Detection of wide binary and multiple nuclei of planetary nebulae using the Gaia DR3

Context : this paper describes the detection of wide binary and multiple central stars (CSs) of Galactic planetary nebulae (PNe) using the most up-to-date data available from the Gaia Data Release 3 (Gaia DR3). Aims : the objective of this study is to benefit from the Gaia DR3’s reliable measurements of parallax and proper motion to reveal the binary, ternary, and quadruple CSs of planetary nebulae. Methods : in our search for the binary and multiple CSs in the Gaia archive, we adopted the criteria provided in the literature to ensure that the CS and its partner(s) have comparable parallaxes and proper motions. Results : we have detected a total of 45 binary and multiple stellar systems coupled with the CSs of PNe. Based on the standard error of the parallax, this sample was divided into four categories: highest probable, probable, possible, and uncertain systems, which comprise 18, 8, 10, and 9 objects, respectively. Except for A 35, NGC 246 and IC 3568, the radial velocities of the CSs’ companions are unknown for our PNe sample. The radial velocity measurements of these three companion stars are comparable to their linked CSs. The results show the detection of a highly probable quadruple system, and a probable quadruple system: NGC6853 and PHRJ1129-6012, respectively. In addition, we found one highly probable (Fr 2-42), one probable (M 1-58) and two possible (IC 2553 and PHR J1123-6030) ternary CS systems. The results further show that the primary components of eight wide and very wide binary systems are actually close binary systems. Moreover, the masses of the components of nine PN binary and multiple wide systems were calculated.