HST observations of the PG 1159 type central star of K1-16.

Abstract

The central star of the planetary nebula K1-16, belonging to the class of the pulsating PG 1159 pre-white dwarfs, has been observed with the HST telescope using the GHRS in the zone of the CIV λ1550A doublet, to ascertain the reality and examine the properties of the exceptionally fast wind suggested to occur in this star by low resolution IUE observations. The HST data allow to identify various interstellar and stellar photospheric lines. A close analysis making use of synthetic stellar spectra lead to support the existence of a stellar wind with a terminal velocity of 3800km/s and a mass loss rate lower than ˙(M)<2x10^-11^M_sun_/yr. It is one of the fastest stellar wind so far observed in a central star.