SINFONI Observations of Comet-shaped Knots in the Planetary Nebula NGC 7293 (the Helix Nebula)

Details SINFONI Observations of Comet-shaped Knots in the Planetary Nebula NGC 7293 (the Helix Nebula) SINFONI Observations of Comet-shaped Knots in the Planetary Nebula NGC 7293 (the Helix Nebula)

Jun 2008

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008msngr.132...37m&link_type=abstract

The Messenger, vol. 132, p. 37-40

Physics

Optics

2

Scientific paper

One of the most interesting characteristics of the planetary nebula NGC 7293 (the Helix Nebula) is its comet-shaped knots. We have observed one of the knots using the SINFONI imaging spectrometer on the VLT with adaptive optics. The spectra are analysed to obtain the spatial variation of molecular hydrogen line intensities within the knot. The images clearly show the detailed structure, which resembles a tadpole in shape, suggesting that hydrodynamic flows around the knot core create a pressure gradient behind the core. The three-dimensional spectra reveal that the excitation temperature is uniform at approximately 1800 K within the knot. The SINFONI observations help to determine the H2 excitation mechanism in planetary nebulae, as well as the importance of hydrodynamics in shaping the knots.

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