Photometric and Colorimetric Observations of Asteroid 423 Diotima and Their Analysis

Series of photometric and colorimetric observations of the Main-Belt asteroid 423 Diotima during its five oppositions were obtained at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory. It was concluded, based on the results of a frequency analysis of the V-band photometry obtained in 1990, that the asteroid is a binary system: the rotation period of the primary component is equal to 4_. ^h56, and the period of rotation and the orbital period of the satellite are equal to 14_. ^h90. An analysis of simultaneous BV and BVR observations made in 1993 and 1998–1999 yielded a rotation period of 4_. ^h54 ± 0_. ^h01 for the primary component. An analysis of the sets of V-band observations of the asteroid made from 1982 through 2000 allowed us to find the period of forced precession, which was equal to 113^d (or 226^d). It was suggested that the axis of the primary component of the binary asteroid precesses and the large amplitude of brightness variations (about 1 ^m ) is due to its lenticular shape.     

V792 Her=HD 155638: A totally eclipsing RS CVn binary

Photometry of HD 155638=V792 Her has been analyzed to determine the elements of this totally eclipsing RS CVn binary. The light variation outside eclipse was found to have a period of 27^d.07±0^d.07, which is slightly different from the 27^d.5384±0^d.0045 orbital period. Analysis of the eclipses was achieved by a modification of the Russell-Merrill technique. With the aid of radial velocity measures, absolute elements were obtained for the hot and cool stars, respectively;R _h=2.58R ,R _c=12.28R ,M _h=1.40M ,M _c=1.46M ,i=80^o.61 and velocity semi-amplitudesK _c=48.36 km s^–1±0.79 km s^–1, andK _h=50.50 km s^–1±0.33 km s^–1. The apparent magnitudes areV _h=9 ^m .73 andV _c=8 ^m .48. The distance to HD 155638 was estimated to be 310 parsecs.     

Photometry of the contact binary system V471 Cas

UBV photoelectric observations of the W UMa-type binary V471 Cas were made from September to November 1984. Its colour indices were found to be(B-V)=0 _. ^m 771±0 _. ^m 02 and(U-B)=0 _. ^m 196±0 _. ^m 02. TheU, B, andV light curves of V471 Cas show some photometric fluctuations. We found that its orbital period is not 0.335998 days which was given by GCVS (1986), but 0.405356 days.Photometric orbital elements of V471 Cas were found using the Wilson-Devinney method. V471 Cas is a contact system, in which the overcontact factor is 0.19, its mass ratio of two components is 0.5947, and orbital minclination is in 83.29 degrees.     

Physical studies of asteroids IX: The light curve of the M asteroid 77 Frigga

The results of photoelectricUBV observations of asteroid 77 Frigga during the 1982 opposition are presented. From eight nights of observations at phase angles smaller than 2 _o ^. 8 a synodic period of 0 _d ^. 3755±0 _d ^. 0006 is derived. The light curve appears very symmetric with two maxima per period and an amplitude of 0 _m ^. 19. The primary maximum corresponds toV(0^o)=8 _m ^. 58, and the colour indices are:B–V = 0 _. ^m 738 ± 0 _. ^m 003 andU–B = 0 _. ^m 200 ± 0 _. ^m 002.     

Luminosity and colour distribution in the interacting system NGC 7770-71

Detailed surface photometry for the SB(s)a galaxy NGC 7771 has been carried out in the blue spectral band. Isophotes, luminosity profiles, and photometric parameters are obtained from photographs collected with the 74 inch telescope of Kottamia Observatory, Egypt. The total apparent magnitudem _T =13.08 with maximum dimensions 3.6±0.5×2.7±0.5 (at threshold µ _m = 27.38 mag s^–2). The absolute magnitude isM _T =–21.70 if the distance is =90.2 Mpc. The major axis is in position angle =69°.5±1° and the mean axis ratio of the outer regionsq=b/a=0.45 corresponds to an inclinationi=66°. The equivalent effective radiusr _e ^* =0.29 and the effective surface brightness µ _e = 22.30 mag s^–2.The equivalent luminosity distribution has been decomposed into two main components, anr ^1/4 spheroid and an exponential disk. The total apparent magnitudes of the spheroidal and disk components are 14.36 and 13.48, which correspond to contributions of 31 and 69% to the total blue luminosity, respectively.     

On the possible binarity of asteroid 21 Lutetia from analysis of simultaneous BVR observations

We obtained ～1000 B, V, and R magnitude measurements for asteroid 21 Lutetia quasi-simultaneously with the digital TV system of a 0.5-m MTM-500 meniscus telescope from November 3 through November 11, 2004. We performed a frequency analysis of the B-V and V-R color indices and the V magnitudes based on data averaged over five measurements, which provided an accuracy of the mean color indices and magnitudes of ～0. ^m 005 and 0. ^m 08, respectively. Our analysis of the color indices showed the absence of the known period, 0.^d3405 (8.^h172), and the presence of several periods at a confidence level of 7–10 σ, including P ₀ = 2.^h93 (1/P = 8.17c/d) and its alias 2.^h64 (1/P = 9.17c/d). Our analysis of the V-band data revealed the periods P ₁ = 0.^d70 and P ₂ = 3.^d20; both periods yielded double-peaked light curves with amplitudes of 0. ^m 12 and 0. ^m 10. The first period is probably the rotation period of the main component, while the second period may be equal to the orbital period of the satellite with one side facing the main body. Another model of the asteroid is also possible: P ₀ = 2.^h93 is the rotation period of the main body, P ₁ = 0.^d70 is the orbital period of the synchronous satellite, and P ₂ = 3.^d20 is the precession period.     

MM Herculis: An eclipsing binary of the RS CVn type

Differential photoelectric photometry inV, B, andU has been obtained for the eclipsing binary MM Her, a member of the RS Canum Venaticorum class. The light outside eclipse was Fourier-analyzed to study the wave. The migration and amplitude of the wave and the mean light level of the system now have been monitored from 1976 through 1980. The phase of wave minimum has decreased from 0 _. ^P 80 to 0 _. ^P 25, the wave amplitude has varied between 0 _. ^m 06 and 0 _. ^m 12, and the mean light level has fluctuated between 0.94 and 0.99. Observations within eclipse revealed that the eclipses are partial, not total as previously thought, and a new time of mid-eclipse was found to be JD (hel.)=2444 500.6665±0 _. ^d 0008. The Russell model was used to solve the 1980 light curve. Elements of the rectified light curve werei=86 _. ^° 35±0 _. ^° 09,r _h =0.070±0.002,r _c =0.125±0.001,L _h (V)=0.585±0.008 andL _h (B)=0.683±0.010. The geometric elements were forced on the pre-1980 light curves and found to be compatible. With these elements and previously obtained double-lined radial velocity curves, new absolute dimensions have been calculated: 1.18M and 1.58R for the hotter star and 1.27M and 2.83R for the cooler star. By plotting color indices on the color-color curve, spectral types of G2V and K21V were found, each uncertain by a couple of subclasses.Guest Observer Kitt Peak National Observatory, operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, under contract with the National Science Foundation.     

Mass and density of Asteroid 121 Hermione from an analysis of its companion orbit

We report on Adaptive Optics observations of the satellite of Asteroid 121 Hermione with the ESO-Paranal UT4 VLT and the Keck AO telescopes. The binary system, belonging to the Cybele family, was observed during two observing campaigns in January 2003 and January 2004 aiming to confirm its trajectory and accurately determine its orbital elements. A precessing Keplerian model was used to describe the motion of S/2002 (121) 1. We find that the satellite of Hermione revolves at a=768±11 km from the primary in P=2.582±0.002 days with a roughly circular and prograde orbit (e=0.001±0.001, i=3±2° w.r.t. equator primary). These extensive astrometric measurements enable us to determine the mass of Hermione to be 0.54±0.03×¹⁰¹⁹ kg and its pole solution (λ₀=1.5°±2.00, β₀=10°±2.0 in ecliptic J2000). Additional Keck AO observations taken close to the asteroid opposition in December 2003 give us direct insight into the structure of the primary which presents a bilobated shape. Since the angular resolution is limited to the theoretical angular resolution of the telescope (43 mas corresponding to a spatial resolution of 80 km), two shape models (called snowman and peanut) are proposed based on the images which were deconvolved with MISTRAL deconvolution process. Assuming a purely synchronous orbit and knowing the mass of the primary, the peanut shape composed of two separated components is quite unlikely. Additionally the J₂ calculated from the analysis of the secondary orbit is not in agreement with the peanut model, but close to the snowman shape. The bulk density of the primary as derived from the observed size of the snowman shape is estimated to ρ∼1.8±0.2 g/cm³ implying a porosity ∼14% for this C-type asteroid, corresponding to a fractured asteroid. Considering the IRAS diameter, the density is lower (ρ=1.1±0.3 g/cm³) leading to a high porosity (p=30-60%) with a nominal value of p=48%, which indicates a completely loose rubble-pile structure for the primary. Further work is necessary to better constrain the size, shape, and then internal structure of Hermione's primary.     

Evolution of starspot regions in DM UMa

B andV photometry of DM UMa obtained between January, 1980 and June, 1984 is presented. Analysis yields a mean photometric period 7^d.478±0^d.010, compared to the known oribital period of 7^d.492±0^d.009. Light curves obtained during any two seasons do not agree in any of the following: shape, amplitude, phases of the light maxima and minima, mean light level, or brightness at the light maxima and minima. From the change inB-V over the photometric period, we concludethat the hemisphere visible during the light minimum is cooler than that seen during light maximum. The mean colorB-V=1^m.065±0^m.002 is consistent with K1 III or K2 IV. Phases of light minima lie on two well-separated groups with different slopes; the corresponding periods are 7^d.471±0^d.002 and 7^d.481±0^d.001, in dicating that both migrate linearly towards decreasing orbital phase. In terms of the starspot model this indicates that two respective centers of activity were situated at different longitudes and latitudes on a differentially rotating star. From circumstantial evidence we infer that the dark region seen from 1979 onwards disintegrated sometime between the 1982 and 1983 observing seasons, leaving behind an area of relatively high surface brightness. We can put a lower limit of about four years on the lifetime of a center of activity.     

Orbite de L'Étoile Burnham 1164 – ADS 1156 B–765 (95 Piscium)

The physical and orbital elements of the binary star ADS 1156 = B 1164 (α₁₉₀₀ = 01^h 22^m.0, δ₁₉₀₀ = + 04°50′) are determined. The absolute visual magnitudes of the two components are 3^m.72 resp. 3^m.97, the masses 1.43 M⊙ resp. 1.33 M⊙.     

Investigation of Thermal Inertia and Surface Properties for Near-earth Asteroid (162173) 1999 JU3

In order to obtain the substantial information about the surface physics and thermal property of the target asteroid (162173) 1999 JU3, which will be visited by Hayabusa 2 in a sample return mission, with the Advanced Thermal Physical Model (ATPM) we estimate the possible thermal inertia distribution over its surface, and infer the major material composition of its surface materials. In addition, the effective diameter and geometric albedo are derived to be D_eff = 1.13 ± 0.03 km, pv = 0.042 ± 0.003, respectively, and the average thermal inertia is estimated to be about (300 ± 50) J m^-2 s^-0.5 K^-1 According to the derived thermal inertia distribution, we infer that the major area on the surface of the target asteroid may be covered by loose materials, such as rock debris, sands, and so on, but few bare rocks may exist in a very small region. In this sense, the sample return mission of Hayabusa 2 is feasible, when it is performed successfully, it will certainly bring significant scientific information to the research of asteroids.     

Photoelectric lightcurves of asteroids 42 Isis, 45 Eugenia, 56 Melete, 103 Hera, 532 Herculina,and 558 Carmen

Photoelectric observations of six asteroids are presented. The following synodic periods of rotation and amplitudes of variation are reported: 42 Isis, P = 13^h.59, Δm = 0.32; 45 Eugenia, P = 5^h.70, Δm = 0.30; 56 Melete, P = 13^h.7 or 19^h.0, Δm = 0.06; 532 Herculina, P = 9^h.408, Δm = 0.15; 558 Carmen, P ≈ 10^h, Δm ≈ 0.25. The asteroid 103 Hera exhibited no periodic variation in excess of about 0.03 magnitude. The period found for 532 Herculina is one half that previously reported by other observers.     

RS CVn-type variables

Photometric observation of HR 1099 inV andB obtained on 18 nights between January and March 1977 is presented. The amplitude of the asymmetric light curve is found to be 0^m.10±0^m.004 both inV andB. On three occasions—namely, JD 2443164. 17, JD 2443176. 14 and JD 2443177.12—the star brightened by 0^m.05. Four H spectrograms at 42 Å mm^–1 dispersion were obtained during October–November 1978. The profile and equivalent width of H of 14 November, 1978 suggest a probable major outburst.Analysis of all available photometry shows that (1) the amplitude and shape of the light curve change in a few orbital periods, (2) the phase of the minimum light migrated towards decreasing orbital phase during the interval JD 2442720 to JD 2443000 and from JD 2443200, there is almost a linear increase of the phase of the minimum light and (3) the phase of the light minimum sometimes shows to and fro behaviour suggesting the migration of the wave is not taking place smoothly.     

A study of the variability of the Delta Scuti-stars

A total of 321 observations of the Delta Scuti star BD –6°4932, obtained in 1968 by Hall and Mallama (1970), are analyzed. We find four frequencies which represent the light curves satisfactorily.The three periods:P ₁=0 _. ^d 240,P ₃=0 _. ^d 182 andP ₄=0 _. ^d 114 seem to correspond to the radial modes of pulsation withK=0, 1, and 3, respectively. The last periodP ₂=0 _. ^d 220 can be related to a non-radial mode.     

Radial velocity measurements of the spectra of Zeta Aurigae outside eclipses

Radial velocities of both components of Zeta Aurigae have been measured on 39 grating spectra obtained in the interval February 1970-November 1981.The evaluation of the orbital elements of the primary component confirmed, the elements observed so far. The velocity variation of the secondary component has been determined according to the method described by Popper (1961) yieldingK _B=30.57±5.97 (m.e.) km s^–1. The masses of the components were found to beM _K sin³ i=6.4±1.7 andM _B sin³ i=4.5±0.9 solar masses. With the elements obtained a radial velocity curve of the B-star has been calculated. Comparison of the radial velocities derived from the hydrogen lines of the B-star with the calculated radial velocity curve shows systematic deviations which indicate that these lines originate partly in an expanding circumstellar envelope of the system. The main constituent of the envelope must be neutral hydrogen of high density. Variations of the radial velocities indicate density variations due to condensations inside this envelope.     

The SU Ursae Majoris Star TU Crateris

We have established that the cataclysmic variable TU Crateris is an SU UMa star. Superhumps were observed after 3 days of the 1998 March-April supermaximum, repeating with a mean period of P_s = 0d.08535(5). Timings of superhump maxima revealed a period decrease of P = 7.2 × 10^-5. Based on an empirical relationship, we estimated an orbital period of 0d.0810(25), just in the lower limit of the reported quiescence photometric period. H emission lines during quiescence vary with the orbital period with radial velocity half amplitude of 70 ± 19 km s^-1, evidencing a hotspot located in front of the standard position.     

The cosmic distance scale

Summary The status of the cosmic distance scale problem in early 1989 is reviewed. Internally consistent distances to Local Group galaxies are given in Tables 5 and 6. Within the Local Group the distance scale is found to be 11±5% smaller than that previously adopted by Sandage and Tammann. Distances to nearby galaxies are used as stepping stones to the Virgo cluster. The interpretation of the Tully-Fisher observations of Virgo spirals is found to be ambiguous because it is not yet clear which spirals are cluster members and which are background objects. Distance estimates of the Virgo cluster obtained by different techniques are listed in Table 11. The distance modulus of the Virgo cluster is found to be 31.5±0.2, corresponding to a distance of 20±2 Mpc. The elliptical galaxies in the core of the Virgo cluster haveV ₀=1200±46 kms^–1, which corresponds toV _LG=1082±48 km s^–1. With an infall velocity of 250±50 km s^–1 this yields a cosmological redshiftV=1332±69 km s^–1, from which a Hubble parameter H₀=67±8 km s^–1 Mpc^–1 is obtained. Space Telescope observations of distant Cepheids, Tully-Fisher observations of spirals in the Hercules eluster, and interference filter observations of Virgo planetary nebulae in the light of [O_III], should soon result in a major improvement in the accuracy with which H₀ is known.     

The metallic-line close binary system IW persei

TheUBV photoelectric light curve of IW Per as an ellipsoidal variable was obtained and a number of spectrograms were taken with dispersion of 10 Å mm^–1. New spectroscopic orbital elements are determined for this single-line spectroscopic binary to beK ₁=99.3 km s^–1, =0.2 km s^–1,a sini=1.80R andf(m)=0.093m . From analysis of the light curve, the geometric ellipticity coefficient of the distorted components is determined to beZ=0.037.Applying the second-order theory of light variation due to distorted components (Kopal and Kitamura, 1968), the orbital inclination and fractional radius of the primary component can be deduced simultaneously to bei=63° andr ₁=0.294. By takingm ₁=2.0m for the mass of the primary component with spectral type A5Vm, the mass of the secondary can be also deduced to bem ₂=1.08m , which would correspond to a G0-type if it is a Main-Sequence star. These elements indicate that the system is a non-eclipsing detached close binary.From intensity measurements of the lines Caii-K, Srii 4215 and Scii 4320 on twenty-eight good spectrograms taken at various phases, those intensities and the intensity ratio Sc/Sr are found to vary systematically with phase. From these variations the distribution of the local metallicity on the surface of the Am primary component is discussed in connection with the distribution of the local surface temperature.     

54 Cam: A new variable star

Differential photometry of the RS CVn-type binary 54 Cam in 1978, 1979, and 1980 shows its light to be variable with a period of 10 _. ^d 163±0 _. ^d 009 and an amplitude inV (max. to min.) which increased from 0 _. ^m 03 to 0 _. ^m 06 between 1979.19 and 1980.82. An epoch of light minimum was JD 2444529.7. The 9% difference betweenP(phtm.)=10 _. ^d 163 andP(orb.)=11 _. ^d 0764,a much larger difference than is characteristic of other RS CVn binaries, is suggested as an explanation for the radio emission.Guest Investigator, Kitt Peak National Observatory,which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, under contract with the National Science Foundation.Of the AAVSO.     

Light curves of SZ Piscium for 1977 and 1978

We present a relatively completeV-band light curve of SZ Psc for 1978 and a partial light curve for 1977. From the 1978 light curve we derive a new time of primary minimum, JD2443823.674±0.001, and a Russell-model solution,i=75°.8±0°.1,r _h =0.096±0.003,r _c =0.351±0.001, andL _h =0.253±0.002. The hotter component of this system is a F5-8 main-sequence star, the cooler component a K3-4 star well above the main sequence. The system is detached with the larger component filling only 82% of its Roche lobe. The distortion wave in this RS CVn-type binary seems not to migrate regularly as do those in many other such systems, but rather seems to change phase and amplitude more erratically. Between 1977 and 1978 its phase stayed practically constant while its amplitude decreased by a factor of three. We discuss the implications of this behavior for the spot model of RS CVn-type activity. We find that the traditional comparison star for SZ Psc, HD 219018, is very likely a constant star contrary to a recent suggestion that it is variable. Its brightness and colors,V=7.705, (B-V)=0.628, and (V-I) _c =0.688, are those of a G2V star.Visiting Astronomer, Kitt Peak National Observatory, which is operated by AURA, Inc., under contract with the National Science Foundation, and Visiting Astronomer, Prarie Observatory, University of Illinois.