Liminosity distribution function for visual binary stars

The cosmic scatter of 147 of the best known visual binary stars on the Main Sequence is discussed and a new estimation of the luminosity distribution function for multiple star systems is presented. As long as the mass ratioq of a close binary is not smaller than 0.5, the distribution of close binary components is identical to the van Rhijn liminosity-function. For smaller mass ratios (q<0.5) the number of close companions decreases rapidly. It appears that less than 13% of visual binaries in our sample are simple binary systems.Communication presented at the International Conference on Astrometric Binaries, held on 13–15 June, 1984, at the Remeis-Sternwarte Bamberg, Germany, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel (1784–1846).     

Dynamical evolution of comets and the problem of cometary fading

Possibilities to explain the observed 1/a-distribution are discussed in the light of improved understanding of the dynamical evolution of long-period comets. It appears that the fading problem applies both to single-injection and continuous-injection models. Although uncertainties due to nongravitational effects do not allow detailed results to be drawn from the observed 1/a-distribution at small perihelion distance q, that for q 1.5 AU shows that a constant fading probability cannot explain all the features of the observed distribution. Assuming that comets can reappear following a period of fading, values for the assumed constant fading and renewal probabilities, and the total cometary flux have been estimated for q > 1.5 AU.     

Convergence of Liapunov Series for Maclaurin Ellipsoids

According to the classical theory of equilibrium figures surfaces of equal density, potential and pressure concur (let call them isobars). Isobars may be represented by means of Liapunov power series in small parameter q, up to the first approximation coincident with centrifugal to gravitational force ratio on the equator. A. M. Liapunov has proved the existence of the universal convergence radius q : above mentioned series converge for all bodies if q < q . Using Liapunov's algorithm and symbolic calculus tools we have calculated q = 0.000370916. Evidently, convergence radius q ₀ may be much greater in non-pathological situations. We plan to examine several simplest cases. In the present paper, we find q ₀ for homogeneous liquid. The convergence radius turns out to be unexpectedly large coinciding with the upper boundary value q ₀ = 0.337 for Maclaurin ellipsoids.     

A Systematic Study of the Stability of Symmetric Periodic Orbits in the Planar, Circular, Restricted Three-Body Problem

We investigate symmetric periodic orbits in the framework of the planar, circular, restricted, three-body problem. Having fixed the mass of the primary equal to that of Jupiter, we determine the linear stability of a number of periodic orbits for different values of the eccentricity. A systematic study of internal resonances, with frequency p/q with 2p 9, 1 q 5 and 4/3 p/q 5, offers an overall picture of the stability character of inner orbits. For each resonance we compute the stability of the two possible periodic orbits. A similar analysis is performed for some external periodic orbits.Furthermore, we let the mass of the primary vary and we study the linear stability of the main resonances as a function of the eccentricity and of the mass of the primary. These results lead to interesting conclusions about the stability of exosolar planetary systems. In particular, we study the stability of Earth-like planets in the planetary systems HD168746, GI86, 47UMa,b and HD10697.     

Phenomenological theory of gravitational vacuum

An idea is developed that the vacuum in the gravitational field acquires properties of an elastic medium described by a definite tension _ik . The vacuum is stated to also participate in the formation of the space-time metric, together with the usual matter. So, the matter, vacuum and metric form a complex unity determined by the solution of the field equations. The vacuum may prove to play an essential role in the extremely strong fields existing in superdense celestial bodies. The tensor _ik is not to be identified with the pseudo-tensor of the energy-momentum of the gravitational field the idea of which is preserved.The problem of vacuum is investigated in the case of the central symmetry static field. A number of properties of the tensor _ik is found using the symmetry of the field and comparison with the post-Newton limit. The external and internal problems, as well as the procedure of joining the solutions on the surface of a celestial body, have been formulated. The stellar surface is determined in the usual way:P(r) = 0 whereP is the matter pressure. The theory includes three dimensionless parametersa=p/,b=p / (,p, p are the density of the vacuum energy and of its pressures in the radial and transverse directions) and determining the vacuum elastic properties. Generally speaking, they depend on the valueP/c² in the stellar centre where is the mass density. From general physical considerations it is shown that 0 1 + lim _P (l/q). The field equations are solved for the simple version of the theoryb=–a. There are solutions corresponding to superdense celestial bodies with masses considerably exceeding that of the Sun.     

Stability of the triangular libration points of the circular restricted problem in the presence of resonances

The stability of triangular libration points, when the bigger primary is a source of radiation and the smaller primary is an oblate spheroid. has been investigated in the resonance cases ₁ = 2₂ and ₁ = 3₂. The motion is unstable for all the values of parameters q and A when ₁ = 2₂ and the motion is unstable and stable depending upon the values of the parameters q and A when ₁ = 3₂. Here q is the radiation parameter and A is the oblateness parameter.     

Apparent radii and other parameters for 416 B5 V-F5 V stars of the catalogue of the geneva observatory

Apparent radius, visual brightness, effective temperature and absolute radius for 416 B5 v-F5 v stars of the catalogue of the Geneva Observatory (Rufener, 1976) have been determined.Twenty-eight stars, anomalous in log versus (m _v)₀ diagrams, have been singled out. A good correlation for seven stars, in common with the list of Hanbury Brownet al. (1974), has been found. Similar parameters determined for 279 B5 v-F5 v stars of two preceding papers (Fracassiniet al., 1973, 1975) have allowed us to determine the averaged diagrams logq _v/q, logR/R and logT _e versus (B-V)₀ for 695 B5 v-F5 v stars.Moreover, in the present paper a good correlation logq _v/q versus logR/R and careful relation M _v=–7.40logR/R +3.31 for B5 v-F5 v stars have been determined. Plain correlations between logR/R and blanketing parameterm ₂ for some spectral types seem to point out that there arereal differences in the absolute radii of stars of thesame spectral type, in agreement with recent researches on the HR diagram (Houck and Fesen, 1978).Systematic differences between double (spectroscopic and visual) and single stars are found. In particular, the averaged relation m ₂ versus logR/R shows that A2 v-F5 v double stars may have a higher metallicity indexm ₂ and smaller absolute radii than single stars. Finally, the diagram logv sini versus logR/R confirms some properties of binary systems found by other researchers (Huang, 1966; Plavec, 1970; Levato, 1974; Kitamura and Kondo, 1978).Thesis for the degree in Applied Physics.     

The mass-ratio distribution of Visual Binary Stars

The selection effects that govern the observations of Visual Binary Stars are investigated, in order to obtain a realistic statistical distribution of the mass-ratioq=M _sec/M _prim. To this end a numerical simulation programme has been developed, which generates binary stars and looks at them to determine whether an observer on Earth would be able to detect them. The simulations show that for mass-ratiosq>0.35, observations are expected to reveal the realq-distributions, while for mass-ratiosq<0.35 selection effects begin to play a major part. It is found that the observed mass-ratio distribution for Main-Sequence systems, derived from theIndex Catalogue of Visual Binary Stars (IDS), can be explained by a distribution of secondary masses according to the Initial Mass Function (IMF), i.e., (M)M ^–2.7.From theFourth Catalogue of Orbits of Visual Binary Stars (OVB) authors find aq-distribution that peaks strongly forq-values close toq=1. It is shown that this mass-ratio distribution may be the result of a sampling selection effect. Due to this sampling selection effect, the OVB is a considerably morebiased sample of the binary population in our Galaxy than the IDS. Numerical simulations of biased sampling show that theq-distribution, found from the OVB, is not incompatible with the distribution of secondary masses according to the IMF (forq>0.35), found from the IDS.Because of the selection effects, it is difficult to establish the realq-distribution forq<0.35. If the realq-distribution departs from (q)q ^–2.7 forq0.35, about 36% of all stars are in visual binaries (i.e., if theq-distribution is assumed to be flat for 0<q<0.35); if the distribution flattens forq0.25, about 60% of the stars must be primaries of visual binaries.     

On a class of variational equations transformable to the Gauss hypergeometric equation

A new class of linear ordinary differential equations with periodic coefficients is found which can be transformed to the Gauss hypergeometric equation, and therefore the monodromy matrices are computable explicitly. These equations appear as the variational equations around a straight-line solution in Hamiltonian systems of the form H = T(p) + V(q), where T(p) and V(q) are homogeneous functions of p and q, respectively.     

Mass accretion onto massive white dwarfs

We have studied the thermonuclear runaways which develop on white dwarfs of 1.205M and 1.358M accreting hydrogen rich material at 10^–10 M yr^–1. It is found that ignition of this material occurs at densities in excess of about 10⁴ gm cm^–3 and that the critical accumulated mass required to initiate the runaway is 0.7(1.5)×10^–4 M for a 1.358(1.205)M white dwarf.     

The distribution of short-period comet magnitudes

Short-period comets with P 15 yr represent one of the most complete comet samples. The magnitude distribution of these comets was analysed using a maximum likelihood method. The brightness (magnitude) index for the comets with H ₁₀ 11 mag was estimated together with the large sample errors and found to be 0.62 ± 0.09. It was clear that many faint comets with H ₁₀ > 11 mag remain to be discovered. Some of the faint, smaller comets have probably been removed from the distribution altogether.Observational selection was also apparent for the sample of comets with perihelia q < 1.5 AU. It was found that comets satisfying the combined criteria P 15 yr, H ₁₀ 11 mag, q < 1.5 AU probably represent the most complete set of comets available. The brightness index of this sample estimated by maximum likelihood was 0.69 ± 0.14. This translates into a mass distribution index s of 1.69 ± 0.14 indicating that most of the mass is contained in a few of the larger comets rather than spread throughout the smaller ones. This distribution, although modified by mass loss, is most likely to have been produced by a process of particle accretion.     

Les equations aux variations du probleme de Störmer

Résumé Une théorie a déjà été établie [3] concernant tout système lagrangienL(q, ,t) qui possède des intégrales premières ou plus généralement des formes invariantes, provenant par, exemple d'invariances géométriques. Cet article est une application concrète et directe aux équations aux variations du problème de Störmer qui intéressent actuellement des chercheurs en Mécanique [4].

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The variational equations of Störmer's problem

A theory has already been established [3] concerning all lagrangiansL(q, ,t) which possess the integrals or more generally invariant forms, originating for example from geometric invariances. This paper is a direct application to the variational equations of Störmer's problem that has captured the interest of many researchers in celestial mechanics [4].

     

The change in satellite orbital inclination caused by a rotating atmosphere with day-to-night density variation

The theory specifying the change i in a satellite's orbital inclination due to atmospheric rotation, in terms of the decrease in orbital period T, has been extended to an atmosphere with sinusoidal variation of density between day and night. It is found that with certain special sets of values for the orbital parameters, the day-to-night variation in the Earth's atmosphere can alter the equation for i/T by as much as 25% though only for a few days. Appreciable changes in i/T persisting for several months can only occur for certain resonant orbits: the maximum change is then about 8%. Near-resonance is very unlikely, but the resonance conditions are derived so that orbits can be recognised and avoided.     

The geometry of the roche coordinates and zero-velocity curves in the photogravitational three-body problem

The aim of the paper is to study the geometry of the Roche curvilinear coordinates (, , ) in the photogravitational circular restricted three-body problem, with varying radiation pressure, and special attention is given to the geometry of zero-velocity curves specified by the coordinate. The radiation pressure exerted by the primary bodies on the infinitesimal third body is considered the same (q ₁ =q ₂), and the primaries are taken to have equal masses (m ₁ =m ₂). The full range of values of the common radiation factor is explored, from the valueq ₁ =q ₂ = 1 (the gravitational three-body problem) down toq ₁ =q ₂ 0. It is found that radiation has a strong influence on the geometry of the Roche coordinates and the zero-velocity curves.     

Spatial p-q Resonant Orbits of the RTBP

The purpose of this paper is to extend the study of the so called p-q resonant orbits of the planar restricted three-body problem to the spatial case. The p-q resonant orbits are solutions of the restricted three-body problem which have consecutive close encounters with the smaller primary. If E, M and P denote the larger primary, the smaller one and the infinitesimal body, respectively, then p and q are the number of revolutions that P gives around M and M around E, respectively, between two consecutive close approaches. For fixed values of p and q and suitable initial conditions on a sphere of radius around the smaller primary, we will derive expressions for the final position and velocity on this sphere for the orbits under consideration.     

Convergence of Liapunov series for Huygens–Roche Figures

According to the classical theory of equilibrium figures, surfaces of equal density, potential and pressure concur (let us call them isobars). Isobars can be represented by means of Liapunov power series in small parameter q, up to the first approximation coinciding with the centrifugal to gravitational force ratio at the equator. Liapunov has proved the existence of the universal convergence domain: the above mentioned series converge for all bodies (satisfying a natural condition that the density ρ decreases from the center to the surface) if |q| < q*. Using Liapunov’s algorithm and symbolic manipulation tools, we have found q*= 0.000370916. Evidently, the convergence radius q* may be much greater in common situations. To comfirm it it is reasonable to consider two limiting and one or two intermediate cases for the density behaviour: ρ is a constant, the Dirac’s δ-function, linear function of the distance from the center, etc. And indeed, in the previous paper we find a three orders of magnitude greater value for homogeneous figures. In the present paper we find that in the opposite case of Huygens-Roche figures (a point-mass surrounded by a weightless atmosphere) the convergence radius is unexpectedly large and coincides with the well-known biggest possible value q*= 0.541115598 for such a class of figures. To ascertain it we ought to use numerical calculations, so our main result is demonstrated by means of a computer assisted proof. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Observational background of TREDER'S gravitation theory in cosmology and the role of viscosity

Starting from solutions of TREDER'S field equations for a homogeneous and isotropic universe filled with incoherent matter (p = 0) relations between observation quantities are derived and discussed. The FRIEDMANN time is of the order of HUBBLE age, the deceleration parameter may principally possess any positive or negative value, hence it is also possible to explain any m,z-relation completely in the frame of this theory. A decision between EINSTEIN'S theory and TREDER'S by cosmological observations is impossible. – Considering a realistic medium which consists of particles and radiation, energy dissipation originating from bulk viscosity (due to the interaction of particles and quanta) prevents cosmological singularities. Thereby entropy, now present in form of relict radiation, is produced. This process generates large amounts of restmass-free energy in the phase of maximum contraction and therefore could as well explain the large luminosity of compact single objects (quasars?). Models with energy dissipation are not invariant with respect to time reflection t→ – t in contrast to EINSTEIN'S theory. If demanding the universe to be free from singularities the direction of cosmic time is uniquely determined. This demand then restricts the possible relations between observation data to the case q₀ = + 1 being in accord with the latest determination by SANDAGE .     

Covariance function analysis and the clustering of galaxies

Data on a statistic derived from the angular covariance function show that (contrary to the claim of Peebles that galaxies are distributed continuously with no distinct scales), superclusters and the maximum size of clusters are probably defined at scales of 15 and 2.0h ^–1 Mpc. This suggests some stepped-density profile like the idealized models of de Vaucouleurs and Wertz: consideration is therefore given to a semi-continuous hierarchy in which there are galaxies outside clusters, clusters outside superclusters etc. Theories of the origin of clustering by gravitational clumping and the escape of galaxies from clusters suggests the hypothesis that the average mass (m _g) of galaxies outside clusters is smaller than that of those inside (=fractionf of the total), a hypothesis supported by results on the continuity of the angular and spatial covariance functions. In a semi-continuous hierarchy, the overall packing fractionf _e and the fraction (1-f) of galaxies outside clusters both appear to increase as the distancer from a local origin increases, because a line-of-sight to greater depths intersects systems of the hierarchy of continually greater size (R _i). If the hypothesis is valid thatm _g inside clusters is slightly larger thanm _g outside, the apparent effect is to makem _g systematically distance-dependent from a local origin with and ₁0.3. No direct data on galaxy masses exist to refute such a small trend, but since the absolute magnitudes of galaxies are known to be correlated (very weakly) with their masses, a semi-continuous hierarchy has a location-dependent luminosity function, (M). Within uncertainties as to the steepness of (M) at the bright end, the model is consistent with optical number counts to a limiting photographic magnitudem _pg (isotropic slope,q=0.6; semicontinuous modelq=0.64; observation,q=0.67±0.03, standard error.) this removes the discrepancy between the determinations by de Vaucouleurs and Sandageet al. of the thinning factor (1.7). Predictions of the semi-continuous model are made which are at present observationally feasible to carry out. In particular, it is predicted thatq(20<|M|<22)/q(14<|M|<19)2(±0.2).     

Investigation on spectral character of ELF electromagnetic radiations during Leonid 2009 meteor shower

The problem of solitary electron acoustic (EA) wave propagation in a plasma with nonthermal hot electrons featuring the Tsallis distribution is addressed. A physically meaningful nonextensive nonthermal velocity distribution is outlined. It is shown that the effect of the nonthermal electron nonextensivity on EA waves can be quite important. Interestingly, we found that the phase speed of the linear EA mode increases as the entropic index q decreases. This enhancement is weak for q>1, and significant for q<1. For a given nonthermal state, the minimum value of the allowable Mach numbers is lowered as the nonextensive nature of the electrons becomes important. This critical limit is shifted towards higher values as the nonthermal character of the plasma is increased. Moreover, our plasma model supports rarefactive EA solitary waves the main quantities of which depend sensitively on q. This dependency (for q>1) becomes less noticeable as the nonthermal parameter decreases. Nevertheless, decreasing α yields for q<0 a different result, a trend which may be attributed to the functional form of the nonthermal nonextensive distribution. Our study (which is not aimed at putting the ad hoc Cairns distribution onto a more rigorous foundation) suggests that a background electron nonextensivity may influence the EA solitons.     

On the figure of the planet Mercury

The figure of Mercury is estimated in terms of an isostatic form of equilibrium which tends to be controlled by the situation near perihelion passage at the 32 resonance spin rate. The ratios of the principal moments of inertia for Mercury are: (1)(C–A)/C7×10^–5; (2)(C–B)/C5×10^–5 and (3)(B–A)/C2×10^–5. The thermal effect on Mercury's figure during solidification forces Mercury's rotation to be trapped in the 32 resonance lock as its spin rate is being slowed by tidal effects. It is shown that the process of trapping of Mercury has been naturally affected by the instantaneous solidification of Mercury into a shape with two thermal bulges, and that the two permanent thermal bulges stabilize the planet's rotation.