Ultraviolet spectrum and probable chemical composition of the high-excitation planetary nebula M1-1

Abstract

One of the highest excitation planetary nebulae known, M1-1, was studied with the image-tube scanner on the Shane 3-m telescope at Lick Observatory and with the International Ultraviolet Explorer. Large fractions of abundant elements such as C, N, O, S, and Ar exist in unobservable stages of ionization. Hence, it is difficult to establish the chemical composition of this nebula. The logarithmic abundance values of various elements compared with those of the Sun appear to be as follows: [Table: see text] Here log N(H) = 12. In contrast to NGC 6537, the composition of M1-1 does not appear to differ markedly from that of the Sun. N may be enhanced but there is no enhancement of He or C. In spite of its high excitation and its presumed origin from a relatively massive star, M1-1 shows no evidence for pronounced nuclear processing.