HST STIS Observations of the Mixing Layer in the Cat’s Eye Nebula
Planetary nebulae (PNe) are expected to have a ∼10 K interface layer between the ≥10 K inner hot bubble and the ∼10 K optical nebular shell. The PN structure and evolution, and the X-ray emission, depend critically on the efficiency of the mixing of material at this interface layer. However, neither...
| Autores: | , , , , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Estado: | Versión aceptada para publicación |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2016 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) |
| Repositorio: | DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:digital.csic.es:10261/381036 |
| Acceso en línea: | http://hdl.handle.net/10261/381036 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Planetary nebulae: general Planetary nebulae: individual (NGC 6543) Stars: winds, outflows X-rays: ISM |
| Sumario: | Planetary nebulae (PNe) are expected to have a ∼10 K interface layer between the ≥10 K inner hot bubble and the ∼10 K optical nebular shell. The PN structure and evolution, and the X-ray emission, depend critically on the efficiency of the mixing of material at this interface layer. However, neither its location nor its spatial extent have ever been determined. Using high-spatial resolution HST STIS spectroscopic observations of the N v λλ 1239,1243 lines in the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), we have detected this interface layer and determined its location, extent, and physical properties for the first time in a PN. We confirm that this interface layer, as revealed by the spatial distribution of the N v λ1239 line emission, is located between the hot bubble and the optical nebular shell. We estimate a thickness of 1.5 × 10 cm and an electron density of ∼200 cm for the mixing layer. With a thermal pressure of ∼2 × 10 yncm, the mixing layer is in pressure equilibrium with the hot bubble and ionized nebular rim of NGC 6543. © 2016. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved. |
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