Multicolor photoelectric and photographic observations of the long-period variable Y Ori

Results of observations of the long-period variable Y Ori are presented. The photoelectric observations in UBVR were made at the 60-cm telescope of the high-altitude Maydanak station of the Tashkent Astronomical Institute during the autumn of 1989. The UBVR lightcurves as well as the variations in the color indices U-B, B-V, and V-R are presented. The photographic observations were made at the 40 Schmidt telescope of the Byurakan Observatory and at the 70-cm Maksutov telescope of the Abastumani Observatory. A nebulosity was discovered around Y Ori in red light near the brightness maximum. Such a formation is observed for the first time, not only for Y Ori but also for long-period variables in general. The obtained results are discussed in this work.Translated fromAstrofizika, Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 5–15, January–March, 1995.     

The 1978 outburst of the recurrent nova WZ Sagittae

We give the results of photographic observations of the recurrent nova WZ Sge during its 1978 outburst, between December 5 and 25, using the double astrograph of Beijing Observatory. We discuss the observed properties and calculate the total energy released during the outburst to be about 1.07 (+40) erg. We estimate that the next outburst will occur around the year 2011.     

The flare star PP Ori

We give the results of photographic, photoelectric, and spectral observations of the flare star PP Ori. The 109 photographic observations used, which were obtained on the 40 Schmidt telescope of the Byurakan Observatory over a period of about 20 years, and four spectra obtained on the same telescope with a4° objective prism show no variation in brightness. Photoelectric observations in the UBVR bands using the 50cm and 60cm telescopes of the high-altitude Maidanak station of the Tashkent Astronomical Institute in 1987 and 1989 give grounds for suspecting a variation in brightness much larger than observational errors. Spectral observations of the star PP Ori made on the 2.6m telescope of the Byurakan Observatory show weak H emission. The results of all these observations show that PP Ori is an Orion variable of spectral class K7-M0 with absolute visual magnitude7 ^m 5–8 ^m 5.Translated fromAstrofizika, Vol. 38, No. 2, 1995.     

THREE EVENTS OF OUTBURST OF COMET HALE-BOPP

The results of photographic observations of Comet Hale-Bopp made at Qingdao Station of Purple Mountain Observatory during the period from September to November of 1996 are given. It is shown that three events of outburst occurred on Sept. 24, Oct. 26 and Nov. 13, and a large jet appeared in the plate of Sept.23,1996.     

Spectroscopic study of the supergiant star 6 Cassiopeiae

Twenty-five coudé spectrograms (22 with dispersion 12 Å mm^–1 and three 7 Å mm^–1) of 6 Cassiopeiae (A3 Ia) have been studied. The observations were made at the Haute Provence Observatory. The results of the analysis suggest a correlation between the variations of the equivalent widths, the microturbulence and the radial velocity. The radial velocity and turbulent velocity present a rapid variation with time, even in intervals as short as about an hour. The hydrogen lines are slightly asymmetric but the strongest Feii lines are clearly asymmetric. We found that the amount of asymmetry of the strongest Feii lines (I>6) correlates with the loggf value, with the estimated laboratory intensityI, and with the equivalent widthW .The observations have been made at the Astronomical Observatory of Haute Provence (CNRS). This work has been supported by TUBITAK (Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey), and partially by CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche) of Italy.     

The spectrum of the Cr star epsilon ursae majoris

Fourteen coudé spectrograms (eight with dispersion 12.4 Å mm^–1 and six 7 Å mm^–1) of the Cr star UMa (Ap) have been studied. The observations were made at the Haute Provence Observatory. The radial velocities of the various ions have been measured. The existence of Balmer progression in radial velocity is doubtful. The variability of some lines is in the opposite sense of K of Caii. Both a rough and a fine analysis have been made. The results of these analyses are compared and found to be in good agreement. The results of the fine analysis indicate a defect of Al, Si and Ca; Sc, Ti, Fe and Sr are normal, Mg and Ni are in slight excess. V, Cr and Mn are in excess by factors of 3, 12, 19; Y, Zr and Ba are in excess by factors of 9, 15, 30. Rare earths are in excess by factors ranging between 100–1000. These results are compared with the majority of the Cr–Eu–Sr stars.The observations have been made at the 152 cm coudé telescope of the Haute Provence Observatory.     

UBVRI photometry of the eclipsing symbiotic star CI Cyg during 1991–1996

UBVRI observations of the eclipsing symbiotic star CI Cyg made during 1991–1995 are analyzed, the results of which indicate that the system is in the same quiescent state as during 1985–1990. Variations in the "extra-eclipse" color index U-B with an amplitude of about 0^m.3–0^m.4 and a characteristic time of about 9–10 yr have been detected for the first time. A more thorough analysis of all available data in the UBVRI bands of the spectrum will be required to investigate the existence of possible long-period variations in the other color indices and brightness of the system.Translated fromAstrofizika, Vol. 39, No. 2, pp. 211–216, April–June, 1996.     

Photometric observations of CH Cygni in the period 1978–1987. Dust matter condensation in its circumstellar envelope during 1985–1987

We present the results of the photometric observations, in theUBVRJHKLMNQ system, of CH Cyg, made in the period 1978–1987. They have shown that from 1985 to 1987 dust condensed in its circumstellar envelope have taken place the condensation of the dust matter. In 1987 its mass and temperature were about 3×10^–8 M and 800 K, respectively.     

Solar radio burst and in situ determination of interplanetary electron density

We review and discuss a few interplanetary electron density scales which have been derived from the analysis of interplanetary solar radio bursts, and we compare them to a model derived from 1974–1980 Helios 1 and 2 in situ density observations made in the 0.3–1.0 AU range. The Helios densities were normalized to 1976 with the aid of IMP and ISEE data at 1 AU, and were then sorted into 0.1 AU bins and logarithmically averaged within each bin. The best fit to these 1976-normalized, bin averages is N(R _AU) = 6.1R ^-2.10 cm^-3. This model is in rather good agreement with the solar burst determination if the radiation is assumed to be on the second harmonic of the plasma frequency. This analysis also suggests that the radio emissions tend to be produced in regions denser than the average where the density gradient decreases faster with distance than the observed R ^-2.10.NAS/NRC Postdoctoral Research Associate on leave from Laboratory Associated with CNRS No. 264, Paris Observatory, France.     

On the magnetic field in pores

The magnetic field in an axisymmetric pore is current free and can be represented by a flux tube with a magnetic potential of the formAJ ₀(kr)e ^-kz. For a given magnetic flux the field in this pore model is uniquely defined if the magnetic pressure balances the gas pressure at two levels. For models with fluxes of 0.5–3.0 × 10²⁰ mx the surface radius varies from 1100–2700 km (diameters of 3–8 arc-sec) and the Wilson depression is estimated at 200 km. As the flux increases, the field becomes nearly horizontal at the edge of the pore and eventually a penumbra is formed. The distinction between pores and sunspots is investigated; the critical flux is about 10²⁰ Mx, corresponding to a radius of 1500 km.Visitor, as a member of the High Altitude Observatory Solar Project, at Sacramento Peak Observatory, Sunspot, N.M., U.S.A.     

Simultaneous multifrequency observations of an eruptive prominence at millimeter wavelengths

Radio images and spectra of an eruptive prominence were obtained from simultaneous multifrequency observations at 36 GHz, 89 GHz, and 110 GHz on May 28, 1991 with the 45-m radio telescope at Nobeyama Radio Observatory (NRO), the National Astronomical Observatory, Japan (NAOJ). The radio spectra indicated that the optical depth is rather thick at 36 GHz whereas it is thin at 89 and 110 GHz. The H data, taken at Norikura Solar Observatory, NAOJ, suggest that the eruption of an active region filament was triggered by an H flare. The shape and position of the radio prominence generally coincided with those of H images. The radio emission is explained with an isothermal cool thread model. A lower limit for the electron temperature of the cool threads is estimated to be 6100 K. The range of the surface filling factors of the cool threads is 0.3–1.0 after the H flare, and 0.2–0.5 in the descending phase of the eruptive prominence. The column emission measure and the electron number density are estimated to be of the order of 10²⁸ cm^–5 and 10¹⁰ cm^–3, respectively. The physical parameters of a quiescent prominence are also estimated from the observations. The filling factors of the eruptive prominence are smaller than those of the quiescent prominence, whereas the emission measures and the electron densities are similar. These facts imply that each cool thread of the prominence did not expand after the eruption, while the total volume of the prominence increased.     

A model of a penumbral chromosphere

A semi-empirical model of a penumbral chromosphere is presented which represents a specific region of the penumbra located approximately one-fourth the distance outward from the umbra-penumbra interface. The model is based on simultaneous observations of high-resolution spectra of Caii K, H, and 8498 made over a sunspot penumbra (SPO 5007) with the Echelle Spectrograph at the Vacuum Tower Telescope at Sacramento Peak Observatory on 18 December, 1979.Spectral profiles were calculated using a non-LTE line formation procedure with various chromospheric models where the optimum model is determined by matching the synthesized profiles with the observational features. The best fit yields a model with overlying column mass m ₀ of 8 × 10^–6 g cm^–2 which also agrees with the observed K₃/H₃ intensity ratio of 1.22.This work was supported by the US-Republic of Korea Cooperative Science Program (K-53).     

The evolution of the polar coronal holes

He i 10830 Å synoptic maps, obtained at the Kitt Peak National Observatory during 1974–1979, show that the Sun's polar coronal holes have contracted significantly during 1977–1978. Prior to the accelerated increase of sunspot activity in mid-1977, the area of each polar cap was on the order of 8% of the Sun's total surface area (4R ²), whereas toward the end of 1978 these areas fell below 2% of 4R ². Synoptic polar plots show that the vestigual holes had irregular shapes and were often well removed from the poles themselves. These results are consistent with the changes that one would expect when the polar magnetic fields are weakening just prior to sunspot maximum.     

Photometric study of the FUor star V 1735 Cyg (Elias 1-12)

Results from optical photometric observations of the PMS star V 1735 Cyg are reported. The star is located in the IC 5146 dark cloud complex—a region of active star formation. On the basis of observed outburst and spectral properties, V 1735 Cyg was classified as a FUor object. We present data from BVRI CCD photometric observations of the star, collected from March 2003 to January 2009. Plates from the Rozhen Schmidt telescope archive were scanned for a brightness estimation of the star. A sequence of sixteen comparison stars in the field of V 1735 Cyg was calibrated in BVRI bands. The data from photographic observations made from 1986 to 1992 show a strong light variability (ΔV=1_⋅^m2). In contrast, the recent photometric data obtained from 2003 to 2009 show only small amplitude variations (ΔI=0_⋅^m3). The analysis of existing photometric data shows a very slow decrease in star brightness—1_⋅^m8 (R) for a 44 year period. The possibilities for future photometric investigations of V 1735 Cyg using the photographical plate archives is discussed briefly.     

RS CVn-type variables

Photometric observation of HR 1099 inV andB obtained on 18 nights between January and March 1977 is presented. The amplitude of the asymmetric light curve is found to be 0^m.10±0^m.004 both inV andB. On three occasions—namely, JD 2443164. 17, JD 2443176. 14 and JD 2443177.12—the star brightened by 0^m.05. Four H spectrograms at 42 Å mm^–1 dispersion were obtained during October–November 1978. The profile and equivalent width of H of 14 November, 1978 suggest a probable major outburst.Analysis of all available photometry shows that (1) the amplitude and shape of the light curve change in a few orbital periods, (2) the phase of the minimum light migrated towards decreasing orbital phase during the interval JD 2442720 to JD 2443000 and from JD 2443200, there is almost a linear increase of the phase of the minimum light and (3) the phase of the light minimum sometimes shows to and fro behaviour suggesting the migration of the wave is not taking place smoothly.     

New absolute measurements of the solar spectrum 310–685 nm

During 1986–1989 at the high-altitude station on the Peak Terskol, Caucasus (h = 3000 m) absolute measurements of the solar disk-centre intensity were performed. The observations were carried out with the specialized solar telescope (D = 23 cm,F = 3 m) and grating spectrometer (F = 2 m, grating 140 × 150 mm, 600 grooves mm^–1). The ribbon tungsten lamps used for absolute calibration were calibrated to the USSR standard of spectral intensity and were also compared with the irradiance standard of the PMO/WRC (Davos, Switzerland), with the lamps used in the Alma-Ata Observatory (Kazakhstan) and in Simferopol University for absolute measurements of stellar spectra. Methods and apparatus were improving step by step during 1985–1988. Special care was paid to the study of all possible sources of errors, in particular to the method of correction for atmospheric extinction, to polarization properties of optical elements of the apparatus, and to establishing the most reliable absolute calibration system. Finally, the observations performed during 1989 utilized only the refined methods and apparatus. As a result, the absolute integrals of the solar disk-centre intensity for 1-nm wide spectral bands in the range 310–685 nm are available. We estimate the total error is 2.5% at 310 nm and 2.1% at 680 nm. The absolute irradiance for 5-nm wide spectral bands is also obtained. We compare our results with results by Neckel and Labs (1984), with the irradiance filter measurements performed in PMO/WRC and calibration of the Sun's spectral irradiance to the stellar irradiance standard Vega by Lockwood (1992). Our results show a systematic difference with data by Neckel and Labs in the near-ultraviolet. The results by Neckel and Labs are probably underestimated in this spectral range by 8%.Deceased 20 January 1994.     

Current state and development of the minor planets research in Nikolaev Astronomical Observatory

Regular positional observations of minor planets in Nikolaev Astronomical Observatory have been begun with installation of photographic Zone Astrograph in 1961. The observations of 19 selected minor planets up to 12 magnitude were obtained for 36 years. Accuracy of the photographic positions of minor planets is rather high, 0.15^′′-0.19^′′. These positions were used for improvement of the system of fundamental catalogue and determination of its orientation to the dynamical reference frame. CCD observations of asteroids have been begun at the Zone Astrograph in 2000. There was obtained about the same accuracy, as in photographic observations. During 2004-2006 NAO participated in international collaboration with TUBITAK National Observatory (Turkey) and Kazan State University (Russia) in positional and photometric observations of small Solar system bodies. About four thousands of CCD images for 58 asteroids of 11-18 mag were obtained with internal and external errors of 30-80 mas of a single determination. Some of these observations, as well as the observations of the Minor Planet Center, are being used for the current asteroid mass determinations in Nikolaev observatory. Available results allow us to consider the Russian-Turkish telescope RTT150 as a good candidate for ground-based astrometry support of the future space mission GAIA, moreover in the period before GAIA.     

Energy spectrum and time variations of hard X-rays from Cyg X-1

Experimental results on the intensity, energy spectrum and time variations in hard X-ray emission from Cyg X-1 based on a balloon observation made on 1971, April 6 from Hyderabad (India) are described. The average energy spectrum of Cyg X-1 in the 22–154 keV interval on 1971 April 6 is best represented by a power law dN/dE=(5.41±1.53)E ^{–(1.92±0.10)} photons cm^–2s^–1 keV^–1 which is in very good agreement with the spectrum of Cyg X-1 derived from an earlier observation made by us on 1969 April 16 in the 25–151 keV band and given by dN/dE=(3.54±2.44)E ^{–(1.89±0.22)} photons cm^–2s^–1 keV^–1. A thermal bremsstrahlung spectrum fails to give a good fit over the entire energy range for both the observations. Comparison with the observations of other investigators shows that almost all balloon experiments consistently give a spectrum of E ^–2, while below 20 keV the spectrum varies fromE ^–1.7 toE ^–5. There is some indication of a break in the Cyg X-1 spectrum around 20 keV. Spectral analysis of data in different time intervals for the 1971 April 6 flight demonstrates that while the source intensity varies over time scales of a few minutes, there is no appreciable variation in the spectral slope. Analysis of various hard X-ray observations for long term variations shows that over a period of about a week the intensity of Cyg X-1 varies upto a factor of four. The binary model proposed by Dolan is examined and the difficulties in explaining the observed features of Cyg X-1 by this model are pointed out.     

New data on the variability of the spectrum of Kaz 163

The results of new spectral observations of the Seyfert component of the close binary galaxy with UV excess Kaz 163 are presented. Two new spectra have been obtained: with the 3-m telescope of Lick Observatory in 1986 and with the 1.8-m telescope of Asiago Observatory in 1993. It is shown that there was no short-term (about one month) variability in the spectrum. The emission lines Hell 4686 and Hel 5876 strengthen significantly between 1984 and 1986.Translated fromAstrofizika, Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 5–12, January–March, 1994.     

Photometric and Colorimetric Observations of Asteroid 423 Diotima and Their Analysis

Series of photometric and colorimetric observations of the Main-Belt asteroid 423 Diotima during its five oppositions were obtained at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory. It was concluded, based on the results of a frequency analysis of the V-band photometry obtained in 1990, that the asteroid is a binary system: the rotation period of the primary component is equal to 4_. ^h56, and the period of rotation and the orbital period of the satellite are equal to 14_. ^h90. An analysis of simultaneous BV and BVR observations made in 1993 and 1998–1999 yielded a rotation period of 4_. ^h54 ± 0_. ^h01 for the primary component. An analysis of the sets of V-band observations of the asteroid made from 1982 through 2000 allowed us to find the period of forced precession, which was equal to 113^d (or 226^d). It was suggested that the axis of the primary component of the binary asteroid precesses and the large amplitude of brightness variations (about 1 ^m ) is due to its lenticular shape.