The celestial pole coordinates

The coordinates of the Celestial Ephemeris Pole in the Celestial Reference System (CRS) can advantageously replace the classical precession and nutation parameters in the matrix transformation of vector components from the CRS to the Terrestrial Reference System (TRS). This paper shows that the new matrix transformation using these coordinates in place of the preceding parameters would be conceptually more simple, especially when associated with the use of the non-rotating origin on the instantaneous equator (Guinot 1979, Capitaine et al. 1986) and of a celestial reference frame as realized by positions of extragalactic sources. In such a representation, the artificial separation between precession and nutation is avoided and the practical computation of the matrix transformation only requires the knowledge of the two celestial direction cosines of the pole, instead of the large number of the quantities generally considered. The development of these coordinates is given as function of time so that their use is equivalent (when using the CRS defined by the mean pole and mean equinox of epoch J2000.0, the 1976 IAU System of Astronomical Constants and the 1980 IAU theory of nutation) to the one of the conventional series for the precession (Lieske et al. 1977) and nutation (Seidelmann 1982) parameters. Such a theoretical development should also be used in order to derive more directly the numerical coefficients of the celestial motion of the instantaneous equator from very precise observations such as VLBI.

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Résumé Les coordonnées du Pôle Céleste des Ephémerides dans le Systeme de Référence Céleste (CRS) pourraient remplacer avantageusement les paramètres classiques de precession et de nutation dans la matrice de transformation entre le CRS et le Système de Référence Terrestre (TRS). Cet article montre que la nouvelle matrice de transformation utilisant ces coordonnées à la place des paramètres classiques serait ainsi conceptuellement plus simple, en particulier lorsque l'on utilise l'origine non-tournante sur l'équa-teur instantané (Guinot 1979, Capitaine et al. 1986), ainsi que le repère de référence céleste réalisé par les positions des radiosources extragalactiques. Une telle representation évite la séparation artificielle entre précession et nutation et le calcul de la matrice de transformation correspondante ne nécessite que la connaissance des deux cosinus directeurs du pole dans le repère céleste, au lieu du grand nombre de paramètres considérés généralement. Le dèveloppement de ces coordonnées en fonction du temps est donné de façon à ce que leur usage soit équivalent (lorsque l'on se rapporte au CRS défine par le pôle et l'équinoxe moyens de l'époque J2000.0, au Système de Constantes Astronomiques IAU-1976, ainsi qu'au modèle UAI-1980 de la nutation) à celui des séries conventionnelles de la precession (Lieske et al. 1977) et de la nutation (Seidelmann 1982). Un tel développement théorique devrait également être utilise pour déterminer plus directement les coefficients numériques du déplacement céleste de l'équateur instantané, à partir des observations très précises, comme par exemple, les observations VLBI.

     

Solar magnetic fields and convection

The flux-rope-fibre model of solar magnetic fields is developed further to cover post-spot evolution of the fields, faculae, and the influence of magnetic fields on some convective motions. (i) Unipolar magnetic regions of a strongly dominant polarity are explained, as are some fields outside the network, and some tiny reversed polarity fields. (ii) The migration of magnetic regions is explained: the following regions to the poles where most of the flux just vanishes and the preceding towards the equator. (iii) The model explains the rotation of the gross pattern of background fields with a period of 27 days. It explains the puzzling features of active longitudes and of magnetic longitudes extending across the equator. (iv) The magnetic model provides a framework for the various chromospheric fine structures, the rosettes, bushes, double chains, mottles and spicules. It provides qualitative models of these features and points the way to a very complicated quantitative model of the network. (v) Several new convective patterns are described and explained in terms of magnetic stresses. The first is the moat around sunspots, which replaces the supergranule motions there. The second is the long-lived (4–7 days) supergranule cell enclosed by strong fields. The third is a small-scale () convective motion, and the fourth is aligned or long granules, both caused by small-scale magnetic fields. (vi) Photospheric line faculae and photospheric continuum faculae are different phenomena. The former, like the chromospheric faculae, are caused by Alfvén-wave heating. The latter are caused by a new small-scale convective motion. (vii) A model of the 3-min oscillation is described.     

Multiple expansion of the tidal potential

The Earth tidal deformation causes an additional gravitational potential. Its effect on the Moon orbital motion has been studied by several authors.In this contribution, we develop this additional potential without specifying the inertial frame chosen.For this purpose, we use the properties of the representation of rotation groups in 3 dimensions space. We finally obtain the interaction potential between the distorted Earth and the Moon which is a necessary preliminary to the study of the evolution of the Earth-Moon system.Nomenclature T.R.O Tide raising object - (, , ) Spherical coordinates of the T.R.O. - (J, _E ) Earth spin axis orientation. _E is the longitude of the ascending node of Earth's equator on thexy-plane - (a ,I ,e , , ,M ) Elliptics elements of the T.R.O     

On the motion of a satellite in resonance with its rotating planet

The influence of resonance perturbations due to the gravitational field of an oblate planet on its satellite whose motion is commensurable with rotation of the planet has been investigated. It has been shown that in special case of the critical inclination or circular orbit the Lagrange equations can be integrated for all resonance terms simultaneously. The method is applied to the investigation of the motion of the 12-hour communication and navigation satellites of the Molniya and Navstar type. The computations has been performed by the use of four models of the geopotential.     

The department of defense Selenodetic Control System and the force function of the moon

The figure of the moon as defined by the DOD-66 Selenodetic Control System is first studied. Then, using the derived equation for the surface and adopting the density law = _c + ^p , we have evaluated the volume integrals relating the form of the surface to the gravity harmonics.     

Photospheric subrotation,differential rotation and zonal wind bands: A reverse pirouette

Recently Mayr et al. (1980) have suggested that the superrotation of planetary atmospheres could, in principle, be understood as a pirouette. Equatorial heating is pumping atmospheric material toward the poles, and with a concomitant reduction in moment of inertia, the atmosphere has the tendency of spinning up. On the Sun, the core is assumed to be rotating with a period of about 12 days (Dicke, 1976; Knight et al., 1979) while the overlaying mantle convection zone has a solid body component of about 27 days. We propose here that this phenomenon could simply be understood as a reverse pirouette. Our model is similar to the models put forth by Kippenhahn (1963), Weiss (1965), Durney (1968), Busse (1970), Yoshimura (1972), Gilman (1974), and Gierasch (1974). Whereas the models listed provided solutions of valid equations and computer analyses, they lack a simple physical picture to explain the phenomenon. In our case, we have the solar oblateness conventionally providing added heat input at the poles. The result is the large scale transport of material toward the equator giving rise to subrotation. The model thus facilitates an understanding of the formation of a slowly rotating convection zone above the more rapidly rotating core. The latitudinal photospheric differential rotation is interpreted as a second order effect associated with horizontal momentum transport. The recent observations of zonal winds drifting equatorward with a 22-year period (Howard and LaBonte, 1980) may be related by this model as a third order effect from a similar periodicity in differential solar heating (pole to equator).     

Chaos and secondary resonances in the mimas–tethys system

We have investigated the role of the 200yr period discovered by Vienne and Duriez (1992) on the tidal evolution of the Mimas–Tethys system through the 2:4 ii present resonance. Three terms are found to generate this period. We present a perturbedpendulum model in which these terms bring about a perturbation to the ideal ii resonance pendulum, which is in a direct ratio to the eccentricity e of Tethys. Although e is now very small, it is shown that this quantity could have been much greater in the past. We also show, thanks to this model, that these terms may have brought about a stochastic layer of noticeable width at the time of capture in the ii resonance, with the consequence that the possible values of the inclination i of Mimas before capture range from 0.4° to 0.6° (these uncertainties arise from the present uncertainties on e). The role of each one of the three terms is examined in the appearance of chaos. A capture into the 1/1 secondary resonance (between the libration period of the primary ii resonance and the period of about 200yr) is found possible. It means that the system could have experienced several captures in the primary resonance, instead of a single one, and that i could have been, with this assumption, much lower than 0.4°. A probability of capture into this secondary resonance as a function of the eccentricity of Tethys on encounter is derived, using Malhotra's method (Malhotra, 1990). Allan's values of i = 0.42° and e 0 (Allan, 1969) are therefore called into question, and taking e 0 is shown to be absolutely necessary if we want to understand the phenomena at work in the Mimas–Tethys system.     

Large scale magnetic dipole and multipole progressive waves in the photosphere

The physical meaning of the photospheric short-period magnetic variation is interpreted. The motion of progressive waves along the equator with a 4.12 year circulation period may explain the basic feature of the variation. These waves have only one wavelength along the equator. The field distribution of one constituent of these waves is similar to that of a rotating dipole. The subharmonics of this dipole-wave are multipole terms circulating with periods of multiples of 4.12 years and the wave-lengths along the equator contain the same multiplying factor. The interference of the dipole and the multipole waves with a background rotation and with the 27-day Bartels rotation time results in a series of periods recorded by the earlier published analysis. The relevant linear relationship for the angular velocities has also been proved based on the magnetic observation.     

The velocity field in the atmosphere of δ Cephei

Observations related to the photospheric velocity field of Cephei can be interpreted as follows: during the whole cycle of pulsations the only motion form in the atmosphere is a wave motion with a nearly constant full amplitude of approximately 15 km s^–1, and a wavelength of about 10⁶ km (which are quantities, about equal to the amplitudes of pulsational velocity and radius of the star). There are no significant small-scale turbulent velocity components. The microturbulent and macroturbulent velocities, as derived from spectral line observations, are fully compatible with this picture.     

Inhomogeneous convection and the equatorial acceleration of the sun

The interaction of rotation and turbulent convection is assumed to give rise to an inhomogeneous, but isotropic, latitude dependent turbulent energy transport, which is described by a convective conduction coefficient _c which varies with latitude. Energy balance in the convective zone is then possible only with a slow meridian circulation in the outer convective zone of the sun. The angular momentum transported by this circulation is balanced in a steady state by turbulent viscous transport down an angular velocity gradient. A detailed model is constructed allowing for the transition from convective transport to radiative transport at the boundaries of the convective zone, by using a perturbation analysis in which the latitude variation of _c is small. The solution for a thin compressible shell gives equatorial acceleration and a hotter equator than pole, assuming that the convection is preferentially stabilised at the equator. For agreement with the sun's equatorial acceleration the model predicts an equatorial temperature excess of 70 K and a surface meridional velocity of 350 cm/sec from pole to equator.     

The three principal secular resonances ν5, ν6, and ν16 in the asteroidal belt

We review theoretical and numerical results obtained for secular resonant motion in the asteroidal belt. William's theory (1969) yields the locations of the principal secular resonances ₅, ₆, and ₁₆ in the asteroidal belt. Theories by Nakai and Kinoshita (1985) and by Yoshikawa (1987) allow us to model the basic features of orbital evolution at the secular resonances ₁₆ and ₆, respectively. No theory is available for the secular resonance v₅. Numerical experiments by Froeschlé and Scholl yield quantitative and new qualitative results for orbital evolutions at the three principal secular resonances ₅, ₆, and ₁₆. These experiments indicate possible chaotic motion due to overlapping resonances. A secular resonance may overlap with another secular resonance or with a mean motion resonance. The role of the secular resonances as possible sources of meteorites is discussed.     

Micro- and macroturbulent motions and the velocity spectrum of the solar photosphere

A given motion field in a stellar atmosphere is usually observed through filters defined by line shifts and -broadenings and conventionally called macroturbulence and microturbulence.These filters can be defined and computed exactly, as a function of the wave number of the velocity field (Figure 1).We apply the results to several cases of an assumed motion field spectrum, and to observations of broadenings and displacements of solar Fraunhofer lines formed at a depth ₅ = 0.1 (Figure 2).The results show that virtually all energy of the photospheric motions at that level is contained in a small range of wavenumbers, corresponding to the observed distribution of granular cell diameters. In other words: a well-developed spectrum of hydrodynamical turbulence extending over a large range of wavelengths does not exist at that level of the photosphere.     

Theory of the Trojan asteroids

In the previously published Parts I and II of the paper, the author has constructed a formal long-periodic solution for the case of 11 resonance in the restricted problem of three bodies to 0(m ^3/2), wherem is the small mass parameter of the system. The time-dependencet(, ,m), where is the mean synodic longitude and is related to the Jacobi constant, has been expressed by ahyperelliptic integral. It is shown here that with the approximationm=0 in the integrand, the functiont(, , 0) can be expanded in a series involving standardelliptic functions. Then the problem of inversion can be formally solved, yielding the function (t, , 0).Similarly, the normalized period (,m) of the motion can be approximated by theHagihara hyperelliptic integral (, 0), corresponding tom=0. This integral is also expanded into elliptic functions. Asymptotic forms for (, 0) are derived for 0 and for 1, corresponding to the extreme members of thetadpole branch of the family of orbits.     

Interaction between attitude libration and orbital motion of a rigid body in a near keplerian orbit of low eccentricity

Interaction between orbital motion and attitude libration dynamics of an arbitrary rigid body moving in a central Newtonian field is considered to second order. Advantage is taken of the decoupling between inplane-pitch and roll-yaw out-of-plane motion to restrict the motion to the orbital plane by an appropriate choice ofinitial conditions. An averaged solution to the nonlinear inplane-pitch equations whose accuracy is determined by ignoring terms of order {·G3²/a ², ²,²,G3²/a ²} and higher is presented. The results show that the near-resonant motion is characterized by a periodic interchange of energy between the attitude and orbital motion.Associate Professor, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics.     

A stabilization procedure for the differential equations of the symmetric gyroscope including perturbing torques

This paper shows that for the free symmetric top a formulation of the equations of motion is possible, which is Liapunov stable. The formalism applied is equivalent to the conservative stabilization of the Keplerian problem. The perturbed problem appears in -stable form. This stabilization procedure could be useful in celestial mechanics, if the gyroscopic motion of a satellite is considered and one is interested in the exact position of the angles.     

Theory of gravitational radiation of the (Ω,A µν )-field

Further exploration of the -field theory as first proposed by Yu (1989) is here presented to cover the equation of motion of a test particle which induces gravitational radiation. The same theory is shown to contain an exact gravitational radiation equation derived as a logical consequence of field equations without extra postulates. In this general dynamic context the theory is renamed The (,A _µ )-field Theory.     

The distribution of the angular momenta of galaxies

Since the average relation between the angular momentaP and the massesM of galaxies can be represented by a power lawPM , we can define a relative angular momentum =P/M (or a constant timeP/M ). For a random motion picture within protogalaxies, should follow a Maxwellian distribution and consequently the dispersion of log should be 0.210.For the reasonable range of ( to 2), the limited sample of galaxies with known dynamical parameters gives between and 1 times the Maxwellian value. For the plausible special case =2 the reciprocal of the maximum rotational velocityv _m is already a measure of and the larger sample ofv _m-values not only yields the Maxwellian but, moreover, shows the shape of the distribution.

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PM , =constP/M . , (lg )=0.210. 7/42, . =2 v _m- .

     

On the periodical very high energy gamma-ray emission from Cyg X-3

The period of very high energy (E>2×10¹² eV) gamma-ray emission of Cyg X-3 by using the data of observations of the source made during 6 years, 1972–1977, was specified. The value of the period is equal to 0.199 683±1×10^–6 days. Phase histogram reveals two peaks, one lagging the other by 0.6 of the period. The averaged 6 year data amounts to 1.8×10^–10 quanta cm^–2 s^–1 (peak intensity). It corresponds to luminosity of about 1.2×10³⁷ erg s^–1 if one assumes that an emission is isotropical and the distance is equal to 10 kpc.

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- E>2×10¹² Cyg X-3 . 1972–1977 . - T=0,199 683 ±10^–6 . , 0,6 . 1,8×10^{–10 –2 –1} ( ), 1,2×10³⁷ / 10 .

     

A fundamental system based on observations of minor planets

Astronomers adopt a single system of star positions and motions for reduction of other observations. Relative observations of faint minor planets may make a significant contribution to the evaluation of systematic errors in this Fundamental System, and provide means of deriving a position system in ecliptic coordinates. New techniques, such as observations with the Space Telescope, must be evaluated for possible incorporation into a revision of the Fundamental System.A historical summary of the application of minor planet observations to the formation of astronomical coordinate systems is given. Then a project to investigate the systematic accuracy of the Fundamental System is outlined. Of the four observation types considered, crossing point observations provide a unique stabilizing influence on any coordinate system incorporating them. Finally, some sources of systematic error and some methods of their treatment are discussed.Presented at the Symposium Star Catalogues, Positional Astronomy and Celestial Mechanics, held in honor of Paul Herget at the U.S. Naval Observatory, Washington, November 30, 1978.     

Implications of a strongly peaked polar magnetic field

Using the flux-transport equation in the absence of sources, we study the relation between a highly peaked polar magnetic field and the poleward meridional flow that concentrates it. If the maximum flow speed _m greatly exceeds the effective diffusion speed /R, then the field has a quasi-equilibrium configuration in which the poleward convection of flux via meridional flow approximately balances the equatorward spreading via supergranular diffusion. In this case, the flow speed () and the magnetic field B() are related by the steady-state approximation () (/R)B()/B() over a wide range of colatitudes from the poles to midlatitudes. In particular, a general flow profile of the form sin ^p cos ^q which peaks near the equator (q p) will correspond to a cos ⁿ magnetic field at high latitudes only if p = 1 and _m = n /R. Recent measurements of n 8 and 600 km² s^–1 would then give _m 7 m s^–1.