Imaging Spectropolarimetry of Ti I 2231 nm in a Sunspot

Spectro-polarimetric observations at 2231 nm were made of NOAA 10008 near the west solar limb on 29 June 2002 using the National Solar Observatory McMath–Pierce Telescope at Kitt Peak and the California State University Northridge – National Solar Observatory infrared camera. Scans of spectra in both Stokes I and Stokes V were collected; the intensity spectra were processed to remove strong telluric absorption lines, and the Stokes V umbral spectra were corrected for instrumental polarization. The sunspot temperature is computed using the continuum contrast and umbral temperatures down to about 3700 K are observed. A strong Tii line at 2231.0 nm is used to probe the magnetic and velocity fields in the spot umbra and penumbra. Measurements of the Tii equivalent width versus plasma temperature in the sunspot agree with model predictions. Zeeman splitting measurements of the Stokes I and Stokes V profiles show magnetic fields up to 3300 G in the umbra, and a dependence of the magnetic field on the plasma temperature similar to that which was seen using Fei 1565 nm observations of the same spot two days earlier. The umbral Doppler velocity measurements are averaged in 16 azimuthal bins, and no radial flows are revealed to a limit of ±200 m s^–1. A Stokes V magnetogram shows a reversal of the line-of-sight magnetic component between the limb and disk center sides of the penumbra. Because the Tii line is weak in the penumbra, individual spectra are averaged in azimuthal bins over the entire penumbral radial extent. The averaged Stokes V spectra show a magnetic reversal as a function of sunspot azimuthal angle. The mean penumbral magnetic field as measured with the Stokes V Zeeman component splitting is 1400 G. Several weak spectral lines are observed in the sunspot and the variation of the equivalent width versus temperature for four lines is examined. If these lines are from molecules, it is possible that lines at 2230.67, 2230.77, and 2231.70 nm originate from OH, while the line at 2232.21 nm may originate from CN.     

Analysis of He I 1083 nm Imaging Spectroscopy Using a Spectral Standard

We develop a technique for the analysis of Hei 1083 nm spectra which addresses several difficulties through determination of a continuum background by comparison with a well-calibrated standard and through removal of nearby solar and telluric blends by differential comparison to an average spectrum. The method is compared with earlier analysis of imaging spectroscopy obtained at the National Solar Observatory/Kitt Peak Vacuum Telescope (NSO/KPVT) with the NASA/NSO Spectromagnetograph (SPM). We examine distributions of Doppler velocity and line width as a function of central intensity for an active region, filament, quiet Sun, and coronal hole. For our example, we find that line widths and central intensity are oppositely correlated in a coronal hole and quiet Sun. Line widths are comparable to the quiet Sun in the active region, are systematically lower in the filament, and extend to higher values in the coronal hole. Outward velocities of 2–4 km s^–1 are typically observed in the coronal hole. The sensitivity of these results to analysis technique is discussed.     

Bianchi type- I, III, V, VIo and Kantowski-Sachs models in scalar-tensor theories with dynamic cosmological constant

The effect of a time-dependent cosmological constant is considered in a family of scalar-tensor theories. The Bianchi type I, III, V, VIo and Kantowski-Sachs models for vacuum and perfect fluid matter are found. The gravitational constant decreases with time so that these models satisfy the Dirac hypothesis. The “cosmological constant” also decreases with time, therefore it can have a very small value at the present time.     

Bianchi type I two-fluid cosmological models with a variable G and Λ

This paper presents anisotropic, homogeneous two-fluid cosmological models in a Bianchi type I space–time with a variable gravitational constant G and cosmological constant Λ. In the two-fluid model, one fluid represents the matter content of the universe and another fluid is chosen to model the CMB radiation. We find a variety of solutions in which the cosmological parameter varies inversely with time t. We also discuss in detail the behavior of associated fluid parameters and kinematical parameters. This paper pictures cosmic history when the radiation and matter content of the universe are in an interactive phase. Here, Ω is closing to 1 throughout the cosmic evolution.      

Observations of Plasma Blobs by OI 630 nm Using ASI and Photometer over Kolhapur,India

This paper presents observations of plasma blobs by nightglow OI 630.0 nm emissions using ground-based techniques, all sky imager and photometer from Kolhapur. The nightglow observations have been made at low latitude station, Kolhapur (16.42°N, 74.2°E, and 10.6°N dip lat.) during clear moonless nights for period of October 2011–April 2012. Generally, these occur 3 h after sunset (18:00 IST). Herein we have calculated velocities of plasma blobs using scanning method, introduced by Pimenta et al. (Adv Space Res 27:1219–1224, 2001). The average zonal drift velocity (eastward) of the plasma blobs were found to be 133 ms^?1 and vary between 100 and 200 ms^?1. The width (east–west expansion) and length (north–south expansion) of plasma blobs is calculated by recently developed method of Sharma et al. (Curr Sci 106(08):1085–1093, 2014b). Their mean width and length were in the range of 70–180 and 500–950 km respectively. The study shows that localized eastward polarization electric field plays an important role in the generation of plasma blobs.     

The structure and dynamics of young star clusters: King 16, NGC 1931, NGC 637 and NGC 189

In this paper, using 2MASS photometry, we study the structural and dynamical properties of four young star clusters viz. King 16, NGC 1931, NGC 637 and NGC 189. For the clusters King 16, NGC 1931, NGC 637 and NGC 189, we obtain the limiting radii of 7′, 12′, 6′ and 5′ which correspond to linear radii of 3.6 pc, 8.85 pc, 3.96 pc and 2.8 pc respectively. The reddening values E(B?V) obtained for the clusters are 0.85, 0.65–0.85, 0.6 and 0.53 and their true distances are 1786 pc, 3062 pc, 2270 pc and 912 pc respectively. Ages of the clusters are 6 Myr, 4 Myr, 4 Myr and 10 Myr respectively. We compare their structures, luminosity functions and mass functions (φ(M)=dN/dM ∝ M ^?(1+χ)) to the parameter τ=t _age /t _relax to study the star formation process and the dynamical evolution of these clusters. We find that, for our sample, mass seggregation is observed in clusters or their cores only when the ages of the clusters are comparable to their relaxation times (τ≥1). These results suggest mass seggregation due to dynamical effects. The values of χ, which characterize the overall mass functions for the clusters are 0.96±0.11, 1.16±0.18, 0.55±0.14 and 0.66±0.31 respectively. The change in χ as a function of radius is a good indicator of the dynamical state of clusters.     

On the nature of the z=0 X-ray absorbers: I. Clues from an external group

We describe the main features of the evolutionary code ATON 3.1 and its latest version, particularly deviced to be apt for follow up asteroseismology applications. An older version of the code including rotational evolution is also shortly described.     

Combined effects of perturbations,radiation, and oblateness on the nonlinear stability of triangular points in the restricted three-body problem

This paper investigates the nonlinear stability of the triangular equilibrium points under the influence of small perturbations in the Coriolis and centrifugal forces together with the effect of oblateness and radiation pressures of the primaries. It is found that the triangular points are stable for all mass ratios in the range of linear stability except for three mass ratios depending upon above perturbations, oblateness coefficients and mass reduction factors.     

Temporal properties of He I 1083 nm dark points

The intensity of a sample of large, high-contrast and isolated dark points has been observed with full-disk images in the light of Hei 1083 nm from the Chromospheric Helium line Intensity Photometer (CHIP) on Mauna Loa, Hawaii. Temporal variations in the intensity encompassing a broad range of time scales have been recorded. Long-term changes in the intensity, although highly variable, are characterized by e-folding times on the order of 5 h. Superposed on these variations are frequent intensity variations, which occur over time scales ranging from the typical observing cadence of 3 min, to tens of minutes. Microflares-involving intensity changes of at least 50% over periods of minutes are observed frequently. Rapid cadence ( min) observations reveal differences between rise and decay times and shorter-term variations in the intensity profiles of these microflares.     

A new law emerging from the recurrences of the ‘critical-acceleration’ of MOND, suggesting a clue to unification of fundamental forces

Keeping apart the problem, whether Modified Newtonian Dynamics [MOND] can replace ‘dark matter’, this letter considers seven different theoretical recurrences of ‘critical acceleration’ of MOND noticed by Sivaram in various physical situations; adds five more observational recurrences to the list; and arrives at a set of laws which seem to be followed by all the systems bound by different fundamental forces; suggesting a clue to unification of fundamental forces. This attempt proposes a general explanation for ‘flattening of galaxies’ rotation-curves’ as well as the ‘expansion of the universe’.     

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.     

The Algol-type eclipsing binaries RW CrB and VZ Leo: new RI photometric study and search for pulsations

In this study we present the new R and I light curve solutions for the eclipsing binary systems RW CrB and VZ Leo, which for VZ Leo is the first one in the literature. Our new observations have been analyzed using the Wilson-Devinney code from which new geometric and photometric elements are derived. The geometry of both stars is that of a semi-detached binary system where the secondary component fills its Roche lobe while the primary component is well inside. In the case of RW CrB, asymmetry in the light curve was explained by a spot model. The orbital period changes of both systems were studied and the results indicated a period decrease which can be explained by angular momentum loss. We also investigated the possibility of pulsations of the primary components since these systems are mentioned as candidates of δ Sct type pulsation. However, a time-series analysis of the residual curves in the filter I does not indicate any evidence of periodic light variation for both systems. Finally, we compared the results obtained for both binary stars to those of similar systems.     

Exact Bianchi type-II, VIII and IX perfect fluid cosmological models in Saez-Ballester theory of gravitation

Exact Bianchi type-II, VIII and IX cosmological models are obtained in a scalar tensor theory proposed by Saez and Ballester (Phys. Lett. A 113:467, 1986) with perfect fluid as a source. Some physical and geometrical properties of the models are studied. It is observed that the models are free from initial singularities and they are expanding with time.     

Continuous monitoring of comet Holmes from before the 2007 Outburst

The outburst and subsequent brightness evolution of comet 17P/Holmes has been observed using the MMT Observatory’s All-Sky Camera (Pickering 2006) on Mt. Hopkins near Tucson, Arizona, USA. The comet was picked up at the limiting visual magnitude of 5.5 on October 24.38 and tracked by the camera continuously until sunrise four hours later. During this time the comet brightened to visual magnitude 3.5. Comet Holmes was next observed just after sunset on October 25.23 at visual magnitude 2.5, where it remained approximately constant over the next three days. The comet then began to dim slowly and was followed into the early months of 2008 with periods of dense time coverage.     

Remote Sensing of the Heliosphere with the Murchison Widefield Array

The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) is one of the new technology low frequency radio interferometers currently under construction at an extremely radio-quiet location in Western Australia. The MWA design brings to bear the recent availability of powerful high-speed computational and digital signal processing capabilities on the problem of low frequency high-fidelity imaging with a rapid cadence and high spectral resolution. Solar and heliosphere science are among the key science objectives of the MWA and have guided the array design from its very conception. We present here a brief overview of the design and capabilities of the MWA with emphasis on its suitability for solar physics and remote-sensing of the heliosphere. We discuss the solar imaging and interplanetary scintillation (IPS) science capabilities of the MWA and also describe a new software framework. This software, referred to as Haystack InterPlanetary Software System (HIPSS), aims to provide a common data repository, interface, and analysis tools for IPS data from all observatories across the world.     

Spatial periodicity of galaxy number counts, CMB anisotropy, and SNIa Hubble diagram based on the universe accompanied by a non-minimally coupled scalar field

We have succeeded in establishing a cosmological model with a non-minimally coupled scalar field φ that can account not only for the spatial periodicity or the picket-fence structure exhibited by the galaxy N-z relation of the 2dF survey but also for the spatial power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) temperature anisotropy observed by the WMAP satellite. The Hubble diagram of our model also compares well with the observation of Type Ia supernovae. The scalar field of our model universe starts from an extremely small value at around the nucleosynthesis epoch, remains in that state for sufficiently long periods, allowing sufficient time for the CMB temperature anisotropy to form, and then starts to grow in magnitude at the redshift z of ～1, followed by a damping oscillation which is required to reproduce the observed picket-fence structure of the N-z relation. To realize such behavior of the scalar field, we have found it necessary to introduce a new form of potential V(φ)∝ φ ²exp?(?q φ ²), with q being a constant. Through this parameter q, we can control the epoch at which the scalar field starts growing.     

Oscillatory Response of the 3D Solar Atmosphere to the Leakage of Photospheric Motion

The direct propagation of acoustic waves, driven harmonically at the solar photosphere, into the three-dimensional solar atmosphere is examined numerically in the framework of ideal magnetohydrodynamics. It is of particular interest to study the leakage of 5-minute global solar acoustic oscillations into the upper, gravitationally stratified and magnetised atmosphere, where the modelled solar atmosphere possesses realistic temperature and density stratification. This work aims to complement and bring further into the 3D domain our previous efforts (by Erdélyi et al., 2007, Astron. Astrophys. 467, 1299) on the leakage of photospheric motions and running magnetic-field-aligned waves excited by these global oscillations. The constructed model atmosphere, most suitable perhaps for quiet Sun regions, is a VAL IIIC derivative in which a uniform magnetic field is embedded. The response of the atmosphere to a range of periodic velocity drivers is numerically investigated in the hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic approximations. Among others the following results are discussed in detail: i) High-frequency waves are shown to propagate from the lower atmosphere across the transition region, experiencing relatively low reflection, and transmitting most of their energy into the corona; ii) the thin transition region becomes a wave guide for horizontally propagating surface waves for a wide range of driver periods, and particularly at those periods that support chromospheric standing waves; iii) the magnetic field acts as a waveguide for both high- and low-frequency waves originating from the photosphere and propagating through the transition region into the solar corona. Electronic Supplementary Material  The online version of this article () contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Ion acoustic solitary waves in plasma with nonthermal electron,positron and warm ion

In this paper, the characteristics of ion acoustic solitary waves are studied in plasmas containing warm ion fluid, non-thermally distributed electron and positron. We study the effects of non-thermal electrons and ion temperature on solitons by Pseudo-potential method and show that the parametric region where ion acoustic solitons can exist is modified. We also obtain linear dispersion relation by using the standard normal-modes analysis.     

Very Large Array,SOHO, and RHESSI Observations of Magnetic Interactions and Particle Propagation across Large-Scale Coronal Loops

Very Large Array (VLA) observations at wavelengths of 20 and 91 cm have been combined with data from the SOHO and RHESSI solar missions to study the evolution of transequatorial loops connecting active regions on the solar surface. The radio observations provide information about the acceleration and propagation of energetic electrons in these large-scale coronal magnetic structures where energy release and transport take place. On one day, a long-lasting Type I noise storm at 91 cm was seen to intensify and shift position above the northern hemisphere region following an impulsive hard X-ray burst in the southern hemisphere footpoint region. VLA 20-cm observations as well as SOHO EIT EUV images showed evolving coronal plasma that appeared to move across the solar equator during this time period. This suggests that the transequatorial loop acted as a conduit for energetic particles or fields that may have triggered magnetic changes in the corona where the northern noise storm region was seen. On another day, a hard X-ray burst detected at the limb was accompanied by impulsive 20- and 91-cm burst emission along a loop connecting to an active region in the same hemisphere but about 5′ away, again suggesting particle propagation and remote flare triggering across interconnecting loops.     

Sub-terahertz,Microwaves and High Energy Emissions During the 6 December 2006 Flare,at 18:40 UT

The presence of a solar burst spectral component with flux density increasing with frequency in the sub-terahertz range, spectrally separated from the well-known microwave spectral component, bring new possibilities to explore the flaring physical processes, both observational and theoretical. The solar event of 6 December 2006, starting at about 18:30 UT, exhibited a particularly well-defined double spectral structure, with the sub-THz spectral component detected at 212 and 405 GHz by the Solar Submilimeter Telescope (SST) and microwaves (1 – 18 GHz) observed by the Owens Valley Solar Array (OVSA). Emissions obtained by instruments onboard satellites are discussed with emphasis to ultra-violet (UV) obtained by the Transition Region And Coronal Explorer (TRACE), soft X-rays from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) and X- and γ-rays from the Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI). The sub-THz impulsive component had its closer temporal counterparts only in the higher energy X- and γ-rays ranges. The spatial positions of the centers of emission at 212 GHz for the first flux enhancement were clearly displaced by more than one arc-minute from positions at the following phases. The observed sub-THz fluxes and burst source plasma parameters were difficult to be reconciled with a purely thermal emission component. We discuss possible mechanisms to explain the double spectral components at microwaves and in the THz ranges.