Fallback in bipolar planetary nebulae?

The subclass of bipolar Planetary Nebulae(PNe)exhibits well-defined low-power outflows and some shows shock-related equatorial spiderweb structures and hourglas...     

Discovery of extended structures around two evolved planetary nebulae M2–55 and Abell 2

We report a multi-wavelength study of two evolved planetary nebulae(PNs) M 2–55 and Abell 2.Deep optical narrow-band images([O III], Hα, and [N II]) of M 2–55 reveal two pairs of bipolar lobes and a new faint arc-like structure. This arc-shaped filament around M 2–55 appears as a well-defined boundary from southwest to southeast, strongly suggesting that this nebula is in interaction with its surrounding interstellar medium. From the imaging data of Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer(WISE) all-sky survey,we discovered extensive mid-infrared halos around these PNs, which are approximately twice the size of their main nebulae seen in the visible. We also present a mid-resolution optical spectrum of M 2–55, which shows that it is a high-excitation evolved PN with a low electron density of 250 cm~(-3). Furthermore, we investigate the properties of these nebulae from their spectral energy distributions(SEDs) by means of archival data.     

The clustering of Lα absorption lines in the QSO spectra

For nine published high-resolution QSO spectra a correlation analysis of their L forest lines has been performed. The two-point correlation functions show some quasi-periodic structure of magnitude ||0.3. Their characteristic separation along the line-of-sight amounts to s ₀=3×10^–3 or to s ₀=5×10^–3 for =1 and 0.2, respectively. Especially the distribution of nearest neighbouring line positions in two close QSO pairs allows for the interpretation that the absorption clouds lie in sheet-like structures as predicted by the pancake theory. The correlation data contain some hints on metal absorbers within the forest of unidentified lines.     

Supernova remnants, planetary nebulae and the distance to NGC 4214

We present narrow band, continuum subtracted Hα, [S ii], Hβ, [O iii] and [O ii] data taken with the Wide Field Camera 3 on the Hubble Space Telescope in the nearby dwarf starburst galaxy NGC 4214. From these images, we identify seventeen new planetary nebula candidates, and seven supernova remnant candidates. We use the observed emission line luminosity function of the planetary nebulae to establish a new velocity-independent distance to NGC 4214. We conclude that the PNLF technique gives a reddening independent distance to NGC 4214 of 3.19±0.36 Mpc, and that our current best-estimate of the distance to this galaxy ids 2.98±0.13 Mpc.     

Planetary nebulae NGC 6826 and NGC 2899: early aspherical mass loss?

By systematically searching regions around planetary nebulae (PNe) for signs of interactions of their precursors’ wind with ambient matter we found a number of huge IRAS dust structures. Some of them may be chance projections, but a few appear to be real, like those around NGC 6826 and NGC 2899. In the case of NGC 6826 we noticed a giant (∼2°) bipolar dust emission, whose axis is along the proper motion of the central star. The PN itself is offset in the direction of motion both as to the center of this ∼30 pc large dust structure and to the center of a similarly large new Hα nebula. NGC 2899 was found in the center of a 14×11 pc quadrupolar cavity, whose directions of axes coincide with the directions of the main axes of the optical PN. In both cases, the formation of these structures appears to have commenced in the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) phase.     

Trends in planetary science research in the Puna and Atacama Desert regions: Underrepresentation of local scientific institutions?

In 2019, while launching a multidisciplinary research project aimed at developing the Puna de Atacama region as a natural laboratory, investigators at the University of Atacama (Chile) conducted a bibliographic search identifying previously studied geographic points of the region and of potential interest for planetary science and astrobiology research. This preliminary work highlighted a significant absence of local institutional involvement in international publications. In light of this, a follow-up study was conducted to confirm or refute these first impressions, by comparing the search in two bibliographic databases: Web of Science and Scopus. The results show that almost 60% of the publications based directly on data from the Puna, the Altiplano, or the Atacama Desert with objectives related to planetary science or astrobiology do not include any local institutional partner (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru). Indeed, and beyond the ethical questioning of international collaborations, Latin-American planetary science deserves a strategic structuring, networking, as well as a road map at national and continental scales, not only to enhance research, development, and innovation, but also to protect an exceptional natural heritage sampling extreme environmental niches on Earth. Examples of successful international collaborations such as the field of meteorites, terrestrial analogs, and space exploration in Chile or astrobiology in Mexico are given as illustrations and possible directions to follow to develop planetary science in South America. To promote appropriate scientific practices involving local researchers, possible responses at academic and institutional levels will eventually be discussed.     

Excitation class of nebulae—An evolution criterion?

A principally new, quantitative system of the classification of the spectra of planetary nebulae is proposed. Spectral class of excitation class of the nebulap is determined according to the relative intensities of emission lines (N ₁+N ₂) [OIII]/4686 HeII and (N ₁+N ₂) [OIII]/H (Table I, Figure 1). The excitation classes are obtained for 142 planetary nebulae of all classes—low (p=1–3), middle (p=4–8), and high (p=9–12⁺) (Tables II, III, and IV). An empirical relationship between excitation classp and mean radius of nebulae is discovered (Figure 2). This relationship as well as excitation classp, as an independend parameter, admit an evolutionary interpretation. It is shown that after reaching the highest class of excitationp=12⁺ the nebulae decrease their class of excitation with the further increases of sizes. The diagram of this relationship has two nearly-symmetric branches — rising and descending with the apogee onp=12⁺ (Figure 2).     

Sharp edges in solar microwave spectra: Neutral current sheets or cyclotron lines?

We have mapped two solar active regions using the VLA at three closely spaced frequencies (4496, 4716, and 4996 MHz) in an attempt to determine the origin of the steep spectra (index –5 to –8) sometimes observed with large single telescopes. One of the regions observed indeed shows an anomalously large slope ( –6) compared to the usual ( –2 to –2.5). The other region shows a similar slope ( –5) but with a larger range of statistical error. Two possible explanations for such steep edges in solar spectra are (1) transmission effects of neutral current sheets, and (2) the appearance of cyclotron lines. The internal evidence of the microwave maps and simultaneous optical observations favor an explanation in terms of cyclotron lines.On leave from Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, India.     

How common are Earth-Moon planetary systems?

The Earth’s comparatively massive moon, formed via a giant impact on the proto-Earth, has played an important role in the development of life on our planet, both in the history and strength of the ocean tides and in stabilizing the chaotic spin of our planet. Here we show that massive moons orbiting terrestrial planets are not rare. A large set of simulations by Morishima et al. (Morishima, R., Stadel, J., Moore, B. [2010]. Icarus. 207, 517-535), where Earth-like planets in the habitable zone form, provides the raw simulation data for our study. We use limits on the collision parameters that may guarantee the formation of a circumplanetary disk after a protoplanet collision that could form a satellite and study the collision history and the long term evolution of the satellites qualitatively. In addition, we estimate and quantify the uncertainties in each step of our study. We find that giant impacts with the required energy and orbital parameters for producing a binary planetary system do occur with more than 1 in 12 terrestrial planets hosting a massive moon, with a low-end estimate of 1 in 45 and a high-end estimate of 1 in 4.     

Where are the broad lines in Seyfert 2s?

The unified model for Seyfert 2s postulates that these galaxies are in fact normal Seyfert ls whose innermost regions are hidden from a direct view by an opaque torus. Galaxies seen from a line-of-sight within the opening angle of this torus have the central continuum source and the Broad Line Region unobstructed, and are classified as Seyfert 1/QSO. In Seyfert 2s, on the other hand, periscopic views of the hidden nucleus may be obtained through scattering of the nuclear light in the extranuclear regions. If this model is correct, the Blue and Featureless Continuum observed in many Seyfert 2s is simply a mirror image of the obscured nucleus. In this case, the light from the Broad Line Region must also be reflected towards the observer. Seyfert 2s should therefore exhibit broad lines in their spectrum, which, by definition, they do not! In this contribution we examine this issue and the complications it brings to the basic unification picture of Seyfert galaxies. We fail to find a consistent explanation for this question in the framework of the unified model. An alternative modified-unified model for Seyfert 2s is proposed.     

New Hα objects in dark nebulae. I.

Results of a search for new H objects in the Cepheus region are presented. The observations on which the search was based were made in 1979 and 1985 at the 40 Schmidt telescope of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory with a 4° objective prism. Of the 80 emission stars detected, 68 are new. Most of them are fainter than the sun in absolute magnitude. A large fraction of the emission stars discovered may be flare stars as well as T Tau and Herbig Ae/Be stars.Translated fromAstrofizika, Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 57–65, January–March, 1996.     

The heptahydrate of sodium sulfate: Does it have a role in terrestrial and planetary geochemistry?

Sodium sulfate readily forms a metastable heptahydrate from concentrated aqueous solutions on cooling to around 10 °C. It crystallises much more easily than the well recognised and less soluble decahydrate (mirabilite), although the existence of the heptahydrate is almost entirely ignored in the geochemical literature on sodium sulfate. There is strong evidence that the heptahydrate is stable below a triple point temperature of −9.5 °C at low water vapour pressures, conditions which are found in cold dry environments such as the surface of Mars and the icy moons of Jupiter.     

Mg-rich harzburgites from Vesta: Mantle residua or cumulates from planetary differentiation?

We describe petrographic, electron microprobe, and laser ablation ICP-MS analyses of Mg-rich harzburgite clasts in the Dominion Range 2010 howardites, and conclude that they are xenolithic samples of the vestan mantle. Key chemical and petrologic characteristics of these rocks provide tests for differentiation models. Our results indicate the mantle of Vesta formed through variable degrees of partial melting, which left behind a harzburgite and possibly dunite residuum. The Mg-rich clasts are composed of orthopyroxene and olivine, with minor clinopyroxene, FeNi metal, and distinctive pyroxene–chromite symplectites. We use mineral chemistry to demonstrate the absence of a genetic link between diogenites and the Mg-rich harzburgites. We propose a secondary origin for the formation of symplectites: interaction of silicate and metallic melts during primordial differentiation and core formation. The occurrence of FeNi metal containing ~1.5 wt% Cr within the assemblage indicates a very reducing environment during mantle differentiation (≪IW). Our study suggests that Vesta did not experience complete melting early in its history, and instead supports the formation of a shallow magma ocean.     

Identification of absorption lines of short half-life actinides in the spectrum of Przybylski’s star (HD 101065)

Absorption lines of some actinides, namely, actinium (Z = 89), protactinium (91), neptunium (93), plutonium (94), americium (95), curium (96), berkelium (97), californium (98), and einsteinium (99), were identified in the spectrum of one of the most peculiar main-sequence stars HD 101065 (Przybylski’s star). In the identification we used a high-resolution spectrum (R = 80 000) acquired at the 8.2-m ESO telescope.     

Do planetary encounters reset surfaces of near Earth asteroids?

Processes such as the solar wind sputtering and micrometeorite impacts can modify optical properties of surfaces of airless bodies. This explains why spectra of the main belt asteroids, exposed to these ‘space weathering’ processes over eons, do not match the laboratory spectra of ordinary chondrite (OC) meteorites. In contrast, an important fraction of Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs), defined as Q-types in the asteroid taxonomy, display spectral attributes that are a good match to OCs. Here we study the possibility that the Q-type NEAs underwent recent encounters with the terrestrial planets and that the tidal gravity (or other effects) during these encounters exposed fresh OC material on the surface (thus giving it the Q-type spectral properties). We used numerical integrations to determine the statistics of encounters of NEAs to planets. The results were used to calculate the fraction and orbital distribution of Q-type asteroids expected in the model as a function of the space weathering timescale, t_sw (see main text for definition), and maximum distance, r^∗, at which planetary encounters can reset the surface. We found that t_sw ∼ 10⁶ yr (at 1 AU) and r^∗ ∼ 5R_pl, where R_pl is the planetary radius, best fit the data. Values t_sw < 10⁵ yr would require that r^∗ > 20R_pl, which is probably implausible because these very distant encounters should be irrelevant. Also, the fraction of Q-type NEAs would be probably much larger than the one observed if t_sw > 10⁷ yr. We found that t_sw ∝ q², where q is the perihelion distance, expected if the solar wind sputtering controls t_sw, provides a better match to the orbital distribution of Q-type NEAs than models with fixed t_sw. We also discuss how the Earth magnetosphere and radiation effects such as YORP can influence the spectral properties of NEAs.     

Stochastic models of hot planetary and satellite coronas: Atomic oxygen in Europa’s corona

This paper analyzes the formation, kinetics, and transport of hot oxygen atoms in the atmosphere of the Jovian satellite Europa. Atmospheric sources of suprathermal oxygen atoms are assumed to be represented by the processes of dissociation of molecular oxygen, which is the main component of the atmosphere, by solar UV radiation and electron fluxes from the inner magnetosphere of Jupiter, as well as by the reaction of dissociative recombination of the main ionospheric ion O ₂ ⁺ which thermal electrons. It is shown that dissociation in Europa’s near-surface atmosphere is balanced by the processes of the loss of atomic oxygen due to the effective escape of suprathermal oxygen atoms into the inner magnetosphere of Jupiter along the orbit of Europa and due to ionization by magnetospheric electrons and catalytic recombination of oxygen atoms on the icy surface of the satellite. It thus follows that atomic oxygen is only a small admixture to the main atmospheric component—molecular oxygen—in the near-surface part of the atmosphere. However, the outer exospheric layers of Europa’s atmosphere are populated mostly by suprathermal oxygen atoms. The near-surface molecular envelope of Europa is therefore surrounded by a tenuous extended corona of hot atomic oxygen.     

Possible consequences of absence of “jupiters” in planetary systems

The formation of the gas giant planets Jupiter and Saturn probably required the growth of massive 15 Earth-mass cores on a time scale shorter than the 10⁷ time scale for removal of nebular gas. Relatively minor variations in nebular parameters could preclude the growth of full-size gas giants even in systems in which the terrestrial planet region is similar to our own. Systems containing failed Jupiters, resembling Uranus and Neptune in their failure to capture much nebular gas, would be expected to contain more densely populated cometary source regions. They will also eject a smaller number of comets into interstellar space. If systems of this kind were the norm, observation of hyperbolic comets would be unexpected. Monte Carlo calculations of the orbital evolution of region of such systems (the Kuiper belt) indicate that throughout Earth history the cometary impact flux in their terrestrial planet regions would be 1000 times greater than in our Solar System. It may be speculated that this could frustrate the evolution of organisms that observe and seek to understand their planetary system. For this reason our observation of these planets in our Solar System may tell us nothing about the probability of similar gas giants occurring in other planetary systems. This situation can be corrected by observation of an unbiased sample of planetary systems.Paper presented at the Conference onPlanetary Systems: Formation, Evolution, and Detection held 7–10 December, 1992 at CalTech, Pasadena, California, U.S.A.     

Discovery of High Proper-Motion Ancient White Dwarfs: Nearby Massive Compact Halo Objects?

We present the discovery and spectroscopic identification of two very high proper-motion ancient white dwarf stars, found in a systematic proper-motion survey. Their kinematics and apparent magnitude clearly indicate that they are halo members, while their optical spectra are almost identical to the recently identified cool halo white dwarf WD 0346+246. Canonical stellar halo models predict a white dwarf volume density that is 2 orders of magnitude less than the rho approximately 7x10-4 M middle dot in circle pc-3 inferred from this survey. With the caveat that the sample size is very small, it appears that a significant fraction, approximately 10%, of the local dark matter halo is in the form of very old, cool, white dwarfs.     

Dynamics of auroral absorption in the midnight sector—The movement of absorption peaks in relation to the substorm onset

The movement of peaks of auroral radio absorption is studied using observations made with networks of spaced riometers in Canada and Alaska. It is found that on the average the movement of absorption peaks differs significantly from that of the onset of the A.A. substorm and in individual cases the motions of onset and subsequent peaks appear to be independent. This is taken to indicate that the time-structure of auroral absorption with periods between several minutes and an hour or two represents in general a space-time structure within the envelope of the overall substorm, involving additional mechanisms.Two classes of absorption peak are identified within the substorm. Those occurring within 10 min of the onset move more rapidly and may travel towards or away from the pole; those occurring after 30 min are of longer duration and move relatively slowly and only towards the equator. By comparison with the recovery phase of the substorm in luminous aurora it is speculated that the late peaks may indicate magnetospheric electric fields.