Catalogue of central stars of extragalactic planetary nebulae

¹ Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba, Laprida 854, X5000BGR Córdoba, Argentina
² Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, CPC 1425FQB, Argentina
³ Instituto de Astrofísica de La Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas Avenida Centenario (Paseo del Bosque) S/N, B1900FWA La Plata, Argentina
⁴ Institut für Astronomie und Astrophysik, Kepler Center for Astro and Particle Physics, Eberhard Karls Universität, Sand 1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
⁵ Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental (IATE, CONICET-UNC), Laprida 854, X5000, Córdoba, Argentina

^★ Corresponding author: walter.weidmann@unc.edu.ar

Received: 27 May 2025
Accepted: 19 July 2025

Abstract

Context. Central stars of planetary nebulae (CSPNe) are essential for understanding the final evolutionary stages of low- and intermediate-mass stars. However, their study in extragalactic environments remains challenging due to their intrinsic faintness and the limited availability of high-quality data.

Aims. We aim to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date catalogue of extragalactic CSPNe in order to enable a more complete view of their physical properties across different galactic environments and metallicities.

Methods. The catalogue was assembled using data from the most recent and reliable literature sources. Priority was given to collecting effective temperatures and luminosities that have either been directly reported or consistently derived. When available, spectral types or specific spectral features – such as P-Cygni profiles or broad Hα emission lines – were also included. This approach allowed for broader characterisation of the sample, even when accurate classifications are not available.

Results. We present a new compilation of extragalactic CSPNe – the largest to date – comprising over 800 objects located in the Magellanic Clouds, NGC 300, NGC 5128, and fifteen other nearby galaxies. This catalogue enables, for the first time, a global comparison of CSPNe physical parameters beyond the Milky Way. Updated Hertzsprung–Russell diagrams are provided featuring CSPNe from seven different galaxies, revealing trends and outliers that merit further investigation. The catalogue represents a valuable resource for future spectroscopic follow-up and for improving our understanding of post-AGB evolution in diverse galactic contexts.