+

Criteria for CandidatesAltitude > 40°; Apparent Magnitude

> 14; Available Distance and Angular Radius; Available Spectra

IntroductionPlanetary nebulae are crucial in

returning heavier metals into the interstellar medium, influencing later star and galaxy formation

(Aller & Keyes, 87).

Project Goals-Identify emission lines

-Identify ionization potentials-Determine Density, Volume and Mass

Purpose To find a correlation between mass and ionization potentials as well as to see if mass affects elements expelled into interstellar

medium

Pictures of Candidates and Spectra from Williams (from top) NGC 7662; IC 1747; IC 289; M1-4; M2-2; NGC

7008; NGC 7534

Chart is a template that was used to determine spectral lines.

Probable chemical composition for planetary nebula.

Knowledge Base

Literature Review-C. Szyka, JR Walsh et al determined

the highest ionization potential of planetary nebula NGC 6302 by use of

spectral analysis. They also calculated temperature.

- K. Hermann et al determined the mass of several planetary nebulae

and found distance using the luminosity function.

- B Webster studied emissions of magellanic clouds as determined

approximated distances.

Figure 1 Stratification of ions: higher near core, lower farther from star

Arnold, Jacob (2008)

Results• Direct Correlation found between mass and highest ionization potential value, p=.994 (graph)• Chemical elements identified, generally lighter

heaviest overall- Ar

Discussion• Goals: identify elements, calculate ionization potentials/mass, find relationship• supports findings of Harrington (1969), Szyszka et. al (2009)• Correlation: more massive PN, greater value of highest ionization potential

More energy required- greater mass

• Chemicals returned to interstellar medium lighter

heaviest element: Argon lightest element: Hydrogen

PNe early stages of life, only ionizing outer shells (seen in Figure 1)

Conclusion• Mass and highest ionization potentials have correlation: greater mass related to larger ionization potential values• Chemicals returned to interstellar medium identified• PNe relatively early in life cycles

ionizing lighter ions, have not begun to ionize heavier materials near central star

• Predict stellar evolution

Future Studies• Goncalvez et. al (2009)- relation between ionization and temperature• Relate ionization potentials to surface temperature and compare to mass

Limitations• Originally planned for self-viewing and astrophotography

• availablility of instruments

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