A radio continuum study of a representative sub-sample of GBPN from the MASH catalogues
Abstract
MASH and MASH II catalogues have tripled Galactic Bulge planetary nebulae (GBPN) sample and introduced a broader evolutionary range of GBPN than previously known. We now possess a much more representative and powerful data set to establish a GB multiwavelength luminosity function in a system such as the GB at known distance. Techniques exist to measure fundamental PN parameters such as central star masses and luminosities, ionized nebula and faint halo mass, but only if we know the PN's distance. We thus aim to: Address the Galactic PN distance problem via use of a powerful new distance indicator we have developed from a carefully evaluated sample of PN calibrators; Unravel the optical and radio PN luminosity function from significant new samples in the Galactic Bulge; Understand the quantitative differences in the multi-wavelength characteristics of PNe and hence: Assess the promising prospects of using PNe as cosmological radio `standard candles' via a new radio luminosity function we will establish. The proposed ATNF radio observations form a key component of this scheme. Apart from radio fluxes they will enable direct, reliable calculation of electron densities, degrees of ionization and reddening in the directions of the PNe independent of optical spectroscopy.
- Publication:
-
ATNF Proposal
- Pub Date:
- October 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008atnf.prop.1876B
- Keywords:
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- Galactic;
- ATCA