Methane absorption variations in the spectrum of Pluto

Absolute spectrophotometry of Pluto in the wavelength range of 5600 to 10,500 Å was obtained on 4 nights covering lightcurve phases of 0.18, 0.35, 0.49, and 0.98. The four phases included minimum light (0.98) and one near maximum light (0.49). The spectra reveal significant variations in the absorption depths of the methane bands at 6200, 7200, 7900, 8400, 8600, 8900, and 10,000 Å. The minimum amount of absorption was found to occur at minimum light. This variation would imply a 30° change in the column abundance of methane within 3 days. A model employing an anisotropic surface distribution of methane frost and a clear layer of CH₄ gas was developed to explain the variation in absorption strength with rotational phase. The fit to the overall spectrum requires the presence of a frost with particle sizes on the order of a few millimeters. An upper limit of 5.5 m-am is derived for the one-way column abundance of CH₄ gas. An equally good fit to the variation of the 7200-Å band is obtained if the atmosphere is removed from the model entirely.     

Secular variations in the spectrum of solar p-modes

The solar p-mode spectrum of very low I is measured with high accuracy for a long enough period of time so as to allow the search for solar cycle variations. In this paper solar cycle variations of the frequency and energy of the modes are confirmed. Moreover, a slight variation,within errors, of its rotational splitting with the solar cycle, is suggested.     

Diurnal variations in the spectrum of lower-ionosphere plasma irregularities

We examined the variations caused in the spectrum of lower-ionosphere plasma irregularities by diurnal changes of ionospheric parameters. We demonstrate that at a height of 95 km, where the irregularities arise due to the turbulence of the neutral atmosphere, the expected level of plasma irregularity fluctuations at a constant turbulent mixing intensity is smaller in the daytime than at night. The one-dimensional spectrum which can be measured in experiments also changes, namely, the spectrum slope is greater at night.     

Rapid variations of narrow absorption line components in the spectrum of P Cygni

We report the detection of rapid wavelength and intensity variations of narrow components in absorption line profiles of the hot galactic supergiant P Cygni. During most of the time, in 1 week of observations, there were two such components present. Although the period of observation is too short for firm conclusions, the velocity curves do not contradict the photometric period of 17.3 days. These curves may be interpreted as a double wave, ‘swinging in counterphase’. This observation would suggest the presence of one long wave over the stellar surface. The waves are possibly gravity waves with wavelengths of the order of half the stellar radius.     

Periodic variations in the spectrum of the dwarf nova WX Hyi in outburst and minimum

We present the analysis of spectrograms obtained during quiescence and during an ordinary outburst of the SU UMa type dwarf nova WX Hyi (ESO 3.6m telescope, B&C spectrograph with Image Disector Scanner, 171 Åmm^–1, range 4000–7000 Å, time resolution 6min.). The radial velocities of these spectra have been discussed by Schoembs and Vogt (1981) who also derived the orbital elements of WX Hyi. The phasesmax refer to these elements. All velocities discussed here are with respect to the white dwarf, not to the center of mass of the binary system.Inquiescent state we did not find significant radial velocity variations. The equivalent widths W of the He I emission lines revealed periodic variations with an amplitude of 30%, maximal values of W were observed atmax=0.0...0.2. In contrast, the equivalent widths of the Balmer lines were not variable.Duringoutburst we found periodic radial velocity variations of the emission peak of H, H and He I 5875 with an amplitude of100 km s^–1,max0.5. Also the broad Balmer absorption lines revealed periodic radial velocity variations, with a similar amplitude (max=0.3...0.5). The equivalent width of the H central emission peak varies with an amplitude of30%,max0.85. No variations of the equivalent width of the Balmer absorption lines were found.The outburst observations suggest that the preceeding part of the disc is brighter than the following one (in orbital motion). This is probably due to heating of the preceeding part by collisions with circumbinary matter, which seems to have an enhanced density in outburst as compared to the quiescent state. The emission lines are formed in outer layers or in a halo around the disc. The equivalent width variations can be interpreted in terms of interactions between this halo and the optically thick part of the disc.A more detailed discussion of the data is being published elsewhere.Paper presented at the IAU Colloquium No. 93 on Cataclysmic Variables. Recent Multi-Frequency Observations and Theoretical Developments, held at Dr. Remeis-Sternwarte Bamberg, F.R.G., 16–19 June, 1986     

Spatial and short-term temporal variations in Uranus’ near-infrared spectrum

We obtained near-infrared spectra of Uranus at NASA’s Infrared Telescope Facility during the planet’s September 2006 and September 2007 oppositions. Ratios between the spectra indicate that in 2006, Uranus’ methane windows appeared much brighter in the south than in the north, and that between 2006 and 2007 they grew dimmer in the south and brighter in the north; we interpret these variations to be primarily caused by changing brightness in Uranus’ upper cloud layer near 2 bars.     

Fast parameter estimation from the cosmic microwave background power spectrum

The statistical properties of a map of the primary fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) may be specified to high accuracy by a few thousand power spectra measurements, provided the fluctuations are Gaussian, yet the number of parameters relevant for the CMB is probably no more than ∼10–20. Consequently, there is a large degree of redundancy in the power spectrum data. In this paper, we show that the moped data compression technique can reduce the CMB power spectrum measurements to ∼10–20 numbers (one for each parameter), from which the cosmological parameters can be estimated virtually as accurately as from the complete power spectrum. Combined with recent advances in the speed of generation of theoretical power spectra, this offers opportunities for very fast parameter estimation from real and simulated CMB skies. The evaluation of the likelihood itself, at Planck resolution, is speeded up by factors up to ∼10⁸, ensuring that this step will not be the dominant part of the data analysis pipeline.     

OGO-4 observations of the ultraviolet auroral spectrum

Auroral ultraviolet spectra in the range 1200–3200 A have been obtained by the spectrometer onboard the OGO-4 satellite. Emissions of N₂, H, O and N are readily identified. Atomic and molecular intensities are deduced from the comparison with a synthetic spectrum and compare reasonably well with some previous measurements and calculations. A feature at 2150 A is assigned to the (1-0) NO γ band. Taking into consideration the various excitation mechanisms of NO(A²σ) we propose that the energy transfer from N₂ metastable molecules to oxygen accounts for the excitation of the NO γ bands. In particular, we suggest that the resonant reaction between O₂ and highly metastable N₂(W³Δ) molecules may be a major source of NO(A²σ).     

Superorbital period variations in the X-ray pulsar LMC X-4

We report the discovery of a decay in the superorbital period of the binary X-ray pulsar LMC X-4. Combining archival data and published long term X-ray light curves, we have found a decay in the third period in this system (P ∼ 30.3 day, P ∼ −2 × 10⁻⁵ s s⁻¹). Along with this result, a comparison of the superorbital intensity variations in LMC X-4, Her X-1 and SMC X-1 is also presented.     

Intensity variations and ratios of (9-4) and (7-3) hydroxyl bands in nightglow at Poona

The observed types of nocturnal intensity variations for the OH (9-4) and OH (7-3) bands during IQSY at this Station are further analysed using the theoretical band intensity distribution of Evans and Llewellyn (1972). A considerable agreement is noticed between observed and theoretical intensity ratios, $\text{I(9-4)}\text{I(7-3)}$, for a major portion of the data (～70%), which has a “continuous decrease” type of noctural intensity variation. This data is thereby satisfactorily explained on the basis of available information.For the remaining portion of the data (～30%), which has “an increase followed by decrease” type of intensity variation and higher intensities, the observed ratios are also systematically higher than the above. A satisfactory explanation is offered, by postulating a second layer of emission, by examining closely several aspects of the other observational results.     

Identification of lines in the spectrum of the quasar 0420-388

The plasma-laser star model for quasars has been used to identify the emission and absorption lines as well as the continuum discontinuity in the spectrum of the quasar 0420-388. The Hei 3680 discontinuity is identified for the first time in an astronomical spectra. Two predictions are made.     

The Jovian spectrum in the 3-μm window

The spectral window of Jupiter at 3 μm is analyzed and compared with previously published spectra. The two components of the spectrum, the thermal and the solar reflected contributions, are calculated at low resolution (30 cm^?1) between 3300 and 3800 cm^?1 for preparing the interpretation of the Galileo Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer experiment. The calculations yield to the following conclusions: (1) NH₃ is the main absorber between 3300 and 3600 cm^?1 for both the thermal spectrum and the solar reflected spectrum; H₂O appears only in the thermal component above 3600 cm^?1. (2) The thermal component can be seen only on the dark side of Jupiter; the atmosphere is sounded down to temperature levels of about 210°K. (3) The solar reflected component can be modelized by a reflecting layer between 135 and 140°K with an albedo of 0.3; high spatial resolution maps of Jupiter at 3 μm should give access to the NH₃ spatial distribution on Jupiter.     

The role of the energy spectrum anisotropy in the variations of the cosmic-ray fluctuations power-spectrum before interplanetary medium disturbances

The variations in the form of the cosmic-ray fluctuation power spectrum as an interplanetary shock wave approaches the Earth have been calculated for different values of cosmic ray anisotropy. The relevant experimental estimates of the power spectra are inferred from the data of cosmic ray detection with the ground-based neutron monitors at cosmic-ray stations. A comparison between the theoretical and experimental estimates has demonstrated an important role of the cosmic ray anisotropy spectrum in the generation of the power spectrum as the latter is rearranged before the interplanetary medium disturbances.     

Energy spectrum and time variations of hard X-rays from Cyg X-1

Experimental results on the intensity, energy spectrum and time variations in hard X-ray emission from Cyg X-1 based on a balloon observation made on 1971, April 6 from Hyderabad (India) are described. The average energy spectrum of Cyg X-1 in the 22–154 keV interval on 1971 April 6 is best represented by a power law dN/dE=(5.41±1.53)E ^{–(1.92±0.10)} photons cm^–2s^–1 keV^–1 which is in very good agreement with the spectrum of Cyg X-1 derived from an earlier observation made by us on 1969 April 16 in the 25–151 keV band and given by dN/dE=(3.54±2.44)E ^{–(1.89±0.22)} photons cm^–2s^–1 keV^–1. A thermal bremsstrahlung spectrum fails to give a good fit over the entire energy range for both the observations. Comparison with the observations of other investigators shows that almost all balloon experiments consistently give a spectrum of E ^–2, while below 20 keV the spectrum varies fromE ^–1.7 toE ^–5. There is some indication of a break in the Cyg X-1 spectrum around 20 keV. Spectral analysis of data in different time intervals for the 1971 April 6 flight demonstrates that while the source intensity varies over time scales of a few minutes, there is no appreciable variation in the spectral slope. Analysis of various hard X-ray observations for long term variations shows that over a period of about a week the intensity of Cyg X-1 varies upto a factor of four. The binary model proposed by Dolan is examined and the difficulties in explaining the observed features of Cyg X-1 by this model are pointed out.     

Symbiotic halo star LT Del: Phase variations of the emission spectrum and parameters of the cool component

Long-term photometric and spectroscopic observations of the yellow symbiotic star LT Del are analyzed. UBV light curves are presented. Based on the observations of 20 cycles, we have refined the orbital period of the star, P = 476 _· ^d 0 ± 1 _· ^d 0. The brightness has been found to be unstable at some orbital phases with an amplitude up to 0 _· ^m 3. We have measured the fluxes in hydrogen and helium emission lines and in continuum and investigated their relationship to the orbital period. The fluxes in hydrogen and HeI lines follow the UBV light curves in phase; the He II 4686 Å flux does not depend on the phase and is constant within the accuracy of our measurements. The intensity ratio of the 4686 Å andHβ lines changes from 0.2 to 0.9 over the period. We interpret the spectroscopic observations based on the hypothesis of heating and ionization of the stellar wind from a cool component by high-frequency radiation from a hot star with a temperature of 105 K. We have estimated the spectral type of the cool star from our photometry and its continuum energy distribution as a bright K2–4 red giant branch halo star. The bolometric luminosity and mass loss rate have been estimated for the K component to be L _bol ～ 700L _⊙ and \(\dot{M}\) ～ 10^?8 M _⊙ yr^?1, respectively.     

Some features of the radial-velocity variations of lines of different intensity in the spectrum of HD 93521. Variability of the stellar wind

CCD spectra taken with the PFES echelle spectrograph of the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences are used to perform a detailed study of the variability of the profiles of Hell, Hβ, and Hα lines in the spectrum of HD 93521. The pattern and nature of the variability of the Hell lines are similar to those of weak HeI lines and are due to nonradial pulsations. The period and amplitude of the radial-velocity variations are the same for the blue and red halves of the absorption profile but their phases are opposite. The behavior of the variations of Hβ and Hα hydrogen lines relative to their mean profiles is the same as that of strong HeI line and is due to nonradial pulsations. The period and phase of the radial-velocity oscillations are the same for the blue and red halves of the absorption profile but their amplitude are different. The behavior of the radial-velocity variations of the absorption and emission components of the Hα line indicates that the latter also are caused by nonradial pulsations. All this is indicative of the complex structure of the stellar wind in the region of its origin. The behavior of variability and wind kinematics differ in different directions and for different regions of the atmosphere and/or envelope.     

Nature of the soft x-ray excess in the spectrum of RX J1037.5-5647

The source responsible for the soft x-ray excess in the emission spectrum of the pulsar RX J1037.5-5647 is associated with a hot spot on the surface of the neutron star near the base of an accretion column. The intensity of the emission from this source, however, only undergoes small (on the order of 15%) variations, while the intensity of the hard component varies substantially with the rotation period of the neutron star. We show that this situation can occur if the angle between the axis of rotation and the magnetic axis of the neutron star is no more than 8°. The variation in the intensity of the hard component of the radiation in this case is interpreted in terms of an anisotropy in the directional diagram. In this scenario, the angle of inclination of the orbit of the binary system is close to 10°.     

Composition of hydrated near-Earth object (100085) 1992 UY4

Near-infrared spectra of the near-Earth object (100085) 1992 UY4 are similar to those of P-type asteroids, providing a fitted geometric albedo of 0.052±0.005 and an effective diameter of 1.68±0.08 km. This object, with a likely outer-belt origin, also exhibits a 3-μm absorption feature with a band depth of 3%±1%, corresponding to a regolithic bulk hydrogen-to-silicon ratio of 0.30±0.05. The bulk of this hydrogen seems to be present in H₂O-dominated minerals.