The Spitzer IRS infrared spectrum and abundances of the planetary nebula IC 2448

S. Guiles*, J. Bernard-Salas, S. R. Pottasch, T. L. Roellig

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We present the mid-infrared spectrum of the planetary nebula IC 2448. In order to determine the chemical composition of the nebula, we use the infrared line fluxes from the Spitzer spectrum along with optical line fluxes from the literature and ultraviolet line fluxes from archival IUE spectra. We determine an extinction of C H beta = 0. 27 from hydrogen recombination lines and the radio to H beta ratio. Forbidden line ratios give an electron density of 1860 cm (-3) and an average electron temperature of 12,700 K. The use of infrared lines allows us to determine more accurate abundances than previously possible because abundances derived from infrared lines do not vary greatly with the adopted electron temperature and extinction, and additional ionization stages are observed. Elements left mostly unchanged by stellar evolution ( Ar, Ne, S, and O) all have subsolar values in IC 2448, indicating that the progenitor star formed out of moderately metal deficient material. Evidence from the Spitzer spectrum of IC 2448 supports previous claims that IC 2448 is an old nebula formed from a low-mass progenitor star.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1282-1288
Number of pages7
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume660
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 10-May-2007

Keywords

  • infrared : general
  • ISM : abundances
  • ISM : lines and bands
  • planetary nebulae : individual (IC 2448)
  • stars : AGB and post-AGB
  • ASYMPTOTIC GIANT BRANCH
  • SPACE-TELESCOPE
  • CENTRAL STARS
  • ELEMENTAL ABUNDANCES
  • ARGON ABUNDANCES
  • SOUTHERN SAMPLE
  • EVOLUTION
  • CHLORINE
  • SULFUR
  • SPECTROGRAPH

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