The Solar Spectral Irradiance as a Function of the Mg <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">ii</Emphasis> Index for Atmosphere and Climate Modelling

We present a new method to reconstruct the solar spectrum irradiance in the Ly α – 400 nm region, and its variability, based on the Mg ii index and neutron-monitor measurements. Measurements of the solar spectral irradiance available in the literature have been made with different instruments at different times and different spectral ranges. However, climate studies require harmonised data sets. This new approach has the advantage of being independent of the absolute calibration and aging of the instruments. First, the Mg ii index is derived using solar spectra from Ly α (121 nm) to 410 nm measured from 1978 to 2010 by several space missions. The variability of the spectra with respect to a chosen reference spectrum as a function of time and wavelength is scaled to the derived Mg ii index. The set of coefficients expressing the spectral variability can be applied to the chosen reference spectrum to reconstruct the solar spectra within a given time frame or Mg ii index values. The accuracy of this method is estimated using two approaches: direct comparison with particular cases where solar spectra are available from independent measurements, and calculating the standard deviation between the measured spectra and their reconstruction. From direct comparisons with measurements we obtain an accuracy of about 1 to 2%, which degrades towards Ly α. In a further step, we extend our solar spectral-irradiance reconstruction back to the Maunder Minimum introducing the relationship between the Mg ii index and the neutron-monitor data. Consistent measurements of the Mg ii index are not available prior to 1978. However, we remark that over the last three solar cycles, the Mg ii index shows strong correlation with the modulation potential determined from the neutron-monitor data. Assuming that this correlation can be applied to the past, we reconstruct the Mg ii index from the modulation potential back to the Maunder Minimum, and obtain the corresponding solar spectral-irradiance reconstruction back to that period. As there is no direct measurement of the spectral irradiance for this period we discuss this methodology in light of the other proposed approaches available in the literature. The use of the cosmogenic-isotope data provides a major advantage: it provides information about solar activity over several thousands years. Using technology of today, we can calibrate the solar irradiance against activity and thus reconstruct it for the times when cosmogenic-isotope data are available. This calibration can be re-assessed at any time, if necessary.     

Profiles of the Hα and Hβ lines in the spectra of B and Be stars in the diffuse stellar cluster h/χ Persei

High dispersion CCD spectra are used to study the profiles of the Hα and Hβ lines of 48 stars in early spectral classes in the young diffuse binary cluster h/χ Per. In addition, moderate resolution spectra of 15 B and Be stars were taken over the interval 4400–4960 Å. One or, possibly, two new Be stars are discovered. The major parameters of the Hα line are measured for the observed B and Be stars. The spectra over 4400–4960 Å are used to estimate T_eff, logg, and υsin i. No traces of emission are detected in the Hα line profiles for 28 of the stars and emission is observed in the Hα line for 20. During our observations an absorption profile of the Hα line was observed for some of the stars, such as Oo146, Oo566, Oo922, and Oo1268, although they have previously been identified as Be stars. A significant long-term variability of the Hα line is discovered for the Be stars Oo1161 and Oo2242. Oo2371 manifests a variability in its faint emission spectrum which is typical of close binary systems that include a Be star. __________ Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 51, No. 2, pp. 305–319 (May 2008).     

B and Be-stars in the young open stellar clusters NGC 659 and NGC 7419

The populations of B and Be-stars in the young open clusters NGC 7419 and NGC 659 are studied. Lowresolution spectral observations in the region of the Hα line are used to study 34 members of NGC 7419 and additional spectra in the range λ3700-6200 ? are obtained for 12 stars. During the period of our observations, four previously identified Be-stars manifested an absorption profile for the Hα line. Emission in the Hα line is observed in the spectra of 21 objects. The members of the cluster NGC 7419 are classified as to spectral type. The position of the Be-stars on a two-color IR diagram and a comparison with the position of the objects in other clusters with similar ages cast doubt on the existence of two starformation waves. Moderate resolution spectra were obtained for 22 stars in the cluster NGC 659 over wavelengths of λ4050-5200 ? and for 7 objects in the neighborhood of the Hα line. Emission is observed in both the Hα and Hβ lines for two of the five Be-stars that were studied, while faint emission appears only in the Hα line in one of the stars. The other members of the cluster show no signs of emission in these spectra. T_eff, log g, and Vsini are estimated for the observed stars. It is found that 5 of the objects are not members of the cluster.     

The proximity effect in a close group of QSOs

We present an analysis of the proximity effect in a sample of 10 2-Å-resolution QSO spectra of the Ly α forest at     . Rather than investigating variations in the number density of individual absorption lines, we employ a novel technique that is based on the statistics of the transmitted flux itself. We confirm the existence of the proximity effect at the > 99 per cent confidence level. We derive a value for the mean intensity of the extragalactic background radiation at the Lyman limit of     . This value assumes that QSO redshifts measured from high-ionization lines differ from the true systemic redshifts by     . We find evidence at a level of 2.6 σ that the significance of the proximity effect is correlated with QSO Lyman limit luminosity. Allowing for known QSO variability, the significance of the correlation reduces to 2.1 σ .
The QSOs form a close group on the sky and the sample is thus well suited for an investigation of the foreground proximity effect, where the Ly α forest of a background QSO is influenced by the UV radiation from a nearby foreground QSO. From the complete sample we find no evidence for the existence of this effect, implying either that     or that QSOs emit at least a factor of 1.4 less ionizing radiation in the plane of the sky than along the line of sight to Earth. We do, however, find one counter-example. Our sample includes the fortunate constellation of a foreground QSO surrounded by four nearby background QSOs. These four spectra all show underdense absorption within ±3000 km s⁻¹ of the redshift of the foreground QSO.     

Does the fine structure constant vary? A third quasar absorption sample consistent with varying α

We report results from a third sample of quasar absorption line spectra from the Keck telescope which has been studied to search for any possible variation of the fine structure constant, α. This third sample, which is larger than the sum of the two previously published samples, shows the same effect, and also gives, as do the previous two samples, a significant result. The combined sample yields a highly significant effect, Δα = (α_z - α₀ )/α₀ = -0.57 ± 0.10 × 10^-5, averaged over the redshift range 0.2 < z < 3.7. We include a brief discussion of small-scale kinematic structure in quasar absorbing clouds. However, kinematics are unlikely to impact significantly on the averagednon-zeroΔα /α above, and we have so far been unable to identify any systematic effect which can explain it. New measurements of quasar spectra obtained using independent instrumentation and telescopes are required to properly check the Keck results. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Does the fine structure constant vary? A detailed investigation into systematic effects

We have previously presented 5.7 σ evidence for a smaller αat redshifts 0.2 < z_abs < 3.7 from a sample of 128 Keck/HIRES quasar absorption systems: Δα/α = (-0.57 ± 0.10) x10^-5. A non-zero <Δα/α manifests itself as a distinct pattern of shifts in the measured absorption line wavelengths. The statistical error is now small: we do detect small line shifts in the HIRES data. Whether these shifts are due to systematic errors or due to real variation in α is now the central question. Here we summarize the two potentially most important systematic effects: atmospheric dispersion and isotopic abundance evolution. Previously, these have been difficult to quantify/model but here we find that neither of them can explain our results. Furthermore, the HIRES spectra themselves contain no evidence for these effects. Independent measurements of Δα/α with a different telescope and spectrograph are now crucial if we are to rule out or confirm the present evidence for a variable α. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The thermal history of the intergalactic medium

At redshifts z ≳2, most of the baryons reside in the smooth intergalactic medium which is responsible for the low column density Ly α forest. This photoheated gas follows a tight temperature–density relation which introduces a cut-off in the distribution of widths of the Ly α absorption lines ( b -parameters) as a function of column density. We have measured this cut-off in a sample of nine high-resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio quasar spectra and determined the thermal evolution of the intergalactic medium in the redshift range 2.0–4.5. At a redshift z ∼3, the temperature at the mean density shows a peak and the gas becomes nearly isothermal. We interpret this as evidence for the reionization of He  ii .     

Simulating H2O Maser Emission in the Mass Outflows from Evolved Stars

The combination of a time-dependent spherically symmetric hydrodynamic model of stellar atmosphere pulsation and a radiation transport code, which incorporates maser saturation theory, enabled us to synthesise maps and spectra of H₂O maser emission from the circumstellar envelopes of long period variable stars. The synthetic maps and spectra compare favourably with observed 22, 321 and 325 GHz H₂O maser emission. As is observed in H₂O maser regions the peak emission occurs between 3–8 stellar radii from the star. The calculated H₂O maser regions are in conditions of n_H2 = 10⁶ − 10⁸ cm⁻³, assuming a fractional abundance of 10⁻⁴; kinetic temperatures of 550–3000 K; dust ensemble temperatures of 500–1200 K and an accelerating velocity field. The IR radiation field is explicitly included in the radiation transport model, incorporating the latest absorption efficiency data for silicates from Draine. We reproduce the features seen in high angular resolution MERLIN spectral line datacubes. This shows that a mass outflow model which extends the photosphere using pulsations and incorporates radiation pressure on silicate based dust particles can produce the observed data on small (10-mas) angular scales. This revised version was published online in September 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A survey of recombination line emission from the galactic plane at 325 MHz

A survey of the H 272 α recombination line at 325 MHz has been made towards 53 directions in the galactic plane using the Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT). 34 of these directions correspond to well-known Hn regions, 12 to SNRs and 6 to ‘blank’ areas selected so that the 5 GHz continuum is a minimum over the telescope beam of 2ℴ x 6 arcmin. Observing procedure and spectra of 47 sources towards which lines are detected are presented. Hydrogen recombination lines have been detected towards all the observed directions havingl <40ℴ. Carbon recombination lines are identified in 12 of the directions. The hydrogen line intensities are found to correlate well with the total continuum intensity (which includes the nonthermal galactic background) indicating that most of the lines arise due to stimulated emission by the background radiation. A preliminary discussion on the nature of the line-emitting regions is also presented.     

A Study of the Emission-Line Spectra and the Stellar Populations of Starburst Galaxies

Based on optical–NIR spectra, we discuss the nebular properties and stellar populations of starburst nuclei. Starbursts are found to have higher electron densities and higher excitations than HII nuclei. The emission lines have been used to estimate the nebular oxygen abundances, ionization parameter and radiation softness parameter. From a study of the H_α emission-line equivalent widths and the CaII triplet absorption line equivalent widths, we infer the ages and stellar content of the starburst regions. Most of the nuclei show evidence for a composite population – a young, ionizing population co-existing with evolved, non-ionizing stars of about 5–7 Myr, which are evolving towards the peak of RSG distribution. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The Shape of the Blue/UV Continuum of B3-VLA Radio Quasars

We present some results based on optical photometry of an unbiased subsample of 64 sources, from a sample of radio quasars 80 per cent complete. The quasars (z=0.4-2.8) show approximately a similar spectral energy distribution (SED). Only two quasars appear clearly differenciated, exhibiting redder colours than the rest, and they have low or moderate redshifts (z=0.50 and 1.12). Composite broad-band spectra for the remaining 62 quasars reveal the presence of a break in the SED at ∼ 3000 Å, where the average slope α (defined by S_ν ∝ ν^α) changes from α_blue=0.11±0.16 at λ>3000 Å to α_UV=-0.66±0.15 at λ<3000 Å. Composite spectra from a low and a high redshift subsample, with the redshift separation at the median value z=1.2, yields α_UV=-0.87±0.20, for z<1.2 and α_UV=-0.48±0.12 for z>1.2 and the difference is 98 per cent significant. This trend could be intrinsic or could arise from a dependence between α_UV and the blue/UV luminosity, since the three quantities α_UV - L_blue/UV - z are correlated. Finally, an intrinsic correlation is found between blue/UV and radio luminosity. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The role of non-thermal electrons in the hydrogen and calcium lines of stellar flares

There is observational evidence showing that stellar and solar flares occur with a similar circumstance, although the former are usually much more energetic. It is expected that the bombardment by high-energy electrons is one of the chief heating processes of the flaring atmosphere. In this paper we study how a precipitating electron beam can influence the line profiles of Ly α , H α , Ca  ii K and λ 8542. We use a model atmosphere of a dMe star and make non-LTE computations taking into account the non-thermal collisional rates owing to the electron beam. The results show that the four lines can be enhanced to different extents. The relative enhancement increases with increasing formation height of the lines. Varying the energy flux of the electron beam has different effects on the four lines. The wings of Ly α and H α become increasingly broad with the beam flux; change of the Ca  ii K and λ 8542 lines, however, is most significant in the line centre. Varying the electron energy (i.e. the low-energy cut-off for a power-law beam) has a great influence on the Ly α line, but little on the H α and Ca  ii lines. An electron beam of higher energy precipitates deeper, thus producing less enhancement of the Ly α line. The Ly α /H α flux ratio is thus sensitive to the electron energy.     

X-ray characterization of thin foil gold mirrors of a soft X-ray telescope for ASTROSAT

X-ray reflectivity measurements were performed on several thin foil gold mirrors fabricated in TIFR for a Soft X-ray Imaging Telescope. The mirrors were made from thin aluminum foils with a reflecting layer of sputtered gold transferred from a smooth glass mandrel using an epoxy. X-ray reflectivity measurements were performed on a sample of randomly selected mirrors using CuK _α (8.05 keV), CrK _α (5.41 keV) X-rays and also at several energies in the energy range of 155–300 eV using the synchrotron source Indus-1. It was found that the roughness of the low-density top gold layer as obtained from the fitting of X-ray reflectivity data for CuK _α radiation is relatively more as compared to that obtained from the CrK _α radiation. This indicates that in the mirrors made by this process, the upper surfaces are smoother as compared to the deeper layers. It was also observed that the critical angle almost vanishes in the very low energy range of 290–300 eV due to strong absorption effects of the low density material sitting on top of these mirrors. Due to this absorption effect, efficiency of these mirrors reduces in this energy range. This is first time that reflectivity measurements are being reported for very soft X-rays (≤ 300 eV) for mirrors made for any X-ray astronomy mission.     

Variability of the spectrum of the galaxy kaz 701

Results from a spectrophotometric study of the galaxy Kaz 701 are presented. Spectra of this galaxy were obtained on the 2.6-m telescope at the Byurakan Observatory with the SCORPIO spectral camera. In the spectra of Kaz 701, strong Hα, [OIII] λλ5007, 4959, and Hβ emission were observed, and the [SII]λλ6731, 6717 lines were observed with moderate intensities, while the [NII]λ6584 line was scarcely noticeable in the spectra obtained in 2004, but was much more intense in the spectra of 2009. The lines observed in the spectrum of this galaxy are typical of type Sy2 galaxies. A component was observed in the red wings of both the Hα and Hβ lines in the data of 2004, but, although these lines were stronger, these components were absent in the spectra taken in 2009. The relative intensities, equivalent widths, and half widths of these lines are given. These data, obtained in different observation periods (2004 and 2009), differ greatly; that is, the emission is variable.     

α-process Elements in the Galaxy: A Possible GAIA Contribution

The sensitivity of stellar spectra to α/Fe abundance changes is investigated with the aim to be detected photometrically and employed for the scientific goals of the GAIA mission. A grid of plane parallel, line blanketed, flux constant, LTE model atmospheres with different [α/Fe] ratios was calculated. As a first step, the modeled stellar energy fluxes for solar-type stars and giants were computed and intercompared. The spectral sensitivity to α/Fe abundance changes is noticeable and has to be taken into account when selecting photometric filters for GAIA. The Ca II H and K lines and Mg I b triplet are the most sensitive direct indicators ofα/Fe abundance changes. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The Influence of Fluctuations of the Solar Emission Line Profileon the Doppler Shift of Interplanetary HLyα Lines Observed by the Hubble–Space–Telescope

In an earlier research the employment of a radiation transport model with angle-dependent partial frequency redistribution, self-absorption by interplanetary hydrogen, realistic solar H_Lyαemission profile, and a time dependent `hot' hydrogen model to analyze 5 interplanetary H_Lyα glow spectra obtained with theHubble–Space–Telescope–GHRS spectrometer, has not resulted in unequivocal determination of a set of thermodynamical parameters of the interstellar hydrogen The residual discrepancies between the model and the data concern the observations performed within an interval of 1 year close to the solar minimum from very similar lines of sight. In this paper we investigate by calculating interplanetary H_Lyα lines with the use of a one hydrogen distribution and several solar H_Lyα line profiles whether this residual may be caused by possible variations in time of the shape of the solar H_Lyα emission line profile which cause variable illuminations of the interplanetary gas. These variations of illuminations cause variations in Doppler shift of the resonant interplanetary H_Lyα line that can amount to ≃ 4 km s^-1in the line peak. Consequently we conclude that without adequate knowledge of the solar H_Lyα emission line profile during spectral observations of the interplanetary hydrogen gas it is impossible to obtain an agreement between models and observations better than by this value. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

On Magnetic Coupling Between the Two Hemispheres in Solar Dynamo Models

By introducing an asymmetry between the two hemispheres, we study whether the solar dynamo solutions in the two hemispheres remain coupled with each other. Our calculations are based on the solar dynamo code SURYA, which incorporates the helioseismically-determined solar-rotation profile, a Babcock–Leighton α effect concentrated near the surface, and a meridional circulation. When the magnetic coupling between the hemispheres is enhanced by either increasing the diffusion or introducing an α effect distributed throughout the convection zone, we find that the solutions in the two hemispheres evolve together with a single period even when we make the meridional circulation or the α effect different in the two hemispheres. On the other hand, when the hemispheric coupling is weaker for other values of parameters, an asymmetry between the hemispheres can make solutions in the two hemispheres evolve independently with different periods.     

An LRS Bianchi Type I Bulk Viscous Fluid String Cosmological Model in General Relativity

An LRS Bianchi type I string dust cosmological model with and without bulk viscosity following a method used by Letelier and Stachel, is investigated. To get a determine solution, it is assumed that σ∝θ whereσ is shear and θ is scalar of expansion and which leads to A =αBⁿ were n is a constant. The physical and geometrical aspects of the model are also discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Diffuse Galactic γ-rays: Constraining Cosmic-Ray Origin and Propagation

We have developed a model which aims to reproduce observational data of many kinds related to cosmic-ray (CR) origin and propagation: direct measurements of nuclei, antiprotons, electrons and positrons,γ-rays, and synchrotron radiation. Our main results include evaluation of diffusion/convection and reacceleration models, estimates of the halo size, calculations of the interstellar positron and antiproton spectra, evaluation of alternative hypotheses of nucleon and electron interstellar spectra, and computation of the Galactic diffuseγ-ray emission. Recently our CR propagation code has been generalized to include fragmentation networks of arbitrary complexity. The code can now provide an alternative to leaky-box calculations for full isotopic abundance calculations and has the advantage of including the spatial dimension which is essential for radioactive nuclei. Preliminary predictions for sub-Fe/Fe, ¹⁰Be/⁹Be and ²⁶Al/²⁷Al are presented in anticipation of new experimental isotopic data. We show that combining information from classical CR studies with γ-ray and other data leads to tighter constraints on CR origin and propagation. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.