On the IAU 2000/2006 precession–nutation and comparison with other models and VLBI observations

In this paper, we discuss the fundamental aspects of the semi-analytical precession–nutation models that were adopted by IAU Resolutions in 2000 and 2006. We show that no significant discrepancies appear between those models (Mathews et al., J Geophys Res 107:B4, ETG 3-1–3-26, 2002, Capitaine et al., Astron Astrophys 412:567– 586, 2003) and other semi-analytical solutions or the INPOP06 numerical integration (Fienga et al., Astron Astrophys 477:315–327, 2008), especially for the quadratic terms. We also report on the most recent comparisons of the models with VLBI observations. We have employed different empirical models to fit the residuals, in attempting to characterize the nature of the observed curvature. The efficiencies of those empirical models are compared and their interpretations in terms of physical mechanisms are discussed. We show that a combination of linear and 18.6-year corrections is the most credible model for explaining the currently observed residuals, but that a longer span of observations is required before the true character of the effect can be determined. We note that the predictions from the ERA-2005 theory (Krasinsky, Celest Mech Dyn Astron 96:169–217, 2006) have diverged from recent VLBI results and suggest that the empirical nature of the ERA model is responsible.     

On the Flux-Rope Topology of Ejecta Observed in the Period 1997 – 2006

In the following study our aim is to analyse the magnetic flux-rope topology of some events observed in the interplanetary medium related to ejecta. The magnetic field structures associated with interplanetary coronal mass ejections are globally classified in magnetic clouds and ejecta. One of the main questions regarding these phenomena concerns their flux-rope or non-flux-rope magnetic field line configuration. From the experimental measurements the only way to elucidate such a question is analysing the corresponding data by means of a flux-rope physical model. After selecting the ejecta events observed during the period 1997?–?2006, we have analysed them in light of an analytical model with that topology for the magnetic field components, initially developed for magnetic clouds, and with a non-force-free character; then, incorporating the expansion of the magnetic structure during their evolution in the interplanetary medium. Different parameters obtained from the fitting of the model are related to the orientation of the axis of the magnetic flux-rope structure and, additionally, the closest distance approach of the spacecraft to its axis. One of the main conclusions achieved concerns the fact that the axes of most of those structures are close to the Sun–Earth line, which implies that the passage of the spacecraft through the corresponding ejecta event is by its flank. In general, we show a rough procedure for the analysis and classification of ejecta in terms of their magnetic field topology.     

Hα profile variabilities in the spectrum of the star WW Vul in 2006–2010

We present the results of our studies of the Hα line in the spectrum of a UX Ori star (WW Vul) based on our spectroscopic observations performed with the 2-m telescope at the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, in 2006–2010. We have detected variability in all the measured parameters of the Hα profile both during each observing season and from season to season. A comparative analysis of our data and published studies has led to the conclusion that the regime of outflow with a variable power in the star WW Vul, on the whole, is preserved for almost 40 years (1972–2010) and the accretion of gas from the circumstellar disk onto the stellar surface is occasionally observed. Changes in the regime of variability in the behavior of the Hα emission line have been revealed in the 2006–2010 observing seasons. In four cases (for July 8, 2006, August 17, 2008, June 13, 2010, and August 2, 2010), we have detected a second emission component in the blue wing of the Hα emission line.     

A research of the Orionid meteor shower by television observations in 2006–2008

The results of observations of the Orionid meteor shower are given in the period from 2006 to 2008. Observations were carried out using a highly sensitive camera FAVOR (FAst Variability Optical Registrator) a limiting magnitude of above +11.0^m (for stars) and a field of view of 18° × 20°. Over the period of the shower from October 2 to November 7, 2006–2008, there were 3713 meteors. 449 of these meteors were associated with the Orionid meteor shower. The distributions of Orionid meteors by the stellar magnitude is presented. It turned out that most of meteors (65%) of this shower have a brightness of +5.0^m-+7.0^m. On each night of observation the index of meteor activity was calculated for Orionids.     

Identification of lines in the spectrum of the quasar 0237–233

The emission and absorption lines (3716–4290) in the spectrum of the quasar 0237–233 are identified within the framework of the PLS model. The available evidence indicates that it is a helium star. Similarities between the spectral properties of 0237–233 and the star Upsilon Sagittarii are pointed out. Predictions are made for the absorption-line spectrum which falls outside 3716–4290 and also for an expected discontinuity at 2600.     

Re-Evaluation of the Flare–Type II–CME Association

We have re-evaluated the association of type II solar radio bursts with flares and/or coronal mass ejections (CMEs) using the year 2000 solar maximum data. For this, we consider 52 type II events whose associations with flares or CMEs were absent or not clearly identified and reported. These events are classified as follows; group I: 11 type IIs for which there are no reports of GOES X-ray flares and CMEs; group II: 12 type IIs for which there are no reports of GOES X-ray flares; and group III: 29 type IIs for which the flare locations are not reported. By carefully re-examining their association from GOES X-ray and H, Yohkoh SXT and EIT-EUV data, we attempt to answer the following questions: (i) if there really were no X-ray flares associated with the above 23 type IIs of groups I and II; (ii) whether they can be regarded as backside events whose X-ray emission might have been occulted. From this analysis, we have found that two factors, flare background intensity and flare location, play important roles in the complete reports about flare–type II–CME associations. In the above 23 cases, for more than 50% of the cases in total, the X-ray flares were not noticed and reported, because the background intensity of X-ray flux was high. In the remaining cases, the X-ray intensity might be greatly reduced due to occultation. From the H flare data, Yohkoh SXT data and EIT-EUV data, we found that ten cases out of 23 might be frontside events, and the remaining are backside events. While the flare–type II association is found to be nearly 90%, the type II–CME association is roughly around 75%. This analysis might be useful to reduce some ambiguities regarding the association among type IIs, flares and CMEs.     

On the Dynamical Foundations of the Lidov–Kozai Theory

The Lidov–Kozai theory developed by each of the authors independently in 1961–1962 is based on qualitative methods of studying the evolution of orbits for the satellite version of the restricted three-body problem (Hill’s problem). At present, this theory is in demand in various fields of science: in the field of planetary research within the Solar system, the field of exoplanetary systems, and the field of high-energy physics in interstellar and intergalactic space. This has prompted me to popularize the ideas that underlie the Lidov–Kozai theory based on the experience of using this theory as an efficient tool for solving various problems related to the study of the secular evolution of the orbits of artificial planetary satellites under the influence of external gravitational perturbations with allowance made for the perturbations due to the polar planetary oblateness.     

Sunspot Catalogue of the Observatory of the University of Coimbra (1929 – 1941)

A sunspot catalogue was published by the Coimbra Astronomical Observatory (Portugal), which is now called the Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra, for the period 1929?–?1941. We digitalised data included in that catalogue and provide a machine-readable version. We show the reconstructions for the (total and hemispheric) sunspot number index and sunspot area according to this catalogue and compare it with the sunspot number index (version 2) and the Balmaceda sunspot area series (Balmaceda et al. in J. Geophys. Res.114, A07104, 2009). Moreover, we also compared the Coimbra catalogue with records made at the Royal Greenwich Observatory. The results demonstrate that the historical catalogue compiled by the Coimbra Astronomical Observatory contains reliable sunspot data and can therefore be considered for studies about solar activity.     

Analysis of the activity of the blazar BL Lacertae over the period 1998–2011

In 1998–2011 the blazar (active galactic nucleus) BL Lacertae was observed at Crimean Astrophysical Observatory (CrAO) with the second-generation GT-48 Cherenkov telescope at energies >1 TeV with a total significance of 11.8σ. More than 20 flares and a fourfold change in yearly mean fluxes (>1 TeV) were recorded. The optical (B band) data obtained at CrAO and the TeV data are shown to correlate in some time intervals. The optical data are also compared with the X-ray RXTE/ASM (2–10 keV) data. In addition, the data from GT-48 are compared with the gamma-ray fluxes recorded by the Fermi LAT space telescope (0.1–300 GeV). The 2009 flare at TeV and Fermi energies has been studied. As a result, it has been found that as the activity rises the increase in flux at high energies exceeds its increase at low energies. This conclusion may be related to the conversion mechanism of particle acceleration. This is consistent with the results of studies for a similar object, 1ES 1426+428.     

Variations of the harmonic components of the X-ray pulse profile of PSR B1509–58

We used the Fourier decomposition technique to investigate the stability of the X-ray pulse profile of a young pulsar PSR B1509–58 by studying the relative amplitudes and phase differences of its harmonic components with respect to the fundamental using data from the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer. Like most young rotation powered pulsars, PSR B1509–58 has a high spin down rate. It also has less timing noise, allowing accurate measurement of higher order frequency derivatives which in turn helps in the study of the physics of pulsar spin down. Detailed investigation of pulse profiles over the years will help us establish any possible connection between the timing characteristics and the high energy emission characteristics for this pulsar.Furthermore, the study of pulse profiles of short period X-ray pulsars can also be useful when used as a means of interplanetary navigation. The X-ray pulse profile of this source has been analyzed for 15 yr(1996–2011). The long term average amplitudes of the first, second and third harmonics(and their standard deviation for individual measurements) compared to the fundamental are 36.9%(1.7%), 13.4%(1.9%) and 9.4%(1.8%) respectively. Similarly, the phases of the three harmonics(and standard deviations) with respect to the fundamental are 0.36(0.06), 1.5(0.2) and 2.5(0.3) radian respectively. We do not find any significant variation of the harmonic components of the pulse profile in comparison to the fundamental.     

万届IAU大会轶事

2006年8月,在捷克首都布拉格举行了第26届IAU大会。本次大会不仅公布了第28届IAU大会将于北京召开的喜讯,也经过投票对冥王星做出了降级的决议。现在让我们再来回顾一下关于冥王星的那个“重大”决定吧!     

Estimating the strength of the nucleus material of comet 67P Churyumov–Gerasimenko

Consideration is given to the estimates for the strength of the consolidated material forming the bulk of the nucleus of comet 67P Churyumov–Gerasimenko and those for the strength of the surface material overlying the consolidated material at the sites of the first and last contact of the Philae lander with the nucleus. The strength of the consolidated material was estimated by analyzing the terrain characteristics of the steep cliffs, where the material is exposed on the surface. Based on these estimates, the tensile strength of the material is in the range from 1.5 to 100 Pa; the shear strength, from ～13 to ?30 Pa; and the compressive strength, from 30 to 150 Pa, possibly up to 1.5 kPa. These are very low strength values. Given the dependence of the measurement results on the size of the measured object, they are similar to those of fresh dry snow at –10°C. The (compressive) strength of the surface material at the site of the first touchdown of Philae on the nucleus is estimated from the measurements of the dynamics of the surface impact by the spacecraft’s legs and the geometry of the impact pits as 1–3 kPa. For comparison with the measurement results for ice-containing materials in terrestrial laboratories, it needs to be taken into account that the rate of deformation by Philae’s legs is four orders of magnitude higher than that in typical terrestrial measurements, leading to a possible overestimation of the strength by roughly an order of magnitude. There was an attemp to put one of the MUPUS sensors into the surface material at the site of the last contact of Philae with the nucleus. Noticeable penetration of the tester probe was not achieved that led to estimation of the minimum compressive strength of the material to be ?4 MPa4 This fairly high strength appears to indicate the presence of highly porous ice with grains “frozen” at contacts.     

Variation of the inner disk radius during the onset of the 2010 outburst of MAXI J1659–152

Low mass black hole binaries are generally transient sources and spend most of their time in the quiescent state. It is believed that the inner accretion flow in the quiescent state is in the form of advection dominated accretion flow and the cold outer accretion disk is truncated far away from the central black hole. During the onset of an outburst, the disk gradually extends towards the central black hole.However, the observational evidence for this general picture is indirect at best. Here we present the results of a study performed to understand the variation of the inner disk radius during the early phase of an outburst. We investigated the variation of the inner disk radius during the 2010 outburst of the black hole candidate MAXI J1659-152 using the method of simultaneous spectral fitting. We found that the inner edge of the disk is truncated at a large radius in the beginning of the outburst when the source was in the hard state. We found a systematic decrease in the inner disk radius as the outburst progressed. We also estimated an upper limit on the mass of the black hole to be 8.1 ± 2.9 M within the uncertainty of the distance and inclination angle.     

Study of the optical variability of T Tau in the period 1962–2003

We present the results of our long-term U BV R observations of the star T Tauri performed at Mt. Maidanak Observatory from 1986 until 2003. These data, together with previous photoelectric observations of other authors, suggest that the long-term variations of the light curve are not periodic, but have a cycle with a time scale of 6–9 yr. The light curve also exhibits slower variations with time scales of ～30–40 yr. We confirm the existence of periodic brightness variations with a period of \(P = 2\mathop .\limits^d 798\) over many years; this process is peculiar in that the phase and shape of the phase curve change from season to season. We analyze the color behavior of the star. We found evidence of a strong flare occurred on October 5, 1999, when the brightness of the star reached \(9\mathop .\limits^m 22\). This is the strongest flare recorded during its photoelectric observations.     

Study of the nuclear activity of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 7469 over the period of observations 2008–2014

We present the results of our multicolor UBV RI observations of NGC 7469, a type 1 Seyfert galaxy (SyG 1), in 2008–2014 at the Maidanak Observatory. Analysis of the long-term variability of NGC 7469 for two observing periods, 1990–2007 and 2008–2014, has shown the existence of yet another activity cycle of the slow component in 2009–2014 with an activity maximum in 2011–2012. We have studied the slow variability component in 2009–2014 and constructed the color–color (U ? B), (B ? V) diagrams for the variability maxima and minima of NGC 7469 in various apertures and for the blackbody gas radiation modeling the accretion disk radiation. It can be seen from the color–color diagram that the color of the nuclear part of NGC 7469 becomes bluer at maximum brightness, suggesting a higher temperature of the accretion disk. We have analyzed the X-ray variability of NGC 7469 in 2008 and 2009 in comparison with the activity minimum in 2003. The optical–X ray correlation coefficient in 2008 is close to 0.5. The weak correlation is explained by the influence of an SN 1a explosion in the circumnuclear part of NGC 7469, which manifests itself in the optical band but does not change the pattern of X-ray variability. Comparison of the variability data for 2009 shows an optical–X ray (U band–7–10 keV) correlation with a correlation coefficient of about 0.93. The correlation coefficient and the lag depend on the wavelength in the optical and X-ray bands. The lag between the X-ray and optical fluxes in 2009 is observed to a lesser extent in 2003.     

Physical properties of the particles composing the Martian dust storm of 1971–1972

Infrared spectra obtained from the Mariner 9 spacecraft during the 1971–1972 dust storm are used to derive information on the composition and particle size distribution of the dust and to study the time evolution of the storm. The dust is not composed of pure granite, basalt, basaltic glass, obsidian, quartz, andesite, or montmorillonite. The infrared spectra suggest that the dust is a mixture of materials, dominated by igneous silicates with >62;60% SiO₂, or weathering products such as clay minerals, but the dust could possibly have a significant component of lower SiO₂ materials such as basalt. Substantial quantities of carbonates, nitrates, or carbon suboxide are excluded from the mixture. All infrared, visible, and ultraviolet data on the Martian surface composition seem consistent with a mixture of basalt and clay minerals or high SiO₂ igneous rocks, with a surface patina of oxides of iron. For all candidate compositions, the data are best matched with a size distribution that approximates a differential power law function of slope ?4. This size distribution is quite similar to terrestial size distributions in regions remote from sources of dust. The relative abundance of particles between 1- and 10-μm radius did not change during the Mariner 9 mission; thus suspended particles did not experience Stokes-Cunningham fallout but instead were supported by turbulence with an eddy diffusion coefficient, $\text{K}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>e</mtext>}}\text{? 7 × 10}{}^6\text{cm}{}^2\text{sec}{}^{\mathrm{?1}}$. The aerosol optical depth, standardized to 0.3-μm wavelength, varied from about 1.5 early in the mission to about 0.2 at Orbit 200.     

Leonids 2006 observations of the tail of trails: Where is the comet fluff?

In 2006, Earth encountered a trail of dust left by Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle two revolutions ago, in A.D. 1932. The resulting Leonid shower outburst was observed by low light level cameras from locations in Spain. The outburst peaked on 2006 Nov. 19d 04h39m ± 3m UT (predicted: 19d 04h50m ± 15m UT), with a FWHM of 43 ± 10 min (predicted: 38 min), at a peak rate of ZHR=80±10/h (predicted: 50-200 per hour). A low level background of older and brighter Filament Leonids (χ∼2.1) was also present, which dominated rates for Leonids brighter than magnitude +4. The 1932-dust outburst was detected among Leonids of +0 magnitude and brighter. These outburst Leonids were much brighter than expected, with a magnitude distribution index χ=2.60±0.15 (predicted: χ=3.47 and up). Trajectories and orbits of 24 meteors were calculated, most of which are part of the Filament component. Those that were identified as 1932-dust grains penetrated just as deep as Leonids in past encounters. We conclude that larger meteoroids than expected were present in the tail of the 1932-dust trail and meteoroids did not end up there because of low density. We also find that the radiant position of meteors in the Filament component scatter in a circle with radius 0.39°, which is wider than in 1998, when the diameter was 0.09°. This supports the hypothesis that the Filament component consists of meteoroids in mean-motion resonances.     

The Influence of Fluctuations of the Solar Emission Line Profileon the Doppler Shift of Interplanetary HLyα Lines Observed by the Hubble–Space–Telescope

In an earlier research the employment of a radiation transport model with angle-dependent partial frequency redistribution, self-absorption by interplanetary hydrogen, realistic solar H_Lyαemission profile, and a time dependent `hot' hydrogen model to analyze 5 interplanetary H_Lyα glow spectra obtained with theHubble–Space–Telescope–GHRS spectrometer, has not resulted in unequivocal determination of a set of thermodynamical parameters of the interstellar hydrogen The residual discrepancies between the model and the data concern the observations performed within an interval of 1 year close to the solar minimum from very similar lines of sight. In this paper we investigate by calculating interplanetary H_Lyα lines with the use of a one hydrogen distribution and several solar H_Lyα line profiles whether this residual may be caused by possible variations in time of the shape of the solar H_Lyα emission line profile which cause variable illuminations of the interplanetary gas. These variations of illuminations cause variations in Doppler shift of the resonant interplanetary H_Lyα line that can amount to ≃ 4 km s^-1in the line peak. Consequently we conclude that without adequate knowledge of the solar H_Lyα emission line profile during spectral observations of the interplanetary hydrogen gas it is impossible to obtain an agreement between models and observations better than by this value. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.