Related papers: On the post-common-envelope central star of the pl…

We present an analysis of the binary central star of the planetary nebula NGC 2346 based on archival data from the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE), and new low- and high-resolution optical spectra (3700 - 7300{\AA}). By including…

I study some aspects of common envelope evolution, where a compact star enters the envelope of a giant star. I show that in some binary systems under a narrow range of parameters, a substantial fraction of the giant stellar envelope is lost…

We present the discovery and characterisation of the post-common-envelope central star system in the planetary nebula PN G283.7$-$05.1. Deep images taken as part of the POPIPlaN survey indicate that the nebula may possess a bipolar…

Close-binary central stars of planetary nebulae offer a unique tool with which to study the critical and yet poorly understood common-envelope phase of binary stellar evolution. Furthermore, as the nebula itself is thought to comprise the…

We present observations proving the close binary nature of the central stars belonging to the planetary nebulae (PNe) NGC 6326 and NGC 6778. Photometric monitoring reveals irradiated lightcurves with orbital periods of 0.372 and 0.1534…

We present a detailed photometric study of the central star system of the planetary nebula Hen 2-11, selected for study because of its low-ionisation filaments and bipolar morphology - traits which have been strongly linked with central…

We present a study of Hen 2-155 and Hen 2-161, two planetary nebulae which bear striking morphological similarities to other planetary nebulae known to host close-binary central stars. Both central stars are revealed to be photometric…

Nearly 50 post-common-envelope (post-CE) close binary central stars of planetary nebulae (CSPNe) are now known. Most contain either main sequence or white dwarf (WD) companions that orbit the WD primary in around 0.1-1.0 days. Only…

We present a detailed study of the stellar and orbital parameters of the post-common envelope binary central star of the planetary nebula Ou~5. Low-resolution spectra obtained during the primary eclipse -- to our knowledge the first…

The Chandra X-ray Observatory has detected relatively hard X-ray emission from the central stars of several planetary nebulae (PNe). A subset have no known late-type companions, making it very difficult to isolate which of several competing…

Whether planetary nebulae (PNe) are predominantly the product of binary stellar evolution as some population synthesis models (PSM) suggest remains an open question. Around 50 short period binary central stars ($P\sim1$ d) are known, but…

Close binary central stars of planetary nebulae are key in constraining the poorly-understood common-envelope phase of evolution, which in turn is critical in understanding the formation of a wide-range of astrophysical phenomena (including…

The common envelope phase was first proposed more than forty years ago to explain the origins of evolved, close binaries like cataclysmic variables. It is now believed that the phase plays a critical role in the formation of a wide variety…

We study the post-AGB central star of the (bipolar) Galactic bulge planetary nebula M 2-29. We have obtained additional HST imaging and SAAO spectroscopy of the object. The star showed a pronounced, long-lasting occultation with subsequent…

The central star of NGC 2392 shows the hardest X-ray emission among central stars of planetary nebulae (CSPNe). The recent discovery of a spectroscopic companion with an orbital period of 1.9 days could provide an explanation for its hard…

Neutron stars and stellar-mass black holes are the remnants of massive star explosions. Most massive stars reside in close binary systems, and the interplay between the companion star and the newly formed compact object has been…

Virtually all close compact binary stars are formed through common-envelope (CE) evolution. It is generally accepted that during this crucial evolutionary phase a fraction of the orbital energy is used to expel the envelope. However, it is…

A growing number of close binary stars are being discovered among central stars of planetary nebulae. Recent and ongoing surveys are finding new systems and contributing to our knowledge of the evolution of close binary systems. The push to…

The orbital period distribution of close binary stars consisting of a white dwarf and a main-sequence star (WDMS) is a powerful observational constraint on population synthesis models of the poorly understood common-envelope (CE)…

We present a detailed analysis of IC 4776, a planetary nebula displaying a morphology believed to be typical of central star binarity. The nebula is shown to comprise a compact hourglass-shaped central region and a pair of precessing…