New Candidate Planetary Nebulae in Galactic Globular Clusters from the VVV Survey

TL;DR

This study identifies new candidate planetary nebulae near recently discovered globular clusters in the Milky Way using the VVV survey, potentially doubling the known GCPN count if confirmed.

Contribution

It reports the discovery of new candidate GCPN associated with recently found globular clusters, expanding the known population in the Milky Way.

Findings

Four new candidate GCPN identified near globular clusters

One candidate rejected based on radial velocity discrepancy

Potential to double the known GCPN in the Milky Way

Abstract

Only four globular cluster planetary nebulae (GCPN) are known so far in the Milky Way. About 50 new globular clusters have been recently discovered towards the Galactic bulge. We present a search for planetary nebulae within 3 arcmin of the new globular clusters, revealing the identification of new candidate GCPN. These possible associations are PN SB 2 with the GC Minni 06, PN G354.9-02.8 with the GC Minni 11, PN G356.8-03.6 with the GC Minni 28, and PN Pe 2-11 with the GC Minni 31. We discard PN H 2-14 located well within the projected tidal radius of the new globular cluster FSR1758 because they have different measured radial velocities. These are interesting objects that need follow-up observations (especially radial velocities) in order to confirm membership, and to measure their physical properties in detail. If confirmed, this would double the total number of Galactic GCPN.