The global kinematics of the Dumbbell planetary nebula (NGC 6853, M27, PN G060.8-03.6)

Abstract

Spatially resolved profiles of the HeII 6560 A, Halpha and [N II] 6548 & 6584 A nebular emission lines have been obtained in two orthogonal long cuts over the Dumbbell planetary nebula. The central HeII 6560 A emitting volume of the bright dumbbell structure is shown to be particularly inert with an expansion velocity of <= 7 km/s. This is enveloped by an inner [O III] 5007 A emitting shell expanding at 13 km/s, an outer [O III] 5007 A shell expanding at 31 km/s which is on the inside of the outer [N II] 6584 A emitting shell expanding at 35 km/s. A new Halpha + [N II] 6548 & 6584 A continuum-subtracted image of the 15&#39; diameter halo has also been compared with recent proper motion measurements of the central star and the present line profiles from the halo&#39;s inner edge. Interaction with the ambient interstellar medium is suggested. The bright [N II] 6584 A emitting shell must be running into this relatively inert halo with a differential velocity of >= 25 km/s. The present results are compared with currents models for the creation of planetary nebulae.