Determination of the combination of cosmological parameters Ω<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">m</Emphasis></Subscript><Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">α</Emphasis></Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">σ</Emphasis><Subscript>8</Subscript>

We have obtained new constraints on the cosmological parameters Ω _m and σ ₈ from the peculiar velocities of flat edge-on spiral galaxies from the RFGC catalog. Based on these results presented graphically, we have found the quantitative condition (Ω _m /0.3)^0.37 σ ₈ = 0.92 ± 0.05. The estimates of Ω _m and σ ₈, along with their combinations Ω _m ^α σ ₈ for various α, are compared with the estimates by other authors.     

Investigation of the lines H<Subscript>α</Subscript> and H<Subscript>β</Subscript> in the spectrum of the star HD 206267

The results of investigations of the H_α and H_β lines in the spectrum of the star HD 206267 are presented. Observations were carried out in 2011–2014 at the Cassegrain focus of the 2-m telescope of the Tusi Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan using an echelle spectrometer. The following features have been revealed for the first time: the moving discrete absorption components in the core of the H_α line from the red side to the violet, the stable emission in the violet wing of the H_α line, the antiphase variation of the radial velocities and equivalent widths of the H_α line, and the independence of the changes of the equivalent widths of the H_β line from the phase of the orbital period. No spectral features according to which this star could be considered as a source of X-ray radiation have been found.     

Radial pulsations of helium stars with masses from 1 to 10 <Emphasis Type="Italic">M</Emphasis><Subscript>⊙</Subscript>

We present the results of our hydrodynamic calculations of radial pulsations in helium stars with masses 1 M_⊙ ≤ M ≤ 10 M_⊙, luminosity-to-mass ratios 1 × 10³L_⊙/M_⊙ ≤ L/M ≤ 2 × 10⁴L_⊙/M_⊙, and effective temperatures 2 × 10⁴ K ≤ T_eff ≤ 10⁵ K for mass fractions of helium Y=0.98 and heavy elements Z=0.02. We show that the lower boundary of the pulsation-instability region corresponds to L/M ～ 10³L_⊙/M_⊙ and that the instability region for L/M ? 5 × 10³L_⊙/M_⊙ is bounded by effective temperatures T_eff ? 3 × 10⁴ K. As the luminosity rises, the instability boundary moves into the left part of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and radial pulsations can arise in stars with effective temperatures T_eff ? 10⁵ K at L/M ? 7 × 10³L_⊙/M_⊙. The velocity amplitude for the outer boundary of the hydrodynamic model increases with L/M and lies within the range 200 ? ΔU ? 700 km s^?1 for the models under consideration. The periodic shock waves that accompany radial pulsations cause a significant change of the gas-density distribution in the stellar atmosphere, which is described by a dynamic scale height comparable to the stellar radius. The dynamic instability boundary that corresponds to the separation of the outer stellar atmospheric layers at a superparabolic velocity is roughly determined by a luminosity-to-mass ratio L/M ～ 3 × 10⁴L_⊙/M_⊙.     

Radial pulsations of helium stars with masses from 10 to 50<Emphasis Type="Italic">M</Emphasis><Subscript>⊙</Subscript>

We have performed hydrodynamic calculations of the radial pulsations of helium stars with masses 10M_⊙ ≤ M ≤ 50M_⊙, luminosity-to-mass ratios 5 × 10³L_⊙/M_⊙ ≤ L/M ≤ 2.5 × 10⁴L_⊙/M_⊙, and effective temperatures 2 × 10⁴ K ≤ T_eff ≤ 10⁵ K for helium and heavy-element mass fractions of Y=0.98 and Z=0.02, respectively. We show that the high-temperature boundary of the instability region for radial pulsations at L/M ? 10⁴L_⊙/M_⊙ extends to T_eff≈10⁵ K. The amplitude of the velocity variations for outer layers is several hundred km s^?1, while the brightness variations in the B band of the UBV photometric system are within the range from several hundredths to half a magnitude. At constant luminosity-to-mass ratio, the radial pulsation period is determined only by the effective temperature of the star. In the ranges of luminosity-to-mass ratios 10⁴L_⊙/M_⊙ ≤ L/M ≤ 2 × 10⁴L_⊙/M_⊙ and effective temperatures 5 × 10⁴ K ≤ T_eff ≤ 9 × 10⁴ K, the periods of the radial modes are within 6 min ?Π?10³ min.     

Analysis of observations of linear polarization for <Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis><Subscript>α</Subscript> emission of flares and moustaches

In this paper we summarize and analyze the results of observation of linear polarization of H _α emission for solar flares and moustaches obtained earlier. Basic structural and evolutional properties of the observed polarization are formulated and presented. A conclusion is drawn that polarization data obtained from rough time and spatial averaging of Stokes parameters distort the true picture of polarization of H _α emission in flares and moustaches.     

Study of the anisotropy of cosmic rays with <Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis><Subscript>0</Subscript>≥5×10<Superscript>16</Superscript> eV using Yakutsk EAS array data

We present the results of a harmonic analysis of and search for clusters in the arrival directions of cosmic rays with energies E₀≥5×10¹⁶ eV and zenith angles ?≤53° detected at the Yakutsk extensive air shower (EAS) array from 1974 to 2002. We show that the phase of the first harmonic periodically varies greatly and takes on nonrandom values at a confidence level ≥4σ. These phases point to the Supergalactic plane (the Local supercluster of galaxies).     

Trajectories of <Emphasis Type="Italic">L</Emphasis><Subscript>4</Subscript> and Lyapunov Characteristic Exponents in the Generalized Photogravitational Chermnykh-Like problem

This paper describes design of the trajectory and analysis of the stability of collinear point L ₂ in the Sun-Earth system. The modified restricted three body problem with additional gravitational potential from the belt is used as the model for the Sun-Earth system. The effect of radiation pressure of the Sun and oblate shape of the Earth are considered. The point L ₂ is asymptotically stable up to a specific value of time t correspond to each set of values of parameters and initial conditions. The results obtained from this study would be applicable to locate a satellite, a telescope or a space station around the point L ₂.     

Radial Evolution of Well-Observed Slow CMEs in the Distance Range 2 – 30 <Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis><Subscript>⊙</Subscript>

We performed a detailed analysis of 27 slow coronal mass ejections (CMEs) whose heights were measured in at least 30 coronagraphic images and were characterized by a high quality index (≥4). Our primary aim was to study the radial evolution of these CMEs and their properties in the range 2 – 30 solar radii. The instantaneous speeds of CMEs were calculated by using successive height – time data pairs. The obtained speed – distance profiles [v(R)] are fitted by a power law v = a(R−b) ^c . The power-law indices are found to be in the ranges a=30 – 386, b=1.95 – 3.92, and c=0.03 – 0.79. The power-law exponent c is found to be larger for slower and narrower CMEs. With the exception of two events that had approximately constant velocity, all events were accelerating. The majority of accelerating events shows a v(R) profile very similar to the solar-wind profile deduced by Sheeley et al. (Astrophys. J. 484, 472, 1997). This indicates that the dynamics of most slow CMEs are dominated by the solar wind drag.     

Secular influence of change in the heliocentric gravitation constant <Emphasis Type="Italic">GM</Emphasis><Subscript>⊙</Subscript> on evolution of orbits of Meteor Streams

The Secular influence of the change in the heliocentric gravitational constant on the evolution of orbits of Meteor Streams is examined by using the method of celestial mechanics with variable mass and variable gravitational constant. The change in the heliocentric gravitational constant includes the combined changes in the sun’s mass and gravitational constant obtained from the modern observation of planets and spacecraft. The perturbation equations are solved by expanding series with mean anomaly. The solutions of the secular and periodic variation of orbital elements are derived. The theoretical results for the secular variables of the semi-major axes, solar distances at perihelion and orbital periods are given for three Meteor Streams: Dracorids, Quadrantids, and Ursids. The numerical results are shown in Table 2. The discussion and conclusion are drawn.     

Studying the influence of turbulent mixing on thermonuclear burning regimes during X-ray bursts of neutron stars using the <Emphasis Type="Italic">K</Emphasis><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">ε</Emphasis></Subscript> model

We study the influence of turbulent mixing on the development of thermonuclear flashes in the surface layers of neutron stars. A simple K _ε model that includes various physical processes is used to describe the turbulent processes. In contrast to the widespread mixing-length theory, the K _ε model does not require using additional dimensional parameters, traces the development of turbulence in dynamics, describes the various turbulence development scenarios (gravitational and shear instabilities, convection, semiconvection, etc.) in a unified way, and can be used in multidimensional numerical simulations. Empirical constants of the model are chosen on the basis of experimental data and direct numerical simulations of typical processes. We have used the Era and Tigr-3T software packages to numerically simulate thermonuclear flashes in the accretion-renewable atmospheres of neutron stars. Turbulence is shown to accelerate significantly the transport of released energy to the stellar surface. Mixing equalizes the concentrations of matter components throughout the burning layer and increases the amount of matter involved in the thermonuclear burning during a flash.     

Spacecraft trajectories to the L<Subscript>3</Subscript> point of the Sun–Earth three-body problem

Of the three collinear libration points of the Sun–Earth Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem (CR3BP), L₃ is that located opposite to the Earth with respect to the Sun and approximately at the same heliocentric distance. Whereas several space missions have been launched to the other two collinear equilibrium points, i.e., L₁ and L₂, taking advantage of their dynamical and geometrical characteristics, the region around L₃ is so far unexploited. This is essentially due to the severe communication limitations caused by the distant and permanent opposition to the Earth, and by the gravitational perturbations mainly induced by Jupiter and the close passages of Venus, whose effects are more important than those due to the Earth. However, the adoption of a suitable periodic orbit around L₃ to ensure the necessary communication links with the Earth, or the connection with one or more relay satellites located at L₄ or L₅, and the simultaneous design of an appropriate station keeping-strategy, would make it possible to perform valuable fundamental physics and astrophysics investigations from this location. Such an opportunity leads to the need of studying the ways to transfer a spacecraft (s/c) from the Earth’s vicinity to L₃. In this contribution, we investigate several trajectory design methods to accomplish such a transfer, i.e., various types of two-burn impulsive trajectories in a Sun-s/c two-body model, a patched conics strategy exploiting the gravity assist of the nearby planets, an approach based on traveling on invariant manifolds of periodic orbits in the Sun–Earth CR3BP, and finally a low-thrust transfer. We examine advantages and drawbacks, and we estimate the propellant budget and time of flight requirements of each.     

Visibility of Prominences Using the He <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">i</Emphasis> D<Subscript>3</Subscript> Line Filter on the PROBA-3/ASPIICS Coronagraph

We determine the optimal width and shape of the narrow-band filter centered on the He?i D₃ line for prominence and coronal mass ejection (CME) observations with the ASPIICS (Association of Spacecraft for Polarimetric and Imaging Investigation of the Corona of the Sun) coronagraph onboard the PROBA-3 (Project for On-board Autonomy) satellite, to be launched in 2020. We analyze He?i D₃ line intensities for three representative non-local thermal equilibrium prominence models at temperatures 8, 30, and 100 kK computed with a radiative transfer code and the prominence visible-light (VL) emission due to Thomson scattering on the prominence electrons. We compute various useful relations at prominence line-of-sight velocities of 0, 100, and 300 km?s^?1 for 20 Å wide flat filter and three Gaussian filters with a full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) equal to 5, 10, and 20 Å to show the relative brightness contribution of the He?i D₃ line and the prominence VL to the visibility in a given narrow-band filter. We also discuss possible signal contamination by Na?i D₁ and D₂ lines, which otherwise may be useful to detect comets. Our results mainly show that i) an optimal narrow-band filter should be flat or somewhere between flat and Gaussian with an FWHM of 20 Å in order to detect fast-moving prominence structures, ii) the maximum emission in the He?i D₃ line is at 30 kK and the minimal at 100 kK, and iii) the ratio of emission in the He?i D₃ line to the VL emission can provide a useful diagnostic for the temperature of prominence structures. This ratio is up to 10 for hot prominence structures, up to 100 for cool structures, and up to 1000 for warm structures.     

Two Unusual Episodes of ≈13-Day Variations II. Implications for the Solar Radio Flux Density, <Emphasis Type="Italic">F</Emphasis><Subscript>10.7 cm</Subscript>

Additional analysis of the behavior of the international sunspot number (R) series and the solar radio flux density (F_{10.7 cm}) series during two long (250–500 days) and distinct episodes of persistent ≈13-day variations (Crane, Solar Phys. 1998, 253, 177) is reported. The conclusion is that while the center-to-limb behavior of R does not change between solar minimum and solar maximum, F_{10.7 cm} exhibits significantly less limb brightening at solar maximum than at solar minimum.     

Applications of laser-created dense e<Superscript>+</Superscript>e<Superscript>−</Superscript> pairs

We review the recent developments of laser pair creation in the laboratory and their potential applications to astrophysics and other frontiers. Many astrophysical phenomena involving e⁺e⁻ plasmas may be systematically investigated in the laboratory setting. We also discuss potential applications of dense positronium gas.     

A preliminary radial-velocity curve for the star <Emphasis Type="Italic">θ</Emphasis><Superscript>1</Superscript> Ori D

We measured the radial velocity of the star θ¹ Ori D from IUE spectra and used published observations. Based on these data, we determined the period of its radial-velocity variations, P=20.2675±0.0010 days, constructed the phase radial-velocity curve, and solved it by least squares. The spectroscopic orbital elements were found to be the following: the epoch of periastron passage E_p=JD 2430826.6±0.1, the system's center-of-mass velocity /Gg=32.4±1.0 km s^?1, K=14.3±1.5 km s^?1, Ω=3.3±0.1 rad, e=0.68±0.09, a₁ sin i = 3 × 10¹⁰ km, and f₁ = 0.0025M_⊙. Twice the period, P=40.528±0.002 days, is also consistent with the observations.     

Search for the radial magnetic-field gradient in the CP star <Emphasis Type="Italic">α</Emphasis><Superscript>2</Superscript> CVn

The possibility of investigating the vertical structure of the magnetic field in chemically peculiar main-sequence stars is discussed. The nonuniform distribution of chemical elements over the surface complicates the problem substantially. The most efficient measurements are shown to be those of the longitudinal field components based on spectral lines with wavelengths longer and shorter than 3646 Å (shortward and longward of the Balmer jump), which form at different optical depths in the atmosphere. Various methodological problems are addressed that must be overcome in order to accomplish the task. The brightest magnetic star α ² CVn is observed with the echelle spectrometer equipped with an Uppsala CCD chip. New observations corroborate our previous result: the longitudinal component of the magnetic field B _e of the α ² CVn star increases with depth by about 30% over the atmosphere thickness scale.     

The Imaging Vector Magnetograph at Haleakalā IV: Stokes Polarization Spectra in the Sodium D<Subscript>1</Subscript> 589.6 nm Spectral Line

The Imaging Vector Magnetograph (IVM) at the Mees Solar Observatory, Haleakalā, Maui, Hawai’i, obtained many years of vector magnetic-field data in the photospheric Fe i 630.25 nm line. In the latter period of its operation, the IVM was modified to allow routine observations in the chromospheric Na i D₁ line, as well as the Fe i line. We describe the sodium observational data in detail, including the data-reduction steps that differ from those employed for the Fe i 630.25 nm line, to obtain calibrated Stokes polarization spectra. We have performed a systematic comparison between the observational data and synthetic NLTE Na i D₁ Stokes spectra derived for a variety of solar-appropriate atmospheric and magnetic configurations. While the Na i D₁ Stokes polarization signals from the solar atmosphere are expected to be weak, they should generally be within the IVM capability. A comparison between synthetic spectra and observational data indicates that this is indeed the case.     

Composition of Cosmic Rays with <Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis><Superscript>0</Superscript> ⩾ 10<Superscript>17</Superscript> eV Based on Data from the Ground Scintillation Detectors of the Yakutsk EAS Array

The lateral distribution of cascade particles in extensive air showers from cosmic rays with energy E⁰ ? 10¹⁷ eV has been studied at the Yakutsk array by the ground scintillation detectors over the period of continuous observations 1977–2017. The experimental data are compared with those computed with various models for the development of extensive air showers from the CORSIKA software package. The best agreement between the theory and experiment is observed for the QGSjet-01-d model. In the energy range (1?20)× 10¹⁷ eV there is a change in the cosmic-raymass composition from 〈lnA〉 ≈ 2.5 to the proton one.     

Ammonia in Jupiter’s Atmosphere: Spatial and Temporal Variations of the NH<Subscript>3</Subscript> Absorption Bands at 645 and 787 Nm

Based on the material of long-term spectrophotometric observations of Jupiter, we studied the weak absorption bands of ammonia at 645 and 878 nm, whose behavior had previously been little studied. A clearly expressed depression of ammonia absorption in the 787-nm band was found in the Northern Equatorial Belt (NEB) of Jupiter. In the Great Red Spot, this band also exhibits substantial weakening. The position of the depression in the NEB is similar to that of the enhanced brightness temperature detected in the observations of the millimeter-wave radio emission, which is considered to be a result of the reduced ammonia content in this belt. At the same time, the weakening of the 787-nm band in the Red Spot is most likely caused by the enhanced bulk density of clouds, which influences the formation of absorption bands in the multiple scattering by cloud particles. The brightness temperature in the Red Spot is relatively low, as seen from observations in the radio and thermal IR ranges. We studied the spatial and temporal variations of the 645- and 787-nm bands in five belts of Jupiter: the Equatorial Zone (EZ), both Equatorial Belts (SEB and NEB), and both Tropical Zones (STZ and NTZ). The observations covered the time interval from 2005 to 2015, i.e., almost a complete orbital period of Jupiter. These observations confirmed the systematic character of the depression of the 787-nm band in the NEB and the difference in the latitudinal variations of the 645- and 787-nm bands. The latter can be related to features of the vertical distribution of the cloud density, which has a different influence on bands of different intensity.     

Reanalysis of two eclipsing binaries: <Emphasis Type="Italic">EE</Emphasis> <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aqr</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Z</Emphasis> <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vul</Emphasis>

We study the radial-velocity and light curves of the two eclipsing binaries EE Aqr and Z Vul. Using the latest version of the Wilson and Van Hamme (Computing Binary Star Observables, 2003) model, absolute parameters for the systems are determined. We find that EE Aqr and Z Vul are near-contact and semi-detached systems, respectively. The primary component of EE Aqr fills about 96% of its ‘Roche lobe’, while its secondary one appears close to completely filling this limiting volume. In a similar way, we find fill-out proportions of about 72 and 100% of these volumes for the primary and secondary components of Z Vul respectively. We compare our results with those of previous authors.