Proto-Planetary Nebula with the Spitzer Space Telescope

TL;DR

This paper reports preliminary infrared observations from the Spitzer Space Telescope, aiming to understand how asymmetries develop during the brief transition from AGB stars to planetary nebulae.

Contribution

It provides new infrared data on post-AGB stars and planetary nebulae to investigate the origins of asymmetry in these objects.

Findings

Infrared observations reveal dust and molecular gas structures.

Data suggest asymmetry begins during the short transition phase.

Results contribute to understanding planetary nebula formation.

Abstract

The transition from Asymptotic Giant Branch star to Planetary Nebula is short-lived and mysterious. Though it lasts only a few thousand years, it is thought to be the time when the asymmetries observed in subsequent phases arise. During this epoch, the star is shrouded in thick clouds of dust and molecular gas; infrared observations are needed to reveal these objects at their most pivotal moment. I present preliminary results of a Spitzer study of targets spanning the range from post-AGB stars to Planetary Nebulae with the goal of determining the genesis of asymmetry in these objects.