Photometric Survey of Central Stars of Planetary Nebulae
Level of Education of Students Involved
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Todd Hillwig
College
Arts and Sciences
Discipline(s)
Astronomy
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-25-2024
Abstract
Complete surveys of the central stars of planetary nebulae are essential for understanding the fraction of these objects that exist as close binary systems, allowing better understanding of stellar evolution. Planetary nebulae are regions of ionized gas expelled from a dying star that has just left the asymptotic giant branch and is evolving into a white dwarf. In this research, we utilized an existing catalog of all planetary nebulae within 2 kpc from us, with a total of 235 targets. We used photometric data from ZTF (Zwicky Transient Facility), SARA (Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy) telescopes at Kitt Peak National Observatory and Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory, and other private telescopes to study the central stars of these planetary nebulae. We visually examined the brightness of the nebulosity and determined which planetary nebulae have bright nebulosity that would cause uncertainty in the photometry of the central stars. Then recorded average brightness and average variation ranges for each central star for which quality data was available. We reviewed the brightness data to determine if each central star varied in brightness in a way indicative of a close companion. If such variability was present we identified that central star as a candidate binary system. We discuss the results of our search in the context of the overall fraction of planetary nebula central stars that exist as close binary systems.
Recommended Citation
Krusza, Samantha and Hillwig, Todd, "Photometric Survey of Central Stars of Planetary Nebulae" (2024). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1291.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1291
