Newly discovered Wolf-Rayet and weak emission-line central stars of planetary nebulae

K. Depew*, Q. A. Parker, B. Miszalski, O. De Marco, D. J. Frew, A. Acker, A. V. Kovacevic, R. G. Sharp

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We present the spectra of 32 previously unpublished confirmed and candidate Wolf-Rayet ([WR]) and weak emission-line (WELS) central stars of planetary nebulae (CSPNe). 18 stars have been discovered in the Macquarie/AAO/Strasbourg Hα (MASH) PN survey sample, and we have also uncovered 14 confirmed and candidate [WR]s and WELS among the CSPNe of previously known PNe. Spectral classifications have been undertaken using both Acker & Neiner and Crowther, De Marco & Barlow schemes. 22 members in this sample are identified as probable [WR]s; the remaining 10 appear to be WELS. Observations undertaken as part of the MASH spectroscopic survey have now increased the number of known [WR]s by ∼30per cent. This will permit a better analysis of [WR] subclass distribution, metallicity effects and evolutionary sequences in these uncommon objects.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2812-2827
Number of pages16
JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume414
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2011
Externally publishedYes

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