Light curve analysis of contact binaries: Characteristic quantities of the light curve

Quantities characterizing light curves of contact binaries of W UMa-type are introduced. For 2700 cases, theoretical light curves of contact binaries are computed by the light curve synthesis method, and characteristic quantities for these light curves are tabulated. An example of application of the table to the light curve analysis of contact binaries is shown, and the errors inherent in the solution are also discussed.     

Point spread function tails and the measurements of diffuse stellar halo light around edge-on disc galaxies

Measuring the integrated stellar halo light around galaxies is very challenging. The surface brightness of these haloes is expected to be many magnitudes below dark sky and the central brightness of the galaxy. Here, I show that in some of the recent literature the effect of very extended Point Spread Function (PSF) tails on the measurements of halo light has been underestimated; especially in the case of edge-on disc galaxies. The detection of a halo along the minor axis of an edge-on galaxy in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field can largely be explained by scattered galaxy light. Similarly, depending on filter and the shape one assumes for the uncertain extended PSF, 20–80 per cent of the halo light found along the minor axis of scaled and stacked Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) edge-on galaxy images can be explained by scattered galaxy light. Scattered light also significantly contributes to the anomalous halo colours of stacked SDSS images. The scattered light fraction decreases when looking in the quadrants away from the minor axis. The remaining excess light is well modelled with a Sérsic profile halo with shape parameters based on star count halo detections of nearby galaxies. Even though, the contribution from PSF scattered light does not fully remove the need for extended components around these edge-on galaxies, it will be very challenging to make accurate halo light shape and colour measurements from integrated light without very careful PSF measurements and scattered light modelling.     

Light Pollution and its Energy Loss

Data obtained by US DMSP satellites were analyzed to obtain light energyin order to monitor light pollution at different countries. Light detectedby the satellites is one ejected to space and is not mostly used toilluminate objects to be seen. This light is energy loss and produce lightpollution for astronomical observation. We should reduce such energy lossand light pollution.     

The shapes of light curves of Mira‐type variables

Using a sample of 454 Mira light curves from the ASAS survey we study the shape of the light variations in this kind of variable stars. Opposite to earlier studies, we choose a general approach to identify any deviation from a sinusoidal light change. We find that about 30% of the studied light curves show a significant deviation from the sinusoidal reference shape. Among these stars two characteristic light curve shapes of comparable frequency could be identified. Some hint for a connection between atmospheric chemistry and light curve shape was found, but beside that no or only very weak relations between light curve shape and other stellar parameters seem to exist (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Universal lateral distribution of energy deposit in air showers and its application to shower reconstruction

The light intensity distribution in a shower image and its implications to the primary energy reconstructed by the fluorescence technique are studied. Based on detailed CORSIKA energy deposit simulations, a universal analytical formula is derived for the lateral distribution of light in the shower image and a correction factor is obtained to account for the fraction of shower light falling into outlying pixels in the detector. The expected light profiles and the corresponding correction of the primary shower energy are illustrated for several typical event geometries. This correction of the shower energy can exceed 10%, depending on shower geometry.     

Methods of detecting extrasolar planets: I. Imaging

It is proposed that the presence or absence of Jupiter-like planets, and perhaps even Venus-like planets, around nearby stars be studied with a 2-m telescope in Earth orbit. According to the Abbe theory of imaging, the coherence of the light from an unresolvable star can be used to discriminate between planet light and scattered light from the star. Most scattered light is shown to arise from the imperfect figure of the telescope surface, but an analog of a phase contrast trast microscope can be used to control the figure automatically. A number of arrangements are possible for using the interference properties of light to cancel the residual scattered starlight by two to three orders of magnitude without affecting the planet light.     

A statistical study of crater-associated wind streaks in the North Equatorial Zone of Mars

A statistical study of all crater-related wind streaks visible on Mariner 9 A-camera frames between latitudes 0 and 30°N has been completed. Of the 2325 streaks identified 1914 (82%) are light tone streaks, 189 (8%) are dark tone, and the remaining 222 (10%) are of mixed tone. Nine parameters characterizing each streak and its associated crater were measured and intercorrelated. Because of the large number of light streaks in our sample fir findings for this type of streak are most significant statistically: light tone streaks occur preferentially in Pc terrain (heavily cratered plains); they are preferentially associated with fresh craters; the surface density of light streaks is not a strong function of elevation; a significant latitude effect does emerge—the density of light tone streaks reaches a maximum between 10 and 15°N, and drops off appreciably both toward the equator and toward higher latitudes; the mean angular width of light streaks is about 25°—long light streaks are significantly narrower than short ones; about 50% of streaks have streak length/crater diameter ratios of ?4; light streak directions conform closely to the wind regime expected at the season of global dust storms (southern summer). Generally speaking, the results for dark and mixed tone streaks in the northern equatorial zone are similar, with the following possible exceptions: dark streaks may show a slight preference to form at higher elecations; dark streaks may be slightly wider on average than light or mixed tone streaks; mixed tone streaks do not share the preference for sharp craters exhibited by light and dark streaks; in general, the directions of dark streaks do not conform to the general circulation pattern expected at the season of global dust storms as well as do those of the light streaks.     

Computation of the elements of eclipsing binaries from a part of their light curves

All methods existing today for computation of the elements of eclipsing binaries require photometric observations to cover the complete revolution of binaries, outside as well as within the eclipses. The maximum light and the depth of the eclipses are to be determined prior to any analysis, and the light curves are to be expressed in terms of the total light at quadratures. A method has been introduced in the present paper to enable us to obtain the elements of eclipsing binaries by an analysis of, not the whole, but a part of their eclipse light curves. In the new method no empirical knowledge of the maximum light or depth of eclipes is needed, and no normalization is necessary. The method can be used in any models (ellipsoidal, Roche, etc.). However, the larger the phase coverage of the light changes considered for the computation of the elements, the better the determinacy (or smaller the errors) is obtained.     

Light curve synthesis for binary systems: The stellar wind effect

Synthesis methods for light and radial velocity curves allow one to find the physical parameters of the components of binary systems of different types. We describe the basics of a new light curve synthesis algorithm for binaries that contain stars with extended expanding atmospheres. The algorithm can be used to study, e.g., light curves of binaries that contain Wolf-Rayet stars.     

Production of the light elements due to neutrinos emitted by collapsing stellar cores

The cross-sections of interaction of neutrinos emitted by collapsing stellar cores with matter of an expelled envelope are estimated (Table I). The neutrinos are shown to be able to produce isotopes of light elements (lithium, beryllium and boron) effectively in the stellar envelope and also, possibly, to create some deuterium. The neutrino-induced production of light elements accounts quite naturally for the observed enhanced abundances of odd isotopes of lithium and boron, as compared with even ones. It is emphasized that the reliable quantitative evaluation of the light element yields has to be based on the thoroughly elaborated hydrodynamical models of the envelope ejection. A slow expulsion of the envelope due to non-thermal forces seems to be the most favourable case for the neutrino-induced production of light elements. The proposed mechanism for the production of light elements can be verified observationally. The enhanced abundances of lithium and boron with respect to their cosmic values are expected to be characteristic of Crab nebula filaments. Also, it is of interest to search for the lines of light elements in the spectra of supernovae.Original version of this paper, circulated as a Preprint IAM No. 43, published in May, 1977.     

二阶后牛顿光线方程

近来相继提出一系列的空间天体测量计划，要求考虑在多参考系中二阶后牛顿部分对光线传播的贡献，也就是说，必须讨论在最近完成的扩展的DSX体系下的二阶后牛顿(2PN)光线方程．DSX体系是在20世纪90年代初建立的，用来讨论对N个任意形状和组成、自转可变形物体的一套完整的一阶后牛顿(1PN)天体力学理论．在此建议采用迭代的方法来推导2PN光线方程．从度规和Christoffel记号出发推导太阳系中的2PN光线方程．当忽略掉更高阶的项时，2PN光线方程将回到在很多教科书中广泛出现的1PN光线方程．利用这套方程就可以计算太阳系的光线传播．     

Light curves of gas-eclipsed binary systems

Light curves have been calculated for the model of a binary system consisting of two spherical components, imbedded in a common spherically-symmetric, isotropically-scattering envelope with radially-varying opacity. The periodically-varying screening of stellar radiation by the envelope gives rise to regular light changes, which are similar to stellar eclipses during a superior conjunction of the components and in maxima resemble the light changes due to the reflection effect for Algol-type binaries, whereas for systems with nearly equal luminosities of the components they match light variations, caused by the gravitational distortions of stellar figures.It is shown that the light changes in AO Cas can be interpreted in terms of our model and we propose to call binaries of that type gas-eclipsed variables. The observed light curves RY Gem, RS CVn, VW Cep are compared with the model curves. It is indicated that the light curve of the Algol-type system RY Gem can be interpreted in the framework of the adopted model, provided that stellar eclipses are accompanied by the screening effect of the envelope.Asymmetry, local fluctuations, different widths of minima, and some other peculiarities of the observed light curves are discussed within the context of our model. It can be regarded as a certain optical counterpart of the Roche model, since the isophotes of the envelope resemble the Roche equipotentials in their behaviour.     

Searching for Light Curve Evidence of Meteoroid Structure and Fragmentation

We used light curve analysis to search for evidence of the dustball meteoroid model. Leonid, Taurid, Alpha Monocerotid and sporadic meteors from November 2003 were observed and analyzed using uniform methodology. Meteors from these four sources were examined for evidence of fragmentation by examining light curve shape and searching for light curve irregularities. Differences in meteoroid structure should be reflected by differences in meteor light curves. The resulting meteor light curve F-parameter values showed no statistically significant differences between the meteors from the various cometary showers or the sporadic meteors. The F-parameter values also suggest that the meteoroids from these sources do not follow a single body ablation model, which suggests that all four sources produce meteoroids with a dustball structure.     

On Methods for the Light Curves Extrema Determination

We present two methods for the determination of moments of extrema and their errors appropriate for the analysis of light variations of variable objects. The method I is suitable for determination of times of extrema of non-periodical variables or objects, whose light curves vary. The method II is apt for O-C analyses of objects whose light curves are more or less repeating. Both methods are displayed on the analysis of BL Cam light variations and compared with the Kwee-van Woerden method.     

Correction of solar observations for stray light by numerical integration,with application to Mercury's drop

A numerical method for correction of stray light in solar observations has been developed. In particular a regular sunspot, where the circular contours of penumbra and umbra are projected as ellipses, has been studied. When a specified set of values for the stray light parameters is given, and also tentative values for the relative intensities of penumbra and umbra, the integration of stray light can be performed in any point. The result will be the observable intensity if the conditions were as given by these initial values.By means of limb observations the stray light parameters may be improved, and finally a variation of the penumbra- and umbra intensities in the computation, enables a determination of these quantities by comparison with observations.The method is tested on observations of the transit of Mercury, May 9, 1970. Calculation of isophotes with Mercury close to the limb shows the black drop phenomenon; which thus may be explained as an effect of stray light only.It is also shown that the Wilson effect on a sunspot cannot be produced by stray light alone.     

The Central Regions of M82 – Scattered Light and Extinction

Photographic photometric measurements of 2 arcsec resolution of the central regions of M82 are presented in the three colours U, B, V. The observed light is decomposed into two parts: stellar light and light from the central source scattered by dust. The variation of the reddening of both components is derived. The dust distribution pattern is different near the spatial centre of M82 and farther out. The equator of the dust complex obscuring the central source is inclined to the overall symmetry plane of M82. The outer dust clouds responsible for the obscuration of the visible stellar light are probably arranged in a spiral-like fashion; the “plane” containing these clouds is strongly warped and distrubed. The light of the bright knots A and C consists to a considerable part of scattered light from the central source nearly behind them. H_α light and scattered continuum light is strongly correlated in M82, pointing to an ionisation of the gas by the source of this continuum in addition to the presence of scattered H_α.     

A Library of Eclipsing Binary Light-Curves: Fast Initial Parameters Estimation, and on the Uniqueness of the Inverse Problem

In order to improve the light curve solutions we suggest to use a new approach. A library of the Fourier-coefficients (up to 20th term) of (several millions of) light curves was constructed each of the light curves has different input parameters. A light curve solution is made in a very fast way: its discrete Fourier-transform yields not more than some simple number which are compared to the Fourier-coefficients in the library. A chi-squared test can help us to estimate very good initial parameters for the differential correction analysis. The library can also be used to study the uniqeness problem of the light curve solutions. Here we investigated the uniqueness of the spot solution of SV Cam.     

Period variation and spot model for the W UMa type binary TY UMa

We present the full VRI light curves and the times of minima of TY UMa to provide a complete photometric solution and a long-term trend of period variation. The light curves show a high degree of asymmetry (the O'Connell effect). The maxima at 0.25 phase (Max I) are 0.021, 0.015, and 0.020 mag fainter than those at 0.75 phase (Max II) in V , R , and I , respectively. The period of TY UMa has varied in a sinusoidal way, superimposed on the long-term upward parabolic variation. The secularly increasing rate of the period is deduced as 1.83 s per century  ( P˙ / P =5.788×10^-10 d d^-1)  . The period of sinusoidal variation is about 57.4 yr. The spot model has been applied to fit the asymmetric light curves of TY UMa, to explain light variations. By changing only the spot parameters, the model light curves can fit the observed light curves for three epochs. This indicates that the variation of the spot location and size is the main reason for changing the shape of light curves, including two different maxima and the interchanging depths of occultation and transit minima.     

Observational manifestations of the change in the tilt of the accretion disk to the orbital plane in her X-1/HZ her with phase of its 35-day period

We analyze and interpret the RXTE/ASM X-ray light curves for the close binary system Her X-1/HZ Her obtained from February 1996 to September 2004. Some of the features found previously in the averaged X-ray light curves are confirmed by the new RXTE/ASM data. In particular, the anomalous dips and post-eclipse recoveries in two successive orbits in the short-on state are clearly distinguishable and are stable features of the X-ray light curves. We argue that to account for these features, the tilt of the accretion disk to the orbital plane must be assumed to change with phase of the 35-day period. We present a numerical model that can reproduce the observed features of the light curves.