Structure and clumping in the fast wind of NGC 6543

Far-ultraviolet spectroscopy from the FUSE satellite is analysed to uniquely probe spatial structure and clumping in the fast wind of the central star of the H-rich planetary nebula NGC 6543 (HD 164963). Time-series data of the unsaturated P vλλ1118, 1128 resonance line P Cygni profiles provide a very sensitive diagnostic of variable wind conditions in the outflow. We report on the discovery of episodic and recurrent optical depth enhancements in the P v absorption troughs, with some evidence for a ∼0.17-d modulation time-scale. Empirical line-synthesis modelling is used to derive physical properties, including the optical depth evolution of individual ‘events’. The characteristics of these features are essentially identical to the ‘discrete absorption components’ (DACs) commonly seen in the ultraviolet lines of massive OB stars. We have also employed the unified model atmosphere code cmfgen to explore spectroscopic signatures of clumping, and report, in particular, on the clear sensitivity of the P v lines to the clump volume filling factor. The results presented here have implications for the downward revision of mass-loss rates in planetary nebula central stars. We conclude that the temporal structures seen in the P v lines of NGC 6543 likely have a physical origin that is similar to that operating in massive, luminous stars, and may be related to near-surface perturbations caused by stellar pulsation and/or magnetic fields.