Chandra X-Ray Observatory Detection of Extended X-Ray Emission from the Planetary Nebula BD +30°3639

Abstract

We report the detection of well-resolved, extended X-ray emission from the young planetary nebula BD +30°3639 using the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) aboard the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The X-ray emission from BD +30°3639 appears to lie within, but is concentrated to one side of, the interior of the shell of ionized gas seen in high-resolution optical and IR images. The relatively low X-ray temperature (T_X~3×10⁶ K) and asymmetric morphology of the X-ray emission suggest that conduction fronts are present and/or mixing of shock-heated and photoionized gas has occurred, and furthermore hints at the presence of magnetic fields. The ACIS spectrum suggests that the X-ray-emitting region is enriched in the products of nuclear burning. Our detection of extended X-ray emission from BD +30°3639 demonstrates the power and utility of Chandra imaging as applied to the study of planetary nebulae.