SONG-China Project: A Global Automated Observation Networktwo

Driven by the technological advancements and scientific objectives, the data acquisition in observational astronomy has been changed greatly in recent years. Fully automated or even autonomous ground-based network of telescopes has now become a tendency for time-domain observational projects. The Stellar Observations Network Group (SONG) is an international collaboration with the participation and contribution of the Chinese astronomy community. The scientific goal of SONG is time-domain astrophysics, such as the astroseismology and the research of variable stars in open clusters. The SONG project aims to build a global network of one-meter telescopes equipped with high-precision and high-resolution spectrographs, and two-channel lucky-imaging cameras. It is the Chinese initiative to install a 50 cm binocular photometry telescope at each SONG node to share the network platform and infrastructure. This work is focused on the design and implementation of SONG/50BiN in technology and methodology, for the ground-based network composed of multiple sites and a variety of instruments.     

Detection of atmospheric Cherenkov radiation using solar heliostat mirrors

There is considerable interest world-wide in developing large area atmospheric Cherenkov detectors for ground-based gamma-ray astronomy. This interest stems, in large part, from the fact that the gamma-ray energy region between 20 and 250 GeV is unexplored by any experiment. Atmospheric Cherenkov detectors offer a possible way to explore this region, but large photon collection areas are needed to achieve low energy thresholds. We are developing an experiment using the heliostat mirrors of a solar power plant as the primary collecting element. As part of this development, we built a detector using four heliostat mirrors, a secondary Fresnel lens, and a fast photon detection system. In November 1994, we used this detector to record atmospheric Cherenkov radiation produced by cosmic ray particles showering in the atmosphere. The detected rate of cosmic ray events was consistent with an energy threshold near 1 TeV. The data presented here represent the first detection of atmospheric Cherenkov radiation using solar heliostats viewed from a central tower.     

Cooperation in astronomy between Indonesia and Japan

The cooperation programme in astronomy between Indonesia and Japan is presented as an example of a well-coordinated bilateral cooperation between Asian countries. This cooperation has started in 1979, in the fields of galactic astronomy and stellar physics. The form of the cooperation is principally the exchange of persons between both countries for the purposes of collaborative works in some specific fields, the training of young astronomers, and technical cooperation. The main subjects of collaborative works are: (1) survey of red giants in the galactic center region, (2) survey of H-emission stars in some areas of the sky, (3) theoretical study of the dynamical evolution of stellar systems, (4) photoelectric observations of southern close binaries, (5) X-ray binaries and pulsars, (6) Be stars, and (7) other topics. The organization and main results of these works are presented, along with a future aspect of the cooperation.Paper presented at the IAU Third Asian-Pacific Regional Meeting, held in Kyoto, Japan, between 30 September–6 October, 1984.     

The Observation and Characterization of Lunar Meteoroid Impact Phenomena

Confirmed observations of meteoroids from the Leonid stream impacting the Moon in 1999 and 2001 have opened up new opportunities in observational and theoretical astronomy. These opportunities could help bridge the gap between the ground-based (atmospheric) sampling of the smallest meteoroids and the larger objects observable with ground-based telescopes. The Moon provides a laboratory for the study of hypervelocity impacts, with collision velocities not yet possible in ground-based laboratories. Development of automatic detection software removes the time-intensive activity of laboriously reviewing data for impact event signatures, freeing the observer to engage in other activities. The dynamics of professional-amateur astronomer collaboration have the promise of advancing the study of lunar meteoritic phenomenon considerably. These three factors will assist greatly in the development of a systematic, comprehensive program for monitoring the Moon for meteoroid impacts and determining the physical nature of these impacts.     

How the space astronomy has extended the horizon of astronomy

On the basis of my experience in the X-ray astronomy, and on some typical highlights of multi-wavelength observations, I emphasize the importance of collaboration between space astronomy and ground-based astronomy.Paper presented at the Symposium on the JNLT and Related Engineering Developments, Tokyo, November 29–December 2, 1988.     

地基雷达技术及其在太阳系天体探测中的应用

人类利用雷达波进行天文研究距今已有40多年历史了.它是一种发射雷达波到目标天体,通过分析其回波特性来进行天文探测的技术.该文从地基雷达在太阳系天体探测中的应用出发,分析了地基雷达相比其他探测手段的优点;介绍了地基雷达的基本工作原理;给出了近年来地基雷达的发展情况和探测成果;最后从现有条件出发,探讨了我国开展地基雷达探测的设想.     

A 256×256 element InSb focal plane array for ground-based astronomy

A 256×256 element InSb (indium antimonide) focal plane array has been specifically developed for use in ground-based astronomy. The array is an indium bump hybrid of a high-quality InSb detector array fabricated with an improved process, mated to a new, specially-designed low-background multiplexer. The performance parameters have been tuned to best reflect the requirements of ground based astronomy. The circuit is a direct readout detector integrator. It has a well size typically around 1,000,000 electrons, a readout rate of about 400kHz, and has an expected noise level of about 200 electrons.     

Type II solar radio events observed in the interplanetary medium

Fifteen type II solar radio events have been identified in the 2 MHz to 30 kHz frequency range by the radio astronomy experiment on the ISEE-3 satellite over the period from September 1978 to December 1979. These data provide the most comprehensive sample of type II radio bursts hitherto observed at kilometer wavelengths. Dynamic spectra of a number of events are presented. Where possible, the 15 events have been associated with an initiating flare, ground-based radio data, the passage of a shock at the spacecraft and the sudden commencement of a geomagnetic storm. The general characteristics of kilometric type II bursts are discussed.Research Associate, University of Maryland, U.S.A.     

Reminiscences of a Japanese Contemporary

It was in 1936 when a young Czech student of age 22 came to Japan through Siberia for participating in the solar eclipse expedition. Since then, he had visited us 13 times until 1993 (when he passed away). At each visit his lectures were vivid for us and had strong impact on the audience. Needless to say, it was the late Professor Zdeněk Kopal. In this brief presentation first I reveal my reminiscences of our common time in Manchester and Japan as a contemporary, and second I make some remarks on my activities for the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) for astronomy in developing countries, in a similar way like Professor Kopal contributed in later years to the development of astronomy mainly in middle-east countries.     

大气湍流理论的进展及其天文学意义(英)

传统的大气湍流理论始于大约30年前．湍流理论的发展使得天文学家对大气湍流对天文观测的影响有了很好的认识，尤其是它为天文台选址和天文高分辨率技术提供了基础．近年来新的天文观测已对传统的大气湍流理论提出了挑战，并可能给地面天文观测带来一场革命．在回顾了大气湍流理论的发展历史后对传统大气湍流理论的基本特性及其应用作了系统的综述，并介绍了新的天文观测事实以及为此而提出的新的大气湍流理论模型．     

Antenna design and implementation for the future space Ultra-Long wavelength radio telescope

In radio astronomy, the Ultra-Long Wavelengths (ULW) regime of longer than 10 m (frequencies below 30 MHz), remains the last virtually unexplored window of the celestial electromagnetic spectrum. The strength of the science case for extending radio astronomy into the ULW window is growing. However, the opaqueness of the Earth’s ionosphere makes ULW observations by ground-based facilities practically impossible. Furthermore, the ULW spectrum is full of anthropogenic radio frequency interference (RFI). The only radical solution for both problems is in placing an ULW astronomy facility in space. We present a concept of a key element of a space-borne ULW array facility, an antenna that addresses radio astronomical specifications. A tripole–type antenna and amplifier are analysed as a solution for ULW implementation. A receiver system with a low power dissipation is discussed as well. The active antenna is optimized to operate at the noise level defined by the celestial emission in the frequency band 1 ? 30 MHz. Field experiments with a prototype tripole antenna enabled estimates of the system noise temperature. They indicated that the proposed concept meets the requirements of a space-borne ULW array facility.     

流星群研究

对流星群的研究作了简明而系统的介绍,重点叙述流星天文学的历史与现状;流星群的地面和空间观测;流星雨观测和理论辐射点;流星群的轨道计算、运动速度和轨道演变;流星群与彗星和小行星的相互关系以及流星群研究中的新课题。     

The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT): An International Observatory

The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) will be the first truly global ground-based optical/infrared observatory. It will initiate the era of extremely large (30-meter class) telescopes with diffraction limited performance from its vantage point in the northern hemisphere on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA. The astronomy communities of India, Canada, China, Japan and the USA are shaping its science goals, suite of instrumentation and the system design of the TMT observatory. With large and open Nasmyth-focus platforms for generations of science instruments, TMT will have the versatility and flexibility for its envisioned 50 years of forefront astronomy. The TMT design employs the filled-aperture finely-segmented primary mirror technology pioneered with the W.M. Keck 10-meter telescopes. With TMT’s 492 segments optically phased, and by employing laser guide star assisted multi-conjugate adaptive optics, TMT will achieve the full diffraction limited performance of its 30-meter aperture, enabling unprecedented wide field imaging and multi-object spectroscopy. The TMT project is a global effort of its partners with all partners contributing to the design, technology development, construction and scientific use of the observatory. TMT will extend astronomy with extremely large telescopes to all of its global communities.     

一个跨世纪工程：新一代射电望远镜计划

在国际无线电科联于１９９３年９月在日本京都召开的第２４届大会上，射电在文专门委员会作出了成立大射电望远镜工作组的决议，以推动和促进跨世纪的新一代射电望远镜工程的研究和准备，这是一项广泛国际合作的巨大科学计划，ＮＧＲＴ的主要性能将比现有的，以及计划建造的最先进的射电望远镜还优一到两个数量级。本文拟介绍该计划的历史渊源和技术梗概，希望有助于我国天文界积极参与该项目的国际合作。     

中外大学天文学教材评述

大学天文学是高校天文学专业最重要的专业基础课程, 主要 讲授天文学的基础知识和发展全貌, 具有覆盖面广、知识点多的特点. 教材的质量对于帮助学生理解天文学的基本原理和方法、提高学术水平和科学素养起到关键作用. 对于非天文学专业的学生和天文爱好者, 天文学教材也是拓展科学知识和认知宇宙的重要途径. 我国的大学天文学教材建设与欧美发达国家相比在数量和质量上还有不小差距. 梳理了国内外较有代表性的大学天文学教材, 评述其特色、优势和有待改进之处, 比较中外教材在内容和写法上的异同. 通过分析国外优秀教材的编著理念、方法和技巧, 为我国未来天文学教材建设提供参考建议.     

中外大学天文学教材评述

大学天文学是高校天文学专业最重要的专业基础课程, 主要 讲授天文学的基础知识和发展全貌, 具有覆盖面广、知识点多的特点. 教材的质量对于帮助学生理解天文学的基本原理和方法、提高学术水平和科学素养起到关键作用. 对于非天文学专业的学生和天文爱好者, 天文学教材也是拓展科学知识和认知宇宙的重要途径. 我国的大学天文学教材建设与欧美发达国家相比在数量和质量上还有不小差距. 梳理了国内外较有代表性的大学天文学教材, 评述其特色、优势和有待改进之处, 比较中外教材在内容和写法上的异同. 通过分析国外优秀教材的编著理念、方法和技巧, 为我国未来天文学教材建设提供参考建议.     

Laboratory set-up for studying ices at the MIR and FIR region

H₂O, CO and CO₂ ices are condensed on carbonaceous and silicate dust grains in dense interstellar clouds and circumstellar environments. The presence of these ices is inferred by analysing their infrared (IR) spectra. The upcoming Herschel space observatory (HERSCHEL) and ground-based astronomy project (ALMA) will provide new spectral data in the unexplored far infrared (FIR) and sub-millimetre range. In our laboratory we are developing instrumentation to study ices at IR region. One of the key components of our laboratory is a silicon composite bolometer in our IFS. This detector allows us to obtain spectra with a sensitivity much greater than that obtained with a standard deuterated triglycine sulphate (DTGS) detector working at room temperature and under vacuum conditions. We plan to collect mid infrared (MIR) and FIR spectra of simple ices and their mixtures and compare these with observational data. It is also planned to do a systematic laboratory study of the effects that ultraviolet (UV) photolysis and thermal annealing have on the ice band profiles and their structure.     

Antenna-coupled arrays of NbSi micro-bolometers

Microbolometers are at present the most sensitive detectors for mm and sub-mm Astronomy. They are in use in most of the present instruments in that bandwidth. We have developed filled arrays of NbSi-based planar antenna coupled microbolometers. The fabrication details are given, together with characterization of the NbSi thermometers and optical results. The optical performances are potentially good for ground-based mm-wave astronomy applications, while the overall detectors performances are limited by low-frequency excess noise in the thermometric NbSi high-impedance sensors (Anderson insulator).     

A Golden Era for Astronomy: The Advent of CCDs and Infrared Arrays

The advent of solid-state imaging devices transformed astronomy. Beginning with the introduction into astronomy of charge-coupled devices in 1976, followed a decade later by infrared arrays, astronomers gained access to near-perfect imaging devices. The consequences have been nothing short of revolutionary, perhaps especially so in the infrared. Witness, for example, the spectacular pictures from the Hubble Space Telescope cameras, or the impressive infrared imagery from the 2MASS project. Within the last decade CCD formats deployed or planned for use in ground-based cameras have become huge. Infrared mosaics, stimulated by the Next Generation Space Telescope, are coming soon. In addition, new technologies such as CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductors) and STJs (Superconductiong Tunnel Junctions) are being developed and the future of astronomical detectors looks very exciting, especially in an era of giant telescopes performing at their diffraction-limit. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

天文学研究发展趋势分析--恒星与恒星系统

对在1981-2000年世界上所发表的和中国学者所发表的有关恒星与恒星系统的论文作统计发现：此期间世界上这一领域的发展较平稳，而我国的发展快速．这反映了改革开放后，我国基础学科研究大有进展．从各分支所占的比重和发展来看，我国在恒星与恒星系统的研究与世界同期有几乎相同的分布，因此总体上我国在这一领域的发展基本正常．当然有些分支发展较快，如有关超新星及其遗迹、星际介质和恒星形成区、化学丰度的研究等，这和一些较强的研究团组形成有关；在双星研究方面，我国则与世界发展一致，双星研究始终是恒星研究领域的重点；而在世界范围内较突出的关于银河系的研究，在我国却相对较弱．恒星和恒星系统这一研究领域20年的论文数统计显示，我国学者所发表的论文只占世界总论文数的1．3％，虽然在最后5年有大幅上升，但也只占2．0％，这与我国IAU会员数所占比例相比是偏少的．就世界整体而言，恒星领域的研究进展与整个天文学领域相比是较慢的，显然这与一批能做深空探测和高能波段观测的设备投入有关．因此，除了对恒星及恒星系统领域作统计分析外，对整个天文学领域各大分支作分析可能对制定今后我国天文学发展计划更有利。