天王星卫星两种定标方法测定结果的比较

利用新发表的高精度、高密度天体测量星表UCAC2,对天王星的五颗主要卫星的CCD观测图像重新进行量测,采用不同方法作定标归算,并使用两种理论模型(GUST86和GUST06模型)计算卫星的理论位置。对不同方法所得到的卫星位置的O-C结果的分析和比较表明,本文获得的卫星位置精度,除天卫五(Miranda)有显著提高,其他4颗卫星的位置精度基本相同。本文中天卫一和天卫三的结果与"亮卫星定标法"的结果在精度上相当,天卫二的位置精度与其他天王星卫星的位置精度具有较好的一致性,这从另一方面证明了我们的"亮卫星定标法"的可靠性。此外我们还获得了天卫四的位置与精度。     

Atronomical CCD observations of the main Saturn’s satellites at Pulkovo Observatory in 2004–2007

The results of astrometric observations of Saturn’s satellites (S1–S8) obtained using a 26-inch refractor and a normal astrograph at Pulkovo Observatory in 2004–2007 are given. High-accuracy equatorial coordinates of Saturn’s satellites in the system of the UCAC2 reference catalog and the relative “satellite-satellite” positions suitable for specifying their motion theories are obtained. The observations are compared with the DE405 + TASS1.7 and INPOP06 + TASS1.7 theories of motion. The root-mean-square errors of the obtained satellite positions lie within the range of 10–50 mas, as far as the intrinsic convergence is concerned, and 20–70 mas, as far as the extrinsic one is concerned. The observation results are included into the astrometrical database of the Pulkovo Observatory (www.puldb.ru).     

The 3:1 mean motion resonance between Miranda and the inner Uranian satellites,Cressida and Desdemona

We build a simple dissipative analytical model considering an averaged restricted 3-body problem taking into account the effect of the oblateness of a planet on a small satellite and on its perturber. We apply this model to the inner Uranian system and we follow the dynamical evolution of the satellites Cressida or Desdemona, these latter being close to a 3:1 commensurability with the large satellite Miranda. Our analysis shows that the positions of the two inner satellites, on both sides of the exact resonance, are temporary, Cressida having already crossed the resonance, and Desdemona approaching the commensurability to jump over later on.     

The motion of the Martian satellites

An extensive analysis of the motion of Phobos and Deimos from 1877 to 1973 has been fulfilled. The new values of the parameters of the orbital model first developed by Struve have been determined for both satellites. The new sets of the orbital parameters compete with the solutions of similar accuracy found by Wilkins and Sinclair. A secular acceleration in longitude of Phobos is found to be equal to +(0.107±0.011)×10^?7 deg day^?2. The value of the acceleration is little affected when one or another group of oppositions is omitted. The acceleration of Deimos is determined with great uncertainty: +(0.06±0.34)×10^?9 deg day^?2. Values found for the orbital parameters seem to be in good agreement since the mass, oblateness and coordinates of the pole of Mars inferred from the motion of each satellite have similar values in both cases.     

A coordinated effort for observations and theories of the natural satellites

It was recognized over a year ago that a requirement to improve the ephemerides of the natural satellites existed and that it might be satisfied by a coordinated effort. Both the national ephemeris offices, which publish the satellite ephemerides, and NASA, which plans to send spacecraft to observe the satellites, require improved ephemerides of the natural satellites, but individually none of the organizations has the personnel or finances to undertake the task alone. At that time a few people and institutions had become interested in or were beginning to work on the theories and to make observations of the satellites. It was apparent that if the efforts of the various people and institutions were coordinated and others were encouraged to contribute, it might be possible in the next five years to satisfy the requirement for improved ephemerides. The coordinated effort includes personnel from the University of Texas, Smithsonian Astrophysical Center, University of Cincinnati, Bureau des Longitudes, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, University of Virginia, Vanderbilt University, Lowell Observatory, NASA Headquarters, and the U.S. Naval Observatory, with the latter institution serving as the coordinator.     

Total Solar Irradiance Monitor for Chinese FY-3A and FY-3B Satellites – Instrument Design

The Total Solar Irradiance Monitor (TSIM) instrument is designed to perform daily observations of total solar irradiance (TSI) in space on the Chinese FY-3A and FY-3B satellites. Three absolute radiometers are constructed for the TSIM to achieve measurements with traceability to SI with an absolute accuracy better than 550 ppm. The absolute radiometers are implemented based on the principle of electrical substitution. The design of the absolute radiometers and their electrical system, operation modes in space, and uncertainty evaluation are described. A method for calculating the electrical power in the observation and reference phases is proposed to maintain the primary cavity at a nearly constant temperature.     

Adaptive optics at short wavelengths

The First Light Adaptive Optics (FLAO) system has been successfully commissioned at the Large Binocular Telescope. It delivers extreme adaptive optics performance using bright natural guide stars reaching 90 % Strehl Ratios in H-band. Observations with current adaptive optics systems are limited to the near infrared wavelengths, in these bands the diffraction limited resolution of the largest ground-based telescopes (8–10 meter class) is comparable to the one of the much smaller Hubble Space Telescope that observes in the visible bands. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of an adaptive optics system designed to achieve very high order correction at visible wavelengths (0.5 to 0.8 μ m) with significant sky coverage. Upgrading the FLAO design with a low noise CCD relaxes the reference magnitude limit needed to achieve greater performance. In particular, we demonstrate that a gain of 1–2 magnitudes is possible by upgrading the wavefront sensor with a very low read out noise CCD. For future AO systems, in addition to low noise CCDs, deformable (secondary) mirrors with a higher actuator density will be able to move the high order correction capability from the near infrared to the visible wavelengths (Strehl Ratio of 80 % in R (0.7 μ m), 60 % in V (0.5 μ m)). We investigate, by means of numerical simulation, the gain in imaging performance obtained at Near Infrared, Visible, and UV wavelengths. The results of these simulations have been used to derive the empirical relation between Strehl Ratio and magnitude of the reference star and we then use this relationship to perform a detailed sky coverage analysis based on astronomical catalog data. The detailed simulations of the Point Spread Functions allow us to compute Ensquared Energy and Strehl Ratio for the magnitude working range of such an Adaptive Optics system. We present the results of the instrumental isoplanatic angle determination. We then used these values to compute the relationship between correction level and the off-axis angle from the reference star. The Strehl Ratio relationship with the reference magnitude and the angular distance provides the information needed to perform the sky-coverage analysis, which demonstrates that the designed system is able to provide V and R bands correction on a not negligible few percent of the sky.     

The accuracy of observations of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter taken at the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences of Georgia

The sets of photographic observations of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter taken at the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences of Georgia are analyzed here. Positional observations of the system of Jupiter were made in the period from 1985 to 1994 with the use of the double Zeiss astrograph in order to determine the exact coordinates of Jupiter and its satellites. The accurate positions of the satellites and Jupiter itself, as well as their stellar (equatorial) coordinates relative to the stars of the currently available catalogs and the relative ??satellite ?? satellite?? coordinates were obtained from the observations. From the comparison of the observation results with the modern theories of motion of satellites, the accuracy in determining the positions of the satellites and Jupiter was analyzed. The results of observations are presented in the Pulkovo database of observations of Solar System bodies that is accessible to users at http://www.puldb.ru.     

The BM Ori System. I. Anomaly in the Radial Velocity

The radial velocities of the star BM Ori are determined from spectra obtained by the HST and IUE satellites, as well as from spectra obtained with the BTA telescope. An analysis of this data shows that the radial velocities of the main star and its satellite experience an irregular positive shift by 20-30 km/s. This fact can only be interpreted in terms of the presence of yet another star in the binary system. The new observations have made it possible to significantly improve the accuracy of the spectroscopic elements of the orbit of the close binary system and to estimate the orbital characteristics of the third body. The preliminary values of the elements are: Ep=JD2444744, P=1302^d, =11km/s, e=0.92, K=20km/s, and =1.6rad.     

Astrometric studies of the results of a new reduction of old photographic observations of the Saturnian System based on the comparison with the modern theories of satellite motion

The paper shows the possibility of increasing the accuracy of the results of photographic observations of Saturn and its moons made in the 1970s and reduced using the old reference star catalogues and semiautomatic measurements. New celestial coordinates of the moons (from the third to the eighth), “satellite minus satellite” relative moon coordinates, and Saturn coordinates by positions of satellites are obtained without measuring its images. The results are stored in the Pulkovo Observatory database on the Solar System bodies and are available online at www.puldb.ru. The efficiency of the reduction method based on digitizing of astronegatives using 21 Mpx Canon digital camera and IZMCCD software is shown. The comparison of new results of old observations with the latest theories of moon motion has revealed a significant increase in satellite positioning accuracy. The investigation of the differences (O–C) of celestial coordinates from satellite positions in their apparent Saturn-centric orbits has revealed a noticeable motion of the differences (O–C) in right ascension depending on their distances from Saturn for all moons.     

The huang-you star of the song dynasty-a chinese star list of the early medieval period

Records of observations of stars (including the determinatives of the 28 lunar mansions) have been collected and re-edited from five previous editions. After further consulting the star chart of XYXFY^* and the Suzhou planisphere, we obtain the definitive positions of 360 stars which we can convert into the right ascensions and declinations for 1052 A.D., and hence their identification. Of the traditional 282 asterisms comprising 1464 stars, this list has 282 asterisms comprising 1457 stars, lacking only the star Shaocheng on the left Wall of the Purple Enclosure and the 6 stars of the asterism Ligong. With positions based on actual observations, this list embodies the traditional Chinese star system. It is the second listing after the “Star List of Master Shi” of the Warring Period, and provides an important and reliable reference for historical researches.     

X-ray nova flares

In order to find out the physical nature of galactic X-ray sources, data on variability of 24 sources during 1964–1971 have been investigated. The fluxes of 9 sources are found to be increasing to the maximum value (for several months) and then slowly decreasing (for }3 yr). These 9 sources have been related by us to the class of X-ray novae. The X-ray nova synthetic light curve has been drawn from data on the fluxes of 9 discovered novae. Assumptions have been made on the physical nature of the X-ray novae. Between the flares the X-ray novae may be weak X-ray sources with luminosity about 10³⁴ erg s^?1. During the flares the luminosity increases to about 10³⁸ erg s^?1. The number of X-ray sources in the Galaxy is about 10⁴–10⁵, the average distance between them about 0.5 kpc. The object of the optical identification may be a dwarf star of no earlier spectral class than F.     

Détermination de la position du cratère mösting a À partir de plaques photographiques de la lune sur fond d'étoiles

The reduction of 126 photographic plates from the Moon on stellar background, gives a new determination from the Mösting A coordinates with respect to the Lunar inertial system. This determination is based on: the Eckhardt theory for the physical libration, and the ephemeride (j = 2) derived from Brown's theory. The S.A.O. star catalog for the star positions, is used for this reduction.     

Soft X-ray reflectivity measurements of the mirrors flown on the Ariel-6 satellite

This paper describes the detailed calibration at soft X-ray energies (0.1–2.0 keV; 125 Å-6 Å) of gold coated, paraboloidal X-ray mirrors, four of which were subsequently flow on the Ariel-6 satellite. Uncertainties in the attitude of the satellite together with an apparent reduction in sensitivity of the soft X-ray experiment necessitated observations using the Crab Nebula as a reference. These showed that a dramatic reduction in the reflection efficiencies of all four mirrors had occurred, almost certainly after or during launch. An initial recalibration of the mirrors using the Crab observation is described.     

Imaging of impulsive solar flare phenomena

We review some recent advances in our understanding of impulsive solar flare phenomena obtained through new hard X-ray and radio imaging instruments (the Solar Maximum Mission and Hinotori satellites, the VLA and VLBI).     

Orientation of the hipparcos frame with respect to the reference frames of the DE403/LE403 and DE405/LE405 ephemerides based on asteroid observations

Highly accurate observations of 116 asteroids are used to determine the orientation of the Hipparcos frame with respect to the reference frames of the DE403/LE403 and DE405/LE405 majorplanet ephemerides. These observations include the photographic observations of 15 asteroids obtained as part of the programs for observing selected asteroids and reduced to the Hipparcos frame using dependences, the space observations of 48 asteroids obtained by the Hipparcos satellite, and the presentday observations of 116 asteroid performed in the frame of the ACT catlog. The total number of observations used is more than 50 000 in the interval 1949–2007. Processing this series has yielded the following estimates of the orientation parameters: ω _x = 0.12 ± 0.08 mas yr^?1, ω _y = 0.66 ± 0.09 mas yr^?1, and ω _z = ?0.56 ± 0.16 mas yr^?1. This rotation may be attributable to a peculiarity of the transition from the reference frame of the DE200/LE200 ephemerides to that of DE403/LE403 ephemerides (since October 1, 1988, to J2000) that consists in the the assumption that the former reference frame has no rotation relative to the ICRF.     

Physical parameters of the Orion Bar photodissociation region from radio recombination line observations at 8 mm

Observations of carbon (C), hydrogen and helium (H, He) radio recombination lines (RRLs) at four positions in the Orion Bar photodissociation region (PDR) and toward the center of Orion A have been performed with the RT-22 radio telescope (Pushchino) at 8 mm. The physical parameters of the PDR at these points have been estimated by comparing the carbon RRLs and infrared CII and OI lines. A hydrogen number density in the range 1.2–3.1 × 10⁵ cm^?3 and a mean size of the region along the line of sight (L) in the range 0.006–0.04 pc have been derived. The PDR temperature decreases with increasing distance from the exciting star (θ ¹ C Ori) from 210–230 to 140–150 K (a distance of ≈5′). The data obtained confirm the increase in the PDR size along the line of sight toward the Orion Bar, where, however, L has turned out to be less than the available values in the literature, which can be explained by the presence of clumps in the PDR. A density jump is evident in the Orion Bar region. The PDR zone encompasses the core of the HII region by a thin layer and extends farther, delineating the boundary and the ionization front of the core of the HII region in the Orion Bar and further out the boundary between the halo of the HII region and the molecular cloud. The derived emission measure (EM) toward the Orion Bar has been compared with other C RRL observations. The EM measured from carbon RRLs is EM ≈ 100(±50%) pc cm^?6, imposing constraints on the possible two-component PDR structure. Estimates show that the star θ ¹ C Ori is quite sufficient as a carbon ionization source in the Orion Bar PDR. Some of the data on the ionized hot gas (HII) in this direction have been obtained from H and He RRLs. In particular, the radial velocities (V _lsr) of the HII region are blueshifted with respect to V _lsr of the PDR by 10–17 km s^?1, while the relative ionized helium abundance decreases with increasing distance from the star, indicating that the helium ionization zone is smaller than the ionized hydrogen one.     

Astrometric observations of the second, third, and fourth satellites of Uranus

The results of astrometric observations of three Uranian satellites, performed at the Ka-Dar observatory from August to October 2005, are presented. In total, 20 satellite positions in the equatorial frame and 14 “satellite minus satellite” relative positions were obtained.     

Proper motions of 59 766 stars absolutized using galaxies in 149 sky fields (PUL2)

The PUL2 catalog has been photographically compiled in Pulkovo according to Deutch's plan. The catalog contains the mean coordinates of stars in the ICRS system at epoch J2000.0 and their original absolute proper motions. The photographic observations were performed with a normal astrograph. The first and second epochs of the photographic plates are 1937–1965 and 1969–1986, respectively. The PUL2 fields uniformly cover the northern sky. The mean difference between the epochs is 24 years. At least three pairs of plates are available for each field. There are one-hour and five-minute exposures on all plates. One pair of plates was taken with a diffraction grating. Only bright reference stars were measured on the pairs of plates with a grating. Based on a reduction model with six constants and using faint (\(15\mathop m\limits_. 2\)) reference stars, we determined the relative proper motions of the stars. We used ～700 galaxies for absolutization. The mean errors in the relative proper motions of the PUL2 stars are 5.5 mas yr^?1 (milliarcseconds per year) in μ_α cos δ and 5.9 mas yr^?1 in μ_δ. When using galaxies, the mean absolutization error is 7.9 mas yr^?1 in both coordinates. By comparing the PUL2 and HIPPARCOS catalogs, we determined the components of the residual rotation vector ω for HIPPARCOS relative to the extragalactic (equatorial) coordinate system: ω_x,y,z=(?0.98, ?0.03, ?1.66)±(0.47, 0.38, 0.42) mas yr^?1. The mean error of one absolute proper motion of a bright PUL2 star in external convergence is 9 mas yr^?1 in both coordinates.