Research Note
Discovery of a [WO] central star in the planetary nebula Th 2-A*
1
Observatorio Astronómico Córdoba, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina e-mail: weidmann.walter@gmail.com
2
Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
3
Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito, Avda. España 1412 Sur, San Juan, Argentina
4
Gemini Observatory, AURA, La Serena, Chile
5
In memoriam (1936–2006)
Received:
16
April
2008
Accepted:
30
June
2008
Context. About 2500 planetary nebulae are known in our Galaxy but only 224 have central stars with reported spectral types in the Strasbourg-ESO Catalogue of Galactic Planetary Nebulae (Acker et al. 1992; Acker et al. 1996).
Aims. We have started an observational program aiming to increase the number of PN central stars with spectral classification.
Methods. By means of spectroscopy and high resolution imaging, we identify the position and true nature of the central star. We carried out low resolution spectroscopic observations at CASLEO telescope, complemented with medium resolution spectroscopy performed at Gemini South and Magellan telescopes.
Results. As a first outcome of this survey, we present for the first time the spectra of the central star of the PN Th 2-A. These spectra show emission lines of ionized C and O, typical in Wolf-Rayet stars.
Conclusions. We identify the position of that central star, which is not the brightest one of the visual central pair. We classify it as of type [WO 3]pec, which is consistent with the high excitation and dynamical age of the nebula.
Key words: ISM: planetary nebulae individual: PN G306.4-00.6 / stars: Wolf-Rayet
Based on data collected at (i) the Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito (CASLEO), which is operated under agreement between the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de la República Argentina y Universidades Nacionales de La Plata, Córdoba y San Juan, Argentina; (ii) the 6.5 m Magellan Telescopes at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile; (iii) the 8 m Gemini South Telescope, Chile.
© ESO, 2008