Role of a tachyonic field in accelerating the Universe in the presence of a perfect fluid

Recently, a tachyonic field was presented as a dark energy model to represent the present acceleration of the Universe. In this paper, we consider a mixture of tachyonic fluid with a perfect fluid. For this purpose we consider barotropic fluid and Generalized Chaplygin gas (GCG). We present a particular form of the scale factor. We solve the equations of motion to get exact solutions of the density, tachyonic potential and the tachyonic field. We introduce a coupling term to show that the interaction decays with time. We also show that the nature of the potentials vary, so the interaction term reduces the potential in both cases.     

Automated Detection of Oscillating Regions in the Solar Atmosphere

Recently observed oscillations in the solar atmosphere have been interpreted and modeled as magnetohydrodynamic wave modes. This has allowed for the estimation of parameters that are otherwise hard to derive, such as the coronal magnetic-field strength. This work crucially relies on the initial detection of the oscillations, which is commonly done manually. The volume of Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) data will make manual detection inefficient for detecting all of the oscillating regions. An algorithm is presented that automates the detection of areas of the solar atmosphere that support spatially extended oscillations. The algorithm identifies areas in the solar atmosphere whose oscillation content is described by a single, dominant oscillation within a user-defined frequency range. The method is based on Bayesian spectral analysis of time series and image filtering. A Bayesian approach sidesteps the need for an a-priori noise estimate to calculate rejection criteria for the observed signal, and it also provides estimates of oscillation frequency, amplitude, and noise, and the error in all of these quantities, in a self-consistent way. The algorithm also introduces the notion of quality measures to those regions for which a positive detection is claimed, allowing for simple post-detection discrimination by the user. The algorithm is demonstrated on two Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) datasets, and comments regarding its suitability for oscillation detection in SDO are made.     

Reconstructing the 3-D Trajectories of CMEs in the Inner Heliosphere

A method for the full three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of the trajectories of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) using Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) data is presented. Four CMEs that were simultaneously observed by the inner and outer coronagraphs (COR1 and 2) of the Ahead and Behind STEREO satellites were analysed. These observations were used to derive CME trajectories in 3-D out to ～?15?R _⊙. The reconstructions using COR1/2 data support a radial propagation model. Assuming pseudo-radial propagation at large distances from the Sun (15?–?240?R _⊙), the CME positions were extrapolated into the Heliospheric Imager (HI) field-of-view. We estimated the CME velocities in the different fields-of-view. It was found that CMEs slower than the solar wind were accelerated, while CMEs faster than the solar wind were decelerated, with both tending to the solar wind velocity.     

An Interpretation of the Coronal Holes’ Visibility in the Millimeter Wavelength Range

Various observations indicate that coronal holes generally appear as low brightness temperature regions (LTRs) in the centimeter and millimeter wavelength ranges. However, within their borders local enhancements of radiation, that is, high brightness temperature regions (HTRs), often occur. The theory behind the described behavior is not fully understood and therefore we analyze full-disk solar images obtained at a wavelength of 8 mm at Metsähovi Radio Observatory and compare them with data simultaneously taken in other wavelength ranges. The observational finding that the average brightness temperature of coronal holes is not much different from the quiet-Sun level (with localized deviations toward higher and lower intensities on the order of a few percent) is compared with theoretical models of the thermal bremsstrahlung radiation originating in the solar chromosphere, transition region, and corona. Special attention is devoted to the interpretation of the localized enhancements of radiation observed inside coronal holes at millimeter wavelengths. The main conclusion is that the most important contribution to the brightness temperature comes from an increased density in the transition region and low corona (i.e., at the heights where the temperature is below 10⁶ K). This can explain both the LTRs and HTRs associated with coronal holes.     

Evolution of the Electron Distribution Function in the Whistler Wave Turbulence of the Solar Wind

The electron distribution functions from the solar corona to the solar wind are determined in this paper by considering the effects of the external forces, of Coulomb collisions and of the wave – particle resonant interactions in the plasma wave turbulence. The electrons are assumed to be interacting with right-handed polarized waves in the whistler regime. The acceleration of electrons in the solar wind seems to be mainly due to the electrostatic potential. Wave turbulence determines the electron pitch-angle diffusion and some characteristics of the velocity distribution function (VDF) such as suprathermal tails. The role of parallel whistlers can also be extended to small altitudes in the solar wind (the acceleration region of the outer corona), where they may explain the energization and the presence of suprathermal electrons.     

Relative Kinematics of the Leading Edge and the Prominence in Coronal Mass Ejections

We present a statistical analysis of the relationship between the kinematics of the leading edge and the eruptive prominence in coronal mass ejections (CMEs). We study the acceleration phase of 18 CMEs in which kinematics was measured from the pre-eruption stage up to the post-acceleration phase. In all CMEs, the three part structure (the leading edge, the cavity, and the prominence) was clearly recognizable from early stages of the eruption. The data show a distinct correlation between the duration of the leading edge (LE) acceleration and eruptive prominence (EP) acceleration. In the majority of events (78%) the acceleration phase onset of the LE is very closely synchronized (within ± 20 min) with the acceleration of EP. However, in two events the LE acceleration started significantly earlier than the EP acceleration (> 50 min), and in two events the EP acceleration started earlier than the LE acceleration (> 40 min). The average peak acceleration of LEs (281 m s⁻²) is about two times larger than the average peak acceleration of EPs (136 m s⁻²). For the first time, our results quantitatively demonstrate the level of synchronization of the acceleration phase of LE and EP in a rather large sample of events, i.e., we quantify how often the eruption develops in a “self-similar” manner.     

Plasma magnetosphere of rotating magnetized neutron star in the braneworld

Plasma magnetosphere surrounding rotating magnetized neutron star in the braneworld has been studied. For the simplicity of calculations Goldreich-Julian charge density is analyzed for the aligned neutron star with zero inclination between magnetic field and rotation axis. From the system of Maxwell equations in spacetime of slowly rotating star in braneworld, second-order differential equation for electrostatic potential is derived. Analytical solution of this equation indicates the general relativistic modification of an accelerating electric field and charge density along the open field lines by brane tension. The implication of this effect to the magnetospheric energy loss problem is underlined. It was found that for initially zero potential and field on the surface of a neutron star, the amplitude of the plasma mode created by Goldreich-Julian charge density will increase in the presence of the negative brane charge. Finally we derive the equations of motion of test particles in magnetosphere of slowly rotating star in the braneworld. Then we analyze particle motion in the polar cap and show that brane tension can significantly change conditions for particle acceleration in the polar cap region of the neutron star.     

A Coherence-Based Approach for Tracking Waves in the Solar Corona

We consider the problem of automatically (and robustly) isolating and extracting information about waves and oscillations observed in EUV image sequences of the solar corona with a view to near real-time application to data from the Atmospheric Imaging Array (AIA) on the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). We find that a simple coherence/travel-time based approach detects and provides a wealth of information on transverse and longitudinal wave phenomena in the test sequences provided by the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE). The results of the search are pruned (based on diagnostic errors) to minimize false-detections such that the remainder provides robust measurements of waves in the solar corona, with the calculated propagation speed allowing automated distinction between various wave modes. In this paper we discuss the technique, present results on the TRACE test sequences, and describe how our method can be used to automatically process the enormous flow of data (≈1 Tb day⁻¹) that will be provided by SDO/AIA. Electronic Supplementary Material  The online version of this article () contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Plasmoid Dynamics in Flare Reconnection and the Frequency Drift of the Drifting Pulsating Structure

In the paper by Kliem, Karlický, and Benz (Astron. Astrophys. 360, 715, 2000) it was suggested, that plasmoids formed during the bursty regime of solar flare reconnection can be “visualised” in the radio spectra as drifting pulsating structures via accelerated particles trapped inside the plasmoid. In the present paper we investigate this idea in detail. First, simple statistical analysis supporting this hypothesis is presented. Then, by using the 2.5-D MHD (including gravity) model solar flare reconnection in the inhomogeneous, stratified atmosphere is simulated and the formation and subsequent ejection of the plasmoid is demonstrated. The ejected plasmoid, which is considered to be a trap for accelerated electrons, is traced and its plasma parameters are computed. To estimate the associated plasma radio emission we need to know locations of accelerated electrons and corresponding plasma frequencies. General considerations predict that these electrons should be distributed mainly along the magnetic separatrix surfaces and this was confirmed by using a particle-in-cell simulation. Finally, under some simplifying assumptions the model dynamic radio spectrum is constructed. The relation between the global frequency drift and the plasmoid motion in the inhomogeneous ambient atmosphere is studied. The results are discussed with respect to the observed drifting pulsation structures and their possible utilisation for flare magnetic field diagnostics.     

Periodic orbits in the photogravitational restricted problem with the smaller primary an oblate body

In this paper, we have studied periodic orbits generated by Lagrangian solutions of the restricted three body problem when more massive body is a source of radiation and the smaller primary is an oblate body. We have determined periodic orbits for fixed values of μ, σ and different values of p and h (μ mass ratio of the two primaries, σ oblate parameter, p radiation parameter and h energy constant). These orbits have been determined by giving displacements along the tangent and normal to the mobile co-ordinates as defined by Karimov and Sokolsky (in Celest. Mech. 46:335, 1989). These orbits have been drawn by using the predictor-corrector method. We have also studied the effect of radiation pressure on the periodic orbits by taking some fixed values of μ and σ.     

The Ultraviolet sky surveys: filling the gap in our view of the Universe

The GALEX mission is performing imaging and spectroscopic surveys of the sky at Ultraviolet wavelengths, and providing unprecedented sky maps in two UV bands, far-UV and near-UV, and catalogs of UV sources. I will describe the major surveys accomplished so far, and results in investigating the nature of the UV sources. The UV surveys, linked to a multi-wavelength archive, offer great sensitivity to detect and characterize several classes of astrophysical objects, such as low-redshift QSOs, star-forming galaxies, and white dwarfs (WD) in the Milky Way. Efforts towards obtaining a significant census of WDs from GALEX imaging data are described in particular. A dedicated, deep survey of nearby galaxies provides a snapshot of their recent star formation, shedding new light on the process of star formation and its modalities in different environments and conditions. Deep GALEX data revealed young stellar populations in extreme outskirts of spiral galaxies, previously thought to be stable against star formation given their low density. UV measurements for millions of nearby and distant galaxies map the history and probe the causes of star formation in the Universe over the redshift range z=0–2.     

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.     

Radio Bursts Associated with Flare and Ejecta in the 13 July 2004 Event

We investigate coronal transients associated with a GOES M6.7 class flare and a coronal mass ejection (CME) on 13 July 2004. During the rising phase of the flare, a filament eruption, loop expansion, a Moreton wave, and an ejecta were observed. An EIT wave was detected later on. The main features in the radio dynamic spectrum were a frequency-drifting continuum and two type II bursts. Our analysis shows that if the first type II burst was formed in the low corona, the burst heights and speed are close to the projected distances and speed of the Moreton wave (a chromospheric shock wave signature). The frequency-drifting radio continuum, starting above 1 GHz, was formed almost two minutes prior to any shock features becoming visible, and a fast-expanding piston (visible as the continuum) could have launched another shock wave. A possible scenario is that a flare blast overtook the earlier transient and ignited the first type II burst. The second type II burst may have been formed by the same shock, but only if the shock was propagating at a constant speed. This interpretation also requires that the shock-producing regions were located at different parts of the propagating structure or that the shock was passing through regions with highly different atmospheric densities. This complex event, with a multitude of radio features and transients at other wavelengths, presents evidence for both blast-wave-related and CME-related radio emissions.     

Global Effects of Local Sound-Speed Perturbations in the Sun: A Theoretical Study

We study the effect of localized sound-speed perturbations on global mode frequencies by applying techniques of global helioseismology to numerical simulations of the solar acoustic wave field. Extending the method of realization-noise subtraction (e.g., Hanasoge, Duvall, and Couvidat, Astrophys. J. 664, 1234, 2007) to global modes and exploiting the luxury of full spherical coverage, we are able to achieve very highly resolved frequency differences that are then used to study sensitivities and the signatures of the thermal asphericities. We find that i) global modes are almost twice as sensitive to sound-speed perturbations at the bottom of the convection zone in comparison to anomalies well inside the radiative interior (r?0.55R _⊙), ii) the m degeneracy is lifted ever so slightly, as seen in the a coefficients, and iii) modes that propagate in the vicinity of the perturbations show small amplitude shifts. Through comparisons with error estimates obtained from Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI; Scherrer et al., Solar Phys. 162, 129, 1995) observations, we find that the frequency differences are detectable with a sufficiently long time series (70?–?642 days).     

Cross Helicity and Turbulent Magnetic Diffusivity in the Solar Convection Zone

In a density-stratified turbulent medium, the cross helicity 〈u′⋅B′〉 is considered as a result of the interaction of the velocity fluctuations and a large-scale magnetic field. By means of a quasilinear theory and by numerical simulations, we find the cross helicity and the mean vertical magnetic field to be anti-correlated. In the high-conductivity limit the ratio of the helicity and the mean magnetic field equals the ratio of the magnetic eddy diffusivity and the (known) density scale height. The result can be used to predict that the cross helicity at the solar surface will exceed the value of 1 gauss km s⁻¹. Its sign is anti-correlated to that of the radial mean magnetic field. Alternatively, we can use our result to determine the value of the turbulent magnetic diffusivity from observations of the cross helicity.     

Numerical simulation of the electron capture process in a magnetar interior

In a superhigh magnetic field, direct Urca reactions can proceed for an arbitrary proton concentration. Since only the electrons with high energy E (E>Q, Q is the threshold energy of inverse β-decay) at large Landau levels can be captured, we introduce the Landau level effect coefficient q and the effective electron capture rate Γ _eff . By using Γ _eff , the values of L _X and L _ν are calculated, where L _X and L _ν are the average neutrino luminosity of AXPs and the average X-ray luminosity of AXPs L _X , respectively. The complete process of electron capture inside a magnetar is simulated numerically.     

Plasma wave properties of the Schwarzschild magnetosphere in a Veselago medium

We re-formulate the 3+1 GRMHD equations for the Schwarzschild black hole in a Veselago medium. Linear perturbation in rotating (non-magnetized and magnetized) plasma is introduced and their Fourier analysis is considered. We discuss wave properties with the help of wave vector, refractive index and change in refractive index in the form of graphs. It is concluded that some waves move away from the event horizon in this unusual medium. We conclude that for the rotating non-magnetized plasma, our results confirm the presence of Veselago medium while the rotating magnetized plasma does not provide any evidence for this medium.     

Extrapolating SMBH correlations down the mass scale: the case for IMBHs in globular clusters

Empirical evidence for both stellar mass black holes (M _•<10²  M _⊙) and supermassive black holes (SMBHs, M _•>10⁵  M _⊙) is well established. Moreover, every galaxy with a bulge appears to host a SMBH, whose mass is correlated with the bulge mass, and even more strongly with the central stellar velocity dispersion σ _c , the M _•–σ relation. On the other hand, evidence for “intermediate-mass” black holes (IMBHs, with masses in the range 100–10⁵ M _⊙) is relatively sparse, with only a few mass measurements reported in globular clusters (GCs), dwarf galaxies and low-mass AGNs. We explore the question of whether globular clusters extend the M _•–σ relationship for galaxies to lower black hole masses and find that available data for globular clusters are consistent with the extrapolation of this relationship. We use this extrapolated M _•–σ relationship to predict the putative black hole masses of those globular clusters where existence of central IMBH was proposed. We discuss how globular clusters can be used as a constraint on theories making specific predictions for the low-mass end of the M _•–σ relation.