The Chandra Planetary Nebula Survey (ChanPlaNS): Diffuse X-ray Emission from Hot Bubbles
Abstract
Previous studies of nearby planetary nebula (PNe) have revealed that several exhibit diffuse X-ray emission associated with wind-shock-generated “hot bubbles.” We are presently undertaking a Chandra X-ray imaging survey of all PNe within 1.5 kpc. In the first phase of this survey, ChanPlaNS has observed 10 PNe that display “hot bubble” X-ray emission. We present detailed results for the 4 best detected cases of such emission (NGC 2392, 3242, 6826, and 7009.) Three of these PNe harbor X-ray-luminous point sources at their central stars (CSPNe), while soft, diffuse X-ray emission tracing shocks, most likely formed by energetic wind collisions is detected in all 4. We present the results of modeling the isolated point source and diffuse emission in order to characterize the shocks and mechanisms underlying the CSPNe point source X-ray emission.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #220
- Pub Date:
- May 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012AAS...22043103C