Program: GN-2010B-Q-43

Hb 12 is a young bipolar planetary nebula (PN), just past the proto-PN stage. Thus, it is an important object to study in order to understand the complex dynamic evolution of PN. We propose to use NIFS with the adaptive optics instrument, Altair/NGS, to, for the first time, produce a spatially resolved spectroscopic map of the near-IR, emission environment of Hb 12, covering the core and the northern lobe. This will improve on past observations which already show a rich NIR spectrum near the nucleus, but only include a segment of the nebula. By observing the nucleus and two additional pointings to the north, we will follow the physical changes in the outflow environment of this nebula and observe the emergence of the jet as it leaves the inner regions of Hb 12. These observations will represent a significant improvement in our understanding of the inner structure and outflow conditions in Hb 12 in particular and hourglass-type PNe in general. Furthermore, NIFS spectra of the confirmed binary companion will allow us to clarify the spectral classification of the secondary, potentially furthering our understanding of the origins and evolution of bipolar PN.