IC4663: the first unambiguous [WN] Wolf-Rayet central star of a planetary nebula

Several [WC]-type central stars of planetary nebulae (PNe) are known to mimic the spectroscopic appearance of massive carbon-rich or WC-type Wolf-Rayet stars. In stark contrast, no [WN]-type central stars have yet been identified as clear-cut analogues of the common nitrogen-rich or WN-type Wolf-Ray...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:arXiv.org 2012-10
Main Authors: Miszalski, Brent, Crowther, Paul A, Orsola De Marco, Köppen, Joachim, Moffat, Anthony F J, Acker, Agnès, Hillwig, Todd C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Binary stars
Carbon
Chemical composition
Helium
Hydrogen
Luminosity
Neon
Organic chemistry
Planetary nebulae
Pluto
Stellar evolution
Wolf-Rayet stars
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Several [WC]-type central stars of planetary nebulae (PNe) are known to mimic the spectroscopic appearance of massive carbon-rich or WC-type Wolf-Rayet stars. In stark contrast, no [WN]-type central stars have yet been identified as clear-cut analogues of the common nitrogen-rich or WN-type Wolf-Rayet stars. We have identified the [WN3] central star of IC4663 to be the first unambiguous example in PNe. The low luminosity nucleus and an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) halo surrounding the main nebula prove the bona-fide PN nature of IC4663. Model atmosphere analysis reveals the [WN3] star to have an exotic chemical composition of helium (95%), hydrogen (O(He), that exists in parallel to the carbon-rich [WC]->PG1159 sequence. This suggests a simpler mechanism, perhaps a binary merger, can better explain H-deficiency in PNe and potentially other H-deficient/He-rich stars. In this respect IC4663 is the best supported case for a possible merged binary central star of a PN.
ISSN:2331-8422