HST/WFPC2 observations of the core of KjPn 8

Abstract

Narrow-band images of the core of the extraordinary poly-polar planetary nebula KjPn 8 have been obtained with the WFPC2 camera on board the Hubble Space Telescope. Spasmodic bipolar ejections, in changing directions have occurred over thousands of years to create KjPn 8. The central star is finally revealed in these observations and its compact nebular core is resolved into a remarkably young, aprox. 500 years old, elliptical ring. The highest speed bipolar outflows are perpendicular to this central ring which is identified as the latest event in the creation of this nebula. The formation history of KjPn 8 has involved two distinct planetary nebula-like events, probably originating froma a binary core evolution with components of similar mass.