[Previous] | [Session 89] | [Next]

[89.14U] X-ray Spectral Anomalies in Chandra-Observed Planetary Nebulae

H.L. Maness (Grinnell), S.D. Vrtilek (Harvard-Smithsonian CfA)

We have re-analyzed the X-ray spectra of three Chandra-observed planetary nebulae that have been reported to show anomalous features. We report that X-ray emission from NGC 6543 is consistent with updated abundances recently reported for nebular material, which allows us to propose a resolution to the low-temperature/location anomaly presented by Chu et al. (2001). Our re-analysis of the X-ray spectra of NGC 7027 and BD +30 3639 confirms the presence of enhanced abundances relative to solar of Mg for NGC 7027 and Ne for BD +30 3639, as initially suggested by Kastner et al. (2000) and Kastner et al. (2001). We explore mechanisms that could account for these observed enhancements; possibilities include a post-asymptotic-giant-branch wind, a collimated fast wind blown from an accreting companion, and/or a nova outburst due to accretion from an oxygen, neon, magnesium white dwarf companion.

SDV was supported in part by NASA grant NAG5-6711; HM, through NSF grant AST-9731923.

[Previous] | [Session 89] | [Next]

Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #4
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.