(HSTHST) STIS observations of the mixing layer in the Cat's Eye Nebula
- Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC), Glorieta de la Astronomía s/n, E-18008 Granada (Spain)
- Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Academia Sinica (ASIAA), Taipei 10617, Taiwan (China)
Planetary nebulae (PNe) are expected to have a ∼10{sup 5} K interface layer between the ⩾10{sup 6} K inner hot bubble and the ∼10{sup 4} K optical nebular shell. The PN structure and evolution, and the X-ray emission, depend critically on the efficiency of the mixing of material at this interface layer. However, neither its location nor its spatial extent have ever been determined. Using high-spatial resolution HST STIS spectroscopic observations of the N v λλ1239,1243 lines in the Cat’s Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), we have detected this interface layer and determined its location, extent, and physical properties for the first time in a PN. We confirm that this interface layer, as revealed by the spatial distribution of the N v λ1239 line emission, is located between the hot bubble and the optical nebular shell. We estimate a thickness of 1.5×10{sup 16} cm and an electron density of ∼200 cm{sup −3} for the mixing layer. With a thermal pressure of ∼2 × 10{sup −8} dyn cm{sup −2}, the mixing layer is in pressure equilibrium with the hot bubble and ionized nebular rim of NGC 6543.
- OSTI ID:
- 22869088
- Journal Information:
- Astrophysical Journal Letters, Vol. 822, Issue 1; Other Information: Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 2041-8205
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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