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The spectrum of the variable planetary nebula IC 4997The compact, dusty, presumably young planetary nebula (PN) IC 4997 has been studied extensively since the variability of the lambda 4363/lambda 4340 ratio was established in 1956. Since 1938, other nebular lines have shown changes. IC 4997 is also unique because of the great density range revealed by its spectrum which goes in excitation from Mg I to (Ar IV). We present a detailed listing of spectral lines from 360 to 1005 nm. The diagnostic diagram shows that the spectrum can be interpreted only in terms of strata with a huge density gamut. Essential spectral features can be reproduced approximately by a model consisting of a geometrically thin shell of density around 10(exp 7) atoms cm(exp -3), surrounded by a much larger shell with a density of about 10(exp 4) atoms cm(exp -3). The actual, certainly more complex structure can be evaluated only when high resolution spatial imaging is at hand. The usual method of getting abundances from N(ion)/N(H(+)) and ionization correction factors (ICFs) cannot be applied here. It is argued that a reasonable theoretical model that represents the spectrum provides a valid initial approximation to nebular abundances. We propose that the chemical composition of IC 4997 does not differ greatly from that of the Sun. The finally adopted model suggests that the ejection of the material destined to form the inner shell occurred between 1900 and 1960, but observational evidence of such an ejection event is lacking. Perhaps the shell was accelerated. A need for further study is emphasized, especially the role of dust which appears to contribute 2% of the total mass. More attention to this object is recommended. An accurate measurement of its distance is especially desirable.
Document ID
19950030390
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Hyung, Siek
(University of California, Los Angeles, CA United States)
Aller, Lawrence H.
(University of California, Los Angeles, CA United States)
Feibelman, Walter A.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: The Astrophysical Journal: Supplement Series
Volume: 93
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0067-0049
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
95A61989
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-90-14133
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-1207
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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