Ambartsumyan’s concept of active galactic nuclei

As Victor Ambartsumyan, himself, noted, the concept of active galactic nuclei occupies a special place among his scientific ideas. It was proposed more than half a century ago and was recognized by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences as revolutionary, on a copernican scale. However, by no means all of its propositions were accepted at once by large parts of the astronomy community. Nevertheless, as the American astrophysicist A. R. Sandage has written, “today, not one astronomer would deny the mystery surrounding the nuclei of galaxies or that the first to recognize the rich reward held in this treasury was Viktor Ambartsumian.” The purpose of this article is to acquaint the reader with the major stages in the formation and development of the concept of active galactic nuclei and with some of the work on this topic done at the Byurakan and other astrophysical observatories throughout the world.     

Particular features of γ radiation from active galactic nuclei

The luminosity of γ radiation from active galactic nuclei is shown to grow with increasing distance to the object. Absorbance of very high-energy γ quanta is far less than the values published so far. High-energy particles are accelerated more effectively when the galactic radiation is enhanced.     

Magnetic fields of active galactic nuclei and quasars with regions of polarized broad Hα lines

Estimates of magnetic fields for a number of active galactic nuclei are presented. These estimates are based on the observed polarization degrees and position angles of broad Hα lines and in the nearby continuum and on asymptotic analytical formulas for the Stokes parameters of the radiation emerging from a magnetized accretion disk (the Milne problem in a magnetized atmosphere). The characteristic observed feature of the wavelength dependence of the polarization degree inside the line—a minimum at the center and a fast increase of the position angle from one wing to another—can be explained by the superposition of resonance emission from two or more clouds located in the right (Keplerian velocity directed away from the observer) and left (Keplerian velocity directed toward the observer) parts of the orbit in the rotating magnetized accretion disk. The main component in our mechanism is the azimuthal magnetic field in the disk. The presence of a magnetic field perpendicular to the disk plane (which is usually weaker than the azimuthal field) results in the asymmetry of the distribution of the polarization degree and position angle inside the line. The inferred magnetic field strengths at the galactocentric distances where broad lines are emitted can be used to estimate the magnetic fields in the region of the centermost stable orbit and at the horizon of the central black hole, using the power-law dependence of the magnetic field strength corresponding to the standard model of the accretion disk.     

The broad wing of the [O Ⅲ] λ5007 emission line in active galactic nuclei

We use a sample of type 2 active galactic nuclei(AGNs) from SDSS DR7 in which the [O III] λ5007 emission line can be modeled by two Gaussian components,a broad wing plus a narrow core,to investigate the origin of the broad wing and the connection between the velocity shift of the broad wing and the physical parameters of AGNs,as well as their host galaxies. We find that the flux of the wing components is statistically roughly equal to that of the core components. However,the velocity shift of the wing component has only weak,if any,correlations with the physical properties of AGNs and the host galaxies,such as bolometric luminosity,the Eddington ratio,the mass of supermassive black holes,D4000,HδAor stellar mass. Comparing the velocity shift from our type 2 AGN sample to that from the type 1 sample in Zhang et al.,we suggest that the [O III] broad wing originates from outflow.     

Analysis of systematic errors of the ASM/RXTE monitor and GT-48 γ-ray telescope

The observational data concerning variations of light curves of supernovae remnants—the Crab Nebula, Cassiopeia A, Tycho Brahe, and pulsar Vela—over 14 days scale that may be attributed to systematic errors of the ASM/RXTE monitor are presented. The experimental systematic errors of the GT-48 γ-ray telescope in the mono mode of operation were also determined. For this the observational data of TeV J2032 + 4130 (Cyg γ-2, according to the Crimean version) were used and the stationary nature of its γ-ray emission was confirmed by long-term observations performed with HEGRA and MAGIC. The results of research allow us to draw the following conclusions: (1) light curves of supernovae remnants averaged for long observing periods have false statistically significant flux variations, (2) the level of systematic errors is proportional to the registered flux and decreases with increasing temporal scale of averaging, (3) the light curves of sources may be modulated by the year period, and (4) the systematic errors of the GT-48 γ-ray telescope, in the amount caused by observations in the mono mode and data processing with the stereo-algorithm come to 0.12 min⁻¹.     

Observations of the gamma-ray flux from the X-ray source Cyg X-3 in 1994–1995

We present the observations of Cygnus X-3 carried out with the GT-48 gamma-ray telescope at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory in 1994–1995. The mean gamma-ray flux at energy E>10¹² eV is shown to be approximately equal to 1.3×10^?11 cm^?2 s^?1. The flux in 1994 was much lower than that in 1995, being (6.2±2.6)×10^?12 cm^?2 s^?1; i.e., it was statistically insignificant. The flux in 1995 was (2.7±0.7)×10^?11 cm^?2 s^?1. Thus, the very high energy gamma-ray emission from Cyg X-3 is variable. These measurement results can be used to obtain upper limits on the flux from Cyg X-3 in 1994–1995.     

In the big blue bump in active galactic nuclei peaked around 1050 Å ?

We carried out a statistical test on the peak position of the big blue bump (BBB) of medium/small redshift AGNs of different luminosities. The main method is to compare the spectral index in the soft X-ray, _SX and the power law index for the straight line joining 1050 Å in UV and 0.5 keV of soft X-ray, _UV-SX. The distributions of these two quantities proved to be similar from their mean values and by the K-S test. Hence, between 1050 Å and 0.5 keV, a power law possibly holds. The statistics predict that the BBB peaks around 1050 Å. This statistical result can also be obtained in the soft X-ray-selected, low luminosity AGN sample, WF 93. This shows that, even though a soft X-ray excess generally exists in WF 93, the BBB may still peak around 1050 Å. However, there is no correlation between _SX and _UV-SX, indicating that there is still an unknown factor operating in the far and extreme ultraviolet (FUV and EUV), which while ensuring overall similarity in distribution, inhibits one-to-one correspondence between individual values.     

Results of observation of Cyg γ-2, BL Lac, 3C66A, Mk 501, and the Crab nebula by the GT-48 gamma-ray telescope in 2006

The active galactic nuclei BL Lac, 3C66A, and Mk501, as well as the Crab nebula and the Cyg γ-2 source were observed in 2006 at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory using the GT-48 gamma-ray telescope. Very high energy (VHE) gamma-ray fluxes at a high confidence level (Q > 4) were detected from the active galactic nuclei and the Crab nebula. VHE gamma-ray fluxes from the unidentified gamma-ray source Cyg γ-2 and the X-ray source Cyg X-3 were recorded during observations of Cyg γ-2.     

Hard X-ray bursts recorded by the IBIS telescope of the INTEGRAL observatory in 2003–2009

To find X-ray bursts from sources within the field of view of the IBIS/INTEGRAL telescope, we have analyzed all the archival data of the telescope available at the time of writing the paper (the observations from January 2003 to April 2009). We have detected 834 hard (15–25 keV) X-ray bursts, 239 of which were simultaneously recorded by the JEM-X/INTEGRAL telescope in the standard X-ray energy range. More than 70% of all bursts (587 events) have been recorded from the well-known X-ray burster GX 354-0. We have found upper limits on the distances to their sources by assuming that the Eddington luminosity limit was reached at the brightness maximum of the brightest bursts.     

Three-Dimensional Kinematics of Coronal Mass Ejections from STEREO/SECCHI-COR2 Observations in 2007 – 2008

We present a new method to perform the three dimensional characterization of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) using stereoscopic images obtained with the STEREO/SECCHI-COR2 coronagraphs. Two approaches are proposed, and each associated algorithm gives the trajectory of the CME and its kinematical properties (velocity and acceleration profiles) intended for space weather forecast. The first approach is based on forward modeling appropriate to the reconstruction of surfaces in an optically thin medium, and performs a local approximation of the observed CME by a hemispherical shell, thus tracking the leading edge of the event. The second approach is based on tracking the center of gravity of the radiance of the CME in the images. More than 16?000 blind tests have been performed to assess the performance of each algorithm. For that purpose, we used three distinct libraries of simulated images of CMEs that correspond to three CME models: hemispherical shell, flux rope, and cloud-like. The two methods are applied to a set of CMEs observed in 2007 and 2008 by the SECCHI-COR2 coronagraphs, and when possible, our results are compared to those already published. The determinations of the direction of propagation and of the velocity are generally found in good agreement.     

Observations of ICMEs and ICME-like Solar Wind Structures from 2007 – 2010 Using Near-Earth and STEREO Observations

Solar Physics - The generally low interplanetary magnetic field magnitude around the minimum between Solar Cycles 23 and 24 (SC 23/24 minimum) allows us to identify weak and small solar wind...     

Observations of the Galilean moons of Jupiter in 2013–2015 at Pulkovo

Observational results are presented for Jupiter and its Galilean moons from the Normal Astrograph at Pulkovo Observatory in 2013–2015. The following data are obtained: 154 positions of the Galilean satellites and 47 calculated positions of Jupiter in the system of the UCAC4 (ICRS, J2000.0) catalogue; the differential coordinates of the satellites relative to one another are determined. The mean errors of the satellites’ normal places in right ascension and declination over the entire observational period are, respectively: ε_α = 0.0065″ and ε_δ = 0.0068″, and their standard deviations are σ_α = 0.0804″ and σ_δ = 0.0845″. The equatorial coordinates are compared with planetary and satellite motion theories. The average (O–C) residuals in the two coordinates relative to the motion theories are 0.05″ or less. The best agreement with the observations is achieved by a combination of the EPM2011m and V. Lainey-V.2.0|V1.1 motion theories; the average (O–C) residuals are 0.03″ or less. The (O–C) residuals for the features of the positions of Io and Ganymede are comparable with measurement errors. Jupiter’s positions calculated from the observations of the satellites and their theoretical jovicentric coordinates are in good agreement with the motion theories. The (О–С) residuals for Jupiter’s coordinates are, on average, 0.027″ and–0.025″ in the two coordinates.     

Heliospheric Observations of STEREO-Directed Coronal Mass Ejections in 2008?–?2010: Lessons for Future Observations of Earth-Directed CMEs

We present a study of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) which impacted one of the STEREO spacecraft between January 2008 and early 2010. We focus our study on 20 CMEs which were observed remotely by the Heliospheric Imagers (HIs) onboard the other STEREO spacecraft up to large heliocentric distances. We compare the predictions of the Fixed-?? and Harmonic Mean (HM) fitting methods, which only differ by the assumed geometry of the CME. It is possible to use these techniques to determine from remote-sensing observations the CME direction of propagation, arrival time and final speed which are compared to in-situ measurements. We find evidence that for large viewing angles, the HM fitting method predicts the CME direction better. However, this may be due to the fact that only wide CMEs can be successfully observed when the CME propagates more than 100^° from the observing spacecraft. Overall eight CMEs, originating from behind the limb as seen by one of the STEREO spacecraft can be tracked and their arrival time at the other STEREO spacecraft can be successfully predicted. This includes CMEs, such as the events on 4 December 2009 and 9 April 2010, which were viewed 130^° away from their direction of propagation. Therefore, we predict that some Earth-directed CMEs will be observed by the HIs until early 2013, when the separation between Earth and one of the STEREO spacecraft will be similar to the separation of the two STEREO spacecraft in 2009??C?2010.     

Observations of Bright Comets in CARA Archives I: Years 2002–2006

We have launched the Cometary Archives for Amateur Astronomers, CARA, aiming at coordinated collection of homogeneous, long-time based, continuous data set of bright comet observations. The project is based on a collaboration between professional and amateur astronomers. The archived quantity is a set of the photometric Afρ, measured in I, R or red continuum 647/10 nm filters. To derive coma profiles, Afρ is measured in at least different radii selected from a set of 50,000, 25,000, 12,500, 6,000 and 3,000 km. The data are free to download for registered users, special requests are available upon personal contact. We also provide aspecific code with a tutorial for the aperture photrometry of comets. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the observing methods, tools, software supports and web resources of project CARA.     

Photographic Observations of the Minor Planet (1) Ceres in Tashkent in 1951–1994

A procedure is described for remeasuring photographic plates with images of the minor planet (1) Ceres obtained in 1951–1994 with the Tashkent normal astrograph. To determine the observed spherical coordinates, the PPM catalog, based on the FK5 system, was used as a reference catalog. The calculation of the orbit of the minor planet (1) Ceres and the determination of the PPM zero-points and periodic errors on the basis of these observations yielded a unit weight error of 0.270. The derived coordinates and velocity components of (1) Ceres for J.D. = 2441600.5 are presented together with PPM zero-point and periodic-error-coefficient corrections. One of the results of the work is the high precision of the remeasured images, which makes it possible to use these observations, along with no less accurate observations of other selected minor planets, for determining corrections to the stellar coordinate system.     

Coronal interconnection of two active regions observed in 3.5–8.0 keV X-rays

Using HXIS data, we have studied the further development of the coronal arch extending towards the SE above active region No. 17255 in November 1980. The arch, studied originally by vestka (1984) disappeared on 10 November (after pronounced revival), but since 9 November HXIS revealed another arch-like structure towards the SW. We have studied the development of this new structure which appeared to be most likely an arch interconnecting AR 17255 with AR 17251, located nearly 30° to the west. This interconnection revived many times during the following days with intensity varying with the activity in both active regions. We have estimated the physical characteristics in this coronal structure and compared them with observations of interconnecting loops made at lower energies by Skylab in 1973. The temperature (maximum values 7.5–14 × 10⁶ K) and the density (1.1–5.0 × 10⁹ cm^–3) are found to be higher than in the Skylab loops (a result that could be expected because the HXIS energy range was harder than that of Skylab) and similar to the values deduced for the earlier arch system extending to the SE. However, much shorter decay times of the brightness variations indicate the presence of conduction in contrast to the SE arch in which conduction was clearly inhibited. This supports the assumption that the SE and SW coronal structures were two different phenomena.Presently at Delft Institute of Technology, Landbergstraat 3, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands.     

Astrometric Results for Observations of Jupiter’s Galilean Satellites During Mutual Occultations and Eclipses in 2009 and 2014–2015

Solar System Research - Photometric observations of satellites during their mutual occultations and eclipses are a valuable source of astrometric data for studying the motion of natural planetary...     

Oscillations of the Sun: Results of observations in 1974–2007

Doppler measurements of the photosphere of the entire Sun carried out at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory (CrAO) in 1974–2007 by the differential technique showed the presence of an enigmatic periodicity of P ₁ = 159.967(4) min. The phase of this oscillation was constant over the entire 34-year of surveys and interval. The true nature of this phenomenon is unknown. Pulsation with the former period P ₀ = 160.0101(15) min has been reliably detected only in the first nine years, from 1974 to 1982. It is noted that (a) the average amplitude of the P ₁ oscillation in the first half of the data was nearly 34% higher than in the second half and (b) the beat period of 400(14) d of these two pulsations is equal within error to the Jovian synodic period (399 d). A hypothesis is discussed relating the P ₁ oscillation to the superfast rotation of the inner solar core.     

Quasi-periodic Oscillations of Solar Active Regions in Connection with Their Flare Activity – NoRH Observations

The sunspot-associated sources at the frequency of 17 GHz give information on plasma parameters in the regions of magnetic field about B=2000 G at the level of the chromosphere-corona transition region. The observations of short period (from one to ten minutes) oscillations in sunspots reflect propagation of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves in the magnetic flux tubes of the sunspots. We investigate the oscillation parameters in active regions in connection with their flare activity. We confirm the existence of a link between the oscillation spectrum and flare activity. We find differences in the oscillations between pre-flare and post-flare phases. In particular, we demonstrate a case of powerful three-minute oscillations that start just before the burst. This event is similar to the cases of the precursors investigated by Sych et al. (Astron. Astrophys. 505, 791, 2009). We also found well-defined eight-minute oscillations of microwave emission from sunspot. We interpret our observations in terms of a relationship between MHD waves propagating from sunspots and flare processes.