Abstract Molecular observations of four planetary nebulae (PNe), M4-17, Hu 1-1, M1-59, and Na 2, were conducted at 1–3 mm using the Arizona Radio Observatory’s 12 m antenna and Submillimeter Telescope, and the Institut de Radioastronomie Millimétrique 30 m Telescope. Toward M4-17, HNC (J= 3 → 2), CCH (N= 2 → 1,N= 3 → 2), CN (N= 1 → 0,N= 2 → 1), H2CO (JKa,Kc= 21,2→ 11,1,JKa,Kc= 20,2→ 10,1,JKa,Kc= 21,1→ 11,0), CS (J= 3 → 2,J= 5 → 4), and H13CN (J= 2 → 1) were detected. An almost identical set of transitions was identified toward Hu 1-1. Moreover, c–C3H2was detected in Hu 1-1 via three 2 mm lines:JKa,Kc= 31,2→ 22,1,JKa,Kc= 41,4→ 30,3, andJKa,Kc= 32, 2→ 21,1. HNC, CCH, CN, CS, and H13CN were found in M1-59, as well as H2S via itsJKa,Kc= 11,0→ 10,1line—the first detection of this key sulfur species in PNe. In addition, CCH and CN were identified in the 27,000 yr old Na 2. Among these four sources, CN and CCH were the most prevalent molecules (after CO and H2) with fractional abundances, relative to H2, off∼ 0.9–7.5 × 10−7and 0.8–7.5 × 10−7, respectively. CS and HNC have abundances in the rangef∼ 0.5–5 × 10−8, the latter resulting in HCN/HNC ∼ 3 across all three PNe. The unusual species H2CO, c–C3H2, and H2S hadf∼ 3–4 × 10−7, 10−8, and 6 × 10−8. This study suggests that elliptical PNe such as Hu 1-1 can have a diverse molecular composition. The presence of CN, CCH, and HCO+in Na 2, with comparable abundances to younger PNe, demonstrates that molecular content is maintained into the late PN stage.
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Remarkable Chemical Complexity in Planetary Nebulae: A Molecule and Dust Perspective
Abstract Despite model predictions, many planetary nebulae appear to have a relatively rich molecular content. Observational studies of over 30 such objects show the presence of a variety of gas-phase molecules, from simple species such as CN and CS, to more complex organics including H2CO, HC3N, c-C3H2, and CH3CN. Other PNe contain fullerenes; carbonaceous and silicate dust features are also found. Molecular abundances also do not appear to vary with nebular age. Remnant material from the asymptotic giant branch appears to undergo chemical processing in the protoplanetary nebula phase and then is frozen out in planetary nebulae. PN ejecta are thus in part molecular in content and may account for the observation of complex molecules in diffuse clouds.
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- PAR ID:
- 10652975
- Publisher / Repository:
- Cambridge University Press
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union
- Volume:
- 19
- Issue:
- S384
- ISSN:
- 1743-9213
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 190 to 207
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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