Co-spatial Long-slit UV/Optical Spectra of Ten Galactic Planetary Nebulae with HST/STIS II. Nebular Models, Central Star Properties and He+CNO Synthesis

TL;DR

This study combines new HST/STIS spectra and photoionization models to determine progenitor masses of planetary nebulae and compares observed nebular abundances with stellar model predictions, revealing insights into stellar evolution and chemical enrichment.

Contribution

It introduces the first photoionization models for NGC 5315 and NGC 5882 and correlates nebular abundances with progenitor star models, advancing understanding of stellar evolution.

Findings

Progenitor star masses align with known distributions.

He/H ratios are above solar, likely due to first dredge-up.

Most objects show negligible carbon enrichment.

Abstract

The goal of the present study is twofold. First, we employ new HST/STIS spectra and photoionization modeling techniques to determine the progenitor masses of eight planetary nebulae (IC 2165, IC 3568, NGC 2440, NGC 3242, NGC 5315, NGC 5882, NGC 7662 and PB6). Second, for the first time we are able to compare each object's observed nebular abundances of helium, carbon and nitrogen with abundance predictions of these same elements by a stellar model that is consistent with each object's progenitor mass. Important results include the following: 1) the mass range of our objects' central stars matches well with the mass distribution of other PN central stars and white dwarfs; 2) He/H is above solar in all of our objects, in most cases likely due to the predicted effects of first dredge up; 3) most of our objects show negligible C enrichment, probably because their low masses preclude 3rd dredge-up; 4) C/O versus O/H for our objects appears to be inversely correlated, perhaps consistent with the conclusion of theorists that the extent of atmospheric carbon enrichment from first dredge-up is sensitive to a parameter whose value increases as metallicity declines; 5) stellar model predictions of nebular C and N enrichment are consistent with observed abundances for progenitor star masses <=1.5 Msun. Finally, we present the first published photoionization models of NGC 5315 and NGC 5882.