The enigmatic central star of the planetary nebula PRTM 1

Abstract

The central star of the planetary nebula PRTM 1 (PN G243.8-37.1) was previously found to be variable by M. Pena and colleagues. As part of a larger programme aimed towards finding post common-envelope binary central stars we have monitored the central star of PRTM 1 spectroscopically and photometrically for signs of variability. Over a period of ~3 months we find minimal radial velocity (<10 km/s) and photometric (< 0.2 mag) variability. The data suggest a close binary nucleus can be ruled out at all but the lowest orbital inclinations, especially considering the spherical morphology of the nebula which we reveal for the first time. Although the current data strongly support the single star hypothesis, the true nature of the central star of PRTM 1 remains enigmatic and will require further radial velocity monitoring at higher resolution to rule out a close binary. If in the odd case that it is a close binary, it would be the first such case in a spherical planetary nebula, in contradiction to current thinking.

A&A, in press

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• Catalogue of central stars of planetary nebulae: Expanded edition
• The post-common-envelope, binary central star of the planetary nebula Hen 2-11
• Stellar parameters for the central star of the planetary nebula PRTM 1 using the German Astrophysical Virtual Observatory service TheoSSA
• Atlas of monochromatic images of planetary nebulae