High-resolution X-ray Spectroscopy of BD +30 3639

Abstract

We present preliminary results from the first X-ray gratings spectrometer observations of a planetary nebula (PN). We have used the Chandra X-ray Observatory Low Energy Transmission Gratings Spectrometer (LETGS) to observe the bright, diffuse X-ray source within the well-studied BD +30 3639. The LETGS spectrum of BD +30 3639 displays prominent and well-resolved emission lines of H-like C, O, and Ne and He-like O and Ne. Initial modeling indicates a plasma temperature T_x ~ 2.5x10^6 K and abundance ratios of C/O ~ 20, N/O <~ 1, Ne/O ~ 4, and Fe/O <~ 0.1. These results suggest that the X-ray-emitting plasma is dominated by the shocked fast wind from the emerging PN core, where this wind gas likely originated from the intershell region of the progenitor asymptotic giant branch star.