The fundamental plane of elliptical galaxies with modified Newtonian dynamics

The modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND), suggested by Milgrom as an alternative to dark matter, implies that isothermal spheres with a fixed anisotropy parameter should exhibit a near-perfect relation between the mass and velocity dispersion of the form M ∝ σ  ⁴. This is consistent with the observed Faber–Jackson relation for elliptical galaxies: a luminosity–velocity dispersion relation with large scatter. However, the observable global properties of elliptical galaxies comprise a three-parameter family; they lie on a 'fundamental plane' in a logarithmic space consisting of central velocity dispersion, effective radius ( r _e) and luminosity. The scatter perpendicular to this plane is significantly less than that about the Faber–Jackson relation. I show here that, in order to match the observed properties of elliptical galaxies with MOND, models must deviate from being strictly isothermal and isotropic; such objects can be approximated by high-order polytropic spheres with a radial orbit anisotropy in the outer regions. MOND imposes boundary conditions on the inner Newtonian regions which restrict these models to a dynamical fundamental plane of the form where the exponents may differ from the Newtonian expectations ( α =2, γ =1). Scatter about this plane is relatively insensitive to the necessary deviations from homology.     

On the internal structure of supermassive compact celestial bodies

The conceptual part of the physics of baryonic protomatter and the alternative approach to understanding the internal structure of highly compact stationary supermassive celestial bodies were previously suggested in [1–5]. There are a number of advantages to this approach, which differs in principle from the standard black hole accretion models and is in good agreement with the observational data from active galactic nuclei. In order to be more consistent and convinced in the correctness of previously drawn statements, in our research it has been advantageous to verify them by expansion of the basic ideas with the appropriate and consistent theoretical constructions backed up by detailed numerical studies of the models, which are physically more realistic, with the spherical-symmetric distribution of matter in many-phase stratified states. Multiple integrations in the aftermath prove the validity of the previous physical scenario and correctness of drawn statements that the process of inner distortion of the space-time continuum just serves as the eligible mechanism counteracting to collapse.Published in Astrofizika, Vol. 38, No. 4, pp. 659–666, October–December, 1995.     

On the Polarization Opposition Effect of E-Type Asteroid 64 Angelina

Polarimetric observations of the high-albedo asteroid 64 Angelina were done for the purpose of searching for a polarization opposition effect at phase angles of less than 2.4°. We have found a second inversion angle of about 1.5° and positive polarization of 0.5% at a phase angle of 0.5°. For comparison the polarimetric observations of Comet P/Ashbrook–Jackson are given. Different theoretical approaches to the explanation of this phenomenon are discussed.     

The clustering of Lyman-break galaxies

We calculate the statistical clustering of Lyman-break galaxies predicted in a selection of currently fashionable structure formation scenarios. These models are all based on the cold dark matter model, but vary in the amount of dark matter, the initial perturbation spectrum, the background cosmology and the presence or absence of a cosmological constant term. If Lyman-break galaxies form as a result of hierarchical merging, the amplitude of clustering depends quite sensitively on the minimum halo mass that can host such a galaxy. Interpretation of the recent observations by Giavalisco et al. would therefore be considerably clarified by a direct determination of the relevant halo properties. For a typical halo mass around 10¹¹  h ⁻¹ M⊙ the observations do not discriminate strongly between cosmological models, but if the appropriate mass is larger, say 10¹²  h ⁻¹ M⊙ (which seems likely on theoretical grounds), then the data strongly favour models with a low matter density.     

(An)Isotropic models in scalar and scalar-tensor cosmologies

We study how the constants G and Λ may vary in different theoretical models (general relativity with a perfect fluid, scalar cosmological models (“quintessence”) with and without interacting scalar and matter fields and a scalar-tensor model with a dynamical Λ) in order to explain some observational results. We apply the program outlined in section II to study three different geometries which generalize the FRW ones, which are Bianchi V, VII₀ and IX, under the self-similarity hypothesis. We put special emphasis on calculating exact power-law solutions which allow us to compare the different models. In all the studied cases we arrive at the conclusion that the solutions are isotropic and noninflationary while the cosmological constant behaves as a positive decreasing time function (in agreement with the current observations) and the gravitational constant behaves as a growing time function.     

Velocity dispersion measurements of dwarf galaxies in the Coma cluster – implications for the structure of the fundamental plane

We present intermediate-resolution spectroscopic data for a set of dwarf and giant galaxies in the Coma cluster, with  −20.6 < M_R < −15.7.  The photometric and kinematic properties of the brighter galaxies can be cast in terms of parameters which present little scatter with respect to a set of scaling relations known as the fundamental plane. To determine the form of these fundamental scaling relations at lower luminosities, we have measured velocity dispersions for a sample comprising 69 galaxies on the border of the dwarf and giant regime. Combining these data with our photometric survey, we find a tight correlation of luminosity and velocity dispersion,   L ∝σ^2.0  , substantially flatter than the Faber–Jackson relation characterizing giant elliptical galaxies. In addition, the variation of mass-to-light ( M / L ) ratio with velocity dispersion is quite weak in our dwarf sample:   M / L ∝σ^0.2.  Our overall results are consistent with theoretical models invoking large-scale mass removal and subsequent structural readjustment, e.g. as a result of galactic winds.     

Galactic globular clusters as a test for very-low-mass stellar models

We make use of the 'Next Generation' model atmospheres of Allard et al. and Hauschildt, Allard & Baron to compute theoretical models for low- and very-low-mass stars for selected metallicities in the range Z =0.0002 to 0.002. On this basis, we present theoretical predictions covering the sequence of H-burning stars as observed in Galactic globulars from the faint end of the main sequence up to, and beyond, the cluster turn-off. The role played by the new model atmospheres is discussed, showing that present models appear in excellent agreement with models by Baraffe et al. as computed on a quite similar physical basis. One finds that the theoretical mass–luminosity relations based on this updated set of models are in good agreement with the empirical data provided by Henry & McCarthy. Comparison with HST observation discloses that the location on the colour–magnitude diagram of the lower main sequence in Galactic globular clusters appears again in good agreement with the predicted sensitive dependence of these sequences on the cluster metallicity.     

Chemical evolution of circumstellar matter around young stellar objects

Recent observational studies of the chemical composition of circumstellar matter around both high- and low-mass young stellar objects are reviewed. The molecular abundances are found to be a strong function of evolutionary state, but not of system mass or luminosity. The data are discussed with reference to recent theoretical models.     

Stability valley for strange dwarfs

This is a study of the stability of strange dwarfs, superdense stars with a small self-confining core (M _core  < 0.02 M_⊙) containing strange quark matter and an extended crust consisting of atomic nuclei and degenerate electron gas. The mass and radius of these stars are of the same orders as those of ordinary white dwarfs. It is shown that any study of their stability must examine the dependence of the mass on two variables, which can, for convenience, be taken to be the rest mass (total baryon mass) of the quark core and the energy density ρ _tr of the crust at the surface of the quark core. The range of variation of these quantities over which strange dwarfs are stable is determined. This region is referred to as the stability valley for strange dwarfs. The mass and radius from theoretical models of strange dworfs are compared with observational data obtained through the HIPPARCOS program and the most probable candidate strange dwarfs are identified.     

MOND—theoretical aspects

I discuss open theoretical questions pertaining to the modified dynamics (MOND)—a proposed alternative to dark matter, which posits a breakdown of Newtonian dynamics in the limit of small accelerations. In particular, I point the reasons for thinking that MOND is an effective theory—perhaps, despite appearance, not even in conflict with GR. I then contrast the two interpretations of MOND as modified gravity and as modified inertia. I describe two mechanical models that are described by potential theories similar to (non-relativistic) MOND: a potential-flow model, and a membrane model. These might shed some light on a possible origin of MOND. The possible involvement of vacuum effects is also speculated on.     

Predicting the clustering of X-ray selected galaxy clusters in flux-limited surveys

We present a model to predict the clustering properties of X-ray selected clusters in flux-limited surveys. Our technique correctly accounts for past light-cone effects on the observed clustering and follows the non-linear evolution in redshift of the underlying dark matter correlation function and cluster bias factor. The conversion of the limiting flux of a survey into the corresponding minimum mass of the hosting dark matter haloes is obtained by using theoretical and empirical relations between mass, temperature and X-ray luminosity of galaxy clusters. Finally, our model is calibrated to reproduce the observed cluster counts adopting a temperature–luminosity relation moderately evolving with redshift. We apply our technique to three existing catalogues: the ROSAT Brightest Cluster Sample (BCS); the X-ray Brightest Abell-type Cluster sample (XBACs); and the ROSAT –ESO Flux-Limited X-ray sample (REFLEX). Moreover, we consider an example of possible future space missions with fainter limiting flux. In general, we find that the amplitude of the spatial correlation function is a decreasing function of the limiting flux and that the Einstein–de Sitter models always give smaller correlation amplitudes than open or flat models with low matter density parameter Ω_0m. In the case of the XBACs catalogue, the comparison with previous estimates of the observational spatial correlation shows that only the predictions of models with Ω_0m=0.3 are in good agreement with the data, while the Einstein–de Sitter models have too low a correlation strength. Finally, we use our technique to discuss the best strategy for future surveys. Our results show that, to study the clustering properties of X-ray selected clusters, the choice of a wide area catalogue, even with a brighter limiting flux, is preferable to a deeper, but smaller area, survey.     

The matter power spectrum from the Lyα forest: an optical depth estimate

We measure the matter power spectrum from 31 Lyα spectra spanning the redshift range of 1.6–3.6. The optical depth, τ, for Lyα absorption of the intergalactic medium is obtained from the flux using the inversion method of Nusser & Haehnelt. The optical depth is converted to density by using a simple power-law relation,  τ∝ (1 +δ)^α  . The non-linear 1D power spectrum of the gas density is then inferred with a method that makes simultaneous use of the one- and two-point statistics of the flux and compared against theoretical models with a likelihood analysis. A cold dark matter model with standard cosmological parameters fits the data well. The power-spectrum amplitude is measured to be (assuming a flat Universe),  σ₈= (0.92 ± 0.09) × (Ω_m/0.3)^−0.3  , with α varying in the range of 1.56–1.8 with redshift. Enforcing the same cosmological parameters in all four redshift bins, the likelihood analysis suggests some evolution in the temperature–density relation and the thermal smoothing length of the gas. The inferred evolution is consistent with that expected if reionization of He  ii occurred at   z ∼ 3.2  . A joint analysis with the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe results together with a prior on the Hubble constant as suggested by the Hubble Space Telescope key project data, yields values of Ω_m and σ₈ that are consistent with the cosmological concordance model. We also perform a further inversion to obtain the linear 3D power spectrum of the matter density fluctuations.     

Global fits for the spectral index of the cosmological curvature perturbation

Best-fitting values of the spectral index of the curvature perturbation are presented, assuming the ΛCDM cosmology. Apart from the spectral index, the parameters are the Hubble parameter, the total matter density and the baryon density. The data points are intended to represent all measurements that are likely to affect the result significantly. The cosmic microwave anisotropy is represented by the COBE normalization, and heights of the first and second peaks are given by the latest Boomerang and Maxima data. The slope of the galaxy correlation function and the matter density contrast on the 8  h ⁻¹ Mpc scale are each represented by a data point, as are the expected values of the Hubble parameter and matter density. The 'low-deuterium' nucleosynthesis value of the baryon density provides a final data point, the fit giving a value higher by about one standard deviation. The reionization epoch is calculated from the model by assuming that it corresponds to the collapse of a fraction f ≳10⁻⁴ of matter. We consider the case of a scale-independent spectral index, and also the scale-dependent spectral index predicted by running mass models of inflation. In the former case, the result is compared with the prediction of models of inflation based on effective field theory, in which the field value is small on the Planck scale. A detailed comparison is made with other fits, and other approaches to the comparison with theory.     

Smooth matter and source size in microlensing simulations of gravitationally lensed quasars

Several gravitationally lensed quasars are observed with anomalous magnifications in pairs of images that straddle a critical curve. Simple theoretical arguments suggest that the magnification of these images should be approximately equivalent, whereas one image is observed to be significantly demagnified. Microlensing provides a possible explanation for this discrepancy. There are two key parameters when modelling this effect. The first, the fraction of smooth matter in the lens at the image positions, has been explored by Schechter & Wambsganss. They have shown that the anomalous flux ratio observed in the lensed quasar MG 0414+0534 is a priori a factor of 5 more likely if the assumed smooth matter content in the lens model is increased from 0 to 93 per cent. The second parameter, the size of the emission region, is explored in this paper, and shown to be more significant. We find that the broadening of the magnification probability distributions due to smooth matter content is washed out for source sizes that are predicted by standard models for quasars. We apply our model to the anomalous lensed quasar MG 0414+0534, and find a 95 per cent upper limit of  2.62 × 10¹⁶  h ^−1/2₇₀ ( M /M_⊙)^1/2 cm  on the radius of the I -band emission region. The smooth matter percentage in the lens is unconstrained.     

A model of slingshot prominences in rapidly rotating stars

We analyse the spatial clustering properties of the ROSAT All-Sky Survey (RASS) 1 Bright Sample, an X-ray flux-limited catalogue of galaxy clusters selected from the southern part of the survey. The two-point correlation function ( r ) of the whole sample is well fitted (in an Einsteinde Sitter model) by the power law =( r r ₀) , with and (95.4 per cent confidence level with one fitting parameter). We use the RASS 1 Bright Sample as a first application of a theoretical model that aims to predict the clustering properties of X-ray clusters in flux-limited surveys for different cosmological scenarios. The model uses the theoretical and empirical relations between mass, temperature and X-ray cluster luminosity, and fully accounts for the redshift evolution of the underlying dark matter clustering and cluster bias factor. The comparison between observational results and theoretical predictions shows that the Einsteinde Sitter models display too low a correlation length, while models with a matter density parameter _0m=0.3 (with or without a cosmological constant) are successful in reproducing the observed clustering. The dependence of the correlation length r ₀ on the X-ray limiting flux and luminosity of the sample is generally consistent with the predictions of all our models. Quantitative agreement is however only reached for _0m=0.3 models. The model presented here can be reliably applied to future deeper X-ray cluster surveys: the study of the clustering properties will provide a useful complementary tool to the traditional cluster abundance analyses used to constrain the cosmological parameters.     

The K-corona under hydrostatic density distribution: Relevance to solar wind

An analytical expression is obtained for the K-corona brightness as a function of the distance from the solar limb. The agreement of the theory with the numerous observational data indicates that the density distribution at the levels located at 1.2–2.5 R heliocentric distances may be treated as hydrostatic with T = const. The deviation of the observed K-corona brightness from the expression obtained may be indicative of supersonic fluxes of matter. These concepts may be used to verify the various theoretical models for solar wind source.     

The evolution of the magnetic fields of neutron stars

Observational evidence, and theoretical models of the magnetic field evolution of neutron stars is discussed. Observational data indicates that the magnetic field of a neutron star decays significantly only if it has been a member of a close interacting binary. Theoretically, the magnetic field evolution has been related to the processing of a neutron star in a binary system through the spin evolution of the neutron star, and also through the accretion of matter on the neutron star surface. I describe two specific models, one in which magnetic flux is expelled from the superconducting core during spin-down, via a copuling between Abrikosov fluxoids and Onsager-Feynman vortices; and another in which the compression and heating of the stellar crust by the accreted mass drastically reduces the ohmic decay time scale of a magnetic field configuration confined entirely to the crust. General remarks about the behaviour of the crustal field under ohmic diffusion are also made.     

How we can learn from studies of wide binary statistics

Summary We present a versatile technique for comparing wide binary observations with theoretical semi-major axis distributions. To illustrate this technique, the theoretical implications of the recent Lathamet al. (1984) data on wide binaries are examined. We conclude that power law models for the underlying distribution are consistent with observations, implying no sharp cut-offs in the semi-major axis distribution. We argue that the detection of 6 wide binaries by Lathamet al. would require an uncomfortably large local density of wide binaries (semi-major axesa≳10⁻³ pc) for a broad range of theoretical models. Motivated by the apparent high number density of wide binaries implied by the Lathamet al. sample, we define a criterion for selecting candidate wide binaries form theYale Bright Star Catalog. The candidate list is used to determine an upper bound for wide binary density ofn _WB=4×10⁻³ pc⁻³. Although the actual value is somewhat uncertain, there is no difficulty in principle in reconciling this result with the local stellar number density.     

Andromeda IV,a solitary gas‐rich dwarf galaxy

Observations are presented of the isolated dwarf irregular galaxy And IV made with the Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in the 21 cm HI line. We determine the galaxy distance of 7.17 ± 0.31 Mpc using the Tip of Red Giant Branch method. The galaxy has a total blue absolute magnitude of –12.81 mag, linear Holmberg diameter of 1.88 kpc, and an HI ‐disk extending to 8.4 times the optical Holmberg radius. The HI massto‐blue luminosity ratio for And IV amounts 12.9 M_⊙/L_⊙. From the GMRT data we derive the rotation curve for the HI and fit it with different mass models. We find that the data are significantly better fit with an iso‐thermal dark matter halo, than by an NFW halo. We also find that MOND rotation curve provides a very poor fit to the data. The fact that the isothermal dark matter halo provides the best fit to the data supports models in which star formation feedback results in the formation of a dark matter core in dwarf galaxies. The total mass‐to‐blue luminosity ratio of 162 M_⊙/L_⊙ makes And IV among the darkest dIrr galaxies known. However, its baryonic‐to‐dark mass ratio (M_gas + M *)/M_T = 0.11 is close to the average cosmic baryon fraction of 0.15. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)