Planetary Nebulae in the Magellanic Clouds

Abstract

Selection effects in the search for planetary nebulae in the Magellanic Clouds have not seriously distorted the observed space distribution, but have affected the apparent excitation classes. A difference between the properties of the SMC and LMC planetaries remains. A group of high-excitation nebulae with strong lines of He and N has been isolated. If these are excluded, the helium abundance appears to be normal in each Cloud. The oxygen abundance in LMC planetaries is about half the Orion value and may be even lower in the SMC objects. The significance of the abundances, excitation classes and space distribution is briefly discussed.