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arXiv · 0709.0947

A search for CO+ in planetary nebulae

T. A. Bell·W. Whyatt·S. Viti·M. P. Redman
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Abstract

We have carried out a systematic search for the molecular ion CO+ in a sample of 8 protoplanetary and planetary nebulae in order to determine the origin of the unexpectedly strong HCO+ emission previously detected in these sources. An understanding of the HCO+ chemistry may provide direct clues to the physical and chemical evolution of planetary nebulae. We find that the integrated intensity of the CO+ line may be correlated with that of HCO+, suggesting that the reaction of CO+ with molecular hydrogen may be an important formation route for HCO+ in these planetary nebulae.

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T. A. Bell, W. Whyatt, S. Viti, M. P. Redman. 2007-09-06. A search for CO+ in planetary nebulae. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2007.12398.x

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