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_02_02_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c64394 5d79-11f7198ca6-394671529 Meet the giant exoplanet where it rains iron. The temperatures on the day side of giant exoplanet WASP-76b are scorching, high enough for metals to be vapourized.
    [Show full text]
  • A Basic Requirement for Studying the Heavens Is Determining Where In
    Abasic requirement for studying the heavens is determining where in the sky things are. To specify sky positions, astronomers have developed several coordinate systems. Each uses a coordinate grid projected on to the celestial sphere, in analogy to the geographic coordinate system used on the surface of the Earth. The coordinate systems differ only in their choice of the fundamental plane, which divides the sky into two equal hemispheres along a great circle (the fundamental plane of the geographic system is the Earth's equator) . Each coordinate system is named for its choice of fundamental plane. The equatorial coordinate system is probably the most widely used celestial coordinate system. It is also the one most closely related to the geographic coordinate system, because they use the same fun­ damental plane and the same poles. The projection of the Earth's equator onto the celestial sphere is called the celestial equator. Similarly, projecting the geographic poles on to the celest ial sphere defines the north and south celestial poles. However, there is an important difference between the equatorial and geographic coordinate systems: the geographic system is fixed to the Earth; it rotates as the Earth does . The equatorial system is fixed to the stars, so it appears to rotate across the sky with the stars, but of course it's really the Earth rotating under the fixed sky. The latitudinal (latitude-like) angle of the equatorial system is called declination (Dec for short) . It measures the angle of an object above or below the celestial equator. The longitud inal angle is called the right ascension (RA for short).
    [Show full text]
  • The Density and Shock Characteristics of NGC 2818?
    ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS DECEMBER II 1998, PAGE 381 SUPPLEMENT SERIES Astron. Astrophys. Suppl. Ser. 133, 381–386 (1998) The density and shock characteristics of NGC 2818? J.P. Phillips1 and L. Cuesta2 1 Instituto de Astronomia y Meteorologia, Avenida Vallarta 2602, Col. Arcos Vallarta, C.P. 44130 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico e-mail: [email protected] 2 Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain e-mail: [email protected] Received January 26; accepted June 26, 1998 Abstract. We report the results of narrow band imaging It is however unusual among such nebulae in being located of the bipolar outflow source NGC 2818 in transitions of within a Population I galactic cluster of the same name; its [NII], [OIII], [SII], and HI. As a consequence, we are able position, extinction and radial velocity are all consistent to assess the overall excitation properties of the shell, and with cluster membership (Tifft et al. 1972). determine that line ratios towards the nebular periphery This should, in turn, permit a more precise analysis of are anomalous, and characteristic of planar shocks with the source physical characteristics, since cluster distances −1 velocity Vs ≥ 110 km s . Pre-shock densities are likely to can be rather precisely determined (in principle) given a 2 3 −3 be modest, and of order 10 <np <10 cm . combination of stellar photometry and evolutionary the- The [SII] imaging is further used to derive a fully- ory. In reality, it appears that estimates for the distance of sampled map of electron density, whence it is clear NGC 2818 have varied widely over the years, from 5 kpc that the density structure is rather complex and re- (Shapley 1930), to 1.44 kpc (Barkhatova 1950), 3.2 and lated to various features within the excitation maps.
    [Show full text]
  • Catalogue of Excitation Classes P for 750 Galactic Planetary Nebulae
    Catalogue of Excitation Classes p for 750 Galactic Planetary Nebulae Name p Name p Name p Name p NeC 40 1 Nee 6072 9 NeC 6881 10 IC 4663 11 NeC 246 12+ Nee 6153 3 NeC 6884 7 IC 4673 10 NeC 650-1 10 Nee 6210 4 NeC 6886 9 IC 4699 9 NeC 1360 12 Nee 6302 10 Nee 6891 4 IC 4732 5 NeC 1501 10 Nee 6309 10 NeC 6894 10 IC 4776 2 NeC 1514 8 NeC 6326 9 Nee 6905 11 IC 4846 3 NeC 1535 8 Nee 6337 11 Nee 7008 11 IC 4997 8 NeC 2022 12 Nee 6369 4 NeC 7009 7 IC 5117 6 NeC 2242 12+ NeC 6439 8 NeC 7026 9 IC 5148-50 6 NeC 2346 9 NeC 6445 10 Nee 7027 11 IC 5217 6 NeC 2371-2 12 Nee 6537 11 Nee 7048 11 Al 1 NeC 2392 10 NeC 6543 5 Nee 7094 12 A2 10 NeC 2438 10 NeC 6563 8 NeC 7139 9 A4 10 NeC 2440 10 NeC 6565 7 NeC 7293 7 A 12 4 NeC 2452 10 NeC 6567 4 Nee 7354 10 A 15 12+ NeC 2610 12 NeC 6572 7 NeC 7662 10 A 20 12+ NeC 2792 11 NeC 6578 2 Ie 289 12 A 21 1 NeC 2818 11 NeC 6620 8 IC 351 10 A 23 4 NeC 2867 9 NeC 6629 5 Ie 418 1 A 24 1 NeC 2899 10 Nee 6644 7 IC 972 10 A 30 12+ NeC 3132 9 NeC 6720 10 IC 1295 10 A 33 11 NeC 3195 9 NeC 6741 9 IC 1297 9 A 35 1 NeC 3211 10 NeC 6751 9 Ie 1454 10 A 36 12+ NeC 3242 9 Nee 6765 10 IC1747 9 A 40 2 NeC 3587 8 NeC 6772 9 IC 2003 10 A 41 1 NeC 3699 9 NeC 6778 9 IC 2149 2 A 43 2 NeC 3918 9 NeC 6781 8 IC 2165 10 A 46 2 NeC 4071 11 NeC 6790 4 IC 2448 9 A 49 4 NeC 4361 12+ NeC 6803 5 IC 2501 3 A 50 10 NeC 5189 10 NeC 6804 12 IC 2553 8 A 51 12 NeC 5307 9 NeC 6807 4 IC 2621 9 A 54 12 NeC 5315 2 NeC 6818 10 Ie 3568 3 A 55 4 NeC 5873 10 NeC 6826 11 Ie 4191 6 A 57 3 NeC 5882 6 NeC 6833 2 Ie 4406 4 A 60 2 NeC 5879 12 NeC 6842 2 IC 4593 6 A
    [Show full text]
  • Atlas Menor Was Objects to Slowly Change Over Time
    C h a r t Atlas Charts s O b by j Objects e c t Constellation s Objects by Number 64 Objects by Type 71 Objects by Name 76 Messier Objects 78 Caldwell Objects 81 Orion & Stars by Name 84 Lepus, circa , Brightest Stars 86 1720 , Closest Stars 87 Mythology 88 Bimonthly Sky Charts 92 Meteor Showers 105 Sun, Moon and Planets 106 Observing Considerations 113 Expanded Glossary 115 Th e 88 Constellations, plus 126 Chart Reference BACK PAGE Introduction he night sky was charted by western civilization a few thou - N 1,370 deep sky objects and 360 double stars (two stars—one sands years ago to bring order to the random splatter of stars, often orbits the other) plotted with observing information for T and in the hopes, as a piece of the puzzle, to help “understand” every object. the forces of nature. The stars and their constellations were imbued with N Inclusion of many “famous” celestial objects, even though the beliefs of those times, which have become mythology. they are beyond the reach of a 6 to 8-inch diameter telescope. The oldest known celestial atlas is in the book, Almagest , by N Expanded glossary to define and/or explain terms and Claudius Ptolemy, a Greco-Egyptian with Roman citizenship who lived concepts. in Alexandria from 90 to 160 AD. The Almagest is the earliest surviving astronomical treatise—a 600-page tome. The star charts are in tabular N Black stars on a white background, a preferred format for star form, by constellation, and the locations of the stars are described by charts.
    [Show full text]
  • Globular Clusters 1
    Globular Clusters 1 www.FaintFuzzies.com Globular Clusters 2 www.FaintFuzzies.com Globular Clusters (Includes all known globulars in the Milky Way above declination of -50º plus some extras) by Alvin Huey www.faintfuzzies.com Last updated: March 27, 2014 Globular Clusters 3 www.FaintFuzzies.com Other books by Alvin H. Huey Hickson Group Observer’s Guide The Abell Planetary Observer’s Guide Observing the Arp Peculiar Galaxies Downloadable Guides by FaintFuzzies.com The Local Group Selected Small Galaxy Groups Galaxy Trios and Triple Systems Selected Shakhbazian Groups Globular Clusters Observing Planetary Nebulae and Supernovae Remnants Observing the Abell Galaxy Clusters The Rose Catalogue of Compact Galaxies Flat Galaxies Ring Galaxies Variable Galaxies The Voronstov-Velyaminov Catalogue – Part I and II Object of the Week 2012 and 2013 – Deep Sky Forum Copyright © 2008 – 2014 by Alvin Huey www.faintfuzzies.com All rights reserved Copyright granted to individuals to make single copies of works for private, personal and non-commercial purposes All Maps by MegaStarTM v5 All DSS images (Digital Sky Survey) http://archive.stsci.edu/dss/acknowledging.html This and other publications by the author are available through www.faintfuzzies.com Globular Clusters 4 www.FaintFuzzies.com Table of Contents Globular Cluster Index ........................................................................ 6 How to Use the Atlas ........................................................................ 10 The Milky Way Globular Clusters ....................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Astronomy 2009 Index
    Astronomy Magazine 2009 Index Subject Index 1RXS J160929.1-210524 (star), 1:24 4C 60.07 (galaxy pair), 2:24 6dFGS (Six Degree Field Galaxy Survey), 8:18 21-centimeter (neutral hydrogen) tomography, 12:10 93 Minerva (asteroid), 12:18 2008 TC3 (asteroid), 1:24 2009 FH (asteroid), 7:19 A Abell 21 (Medusa Nebula), 3:70 Abell 1656 (Coma galaxy cluster), 3:8–9, 6:16 Allen Telescope Array (ATA) radio telescope, 12:10 ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/sub-millimeter Array), 4:21, 9:19 Alpha (α) Canis Majoris (Sirius) (star), 2:68, 10:77 Alpha (α) Orionis (star). See Betelgeuse (Alpha [α] Orionis) (star) Alpha Centauri (star), 2:78 amateur astronomy, 10:18, 11:48–53, 12:19, 56 Andromeda Galaxy (M31) merging with Milky Way, 3:51 midpoint between Milky Way Galaxy and, 1:62–63 ultraviolet images of, 12:22 Antarctic Neumayer Station III, 6:19 Anthe (moon of Saturn), 1:21 Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), 4:24 APEX (Atacama Pathfinder Experiment) radio telescope, 3:19 Apollo missions, 8:19 AR11005 (sunspot group), 11:79 Arches Cluster, 10:22 Ares launch system, 1:37, 3:19, 9:19 Ariane 5 rocket, 4:21 Arianespace SA, 4:21 Armstrong, Neil A., 2:20 Arp 147 (galaxy pair), 2:20 Arp 194 (galaxy group), 8:21 art, cosmology-inspired, 5:10 ASPERA (Astroparticle European Research Area), 1:26 asteroids. See also names of specific asteroids binary, 1:32–33 close approach to Earth, 6:22, 7:19 collision with Jupiter, 11:20 collisions with Earth, 1:24 composition of, 10:55 discovery of, 5:21 effect of environment on surface of, 8:22 measuring distant, 6:23 moons orbiting,
    [Show full text]
  • Integral Field Spectroscopy of Planetary Nebulae with MUSE
    galaxies Article Integral Field Spectroscopy of Planetary Nebulae with MUSE Jeremy R. Walsh1 and Ana Monreal-Ibero2,3 1 Jeremy R. Walsh, European Southern Observatory, 85748 Garching, Germany; [email protected] 2 Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), E-38205 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; [email protected] 3 Universidad de La Laguna, Dpto. Astrofísica, E-38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 27 February 2020; Accepted: 29 March 2020 Abstract: The Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) is a large integral field unit mounted on the ESO Very Large Telescope. Its spatial (60 arcsecond field) and wavelength (4800-9300Å) coverage is well suited to detailed imaging spectroscopy of extended planetary nebulae, such as in the Galaxy. An overview of the capabilities of MUSE applied to planetary nebulae (PNe) is provided together with the specific advantages and disadvantages. Some examples of archival MUSE observations of PNe are provided. MUSE datacubes for two targets (NGC 3132 and NGC 7009) have been analysed in detail and they are used to show the advances achievable for planetary nebula studies. Prospects for further MUSE observations of PNe and a broader analysis of existing datasets are outlined. Keywords: optical spectroscopy; integral field spectroscopy; planetary nebulae; emission lines; physical conditions; abundances; kinematics. 1. Overview of MUSE The Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) is a large field of view (∼60× 6000) optical integral field spectrometer mounted on the European Southern Observatory (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT), currently on Unit Telescope 4 (Yepun). The field is divided into 24 slices and each is sent to a separate integral field unit (IFU) that divides the sub-field into 48 mini slits which are all fed to one of the 24 identical spectrometers [1].
    [Show full text]
  • Angular Dimensions of Planetary Nebulae?
    A&A 405, 627–637 (2003) Astronomy DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361:20030645 & c ESO 2003 Astrophysics Angular dimensions of planetary nebulae? R. Tylenda1,N.Si´odmiak1,S.K.G´orny1,R.L.M.Corradi2, and H. E. Schwarz3 1 N. Copernicus Astronomical Center, Department for Astrophysics, Rabia´nska 8, 87–100 Toru´n, Poland 2 Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes, Apartado de Correos 321, 38700 Sta. Cruz de La Palma, Spain 3 CTIO/NOAO, Casilla 603, La Serena, Chile Received 28 May 2002 / Accepted 23 April 2003 Abstract. We have measured angular dimensions of 312 planetary nebulae from their images obtained in Hα (or Hα + [NII]). We have applied three methods of measurements: direct measurements at the 10% level of the peak surface brightness, Gaussian deconvolution and second-moment deconvolution. The results from the three methods are compared and analysed. We propose a simple deconvolution of the 10% level measurements which significantly improves the reliability of these measurements for compact and partially resolved nebulae. Gaussian deconvolution gives consistent but somewhat underestimated diameters compared to the 10% measurements. Second-moment deconvolution gives results in poor agreement with those from the other two methods, especially for poorly resolved nebulae. From the results of measurements and using the conclusions of our analysis we derive the final nebular diameters which should be free from systematic differences between small (partially resolved) and extended (well resolved) objects in our sample. Key words. planetary nebulae: general 1. Introduction different results for many PNe. In the case of well resolved and fairly symmetric nebulae with a well defined outer rim the The angular dimensions belong to the most fundamental obser- problem is simple and different methods give consistent results.
    [Show full text]
  • Ssp-Deep-Sky-Challenge V2.Indd
    Deep Sky Observer’s Challenge presented at the Southern Star Party The Deep Sky Observer’s Challenge The SSP Deep Sky Observer’s Challenge has been designed to challenge your observing skills no matter your level of expertise. Meeting the challenge is not about quantity, but about quality, so it doesn’t matter if you’re using small binoculars or a 24-inch computer-controlled telescope. For the Beginner’s Challenge, a basic description (with or without a diagram) is adequate. If you know how, you could also indicate the apparent angular size of the object. To meet the Beginner’s Challenge, you will need to observe and adequately describe ten objects. Feel free to record more! For the Intermediate Challenge, you’ll need to include angular size and, where appropriate, direction (either estimating the position angle or by using cardinal directions), in your description. If you know how, you could also include a magnitude estimate. To meet the Intermediate Challenge, you will need to observe and adequately describe twenty-five objects. Feel free to record more! For the Advanced Challenge, you’ll need to include, in addition to the attributes mentioned above, an estimate of magnitude. To meet the Advanced Challenge, you will need to observe and properly describe 110 objects from the list. Part of the challenge is preparing for the night’s observing. Only observations made during the duration of the star party are eligible for consideration, so you’ll have to do some planning beforehand.Planning would include selecting suitable objects from the list: will they be visible during the challenge period? I would suggest you select more than the minimum number of objects needed: the more the merrier! You will also need suitable star charts to help you locate the objects.
    [Show full text]
  • 100 Brightest Planetary Nebulae
    100 BRIGHTEST PLANETARY NEBULAE 100 BRIGHTEST PLANETARY NEBULAE 1 100 BRIGHTEST PLANETARY NEBULAE Visual Magnitude (brightest to least bright) Name Common Name Visual Magnitude Stellar Magnitude Angular Size Constellation NGC 7293 Helix Nebula 7 13.5 900 Aquarius NGC 6853 Dumbbell Nebula (M27) 7.5 13.9 330 Vulpecula NGC 3918 Blue Planetary 8 ? 16 Centaurus NGC 7009 Saturn Nebula 8 12.8 28 Aquarius NGC 3132 Eight‐Burst Planetary 8.5 10.1 45 Vela NGC 6543 Cat's Eye Nebula 8.5 11.1 20 Draco NGC 246 Skull Nebula 8.5 12 225 Cetus NGC 6572 Blue Raquetball Nebula 8.5 13.6 14 Ophiuchus NGC 6210 Turtle Nebula 9 12.7 16 Hercules NGC 6720 Ring Nebula (M57) 9 15.3 70 Lyra NGC 7027 Magic Carpet Nebula 9 16.3 14 Cygnus NGC 7662 Blue Snowball Nebula 9 13.2 20 Andromeda NGC 1360 Robin's Egg Nebula 9.5 11.4 380 Fornax NGC 1535 Cleopatra's Eye Nebula 9.5 12.2 18 Eridanus NGC 2392 Eskimo/Clown Face Nebula 9.5 10.5 45 Gemini NGC 2867 Royal Aqua Nebula 9.5 16.6 15 Carina NGC 3242 Ghost of Jupiter Nebula 9.5 12.3 40 Hydra NGC 6826 Blinking Planetary Nebula 9.5 10.4 25 Cygnus IC 418 Spirograph Nebula 10 10.2 12 Lepus NGC 5189 Spiral Planetary Nebula 10 14.9 140 Musca NGC 5882 Green Snowball Nebula 10 13.4 14 Lupus NGC 6818 Little Gem Nebula 10 16.9 18 Sagittarius NGC 40 Bow Tie Nebula 10.5 11.6 36 Cepheus NGC 1514 Crystal Ball Nebula 10.5 9.4 120 Taurus NGC 2346 Butterfly Nebula 10.5 11.5 55 Monoceros NGC 2438 Smoke Ring in M46 10.5 17.7 70 Puppis NGC 2440 Peanut Nebula 10.5 17.7 30 Puppis NGC 4361 Raven's Eye Nebula 10.5 13.2 100 Corvus IC 4406 Retina Nebula
    [Show full text]
  • A Catalogue of Star Clusters Shown on the Franklin-Adams Chart Plates” by P.J
    A Catalogue of Star Clusters shown on the Franklin-Adams Chart Plates” by P.J. Melotte – 1915 Mel. # Alternative(s) Type Const. R.A. Dec. Mag. Size Melotte's comments 1 NGC 104 Globular Tucana 00h24m04s -72°05' 4.00 50' A typical globular cluster. Bright. Well condensed at centre. 2 NGC 188, Collinder 6 Open Cepheus 00h47m28s +85°15' 9.30 17' "A somewhat ill-defined cluster mostly 14th to 16th magnitude stars. 3 NGC 288 Globular Sculptor 00h52m45s -26°35' 8.10 13' Globular cluster, rather loose at centre. 4 NGC 362 Globular Tucana 01h03m14s -70°50' 6.80 14' Globular cluster. Similar to N.G.C. 104 but smaller. Bright. 5 NGC 371 Diffuse Nebula Tucana 01h03m30s -72°03' 13.80 7.5' Globular cluster. Falls in smaller Magellanic cloud, and has every appearance of being a globular cluster. A few stars clustering together. Resembles N.G.C. 582, 645, 659. Difficult to decide whether these should not be 6 NGC 436, Collinder 11 Open Cassiopeia 01h15m58s +58°48' 9.30 5.0' classed II. All the clusters here resemble one another though differing in extent. 7 NGC 457, Collinder 12 Open Cassiopeia 01h19m35s +58°17' 5.10 20' A small cluster in a rich region. 8 M103, NGC 581, Collinder 14 Open Cassiopeia 01h33m23s +60°39' 6.90 5' M. 103. A few stars forming a loose cluster. 9 NGC 654, Collinder 18 Open Cassiopeia 01h44m00s +61°53' 8.20 5' A few stars clustered together in a rich region. 10 NGC 659, Collinder 19 Open Cassiopeia 01h44m24s +60°40' 7.20 5' A few stars clustered together.
    [Show full text]