Searching for Binary Systems Among Nearby Dwarfs Based on Pulkovo Observations and SDSS Data

Our goal is to find previously unknown binary systems among low-mass dwarfs in the solar neighborhood and to test the search technique. The basic ideas are to reveal the images of stars with significant ellipticities and/or asymmetries compared to the background stars on CCD frames and to subsequently determine the spatial parameters of the binary system and the magnitude difference between its components. For its realization we have developed a method based on an image shapelet decomposition. All of the comparatively faint stars with large proper motions (V >13 ^m , μ > 300 mas yr^?1) for which the “duplicate source” flag in the Gaia DR1 catalogue is equal to one have been included in the list of objects for our study. As a result, we have selected 702 stars. To verify our results, we have performed additional observations of 65 stars from this list with the Pulkovo 1-m “Saturn” telescope (2016–2017). We have revealed a total of 138 binary candidates (nine of them from the “Saturn” telescope and SDSS data). Six program stars are known binaries. The images of the primaries of the comparatively wide pairs WDS 14519+5147, WDS 11371+6022, and WDS 15404+2500 are shown to be resolved into components; therefore, we can talk about the detection of triple systems. The angular separation ρ, position angle, and component magnitude difference Δm have been estimated for almost all of the revealed binary systems. For most stars 1.5′′ < ρ < 2.5′′, while Δm <1.5^m.     

Very low strengths of interplanetary meteoroids and small asteroids

Abstract– We have assembled data on 13 cases of meteorite falls with accurate tracking data on atmospheric passage. In all cases, we estimate the bulk strength of the object corresponding to its earliest observed or inferred fragmentation in the high atmosphere, and can compare these values with measured strengths of meteorites in the taxonomic class for that fall. In all 13 cases, the strength corresponding to earliest observed or inferred fragmentation is much less than the compressive or tensile strength reported for that class of stony meteorites. Bulk strengths upon atmospheric entry of these bodies are shown to be very low, 0.1 to approximately 1 MPa on first breakup, and maximal strength on breakup as 1–10 MPa corresponding to weak and “crumbly” objects, whereas measured average tensile strength of the similar meteorite classes is about 30 MPa. We find a more random relation between bulk sample strength and sample mass than is suggested by a commonly used empirical power law. We estimate bulk strengths on entry being characteristically of the order of 10^?1–10^?2 times the tensile strengths of recovered samples. We conclude that pre‐entry, meter‐scale interplanetary meteoroids are typically highly fractured or in some cases rubbly in texture, presumably as a result of their parent bodies’ collisional history, and can break up under stresses of a few megapascals. The weakness of some carbonaceous objects may result from very porous primordial accretional structures, more than fractures. These conclusions have implications for future asteroid missions, sample extraction, and asteroid hazard mitigation.     

Meteorite and meteoroid: New comprehensive definitions

Abstract– Meteorites have traditionally been defined as solid objects that have fallen to Earth from space. This definition, however, is no longer adequate. In recent decades, man‐made objects have fallen to Earth from space, meteorites have been identified on the Moon and Mars, and small interplanetary objects have impacted orbiting spacecraft. Taking these facts and other potential complications into consideration, we offer new comprehensive definitions of the terms “meteorite,”“meteoroid,” and their smaller counterparts: A meteoroid is a 10‐μm to 1‐m‐size natural solid object moving in interplanetary space. A micrometeoroid is a meteoroid 10 μm to 2 mm in size. A meteorite is a natural, solid object larger than 10 μm in size, derived from a celestial body, that was transported by natural means from the body on which it formed to a region outside the dominant gravitational influence of that body and that later collided with a natural or artificial body larger than itself (even if it is the same body from which it was launched). Weathering and other secondary processes do not affect an object’s status as a meteorite as long as something recognizable remains of its original minerals or structure. An object loses its status as a meteorite if it is incorporated into a larger rock that becomes a meteorite itself. A micrometeorite is a meteorite between 10 μm and 2 mm in size. Meteorite– “a solid substance or body falling from the high regions of the atmosphere” ( Craig 1849 ); “[a] mass of stone and iron that ha[s] been directly observed to have fallen down to the Earth’s surface” (translated from Cohen 1894 ); “[a] solid bod[y] which came to the earth from space” ( Farrington 1915 ); “A mass of solid matter, too small to be considered an asteroid; either traveling through space as an unattached unit, or having landed on the earth and still retaining its identity” ( Nininger 1933 ); “[a meteoroid] which has reached the surface of the Earth without being vaporized” (1958 International Astronomical Union (IAU) definition, quoted by Millman 1961 ); “a solid body which has arrived on the Earth from outer space” ( Mason 1962 ); “[a] solid bod[y] which reach[es] the Earth (or the Moon, Mars, etc.) from interplanetary space and [is] large enough to survive passage through the Earth’s (or Mars’, etc.) atmosphere” ( Gomes and Keil 1980 ); “[a meteoroid] that survive[s] passage through the atmosphere and fall[s] to earth” ( Burke 1986 ); “a recovered fragment of a meteoroid that has survived transit through the earth’s atmosphere” ( McSween 1987 ); “[a] solid bod[y] of extraterrestrial material that penetrate[s] the atmosphere and reach[es] the Earth’s surface” ( Krot et al. 2003 ).     

Granada oscillation code (GraCo)

Granada oscillation code (GraCo) is a software constructed to compute adiabatic and non-adiabatic oscillation eigenfunctions and eigenvalues. The adiabatic version gives the standard numerical resolution, and also the Richardson extrapolation, different sets of eigenfunctions, different outer mechanical boundary conditions or different integration variables. The non-adiabatic version can include the atmosphere-pulsation interaction. The code has been used for intensive studies of δ Scuti, γ Doradus, β Ceph., SdO and, SdB stars. The non adiabatic observables “phase-lag” (the phase between the effective temperature variations and the radial displacement) and ${\delta T_{\mathrm{eff}}\over T_{\mathrm{eff}}}$ (relative surface temperature variation) can help to the modal identification. These quantities together with the energy balance (“growth rate”) provide useful additional information to the adiabatic resolution (eigenfrequencies and eigenfunctions).     

Identification and properties of host galaxies of RCR radio sources

FIRST and NVSS radio maps are used to cross identify the radio sources of the RCR catalog, which is based on observational data obtained in several runs of the “Cold” survey, with the SDSS and DPOSS digital optical sky surveys and the 2MASS, LAS UKIDSS, and WISE infrared surveys. Digital images in various filters and the coadded gri-band SDSS images, red and infrared DPOSS images, JHK-band UKIDSS images, and JHK-band 2MASS images are analyzed for the sources with no optical candidates found in the above catalogs. Our choice of optical candidates was based on the data on the structure of the radio source, its photometry, and spectroscopy (where available). We found reliable identifications for 86% of the radio sources; possible counterparts for 8% of the sources, and failed to find any optical counterparts for 6% of the sources because their host objects proved to be fainter than the limiting magnitude of the corresponding surveys. A little over half of all the identifications proved to be galaxies; about one quarter were quasars, and the types of the remaining objects were difficult to determine because of their faintness. A relation between the luminosity and the radioloudness index was derived and used to estimate the 1.4 and 3.94 GHz luminosities for the sources with unknown redshifts. We found 3% and 60% of all the RCR radio sources to be FRI-type objects (L ? 10²⁴ W/Hz at 1.4 GHz) and powerful FRII-type galaxies (L ? 10^26.5 W/Hz), respectively, whereas the rest are sources including objects of the FRI, FRII, and mixed FRI-FRII types. Unlike quasars, galaxies show a trend of decreasing luminosity with decreasing flux density. Note that identification would be quite problematic without the software and resources of the virtual observatory.     

Planetary orbital equations in externally-perturbed systems: position and velocity-dependent forces

The increasing number and variety of extrasolar planets illustrates the importance of characterizing planetary perturbations. Planetary orbits are typically described by physically intuitive orbital elements. Here, we explicitly express the equations of motion of the unaveraged perturbed two-body problem in terms of planetary orbital elements by using a generalized form of Gauss’ equations. We consider a varied set of position and velocity-dependent perturbations, and also derive relevant specific cases of the equations: when they are averaged over fast variables (the “adiabatic” approximation), and in the prograde and retrograde planar cases. In each instance, we delineate the properties of the equations. As brief demonstrations of potential applications, we consider the effect of Galactic tides. We measure the effect on the widest-known exoplanet orbit, Sedna-like objects, and distant scattered disk objects, particularly with regard to where the adiabatic approximation breaks down. The Mathematica code which can help derive the equations of motion for a user-defined perturbation is freely available upon request.     

Performance analysis of differential speckle polarimetry

We consider a method for obtaining information on polarization of astronomical objects radiation at diffraction limited resolution—differential speckle polarimetry. As an observable we propose to use averaged cross spectrum of two short-exposure images corresponding to orthogonal polarizations, normalized by averaged power spectrum of one of images. Information on polarization can be extracted if object under study can be described by model with several parameters. We consider two examples: pointlike source whose photocenter position depends on orientation of passing polarization and exozodiacal dust disc around a star. In first case the difference between photocenter positions can be measured with precision of 8 µas for 2.5-m telescope and 1.2 µas for 6-m telescope for object V = 13 ^m . For second example method allows detection of discs around central star of V = 1 ^m with fractional luminosities of 1.8 × 10^?5 and 5.6 × 10^?6 for 2.5- and 6-m telescope, respectively.     

Infrared polarimetry and imaging of ultracompact partially ionized optical sources in the orion nebula

Hubble Space Telescope images of the Orion nebula taken with the Wide-Field Camera have revealed subarcsecond structure in several dozen objects which are apparently ionized externally from nearby stars. We have obtained near-IR images and IR polarimetry of the Orion region to search for correlations with the WFC objects. We find that all of the ultracompact WFC objects are associated with IR features of some sort, and that some are associated with strongly polarized IR emission. The object with strongest polarization also shows small IR lobes. In addition, we find some previously unreported sources, showing polarized IR emission, outside the field of the HST images, which we believe may be the same sorts of object. We note that the object with strongest polarization has a double-lobed appearance in the K band image.     

Research on Improving SNR of Large Angle Synchronous Satellite Based on Sub-pixel Translation and Superposition

Geosynchronous satellite with big inclination is not completely stationary relative to the ground. Its sub-satellite point moves periodically in the north-south direction with ground track of shape like “8”. The larger the inclination angle is, the larger the range of motion is. Such effect makes the effective exposure time of Geosynchronous satellite limited when observe it by optical telescope with stare mode, and the SNR (Signal Noise Ratio) of Geosynchronous satellite image could not be increased with long exposure time. In the monitoring of Geosynchronous orbit without changing hardware, a method called sub-pixel translating superposition of successive frames of images is proposed. By translating and aligning images in the sub-pixel scale according to the moving speed of the object and the time interval of the adjacent frame images, the positions of the Geosynchronous satellite in the image sequences are coincident, and then by superposition of these translational images, the SNR of moving Geosynchronous objects and the detection capability of the whole system can be improved. Results of superposition of real observed images show that the method can remarkably improve the SNR of moving. When five images are superimposed, compared with the SNR of the original image, the SNR of the superimposed image by integer pixels is increased by around 1.7 times, and the SNR of the superimposed image by sub-pixel is increased by about 2 times.     

The geology of 433 Eros

Abstract— The global high‐resolution imaging of asteroid 433 Eros by the Near‐Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) Shoemaker spacecraft has made it possible to develop the first comprehensive picture of the geology of a small S‐type asteroid. Eros displays a variety of surface features, and evidence of a substantial regolith. Large scale facets, grooves, and ridges indicate the presence of at least one global planar structure. Directional and superposition relations of smaller structural features suggest that fracturing has occurred throughout the object. As with other small objects, impact craters dominate the overall shape as well as the small‐scale topography of Eros. Depth/diameter ratios of craters on Eros average ～0.13, but the freshest craters approach lunar values of ～0.2. Ejecta block production from craters is highly variable; the majority of large blocks appear to have originated from one 7.6 km crater (Shoemaker). The interior morphology of craters does not reveal the influence of discrete mechanical boundaries at depth in the manner of craters formed on lunar mare regolith and on some parts of Phobos. This lack of mechanical boundaries, and the abundant evidence of regolith in nearly every high‐resolution image, suggests a gradation in the porosity and fracturing with depth. The density of small craters is deficient at sizes below ～200 m relative to predicted slopes of empirical saturation. This characteristic, which is also found on parts of Phobos and lunar highland areas, probably results from the efficient obliteration of small craters on a body with significant topographic slopes and a thick regolith. Eros displays a variety of regolith features, such as debris aprons, fine‐grained “ponded” deposits, talus cones, and bright and dark streamers on steep slopes indicative of efficient downslope movement of regolith. These processes serve to mix materials in the upper loose fragmental portion of the asteroid (regolith). In the instance of “ponded” materials and crater wall deposits, there is evidence of processes that segregate finer materials into discrete deposits. The NEAR observations have shown us that surface processes on small asteroids can be very complex and result in a wide variety of morphologic features and landforms that today seem exotic. Future missions to comets and asteroids will surely reveal still as yet unseen processes as well as give context to those discovered by the NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft.     

Reconstruction of objects by direct demodulation

High resolution reconstruction of complicated objects from incomplete and noisy data can be achieved by solving modulation equations iteratively under physical constraints. This direct demodulation method is a powerful technique for dealing with inverse problem in general case. Spectral and image restorations and computerized tomography are only particular cases of general demodulation. It is possible to reconstruct an object in higher dimensional space from observations by a simple lower dimensional instrument through direct demodulation. Our simulations show that wide field and high resolution images of space hard X-rays and soft-rays can be obtained by a collimated non-position-sensitive detector without coded aperture masks.     

Sources of stellar energy,Einstein–Eddington timescale of gravitational contraction and eternally collapsing objects

We point out that although conventional stars are primarily fed by burning of nuclear fuel at their cores, in a strict sense, the process of release of stored gravitational energy, known as, Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) process is either also operational albeit at an arbitrary slow rate, or lying in wait to take over at the disruption of the nuclear channel. In fact, the latter mode of energy release is the true feature of any self-gravity bound object including stars. We also highlight the almost forgotten fact that Eddington was the first physicist to introduce special relativity into the problem and correctly insist that, actually, total energy stored in a star is not the mere Newtonian energy but the total mass energy (E = Mc²). Accordingly, Eddington defined an “Einstein time scale” of Evolution where the maximum age of the Sun turned out to be t_E ≈ 1.4 × 10¹³ yr. This concept has a fundamental importance though we know now that Sun in its present form cannot survive for more than 10 billion years. We extend this concept by introducing general relativity and show that the minimum value of depletion of total mass–energy is t_E = ∞ not only for Sun but for and sufficiently massive or dense object. We propose that this time scale be known in the name of “Einstein–Eddington”. We also point out that, recently, it has been shown that as massive stars undergo continued collapse to become a Black Hole, first they become extremely relativistic radiation pressure supported stars. And the life time of such relativistic radiation pressure supported compact stars is indeed dictated by this Einstein–Eddington time scale whose concept is formally developed here. Since this observed time scale of this radiation pressure supported quasistatic state turns out to be infinite, such objects are called eternally collapsing objects (ECO). Further since ECOs are expected to have strong intrinsic magnetic field, they are also known as “Magnetospheric ECO” or MECO.     

4.8 – 20 micron imaging of orion BN/KL: luminosity sources and the role of IRc2

Mid-infrared imaging photometry of the Orion BN/KL infrared cluster at eight wavelengths between 5 and 20µm using a 58 × 62 pixel imaging array camera has revealed new compact sources and the large-scale structure of the region in diffraction-limited (1 arcsec) detail. Several new objects have been detected within a few arcsec of IRc2, widely thought to be the principal luminosity source for the entire BN/KL complex. Detailed color temperature and emission opacity images are derived from the 7.8, 12.4 and 20.0µm observations, and the 9.8µm image is used to derive an image of “silicate” dust extinction for the region. The color temperature, opacity, and extinction images show that IRc2 may not be the single dominant luminosity source for the BN/KL region; substantial contributions to the luminosity could be made by IRc7, BN, KL, and five new compact 10µm sources detected within a few arcseconds of IRc2. We suggest that a luminous, early-type star near IRc2, which is associated with the compact radio source “I” and the Orion SiO maser, is the dominant luminosity source in the BN/KL region, hidden from view by cool dust material with at least Av ～ 60 mag of visible extinction.     

The X‐ray source population of the Andromeda galaxy M 31

First studies of the X‐ray source population of M 31 were performed with the Einstein Observatory and ROSAT. High resolution Chandra Observatory images not only spatially resolved the center area but also supernova remnants (SNRs) in the galaxy. Source catalogues of restricted areas were presented with high astrometric accuracy. Also luminosity function studies and studies of individual sources based on Chandra and XMM‐Newton observations led to a better knowledge of the X‐ray source population. An XMM‐Newton source catalog based on archival observations revealed more than 850 sources down to a 0.2–4.5 keV luminosity of 10³⁵ erg s^–1. EPIC hardness ratios as well as informations from earlier X‐ray, optical, and radio catalogues were used to distinguish between different source classes (SNRs, supersoft sources (SSSs), X‐ray binaries (XRBs), globular cluster sources within M 31, and foreground stars and objects in the background). However, many sources could only be classified as “hard”. These sources may either be XRBs or Crab‐like SNRs in M 31 or background sources. Two of the globular cluster sources could be identified as low mass XRBs with a neutron star as compact object as they showed type I X‐ray bursts. Many of the SSSs were identified as optical novae. Inspired by these results an XMM‐Newton survey of the entire D₂₅ disk of M 31 and a dedicated program to monitor X‐ray counterparts of optical novae in M 31 was started. We discuss implications for further nearby galaxy studies. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A Deep Extragalactic Survey with the ART-XC Telescope of the Spectrum-RG Observatory: Simulations and Expected Results

To choose the best strategy for conducting a deep extragalactic survey with the ART-XC X-ray telescope onboard the Spectrum–Röntgen–Gamma (SRG) observatory and to estimate the expected results, we have simulated the observations of a 1.1° × 1.1° field in the 5–11 and 8–24 keV energy bands. For this purpose, we have constructed a model of the active galactic nuclei (AGN) population that reflects the properties of the X-ray emission from such objects. The photons that “arrived” from these sources were passed through a numerical model of the telescope, while the resulting data were processed with the standard ART-XC data processing pipeline. We show that several hundred AGNs at redshifts up to z ≈ 3 will be detected in such a survey over 1.2 Ms of observations with the expected charged particle background levels. Among them there will be heavily obscured AGNs, which will allow a more accurate estimate of the fraction of such objects in the total population to be made. Source confusion is expected at fluxes below 2 × 10^?14 erg s^?1 cm^?2 (5–11 keV). Since this value can exceed the source detection threshold in a deep survey at low particle background levels, it may turn out to be more interesting to conduct a survey of larger area (several square degrees) but smaller depth, obtaining a sample of approximately four hundred bright AGNs as a result.     

The “European Fireball Network”: Current status and future prospects

Abstract— Among the three large camera networks carrying out fireball observations through the seventies and eighties, the “European Fireball Network” is the last one still in operation. The network today consists of more than 34 all-sky and fish-eye cameras deployed with ～100 km spacing and covering an area of ～10⁶ km², in the Czech and Slovak Republics, Germany, as well as parts of Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria. Network operation results in ～10 000 image exposures per year, which represent on average 1200 h of clear sky observations—as imaging periods are restricted due to daylight, moonlight, and clouds. The cameras detect currently large meteors at a rate of ～50 per year; this is in good agreement with the encounter rates determined in previous fireball studies. From sightings of “meteorite candidates” (fireballs that may have deposited meteorites) and meteorite recoveries in the network area, we estimate that 15% of the influx of meteoritic matter is currently observed by the cameras, whereas <1% is recovered on the ground. Issues to be addressed by future fireball observations include the study of very large meteoroids (>1000 kg) for which statistics are currently very poor and an examination of their relationship to NEOs (near-Earth objects) identified by current NEO search programs.     

Io's sodium emission cloud and the voyager 1 encounter

Io's neutral sodium emission cloud was monitored during the period of Voyager 1 encounter from two independent ground-based sites. Observations from Table Mountain Observatory verified the continued existence of the “near-Io cloud” (d < 1.5 × 10⁵ km, for 4πI > 1 kR; R denotes Rayleigh) while those from Wise Observatory showed a deficiency in the weaker emission at greater distances from Io. The sodium cloud has been monitored from both observatories for several years. These and other observations demonstrate that the behavior of the cloud is complex since it undergoes a variety of changes, both systematic and secular, which can have both time and spatial dependencies. The cloud also displays some characteristics of stability. Table Mountain images and high-dispersion spectra (resolution $\text{～0.2}\text{A}\text{?}$) indicate that the basic shape and intensity of the “near cloud” have remained relatively constant at least since imaging observations began in 1976. Wise Observatory low-dispersion spectra (resolution $\text{～1}\text{A}\text{?}$) which have been obtained since 1974 demonstrate substantial variability of the size and intensity of the “far cloud” (d ? 1.5 × 10⁵ km) on a time scale of months or less. Corresponding changes in the state of the plasma associated with the Io torus are suggested, with the period of Voyager 1 encounter represented as a time of unusually high plasma temperature and/or density. Dynamic models of the sodium cloud employing Voyager 1 plasma data provide a reasonable fit to the Table Mountain encounter images. The modeling assumptions of anisotropic ejection of neutral sodium atoms from the leading, inner hemisphere of Io with a velocity distribution characteristic of sputtering adequately explain the overall intensity distribution of the “near cloud”. During the Voyager 1 encounter period there appeared a region of enhanced intensity projecting outward from Io's orbit and inclined to the orbital plane. This region is clearly distinguished from the sodium emission normally aligned with the plane of Io's orbit. The process responsible for this phenomenon is not yet understood. Similar but less pronounced features are also present in several Table Mountain images obtained over the past few years.     

Fiberoptically Multiplexed Medium Resolution Spectroscopy from the WIYN Telescope,Singlet D Neutral Oxygen,NH2, and H2O+

The WIYN 3.5-meter telescope and its Multi-Object Spectrograph (MOS) have been used to obtain simultaneous spectra at many points in the coma of Comet Hale-Bopp. Between 1996 October and 1997 April in excess of 7500 individual spectra were obtained, typically 96 at a time. On six nights the “Hydra” fiber positioner was used to sample a ring pattern of points about the nucleus with a minimum spacing of 40 arc seconds and a maximum radius of 22.5 arc minutes. On four nights a new “Densepak” fiber cable was used. In this configuration a 7 × 13 rectangular pattern of 91, 3 arc second fibers on 4 arc second centers was used. In most cases the bench spectrograph was used in the echelle mode with an interference filter to isolate a single order. The wavelength range from 6100 Å to 6400 Å was recorded with resolution of approximately 15,000. This spectral region contains the emission features of [OI], C₂, NH₂and H₂O⁺. From this mass of data we are beginning to extract the radial, azimuthal and temporal variations of many different spectral features. The radial profiles of [O I] λ6300 Å and NH₂ are reasonably well representable by the Haser model formalism, that of H₂O⁺ is not.     

Production rates of cosmogenic helium‐3, neon‐21, and neon‐22 in ordinary chondrites and the lunar surface

Abstract— The production of ³He, ²¹Ne, and ²²Ne in meteoroids of various sizes and in the lunar surface was investigated. The LAHET code system, a purely physical model for calculating cosmic‐ray particle fluxes, was used to simulate cosmic‐ray particle interactions with extraterrestrial matter. We discuss the depth and size dependence of the shielding parameter ²²Ne/²¹Ne, which is used for reconstruction of pre‐atmospheric sizes, depth, and exposure histories. The ²²Ne/²¹Ne ratio decreases with increasing depth or pre‐atmospheric size but then increases with depth in very large objects. This increase with depth in the ²²Ne/²¹Ne ratio means that this ratio is a poor indicator of shielding in some large objects. The dependence of ³He/²¹Ne as function of ²²Ne/²¹Ne was also calculated, and differences between the calculations and the Bern line are discussed.     

High-resolution bispectrum speckle interferometry and two-dimensional radiative transfer modeling of the Red Rectangle

We present the first diffraction-limited K-band image of the Red Rectangle with 76 mas resolution, an H-band image with 75 mas resolution, and an RG 715 filter image ( 800 nm wavelength) with 78 mas resolution (corresponding to 25 AU for a distance of 330 pc). The H and K images were reconstructed from 6 m telescope speckle data and the RG 715 image from 2.2 m telescope data using the speckle masking bispectrum method. At all wavelengths the images show a compact, highly symmetric bipolar nebula, suggesting a toroidal density distribution of the circumstellar material. No direct light from the central binary can be seen as it is obscured by a dust disk or circumbinary torus. Our first high-resolution H−K color image of the nebula shows a broad red plateau of H−K≈ 2^m in the bright inner regions.The optical and near-infrared images and the available photometric continuum observations in a wide range of ultraviolet to centimeter wavelengths enabled us to model the Red Rectangle in detail using a two-dimensional radiative transfer code. Our model matches both the high-resolution images and the spectral energy distribution of this object very well, making the following picture much more certain. The central close binary system with a total luminosity of 3000 L is embedded in a very dense, compact circumbinary torus which has an average number density n_H ≈5×10¹² cm⁻³, an outer radius of the dense inner region of R≈30 AU (91 mas), and a ρ∝r⁻² density distribution. The full opening angle of the bipolar outflow cavities in our model is 70°. By comparing the observed and theoretical images, we derived an inclination angle of the torus to the line of sight of 7°±1°.The radiative transfer calculations show that the dust properties in the Red Rectangle are spatially inhomogeneous. The modeling confirms that the idea of large grains in the long-lived disk around the Red Rectangle (Jura et al., 1997 [ApJ, 474, 741]) is quantitatively consistent with the observations. In our models, unusually large, approximately millimeter-sized grains dominate the emission of the compact, massive torus. Models with smaller average grain sizes can possibly be found in future studies, for instance, if it turns out that the radio spectrum is not mainly caused by continuum dust emission. Therefore, the large grains suggested by our models require further confirmation by both new observations and radiative transfer calculations. Assuming a dust-to-gas ratio ρ_d/ρ_g of 0.005, the dense torus mass is 0.25 M. The model gives a lower limit of 0.0018 M, for the mass of the large particles, which produce a gray extinction of A≈ 28^m, towards the center. A much smaller mass of submicron-sized dust grains is presumably located in the polar outflow cavities, their conical surface layers, and in the outer low-density parts of the torus (where ρ∝r⁻⁴, in the region of 30 AUr 2000 AU corresponding to 0.^′′09–6^′′).