Spectral study of the Herbig-Haro object HH43

Results from integral spectroscopy of the Herbig-Haro object HH43 are presented. Spectra were obtained with a multi-pupil spectrograph over the range λλ6400–6800 Å. Based on the ratio of emission lines, as well as on the radial velocities, we have obtained a more precise picture of the dynamic processes taking place in this object, which belongs to the rare class of “shocked cloudlet.” In particular, this classification of the object is confirmed by a determination of the exact location of the snock front. The rate of mass loss from the source star is estimated. __________ Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 50, No. 3, pp. 405–414 (August 2007).     

Dynamical evolution of an unstable gravastar with zero mass

Using the conventional gravastar model, that is, an object constituted by two components where one of them is a massive infinitely thin shell and the other one is a de Sitter interior spacetime, we physically interpret a solution characterized by a zero Schwarzschild mass. No stable gravastar is formed and it collapses without forming an event horizon, originating what we call a massive non-gravitational object. The most surprise here is that the collapse occurs with an exterior de Sitter vacuum spacetime. This creates an object which does not interact gravitationally with an outside test particle and it may evolve to a point-like topological defect.     

The morphological and spectral investigation of the galaxies Kaz 5, Kaz 92, and Kaz 390

The results of morphological and spectral study of the galaxies Kaz 5, Kaz 92, and Kaz 390 are presented. The observations were made on the 2.6-m telescope at the Byurakan Observatory with the VAGR microlenses spectrograph. Isophotes of the images of the galaxies are constructed in the Hα, [NII] λλ6584 , 6548, and [SII] λλ6731, 6717 emission lines and in the continuum. The masses of Kaz 5 and Kaz 92 are determined to be 8.6 × 10⁸ M_⊙ and 6.1 × 10⁹ M_⊙ , respectively. The mass of the gaseous component in the centers of regions I and IV of Kaz 390, which encompass a 1 pixel area, are also determined. The morphological structure of the central region of Kaz 5 in the observed spectral range, λλ6400–6800?, differs completely from the structure of the same part of the galaxy observed with the 6-m and 2.5-m telescopes. It is shown that these differences in the structure in images of Kaz 5 are mostly explained by the comparatively low resolution of the telescope in combination with the VAGR spectrograph. Absorbing matter also contributes to this effect. It is also shown that a “deficit” of nitrogen has been observed in the region of Kaz 390 studied here (a circle of diameter 40″). Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 52, No. 1, pp. 63–74 (February 2009).     

Minimal Energy and Gravitation

Quantum theory in Robertson – Walker spacetime suggests the existence of a minimal energy ε of the order of 10⁻⁴⁵ erg. Reasonable forms for ε give the expansion factor R=R(t)(t= the cosmic time) with no need of gravitational field equations.Einstein's theory should be modified in gravitational fields of strength less than ε c/ħ ∼ 10⁻⁸ cm/s² where c is the speed of light and ħ is the reduced Planck constant. The cosmological term λ is expected to decrease as the universe expands.In the Appendix, ε is derived from a big bang – big crunch Newtonian cosmology.     

Calculation of radar signal delays in the vicinity of the Sun due to the contribution of a Yukawa correction term in the gravitational potential

There has been a renewed interest in the recent years in the possibility of deviations from the predictions of Newton’s “inverse-square law” of universal gravitation. One of the reasons for renewing this interest lies in various theoretical attempts to construct a unified elementary particle theory, in which there is a natural prediction of new forces over macroscopic distances. Therefore the existence of such a force would only coexist with gravity, and in principle could only be detected as a deviation from the inverse square law, or in the “universality of free fall” experiments. New experimental techniques such that of Sagnac interferometry can help explore the range of the Yukawa correction λ≥10¹⁴ m where such forces might be present. It may be, that future space missions might be operating in this range which has been unexplored for very long time. To study the effect of the Yukawa correction to the gravitational potential and its corresponding signal delay in the vicinity of the Sun, we use a spherically symmetric modified space time metric where the Yukawa correction its added to the gravitational potential. Next, the Yukawa correction contribution to the signal delay is evaluated. In the case where the distance of closest approach is much less than the range λ, it results to a signal time delay that satisfies the relation t(b<λ)≅37.7t(b=λ).     

Line profile analysis of a coronal formation observed near a quiescent prominence: Intensities,temperatures and velocity fields

A technique developed for analysing line profiles with both speed and high accuracy was used to study the physical conditions of a coronal formation near a quiescent prominence. Detailed analyses of five coronal lines (Fe xiv λ 5303, Fe x λ 6374, Ni xv λ 6702, Fe xv λ 7059, and Fe xi λ 7892) provided total intensities, Doppler width temperatures, ionization temperatures, and velocities. Dissimilar spatial fluctuations in intensity are obvious for ions grouped according to (low vs high) ionization potentials. The intensity of the green line shows a local minimum around the observed quiescent prominence; a corresponding but much more diffuse pattern is visible in the red line intensity. Large differences are observed in temperatures derived by different means. In particular, , while , and . The differences between and are taken as direct evidence of temperature inhomogeneity. One can thus put little significance in T _e (xi/x). T _D(λ5303) and T _e (xv/xiv) fluctuate nearly in parallel at each slit height, with a weak local minimum evident around the prominence. The discrepancy between these two can be removed if a non-thermal turbulent motion of 6–16 km s⁻¹ is assumed. Variations with height of both T _D(λ5303) and T _e (xv/xiv) suggest that the coronal temperature maximum is located no more than 15000 km above the top of spicules. A negative gradient of about 6 deg km⁻¹ is found in the height variation of T _D(λ5303). The height variation of the green line wavelength shows that the majority of coronal material in this region is flowing from west to east on the Sun, with the highest velocity of 12 km s⁻¹ found at the lowest heights. This motion is in the same sense as that of the nearby coronal rain, as determined both from the spectra and wavelength-shifted Hα filtergrams. Superposed on the above flow is a systematic velocity field of up to ±5 km s⁻¹. This field similarly reaches maximum amplitudes at lowest heights showing a local maximum around the prominence. On leave from Institute of Earth Science and Astrophysics, Shiga University, Ohtsu 520, Japan, as 1973–75 National Academy of Science/National Research Council Senior Post-Doctoral Research Associate at Sacramento Peak Observatory.     

The application of the quickest descent method to the analysis of the Hα line in loops

The quickest descent method and the multi-layer model are proposed to analyse symmetrical and asymmetrical line profiles of loops in this paper. By fitting observed lines, the physical parameters such as Doppler width, Δλ _D , the optical thickness at line centre,τ _λ0, and the line displacement, Δλ ₀, can be directly obtained, Using this method, some symmetrical and asymmetrical line profiles of both the loop prominence on February 18, 1984 and the loop on August 17, 1989 are fitted. It is found that the method mentioned in this paper is characterized by rapid convergence, high precision, and less scatter.     

Spectroscopic study of the variable planetary nebula IC 4997

Based on our spectroscopic observations of the variable planetary nebula IC 4997 in 2003–2009, we have obtained the relative fluxes in optical emission lines. The interstellar extinction c = 0.35 has been found from the Balmer decrement by taking into account the effect of self-absorption in hydrogen lines in dense nebular regions. The variations in the Balmer decrement point to variability of the self-absorption and circumstellar extinction. We have investigated the variations in the relative intensities of some spectral lines and their ratios with time. The drop in the ratios F(λ4363)/F(Hγ) and F(λ363)/F(λ4959) that began back in 1990–1995 has continued, suggesting a decrease in the electron density and temperature in the central nebular region. The ratio F(λ6731)/F(λ6717) has remained constant. It gives an estimate for the electron density in the outer regions of IC 4997, N _e ∼ 10⁴ cm⁻³.     

Charged particle motion on and off the equatorial plane of a magnetic star in Rosen's bimetric gravity

In this paper we have studied in detail (numerically) the trajectories of charged particles in a magnetic field (dipolar at infinity) associated with a static star in the framework of Rosen's bimetric theory of gravity. It was found that there do exist potential wells that allow possible trapping of particles in stable orbits both on and off the equatorial plane. A particularly interesting feature that has shown up is the fact that the characteristics of the effective potential wellV _eff depend on the ratio of the magnetic field strength parameter λ, and the angular momentumL of the charged particle. For values lower than a critical (λ/L) _c the potential well lies within the regionr≤2m.     

Tidal gravitational redshifts of spectral lines in geometrodynamics

An alternative approach is proposed for the study of the non-cosmological redshifts. The approach is based on the radiation formulation of the tidal gravitation acceleration in geometrodynamics and the spacetime curvature around the massive objects. The resulting formalism can be used to study the object mass and the gravitation magnitude from the observed spectral lines with redshifts.     

Lithium Abundances in the Atmospheres of SLR C-Giants WZ Cas and WX Cyg from Resonance and Subordinate Li I Lines

Lithium abundances in the atmospheres of the super Li-rich C-giants WZ Cas and WX Cyg are derived by the spectral synthesis technique using the Li I resonance line at λ670.8 nm and three subordinate lines at λλ 812.6, 610.4 and 497.2 nm. The differences between the Li abundances derived from the λ670.8 nm line and the λλ 497.2, 812.6 nm lines do not exceed ±0.5 dex. The lithium line at λ610.4 nm provides typically lower abundances than the resonance line (by ≈ 1 dex). The mean LTE and NLTE Li abundances from three Li I lines (excluding λ610.4 nm) are 4.7, 4.9 for WZ Cas, and 4.6, 4.8 for WX Cyg, respectively. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The Evolution of Star-Forming Galaxies: The SFR Density of the Universe

The evolution of the Star Formation Rate (SFR) density of the Universe as a function of look-back time is a fundamental parameter in order to understand the formation and evolution of galaxies. The current picture, only outlined in the last years, is that the global SFR density has dropped by about an order of magnitude from a redshift of z∼1.5 to the current value at z=0. Because these SFR density studies are now extended to the whole range in redshift, it becomes mandatory to combine data from different SFR tracers. At low redshifts, optical emission lines are the most widely used. Using Hα as current-SFR tracer, the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) Survey provided the first estimation of the global SFR density in the Local Universe. The Hα flux in emission is directly related to the number of ionizing photons and, modulo IMF, to the total mass of stars formed. Metallic lines like [OII]λ3727 and [OIII]λ5007 are affected by metallicity and excitation. Beyond redshifts z∼0.4, Hα is not observable in the optical and [OII]λ3727 or UV luminosities have to be used. The UCM galaxy sample has been used to obtain a calibration between [OII]λ3727 luminosity and SFR specially suitable for the different types of star-forming galaxies found by deep spectroscopic surveys in redshifts up to z∼1.5. These calibrations, when applied to recent deep redshift surveys confirm the drop of the SFR density of the Universe since z∼1 previously infered in the UV. However, the fundamental parameter that determines galactic evolution is mass, not luminosity. The mass function for local star-forming galaxies is critical for any future comparison with other galaxy populations of different evolutionary status. Hα velocity-widths for UCM galaxies indicate that besides a small fraction of 10¹⁰-10¹¹ M_⊙ starburst nuclei spirals, the majority have dynamical masses in the ∼10⁹ M_⊙ range. A comparison with published data for faint blue galaxies suggests that star-forming galaxies at z∼1 would have SFR per unit mass and burst strengths similar to those at z=0, but being intrinsically more massive. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Two new LBV candidates in the M 33 galaxy

We present two new luminous blue variable (LBV) candidate stars discovered in the M33 galaxy. We identified these stars as massive star candidates at the final stages of evolution, presumably with a notable interstellar extinction. The candidates were selected from the Massey et al. catalog based on the following criteria: emission in H _α , V<18^./m 5 and 0_.^m 35 < (B - V) < 1_.^m 2. The spectra of both stars reveal a broad and strong H _α emission with extended wings (770 and 1000 kms⁻¹). Based on the spectra we estimated the main parameters of the stars. Object N45901 has a bolometric luminosity log(L/L_⊙) = 6.0–6.2 with the value of interstellar extinction A _V = 2.3 ± 0.1. The temperature of the star’s photosphere is estimated as T⋆ ∼ 13000–15000 K, its probable mass on the Zero Age Main Sequence is M∼ 60–80 M_⊙. The infrared excess in N 45901 corresponds to the emission of warm dust with the temperature Twarm ∼ 1000 K, and amounts to 0.1%of the bolometric luminosity. A comparison of stellar magnitude estimates from different catalogs points to the probable variability of the object N45901. Bolometric luminosity of the second object, N125093, is log(L/L_⊙) = 6.3 − 6.6, the value of interstellar extinction is A _V = 2.75 ± 0.15. We estimate its photosphere’s temperature as T⋆∼ 13000–16000K, the initial mass as M ∼ 90–120 M_⊙. The infrared excess in N125093 amounts to 5–6% of the bolometric luminosity. Its spectral energy distribution reveals two thermal components with the temperatures T_warm ∼ 1000K and T_cold ∼ 480 K. The [Ca II] λλ7291, 7323 lines, observed in LBV-like stars Var A and N93351 in M33 are also present in the spectrum of N 125093. These lines indicate relatively recent gas eruptions and dust activity linked with them. High bolometric luminosity of these stars and broad H α emissions allow classifying the studied objects as LBV candidates.     

Spectral observations of galaxies with UV excess

Spectral observations of 19 galaxies with UV-excesses from Kazarian’s list are reported. The spectra were obtained with the 2.6-m telescope at the Byurakan Observatory using the SCORPIO spectral camera. A grism was used to obtain spectra in the wavelength interval λλ7420-3920 Å. 43 spectra in which emission lines are mainly observed were obtained from the 19 galaxies, except for the spectra of Kaz 21, Kaz 178, Kaz 183, and Kaz 184. The spectra of Kaz 17, Kaz 151, Kaz 153, and Kaz 357 have type Sy2 galactic features. In the spectra of the galaxies Kaz 17, Kaz 151, and Kaz 153, absorption lines are observed along with high excitation emission lines such as HeI λ5876 Å and HeII λ4686 Å. No lines were observed within the interval λλ7420-3920 Å in the spectra of the galaxies Kaz 183 and Kaz 184. __________ Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 49, No. 3, pp. 351–358 (August 2006).     

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.     

Narrow-band Emission-Line and Continuum Images of Seyfert Galaxies

We present narrow-band emission line (Hα + [N II]λλ 6548, 6583, [O III] λλ 4959, 5007)as well as green or red continuum images of selected Seyfert galaxies. The sample includes NGC 7214, IC 4218, Akn 479, Mrk 915, IC 1515 and F 348. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Investigation of the conspicuous infrared star cluster and star-forming region “RCW 38 IR Cluster”

The infrared star cluster RCW 38 IR Cluster, which is also a massive star-forming region, is investigated. The results of observations with the SEST (Cerro La Silla, Chile) telescope on the 2.6-mm ¹²CO spectral line and with SIMBA on the 1.2-mm continuum are given. The ¹²CO observations revealed the existence of several molecular clouds, two of which (clouds 1 and 2) are connected with the object RCW 38 IR Cluster. Cloud 1 is a massive cloud, which has a depression in which the investigated object is embedded. It is not excluded that the depression was formed by the wind and/or emission from the young bright stars belonging to the star cluster. Rotation of cloud 2, around the axis having SE-NW direction, with an angular velocity ω = 4.6 · 10⁻¹⁴ s⁻¹ is also found. A red-shifted outflow with velocity ∼+5.6 km/s, in the SE direction and perpendicular to the elongation of cloud 2 has also been found. The investigated cluster is associated with an IR point source IRAS 08573-4718, which has IR colors typical for a non-evolved embedded (in the cloud) stellar object. The cluster is also connected with a water maser. The SIMBA image shows the existence of a central bright condensation, coinciding with the cluster itself, and two extensions. One of these extensions (the one with SW-NE direction) coincides, both in place and shape, with cloud 2, so that the possibility that this extension might also be rotating like cloud 2 is not excluded. In the vicinity of these extensions there are condensations resembling HH objects. Published in Astrofizika, Vol. 51, No. 1, pp. 29–40 (February 2008).     

Spatial distribution of the N-S asymmetry of solar activity and its time variations

The 1943–2001 data on the brightness of the coronal green λ530.3 nm line are used to investigate the surface distribution of the north-south (N-S) asymmetry index A. Synoptic maps of the asymmetry index in 784 successive Carrington rotations have been constructed. The results are presented in the form of a movie that visualizes the time variation in the spatial distribution of the asymmetry. Examination of a series of synoptic maps shows that the time variation in the general distribution of the A index over the solar surface has a number of peculiar features. In particular, the latitude-longitude regions with the dominance of the green line brightness in one of the hemispheres are replaced by similar (in shape) regions with its dominance in the other hemisphere after 14–18 rotations-in other words, the map, as it were, turns into its negative. This may be a manifestation of the quasi-biennial oscillations in the N-S asymmetry. The synodic rotation period of the asymmetry “structures” has been determined. It has turned out to be equal to the period of the fast coronal rotation mode found previously from the large-scale brightness distribution of the coronal green line, i.e., this is 27 days on the equator and slightly more than 28 days at high latitudes. The N-S asymmetry and its characteristics should be taken into account when considering the dynamo mechanism.     

Fluctuational mechanism for the formation of proton vortices in the superfluid core of neutron stars

The Gibbs thermodynamic potential of a proton vortex interacting with the normal core of a neutron vortex of radius r << λ (λ is the penetration depth) that is parallel to it and has an outer boundary of radius b is calculated. It is shown that, under this assumption, the capture of only one vortex by the core is energetically favorable. The force acting on the proton vortex owing to the entrained current is found and it is always directed toward the core. The corresponding force for a proton antivortex is directed toward the outer boundary of the neutron vortex. The Ginzburg-Landau equation is solved for a vortex-antivortex system and its Gibbs function is calculated. It is shown that at large distances from the core, vortex-antivortex pairs can form because of fluctuations. Acted on by the entrainment current, the antivortex moves outward, while the vortex stays inside the neutron vortex. It is shown that the best conditions for fluctuational pair production, followed by separation, exist near the outer boundary. It is shown that new proton vortices can develop only in a region where the entrainment magnetic field strength H (ρ) > H_C1 (H_C1 is the lower critical field). __________ Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 51, No. 1, pp. 139–149 (February 2008).     

Dirac quasinormal modes of the deformed Hořava-Lifshitz black hole spacetime

Using the third-order WKB approximation, we evaluate the quasinormal frequencies of massless Dirac field perturbation around a deformed black hole in the Hořava-Lifshitz gravity with coupling constant λ=1. Our result shows that the Hořava-Lifshitz parameter α plays an important role for the quasinormal frequencies and we discuss the variation of quasinormal frequencies with α. Moreover, we find that the massless Dirac field perturbations decay more slowly in the deformed Hořava-Lifshitz gravity.