The photometric functions of Phobos and Deimos. II. Surface photometry of Deimos

To a good approximation the face of Deimos observed by Mariner 9 is covered uniformly by a dark, texturally complex material obeying a Hapke-Irvine scattering law. The intrinsic 20° to 80° phase coefficient of this material is β_i = 0.017 ± 0.001 mag/deg, corresponding to a disc-integrated value of β = 0.030 mag/deg. There is also evidence of a slightly brighter (by ～30%) unit near some craters which may have been produced by the cratering events. Its texture appears to be identical to that of the average material. No evidence of quasi-specular reflection has been found, suggesting that large-scale exposures of unpulverized rock are absent.     

Production of organic molecules in the outer solar system by proton irradiation: Laboratory simulations

In the past few years considerable attention has been given to the determination of likely compounds that could account for the various colors observed in the outer solar system: and to possible formation mechanisms for these compounds. Many experiments have been done using electrical discharges (Chadha, M. S., et al., 1971, Icarus15, 39) and ultraviolet light (Khare, B. N., and Sagan, C., 1973, Icarus20, 311) on mixtures of CH₄, NH₃, and H₂S, which are most likely the dominant minor constituents of the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, Titan, and possibly the other satellites early in their histories. Colored polymers, usually brownish-red, have been produced in these experiments. With the passage of Pioneer 10 around Jupiter, there is another source of energy worthy of consideration, energetic protons (and electrons). Preliminary experiments to investigate the formation of colored polymers and other interesting molecules by the irradiation of gas mixtures by protons are discussed. Two to four Mev protons were used, with corresponding beam fluxes (as measured at 6R_J from the planet) equivalent to approximately 80 Earth years at Jupiter per hour of exposure. As in the other types of experiments, colored polymers have been produced. An important feature of this work is the presence or absence of absorption at 5 μm in the different materials produced; Titan is quite dark at this wavelength and Io is fairly bright. Such features may provide criteria for accepting or rejecting various materials produced in these experiments as reasonable coloring agents for the outer solar system.     

Atmospheric odd oxygen production due to the photodissociation of ordinary and isotopic molecular oxygen

Through a line by line calculation, the contributions of the Schumann-Runge bands of the ordinary and isotopic oxygen to the photodissociation of these molecules at different altitudes have been calculated. The photodissociation rates are expressed analytically. Contribution of the satellite lines has been taken into account. Due to the broadening of the SR lines, this contribution is insignificant. Similarly, it is shown that the first and higher vibrational states of the initial molecular states contribute insignificantly to the dissociation rates. It is also shown that the main contribution to the odd oxygen production in the important ozone producing altitudes is from the low vibrational and high rotational quantum numbers. The effect of the temperature on dissociation rates has similarly been studied.Due to its selective absorption, the isotopic oxygen ¹⁶O¹⁸O produces at 70 km 10 times as much odd oxygen as would be produced if the isotope did not have selective absorption. At this altitude 6% of the odd oxygen produced is due to this isotope. Also, 1.45% of the odd oxygen produced per second in an atmospheric column is due to ¹⁶O¹⁸O. However, the excess odd oxygen produced is not enough to explain the excess amount of ozone observed in the atmosphere which cannot be accounted for in the photochemical models.The calculated dissociation rates for the isotope are in moderate agreement with similar rates obtained by Blake et al. (1984, J. geophys. Res.89, 7277), but are by an order of magnitude smaller than similar rates given by Cicerone and McCrumb (1980, Geophys. Res. Lett.7, 251).     

On the cause of northward magnetic field along the negative X axis during magnetospheric substorms

The magnetic fields produced by a three-dimensional current system, consisting of a flow into the morning part of the auroral oval along tail-like field lines, along the auroral oval and out from the evening part of the oval along tail-like field lines, are computed. It is demonstrated that the major parts of the well-known ‘positive bay’ in low latitudes on the Earth's surface, the positive H variation at the synchronous distance and the positive B_s variation along the magnetotail during magnetospheric substorms can be caused by the proposed current system.     

Power spectrum distortions in CMB map one-dimensional cross-sections depending on the cosmological model. II

We examine the effect produced by the variation of cosmological parameters on the power spectra of one-dimensional cross-sections of the cosmic microwave background maps in a narrow range of spatial frequencies. Variation of the Ω _b and Ω_Λ density parameters has little effect on the power spectrum deviation from the one expected within the ΛCDM model. At the same time, variations in the spectral index of primordial fluctuations significantly affect the amplitude of the power spectrum of one-dimensional cross-sections. We observe a lack of signal generated by the even harmonics in the ILC map as compared with model expectations.     

Measurement of the lunar neutron density profile

Anin situ measurement of the lunar neutron density from 20 to 400 g cm^?2 depth below the lunar surface was made by the Apollo 17 Lunar Neutron Probe Experiment (LNPE) using particle tracks produced by the¹⁰B (n,α)⁷Li reaction. Both the absolute magnitude and the depth profile of the neutron density are in good agreement with theoretical calculations by Lingenfelter, Canfield, and Hampel. However, relatively small deviations between experiment and theory in the effect of Cd absorption on the neutron density and in the relative¹⁴⁹Sm to¹⁵⁷Gd capture rates reported previously (Russet al., 1972) imply that the true lunar¹⁵⁷Gd capture rate is about one half of that calculated theoretically.     

Ultraviolet spectroscopy of Comet 9P/Tempel 1 with Alice/Rosetta during the Deep Impact encounter

We report on spectroscopic observations of periodic Comet 9P/Tempel 1 by the Alice ultraviolet spectrograph on the Rosetta spacecraft in conjunction with NASA's Deep Impact mission. Our objectives were to measure an increase in atomic and molecular emissions produced by the excavation of volatile sub-surface material. We unambiguously detected atomic oxygen emission from the quiescent coma but no enhancement at the 10% (1-σ) level following the impact. We derive a quiescent H₂O production rate of 9×¹⁰²⁷ molecules s⁻¹ with an estimated uncertainty of ∼30%. Our upper limits to the volatiles produced by the impact are consistent with other estimates.     

Low density structures in the local universe. I. Diffuse agglomerates of galaxies

This paper is the first of a series considering the properties of distribution of nearby galaxies in the low density regions. Among 7596 galaxies with radial velocities V _LG < 3500 km/s, absolute magnitudes M _K < ?18?4, and Galactic latitudes |b| > 15° there are 3168 field galaxies (i.e. 42%) that do not belong to pairs, groups or clusters in the Local universe. Applying to this sample the percolation method with a radius of r ₀ = 2.8Mpc, we found 226 diffuse agglomerates with n ?? 4 number of members. The structures of eight most populated objects among them (n ?? 25) are discussed. These non-virialized agglomerates are characterized by amedian dispersion of radial velocities of about 170 km/s, the linear size of around 6 Mpc, integral K-band luminosity of 3 × 10¹¹ L _??, and a formal virial-mass-to-luminosity ratio of about 700M _??/L _??. The mean density contrast for the considered agglomerates is only $\left\langle {\Delta n/\bar n} \right\rangle $ ?? 5, and their crossing time is about 30?C40 Gyr.     

The peculiar case of the Agnia asteroid family

The Agnia asteroid family, a cluster of asteroids located near semimajor axis a=2.79 AU, has experienced significant dynamical evolution over its lifetime. The family, which was likely created by the breakup of a diameter D∼50 km parent body, is almost entirely contained within the high-order secular resonance z₁. This means that unlike other families, Agnia's full extent in proper eccentricity and inclination is a byproduct of the large-amplitude resonant oscillations produced by this resonance. Using numerical integration methods, we found that the spread in orbital angles observed among Agnia family members would have taken at least 40 Myr to create; this sets a lower limit on the family's age. To determine the upper bound on Agnia's age, we used a Monte Carlo model to track how the small members in the family evolve in semimajor axis by Yarkovsky thermal forces. Our results indicate the family is no more than 140 Myr old, with a best-fit age of 100⁺³⁰₋₂₀ Myr. Using two independent methods, we also determined that the D∼5 km fragments were ejected from the family-forming event at a velocity near 15 m/s. This velocity is consistent with results from numerical hydrocode simulations of asteroid impacts and observations of other similarly sized asteroid families. Finally, we found that 57% of known Agnia fragments were initially prograde rotators. The reason for this limited asymmetry is unknown, though we suspect it is a fluke produced by the stochastic nature of asteroid disruption events.     

Emission stratification in two-component HII regions with stellar wind

To explain the variety of observed optical emission stratification in the shells around Wolf-Rayet stars, we have calculated the nonstationary cooling of a homogeneous gas layer heated to a temperature (0.4–2) × 10⁵ K. We have assumed that the nebula is ionized by its central star and consists of a rarefied gas and a set of clouds with different densities through which adiabatic shock waves produced by the stellar wind propagate. Based on this model, we have determined the sequence in which the emission in Hα and in nebular oxygen lines appears. The Hα emission attributable to the electron-collision excitation of hydrogen atoms is produced earliest on the periphery of nebulae, the [O III] line emission follows next, and, finally, the Hα recombination emission is produced. The results obtained are in good agreement with the observational data.     

Impact fracture patterns on phobos ellipsoids

Phobos-ellipsoid models made of clay were fragmented by the impact of high-velocity projectiles to examine the idea proposed by P. Thomas, J. Veverka, and T. Duxbury ((1978) Nature273, 282–284) that the grooves on Phobos are the manifestation of fractures produced by the Stickney-forming impact. The fracture lines on the models consist of two sets. One is concentric around the impact site and along E lines, which are defined as the intersecting lines of the ellipsoid surface and a set of spherical surfaces with the center of the spheres at the impact site. The other runs radially from the impact site and along P lines, which are defined as the lines crossing E lines perpendicularly on the ellipsoid surface. Some patterns of the grooves originating radially from the crater Stickney on Phobos are very similar to the P lines. The gridded topography, hummocky groove sections, and smooth topography on Phobos could have been formed by the fracture or associated surface disturbances due to the wave induced by the Stickney-forming impact, because they are distributed along the E lines surrounding the converging point of the P lines. All the models except one showed that the density of the fractures east of the impact site is greater than that of those to the west. Fracture patterns similar to one of the most prominent groove sets, which converge and diminish into the region of about (270°, 0°) were not produced by the impact on the ellipsoid of uniform constituent. These grooves would have been produced by the opening of preexisting cracks by the Stickney-forming impact. Other grooves also seem to be affected by such latent cracks.     

2-Gyr Simulation of the Oort-cloud Formation II. A Close View of the Inner Oort cloud after the First Two Giga-years

We simulate the formation of the Oort cloud (OC) till the age of 2 Gyr starting from an initial disc of planetesimals made by 10 038 test particles. The results on the outer part of the distant comet reservoir are reported by Neslu?an et al. (this issue). Here we deal with the evolution of the population and structure at 2 Gyr of the complementary inner part of the Oort cloud. The dynamical evolution of the massless test particles was followed via the numerical integration of their orbits. We considered the perturbations produced by four giant planets assuming they have their current orbits and masses, as well as the perturbations caused by the Galactic tide and passing stars. The efficiency of the formation of inner OC is found to be very low: only about 1.1% of all considered particles ended in this part of the OC. At 2 Gyr, the dynamics of the inner cloud is mainly governed by the dominant z-term of the Galactic tide. The number density of the bodies is proportional to the heliocentric distance, r, as r ^?3.53. The directional distribution of orbits is still strongly inhomogeneous. There are large empty regions in the space angles around the Galactic Equator points with the galactic longitude 90 and 270° (non-rotating frame), or there are only few bodies having the ecliptical latitude higher than +60° or lower than 60°. A strong concentration of objects at the Ecliptic is apparent up to ≈1,000 AU, with a possible—but still not proved—extension to ≈1,500 AU. Beyond r ≈ 6,000 AU, bodies directly above and below the Sun, with respect to the Ecliptic, are absent.     

On the production of nitric oxide by cosmic rays in the mesosphere and stratosphere

Nitric oxide is formed in the atmosphere through the ionization and dissociation of molecular nitrogen by galactic cosmic rays. One NO molecule is formed for each ion pair produced by cosmic ray ionization.The height-integrated input (day and night) to the lower stratosphere is of the order of 6 × 10⁷ NO molecules cm^?2/sec in the auroral zone (geomagnetic latitude Φ ? 60°) during the minimum of the sunspot cycle and 4 × 10⁷ NO molecules cm^?2/sec in the subauroral belt and auroral region (Φ? 45°) at the maximum of solar activity. The tropical production is less than 10^?7 NO molecules cm^?2/sec above 17 km and at the equator the production is only 3 × 10⁶NO molecules cm^?2/sec.     

Total ozone measurements derived from T.O.V.S. radiances

A new method of total ozone retrieval from i.r. satellite data(NOAA6) is presented. It uses ozone transmittance as a predictor of total ozone. Ozone transmittance at 9.6 μm(TR) is deduced from radiance at 9.6 μm(R9), surface temperature (TS) measured at 11 μm, and ozone mean temperature (TE) estimated from several channels (among them 9.6 μm) by the radiative transfer equation : R9 = B(TS) × TR + (1?TR) × B(TE) where B is the Planck function.A statistical analysis of the retrieved ozone field and a comparison with ground based measurements show that the S.E. is less than 5% for the considered data set.     

On the distribution of magnitudes of solar microwave events

A microwave magnitude is defined as a logarithmic measure of the energy content of a microwave event. The distributions of microwave magnitudes are derived for collections of bursts that:

1. Occurred during two periods in solar cycle 20, one relatively early and the other relatively late;
2. Occurred in association with optical flares in particular centres of activity.

No dependence on the phase in the solar cycle has been found. One centre of activity was found that produced a distribution different from normal. The distribution of microwave magnitudes can be satisfactorily represented by the expression n(m) = const (m/α)e ^{?(m/α) 2}. A phenomenological model for the flare build-up process is indicated which leads to a distribution of this very shape.     

Models of the formation of the solar nebula

Models of the collapse of a protostellar cloud and the formation of the solar nebula reveal that the size of the nebula produced will be the larger of $\text{R}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>CF</mtext>}}\text{≡ J}{}^2\text{/k}{}^2\text{GM}{}^3\text{and}\text{R}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>V</mtext>}}\text{≡ (GMv/2c}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>c</mtext>}}{}^3\text{)}\text{1}\text{2}$ (where J, M, and c_s are the total angular momentum, total mass, and sound speed of the protosetellar material; G is the gravitational constant; k is a number of order unity; and v is the effective viscosity in the nebula). From this result it can be deduced that low-mass nebulas are produced if P ≡ (R_V/R_CF)² ? 1; “massive” nebulas result if P ? 1. Gravitational instabilities are expected to be important for the evolution of P ? 1 nebulas. The value of J distinguishes most current models of the solar nebula, since P ∝ J^?4. Analytic expressions for the surface density, nebular mass flux, and photospheric temperature distributions during the formation stage are presented for some simple models that illustrate the general properties of growing protostellar disks. It does not yet seem possible to rule out either P ? 1 or P < 1 for the solar nebula, but observed or possible heterogeneities in composition and angular-momentum orientation favor P < 1 models.     

Fine Structure of the Core of the Blazar OJ 287. II. Wavelength 2 cm

We have continued our studies of the fine structure of the active region in the blazar OJ 287 at wavelength λ = 2cm with a resolution of 20 μas, the epochs of 1995–2017. We have identified fragments of two arms along which the surrounding plasma comes to the nozzle. The brightness temperature of the flows rises as the nozzle is approached to T_b ? 10¹² K. The high-velocity bipolar outflow surrounded by lowvelocity components carries away an excess angular momentum as it is accumulated. The high collimation and helicity of the flows are determined by rotation and precession, respectively. Ring currents responsible for the longitudinal magnetic fields are excited in the flows. The jet and counterjet are a mirror reflection of each other; the difference in sizes is determined by the acceleration/deceleration of the flows along/opposite to the magnetic field. The velocity of the high-velocity outflow is v ? 0.06 c. The brightness temperature of the nozzle reaches T_b ? 10¹⁴ K. The spectral index of the southern and northern nozzles is α ≈ 0.66 and ≈0.4, respectively; the difference is determined by absorption in the bulge. The separation between the nozzles is 12 μas or 0.05 pc. The central region of reduced brightness with a diameter ? ≈ 3.6 pc corresponds to the bulge inclined toward the jet at an angle of 65° to the plane of the sky. The counterjet is ejected toward the observer; the jet is ejected in the opposite direction and is visible outside the bulge from a distance of 1.5 pc. The structure and kinematics of the bulge correspond to a vortex nature. An enhanced supply of matter from the northern arm in the middle of 2000 increased the activity of the low-velocity nozzle. A secondary vortex located at a distance of 0.28 mas (1.3 pc) was formed. The high-velocity flow is ejected in a direction of ?110°.     

On the excitation of oscillations of the Sun (numerical models)

Numerical solutions of the general time-dependent gas-dynamical equations in linear adiabatic approximation are given for initial conditions imitating: (a) a central perturbation, (b) a boundary perturbation (in the convective envelope), and (c) a ‘shrinking’ of the Sun as a whole. For a variety of models of the Sun it is found that at the surface the radial component v _r of velocity is much greater than the tangential component v _t , and that the period T of stationary oscillations does not exceed 131^m. The appearance at the surface of a g mode with period 160^m is found to be improbable. With the initial conditions adopted, a propagating wave is produced which is reflected successively from the centre to the periphery and back, producing 5-min oscillations at the surface of the Sun. Expansion of this wave into separate modes leads to a power spectrum qualitatively similar to that observed.     

Joint Effects of Compton Backscattering and Low-Energy Cutoff on the Flattening of Solar Hard X-Ray Spectra at Lower Energies

Theoretical calculation has shown that the spectrum of the Compton backscattering component in solar hard X-ray flares has a peak around 30 keV for a primary power-law source. Thus the superposition of the Compton backscattering component could cause a photon spectrum received at the Earth to be flattened below the peak energy and steeper above the peak energy. On the other hand, because a thick-target bremsstrahlung photon with a given energy E only could be produced by a nonthermal electron with an energy larger than E, thus if a power-law electron spectrum is cutoff below an energy E _c, then the produced photon spectrum will become flattened below E _c. In this work we present a calculation of the joint effects of the Compton backscattering and the low-energy cutoff on the spectral characteristics of the received solar hard X-ray in the energy range 10–100 keV. The results show that the flattening caused purely by the Compton backscattering could be comparable with that by the low-energy cutoff for hard spectra. So, it is obvious that the joint effects of the low-energy cutoff and the Compton backscattering could result in the received photon spectra to be much more flattened at lower energies. On the other hand, compared to the primary photon spectrum, the received photon spectral index will increase about 0.15 due to the Compton backscattering at higher energy, which seems independent of the primary spectral index.     

On the Challenges of Cosmic-Ray Proton Shock Acceleration in the Intracluster Medium

Galaxy clusters host the largest particle accelerators in the Universe: Shock waves in the intracluster medium (ICM), a hot and ionised plasma, that accelerate particles to high energies. Radio observations pick up synchrotron emission in the ICM, proving the existence of accelerated cosmic-ray electrons. However, a sign of cosmic-ray protons, in form of $\gamma$-rays. remains undetected. This is know as the missing $\gamma$-ray problem and it directly challenges the shock acceleration mechanism at work in the ICM.Over the last decade, theoretical and numerical studies focused on improving our knowledge on the microphysics that govern the shock acceleration process in the ICM. These new models are able to predict a $\gamma$-ray signal, produced by shock accelerated cosmic-ray protons, below the detection limits set modern $\gamma$-ray observatories. In this review, we summarise the latest advances in solving the missing $\gamma$-ray problem.