"Searching for Binary Stars in Planetary Nebulae Using the ISIS Image S" by Samantha Schwartz
 

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

2011

Abstract

We explored the theory that binary central stars of planetary nebulae may be contributing factor in the formation of planetary nebulae. We searched for this photometric variability in central stars of planetary nebulae because consistent periodic variability is indicative of a close binary system. The variability of our targets was assessed with the image subtraction software, ISIS. We found that the central stars of the planetary nebulae Hen 2-84, NGC 6326, and K 1-22 showed clear variability. A preliminary light curve for Hen 2-84 showed periodic behavior, suggesting a binary system. Of the remaining targets observed, with sufficient data, five did not appear to have substantial variability detected through ISIS and for 2 targets we were unable to determine true variability.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Link is to abstract only.

Share

COinS