Modelling H2 Infrared Emission of the Helix Nebula Cometary Knots (1010.4049v1)

Abstract: In the present work, we use a photoionisation code to study the H2 emission of the Helix nebula (NGC 7293) cometary knots, particularly that produced in the interface H+/H0 of the knot, where a significant fraction of the H2 1-0 S(1) emission seems to be produced. Our results show that the production of molecular hydrogen in such region may explain several characteristics of the observed emission, particularly the high excitation temperature of the H2 infrared lines.