Planetary Nebulae (IAU S384): A Universal Toolbox in the Era of Precision Astrophysics (Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union Symposia and Colloquia)

Planetary nebulae are generated when the outer layers of intermediate-mass stars are ejected during the second giant expansion after core helium burning has ceased. The star, ultimately destined to becoming a white dwarf, ionises the ejecta revealing intricate nebular shapes. Over the years, the initial awe inspired by these beautiful displays has turned into the realisation of the vast number of astrophysical questions that can be tackled using planetary nebulae. This volume collects a series of contributions to IAU Symposium 384, which show the breadth of problems that can be addressed with these objects: from the dynamical and chemical evolutions of galaxies and clusters, to the evolution of stars, to binary interactions, and to the exploration of the chemistry of life. Researchers from many astronomical fields can discover how observational tools from planetary nebulae can be applied to inform and benefit their own work. Read more