Poster abstract details
Using photoionization modeling to determine accurate distances for planetary nebulae
Abstract
Accurate distance determinations of planetary nebulae (PNe) are crucial in unraveling the connection between the evolution and physical characteristics of the expanding nebula shells and the properties of the central stars. Using reliable distances, we can accurately estimate fundamental parameters of PNe such as core mass, luminosity, and nebular mass.
In this work, we aim to provide accurate determinations of these parameters through photoionization modeling. As a first part of this work, we will generate accurate distances to the PNe A39, PFP 1, NGC 7027, NGC 2440, and NGC 1514, carefully selected to sample a representative range of central star properties, ionization, and morphology. Their physical parameters such as electron temperature, density and ionic abundances are estimated from an empirical analysis. For each PN, the distance is determined by interpolating from a wide grid of photoioniztion models by using either 1-D (CLOUDY; Ferland et al. 1998) or 3-D (MOCASSIN; Ercolano et al. 2003) codes based on PN morphology.
In this work, we aim to provide accurate determinations of these parameters through photoionization modeling. As a first part of this work, we will generate accurate distances to the PNe A39, PFP 1, NGC 7027, NGC 2440, and NGC 1514, carefully selected to sample a representative range of central star properties, ionization, and morphology. Their physical parameters such as electron temperature, density and ionic abundances are estimated from an empirical analysis. For each PN, the distance is determined by interpolating from a wide grid of photoioniztion models by using either 1-D (CLOUDY; Ferland et al. 1998) or 3-D (MOCASSIN; Ercolano et al. 2003) codes based on PN morphology.