Photometric study of VZ hydrae

The photoelectric elements of the system VZ Hydrae have been redetermined inU, B andV colours. Our results are at variance from those given earlier by Walker. The colour of the system has also been given. The system is a detached one.     

A new period and period changes in VZ Hydrae

A new period (P=2 _. ^d 9042997) of the eclipsing binary system VZ Hydrae has been given, which is based on all the available times of minima. The period based on the photoelectric epochs has also been presented. The O?C diagram and detailed period study of VZ Hya have been presented for the first time, and the period changes have been estimated in different portions of the O?C diagram. Significant period changes do not appear to have occurred in VZ Hya, however, the O?C diagram suggests that the period of the system shows a slow tendency to increase. Period changes of 10^?5 d (?) to 10^?7 d have occurred around the years 1933, 1971, and 1975. All four period changes are noted in the time-interval 1918 to 1978. Upward treands appear stronger than the declining trends. Secondary minima show larger fluctuations than the primary minima. The fluctuations of the O?C values around the zero-line of VZ Hya demands notice for searching out the cause of period variations such as the presence of a third body.     

The nature of the eclipses of VZ Hydrae

Further study of the observedU, B, V light curves of VZ Hya reveals that the primary eclipse is an occultation.     

First CCD photometry for the contact binary VZ Trianguli

First CCD photometry is presented for the eclipsing binary VZ Trianguli, observed at the Sheshan Station of Shanghai Astronomical Observatory in 2008. Using the Wilson–Devinney Code, the photometric solution of VZ Tri was first deduced from the R-band observations. The results show that VZ Tri is an A-subtype late-type contact binary, with a mass ratio of q=0.350(±0.004) and a low contact degree of f=27.9%(±1.0%). Based on all available light minimum times covering over 40 years, it is found that the orbital period shows a long-term decrease at a rate of dP/dt=−1.52(±0.03)×10⁻⁷ d yr⁻¹, suggesting that VZ Tri is undergoing mass transfer from the more massive component to the less massive component, accompanied with angular momentum loss. With period decreasing, the inner and outer critical Roche lobes will shrink, and then cause the contact degree to increase. Therefore, the weak-contact binary VZ Tri with decreasing period may evolve into a deep-contact configuration.     

VZ CVn: a close binary system with γ Doradus-like variations

We present new photometric two-colour observations of the double-lined close binary star VZ CVn. Combining two data sets obtained in 1971–72 and in 2006, the physical parameters of both components were derived. After removing the light variations due to the eclipses and proximity effects, a periodic variation in the more massive component with a dominant period of 1.068 76 d could be detected in the first photometric data set. In accordance with its position on the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram and both its pulsation period and pulsation constant of 0.62 d, the primary component of VZ CVn should be an excellent γ Doradus candidate. The less massive secondary component seems to have smaller radius with respect to its mass. Both components appear to have lower luminosities with respect to their masses; hence, their radiative properties seem to be different. The evolutionary status of the components is also discussed.     

Possible connection between period change and magnetic activity of the very short‐period binary VZ Piscium

New times of light minimum of the short‐period (P = 0^d.26) close binary system, VZ Psc, are presented. A period investigation of the binary star, by combining the three new eclipse times with the others collected from the literatures, shows that the variation of the period might be in an alternate way. Under the hypothesis that the variation of the orbital period is cyclic, a period of 25 years and an amplitude of 0.^d0030 for the cyclic change are determined. If this periodic variation is caused by the presence of a third body, the mass of the third body (m₃) should be no less than 0.081M_⊙. Since both components of VZ Psc are strong chromospherically active and the level of activity of the secondary component is higher than that of the primary one, the period may be more plausibly explained by cyclic magnetic activity of the less massive component. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Radiative association of C and P, and Si and P atoms

The rate coefficients for the formation of carbon monophosphide (CP) and silicon monophosphide (SiP) by radiative association are estimated for temperatures ranging from 300 to 14 100 K. In this temperature range, the radiative association rate coefficients are found to vary from  1.14 × 10⁻¹⁸  to  1.62 × 10⁻¹⁸ cm³ s⁻¹  and from  3.73 × 10⁻²⁰  to  7.03 × 10⁻²⁰ cm³ s⁻¹  for CP and SiP, respectively. In both cases, rate coefficients increase slowly with the increase in temperature.     

DDO photometry and metallic abundances of E and SO galaxies and globular clusters of the LMC and SMC

Metallicity of 8 E and SO galaxies as well as that of red globulars of the LMC and SMC were obtained by means of DDO integrated photometry calibrated with galactic globular clusters (Bica and Pastoriza, 1983; hereafter referred to as Paper I). A correction was obtained in order to reduce the colors of the galaxies to zero redshift. The relation metallicity vsM _V for the galaxies is analyzed (adding to our sample the observations of McClure and Van den Bergh, 1968; and Faber, 1973a). For the Magellanic Clouds we found metallicity ranging from intermediate to poor.     

Uranus and Neptune: Shape and rotation

Both Uranus and Neptune are thought to have strong zonal winds with velocities of several 100 m s⁻¹. These wind velocities, however, assume solid-body rotation periods based on Voyager 2 measurements of periodic variations in the planets’ radio signals and of fits to the planets’ magnetic fields; 17.24 h and 16.11 h for Uranus and Neptune, respectively. The realization that the radio period of Saturn does not represent the planet’s deep interior rotation and the complexity of the magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune raise the possibility that the Voyager 2 radio and magnetic periods might not represent the deep interior rotation periods of the ice giants. Moreover, if there is deep differential rotation within Uranus and Neptune no single solid-body rotation period could characterize the bulk rotation of the planets. We use wind and shape data to investigate the rotation of Uranus and Neptune. The shapes (flattening) of the ice giants are not measured, but only inferred from atmospheric wind speeds and radio occultation measurements at a single latitude. The inferred oblateness values of Uranus and Neptune do not correspond to bodies rotating with the Voyager rotation periods. Minimization of wind velocities or dynamic heights of the 1 bar isosurfaces, constrained by the single occultation radii and gravitational coefficients of the planets, leads to solid-body rotation periods of ∼16.58 h for Uranus and ∼17.46 h for Neptune. Uranus might be rotating faster and Neptune slower than Voyager rotation speeds. We derive shapes for the planets based on these rotation rates. Wind velocities with respect to these rotation periods are essentially identical on Uranus and Neptune and wind speeds are slower than previously thought. Alternatively, if we interpret wind measurements in terms of differential rotation on cylinders there are essentially no residual atmospheric winds.     

Substructure and the cusp and fold relations

Gravitational lensing of a background source by a foreground galaxy lens occasionally produces four images of the source. The cusp and the fold relations impose conditions on the ratios of magnifications of these four-image lenses. In this theoretical investigation, we explore the sensitivity of these relations to the presence of substructure in the lens. Starting with a smooth lens potential, we add varying amounts of substructure, while keeping the source position fixed, and find that the fold relation is a more robust indicator of substructure than the cusp relation for the images. This robustness is independent of the detailed spatial distribution of the substructure, as well as of the ellipticity of the lensing potential and the presence of external shear.     

Gravity and Topography of Moon and Planets

Planetology serves the understanding on the one hand of the solar system and on the other hand, for investigating similarities and differences, of our own planet. While observational evidence about the outer planets is very limited, substantial datasets exist for the terrestrial planets. Radar and optical images and detailed models of gravity and topography give an impressive insight into the history, composition and dynamics of moon and planets. However, there exists still significant lack of data. It is therefore recommended to equip all future satellite missions to the moon and to planets with full tensor gravity gradiometers and radar altimeters.     

Fragmentation and hydration of tektites and microtektites

Abstract— An examination of data collected over the last 30 years indicates that the percent of glass fragments vs. whole splash forms in the Cenozoic microtektite strewn fields increases towards the source crater (or source region). We propose that this is due to thermal stress produced when tektites and larger microtektites fall into water near the source crater while still relatively hot (>1150 °C). We also find evidence (low major oxide totals, frothing when melted) for hydration of most of the North American tektite fragments and microtektites found in marine sediments. High-temperature mass spectrometry indicates that these tektite fragments and microtektites contain up to 3.8 wt% H₂O. The H₂O-release behavior during the high-temperature mass-spectrometric analysis, plus high CI abundances (0.05 wt%), indicate that the North American tektite fragments and microtektites were hydrated in the marine environment (i.e., the H₂O was not trapped solely on quenching from a melt). The younger Ivory Coast and Australasian microtektites do not exhibit much evidence of hydration (at least not in excess of 0.5 wt% H₂O); this suggests that the degree of hydration increases with age. In addition, we find that some glass spherules (with <65 wt% SiO₂) from the upper Eocene clinopyroxene-bearing spherule layer in the Indian Ocean have palagonitized rims. These spherules appear to have been altered in a similar fashion to the splash form K/T boundary spherules. Thus, our data indicate that tektites and microtektites that generally contain >65 wt% SiO₂ can undergo simple hydration in the marine environment, while impact glasses (with <65 wt% SiO₂) can also undergo palagonitization.     

On universal elements,and conversion procedures to and from position and velocity

An element set is advocated that is familiar (in traditional terms), and yet applicable to every type of conic-section orbit without loss of accuracy. It is not free of singularity, but this is not a serious deficiency. Conversion procedures, to and from position and velocity, are outlined, with Fortran-77 listings appended. Tests have indicated that the errors in the pair of procedures are minimal, accuracy being limited only by computer precision and the (fixed) number of iterations used in the Kepler-equation solutions.     

Radii and Albedos of four Trojan asteroids and Jovian satellites 6 and 7

Thermal radiation has been detected from four asteroids of the Trojan group, and J6 and J7, the brightest of the outer satellites of Jupiter. The six objects all have exceedingly low geometric albedos of 0.02 or 0.03 according to calculations based on their known visual brightness and the measured thermal fluxes. 624 Hektor, the largest object studied here, has a radius of 110 ± 20 km, though the exact shape of this body is in question. While the sample observed in this work is small (the total number of Trojans larger than 0.25 km in radius is about 1000), the fact that all four studied have similarly low albedos suggests that this property is characterisic of the Trojans and at least two of the outer members of Jupiter's retinue of satellites. The low surface albedo of the Trojans may preclude the proposed origin of the Jovian group of comets among these bodies according to E. Rabe. Updated tables of the dimensions of all the Jovian satellites are given.     

Local solar magnetic and velocity field development and related photospheric and chromospheric activity

We have compiled the results of our long-term studies of the local magnetic field and its activity development, derived from investigating sunspot group evolution, photoelectrically measured longitudinal magnetic and velocity fields, and measurements of sunspot proper motions. We estimate certain regularities according to which the magnetic and velocity fields, and photospheric, as well as chromospheric activities develop. We speculate about the physical background of such processes.Dedicated to Cornelis de Jager     

Martian surface and crust: Review and synthesis

Mariner 9 data and earlier data are combined to investigate the nature of the classical markings on Mars. This leads to a model of crustal evolution and structure. Combination of radar and spectrophotometric data strengthens earlier evidence for petrologic distinctions between surface materials in dark and light regions. The classical surface markings are a complex result of three influences: (1) availability of two types of rock material transportable by wind, (2) topographic control of deposition, and (3) prevailing winds producing quasipermanent preferential deposition patterns. The crust, especially in the Tharsis region, bears strong evidence of mantle-induced uplift of a type recognized on Earth as long ago as 1939. Such uplifts have obliterated ancient craters, caused fractures, and graben systems such as the Coprates canyon, and resulted in intense volcanism. This evidence, combined with an apparent bimodal hypsometric diagram, indicates Mars has current or recent mantle activity sufficient to disturb the crust, aid in petrologic differentiation, and cause development of protocontinental units, but insufficient to cause full-fledged continental drift or fold-causing plate collisions as are common on Earth.     

Transport and emplacement of crater and basin deposits

Material is ejected from impact craters in ballastic trajectories; it impacts first near the crater rim and then at progressively greater ranges. Ejecta from craters smaller than approximately 1 km is laid predominantly on top of the surrounding surface. With increasing crater size, however, more and more surrounding surface will be penetrated by secondary cratering action and these preexisting materials will be mixed with primary crater ejecta. Ejecta from large craters and especially basin forming events not only excavate preexisting, local materials, but also are capable of moving large amounts of material away from the crater. Thus mixing and lateral transport give rise to continuous deposits that contain materials from within and outside the primary crater. As a consequence ejecta of basins and large highland craters have eroded and mixed highland materials throughout geologic time and deposited them in depressions inside and between older crater structures.Because lunar mare surfaces contain few large craters, the mare regolith is built up by successive layers of predominantly primary ejecta. In contrast, the lunar highlands are dominated by the effects of large scale craters formed early in lunar history. These effects lead to thick fragmental deposits which are a mixture of primary crater material and local components. These deposits may also properly be named regolith though the term has been traditionally applied only to the relatively thin fine grained surficial deposit on mare and highland terranes generated during the past few billion year. We believe that the surficial highland regolith - generated over long periods of time - rests on massive fragmental units that have been produced during the early lunar history.