Near-Infrared Spectra of IC5117

Measurements of 1-0 transitions, together with the limits on 2-1 transitions, indicate Tvib~Trot=1900K, suggesting a purely collisional excitation mechanism. The ortho-to-para ratio is ~3, a value that is also indicative of collisional excitation. The presence of [C I] {lambda}9850 is consistent with previous studies of IC 5117 that indicated carbon is more abundant than oxygen.

IC5117 follows the trend of planetary nebulae that display bipolar outflows and H2 emission to be carbon-rich. We confirm the results of Zhang & Kwok, who reported infrared continuum emission substantially in excess of that produced by the ionized gas. This emission is most likely due to hot dust (T~1300K) and accounts for roughly half of the continuum between 1.5 and 2{mu}m.