Thermodynamics of the universe filled with perfect fluid having variable equation of state

Recently, a field theoretic model for a UV complete theory of gravity has been proposed by Hor̃ava. This theory is a non-relativistic renormalizable gravity theory which coincides with Einstein’s general relativity at large distances. Subsequently Lü et al. have formulated the modified Friedmann equations and have presented a solution in vacuum. In the present work, we rewrite the modified FRW equations in the form of usual FRW equations in Einstein gravity and consequences have been analyzed. Also the thermodynamics of the FRW universe has been studied.     

Smooth models of overshooting at the base of the solar convective zone

A set of smoothed temperature gradient profiles around overshooting layers at the solar convective zone bottom is considered. In classical local theories of convection the one point defined according to the Schwarzschild criterion is enough to describe a convective boundary. To get a sophisticated picture of the overshooting we use four points to compute the transition overshooting functions. Analyzing the transition gradient profiles we found that the overshooting convective flux may be either positive or negative. A negative overshooting flux appears in nonlocal convective theories and causes a steep temperature gradient profile. But we propose an evenly smoothed gradient which corresponds to a convective flux positive everywhere. To outline the effect of the temperature gradient on the solar oscillations the squared Brunt–Väisälä frequency N ² is calculated. In local convective theories the N ² profile shows the discontinuity of the first derivative at the convective boundary, while all smoothed profiles eliminate the break.     

Characteristic actions ħ(s) in the structure of the universe

It is suggested that gravitationally bound systems in the Universe can be characterized by a set of actions ?^(s). The actions $$\hbar ^{\left( s \right)} = \left( {{\hbar \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {\hbar {\frac{1}{{2\pi }}\frac{{C^5 }}{{GH_0^2 }}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\frac{1}{{2\pi }}\frac{{C^5 }}{{GH_0^2 }}}}} \right)^{s/6} \left( {\frac{1}{{2\pi }}\frac{{C^5 }}{{GH_0^2 }}} \right)$$ ,derived from general theoretical consideration, are only determined by the fundamental physical constants (Planck's action ?, the velocity of lightC, gravitational constantG, and Hubble's constantH ₀) and a scale parameters. It is shown thats=1, 2, and 3 correspond, respectively, to the scales of galaxies, stars, and larger asteroids. The spectra of the characteristic angular momenta and masses for gravitationally bound systems in the Universe are estimated byJ ^(s) andM ^(s) =(? ^(s) Cα/G)^1/2. Taken together, an angular momentum-mass relation is obtained,J ^(s)=A(M^(s))², where \(A = G/C\alpha ,{\text{ }}\alpha \simeq \tfrac{{\text{1}}}{{{\text{137}}}}\) , for the astronomical systems observed on every scale. ThisJ-M relation is consistent with Brosche's empirical relation (Brosche, 1974).     

Oscillatory Response of the 3D Solar Atmosphere to the Leakage of Photospheric Motion

The direct propagation of acoustic waves, driven harmonically at the solar photosphere, into the three-dimensional solar atmosphere is examined numerically in the framework of ideal magnetohydrodynamics. It is of particular interest to study the leakage of 5-minute global solar acoustic oscillations into the upper, gravitationally stratified and magnetised atmosphere, where the modelled solar atmosphere possesses realistic temperature and density stratification. This work aims to complement and bring further into the 3D domain our previous efforts (by Erdélyi et al., 2007, Astron. Astrophys. 467, 1299) on the leakage of photospheric motions and running magnetic-field-aligned waves excited by these global oscillations. The constructed model atmosphere, most suitable perhaps for quiet Sun regions, is a VAL IIIC derivative in which a uniform magnetic field is embedded. The response of the atmosphere to a range of periodic velocity drivers is numerically investigated in the hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic approximations. Among others the following results are discussed in detail: i) High-frequency waves are shown to propagate from the lower atmosphere across the transition region, experiencing relatively low reflection, and transmitting most of their energy into the corona; ii) the thin transition region becomes a wave guide for horizontally propagating surface waves for a wide range of driver periods, and particularly at those periods that support chromospheric standing waves; iii) the magnetic field acts as a waveguide for both high- and low-frequency waves originating from the photosphere and propagating through the transition region into the solar corona. Electronic Supplementary Material  The online version of this article () contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Remote Sensing of the Heliosphere with the Murchison Widefield Array

The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) is one of the new technology low frequency radio interferometers currently under construction at an extremely radio-quiet location in Western Australia. The MWA design brings to bear the recent availability of powerful high-speed computational and digital signal processing capabilities on the problem of low frequency high-fidelity imaging with a rapid cadence and high spectral resolution. Solar and heliosphere science are among the key science objectives of the MWA and have guided the array design from its very conception. We present here a brief overview of the design and capabilities of the MWA with emphasis on its suitability for solar physics and remote-sensing of the heliosphere. We discuss the solar imaging and interplanetary scintillation (IPS) science capabilities of the MWA and also describe a new software framework. This software, referred to as Haystack InterPlanetary Software System (HIPSS), aims to provide a common data repository, interface, and analysis tools for IPS data from all observatories across the world.     

The cyclical reversible transitions of the universe’s evolution

In this work we propose cyclical reversible transitions as the scenario in which the universe evolves, through a series consisting of reversible expansion, temporary stability, and contraction. Our model is based on the comparison between local and global time-dependent densities {ρ ₀(τ ₀),ρ(τ)} instead of the critical density ρ _c, local and global time-dependent Hubble parameters {H ₀(τ ₀),H(τ)}, and the variations {Δρ(τ),ΔH(τ)} due to cosmological chaotic fluctuations, which are generally ignored in certain oscillating models. By taking into account all these factors, a rate equation in the form of (H ₀/H)² ∝(ρ ₀/ρ) has been established, and from it we derive some others, to provide a mechanism that is responsible for the cyclical reversible transitions. Also, the problems of singularities, black hole overproduction, and the second law of thermodynamics arising in oscillating universe models are conceptually resolved.     

Prediction of the Maximum Amplitude and Timing of Sunspot Cycle 24

Precursor techniques, in particular those using geomagnetic indices, often are used in the prediction of the maximum amplitude for a sunspot cycle. Here, the year 2008 is taken as being the sunspot minimum year for cycle 24. Based on the average aa index value for the year of the sunspot minimum and the preceding four years, we estimate the expected annual maximum amplitude for cycle 24 to be about 92.8±19.6 (1-sigma accuracy), indicating a somewhat weaker cycle 24 as compared to cycles 21 – 23. Presuming a smoothed monthly mean sunspot number minimum in August 2008, a smoothed monthly mean sunspot number maximum is expected about October 2012±4 months (1-sigma accuracy).     

Characteristic actionsħ (s) in the structure of the universe and the problem of the origin of galaxies

From the characteristic actions ^(s), we can derive various relations between the basic characteristic quantities of objects and the fundamental constants in known physical laws. The main physical processes which lead to the formation of objects should be included in some such reletions through the fundamental constants. The problem of the origin of galaxies has been considered on the basis of the theory of actions ^(s). It has been shown that in addition to gravitational effect, the dissipation process of the adiabatic density perturbations arising from the Thomson scattering in the early universe is a crucial process in forming galaxies; and if the Hubble constant has a valueH ₀ 50 km s^–1 Mpc^–1, the protogalaxies might be formed just before recombination.     

On the Analysis of the Complex Forbush Decreases of January 2005

In this work an analysis of a series of complex cosmic ray events that occurred between 17 January 2005 and 23 January 2005 using solar, interplanetary and ground based cosmic ray data is being performed. The investigated period was characterized both by significant galactic cosmic ray (GCR) and solar cosmic ray (SCR) variations with highlighted cases such as the noticeable series of Forbush effects (FEs) from 17 January 2005 to 20 January 2005, the Forbush decrease (FD) on 21 January 2005 and the ground level enhancement (GLE) of the cosmic ray counter measurements on 20 January 2005. The analysis is focusing on the aforementioned FE cases, with special attention drawn on the 21 January 2005, FD event, which demonstrated several exceptional features testifying its uniqueness. Data from the ACE spacecraft, together with GOES X-ray recordings and LASCO CME coronagraph images were used in conjunction to the ground based recordings of the Worldwide Neutron Monitor Network, the interplanetary data of OMNI database and the geomagnetic activity manifestations denoted by K _p and D _st indices. More than that, cosmic ray characteristics as density, anisotropy and density gradients were also calculated. The results illustrate the state of the interplanetary space that cosmic rays crossed and their corresponding modulation with respect to the multiple extreme solar events of this period. In addition, the western location of the 21 January 2005 solar source indicates a new cosmic ray feature, which connects the position of the solar source to the cosmic ray anisotropy variations. In the future, this feature could serve as an indicator of the solar source and can prove to be a valuable asset, especially when satellite data are unavailable.     

Spatial periodicity of galaxy number counts, CMB anisotropy, and SNIa Hubble diagram based on the universe accompanied by a non-minimally coupled scalar field

We have succeeded in establishing a cosmological model with a non-minimally coupled scalar field φ that can account not only for the spatial periodicity or the picket-fence structure exhibited by the galaxy N-z relation of the 2dF survey but also for the spatial power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) temperature anisotropy observed by the WMAP satellite. The Hubble diagram of our model also compares well with the observation of Type Ia supernovae. The scalar field of our model universe starts from an extremely small value at around the nucleosynthesis epoch, remains in that state for sufficiently long periods, allowing sufficient time for the CMB temperature anisotropy to form, and then starts to grow in magnitude at the redshift z of ～1, followed by a damping oscillation which is required to reproduce the observed picket-fence structure of the N-z relation. To realize such behavior of the scalar field, we have found it necessary to introduce a new form of potential V(φ)∝ φ ²exp?(?q φ ²), with q being a constant. Through this parameter q, we can control the epoch at which the scalar field starts growing.     

Did the universe start with the Higgs-field?

In a cosmological model developed by the author in previous articles the universe starts in a geometrical phase transition in Minkowski space. Here the source of the gravitational field is a Higgs-like scalar field $\bar{\phi}$ . A relation of this cosmological field $\bar{\phi}$ with the Higgs-field ? _H in the gauge theory of electroweak interaction is established. This relation leads to two dimensionless constants. One of them is interpreted as a characteristic constant of the phase transition and is connected with the volume of huge bubbles of open universes.     

A new law emerging from the recurrences of the ‘critical-acceleration’ of MOND, suggesting a clue to unification of fundamental forces

Keeping apart the problem, whether Modified Newtonian Dynamics [MOND] can replace ‘dark matter’, this letter considers seven different theoretical recurrences of ‘critical acceleration’ of MOND noticed by Sivaram in various physical situations; adds five more observational recurrences to the list; and arrives at a set of laws which seem to be followed by all the systems bound by different fundamental forces; suggesting a clue to unification of fundamental forces. This attempt proposes a general explanation for ‘flattening of galaxies’ rotation-curves’ as well as the ‘expansion of the universe’.     

Constraining Coronal Heating: Employing Bayesian Analysis Techniques to Improve the Determination of Solar Atmospheric Plasma Parameters

One way of revealing the nature of the coronal heating mechanism is by comparing simple theoretical one-dimensional hydrostatic loop models with observations at the temperature and/or density structure along these features. The most well-known method for dealing with comparisons like that is the χ ² approach. In this paper we consider the restrictions imposed by this approach and present an alternative way for making model comparisons using Bayesian statistics. In order to quantify our beliefs we use Bayes factors and information criteria such as AIC and BIC. Two datasets (Ugarte-Urra et al. 2005; Priest et al. 2000) are reanalyzed using the method described above. For the dataset of Ugarte-Urra et al. (2005), we conclude to apex dominant heating as the likely heating candidate, whereas the dataset of Priest et al. (2000) implies basal heating. Note that these new results are different from those obtained using the chi-squared statistic. For this we suggest that proper usage of Classical and Bayesian statistics should be applied in order to make safe assumptions about the nature of the coronal heating mechanisms.     

Accelerated Brans-Dicke universe in higher-derivative induced gravity-like conformally coupling and dominated by Gauss-Bonnet dark energy

We investigate the late-time dynamics of a four-dimensional universe based on the effective action of a Brans-Dicke scalar field in the presence of the matter source term, conformal coupling of the scalar curvature to the scalar field, a dynamical cosmological constant and Gauss-Bonnet higher-order terms in the scalar curvature. Many new interesting features are revealed and discussed in some details.     

Evolution of the Electron Distribution Function in the Whistler Wave Turbulence of the Solar Wind

The electron distribution functions from the solar corona to the solar wind are determined in this paper by considering the effects of the external forces, of Coulomb collisions and of the wave – particle resonant interactions in the plasma wave turbulence. The electrons are assumed to be interacting with right-handed polarized waves in the whistler regime. The acceleration of electrons in the solar wind seems to be mainly due to the electrostatic potential. Wave turbulence determines the electron pitch-angle diffusion and some characteristics of the velocity distribution function (VDF) such as suprathermal tails. The role of parallel whistlers can also be extended to small altitudes in the solar wind (the acceleration region of the outer corona), where they may explain the energization and the presence of suprathermal electrons.     

Role of a tachyonic field in accelerating the Universe in the presence of a perfect fluid

Recently, a tachyonic field was presented as a dark energy model to represent the present acceleration of the Universe. In this paper, we consider a mixture of tachyonic fluid with a perfect fluid. For this purpose we consider barotropic fluid and Generalized Chaplygin gas (GCG). We present a particular form of the scale factor. We solve the equations of motion to get exact solutions of the density, tachyonic potential and the tachyonic field. We introduce a coupling term to show that the interaction decays with time. We also show that the nature of the potentials vary, so the interaction term reduces the potential in both cases.     

Correlation Functions of Small-Scale Fluctuations of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field

The Interplanetary Magnetic Field shows complex spatial and temporal variations. Single spacecraft measurements reveal only a one-dimensional section of this rich four-dimensional phenomenon. Multi-point measurements of the four Cluster spacecraft provide a unique tool to study the spatiotemporal structure of the field. Using Cluster data we determined three-dimensional correlation functions of the fluctuations. By means of the correlation function one can describe and measure field variations. Our results can be used to verify theoretical predictions, to understand the formation and nature of solar wind turbulence. We found that the correlation length varies over almost six orders of magnitude. The IMF turbulence shows significant anisotropy with two distinct populations. In certain time intervals the ratio of the three axes of the correlation ellipse is 1/2.2/6 while in the remaining time we found extremely high correlation along one axis. We found favored directions in the orientation of the correlation ellipsoids.     

The red shift hypothesis for quasars: Is the earth the center of the universe?

It is shown that the cosmological interpretation of the red shift in the spectra of quasars leads to yet another paradoxical result: namely, that the Earth is the center of the Universe. Consequences of this result are examined.Einstein distinguishes between two main criteria [for a good theory]: (a) theexternal confirmation of a theory, which informs us in experimental checks of the correctness of the theory, and (b) theinner perfection of a theory which judges its logical simplicity or naturalness.