Hydrogen ionization and n=2 population for model spicules and prominences

Using slab model atmospheres that are irradiated from both sides by photospheric, chromospheric, and coronal radiation fields we have determined the ionization and excitation equilibrium for hydrogen.The model atom consists of two bound levels (n = 1 and n = 2) and a continuum. Ly- was assumed to be optically thick with the transition in detailed radiative balance. The Balmer continuum was assumed to be optically thin with the associated radiative ionization dominated by the photospheric radiation field (T _rad = 5940 K). The ionization equilibrium was determined from an exact treatment of the radiative transfer problem for the internally generated Ly-c field and the impressed chromospheric and coronal field (characterized by T _rad = 6500K).Our calculations corroborate the hypothesis that N₂, the n = 2 population density, is uniquely determined by the electron density N _e. We also present ionization curves for 6000K, 7500K, and 10000K models ranging in total hydrogen density from 1 × 10¹⁰/cm³ to 3 × 10¹²/cm³. Using these curves it is possible to obtain the total hydrogen density from the n = 2 population density in prominences and spicules.The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.     

A stable flat universe with variable cosmological constant in f(R,T) gravity

In this paper, a general FRW cosmological model has been constructed in f(R,T) gravity reconstruction with variable cosmological constant. A number of solutions to the field equations has been generated by utilizing a form for the Hubble parameter that leads to Berman's law of constant deceleration parameter q = m-1. The possible decelerating and accelerating solutions have been investigated. For(q 0) we get a stable flat decelerating radiation-dominated universe at q = 1. For(q 0) we get a stable accelerating solution describing a flat universe with positive energy density and negative cosmological constant. Nonconventional mechanisms that are expected to address the late-time acceleration with negative cosmological constant have been discussed.     

Exact cosmological solutions in the scalar-tensor theory with cosmological constant

Under the assumption of a power-law between the expansion factor of the Universe, and the scalar field (a ⁿ=c=const.) tensor theory with cosmological constant are reduced to quadrature. Several exact solutions are obtained, among them inflationary universes that have barotropic equation of state.     

On coronal temperatures,temperature gradients and compositions

Average solar wind properties at 1 AU either alone or together with the electron density distribution are used to obtain or review some results that relate coronal temperatures, temperature gradients, and compositions. Measured values of the temperature (T) and the temperature gradient parameter ( = -d ln T/d ln r) are used to find compositions that satisfy the equations used to obtain the results. The total energy equation may be satisfied if the thermal conductivity is reduced by considerable depletions of H⁺ in the corona. The electron energy equation only gives information on coronal compositions that are coupled with d/d ln r. The hydrostatic approximation (momentum equation) for the electron density distribution also appears to require considerable depletions of H⁺ in the corona. Results from the integrated momentum equation for the solar wind support the hydrostatic results; together, they give some information on the minimum value of in the outer corona. Some changes in assumptions or values of parameters that may modify these interpretations are discussed.     

Evolution of a ‘Class Two’ family of periodic orbits in the general planar problem of three bodies

The elliptic restricted problem of three bodies with unit eccentricity of the primaries is used to generate a family of periodic orbits in the general problem of three bodies. The parameter of the family is the mass of one of the participating bodies. This varies from zero to a termination value. The mass ratio of the primaries of the unperturbed problem (three to five) is maintained throughout the generation of the family. In this way an asymmetry is introduced generalizing the Copenhagen elliptic problem as the generating model. All members of the family experience a close approach and a collision between the primaries during half of the period of the orbit, therefore, the family is classified as Class Two.     

Global stability analysis for scalar-tensor models

The phase space of a cosmological model with a scalar field coupled to curvature is discussed in detail for any value of the coupling constant ξ and any power law (ϕ²ⁿ) potential. The results obtained generalize previous studies with minimal coupling (ξ = 0) and quadratic or quartic potentials to the entire parameter space (ξ, n). In many cases one finds global attractors and inflationary trajectories, with or without the correct Friedmannian limit. If the coupling constant is positive, a forbidden region cuts out a large part of the phase space, while, if it is negative, escaping regions may occur. Semi-classical instability of vacuum states and singularity-free trajectories are also discussed.     

Effects of possible deviations of fundamental physical constants on primordial nucleosynthesis

We study the effects of possible deviations of fundamental physical constants on the yields of light nuclides, ²D, ³He, ⁴He, ⁷Li, and others during primordial nucleosynthesis. The deviations of fundamental constants from their current values are considered in the low-energy approximation of string theories; the latter predict the existence of a scalar field, which, apart from the tensor gravitational field, determines the space geometry. A two-parameter (η, δ) model is constructed for primordial nucleosynthesis: η = n _B /n _γ is the baryon-to-photon density ratio, and Ω is the relative deviation of fundamental physical constants at the epoch of primordial nucleosynthesis from their current values. A dependence of η on the deviation of coupling constants Ω has been derived on condition that the primordial helium abundance is Y _p = f(η, δ) = const, where const corresponds to experimental values. We thus showed that the relative baryonic density (and hence Ω_B could vary over a much wider range than allowed by the standard nucleosynthesis model. Considering this result, we discuss the recently found mismatch between Ω_B obtained from an analysis of CMBR anisotropy and from the standard primordial nucleosynthesis model.     

Interacting dark matter and holographic dark energy in an anisotropic universe

In this paper we have studied the anisotropic and homogeneous Bianchi type-I universe filled with interacting Dark matter and Holographic dark energy. Here we discussed two models, in first model the solutions of the field equations are obtained for constant value of deceleration parameter where as in the second model the solutions of the field equations are obtained for special form of deceleration parameter. It is shown that for suitable choice of interaction between dark matter and holographic dark energy there is no coincidence problem (unlike ΛCDM). Also, in all the resulting models the anisotropy of expansion dies out very quickly and attains isotropy after some finite time. The Statefinder diagnostic is applied to both the models in order to distinguish between our dark energy models with other existing dark energy models. The physical and geometrical aspects of the models are also discussed.     

The cosmological model of Brans-Dicke theory

We use the generalized Brans-Dicke theory, in which the Pauli metric is identified to be the physical space-time metric, to study the Universe in different epochs. Exact analytical expressions for dilaton field , cosmological radiusR and density parameter are obtained fork=+1,0,–1 Universe in the radiation-dominated epoch. For matter dominated Epoch, exact analytical expressions for Hubble parameterH, cosmological radius, dilaton field, deceleration factorq, density parameter and the gravitational coupling of the ordinary matter are obtained for the flat Universe. Other important results are: (1) the density parameter is always less than unity for the flat Universe because the dilaton field plays a role as an effective dark matter, and (2) the new Brans-Dicke parameter must be larger than 31.75 in order to consistent with the observed data.     

A Friedmann-Lemaître Universe Model with a Positive Cosmological Constant

The possibility of using a Friedmann-Lemaître model with a non-zero cosmological constant is investigated on the basis of analyses of the RATAN-600 and 87GB radio surveys and optical constraints. A zero deceleration parameter and critical matter density are features of the model. The model is in agreement with current observational data, including estimates of the age of the Universe, Hubble constant measurements, and the - z relation. A value for the cosmological constant is determined and its physical nature discussed.     

On the equilibrium of an exact charge neutral magnetopause

The way is discussed by which microinstabilities of an exact charge neutral magnetopause could lead to a trapped particle flow, the absence of which causes the non-existence of an equilibrium magnetospheric boundary layer in the Parker-Lerche model. Furthermore, it is argued that instead of the non-equilibrium effect of Parker and Lerche, microinstabilities of an exact charge neutral magnetopause might be the underlying physical process of an Axford and Hines' type viscous interaction.     

Unbound planets

Current protostellar theory has determined a lower limit to the mass of a pre-stellar gas cloud fragment of ~0.01 M. This suggests that isolated interstellar bodies in the mass range ~10 M_-710_-2 M must have originated within a planetary system. Two possible mechanisms whereby planets are lost from their parental systems to interstellar space are discussed and the abundance and distribution of such unbound planets within the Galaxy is examined. It is found that, except within the central regions of the Galaxy, unbound planets are expected to be scarce. In the solar neighbourhood for instance, the number density ratio of unbound planets to stars is estimated to range between extremes of ~4 × 10^–4–3 × 10^–2 with a most probable value of ~6 x 10^–3. The faint possibility that the hypothetical Planet X might be of extra-solar origin is also discussed.     

Similarity law in spectral estimation of a time series. IV

A continuation of V. Yu. Terebizh, Astrofizika,40, 139, 273, 413 (1997). An explicit representation is found for the Fisher matrix for spectral density, enabling one to calculate the lower limit of the variance of an arbitrary unbiased density estimate. Basic equations describing smoothed density estimates are given for comparison with exact results. By numerical modeling based on the example of an AR-1 process, it is shown that the relative accuracy q of estimation of density is some universal function of the parameter w = (F -1)/N, where F is the number of parameters underlying the estimate and N is the length of the time series. The relationship q = θ(w), a similarity law, explains why a number of density estimates proposed earlier (Schuster’s periodogram, in particular) proved to be statistically inconsistent. It is just these estimates that presume an extremely detailed model of spectral density. The need for the complexity of the model to be consistent with the observational data follows from the limitation of information about the spectrum of the random process included in a sample of readings from a series of fixed volume. Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 41, No. 1. pp. 113–122, January-March, 1998.     

Nonlinear Alfvén waves in a plasma with a finite conductivity

Nonlinear Alfvén waves, which in the infinitely conducting plasma are noncompressive and have a constant magnetic field strength (B ²=const), propagate in a turbulent plasma. The latter is characterized by a big (but finite) electrical conductivity _eff due to micro-instabilities. The Alfvén wave in such a medium is governed by the diffusion equation. It is shown that an initial periodic perturbation (withB ²=const) while still being incompressive, decays due to dissipation.     

The maximum limit of the density variation parameter λ for a stable neutron star

A static spherically-symmetric model, based on an exact solution of Einstein's equation, gives the permissible matter density 2×10¹⁴ g cm^–3. If we use the change in the ratio of central density to the radiusr=a (i.e., central density per unit radius (₀/a), we call it radius density) minimum, we have estimated the upper limit of the density variation parameter () and minimum mass limit of a superdense star like a neutron star. This limit gives an idea of the domain where the neutron abundance with negligible number of electrons and protons (may be treated as pure neutrons) and equilibrium in neutrons begins.     

The cooling of a sunspot

This paper considers the recent criticism by Mullan (1973) of sunspot models and the cooling mechanism which I have proposed in Papers I, II and III of this series. The discussion of the cooling produced by an idealized flow cycle has been extended to include vertical temperature gradients which are consistent with a convectively unstable atmosphere. This leads to an expression for Mullan's parameter f (the ratio in which estimates of the energy flux based on an idealized Carnot cycle should be reduced) which is appropriate to this situation. It is shown that, for a cycle similar to that of Paper III, f = 0.82, while for one which has a vertical extent of order 5 Mm, f= 0.4. Hence the energy flux which, in principle, can be transported away from a sunspot by such a cycle is conservatively estimated to be 1.1 × 10²⁹ erg s^?1 compared with a typical sunspot energy deficit of 2.2 × 10²⁹ erg s^?1. Other criticisms relating to the magnetic field amplification and the ‘cool one’ model are discussed. It is concluded that the essential features of these models remain valid and that the modifications suggested by Mullan's criticism greatly increase their applicability to the sunspot problem.     

The microwave background produced by particle decay in the steady state — a possible model?

The conjecture that the cosmic microwave background can be produced by particle decay in steady-state cosmology is developed. A model is built guided by the numerical coincidence c^-3/4 G^{-1/4 3/4} _H ^-1/2=5 x 10^-3eV/c² which is the order of mass required for particles to produce microwave background photons, on their decay. A fit to the measurements would require that the particles (fermions), have a mass 2×10^–3 eV/c², and decay into much lighter particles, one of which is a photon, on a time-scale ~100_H. These particles would contribute 1% to the density parameter of the Universe.     

Isotropic Homogeneous Universe with a Bulk Viscous Fluid in Lyra Geometry

Exact solutions are obtained for an isotropic homogeneous universe with a bulk viscous fluid in the cosmological theory based on Lyra’s geometry. The viscosity coefficient of the bulk viscous fluid is assumed to be a power function of the mass density. Cosmological models with time dependent displacement field have been discussed for a constant value of the deceleration parameter. Finally some possibilities of further problems and their investigations have been pointed out.     

The chemical evolution of a spiral galaxy disks

The results of computing the evolution of a disk subsystem of a spiral galaxy taking into account radial gradients of chemical elements (D,⁴He,¹²C,¹³C,¹⁴N,¹⁶O,⁷Li, Fe) are presented. It is shown that flow of intergalactic matter accreting on to the galaxy results in smoothing the radial gradients of gas and chemical elements, especially at the latest stage of the evolution. The final gradients depend weakly on the age of the galaxy and value of the Hubble constanth. The best agreement between calculated and observed abundance of⁴He is revealed if the primordial yield isY ₀=0.25. The small decrease of the primordial deuterium abundance confirms the conclusion that the baryon density parameter is small: _b h ₅₀ ² 1. Therefore, the nature of dark matter should be non-baryonic.     

Observational background of TREDER'S gravitation theory in cosmology and the role of viscosity

Starting from solutions of TREDER'S field equations for a homogeneous and isotropic universe filled with incoherent matter (p = 0) relations between observation quantities are derived and discussed. The FRIEDMANN time is of the order of HUBBLE age, the deceleration parameter may principally possess any positive or negative value, hence it is also possible to explain any m,z-relation completely in the frame of this theory. A decision between EINSTEIN'S theory and TREDER'S by cosmological observations is impossible. – Considering a realistic medium which consists of particles and radiation, energy dissipation originating from bulk viscosity (due to the interaction of particles and quanta) prevents cosmological singularities. Thereby entropy, now present in form of relict radiation, is produced. This process generates large amounts of restmass-free energy in the phase of maximum contraction and therefore could as well explain the large luminosity of compact single objects (quasars?). Models with energy dissipation are not invariant with respect to time reflection t→ – t in contrast to EINSTEIN'S theory. If demanding the universe to be free from singularities the direction of cosmic time is uniquely determined. This demand then restricts the possible relations between observation data to the case q₀ = + 1 being in accord with the latest determination by SANDAGE .