Supercritical winds from cool ‘Canonical’ stars caused by evolution on the Main Sequence

Even the very slow expansion of a star's radius due to evolution on the Main Sequence is shown to be supercritical for cool stars without coronae. Since steady sphericaily-symmetric supercitical solutions are theoretically impossible, unsteady supercritical solutions are studied. It is seen that smooth sonic transitions are possible in the unsteady case, but are accompanied by enhancement of pressure over the critical values.Paper presented at the IAU Third Asian-Pacific Regional Meeting, held in Kyoto, Japan, between 30 September–6 October, 1984.     

Calculated profiles of H I lines of interest for solar plasma electric field measurements

We present calculated Stark-polarized line profiles for a number of H i lines observed in the visible and infrared emission spectrum of solar prominences and other limb activity. For use in measurements of possible electric fields in these structures, we also calculate curves giving the difference in line width between the 1/2 (I ± Q) profiles as a function of electric-field intensity. Our calculations take into account magnetic fields in these structures, and incorporate typical observed values of Doppler broadening. These calculations explicitly consider the H i fine structure neglected in previous work, and thus are more accurate in the range of low to intermediate electric-field intensity likely to be encountered in solar plasmas (E < 10³ V cm^–1). Our results enable us to compare behavior when E and B are parallel, or perpendicular. We draw particular attention to the high electric-field sensitivity of the transitions between high levels such as 12–8 and 15–9 in H i, observed in prominences at wavelengths around 11. Their sensitivity is roughly an order of magnitude larger than that of the high Paschen-series lines used in solar plasma electric field studies so far.     

The phase transitions of superdense matter and supernova explosions

Effects of the phase transitions of superdense matter on supernova explosions are investigated with the aid of an idealized equation of state on the assumptions of adiabatic collapse. It is found that in the case of strong phase transitions explosions become weaker, while in the case of weak phase transitions explosions become stronger. However, the increment of the ejected energy is not so large as suggested by Migdalet al. (1979).Paper presented at the IAU Third Asian-Pacific Regional Meeting, held in Kyoto, Japan, between 30 September–6 October, 1984.     

The NLTE Formation of Iron Lines Used in Solar Polarimetry

We study in some detail one-dimensional NLTE effects in solar Fei lines. The lines selected are frequently used in solar polarimetry, and also in studies of line asymmetries and for abundance determinations. Our model atom for Fei–Feii–Feiii is realistic: it takes account of multiplet structure and it includes over 200 bound–bound and bound–free transitions in detail. We use very efficient iterative methods for the self-consistent solution of the kinetic and radiative transfer equations (Auer, Fabiani Bendicho, and Trujillo Bueno, 1994). We have applied these fast methods of solution because they are suitable for the investigation of 2D and 3D NLTE transfer effects with multilevel atoms, which constitutes the next step of our ongoing research project on the iron line formation problem.     

Mg VIII DIAGNOSTIC LINE RATIOS IN SKYLAB SOLAR OBSERVATIONS

Recent calculations of Mgviii electron and proton impact excitations rates are used to derive theoretical electron temperature (T _e)- and density (N _e)-sensitive emission line ratios involving transitions in the 315–782 Å wavelength range. Some of these ratios are presented in the form of ratio–ratio diagrams, which should in principle allow both N _e and T _e to be deduced. These results are compared with solar observational data from Skylab, but agreement between theory and observation is very poor, probably due to blending.     

Evidence for Co-Propagation of 4765- and 1720-MHz OH Masers in Star-Forming Regions

Two star-forming regions Cepheus A and W75N, were searched for the 4765-MHz OH maser emission using the multi-element radio linked interferometer network (MERLIN). The excited OH emission has an arc-like structure of 40 mas in Cep A and a linear structure of size 45 mas in W75N. We also found the 1720-MHz line in Cep A and Hutawarakorn [MNRAS 330 (2002) 349] reported the 1720-MHz emission in W75N. The 1720- and 4765-MHz OH spots coincided in space within 60 mas and in velocity within 0.3 km s^–1 in both targets implying that both maser transitions arise from the same region. According to the modelling by Gray [MNRAS 252 (1991) 30] the 1720/4765-MHz co-propagation requires a low density, warm environment. The masers lie at the edges of H II regions where such conditions are expected.     

On the possibility of studying the dynamics of astrophysical disks in a two-dimensional formulation

A closed system of two-dimensional equations describing the dynamics of rotating, gravitating gas disks is derived. It is an integrodifferential system for barotropic disks and a differential system for polytropic disks. For both barotropic and polytropic disks, these equations differ both from the dynamical equations used in the literature for astrophysical disks and from the traditional equations of two-dimensional hydrodynamics. The sufficient conditions under which the dynamics of a disk can be described in a two-dimensional formulation are obtained. The first condition reflects the thin-disk approximation. The second condition imposes a limit on the characteristic times of processes studied in a two-dimensional formulation. In most cases this condition limits the characteristic frequency of a process to the disk's rotational frequency.Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 441–466, July–September, 1996.     

Secular ring instability in the protoplanetary accretion disk

The basic parameters describing the angular momentum distribution within the Uranus system and of its tidal evolution have been estimated. The nine satellites orbiting under the synchronous zone of Uranus is the maximum number in the solar system and it makes the Uranus system different compared with any other in the Solar system, however the satellites in question are relatively small and their contribution of the tidal dynamics of the system is small compared with that due to UI and UV. The time for existence of the nine satellites as integrated bodies can be estimated as 1.4 × 10⁹ y (UVI) and more. The total tidal decrease in the Uranus angular velocity of rotation is estimated as 7 × 10^–9s^–1.     

Some considerations on the non-detection of interstellar Li and B towards the SN1987a

A very low upper limit of 0.15 mÅ for the interstellar 6707 Å Lii line has been recently derived towards the SN1987a by Baade and Magain (1988). This value corresponds toN(Li)<1.4×10¹¹ cm^–2 and gives [Li/H]<5.4×10^–11 assumingN(Hi)=2.6×10²¹ cm^–2 for the hydrogen column density in the LMC towards SN1987a. This value is lower than the Li abundance found in the Population II stars and lower than the minimum abundance allowed in the framework of the standard Big-Bang theory. We indirectly estimate the Li depletion usingKi observations and show that a depletion of 1.2 dex is plausible. Therefore, an interstellar abundance [Li/H] as high as 0.8×10^–9 cannot be excluded. Any improvement in the above-mentioned upper limit will place important constraints on current theories for lithium nucleosynthesis.High-resolution IUE spectra of the SN1987a have been analysed in search for IS 1362 ÅBii resonance lines. A minimum detectable equivalent width of 22 mÅ has been found, that impliesN(B)<1.2×10^–12 cm^–2 and [B/H]<4.7×10^–10 cm^–2, i.e., comparable to the solar value of [B/H]=4×10^–10. This limit is the most stringent derived so far for an external galaxy, and suggests that the rate of spallation processes in the LMC has not been higher than in our own Galaxy.     

Preliminary Study on the Translunar Halo Orbits of the Real Earth–Moon System

The computation of translunar Halo orbits of the real Earth–Moon system (REMS) has been an open problem for a long time, but now, it is possible to compute Halo orbits of the REMS in a systematic way. In this paper, we describe the method used for the numerical computation of Halo orbits for a time span longer than 41 years. Halo orbits of the REMS are computed from quasi-periodic Halo orbits of the quasi-bicircular problem (QBCP). The QBCP is a model for the dynamics of a spacecraft in the Earth–Moon–Sun system. It is a Hamiltonian system with three degrees of freedom and depending periodically on time. In this model, Earth, Moon and Sun are moving in a self-consistent motion close to bicircular. The computed Halo orbits of the REMS are compared with the family of Halo orbits of the QBCP. The results show that the QBCP is a good model to understand the main features of the Halo family of the REMS.     

X-ray observation of the Jovian impacts of comet Shoemaker - Levy 9

An ASCA observation of the Jovian impact of the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 is reported. Four impacts of H, L, Q1 and R were observed and four impacts of B, C, G, and Q2 were observed within 60 minutes after their impacts. No significant flaring of X-ray emission was observed. Upper limit X-ray fluxes of 90 % confidence level, averaged 5 minutes just after the impacts, were 2.4 × 10^–13 erg sec^–1 cm^–2, 3.5 × 10^–13 erg sec^–1 cm^–2, 1.6 × 10^–13 erg sec^–1 cm^–2 and 2.9 × 10^–13 erg sec^–1 cm^–2 for the impacts of H, L, Q1 and R, respectively, in the 0.5(0.7 for H and Q1)–10 keV energy range. However, a hint of X-ray enhancement around Jupiter from July 17 to July 19 was detected with about 2 6 × 10^–14 erg sec^–1 cm^–2 in the 0.5–10 keV energy range.     

Discrete subresolution structures in the solar transition zone

During operations on the Spacelab-2 Shuttle mission, the NRL High Resolution Telescope and Spectrograph (HRTS) recorded spectra of a variety of solar features in the 1200–1700 Å wavelength region which contains spectral lines and continua well suited for investigating the temperature minimum, the chromosphere and transition zone. These data show that, at the highest spatial resolution, the transition zone spectra are broken up from a continuous intensity distribution along the slit into discrete emission elements. The average dimensions of these discrete transition zone structures is 2400 km along the slit, but an analysis of their emission measures and densities shows that the dimensions of the actual emitting volume is conciderably less. If these structures are modelled as an ensemble of subresolution filaments, we find that these filaments have typical radii of from 3 to 30 km and that the cross-sectional fill factor is in the range from 10^–5 to 10^–2. The transport of mass and energy through these transition zone structures is reduced by this same factor of 10^–5 to 10^–2 which has significant consequences for our understanding of the dynamics of the solar atmosphere. Because the HRTS transition zone line profiles are not broadened by resolved large-spatial-scale solar velocity fields, the line widths of the Civ lines have been analyzed. The average line width is 0.195 Å (FWHM) and requires an average nonthermal velocity of 16 km s^–1 (most-probable) or 19 km s^–1 (root-mean-square) which is lower than previously observed values.     

Some properties of white-dwarf collapse in low-mass binaries

Conditions for collapse of an accreting white dwarf in a low-mass close binary are analysed. It is shown that if the magnetic strength on the surface of a white dwarf is less than 10⁵–10⁶ G, a rotation barrier appears which prevents the direct formation of a neutron star. As a result, a time-scale for the collapse is defined by a specific time of momentum dissipation rather than by free-fall time-scale. It is noted that a tidal deformation of a white dwarf, intensified in a process of collapse, renders collapse in a low-mass close binary sharply anisotropic. Consequently fast moving radiopulsars can arise with velocities of some thousands km s^–1.     

The stress state of Venusian crust and variations of its thickness: Implication for tectonics and geodynamics

The data obtained for the heights of the relief and the external gravitational field of Venus for spherical harmonics with degree and order up to 18 allow one to start theoretical analysis of the crust-mantle boundary (Venusian Moho) and stress state of the planetary interior. We suppose that Venusian convection is confined by floating massive crust. Apparently the convection in the upper mantle of Venus is separated from that one in the lower mantle and its lateral scale must be essentially smaller than on Earth. So, the convection is reflected to a larger degree of the gravitational field of the planet than for Earth. The spherical harmonic expansion of the topography for Venus correlates with corresponding expansion of the non-equilibrium part of the gravitational potential for n = 3–18. At the same time the relief of Venus is significantly compensated. It is reasonable to suppose that the gravity field for these harmonics is due to crustal thickness variations and, probably, to variations of crustal density. Thus, in the proposed scheme the Moho's relief causes the partial isostatic compensation of the topography.All calculations are carried out for the series of realistic models of Venus taking into consideration an asthenosphere. The asthenosphere is modeled either by a weakened (shear modulus is reduced), or by a liquid inviscid layer. We also suppose that the asthenosphere extends from the base of crust to a depth of 418 km, and the density contrast across the Moho boundary is –0.4 g * cm^–3. If the actual density contrast across the Moho is less than the supposed one by some factor, then one must increase the amplitudes of the roots and inverse roots by the same factor. The results for the Moho's relief and stresses in the crust are presented for the case of the mean thickness of the crust of 50 km, which satisfies the probable upper (connected with phase transitions in waterless basalts) and lower (appearing in the framework of our interpretation) limits.On the whole, the crust-mantle boundary on Venus is evidently smooth, and the stress level in the crust is appreciably smaller than the crustal stresses on the Earth. The strong sensitivity of the stresses character to the parameters of the model of external layers of Venus together with geological data allow us to begin a preliminary investigation of the tectonical structure and geodynamics of the planet.'Geology and Tectonics of Venus', special issue edited by Alexander T. Basilevsky (USSR Acad. of Sci. Moscow), James W. Head (Brown University, Providence), Gordon H. Pettengill (MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts) and R. S. Saunders (J.P.L., Pasadena).     

Numerical modeling of the response of alluvial rivers to Quaternary climate change

A numerical model, which simulates the dynamics of alluvial river channels on geological (Quaternary) time scales, is presented. The model includes water flow, channel dimensions, sediment transport and channel planform type. A number of numerical experiments, which investigate the response of an alluvial river to imposed sequences of water and sediment supply, with special emphasis on the time lags between these controlling variables, as well as a downstream discharge increase, are presented. It is found that the influence of the time lags can be substantial, having major implications for the reconstructions of palaeo climate based on river channel behavior documented in the geological record. The model is further applied to both a conceptual warm–cold–warm cycle and a reconstructed evolution of the river Meuse, the Netherlands, during the Late Glacial–Holocene warming. Results show that the model is capable of explaining the response of this river, although better validation against palaeoenvironmental data remains necessary.     

Dynamics of the Martian Atmosphere–Soil–Polar Caps System

A numerical model of the Martian atmosphere–soil–polar caps system is constructed. We consider the conditions under which the seasonal meteorological variations in the system are stable. The fact that the planetary orbit is not circular is shown to be a sufficient condition for the appearance of a residual polar cap in the southern hemisphere if all parameters of the southern and northern hemispheres are identical. A latitudinal distribution of the atmospheric pressure is given for different seasons. A high-pressure region is shown to be formed at high latitudes of the planet. An altitude–latitude temperature distribution throughout the year is constructed. The snow accumulation and evaporation in the polar caps are examined. Seasonal features of the air mass dynamics are considered in terms of a two-dimensional atmospheric model.     

Desorption of molecules from interstellar grains and the heating of dust clouds

Temperature fluctuations induced in very small (r10^–3 ) interstellar grains by the absorption of photons from the ultra-violet radiation field or by energy released on molecule formation are shown to lead to significant gas heating due to thermal desorption of condensed atoms or molecules. For clouds with N(H)=1–10×10²⁰ cm^–2, heating rates due to this process are comparable to direct heating by cosmic rays or grain photoelectrons.     

Molecular cores of the high-latitude cloud MBM 40

Towards the high-latitude cloud MBM 40, we identify 3 dense molecular cores of M0.2–0.5 M, and sizes of 0.2 pc in diameter embedded in the H I cloud of 8 M which is observed to be extended along the northeast–southwest direction. The molecular cloud is located almost perpendicularly to the H I emission. We confirm the previous result of Magnani et al. that MBM 40 is not a site for new star formations. We found a very poor correlation between the H I and the IRAS 100 μm emissions, but the CO (1–0) and 100 μm emissions show a better correlation of W_CO/I₁₀₀=1±0.2 K km s⁻¹ (MJy sr⁻¹)⁻¹. This ratio is larger by a factor of ≥5 than in dense dark clouds, which may indicate that the CO is less depleted in MBM 40 than in dense dark clouds.     

Interpretation of the solar continuum from 1680 to 600 Å. Model of the transition region photosphere-chromosphere and of the chromosphere

An interpretation is given of the observations of the continuous solar radiation in the spectral range 600–1700 Å. The model allows for deviations from LTE of H, C, Si and S, and is in hydrostatic equilibrium. The predicted intensity from 1680 to 1520 Å has virtually no dependence on the electron temperature variation in the optical depth range 10^–3–4 × 10^–5, at 5000 Å; the brightness temperature is compatible with a low electronic temperature minimum near the optical depth 10^–4. The model of the low chromosphere is characterized by a steep temperature gradient. The model satisfies observations at millimeter wavelengths.     

Cosmic ray intensity variations and two types of high speed solar streams

This study deals with the short-term variations of cosmic ray intensity during the interval 1973–78. Daily means of high latitude neutron and meson monitors from the same station and those of a low latitude neutron monitor have been analysed using the Chree method of superposed epochs. The zero epoch for the Chree analyses corresponds to the day of a substantial increase (V 200 km s^–1) in the solar wind speed to values of 550 km s^–1 and which persists at such high values for an interval of at least three days. The investigation reveals the existence of two types of cosmic ray intensity variations with distinctly different spectral characteristics. During the interval 1973–76, relative changes in the neutron and meson monitor rates are nearly equal indicating an almost flat rigidity spectrum of variation. During 1977–78, however, the spectrum acquires a negative spectral character similar to that observed for Forbush decreases. We suggest that events of the interval 1973–76 are essentially due to high speed streams associated with solar coronal holes and that events of the interval 1977–78 are due to fast streams from solar active regions with flare activity.