Photometric study of type Ia supernova SN 2002hu

Optical UBVRI photometry of the type Ia supernova (SN Ia) SN 2002hu covering the period from −2 to +73 d since B maximum is presented. The supernova reached at maximum brightness in B on  JD 245 2591.78 ± 0.5  with an apparent magnitude of  16.83 ± 0.02 mag  and a relatively blue colour  ( B − V ) =−0.08 ± 0.04 mag  . The luminosity decline rate of  Δ m ₁₅( B ) = 1.00 ± 0.05  indicates an absolute B magnitude at maximum of   M ^max _B =−19.38 ± 0.3  . The estimated absolute B magnitude, together with the photometric evolution, indicate SN 2002hu was slightly overluminous compared to the average SNe Ia. The distance modulus to the parent galaxy is estimated to be  μ= 36.04 ± 0.20  .     

Photometric observations of NY Cephei

NewUBV photoelectric observations of NY Cep were made from 1982 to 1989 with GOTO 61-cm telescope at the Yonsei University Observatory. Seven times of minimum light were obtained. An improved orbital period of 15.27566 day was determined. The light curves were analyzed using the Wilson-Devinney method. It is confirmed that NY Cep is a detached system and the absolute dimensions are also obtained. It is found that the secondary eclipse does not occur due to large eccentricity and inclination.     

VLBI observations of supernova remnants in Messier 82

We have used the European VLBI Network (EVN) at 18 cm to study five of the more compact radio sources in the starburst galaxy M82. The angular resolution of the observations is 15 mas, corresponding to 0.2 pc at the distance of M82. The observations reveal shells ranging in diameter from 40 to 90 mas (0.6 to 1.4 pc), although the strongest source (41.95+575) is only marginally resolved by these measurements (∼20×10 mas²).
We have found clear evidence for expansion in one of the shell sources (43.31+592) by re-analysing, in wide-field mode, EVN data taken in 1986. Between 1986 and 1997 this source has increased its diameter by 13.6±2 mas, corresponding to an average expansion velocity of 9850±1500 km s⁻¹. If we assume that the remnant is in free expansion, this is consistent with a supernova event in the early 1960s. Hence this remnant is almost certainly younger than the strongest, most compact source (41.95+575) which was known to be present in the 1960s. 41.95+575 shows no clear evidence for expansion (<4000 km s⁻¹), consistent with a greater age; this is further evidence of its anomalous status. Comparison of the EVN images with earlier MERLIN data is also consistent with expansion in at least two more of the sources. We discuss the flux density variability of the compact sources in M82 and conclude that, with the exception of 41.95+575 and two transient sources, there is little evidence for significant changes in flux density of most of the remnants since the early 1980s.     

Low-frequency observations of the Vela supernova remnant and their implications

We have studied the Vela supernova remnant in the light of the 34.5 MHz observations made with the GEETEE low frequency array. The flux densities of Vela X and YZ at 34.5 MHz are estimated to be 1800 and 3900 Jy respectively. These values, along with those from earlier observations at higher frequencies, imply spectral indices (S∞Ν^α) of-0.16 ± 0.02 for Vela X and -0.53 ± 0.03 for Vela YZ. This situation is further substantiated by the spectral-index distribution over the region obtained between 34.5 and 408 MHz. The spectral-index estimates, along with other known characteristics, strengthen the earlier hypothesis that Vela X is a plerion, while Vela YZ is a typical shell-type supernova remnant. We discuss the implications of this result.     

Photometric observations of nine Shakhbazian compact groups

By observations with the 1.5m telescope at San Pedro Martir (OAN, UNAM, Mexico) the BVR magnitudes are determined for 66 member galaxies in Shakhbazian Compact Galaxy Groups ShCG 40, ShCG 176, ShCG 270, ShCG 278, ShCG 310, and ShCG 342. Three other groups were observed in two or only in one band. Seven galaxies in ShCG 298 were observed in B and R, six galaxies in ShCG 95 were observed in V, and seven galaxies in ShCG 345 were observed in V and R. The distribution of brightness of observed galaxies is determined. Signs of interaction between galaxies are detected in some groups.     

Photometric observations of 107P/Wilson-Harrington

We present lightcurve observations and multiband photometry for 107P/Wilson-Harrington using five small- and medium-sized telescopes. The lightcurve has shown a periodicity of 0.2979 day (7.15 h) and 0.0993 day (2.38 h), which has a commensurability of 3:1. The physical properties of the lightcurve indicate two models: (1) 107P/Wilson-Harrington is a tumbling object with a sidereal rotation period of 0.2979 day and a precession period of 0.0993 day. The shape has a long axis mode (LAM) of L₁:L₂:L₃ = 1.0:1.0:1.6. The direction of the total rotational angular momentum is around λ = 310°, β = −10°, or λ = 132°, β = −17°. The nutation angle is approximately constant at 65°. (2) 107P/Wilson-Harrington is not a tumbler. The sidereal rotation period is 0.2979 day. The shape is nearly spherical but slightly hexagonal with a short axis mode (SAM) of L₁:L₂:L₃ = 1.5:1.5:1.0. The pole orientation is around λ = 330°, β = −27°. In addition, the model includes the possibility of binary hosting. For both models, the sense of rotation is retrograde. Furthermore, multiband photometry indicates that the taxonomy class of 107P/Wilson-Harrington is C-type. No clear rotational color variations are confirmed on the surface.     

Chandra observations of Tycho’s supernova remnant

We present a newChandra observation of Tycho’s supernova remnant with the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer. Multicolor Xray imaging reveals new details of the outer shock and ejecta. At energies between 4 and 6 keV, the outline of the outer shock is clearly revealed in X-rays for the first time. The distribution of the emission from lines of Si and Fe are confirmed to have a different morphology from each other, and the Si ejecta are shown to extend to the blast shock at several locations. Characteristic spectra of the outer shock and ejecta are also presented.     

Photometric observations of the binary system V350 Lacertae

DifferentialUBV observations of the small amplitude (0.12 mag inV) single-lined active binary V350 Lac are presented. It was observed that the light minima occur in conjunction time. A shift of the light curve (0.05 in orbital phase) towards lower phases could be due to a small error in the light elements. The primary minimum is about 0.04 mag deeper than the secondary. It was shown that different depths of two light minima are not produced by the reflection effect but due primarily to gravity darkening on the tidally elongated and synchronously rotating visible component. An O'Connel effect observed as the brighter primary maximum could be an indication of starspot activity or gas streaming between the components.     

Optical observations of the broad-lined type Ic supernova SN 2012ap

The optical observations of the type Ic supernova(SN Ic) SN 2012 ap in NGC 1729 are presented. A comparison with other SNe Ic indicates that SN 2012 ap is highly reddened(with E(B- V)host～0.8 mag) and may represent one of the most luminous SNe Ic ever observed, with an absolute V-band peak magnitude of ～-19.3±0.5 mag after extinction correction. The near-maximum-light spectrum shows wide spectral features that are typical of broad-lined SNe Ic. One interesting feature in the spectrum is the appearance of some narrow absorption features that can be attributed to the diffuse interstellar bands, consistent with the large reddening inferred from the photometric method. Based on the light curves and the spectral data, we estimate that SN 2012 ap produced a56 Ni mass of ～ 0.3 ± 0.1M in the explosion, with an ejecta mass of 2.4+0.7-0.7M and a kinetic energy of E5K= 1.1+0.4-0.4× 102 erg. The properties of its progenitor are also briefly discussed.     

GMRT observations of four suspected supernova remnants near the Galactic Centre

We have observed two fields – Field I     ,     and Field II     ,     – with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at 330 MHz. In the first field, we have studied the candidate supernova remnant (SNR) G3.1−0.6 and, based on its observed morphology, spectral index and polarization, confirmed it to be an SNR. We find this supernova to have a double ring appearance with a strip of emission on its western side passing through its centre.
We have discovered two extended curved objects in the second field, which appears to be part of a large shell-like structure. It is possibly the remains of an old supernova in the region. Three suspected SNRs, G356.3−0.3, G356.6+0.1 and G357.1−0.2, detected in the MOST 843-MHz survey of the GC region appear to be located on this shell-like structure. While both G356.3−0.3 and G356.6+0.1 seem to be parts of this shell, G357.1−0.2, which has a steeper spectrum above 1 GHz, could be a background SNR seen through the region. Our H  i absorption observation towards the candidate SNR G357.1−0.2 indicates that it is at a distance of more than 6 kpc from us.     

New observations of the only supernova remnant in the galaxy IC 1613

We present new results of our kinematic study of the supernova remnant S8 in the galaxy IC 1613. Based on our observations at the 6-m Special Astrophysical Observatory telescope with the two-dimensional MPFS spectrograph and the SCORPIO focal reducer in the mode of a scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer, we have determined the expansion velocity of the bright optical nebula. Analysis of the 21-cm VLA radio observations for the galaxy confirms our previously suggested model for a supernova explosion in a cavity surrounded by a dense HI shell and a collision of S8 with the shell wall.     

Photometric observations and numerical modeling of AW Sge

In this work, we present R-band photometric light curves of Cataclysmic Variable AW Sge, an SU Uma type, near superoutburst maximum. The positive superhump shape changes over three days, from single peaked on October 11, 2013 to one maximum near phase ϕ ∼ 0.3 followed by minor peaks near phases ϕ ∼ 0.6 and ϕ ∼ 0.9, respectively, on October 13, 2013. Using the maxima from October 11–13, 2013 (JD 2456577–2356579), the observed positive superhump period is 0.074293 ± 0.000025 days.In addition to the observations, we also provide a three dimensional Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic simulation near superoutburst maximum, for comparison, assuming a secondary-to-primary mass ratio $q=M_2/M_1$ = 0.6 M_⊙/0.132 M_⊙ = 0.22. The simulation produces positive superhump shapes that are similar to the observations. The simulated positive superhump has a period of 0.076923 days, which is approximately 6% longer than the orbital period, assuming an orbital period P_orb = 0.0724 days. The 3.5% difference from the observed positive superhump period is likely due to the assumptions used in generating the simulations, as the orbital period and masses are not well known. From an analysis of the simulated positive superhump shape near superoutburst maximum, the maximum occurs near ϕ ∼ 0.3, when the disk is highly elliptical and eccentric and at least one of the two density waves is compressing with the disk rim. Based on the simulation, we find that the disk may be tilted and precessing in the retrograde direction at a time that is just before the next outburst and/or superoutburst.     

Photometric and spectrophotometric observations of Nova Delphini 1967

Photographic, photovisual and photoelectric (V) observations of Nova Delphini 1967 were made from August 8 to October 31 (Table I, Figure 1). Simultaneously spectrophotometric measurements of the continuum were made on objective prism exposures extending to November 26, and spectrophotometric gradients derived (Tables II and III; Figures 3, 4, and 5). The continuum of Nova near its flat maximum is close to that of an early-type star in contrast to late-type absorptionline spectrum.     

Photographic observations of supernova 1979c in NGC 4321

We briefly report on our observations of SN 1979c in NGC 4321 in the period 1979 April 23 – December 27.The light curve of SN 1979c shows a hump in the period May 8 – June 5. It thus differs from a Type-I curve, but it does not completely agree with a typical Type-II curve either. Using our own and others' data, we find that, at maximum, it had an absolute photographic magnitude of ?19^m.78 and a colour temperature of ～9000 K. We estimate the total energy release to be 1.6 × 10⁵⁰ erg. We also note its location on a spiral arm of the parent galaxy, not far from an H-II region. From these observations, we conclude that SN 1979c is a Type-II supernova with, however, some atypical features.     

Confirmation of three candidate Galactic supernova remnants from GMRT observations

We report 327-MHz observations of three large (>15 arcmin) candidate supernova remnants (SNRs) at high Galactic latitudes using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). These objects were proposed by Duncan et al. as candidate SNRs in the Parkes 2.4-GHz survey. We detect extended 327-MHz emission in all three fields. G356.2+4.5 has a well-resolved shell of emission. This field also contains a 32-mJy pulsar situated at a distance of 1.4 kpc as derived from the dispersion measure of the pulsar. The field of G358.0+3.8 is highly confused and, although we confirm the presence of a partial ring, it has a lower signal-to-noise ratio detection. G004.8+6.2 (formerly G4.5+6.2) is located approximately 40 arcmin away from Kepler's SNR. Apart from GMRT observations of this field, this SNR lies in the field of view of a Very Large Array (VLA) D-array observation at 325 MHz and we detect a 17×18 arcmin SNR, possibly of shell morphology. All these fields show clear, well-resolved shells in the National Radio Astronomy Observatory/ VLA Sky Survey (NVSS) maps, which are also presented.     

New observations of the pulsar wind nebula in the supernova remnant CTB 80

We investigated the kinematics of the pulsar wind nebula (PWN) in the old supernova remnant CTB 80 using the Fabry-Perot interferometer of the 6-m Special Astrophysical Observatory telescope. In addition to the previously known expansion of the system of bright filaments with a velocity of 100–200 km s^?1, we detected weak high-velocity features in the Hα line at least up to velocities of 400–450 km s^?1. We analyzed the morphology of the PWN in the Hα, [S II], and [O III] lines using HST archival data and discuss its nature. The shape of the central filamentary shell, which is determined by the emission in the [O III] line and in the radio continuum, is shown to be consistent with the bow-shock model for a significant (about 60°) inclination of the pulsar’s velocity vector to the plane of the sky. In this case, the space velocity of the pulsar is twice as high as its tangential velocity, i.e., it reaches ?500 km s^?1, and PSR B1951+32 is the first pulsar whose radial velocity about 40 km s^?1 has been estimated from PWN observations. The shell-like Hα-structures outside the bow shock front in the east and the west could be associated with both the pulsar’s jets and the pulsar wind breakthrough due to the layered structure of the extended CTB 80 shell.     

Photometric observations of visual double stars by the area scanning technique

UBV magnitude differences in visual binaries are presented and their accuracy is discussed. Typical observed image profiles of double stars, including sample profiles of Antares, are shown. This contribution will appear jointly with the earlier one (p. 20) inLowell Obs. Bull., No. 154. The work has been supported by NSF Grant GP-6983.