The ISO-SWS spectrum of planetary nebula NGC 7027

Abstract

We present the infrared spectrum of the planetary nebula NGC 7027 observed with the Short Wavelength Spectrometer (SWS), on board the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). These data allow us to derive the electron density and, together with the IUE and optical spectra, the electron temperature for several ions. The nebular composition has been determined, the evolutionary status of the central star is discussed and the element depletion in the nebula is given. We conclude that the progenitor was a C-rich star with a mass between 3 and 4 M_sun. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands and the UK) and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.