The MUSE view of the planetary nebula NGC 3132

TL;DR

This study uses 2D spectroscopic data from MUSE to analyze the physical and chemical structure of the planetary nebula NGC 3132, revealing complex ionization, density variations, and possible jet activity.

Contribution

First comprehensive 2D spectroscopic analysis of NGC 3132 revealing detailed ionization, density, and kinematic structures, and identifying features likely caused by precessing jets.

Findings

Density maps show high-ionization plasma at ~1000cm^-3 and low-ionization peaking at ~700cm^-3.

Temperature diagnostics reveal large spatial variations and differences between CELs and recombination lines.

Kinematic maps support a diabolo-shaped nebula with features consistent with precessing jets.

Abstract

ABRIDGED: 2D spectroscopic MUSE data for the whole extent of NGC3132 have been reduced and analised. The dust extinction, electron densities and temperatures of the ionised gas and abundances were determined. The nebula presents a complex reddening structure with high values (c(Hb)~0.4) at the rim. Density maps are compatible with an inner high-ionisation plasma at moderate high density (~1000cm^-3) while the low-ionisation plasma presents a structure in density peaking at the rim with values ~700 cm^-3. Median Te using different diagnostics decreases according to the sequence [NII],[SII]->[SIII]->[OI]->HeI->PJ. Likewise the range of Te covered by recombination lines is much larger than those obtained from CELs, with large spatial variations within the nebula. If these differences were due to the existence of high density clumps, these spatial variations suggest changes in the properties and/or distribution of the clumps within the nebula. We determined a median He/H=0.124. The range of measured ionic abundances for light elements are compatible with literature values. Our kinematic analysis nicely illustrates the power of 2D kinematic information in many emission lines to shed light on the intrinsic structure of the nebula. Our derived velocity maps support a geometry for the nebula similar to the previously propose diabolo model, but oriented with its major axis at P.A.~-22^o. We identified two low-surface brightness arc-like structures towards the northern and southern tips of the nebula, with high extinction, high helium abundance, and strong low-ionisation emission lines. They are spatially coincident with some extended low-surface brightness mid-IR emission. The characteristics of the features are compatible with being the consequence of precessing jets caused by the binary star system. This study illustrates the enormous potential of IFS for the study of Galactic PNe.