An excited H-2 disk and the core structure of the extraordinary bipolar planetary nebula KjPn 8

A disk of excited H(2)v = 1 --> 0 S(1) (2.122 mu m) emission has been found in the core of the extraordinary bipolar planetary nebula KjPn 8. This sur rounds the central, extended, and clumpy thermal radio emission (VLA) and n ear-infrared (J, H, and K' bands) source. The H-2 disk is found to be conta ined within a previously found expanding CO disk, and they share the same o rientation. The plane of the H-2 disk is perpendicular to the high-velocity bipolar outflows. The 4 " diameter core of KjPn 8 has also been observed f or 37 on-source hours at a wavelength of 6 cm with the MERLIN radio interfe rometer with an angular resolution of 0." 05. The data have been combined w ith 4 hr of VLA-A observations at the same wavelength but where the resolut ion is 0." 5. The most remarkable feature of these radio observations is th e possible presence of a weak "point" radio source embedded in the center o f the H-2 disk. It is thought plausible that this point source may be direc t emission from the powerful, ionized wind of the central star that now dri ves this nebulosity.