Simultaneous linear and circular polarization observations of blazars 3C 66A,OJ 287 and Markarian 421

We present the first ever simultaneous optical linear and circular polarization observations of blazars. These polarizations have been measured simultaneously inUBVRI-bands in three blazars; 3C 66A, OJ 287 and Markarian 421. Measured linear polarization in 3C 66A was the largest ever observed, at PR = 33.1 ± 0.5 per cent. In 3C 66A we detected small circular polarization in the other bands, exceptU. In OJ 287 we detected variable circular polarization in theU-band.     

Preliminary results on VLT K-band imaging observations of GRB host galaxies

We have obtainedK-band imaging observations of Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) host galaxies with the near-infrared spectro-imager ISAAC installed on the Very Large Telescope at Paranal (Chile). The derivedK magnitudes, combined with other photometric data taken from the literature, are used to investigate theR-K colors of GRB hosts. We do not find any extremely reddened starbursts in our sample, despite the capability of GRBs to trace star formation even in dusty regions. The observedR-K colors are on the contrary typical of irregular and spiral blue galaxies at high redshift.     

NGC 4151 entering in an active phase

Photometric observations of the nucleus of NGC 4151 obtained in a period of 16 nights in April 1990 in the 5672 Å continuum and theU-band have clearly shown that the nucleus has entered into an active phase and its energy output is still rising.     

Photometric and Colorimetric Observations of Asteroid 423 Diotima and Their Analysis

Series of photometric and colorimetric observations of the Main-Belt asteroid 423 Diotima during its five oppositions were obtained at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory. It was concluded, based on the results of a frequency analysis of the V-band photometry obtained in 1990, that the asteroid is a binary system: the rotation period of the primary component is equal to 4_. ^h56, and the period of rotation and the orbital period of the satellite are equal to 14_. ^h90. An analysis of simultaneous BV and BVR observations made in 1993 and 1998–1999 yielded a rotation period of 4_. ^h54 ± 0_. ^h01 for the primary component. An analysis of the sets of V-band observations of the asteroid made from 1982 through 2000 allowed us to find the period of forced precession, which was equal to 113^d (or 226^d). It was suggested that the axis of the primary component of the binary asteroid precesses and the large amplitude of brightness variations (about 1 ^m ) is due to its lenticular shape.     

Photopolarimetry of BL Lac

This paper presents results of our monitoring of BL Lac at the 2.56 m Nordic Optical Telescope in La Palma and at the 0.91 m telescope at National Astronomical Observatory in Dodaira, Japan. On La Palma we used aUBVRI-photopolarimeter which gives truly simultaneous observations in all five colour bands. At Dodaira we used a photopolarimeter which gives simultaneously photometry atB, V andR-bands and polarimetry atV-band. We have observations of BL Lac during flare behaviour and during these times we have observed a clear rotation of the polarization position angle. During these flares the polarization level has also been strongly variable and the object has lost its preferred direction of the polarization position angle. The reason for this behaviour remains still unclear, but there are two possible explanations: shocks in the helical magnetic field in the jet pointing nearly towards us or polarized synchrotron flares rotating within the accretion disk (seen nearly face on) of the supermassive central black hole.     

Brightness distribution of diffuse soft X-rays

The brightness distribution of diffuse soft X-rays in the pulse height range 0.15–0.3 keV (L-band) and 0.5–0.8 keV (M-band) are obtained over a quarter of the sky centered at the galactic anticenter with 1.5 m polypropylene window proportional counters on board a sounding rocket. In theL-band three enhanced regions are noticed on the map. They coincide with the northern and southern Hi holes and the inner part of the galactic radio Loop II.In the northern Hi hole theN _H dependence of theL-band flux and the hardness ratioM/L can be fitted with a local hot plasma model with the absorption by a low velocity neutral hydrogen gas (|V|<25 km s^–1) along the line of sight. The X-ray feature of Loop II is similar to that of Loop I. In the lowN _H region (<3×10²⁰ H atoms cm^–2) theM/L value is lower than 0.3, whereas it varies in the range 0.1–0.4 at low latitudes (|b|<30⁰). This fact seems to be interpreted in terms of a model that a number of hot plasma clouds contribute to X-ray emission.     

Polarimetric and Photometric Observations of the Star CH Cygni

The results of photometric and polarimetric observations of the star CH Cygni in the B, V, and R filters are presented. Variations of brightness and color indices are given as functions of the time of observation. A fairly irregular character was found, both in the brightness variations and in the variations of color indices. The polarization observations showed that the light of CH Cygni is intrinsically polarized.     

Gas content of infrared luminous markarian galaxies

The atomic and molecular hydrogen gas properties of a complete sample of Markarian galaxies with flux density at 60 µm higher than 1.95 Jy are presented. We present the improved far-infrared luminosity function of Markarian galaxies; and its comparison with other samples. We find that 40% of the bright IRAS galaxies of far-infrared luminosity higher than 10^10.5 L are Markarian galaxies. There is an absence of correlation between HI content of Markarian galaxies and current star formation activity, implying that star formation in these systems has complex structure and it is not a simple function of the HI content. On the contrary, the H₂ content of Markarian galaxies is well correlated with star formation activity. It is argued that tight correlation between HI and H₂ contents is a consequence of transformation of atomic hydrogen into molecular.Published in Astrofizika, Vol. 38, No. 4, pp. 636–644, October–December, 1995.     

Near-infrared imaging polarimetry of dusty young stars

We have carried out JHK polarimetric observations of 11 dusty young stars, by using the polarimeter module IRPOL2 with the near-infrared camera UIST on the 3.8-m United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT). Our sample targeted systems for which UKIRT-resolvable discs had been predicted by model fits to their spectral energy distributions. Our observations have confirmed the presence of extended polarized emission around TW Hya and around HD 169142. HD 150193 and HD 142666 show the largest polarization values among our sample, but no extended structure was resolved. By combining our observations with Hubble Space Telescope (HST) coronographic data from the literature, we derive the J - and H -band intrinsic polarization radial dependences of the disc of TW Hya. We find the polarizing efficiency of the disc is higher at H than at J , and we confirm that the J - and H -band percentage polarizations are reasonably constant with radius in the region between 0.9 and 1.3 arcsec from the star. We find that the objects for which we have detected extended polarizations are those for which previous modelling has suggested the presence of flared discs, which are predicted to be brighter than flat discs and thus would be easier to detect polarimetrically.     

The Morphologies of Dwarf Markarian Galaxies

The morphologies of the 96 dwarf (M(B) -17^m) galaxies in the Markarian catalog are determined from the digitized Schmidt plates obtained for the construction of the Hubble Space Telescope Guide Star Catalog. The fraction of double nucleus galaxies within the dwarf Markarian galaxies is determined to be twice that found for all galaxies in the Markarian catalog. In addition to the 12 previously known cases, four definite and two probable galaxies with double nuclei are identified. The fraction of dwarf Markarian galaxies with bright star forming regions is found to be twice that of Virgo cluster dwarf galaxies. No Elliptical galaxies are found in the sample. Galaxies with blue compact dwarf and S0 morphologies are more often found to contain unresolved regions of UV excess emission. Dwarf Markarian galaxies with different morphological structures and spectral classes are found to have similar FIR properties.     

Scattered light models of the dust shell around HD 179821

The dust shell around the evolved star HD 179821 has been detected in scattered light in near-IR imaging polarimetry observations. Here, we subtract the contribution of the unpolarized stellar light to obtain an intrinsic linear polarization of between 30 and 40 per cent in the shell that seems to increase with radial offset from the star. The J - and K -band data are modelled using a scattering code to determine the shell parameters and dust properties. We find that the observations are well described by a spherically-symmetric distribution of dust with an r ⁻² density law, indicating that when mass-loss was occurring, the mass-loss rate was constant. The models predict that the detached nature of a spherically-symmetric, optically-thin dust shell, with a distinct inner boundary, will only be apparent in polarized flux. This is in accordance with the observations of this and other optically-thin circumstellar shells, such as IRAS 17436+5003. By fitting the shell brightness we derive an optical depth to the star that is consistent with V -band observations and that, assuming a distance of 6 kpc, gives an inner-shell radius of     , a dust number density of     at r _in and a dust mass of     . We have explored axisymmetric shell models but conclude that any deviations from spherical symmetry in the shell must be slight, with an equator-to-pole density contrast of less than 2:1. We have not been able to fit simultaneously the high linear polarizations and the small     colour excess of the shell and we attribute this to the unusual scattering properties of the dust. We suggest that the dust grains around HD 179821 either are highly elongated or consist of aggregates of smaller particles.     

Very short-term behaviour of the flare star EV Lac

Sinusoidal variations in Johnson'sB-band of the flare star EV Lac have been confirmed at its quiet state luminosity. The cycle lengths are more than one hour and less than two hours with amplitudes varying from 0 _. ^m 105 to 0 _. ^m 306. These registered cycles have agreed with cycles detected by Mavridis and Varvoglis (1990) and Mavridis (1990). In the same time, the cycles have confirmed the light variation detection in Johnson'sV-band in the same flare star by Pettersen (1980) with a cyclic period equals about 4 _. ^d 378 and an amplitude of about 0 _. ^m 07. Our net results confirm, to some extent, the presence of active region(s) as an origin of stellar flare phenomenon of UV Ceti type flare stars. We can cautiously say that the solar and stellar flare phenomenon have a similar origin.     

VSOP and ground-based VLBI observations of Markarian 421

We have produced 22 VLBI images of the TeV blazar Markarian 421 at 11 epochs, including a Space VLBI observation with the HALCA satellite. We measure the speeds of the three innermost jet components to be 0.64±0.33, 0.48±0.09, and 0.06±0.09c (H₀=65 km s⁻¹ Mpc⁻¹). Interpretation of these subluminal speeds in terms of the high Doppler factor demanded by the TeV observations is discussed.     

Observations of Near-Earth Asteroids in Polarized Light

We report the results of position, photometric, and polarimetric observations of two near-Earth asteroids made with the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences. 1.2-hour measurements of the photometric variations of the asteroid 2009 DL46 made onMarch 8, 2016 (approximately 20^m at a distance of about 0.23 AU from the Earth) showed a 0.^m2-amplitude flash with a duration of about 20 minutes. During this time the polarization degree increased from the average level of 2–3% to 14%. The angle of the polarization plane and the phase angle were equal to 113° ± 1° and 43°, respectively. Our result indicates that the surface of the rotating asteroid (the rotation period of about 2.5 hours) must be non-uniformly rough. Observations of another asteroid—1994 UG—whose brightness was of about 17^m and which was located at a geocentric distance of 0.077 AU, were carried out during the night of March 6/7, 2016 in two modes: photometric and spectropolarimetric. According to the results of photometric observations in Johnson’s B-, V-, and R-band filters, over one hour the brightness of the asteroid remained unchanged within the measurement errors (about 0.^m02). Spectropolarimetric observations in the 420–800 nm wavelength interval showed the polarization degree to decrease from 8% in the blue part of the spectrum to 2% in the red part with the phase angle equal to 44?, which is typical for S-type near-Earth asteroids.     

Evidence for ordinary mode emission from microwave bursts

We analyze high-resolution, one-dimensional observations of simple microwave bursts, obtained at 4.9 GHz with the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope in 1980, together with H photographs of the associated flares from the Observatories of Athens and Meudon. In most cases the polarization structure can be interpreted in terms of extraordinary mode emission, taking into account the polarity of the underlying magnetic field and propagation effects, which may lead to inversion of the sense of polarization in the limbward part of the flaring loop. We found evidence for ordinary mode emission in two classes of events. In one class theo-mode comes from regions overlying strong magnetic field, which we interpret in terms of thermal gyroresonance absorption of the extraordinary mode at the third harmonic of the gyrofrequency. In the other class the entire burst emits in theo-mode, which may be attributed to high gyrosynchrotron optical depth.     

Upper limits on K-band polarization in three high-redshift radio galaxies: 53W091, 3C 441 and MRC 0156−252

We present the results of K -band imaging polarimetry of three radio galaxies, including the very red and apparently old z =1.55 galaxy 53W091. We find weak evidence for polarization in components of 3C 441 and in the south-eastern companion of 53W091, but no evidence of significant polarization in 53W091 itself. We also find strong evidence that MRC 0156−252 is unpolarized. We present upper limits for the K -band polarization of all three sources. For 53W091, the lack of significant K -band polarization provides further confidence that its red R − K colour can be attributed to a mature stellar population, consistent with the detailed analyses of its ultraviolet spectral-energy distribution which indicate a minimum age of 2–3.5 Gyr.     

A morphological and colorimetrical investigation of markarian galaxies

The results of morphological and colorimetrical investigation of several Markarian galaxies are presented. In most cases the nuclei of galaxies have U–B and B–V smaller than the integral values of the galaxies. By the colours of its nucleus Markarian 185 must be a normal galaxy. 55% of the galaxies in the sample are spirals of both types.     

Photoelectric observations of the flare star BD + 55° 1823

A light variation in Johnson'sV-band of flare star EV Lac has been registered by Pettersen (1980). The cycle length was 4 _. ^d 378 with amplitude about 0 _. ^m 07. A Fourier analysis programme has been applied on our measured data of the flare star BD+55°1823 in Johnson'sV andB bands. A period of 16^d and amplitude of 0 _. ^m 14 have been detected in theV-band.     

Alfvén waves in a space plasma and its role in the solar wind interaction with comets

The importance of Alfvén wave generation in interacting plasmas is discussed in general and illustrated by the example of solar wind interaction with cometary plasma. The quasi-linear theory of Alfvén wave generation by cometary ions at distances far from the cometary nucleus is reviewed. The incorporation of a diabatic plasma compression effects into this theory modifies the spectrum of Alfvén waves and the integral intensity of magnetic field fluctuations previously published. These results are in quantitative agreement with thein situ observations near the comets Giacobini-Zinner and Halley. However, the polarization of quasi-linearly excited waves needs further detailed comparison with observations.Paper dedicated to Professor Hannes Alfvén on the occasion of his 80th birthday, 30 May 1988.     

Polarization of radiation from Supernova 2005cs and possible physical mechanisms of its generation

We present R-band polarimetry and photometry for Supernova 2005cs. The polarimetric observations were performed with the AZT-8 telescope at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory (Ukraine) using the ST-7 photometer-polarimeter of the Sobolev Astronomical Institute. A record (for supernovae) linear polarization, p = 8%, was detected; the position angle underwent a jump by ?90° during the evolution of the supernova brightness. Possible generation mechanisms of the polarized radiation at the photospheric stage of evolution of the supernova are briefly analyzed.