Kinematical parameters for main sequence and giant type iii stars

The parameters of solar motion and velocity ellipsoid are derived from radial velocities of spectroscopically well defined samples of the main sequence and of the giants type III stars. A short discussion of the statistical method applied is given. The results found indicate that the parameters of the velocity ellipsoid chosen arbitrarily for a group of stars does not always represent correctly the sample observed.     

The precision of radial-velocity determinations of solar-type stars by cross-correlation

The theoretical limit to the precision (defined as the inverse of the square of the random error) of a radial-velocity determination of a solar-type star obtained from the technique of digital cross-correlation is constructed as a function of simple parameters of the recording of a stellar spectrum.The relationship is used to establish conditions for maximizing the precision for a given object, exposure time, and observing instrument. Both fibre-fed and Cassegrain-mounted spectrographs are considered.     

Primary and derived parameters of common relevance of Astronomy,Geodesy, and Geodynamics

Problem of selecting primary parameters has been discussed. Primaries should be defined uniquely, as well as, physically. Since no unique definition for semimajor axis exists, it should be replaced by the geoidal geopotential valueW ₀ or by the geopotential scale factorR ₀ =GM/W ₀, geocentric gravitational constantGM be also primary parameter. Current best estimates of some parameters are given numerically.     

Independent selenocentric system of coordinates by large-scale star-calibrated lunar photography

The selenocentric coordinates of 263 craters and one mountain are given. The scale and orientation of the selenocentric coordinates system is determined by star-calibrated lunar photographs obtained with the long-focus horizontal telescope. The origin of the system is defined by the theory of the motion of the Moon. The physical libration is taken into account for the reduction of the coordinates system to the principal axes of the lunar inertia. The reference stars coordinates are reduced to the FK4 system. The position of the lunar mass centre is determined by LURE-2 theory, the rotation parameters are taken from the Migus tables (Migus, 1980).     

Binary stellar winds

Stellar winds from a binary star pair will interact with each other along a contact discontinuity. We discuss qualitatively the geometry of the flow and field resulting from this interaction in the simplest case where the stars and winds are identical. We consider the shape of the critical surface (defined as the surface where the flow speed is equal to the sound speed) as a function of stellar separation and the role of shock waves in the flow field. The effect of stellar spin and magnetic sectors on the field configuration is given. The relative roles of mass loss and magnetic torque in the evolution of orbital parameters are discussed.     

Comparison of centroid computation algorithms in a Shack–Hartmann sensor

Analytical theory is combined with extensive numerical simulations to compare different flavours of centroiding algorithms: thresholding, weighted centroid, correlation, quad cell (QC). For each method, optimal parameters are defined in function of photon flux, readout noise and turbulence level. We find that at very low flux the noise of QC and weighted centroid leads the best result, but the latter method can provide linear and optimal response if the weight follows spot displacements. Both methods can work with average flux as low as 10 photons per subaperture under a readout noise of three electrons. At high-flux levels, the dominant errors come from non-linearity of response, from spot truncations and distortions and from detector pixel sampling. It is shown that at high flux, centre of gravity approaches and correlation methods are equivalent (and provide better results than QC estimator) as soon as their parameters are optimized. Finally, examples of applications are given to illustrate the results obtained in the paper.     

Perturbations des systèmes différentiels et résultats de géométrie différentielle

We use classical definitions and results of differential geometry in studying properties of transformations depending on a small parameter, acting on differential systems. Hori's and Deprit's algorithms can be defined for these systems. A lemma is given to show these algorithms are equivalent. The so-called property of covariance is merely established. The canonical systems are then considered as associated with Hamiltonian vectorfields on symplectic manifolds. The property that the infinitesimal generator of a canonical transformation is an Hamiltonian vectorfield permits to establish separately the generality of Hori's and Deprit's algorithms. We suggest that the Hamiltonian vectorfield property can be extended to the generators of transformations depending on several parameters.     

Physical identification of static and axially-symmetric vacuum metric tensors

We present a method of a possible physical identification of the static and axially symmetric Weyl-type vacuum γ and nγ metrics. This method, in which no interior solutions of any kind are involved, is based on the comparison of the far-field forms of the γ and nγ metrics, and of the far-field form of the metric tensor due to a bounded gravitating perfect-fluid source given correctly to post-Newtonian accuracy. The parameters of the vacuum solutions are expressed in terms of physical parameters of a prolate fluid source, namely total mass-energy, semiaxes and eccentricity, defined consistently to post-Newtonian accuracy. The results, based on the otherwise arbitrary fluid source, appear physically general. Possible astrophysical candidates for the far-field γ andnγ metrics are proposed, based on the conditions imposed on them by the identification method. The advantages and deficiencies of the identification method are briefly discussed.     

A ready-made code for the computation of prominence NLTE models

A computer code is proposed for the computation of simple NLTE models of solar prominences. These models consist of plane-parallel slabs, with constant pressure and temperature, standing vertically above the solar surface. Each model is defined by five parameters: temperature, density, geometrical thickness, microturbulent velocity and height above the solar surface. The code computes the electron density, hydrogen level populations inside the slab, and determines the line profiles and continua emitted by the slab. An example of application of this code is given.     

Empirical model for general circulation of the atmosphere at ionospheric levels above 100 km

This paper presents an empirical model for space-time distribution of the basic parameters of the general circulation of the atmosphere at ionospheric levels (E-and F-regions). The model is based on the results of a physico-statistical analysis of experimental data on the measurement of horizontal ionospheric drifts by close spaced receivers, carried out by the world network of stations in 1958–1970. This model allows an evaluation of the motion parameters at a given latitude, local time, season and the level of solar activity to be made. The limitations and shortcomings of the model are discussed, the results are compared with theoretical and semi-empirical schemes of the atmospheric general circulation, as well as with data of both rocket measurements of wind and drift measurements of plasma by the method of incoherent scatter of radio waves. The physics of the results obtained are stressed. The characteristics of the model are tested and defined using the materials af the coordinated program of drift measurements in the E-region from 8 stations of the northern hemisphere in 1971–1974. The characteristics of motions at higher latitudes and the longitudinal effect are discussed.     

Universal characteristics of ion-acoustic wave dynamics in magnetized plasmas with emphasis on Tsallis distribution

Using the extended Poincaré-Lighthill-Kuo (PLK) reductive perturbation method, which incorporates the phase-shift variations, it is shown that common features on propagation and head-on collisions of ion-acoustic waves exist for a magnetized plasmas of different inertial-less particle distributions. For instance it is remarked that, the soliton amplitude is always independent of magnetic field strength while strictly depends on its angle regarding the propagation direction. Both types of solitons (compressive or rarefactive) are shown to exist which are defined through the critical angle γ=π/2 or other critical values depending on plasma fractional parameters. These critical plasma parameter values also define the sign of head-on collision phase shift. Furthermore, it is proved that for a given set of plasma parameters there is always a relative angle of propagation regarding to that of the magnetic-field for which the soliton width is maximum. Current findings apply to a wide range of magnetized plasmas including those containing background dust ingredients or two-temperature inertial-less particles and may be used to study laboratory or astrophysical magnetoplasmas.     

Specifications of the F-region variations for quiet and disturbed conditions

An ionospheric definition of disturbed conditions permits us to distinguish between positive and negative disturbances. Their different behaviour with season, location and state of solar activity is pointed out and statistical specifications are given. Furthermore, limits of relative departures of daily f_oF2 from their corresponding monthly median values are given for quiet ionospheric conditions, as they are defined here.     

A morphological classification of e and SO galaxies in terms of equilibrium isopleths

A theory of galactic morphology results from the consideration of isoplethic surfaces in states of geometric equilibrium within the theory of general relativity. In the linearized case, one solves ?²ψ+ρ²ψ=0 on the surface of an oblate spheroid with unit semimajor axis and eccentricity ε. The surface defined by $$x^2 + y^2 + z^2 /(1 - \varepsilon ^2 ) = {\text{exp (}}\psi {\text{)}}$$ are then equilibrium isopleths. The resulting morphological system contains two continuous parameters (ε and the norm of ψ) and an integer-valued parametern. The system includes the ellipticals as special cases, and the various available profiles are given for a variety of values of the parameters. The forms are sufficiently varied as to represent NGC 3115, 128, 7332, and IC 3973. These forms cease to be enigmatic for they fit into an orderly sequence progressing out of the ellipticals and have equilibrium interpretations as previously obtained only for the ellipticals.     

The robust detection of stars on CCD images

Two parameters are developed to analyze the CCD images from ground-based and/or space telescopes. The first parameter, deduced from the intensity profile of the object sharp, is useful to resolve stars and hot pixels. The second parameter shape distinguishes the stars from the background cosmic-ray events using geometric characteristics defined by its shapes. The parameters are applied to a simulated OMC/INTEGRAL image and a HST image.     

Empirical calibration of the near-infrared Ca ii triplet – I. The stellar library and index definition

A new stellar library at the near-IR spectral region developed for the empirical calibration of the Ca  ii triplet and stellar population synthesis modelling is presented. The library covers the range λλ 8348–9020 at 1.5-Å (FWHM) spectral resolution, and consists of 706 stars spanning a wide range in atmospheric parameters. We have defined a new set of near-IR indices, CaT*, CaT and PaT, which mostly overcome the limitations of previous definitions, the former being specially suited for the measurement of the Ca  ii triplet strength corrected for the contamination from Paschen lines. We also present a comparative study of the new and the previous Ca indices, as well as the corresponding transformations between the different systems. A thorough analysis of the sources of index errors and the procedure to calculate them is given. Finally, index and error measurements for the whole stellar library are provided together with the final spectra.     

An analysis of close binaries (CB) based on photometric measurements (IV)

The paper is devoted to the actual problematics in the determination of orbital and physical parameters of active CB on the basis of the interpretation of photometric observations. One solves the problem in two stages: by obtaining a synthetic light curve in the case when the parameters of the corresponding CB model are given a priori (direct problem) and by determining the parameters of the given model for which the best fit between the synthetic light curve and the observations is achieved (inverse problem). In this paper, the above procedure is applied to a particular case of CB AG Vir.     

On the Origin of the 1999 Leonid Storm as Deduced from Photographic Observations

Photographic multi-station observations of 18 Leonid meteorsobtained by the Spanish Photographic Meteor Network are presented. For each meteoroidthe radiant position, trajectory data and orbital parameters are discussed and compared totheoretical radiant positions and orbital elements of particles ejected from 55P/Tempel–Tuttle in 1899.We discuss the role of mean velocity imprecision in the dispersion of some orbital parameters,specially the semimajor axis. Finally, by applying the dust trail theory we have adjusted the1999 Leonidstorm orbits to a defined semimajor axis value to test the quality of photographic observations.     

Large-amplitude dust-ion acoustic solitary waves in a dusty plasma with nonthermal electrons

Propagation regimes of large-amplitude dust-ion acoustic solitary wave in a dusty plasma with nonthermal electrons are analyzed by employing the Sagdeev potential technique. Two domains of the Mach numbers are defined depending on the nonthermal and plasma parameters. The two types of soliton solution are found to be exited corresponding to certain values of the nonthermal parameter. Numerical solutions are presented that illustrate the dependence of soliton characteristics on practically interesting plasma and nonthermal parameters. The findings of this investigation could be useful in understanding the detected solitary waves in space plasma in the presence of nonthermal electrons such as electrostatic solitary structures observed in Saturn’s E-ring.