Photometric study of the FUor star V 1735 Cyg (Elias 1-12)

Results from optical photometric observations of the PMS star V 1735 Cyg are reported. The star is located in the IC 5146 dark cloud complex—a region of active star formation. On the basis of observed outburst and spectral properties, V 1735 Cyg was classified as a FUor object. We present data from BVRI CCD photometric observations of the star, collected from March 2003 to January 2009. Plates from the Rozhen Schmidt telescope archive were scanned for a brightness estimation of the star. A sequence of sixteen comparison stars in the field of V 1735 Cyg was calibrated in BVRI bands. The data from photographic observations made from 1986 to 1992 show a strong light variability (ΔV=1_⋅^m2). In contrast, the recent photometric data obtained from 2003 to 2009 show only small amplitude variations (ΔI=0_⋅^m3). The analysis of existing photometric data shows a very slow decrease in star brightness—1_⋅^m8 (R) for a 44 year period. The possibilities for future photometric investigations of V 1735 Cyg using the photographical plate archives is discussed briefly.     

Pulsations and long-term photometric variability of three candidates for protoplanetary nebulae

We present new photometric data and analyze long-term UBV observations of three candidates for protoplanetary nebulae—F supergiants with infrared excesses at high Galactic latitudes—IRAS 18095+2704, IRAS 19386+0155, and IRAS 19500-1709. All these stars exhibit quasi-periodic low-amplitude variations caused by pulsations against the background of long-term brightness trends. For IRAS 18095+2704=V887 Her, we have found a pulsation period of 109 days and revealed a linear brightness trend—the star brightens at constant (within the limits of the measurement errors) yearly mean color indices. The light curve of IRAS 19386+0155=V1648 Aql in 2000–2008 is represented by a wave with a fundamental period of 102 days whose modulation with a close period of 98 days leads to variations with a variable amplitude. V1648 Aql also shows a systematic rise in V brightness along with a reddening. IRAS 19500–1709=V5112 Sgr exhibits irregular pulsations with periods of 39 and 47 days. The long-term variability component of V5112 Sgr may indicate that the star is binary.     

Polarimetric observations of some stars with an infrared (emission) excess

The results of an investigation of polarimetric and IR (IRAS) observations of 12 B-A-F stars are presented. It is shown that the polarization parameters (P % and θ°) for the stars 66 Oph, SU Cas, HD 206773, EW Lac, and HD 216411 differ markedly in different colors (U, B, V, R). Color-color diagrams of the dependence of [12] - [60] on [12] - [25], of V- [12] on B - V, and of [12] - [25] on V- [12] are given. It is shown that the stars SU Cas, α CrB, γ Ser, γ Oph, QR Vul, and HD 183362 have dust shells of the Vega type. The stars 66 Oph and EWLac are similar in IR color indices to 51 Oph (B9.5Ve), while HD 206773, HD 208682, HD 216411, and HD 179761 are similar to HD 9672, β Pic, and HR 4796, which have more extended shells. Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 353-360, July–September, 2000.     

Photometric variability of five candidates for protoplanetary nebulae

We analyze long-term UBV observations and ASAS-3 photometry for five candidates for protoplanetary nebulae—F and G supergiants with infrared excesses at highG alactic latitudes—V340 Ser, IRAS 05113+1347, V552 Pup, V448 Lac, and RV Col. These stars exhibit quasi-periodic multifrequency light variations caused by pulsations with characteristic time scales from 83 to 139 days, depending on the stellar temperature. Cooler stars undergo variations with larger amplitudes and periods. The variations at close frequencies with a period ratio of 1.03–1.09 are responsible for the amplitude modulation revealed for most program stars.     

Infrared photometry for three RV Tau variable stars

We have analyzed our long-term (1995–2008) JHKLM photometry for three variable RV Tau supergiants. It follows from this analysis that: the amplitude of the JHK brightness variations is approximately the same, 0 ^m . 9–1 ^m , for the three stars; a negative linear trend is noticeable in the variations of the mean J brightness for AC Her; and the mean J brightness of R Sct and V Vul remained constant. The observed J brightness fluctuations in the supergiants are shown to be consistent either only with the temperature pulsations (AC Her and V Vul) or with the temperature and radial pulsations (R Sct). We have detected long-term pulsations in the J brightness and J-H color variations of the supergiants with the following characteristic time scales: ∼1500 days (AC Her), ∼3500 days (R Sct), and ∼800 and ∼1500 days (V Vul). Our search for a periodic component in the infrared brightness variations of the three stars has revealed periods that differ from those obtained from optical observations. We show that relatively hot dust shells (T _d ∼ 700–800 K) exist around the supergiants under study; the densest and most massive shell was observed for V Vul. The ranges of optical-depth variations for the dust shells were τ(1.25 μm) ≈ 0.04–0.10 (AC Her), ≈0.02–0.12 (R Sct), and ≈0.18–0.32 (V Vul). The spectral types in the infrared varied over narrower ranges than those that followed from optical observations of these stars.     

Spectral variability of LBV star V 532 (Romano’s star)

We present the results of studying the spectral and photometric variability of the luminous blue variable star V532 in M33. The photometric variations are traced from 1960 to 2010, spectral variations—from 1992 to 2009. The star has revealed an absolute maximum of visual brightness (1992–1994, high/cold state) and an absolute minimum (2007–2008, low/hot state) with a brightness difference of ΔB ≈ 2.3 ^m . The temperature estimates in the absolute maximum and absolute minimum were found to be T ∼ 22000 K and T ∼ 42000 K, respectively. The variability of the spectrum of V532 is fully consistent with the temperature variations in its photosphere, while both permitted and forbidden lines are formed in an extended stellar atmosphere. Broad components of the brightest lines were found, the broadening of these components is due to electron scattering in the wind parts closest to the photosphere. We measured the wind velocity as a difference between the emission and absorption peaks in the PCyg type profiles. The wind velocity clearly depends on the size of the stellar photosphere or on the visual brightness, when brightness declines, the wind velocity increases. In the absolute minimum a kinematic profile of the V532 atmosphere was detected. The wind velocity increases and its temperature declines with distance from the star. In the low/hot state, the spectral type of the star corresponds to WN8.5h, in the high/cold state—to WN11. We studied the evolution of V532 along with the evolution of AGCar and the massive WR binary HD5980 in SMC. During their visual minima, all the three stars perfectly fit with the WNL star sequence by Crowther and Smith (1997). However, when visual brightness increases, all the three stars form a separate sequence. It is possible that this reflects a new property of LBV stars, namely, in the high/cold states they do not pertain to the bona fide WNL stars.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">BVRI</Emphasis> CCD-photometry of comparison stars in the neighborhoods of galaxies with active nuclei. III

Observations with a matrix photometer are reported. The stellar magnitudes in the BVRcIc bands are estimated for 80 comparison stars in the neighborhoods of 10 galaxies with active nuclei: 2 Seyfert galaxies, 4 quasars, and 4 BL Lac objects. The stellar magnitudes of the observed stars range from 11 to 19^m.5. For stars with magnitudes of 14–15^m the typical photometric errors are 0^m.011, 0^m.008, 0^m.006, and 0^m.007 in the B, V, R, and I bands, respectively. The BVRI magnitudes for most of these stars were not known previously. 14′ × 14′ finding charts for these stars are included. These results can be used for differential BVRI photometry of active galactic nuclei. __________ Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 50, No. 1, pp. 57–72 (February 2007).     

Chemical evolution of the galaxy: Abundances of the light elements (sodium to calcium)

The abundances of the light (Na to Ca) elements in disc and halo stars are reviewed. New analyses are emphasized. Elements considered are the α-nuclei (Mg, Si, and Ca), and the odd-even nuclei (Na and Al, also²⁵Mg and²⁶Mg). The α-nuclei are overabundant (relative to Fe) in the old disc and halo stars. Halo stars ([Fe/H] < —1.2) have [α/Fe] ∼0.3 with extreme halo ([Fe/H] ≲ −2.0) stars showing possibly higher overabundances. The scatter in [α/Fe] at a given [Fe/H] is small. To within the observational errors, the abundance patterns for Mg, Si, and Ca are identical. For disc stars, the Na and Al abundances relative to Mg are almost independent of the [Fe/H]. Halo stars ([Fe/H] < −1) show [Na/Mg] < 0 and [AI/Mg] < 0, but the form of the mean relation and the scatter about the relation between [odd-even/Mg] and [Fe/H] remains uncertain.     

NGC 4650 A: A nearly edge-on ring galaxy?

The peculiar galaxy NGC 4650 A (α=12^h 42^m. 1; = δ—40° 26′; 1950·0) has been studied by means of direct and spectral observations with the ESO 3·6-m telescope. It is interpreted as a prolate, elliptical galaxy surrounded by a warped ring of H II regions, dust and stars. The distance is 47 Mpc (H ₀=55 km s⁻¹ Mpc⁻¹). The ring is seen nearly edge-on (inclination 85°) and it rotates. It has a diameter of about 21 kpc and is bluer than the elliptical galaxy for which the (M/L _v) ratio is ∼12 in solar units. The observed configuration may be the result of interaction with the nearby galaxy, NGC 4650.     

The <Emphasis Type="Italic">UBV</Emphasis> photometry of variable stars from absolute spectrophotometric data

From the results of long-term observations, data on the energy distribution in the spectra of 116 variable stars of different types have been obtained. From the published response curves of the UBV system, the magnitudes and color indexes were calculated. The mean accuracy of the calculated values is σ _v ≃ 0. ^m 04, σ _bv ≃ 0. ^m 03, and σ _ub ≃ 0. ^m 06.     

A general catalogue of ephemerides and apparent orbits for visual binaries

Summary Informations on 736 pairs of visual binaries are given in the form of the Tables. The General Catalogue gives ephemerides (t,θ°,ρ″) in 20 years (1984–2003) for each pair with the figures of its apparent elliptical orbit where the positions of secondary component relative to the primary one at different epochs are indicated.The General Catalogue contains four parts: Part one — Source and Grading of Orbit; Part two — Ephemérides and Atlas of Apparent Orbits; Part three — Classifications of Visual Binary Stars; Part four — Indexes of Visual Binary Stars. The principle of calculation and the statistical data are presented in this paper. There are seven statistical tables, giving the elements distribution of true and apparent orbits, grading distribution of orbits, number distribution with different physical property of component of binary star. The number of binary stars in anyone constellation, the number of binary stars brighter than 6^m.5. The number of binary stars nearer than 25 parsec.     

On the duplicity of cool giant and supergiant variable stars

From the analysis of photometric, colorimetric and polarimetric data it follows that high luminosity red variable stars are divided into two groups: group I - double stars with brightness variation periods of more than 480 days, group II - single stars with periods less than 480 days. Moreover, double stars possess: a) high coefficients of correlation between brightness V and U - B, B - V colors; b) relatively low values of U - B (<1.^m5) and high infrared excess; c) strong variations of parameters of polarization (>1.5) and often those are associated with maser sources.Published in Astrofizika, Vol. 38, No. 4, pp. 549–554, October–December, 1995.     

Spectroscopy of B and Be stars in the diffuse stellar clusters NGC 6871 and NGC 6913

This is a study of the population of B and Be stars in the young, relatively poor, diffuse stellar clusters NGC 6871 and NGC 6913. High resolution spectra are used to study the Hα line of eleven stars in order to detect emission. Emission profiles were found for three stars in the cluster NGC 6871; one of these is a known WR-star and the Be-star BD +35°3956 demonstrates the transition from the B to the Be phase. Spectra of seven of the B stars revealed no traces of emission in the Hα line. During the time of our observations, the Be star V1322 Cyg in the cluster NGC 6913 had a strong emission Hα line profile with substantial variability in intensity and equivalent width. Moderate resolution spectra of seven stars in the cluster NGC 6871 over wavelengths of 4420-4960 ? and ten stars in the cluster NGC 6913 over wavelengths of 4050-5100 ? are used to classify the series of B and Be stars spectrally and to estimate their T _eff and log g. It was found that three of the stars are not members of the clusters NGC 6871 or NGC 6913. Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 52, No. 2, pp. 257–274 (May 2009).     

UBV photometry of asteroid 433 Eros

UBV observations of asteroid 433 Eros were conducted on 17 nights during the winter of 1974/75. The peak-to-peak amplitude of the lightcurve varied from about 0.3 mag to nearly 1.4mmag. The absolute V mag at maximum light, extrapolated to zero phase, is 10.85. Phase coefficients of 0.0233 mag/degree, 0.0009 mag/degree and 0.0004 mag/degree were derived for V, B-V, and U-B, respectively. The zero-phase color of Eros (B?V = 0.88, U?B = 0.50) is representative of an S (silicaceous) compositional type asteroid. The color does not vary with rotation. The photometric behavior of Eros can be modeled by a cylinder with rounded ends having an axial ratio of about 2.3:1. The asteroid is rotating about a short axis with the north pole at λ₀ = 15° and β₀ = 9°.     

Butterfly diagrams of strongly spotted late type stars

At present, long-term (over 30 years) multicolor photometric observations give the possibility to determine general properties of spotted areas on late-type stars. Star-spot modeling from broadband photometric data has been carried out by Alekseev and Gershberg since 1996 under the assumption that spots are situated in two latitudinal zones. Here we propose a new analysis of their results for several G and K dwarf stars with high irregular activity. On these stars, EK Dra, VY Ari, V775 Her, and V833 Tau, two spot belts exist separately and do not merge into a single equatorial active region, as occurs on cooler red-dwarf stars. The zonal spottedness models allow us to fit simultaneously both rotational modulation and long-term variability of stellar brightness. These models give evidence for an equatorward drift of the lower latitude boundary of the spotted region, φ₀, during the rising phase of activity, beyond any possible errors concerned with our methodology. In order to evaluate the drift rate we introduce the concept of `effective' spot belt, whose width is independent of longitude. This permits us to construct butterfly diagrams for stellar spots. The equatorward drift rates of the lower boundary of the spotted region D=dφ_low/dt are (− 1)–(− 2) deg year⁻¹ in the years of increasing spottedness. These values are less than the analogous solar one D≈−4 deg year⁻¹ for the rising phase of the cycle. Thus, cyclic activity can be revealed from butterfly diagrams and derived drifts of starspots prior to a possible detection from the spectral analysis of photometric variability. Finally, we briefly discuss a possible explanation of high-latitude activity and surface drifts of starspots in the framework of the current state of dynamo theory.     

Determining the orientation parameters of the ICRS/UCAC2 system using the Kharkov catalog of absolute stellar proper motions

The absolute proper motions of about 275 million stars from the Kharkov XPM catalog have been obtained by comparing their positions in the 2MASS and USNO-A2.0 catalogs with an epoch difference of about 45 yr for northern-hemisphere stars and about 17 yr for southern-hemisphere stars. The zero point of the system of absolute proper motions has been determined using 1.45 million galaxies. The equatorial components of the residual rotation vector of the ICRS/UCAC2 coordinate system relative to the system of extragalactic sources have been determined by comparing the XPM and UCAC2 stellar proper motions: ω _x,y,z = (−0.06, 0.17, −0.84) ± (0.15, 0.14, 0.14) mas yr⁻¹. These parameters have been calculated using about 1 million faintest UCAC2 stars with magnitudes R _UCAC2 > 16 ^m and J > 14 ^m . 7, for which the color and magnitude equation effects are negligible.     

Spectrophotometry of carbon stars

The results of a spectrophotometric study of 13 carbon stars in the wavelength range from 4000 Å to 6800 Å with 2.75 Å resolution are given. The observed energy distributions for these stars relative to the flux at λ₀ = 5556 Å, represented in graphic form, were determined. Their color temperatures were determined from the [5710] ? [6680] color index. A dust shell is assumed to exist around U Cyg. The indices of the C_2’ MS, and CaCl molecular bands and the D_2,1 line were also determined.     

Spatial distribution and kinematics of OB stars

The sample of 37 485 suspected OB stars selected by Gontcharov (2008) from the Tycho-2 catalogue has been cleaned of the stars that are not of spectral types OV-A0V. For this purpose, the apparent magnitude V _T from Tycho-2, the absolute magnitude $M_{V_T }$ calibrated as a function of the dereddened color index (B _T ? V _T )₀, the interstellar extinction $A_{V_T }$ calculated from the 3D analytical model by Gontcharov (2009) as a function of the Galactic coordinates, and the photometric distance r _ph calculated as a function of V _T , $M_{V_T }$ , and $A_{V_T }$ have been reconciled in an iterative process. The 20 514 stars that passed the iterations have (B _T ? V _T )₀ < 0 and $M_{V_T }$ > ?5 and are considered as a sample of OV-A0V stars complete within 350 pc of the Sun. Based on the theoretical relation between the dereddened color and age of the stars, the derived sample has been divided into three subsamples: (B _T ? V _T )₀ < ?0.2, ?0.2 < (B _T ? V _T )₀ < ?0.1, and ?0.1 < (B _T ? V _T )₀ < 0, younger than 100, 100?C200, and 200?C400 Myr, respectively. The spatial distribution of all 20 514 stars and the kinematics analyzed for more than 1500 stars with radial velocities from the PCRV and RAVE catalogues are different for the subsamples, showing smooth rotations, shears, and deformations of the layer of gas producing stars with the formation of the Gould Belt, the Great Tunnel, the Local Bubble, and other structures within the last 200 Myr. The detected temporal variations of the velocity dispersions, solar motion components, Ogorodnikov-Milne model parameters, and Oort constants are significant, agree with the results of other authors, and show that it is meaningless to calculate the kinematic parameters for samples of stars with uncertain ages or with a wide range of ages.     

Specificities of magnetic field structures in chemically peculiar stars

We continue our program of the study of large-scale structures of magnetic fields in chemically peculiar stars. In this paper we analyze eight stars, out of which three stars have the structure of a central dipole, three—the structure of a dipole shifted along the axis, and two—of a dipole shifted across the axis. High-precision measurements (with σ = 50 and 80 G) are available for two stars (HD62140 and HD71866, respectively). The model phase dependences agree with the measurements within the errors. This result shows that the hypothesis about the dipole structure of the magnetic fields of CP stars is well founded.