NGC 6302: high-ionization permitted lines. Applying X-SSN synthesis to VLT-UVES spectra

TL;DR

This study analyzes the high-ionization permitted lines in the planetary nebula NGC 6302 using X-SSN spectrum synthesis, revealing first-time detections of recombination lines from highly-ionized species in a planetary nebula.

Contribution

It applies the X-SSN synthesis code to VLT-UVES spectra of NGC 6302, identifying highly-ionized recombination lines for the first time in a planetary nebula.

Findings

Detection of permitted recombination lines from highly-ionized species.

First identification of some lines in planetary nebulae and astrophysics.

Advocates for high signal-to-noise UVES spectra for NGC 6302.

Abstract

A preliminary VLT-UVES spectrum of NGC 6302 (Casassus et al. 2002, MN), which hosts one of the hottest PN nuclei known (Teff ~ 220000 K; Wright et al. 2011, MN), has been recently analysed by means of X-SSN, a spectrum synthesis code for nebulae (Morisset and P\'equignot). Permitted recombination lines from highly-ionized species are detected/identified for the first time in a PN, and some of them probably for the first time in (Astro)Physics. The need for a homogeneous, high signal-to-noise UVES spectrum for NGC 6302 is advocated.