[Previous] | [Session 8] | [Next]
N. L. King (STScI), A. Nota (STScI/ESA), M. Reed (Biosphere2), A. Pasquali (ESO/STECF), L. J. Smith (UC London), M. Clampin (STScI)
We present a new set of high resolution ground-based coronographic images of the nebula around the galactic Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) candidate WRA751. With the coronograph, we clearly resolve the structure in the circumstellar nebula. We find that the nebula has a complex morphology, which includes concentric arches and fainter filaments evoking the structure of a spiral galaxy. Unlike other LBV nebulae, WRA751 does not appear bipolar. We also present medium resolution long slit spectra, at several positions on the nebula, which have allowed us to derive its kinematical properties. We confirm that the nebula is clearly associated with the star. We find that the nebular motion is indicative of an expanding shell, with an overall spherical symmetry. Preliminary analysis of the nebular abundances indicate that the nebula is N enriched, and the N and O abundances are consistent with other LBV nebulae.