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| Paper: |
The Planetary Nebula Abell 48 and its [WN4] Central Star |
| Volume: |
469, 18th European White Dwarf Workshop (EUROWD12) |
| Page: |
309 |
| Authors: |
Bojičić, I. S.; Frew, D. J.; Parker, Q. A.; Stupar, M.; Wachter, S.; DePew, K. |
| Abstract: |
We have conducted a multi-wavelength study of the planetary nebula Abell 48 and give a revised classification of its nucleus as a hydrogen-deficient star of type [WN4]. The surrounding nebula has a morphology typical of PNe and importantly, is not enriched in nitrogen, and thus not the ‘peeled atmosphere’ of a massive star. Indeed, no WN4 star is known to be surrounded by such a compact nebula. The ionized mass of the nebula is also a powerful discriminant between the low-mass PN and high-mass WR ejecta interpretations. The ionized mass would be impossibly high if a distance corresponding to a Pop I star was adopted, but at a distance of 2 kpc, the mass is quite typical of moderately evolved PNe. At this distance, the ionizing star then has a luminosity of ∼5000 L☉, again rather typical for a PN central star. We give a brief discussion of the implications of this discovery for the late-stage evolution of intermediate-mass stars. |
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