The Discovery of a Bipolar, Rotating, Episodic Jet (BRET) in the Planetary Nebula KjPn 8
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Abstract
A spectacular (14' × 4') bipolar nebula, with a symmetric and rotating, high-velocity collimated outflow, with episodic outburst properties, has been discovered in the Cassiopeia-Cepheus region. A compact object classified as the planetary nebula KjPn 8 is located at the center of symmetry of this extraordinary nebula. The angular extent of this bipolar structure is now the largest one known associated with a planetary nebula (PN). A mosaic of Hα images covering the full extent of the nebula is presented, as well as [N II] λ6584, [S II] λ6724, [O II] λ3729, and [O III] λ5007 images of the central (5' × 5') region. These images reveal symmetric pairs of bow shocks which are located at different position angles, in a way expected from a rotating, episodic jet. Low-dispersion spectroscopy of regions of the bipolar lobes confirms their shock-excited nature. The core is of low excitation class and seems nitrogen enriched. Our 3.5 cm VLA observations yield a first radio detection of the core of KjPn 8.