New variations of Mg II emission lines of Mira AB with HST

This paper presents results from high resolution observations of the Mira AB binary system taken by the HST (Hubble Space Telescope) in the ultraviolet region through the period (1999–2004). By comparing the results using HST data with those obtained from the IUE (International Ultraviolet Explorer) observations through the period (1979–1995). we found new variations in the profiles, widths and fluxes of Mg II (k&h) emission lines. In addition to this it appears that there are another emission components at some phases in the red and blue sides of both Mg II (k&h) emission lines. These emission components may be of Mira A origin. There is a considerable shift of both Mg II (k&h) emission lines in observation taken on 2nd February 2004. The Mg II profiles extends up to more than 600 km/s, and redshifted as with IUE observations.     

Ultraviolet spectroscopic study of EU UMa and ST LMi from HST and IUE observations

We present the first orbit-resolved ultraviolet spectroscopic observations of the two polar systems EU UMa and ST LMi obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope Faint Object Spectrograph (HST FOS) and International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) during their intermediate- and low-luminosity states in the period between 1982 and 2003. Different line profiles of the two systems showing variations of line fluxes at different orbital phases are presented. This paper focuses on the C IV emission line at 1550 Å produced in the accretion stream, presenting calculations of spectral line fluxes, ultraviolet luminosities, and accretion rates for the two systems. Our analysis of the spectroscopic data reveals changes with orbital phase of the emission line profiles that correspond to the light curve variations of both EU UMa and ST LMi in the optical and infrared bands. The variations of line fluxes are attributed to variations of both density and temperature as a result of a changing rate of mass transfer from the secondary star to the white dwarf. The ultraviolet luminosity and accretion rate of EU UMa are smaller than the ultraviolet luminosity and accretion rate of ST LMi.     

The icy Galilean satellites: ultraviolet phase curve analysis

Ultraviolet disk-integrated solar phase curves of the icy galilean satellites Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto are presented, using combined data sets from the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE), Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and the Galileo Ultraviolet Spectrometer. Global, disk-integrated solar phase curves for all three satellites, in addition to disk-integrated solar phase curves for Europa's leading, trailing, jovian, and anti-jovian hemispheres, are modeled using Hapke's equations for 7 broadband UV wavelengths between 260 and 320 nm. The sparse coverage in solar phase angle, particularly for Ganymede and Callisto, and the noise in the data sets poorly constrain some of the photometric parameter values in the model. However, the results are sufficient for forming a preliminary relationship between the effects of particle bombardment on icy surfaces and photometric scattering properties at ultraviolet wavelengths. Callisto exhibits a large UV opposition surge and a surface comprised of relatively low-backward scattering particles. Europa's surface displays a dichotomy between the jovian and anti-jovian hemispheres (the anti-jovian hemisphere is more backward scattering), while a less pronounced hemispherical variation was detected between the leading and trailing hemispheres. Europa's surface, with the exception of the trailing hemisphere region, appears to have become less backscattering between the late-1970s-early-1980s and the mid-1990s. These results are commensurate with the bombardment history of these surfaces by magnetospheric charged particles.     

Understanding physical processes in the diffuse ISM using high-resolution UV spectroscopy

Our understanding of the important physical processes operating in the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM) has advanced in recent years from the analysis of high-resolution ultraviolet (UV) spectra obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the Far-Ultraviolet Spectrograph Explorer (FUSE) and from high-fidelity simulations of the kinematics and energetics of the ISM. Nevertheless, much remains to be learned from observations with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) instrument on HST and spectrographs on the World Space Observatory (WSO). I will describe several major unanswered questions and suggest how future UV observations can answer these questions. I will also summarize the instrument requirements needed for a future UV spectroscopic mission and recommend how to achieve a successful mission.     

Library of reference spectral energy distributions of galaxies for the classification and determination of photometric redshifts of objects

We describe a library of reference spectra of galaxies developed using published data and public-domain data of IUE (International Ultraviolet Explorer) and HUT (Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope) ultraviolet missions. We describe the procedures that we use to create composite spectra of objects and report some of the parameters of the resulting spectra.     

Major prospects of exoplanet astronomy with the World Space Observatory–UltraViolet mission

The success of the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) first and then of the STIS and COS spectrographs on-board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) demonstrate the impact that observations at UV wavelengths had and are having on modern astronomy. Several discoveries in the exoplanet field have been done at UV wavelengths. Nevertheless, the amount of data collected in this band is still limited both in terms of observed targets and time spent on each of them. For the next decade, the post-HST era, the only large (2-m class) space telescope capable of UV observations will be the World Space Observatory–UltraViolet (WSO–UV). In its characteristics, the WSO–UV mission is similar to that of HST, but all observing time will be dedicated to UV astronomy. In this work, we briefly outline the major prospects of the WSO–UV mission in terms of exoplanet studies. To the limits of the data and tools currently available, here we also compare the quality of key exoplanet data obtained in the far-UV and near-UV with HST (STIS and COS) to that expected to obtain with WSO–UV.     

X-Ray Emission From Comet Hale–Bopp

The discovery of X-ray emission from comets has created a number of questions about the physical mechanism producing the radiation. There are now a variety of explanations for the emission, from thermal bremsstrahlung of electrons off neutrals or dust, to charge exchange induced emission from solar wind ions, to scattering of solar X-rays from attogram dust, to reconnection of solar magnetic field lines. In an effort to understand this new phenomenon, we observed but failed to detect in the X-ray the very dusty and active comet C/Hale-Bopp 1995 O1 over a two year period, September 1996 to December 1997, using the ROSAT HRI imaging photometer at 0.1–2.0 keV and the ASCA SIS imaging spectrometer at 0.5–10.0 keV. The results of our Hale-Bopp non-detections, when combined with spectroscopic imaging 0.08–1.0 keV observations of the comet by EUVE and BeppoSAX, show that the emission has the same spectral shape and strong variability seen in other comets. Comparison of the ROSAT photometry of the comet to our ROSAT database of 8 comets strongly suggests that the overall X-ray faintness of the comet was due to an emission mechanism coupled to gas, and not dust, in the comet’s coma. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Cyanide Chemistry in Comet Hale-Bopp (C/1995 O1)

Observations of comet Hale-Bopp (C/1995 O1) have been carried out near perihelion (1997 March) at millimeter wavelengths using the NRAO 12 m telescope. The J=1-->0, 2-->1, and 3-->2 lines of HCN at 88, 177, and 265 GHz were measured in the comet as well as the J=3-->2 lines of H13CN, HC15N, and HNC. The N=2-->1 transition of CN near 226 GHz was also detected, and an upper limit was obtained for the J=2-->1 line of HCNH+. From the measurements, column densities and production rates have been estimated. A column density ratio of [HCN]/[HNC] = 7+/-1 was observed near perihelion, while it was found that [HCN]/[HCNH+] greater, similar 1. The production rates at perihelion for HCN and CN were estimated to be Q(HCN) approximately 1x1028 s-1 and Q(CN) approximately 2.6x1027 s-1, respectively, resulting in a ratio of [HCN]/[CN] approximately 3. Consequently, HCN is sufficiently abundant to be the parent molecule of CN in Hale-Bopp, and HCNH+ could be a source of HNC. Finally, carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of 12C/13C = 109+/-22 and 14N/15N = 330+/-98 were obtained from HCN measurements, in agreement with previous values obtained from J=4-->3 data. Such ratios suggest that comet Hale-Bopp formed coevally with the solar system.     

Comparison of UV spectra from solar-type stars

We compare high-resolution spectra from the Sun and the four solar-type stars 16 Cyg A, 16 Cyg B, HD 32008, HD 34411 obtained with IUE in the wavelength range 2650–2930 Å. The comparison is made for peak intensities between absorption lines. At the level of accuracy of the IUE observations, the stars 16 Cyg A, 16 Cyg B, HD 34411 are indistinguishable from the Sun, in particular the Mgii resonance line profiles are identical. HD 32008 is not a solar analog but is evidently of late G to early K spectral type.Based on observations with the International Ultraviolet Explorer collected at the Villafranca Satellite Tracking Station of the European Space Agency.     

Ultraviolet Spectral Behavior of UX Ari with Periodic Flaring Activity

Astrophysics - We present International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) observations of the luminous, non- eclipsing, double lined spectroscopic binary system UX Ari over the period 1978-1996. Three...     

Ultraviolet spectral variations of FK Comae and V 1794 Cygni

Ultraviolet spectra of FK Comae and V1794 Cygni observed with the Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (HST COS) and the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellites were analyzed for the period 1981–2011. Temporal variations of line fluxes of the O I 1306 Å, C II 1336 Å, C IV 1550 Å, He II 1640 Å and Mg II k & h 2800 Å, produced in the transition regions and chromospheres of these stars, imply variations in density and temperature changes in the line emitting regions as a result of the rapid rotation and magnetic fields responsible for stellar activity. Results are consistent with the models of Ramsey et al. (1981), Oliveira and Foing (1999), and Korhonen et al. (2000).     

Estimating the Size of Hale-Bopp's Nucleus

A variety of independent methods have been used to estimate the size of the nucleus of comet Hale-Bopp. Several groups have analyzed optical and infrared images of the comet and claim to detect the signature of the nucleus, despite the presence of a strong coma. A detection of the nucleus was also claimed during mm- and cm-wave observations of Hale-Bopp shortly before perihelion. A team of observers detected the occultation of a star by the nucleus of Hale-Bopp in October 1996. The maximum observed gas production rate of the comet near perihelion can be used to place a lower limit on the size of the nucleus. This paper critically reviews the many different methods used to constrain the size of Hale-Bopp's nucleus. All of the techniques are affected by systematic errors that can be difficult to quantify precisely. Nevertheless, the available evidence strongly suggests that the nucleus of Hale-Bopp has an effective radius of at least 15 km and is probably in the range 20–35 km. Thus, the prodigious gas and production rates from this comet are naturally explained by its unusually large size. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A minor outburst during the quiescent period of the symbiotic star CH Cygni

We have studied a few optical spectra of the symbiotic star CH Cygni obtained in the period January 1990-June 1991, which indicate that a mild increase of activity occurred between July and December 1990. This increase of activity is confirmed by the IUE observations made in the same period. In fact, in this period of time, we have observed an increase of intensity of all the emission lines both in the optical and ultraviolet ranges and of the continuous ultraviolet flux.Based on observations obtained at the Observatory of Haute Provence (OHP) and on observations by the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) collected at the Villafranca Satellite Tracking Station.     

High resolution imaging of Pluto and Charon with the Faint Object Camera of the Hubble Space Telescope

Images of the Pluto-Charon system were obtained with the Faint Object Camera (FOC) of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) with the aim of determination of radii, fluxes, and albedos. The resolution of the already diffraction limited images was further improved by image restoration, yielding indications of surface albedo distributions which are qualitatively consistent with models derived from observations of Pluto-Charon mutual eclipses.Based on Observations with the NASA-ESA Hubble Space Telescope, which is operated by AURA, Inc., under NASA contract NAS 5-26555.     

Spectrocam-10 Thermal Infrared Observations Of The Dust In Comet C/1995 O1 Hale-Bopp

We describe 5 to 18 μm broadband images and R ∼ 100 spectra of comet Hale-Bopp taken with SpectroCam-10 on the 5 m Hale telescope during six runs between 1996 June and 1997 April. Our data show the gradual warming of dust grains as the comet approached perihelion. In June, the 10 μm silicate emission feature was already stronger than observed in any other comet, and it increased to about 3 times the continuum level near perihelion. Spectral structure attributed to a crystalline olivine grain component remained relatively constant, but other features associated with pyroxenes appeared to vary with heliocentric distance. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Sulfur Chemistry at Millimeter Wavelengths in C/Hale-Bopp

The recent availability of bright comets has given us an excellent opportunity to study cometary chemistry. Comet Hale-Bopp (1995 O1)gave us the particularly rare opportunity to study a bright and active comet for almost two years. Our program concentrated on millimeter-wave observations of sulfur-bearing molecules in an effort to understand the total sulfur budget of the comet. Using the National Radio Astronomy Observatory 12-m telescope on Kitt Peak we monitored both the long and short-term variations in H₂S, CS, and OCS, as well as observing H₂CS and SO. This was the first observation of H₂CS in any comet (Figure 1). Additionally, we mapped CS with the BIMA interferometer. Variations in the line profiles and changes in line intensity as large as a factor of two were seen in day to day observations of both H₂S and CS. An example for H₂S is shown in Figure 2. This is the first time we can attempt to study the entire group of sulfur-bearing molecules. Models of the sulfur coma have thus far largely been based on observations of the daughter products CS and atomic sulfur made over the last 18 years using the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite, coupled with radio observations of CS and H₂S in several recent comets. Four new sulfur-bearing species have been observed in comets Hale-Bopp and Hyaku take, three of them parent species. The high resolution maps in CS will also allow spatial information to be included in the sulfur model for the first time. C/Hale-Bopp is the first comet in which so many sulfur species have been observed. Analysis of the abundances of these species in comparison to the total atomic sulfur observed should reveal whether or not we can now account for all of the primary sulfur sources in comets. Perhaps the most interesting question that these observations raised was why C/Hale-Bopp appeared to contain so much more SO and SO₂ (as observed by others) than any other comet. This spurred the discovery that the UV fluorescence models of these species were incorrect (S. J. Kim, this issue). Analysis of the data and modeling of the sulfur budget are still underway. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The nature of Neptune’s increasing brightness: evidence for a seasonal response

Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations in August 2002 show that Neptune’s disk-averaged reflectivity increased significantly since 1996, by 3.2 ± 0.3% at 467 nm, 5.6 ± 0.6% at 673 nm, and 40 ± 4% in the 850-1000 nm band, which mainly results from dramatic brightness increases in restricted latitude bands. When 467-nm HST observations from 1994 to 2002 are added to the 472-nm ground-based results of Lockwood and Thompson (2002, Icarus 56, 37-51), the combined disk-averaged variation from 1972 to 2002 is consistent with a simple seasonal model having a hemispheric response delay relative to solar forcing of ∼30 years (∼73% of a full season).     

Determination of the rotational excitation temperature in solar type stars

The OH molecular spectrum has been identified in three solar type stars, Com, CVn, and Cet. The rotational excitation temperature from molecular line intensities of OH has been determined for these stars. The observations in high resolution were made by use of the IUE satellite.Based on observations by the International Ultraviolet Explorer collected at the Villafranca Satellite Tracking Station of the European Space Agency.     

Comet Hale-Bopp (1995 O1)

Considerable interest has been raised by the discovery of Comet Hale-Bopp (1995 O1) and the possibility that it might become a very bright object in Spring 1997. The evidence to support either of the conflicting hypothesis (an intrinsically bright comet or a faint comet in a very large outburst) is too limited to reach solid conclusions and may remain so for some months yet. The pre-discovery observations encountered to date provide some limits to photometric models and suggest that the comet may be intrinsically bright, but do not yet permit a firm discrimination, even between extreme scenarios, due to the enormous extrapolation that must be made from the heliocentric distance at discovery, to that of perihelion.