the evolution of transition objects between the asymptotic giant branch (agb) stage and the planetary nebulae (pn) phase is known to be the crucial moment where very efficient mass loss processes determine the basic morphological, kinematical, and chemical layout of the newly born planetary nebulae. the keystone objects to the study of such evolution are the protoplanetary nebulae crl2688, crl618, and the extremely young planetary nebula ngc7027. we propose to carry out a deep study of the chemical abundance, excitation, and radial distribution of a few key molecules in these three prominent objects. these molecular observations will trace the chemical evolutionary path from the agb to the pn stage. in particular, the effects of the shock waves associated to the high velocity winds blown up from the central stars will be unvealed by the proposed observations. in addition, the chemical abundances and excitation conditions in the high velocity winds (hvws) will be determined. the results of these observations will constitute a major contribution to the understanding of the last stages of stellar evolution.
Instrument
SWS06 , SWS07
Temporal Coverage
1996-10-19T23:40:51Z/1997-05-30T17:46:51Z
Version
1.0
Mission Description
The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) was the worlds first true orbiting infrared observatory. Equipped with four highly-sophisticated and versatile scientific instruments, it was launched by Ariane in November 1995 and provided astronomers world-wide with a facility of unprecedented sensitivity and capabilities for a detailed exploration of the Universe at infrared wavelengths.
European Space Agency, NERI et al., 1999, 'A KEY SPECTROSCOPIC STUDY OF CRL2688 comma CRL618 AND NGC7027 SHOCKED CHEMISTRY IN POST-AGB EVOLUTION', 1.0, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-m2dyjit
