Light variations and flares on V471 tauri

Two-colour photometric observations of the white-dwarf and K-dwarf eclipsing binary V471 Tau were made during the last four years. The resulting light curves and thirteen timings of mid-eclipse are presented. During the observations two flares were obtained on September 23 and December23, 1992. Both events occurred just after the fourth contact. The increment in the brightness was measured as 0 _. ^m 067. The energy liberated by the flare was computed to be 5.43 × 10³² erg s^–1 in the JohnsonB band, which amounts 1.13 times that of the total radiation of the K-dwarf.     

Analysis of spectra of V471 Tau and HD 115404

We analyze the chemical composition of the atmospheres of a single K-type star HD 115404 and the secondary component of the V471 Tau variable. We use the technique of modeling of synthetic spectra to analyze the high-resolution spectra of these stars, taken with the RTT 150 Russian-Turkish telescope and find the abundances of 23 and 17 elements in the atmospheres of HD 115404 and V471 Tau, respectively. We demonstrate the lack of composition anomalies in the HD 115404 and show it to be consistent with the published data, inferred from equivalent widths of spectral lines. We find the abundances of 15 elements from Na to Ba to be consistent with the metallicity of the atmosphere of V471 Tau ([Fe/H] = −0.22 ± 0.12dex), which differs significantly from the average metallicity of the Hyades cluster. We show the existence of strong carbon and oxygen overabundances (by more than 1dex) due to the enrichment of the secondary by the nucleosynthesis products during the common-envelope stage of the system. On the whole, we demonstrate that V471 Tau and the other precataclysmic variables share similar composition anomalies.     

Extensive photometric study of V471 Tauri

The white-dwarf red-dwarf eclipsing binary V471 Tauri has been observed photoelectrically, in blue and yellow lights, from 1985 to 1989. The behaviour of the mean brightness variation has been re-examined. The mean brightness has decreased from 1982 to 1985 and thereafter it started to increase again. The amount of the variation of the light of the system has reached to 0.19 mag in both colours since 1973. On the other hand, the new timings of mid-eclipse deviate considerably from those linear and light-time effect fittings. Neither the third-body hypothesis, nor any other mechanism can explain the orbital period change of the system.     

Photometry of the contact binary system V471 Cas

UBV photoelectric observations of the W UMa-type binary V471 Cas were made from September to November 1984. Its colour indices were found to be(B-V)=0 _. ^m 771±0 _. ^m 02 and(U-B)=0 _. ^m 196±0 _. ^m 02. TheU, B, andV light curves of V471 Cas show some photometric fluctuations. We found that its orbital period is not 0.335998 days which was given by GCVS (1986), but 0.405356 days.Photometric orbital elements of V471 Cas were found using the Wilson-Devinney method. V471 Cas is a contact system, in which the overcontact factor is 0.19, its mass ratio of two components is 0.5947, and orbital minclination is in 83.29 degrees.     

Preliminary results on the fundamental parameters of the eclipsing binary V398 Lacertae

The Hipparcos Space Astrometry Mission photometric observations of V398 Lac, led to the discovery of its variability, allowing to classify it as an eclipsing binary with an orbital period of about 5.4 days. This prompted us to acquire highresolution échelle spectra with the aim of performing accurate radial velocity measurements and to determine the main physical parameters of the system's components. We present, for the first time, a double‐lined radial velocity curve and determine the orbital and physical parameters of the two components, that can be classified both as late B‐type stars. In particular, we obtained an orbital inclination i ∼ 85°. With this value of the inclination, we deduced masses M₁ = 3.83±0.35 M_⊙ andM₂ = 3.29±0.32 M_⊙, and radii R₁ = 4.89±0.18 R_⊙ and R₂ = 2.45±0.11 R_⊙ for the more massive and less massive components, respectively. Both components are well inside their own Roche lobes. The mass ratio is M₂/M₁ ∼ 0.86. We derived also the projected rotational velocities as v₁ sin i = 79±2 km s^–1 and v² sin i = 19±2 km s^–1. Our measurements indicate that the rotation of the primary star is essentially pseudo‐synchronized with the orbital velocity at the periastron, while the secondary appears to rotate very slowly and has not yet attained synchronization. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Light curve variations in V471 Tauri

The light curves of V471 Tau obtained in four successive years from 1981 to 1984 are presented. The light variations due to the tidally distorted red dwarf have been computed and subtracted out from the light curves obtained so far. A pure shape of the wave-like distortion has therefore been derived. The period of the retrograde migration has been found to be 182.17 days. On the other hand, the mean brightness of the system seems to vary with a period of about 18 years. The amplitude of the variation is greater at longer wavelength. The periodic variation of the mean brightness resembles the solar cycle of about 11.2 years, which depends upon the number of spots or spot groups.     

Probing small scale structure in the atmosphere of V471 Tauri

The white dwarf in the eclipsing binary system V471 Tau is viewed through the atmosphere of the active K star prior to ingress and after egress. In the far UV the surface brightness of the hot white dwarf far outshines the K star emission. We can use this to probe the structure of the extended K star atmosphere along one line of sight, in absorption, on spatial scales of the radius of the white dwarf (10,000 km). The time series of HST/STIS spectra which show a hot (>250,000 K) extended (>1 K star radius) atmosphere around the K star. We see discrete structures in the velocity‐resolved spectra, on spatial scales of less than 100,000 km. The mean velocity is that expected of gas in co‐rotation with the K star, but the discrete velocity structures have excursions of up to 70 km/s from the mean. The mean temperature seems to increase with height above the K star photosphere. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Period variation and the new light curves of V471 Tauri

The light curve and period variation of the eclipsing system V471 Tau is discussed. The migration period of 191 days obtained recently by Ibanolu agrees well with the new observations. The period decreases by about one second per century, which may correspond to a mass transfer of 1×10^–7 solar mass. Furthermore, the O–C diagram shows a noticeable sine curve super-imposed on the parabolic variation. The period of the sine curve is about 3.1 years.     

Photoelectric light and colour variations in V471 Tauri

A new investigation of the variations in the light curves and in the period of the eclipsing binary V471 Tau is presented. The collected observational data have been re-examined and, in addition to old information, it was found that (i) the decrease in the period of the system slows down and (ii) that the mean brightness of the system has been increasing and this is greater at the longer wavelength. For the last seven years the increase in the brightness is estimated to be 0.15 mag inB and 0.18 mag inV bands respectively. Therefore, we conclude that the colour of the system is about 0.03 mag redder in 1980 than in 1973.     

B-V photoelectric photometry of white-dwarf eclipsing binary V471 Tauri

Photoelectric photometry of the unusual binary system, whose light curve shows peculiar light variations, has been done in the two colours. The observations obtained at the Ege University Observatory between 1973 and 1978 and at the Kottamia Observatory in November 1977 show a variable light curve. The observed variations in the light curve show a migrating wave towards a decreasing orbital phase similar to those observed in RS CVn-binaries. The migration period appears to be about 191 days. The times of minima indicate that there has been a decrease on the orbital period of the system. However, since there is not enough material on the observed times of minima, we cannot explain whether the decrease in the orbital period has been sudden or gradual. The radii of the components have been computed from the primary minimum alone. With the available spectroscopic data, the absolute dimensions of the components are also presented. It appears to be difficult to explain the evolution of the system without taking into consideration the mass loss. The proposed models for the evolution of the system and an explanation of the observed light variations are also presented.     

Photoelectric observations of the occultation of 136 tauri by Venus

The occultation of 136 Tau on May 11, 1988 was observed at the Observatorium Hoher List. The ingress was recorded photoelectrically by the dual beam photometer while the egress was observed visually. A bona fide curve fitting reduction yielded a scale height differing from earlier p.e. occultation results and is in better agreement with theoretical expectations.     

New findings based on long-term photometric observations of the eclipsing binary V471 Tauri

The post-common envelope and pre-cataclysmic binary V471 Tau has been observed by the authors since 1973. At least a complete light curve in B and V bands and more than two eclipse timings were obtained in each year. All the available data published so far (including the authors') have been collected and analysed for the brightness and orbital period changes. The system brightened about 0.22 mag in both B and V bands more or less regularly up to 1997 and started to decrease afterwards. A search for periodicity of this variation yields a period longer than 85 yr. In addition to this long-period variation, a small amplitude of about 0.08 mag and short time-interval fluctuations on the mean brightness have been detected. The variations of the mean brightness have been discussed and plausible causes suggested. The changes of the apparent period have been attributed to a third body. Analysis of all the 'observed−calculated' (O−C) data yields a period of 32.4 yr, with a semi-amplitude of 151 s and an eccentricity of 0.30 for the third-body orbit. For orbital inclinations greater than 34° the mass of the third body would possibly match to a brown dwarf. One of the most interesting features in the light curve of V471 Tau is the decrement of the eclipse depth with time. The depth of the eclipse in the B band has been decreased from 0.082 to 0.057 mag over 34 yr. Subtracting the variation of the depth due to the brightening of the red dwarf star, the actual variation in depth, originated from from the white dwarf, was found to be about 0.012 mag. This change in the brightness of the compact object has been attributed to the mass accretion from its primary component via thermally driven wind and/or flare-like events.     

Preliminary results on the Venus atmosphere from the Venera 8 descent module

The Venera 8 descent module measured pressure, temperature, winds and illumination as a function of altitude in its landing on July 22, 1972, just beyond the terminator in the illuminated hemisphere of Venus. The surface temperature and pressure is 741 ± 7°K and 93 ± 1.5kgcm^?2, consistent with early Venera observations and showing either no diurnal variation or insignificant diurnal variation in temperature and pressure in the vicinity of the morning terminator. The atmosphere is adiabatic down to the surface. The horizontal wind speed is low near the surface, about 35m/sec between 20 and 40km altitude, and increasing rapidly above 48km altitude to 100–140m/sec, consistent with the 4-day retrograde rotation of the ultraviolet clouds. The illumination at the center of the day hemisphere of Venus is calculated to be about 1% of the solar flux at the top of the atmosphere, consistent with greenhouse models and high enough to permit photography of the Venus surface by future missions. The attenuation below 35km altitude is explained by Rayleigh scattering with no atmospheric aerosols; above 35km there must be substantial extinction of incident light.     

Pure cyclotron spectra of V405 Aur

In this study we investigate the pure cyclotron spectra of an Intermediate Polar (IP), V405 Aur, which has the highest magnetic field strength in its class. Recent studies have shown that cyclotron harmonics are seen in the spectra of V405 Aur. We assume that cyclotron harmonics are produced by electrons having a streaming bi-Maxwellian velocity profile found in the lower portions of the accretion column connecting to the magnetic poles of the white dwarf in V405 Aur system. Then we applied the Green function for a dispersive medium such as the one found in V405 Aur. Further we assume that the cyclotron radiation is produced at Ordinary and Extraordinary wave modes. We find the general solution of the Green function for the Extraordinary wave mode and a dispersive medium and we derived the pure cyclotron spectra from the Green function. This function enabled us to calculate energy radiated per unit wavelength per unit solid angle as a function of wavelength which revealed the sixth, seventh and the eighth harmonics which correspond to the observed values. Our model produces the observed cyclotron spectrum of V405 Aur.     

Analysis of IUE spectra for the star V1016 Ori

We analyze IUE spectra of the star 1016 Ori. Together with previously obtained visible spectra, they have allowed the wavelength range from 1150 to 7000 Å to be studied. Atmospheric parameters of the star were refined: logg=4.5(1), T _eff=30000(1000) K, and ξ_t=15(5) km s^?1. We measured the equivalent widths of ～500 lines and used them to compute the chemical composition. It turned out that the He, B, Mg, P, and S abundances were nearly solar; Ne, Ti, and Cr were overabundant; and C, N, O, Al, Si, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Zn were underabundant.     

Spot patterns and differential rotation in the eclipsing pre-cataclysmic variable binary, V471 Tau

We present surface spot maps of the K2V primary star in the pre-cataclysmic variable binary system, V471 Tau. The spot maps show the presence of large high-latitude spots located at the sub-white dwarf longitude region. By tracking the relative movement of spot groups over the course of four nights (eight rotation cycles), we measure the surface differential rotation rate of the system. Our results reveal that the star is rotating rigidly with a surface shear rate,  dΩ= 1.6 ± 6 mrad d⁻¹  . The single active star AB Dor has a similar spectral type, rotation period and activity level as the K star in V471 Tau, but displays much stronger surface shear  (46 < dΩ < 58 mrad d⁻¹)  . Our results suggest that tidal locking may inhibit differential rotation; this reduced shear, however, does not affect the overall magnetic activity levels in active K dwarfs.     

Spectral analysis of the eclipsing variable V471 Tauri (BD+16°516)

Spectroscopic observations of the white-dwarf eclipsing binary V471 Tauri are reported. The behaviour of the H and K emission lines of Caii are investigated relative to the photoelectric observations, and the existence of a probable correlation between minimum emission line strength and the maximum wave position within the migrating wave is demonstrated.     

Optical identification of IRAS point sources based on low-dispersion spectra from the First Byurakan Survey. V

Part five of optically identified point sources from the IRAS Point Source Catalog (PSC) contains data on 19 late-type stars. The identifications were based on the Digitized Sky Survey (DSS), the First Byurakan Survey (FBS), blue and red maps of the Palomar survey (POSS), and infrared fluxes at 12, 25, 60, and 100 mm in the region of +61° ≤ δ ≤ +65° and 05 ^h 30 ^m ≤ α ≤ 18 ^h 35 ^m with an area of 357 sq. deg. Of the 76 objects given in the IRAS PSC as unidentified sources of infrared radiation, 51 are associated with known stars in existing catalogs, 6 are objects from the FBS of late-type stars, and 19 sources remained unknown in the optical range. For the identified stars we determined the optical coordinates, their departures from the IR coordinates, the Vstellar magnitudes, the color indices CI,and the preliminary spectral subtypes. The objects have optical magnitudes in the range of 8 ^m −16 ^m .Gas-dust shells are assumed to exist around four of the sources. Finder charts from the DSS are given for 19 of the objects. Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 53–59, January–March, 1999.     

OSO-III: Preliminary scientific results

OSO-III was placed into orbit on March 8, 1967; observations were made of the solar extreme ultraviolet, soft and hard solar X-rays, cosmic X-rays and -rays, cosmic ray particles, and the near-earth optical wavelength radiation environment.     

Preliminary results of the Apollo 17 infrared scanning radiometer

The thermal emission of the lunar surface has been mapped by an infrared scanner from lunar orbit. Samples from approximately 2.5 × 10⁵ scans reveal the full range of lunar temperatures from 80 K to 400 K. The temperature resolution was 1 K with about ± 2 K absolute precision. Spatial resolution was approximately 2 km over most of the horizon-to-horizon scan. The total mapped area amounted to approximately 30% of the lunar surface. The data currently available confirms the large population of nighttime thermal anomalies in western Oceanus Procellarum predicted by Earthbased observations. Most of these ‘hot spots’ are associated with fresh impact features or boulder fields. Also seen in the data are ‘cold spots’ where