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  • The JWST /MIRI view of the planetary nebula NGC 6302 – I. A UV-irradiated torus and a hot bubble triggering PAH formation
Title: The JWST /MIRI view of the planetary nebula NGC 6302 – I. A UV-irradiated torus and a hot bubble triggering PAH formation
ABSTRACT NGC 6302 is a spectacular bipolar planetary nebula (PN) whose spectrum exhibits fast outflows and highly ionized emission lines, indicating the presence of a very hot central star ($${\sim}$$220 000 K). Its infrared spectrum reveals a mixed oxygen and carbon dust chemistry, displaying both silicate and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) features. Using the James Webb Space Telescope Mid-Infrared Instrument and Medium Resolution Spectrometer, a mosaic map was obtained over the core of NGC 6302, covering the wavelength range of 5–28 $$\mu$$m and spanning an area of $${\sim}$$18.5 arcsec $$\times$$ 15arcsec. The spatially resolved spectrum reveals $${\sim}$$200 molecular and ionized lines from species requiring ionization potentials of up to 205 eV. The spatial distributions highlight a complex structure at the nebula’s centre. Highly ionized species such as [Mg vii] and [Si vii] show compact structures, while lower ionization species such as H$^+$ extend much farther outwards, forming filament-defined rims that delineate a bubble. Within the bubble, the H$^+$ and H$$_2$$ emission coincide, while the PAH emission appears farther out, indicating an ionization structure distinct from typical photodissociation regions, such as the Orion Bar. This may be the first identification of a PAH formation site in a PN. This PN appears to be shaped not by a steady, continuous outflow, but by a series of dynamic, impulsive bubble ejections, creating local conditions conducive to PAH formation. A dusty torus surrounds the core, primarily composed of large ($$\mu$$m-sized) silicate grains with crystalline components. The long-lived torus contains a substantial mass of material, which could support an equilibrium chemistry and a slow dust-formation process.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2206033
PAR ID:
10643259
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; more » ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; « less
Publisher / Repository:
MNRAS
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume:
542
Issue:
2
ISSN:
0035-8711
Page Range / eLocation ID:
1287 to 1307
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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