Published February 1988 | Version v1
Journal article

H2 and H I emission line imaging of the ring nebula (NGC 6720)

  • 1. Wyoming Infrared Observatory, Laramie (USA)

Description

Infrared emission-line images of the v = 1-0 S(1) transition of molecular hydrogen and Br-gamma recombination line of atomic hydrogen which cover the entire extent of NGC 6720, the Ring nebula. The maps presented here are the highest angular resolution images of these transitions yet produced for this object and have very low relative positional uncertainty. As a result, the spatial stratification of the ionized and shocked molecular zones within the nebula is clearly resolved. These data, and data from the Infrared Astronomical Satellite, are used to determine the H2, H I, and dust mass within the nebula. Energy sources for the dust heating, formation and destruction of the H2, and overall evolution of the nebula are also discussed. 38 references

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Astrophys. J.
Journal Volume
325
Series
Astrophys. J.
Journal Page Range
604-609
ISSN
0004-637X
CODEN
ASJOA