Search for relativistic companions in ‘non-X-ray’ binary systems

Consideration is given to a search for relativistic objects in massive close binary systems without strong X-ray emission (L _x <10³⁴ erg s^–1). It is pointed out that, according to the present-day theory on the evolution of massive close binaries, the number of neutron stars and black holes in non-X-ray binary systems must be 100 times the number of the known X-ray binaries comprising OB supergiant stars; that is why, in studying non-X-ray binary systems, the chances are to detect about a hundred of black holes in the Galaxy.Criteria are formulated for the relativistic nature of companions in the binary systems, such as high spatial velocity values and height Z over the galactic plane for OB stars (runaway stars) and for Wolf-Rayet stars. As reported by Tutukov and Yungelson (1973), as well as by van den Heuvel (1976), the presence of ring-type nebulae can serve as another indication of a relativistic nature of companions in the case of Wolf-Rayet stars.Data are collected on Wolf-Rayet stars with low-mass companions (Table I), which can be relativistic objects accreting within a strong stellar wind from Wolf-Rayet stars. Presented are new findings in respect of spectral examination of the runaway OB-stars (Table II), bringing together data on eight OB stars which can represent binary systems with relativistic companions (Table III).A list of 28 OB-stars (Table IV) which offer a good chance for finding relativistic companions is given.     

Determination of the total amount of hydrogen atoms in a quiescent prominence

A brief quantitative review of the determination of the chemical composition of the Sun and stars is given. The method of estimation of the total amount of hydrogen atoms in a prominence is considered.The values of relative abundances of some infrequent elements in the solar atmosphere are refined using metal emission lines in the spectrum of a quiescent prominence. The most probable values of relative abundances for itrium _Y1×10^–9, zirconium _Zr2×10^–9, and scandium _Sc3.8×10^–9 are derived.     

PhotoelectricUBV and DDO photometry of NGC 5138

Results ofUBV photoelectric photometry in NGC 5138 are presented for 50 stars brighter than 14.0 mag. In addition, four probable red giants were also observed in the DDO system. Sixteen stars previously considered members by Lindoff (1972), were found not to be physically connected with the cluster. NGC 5138 is located 1.80 kpc from the Sun and the visual interstellar absorption determined from the reddenedB stars amounts toA _v =0.75 mag. Three of the four red stars observed in the DDO system were found to be cluster members. The mean cyanogen anomaly is CN=0.043±0.018 (m.e.), which implies that NGC 5138 is richer in CN than the field K giants in the solar neighbourhood, but poorer than the Hyades giants. The cluster age is estimated to be 1.5×10⁸ yr.Member of the Carrera del Investigador Cientifico del Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de la República Argentina, and visiting astronomer, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under contract with the National Science Foundation.     

On the Freundlich red shift

The Freundlich red shift of wavelengths in the solar spectrum is discussed. Born's approach on the photon-photon interaction is used in conjunction with Melvin's recalculation of Freundlich's universal constant in order to derive the cross-section for scattering in the solar atmosphere. The new cross-section appears to be = 1.58 × 10^–18 cm², which is about one thousand times Born's estimate for the effective cross-section. However, a modified value of the constant is in a good agreement with the one obtained by Ter Haar by scattering process methods, which leads to 10^–18 cm² for the photon-photon interaction cross-section of the solar atmosphere. A new expression for Freundlich's red shift formula is obtained. Some numerical examples are given and some interesting aspects of Freundlich's parameters are discussed.     

Correlations between statistical population indices and spectral characteristics of carbon stars

The coefficients of correlation between spectroscopic data published by Yamashita (1967) and others for carbon stars and the statistical population indices calculated for these stars at the Toru Observatory are calculated (Table II). The intensity estimates of Cai 4227 Å, Nai D lines, the C¹³/C¹² ratio, then=n(Li/Ca) index, as well as CN and probably C₂ bands are higher in population I carbon stars. The CH(G) band and probably hydrogen (H, H, H) lines as well as Baii 4554 and 4934 Å lines are stronger in population II carbon stars. The photoelectric colour indices, corrected for interstellar reddening do not show significant population effects. They can be used as spectral type equivalents. For a population criterion the CH/CN intensity ratio is proposed.     

Generation of γ-bursts by old magnetic neutron stars

A model of -bursts is considered that treats the flares of neutron stars as a result of convectiveoscillation instability associated with the stars having strong internal magnetic fields ( 10¹³ to 10¹⁴ G). In the context of this model only sufficiently old (10⁴ to 10⁷ yr), drastically cooled-down neutron stars may be sources of -bursts. The paper shows that major characteristics of a -burster in the Supernova N 49 remnant (energy release during burst up to 10⁴⁴ erg, age 10⁴ yr, burst-to-burst interval (I to 3)×10⁶s; rotation period P=8 s) may be explained under the assumption that the mass of the neutron star is about 0.14M _· while its mean magnetic field strength is 1.5×10¹⁴ G abd 10¹³ G within the star and on its surface, respectively. The observational tests of the model discussed conclude the paper.     

Present Observational Status of the Intermediate Mass Stars: δ Sct Stars, γ Dor Stars and roAp Stars

The present observational status of the Sct stars, Dor stars and roAp stars is discussed. The Sct stars are the most intensively observed of the three groups, but it has become clear that there are severe problems in extracting asteroseismic information from them. Dozens of frequencies are observed, but hundreds of frequencies are predicted from the models; unique matches of observation and theory still elude us. The Sct stars are observationally complex – some recent `best case' campaigns are discussed. It is possible that substantial observational advances for Sct stars may need to await upcoming satellite missions. New Dor stars are beingdiscovered frequently, and new behaviour is being found for them. They constitutean observationally young field. Their pulsational frequency range is being expanded, their position in the HR diagram is becoming better known (but is yet to be fully constrained), and the possibility exists of hybrid Dor – Sct stars that have greatasteroseismic promise, although it is clear such stars are rare, if they do exist. It has been observationally challenging to extract more than a fewfrequencies for any Dor star so far. Exciting spectroscopic discoveries of new behaviour in roAp stars promise unprecedented information about the structure of the peculiar atmospheres ofthose stars – pulsation amplitude and phase in 3D, magnetic field structurein 3D, abundance stratification in 3D, realistic T- for the most peculiarstars – as well as entirely new information about the interaction of pulsation,rotation and magnetic fields. Recent theoretical work has led to new understandingof the previously inexplicable frequency spacing of HR 1217 with new Whole Earth Telescope observations supporting this theory. An `improved oblique pulsator model' has been developed in which the pulsationaxis is not the magnetic axis; this model has passed several observationaltests and new ones are being devised to examine it further.     

B,V surface photometry of the UV continuum galaxy NGC 838

Surface photometry of the UV continuum galaxy NGC 838 has been carried out in theB, V system using photographic plates obtained with the 74 Kottamia telescope, Egypt. Isophotes, luminosity profiles, integrated photographic magnitudes, effective diameters and other photometric parameters are derived.The photoelectrically calibrated total apparent magnitudes areB _T =13.57 with maximum diameters 1.57×1.34 (at threshold _m =27.7 mag.//) andV _T =12.91 with maximum diameters 1.54×1.32 (at threshold _m =27.7 mag./). The integrated colour index(B–V) _T =0.66 and the effective surface brightness _e (B=19.0 mag./) and _e (V=19.7 mag./. The major axis is at position angle =85°±1°.The nucleus of NGC 838 is quite blue (integrated colour(B–V)=0.41 forr ^*<0.1) compared to normal galaxies while the colour becomes redder from the nucleus outwards. The UV excess, H emission and radio continuum emission previously observed from this galaxy by other investigators may be attributed to a recent burst of star formation in the nucleus of the galaxy of duration slightly greater than 2×10⁷ yr.     

Quantum effects in cyclotron plasma absorption

It is shown that X-ray radiation of neutron stars with magnetic fieldsB=10¹¹–10¹³ G near cyclotron resonances=s _B (s=1,2,...) is deeply affected by such quantum effects as electron-positron vacuum polarization (significant at V=3×10²⁸ n _e ^–1 (B/B _C ⁴)1, whereB _C =4.4×10¹³G), the quantizing character of the magnetic field (significant atV=3 x 10²⁸ n _e ^–1 (B/B _c)⁴1 whereB _c =4.4 x 10¹³G), the non-harmonic character of the Landau levels, and the quantum recoil of electrons. The latter two factors shift the resonances by the frequency –s ² _B (B/2B _c )sin², being the angle between the direction of radiation propagation and the magnetic field. IfVV ₀ (for 1,V ₀^–1=(mc ²/2T)^1/2), the normal mode (NM) polarizations, as well as the absorption coefficientk ₁ of the extraordinary NM in the Doppler core of the first resonance (|–| _B cos ), is only slightly affected by varyingb and/orV, whereas for the ordinary NM (at 1)k ₂k ₁ ²[b + (3 + tan²–2V)²]k ₁. For sufficiently largeb and/orV the quantum effects amplify resonant absorption of the ordinary NM at _B , with spin-flip transitions playing a major role atb1+V ². IfVV ₀, the coefficientsk ₁ andk ₂ in the Doppler core of the resonance are of the same order and acquire some peculiar features (shifts, intersections, etc.), with the NM polarizations depending sharply on and being strongly non-orthogonal. AtVV ₀,k ₂=k ₁(cos² +B/2B _C ) and the polarizations are almost linear. Near high resonances (s2), as a rule,k _1,2(1 + b) ^{s–1 2s–3} i.e., absorption increases withb due to replacement of the thermal energy of the transverse motion of electron,T, by the magnetic energy _B . The above effects should be taken into account for an interpretation of observational data on X-ray pulsars (e.g., Her X-1) and other X-ray sources associated with neutron stars.     

Statistical survey of planetary nebulae: Distances,masses, and distribution in the galaxy

On the basis of empirical (D)-dependency at the frequency of 5 GHz constructed using 15 planetary nebulae with the independently measured distances (10^–171×10^–20 W m^–2 Hz^–1 ster^–1), we evaluated distances of 335 objects. Independent evidence of the correctness of the accepted scale are given. Then(D)-dependency is constructed and it is shown that atD<0.08 pc the mean electron density is higher than the one determined by the Seaton method. We showed that the filling factor diminishes with the increase of the PN diameter (1 atD0.08 pc and 0.2 atD0.4 pc). the ionized mass of 33 PNs is determined. With the diameter increase the ionized mass grows and atD0.4 pc reaches the valueM0.07M . We used the new distance scale when investigating the space distribution of PNs. The mean scale height =130±15 pc and the mean gradient of the change of surface densitym=0.37, which allowed us to estimate the total number of nebulae in the GalaxyN4×10⁴. We divided the PNs according to their velocities (withV _LSR>35 km s^–1 andV _LSR<35 km s^–1) and permitted us to confirm that the PN belong to different sub-systems of the Galaxy. The estimated local formation rate of PNs [=(4.6±2.2)×10^–12 pc^–3 yr^–1] is a little higher than the one of the white dwarfs. That can be explained by a large number of PNs having binary cores, which used in our sample. The statistical estimation of PN expansion velocity showed thatV _ex increases from 5–7 km s^–1 (atD0.03 pc) to 40–50 km s^–1 (atD0.8 pc).     

Observations and analysis of CF Tuc

RecentUBV photometry of the RS CVn binary CF Tuc is discussed and analysed. If we combine the results with previously published spectroscopy we find radii of 1.63R for the hotter (6000 K) and 3.11R for the cooler (4500 K) component; both stars having a mass of about 1.3M . The distance to the system is put at 86±15 pc.Though the photometric data is incomplete in the coverage of some regions out of the minima, there is no significant evidence of the wave-type distortions — a known hallmark of RS CVn stars — and the data can be modeled by a standard eclipsing binary system in which the statistical test of goodness-of-fit (²) produces quite acceptable values for reasonable estimates of observational accuracy (0.01 mag). We, therefore, have no need to postulate any additional photometric complications, and feel entitled to some confidence in the reliability of the derived parameter set.     

A search for soft X-ray emission from stellar sources

With the soft X-ray detector (0.2–0.284 keV) aboard the Astronomical Netherlands Satellite (ANS) we have searched for X-ray emission from hot star coronae and peculiar stars. On Sirius ( CMa) and Capella ( Aur) X-ray emission has been measured at 6 and 5 level, respectively, above background. In all other cases the search revealed no evidence for soft X-ray emission. Upper limits to the luminosities of about 25 star coronae (main-sequence stars, (sub)giants, and supergiants) and of 4 peculiar stars ( Sco, Lyr, P Cyg, and Car) have been obtained.Paper presented at the COSPAR/IAU Symposium on Fast Transients in X-and Gamma-Rays, held at Varna, Bulgaria, 29–31 May, 1975.     

The first byurakan spectral sky survey. Late spectral class stars. VII. The zone +76° ≤ δ ≤ +80°

We present the seventh list of stars of the late M and C spectral classes taken from the plates of the First Byurakan Spectral Sky Survey (FBS). Data on 24 objects, 2 of which are carbon stars of early subclasses (R-stars), are given for the first time. The spectral membership of two known stars is established. The objects lie in the zone 3 ^h 40 ^m 18 ^h 30 ^m and +76° +80°.Translated fromAstrofizika, Vol. 38, No. 3, 1995.     

Взаимооействие Излучения Рентгеновскооо Истооника с АтмосФерой Нормальной Звезды в Тесных Двойных Системах

, . : , . , . . ( ) . . . HZ Her=Her X1, . . , . , ., hv 15–30 . , . Sco X1 .     

The behaviour of the infrared lines of neutral oxygen and the balmer lines of hydrogen in the spectra of early-type stars with emission lines

The equivalent widths of the oxygen lines at 7774 and 8446 and of H (and some H) have been measured for 22 early-type, emission-line stars. A strong correlation between H and 8446 intensities has been found, although there is no such correlation between H and 7774. This confirms the probability that Bowen's mechanism is operative (the neutral oxygen 3³ D state is overpopulated because the excitation energy of Ly- nearly coincides with that of theOi 1025 line). The possibility of using 8446 and H equivalent widths for a comparison of oxygen to hydrogen abundances in these stars is discussed.     

Microscopic spectral features in solar decametric bursts and coronal irregularities

A crossed Yagi antenna array at 35 MHz was employed in conjunction with a polarization switch so as to enable spectral observations of solar noise storm activity in R and L polarizations. Intense decametric solar noise storms were recorded during the third week of November 1975 and fourth week of March 1976 with the help of a high resolution spectroscope operating near 35 MHz.The paper describes some of the new microscopic spectral features observed during these two noise storms. Three sets of high resolution dynamic spectra of decametric solar bursts, two of which are explained in terms of induced scattering of Langmuir waves by thermal ions and the third in terms of additional propagation effects through dense coronal irregularities, are presented. The microscopic bursts, classified as inverted U U and dots, represent small-scale (10⁴ km) phenomena with durations of less than a second.Some burst spectra appear as chain of dots with individual bandwidths 40 kHz and durations 0.3 sec. It is suggested that the bandwidth of such dot emissions (40 kHz) provides an evidence that they might indeed be generated by the process of induced scattering of plasma waves which predicts emission bandwidth f × 10^–3, where f is the center frequency.Some bursts are observed as a chain of striations showing curvature along the frequency axis which is attributed to dispersion in propagation delays through the dense coronal irregularities.     

WR stars with the Ovi λλ3811, 3834 emission doublet

The catalog of the classical WR stars which have the emission doublet Ovi 3811, 3834 in their optical spectra (the catalog of the WR-Ovi stars) and the results of the spectroscopic investigations of the WR-Ovi stars HD 16523, HD 17638, and HD 192103 are presented. Rapid spectral variability of the emission doublet Ovi 3811, 3834 in the spectra of WR-Ovi stars HD 16523, HD 17638, and of the emission band 3680-3780 Å in the spectra of the WR-Ovi star HD 16523 is observed. It is shown that spectral sub-types of the stars HD 16523 and HD 17638 as estimated from different criteria are uncertain. We argue that the WR-Ovi stars HD 16523 and HD 17638, the optical spectra of which display emission doublet Ovi 3811, 3834, may be considered as WO5 stars. The sub-type WO5 is proposed for the first time. Classification criteria of the WO5 sub-type are represented. The possible contribution of the ions Heii to the emission at 3811 Å and 3834 Å is investigated. Thez-distributions of WR-Ovi stars and WR stars with the probable relativistic companions are found to be similar.     

Some fundamental elements of universe mechanics

An essential part in the mechanics under study is taking into consideration the effect of motions of the Universe objects upon that of an individual one surrounded by them including those infinitely far from it. Only macro-objects of the Universe are meant here.

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Zusammenfassung Ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der Mechanik unter unserer Betrachtung ist die Berechnung des Einflusses auf die Bewegung eines individuellen Objektes von Bewegungen der Universum Objekte die es umringen einschließlich jene Objekte, die unendlich entfernt sind. Nur Makroobjekte des Weltalles sind in der Absicht dabei.

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Polarimetric Studies of Stars with an Infrared Emission Excess

The results of polarimetric and IR (IRAS) observations of 24 B-A-F stars are given. Intrinsic polarization of the light from 11 of the 24 stars is observed. The degree of polarization for the other 13 stars is within the measurement errors. Two-color diagrams are also constructed. From a comparison of the degree of polarization with the color index on the two-color diagrams it is seen that 8 of these 13 stars probably are of the Vega type, while 5 are stars with gas—dust shells and/or disk—shells. It is shown that 6 of the aforementioned 11 stars with intrinsic polarization evidently are stars with gas—dust shells and/or disk—shells, while 5 of them (also including No. 24) are of the Vega type. It is also shown that the IR emission from 10 of the stars corresponds to a power-law distribution F . This fact may be explained both by free—free transitions of electrons and by thermal emission from dust grains in circumstellar gas—dust shells (disks).     

Динамические равновесные плазменные конфигуации и физика магнитосферы

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