A spectroscopic study of the high excitation nebula NGC 6302

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Abstract
The wonderfully intricate irregular gaseous nebula NGC 6302 shows a great range of excitation from the [S I] to [Fe VII]. Data obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) covering the spectral range λ 1200–3203 and with the image-photon counting system at the Anglo-Australian telescope emphasizing the region λ 3200–4880 Å are used for a new determination of the chemical composition of this object. No simple theoretical model can represent the observed intensities. Helium and nitrogen are enhanced in abundance, as noted by previous observers, but the enrichment of nitrogen is a whole order of magnitude. Carbon and oxygen are decreased in abundance, neon and heavier elements show a ‘normal’ abundance pattern, but calcium and possibly silicon are depleted; presumably they are concentrated in grains.

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