Limits on Expansion of Local Planetary Nebula using CCD Imaging

Over the past decade, the growing availability of CCD (Charged Couple Device) chips has provided opportunities for smaller observatories that previously existed only for the world's largest astronomical facilities. By using two SBIG CCD cameras, the ST-7 and STL-1001E, we were able to successfully image several, local planetary nebulae. Based on the data we collected and a simple model for the radiation pressure driven growth of the nebulae, we were able to place limits on their ages, mass-loss rates, and outflow velocities that are in excellent agreement with previous findings.