Kinematic Structure of H₂ and [Fe II] in the Bipolar Planetary Nebula M2-9

Abstract

We present new high-dispersion, long-slit, infrared (IR) spectra of the double-shell bipolar planetary nebula M2-9 in the emission lines [Fe II] λ16435 and H₂v=1-0 S(1) λ21218. H₂ spectra reveal for the first time the kinematic structure of the outer shell in M2-9. Kinematics of the inner shell, traced by [Fe II], resemble those of optical forbidden lines like [N II] λ6583, although we note subtle differences. [Fe II] and H₂ shells have expansion speeds roughly proportional to distance from the star (``Hubble'' flows) and share the same dynamical age of 1200-2000 yr, depending on the distance to M2-9. Thus, the inner ionized lobes and outer molecular lobes, as well as the molecular torus and ``outer loops'' measured by other observers, were all formed around the same time. Consequently, their nested structure likely arises from an excitation gradient rather than independent ejections. H₂ and [Fe II] emission is distributed more uniformly than [N II], and IR lines are not dominated by the moving ionization pattern like visual-wavelength lines. We suggest that this is because IR lines of [Fe II] and H₂ are excited by relatively isotropic far-UV radiation (Balmer continuum), whereas optical lines respond to a directed rotating beam of Lyman continuum. Finally, we highlight intriguing similarities between M2-9 and the Homunculus of η Car, despite the different central engines powering the two nebulae.