Properties of X-ray shots of Cyg X-1 in high state

Temporal variations in the high-energy radiation of Cyg X-1 can be represented by the properties of its X-ray short bursts (shots). The properties of the X-ray shots of Cyg X-1 have been studied extensively, especially for the Cyg X-1 in its typical low/hard state. In this paper, we study the shot properties when Cyg X-1 is in its high/soft state, using direct superposition of shots and the autocorrelation function. Our result shows that when Cyg X-1 is in the high state, the shot structure is qualitatively similar to that of the low state, and that the full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the shot decreases with increasing energy, which is inconsistent with the prediction of the Comptonization model. In addition, the evolution of the shot energy spectrum and the asymmetry of the shot structure can explain the observed time lag in Cyg X-1.     

Period study of the binary star SW Cygni

The O−C curve of SW Cyg between 1880 and 1977 is presented and discussed. It is found that the orbital period undergoes a systematic change, becoming greater with time. In addition, a periodic oscillation of amplitude 0 _. ^d 015 with period of 43.8 years is superimposed on this general trend. It is concluded that the increase in the period is due to a transfer of mass from the secondary star to the primary and the periodic oscillation is due to the light time effect of the third body of mass functionf(m)=0.006M _⊙.     

Very High Energy Emission from the Binary System Cyg X-3

Cyg X-3 is actively studied in the entire range of the electromagnetic spectrum from the radio band to ultrahigh energies. Based on the detection of ultrahigh-energy gamma-ray emission, it has been suggested that Cyg X-3 could be one of the most powerful sources of charged cosmic-ray particles in the Galaxy. We present the results of long-term observations of the Cygnus Х-3 region at energies 800 GeV–100 TeV by the SHALON mirror Cherenkov telescope. In 1995 the SHALON observations revealed a new Galactic source of very high energy gamma-ray emission coincident in its coordinates with the microquasar Cyg X-3. To reliably identify the detected source with Cyg X-3, an analysis has been performed and an orbital period of 4.8 h has been found, which is a signature of Cyg X-3. A series of flares in Cyg X-3 at energies >800 GeV and their correlation with the activity in the X-ray and radio bands have been observed. The results obtained in a wide energy range for Cyg X-3, including those during the periods of relativistic jet events, are needed to find the connection and to understand the different components of an accreting binary system.     

Elemental abundance analyses with DAO spectrograms – XXII. The B9–A3 stars λ Ursae Majoris, 59 Herculis, 14 Cygni and 29 Cygni

Elemental abundances of the moderately rotating B9–A3 stars λ UMa, 59 Her, 14 Cyg and 29 Cyg have been derived in a consistent manner with previous studies of this series from spectrograms obtained with Reticon and CCD detectors. The derived elemental abundances show that λ UMa is a mild Am star, while 59 Her is slightly metal-rich. Although 14 Cyg has values closer to solar than these stars, its subsolar Ca and Sc abundances indicate that it might be the hottest known hot-Am star. 29 Cyg is a metal-poor λ Boo star.     

Cyg X-1高态中短暴性质的研究

CygX-1高能辐射的时变特征可以通过短暴(shot)的性质反映．因此CygX-1的短暴性质，特别是处于低态时的性质曾被广泛研究,利用直接叠加短暴和自相关函数，对CygX-1高态时短暴的性质进行了研究．结果表明，当CygX-1处于高态时，其短暴的结构类似于低态时所具有的性质，短暴的半高宽随能量的增加按指数下降．此结果和康普顿化模型不一致．另外，短暴的能谱演化及结构的非对称性可以解释CygX-1中的时延现象．     

Results of observation of Cyg γ-2, BL Lac, 3C66A, Mk 501, and the Crab nebula by the GT-48 gamma-ray telescope in 2006

The active galactic nuclei BL Lac, 3C66A, and Mk501, as well as the Crab nebula and the Cyg γ-2 source were observed in 2006 at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory using the GT-48 gamma-ray telescope. Very high energy (VHE) gamma-ray fluxes at a high confidence level (Q > 4) were detected from the active galactic nuclei and the Crab nebula. VHE gamma-ray fluxes from the unidentified gamma-ray source Cyg γ-2 and the X-ray source Cyg X-3 were recorded during observations of Cyg γ-2.     

Comparison of UV spectra from solar-type stars

We compare high-resolution spectra from the Sun and the four solar-type stars 16 Cyg A, 16 Cyg B, HD 32008, HD 34411 obtained with IUE in the wavelength range 2650–2930 Å. The comparison is made for peak intensities between absorption lines. At the level of accuracy of the IUE observations, the stars 16 Cyg A, 16 Cyg B, HD 34411 are indistinguishable from the Sun, in particular the Mgii resonance line profiles are identical. HD 32008 is not a solar analog but is evidently of late G to early K spectral type.Based on observations with the International Ultraviolet Explorer collected at the Villafranca Satellite Tracking Station of the European Space Agency.     

Recent photometry of symbiotic stars

We present new multicolour (UBVR_CI_C) photometric observations of classical symbiotic stars, EG And, Z And, BF Cyg, CH Cyg, CI Cyg, V1329 Cyg, TX CVn, AG Dra, Draco C1, AG Peg, and AX Per, carried out between 2007.1 and 2011.9. The aim of this paper is to present new data of our monitoring programme, to describe the main features of their light curves (LC) and to point problems for their future investigation. The data were obtained by the method of the classical photoelectric and CCD photometry (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

ROSAT HRI observations of P Cyg and surrounding area

We present a detailed analysis of deep ROSAT HRI observations of the luminous blue variable P Cyg and its surrounding radio nebula. The HRI image provides a point source at the position of P Cyg. However, we show that this emission can be attributed to the ultraviolet leak of the ROSAT HRI. The X‐ray flux upper limit derived from the HRI data of this star is discussed in the context of X‐ray emission from hot stars. Furthermore, we present a search for diffuse X‐ray emission possibly associated with the radio nebula surrounding P Cyg. We compare our results to model predictions and X‐ray fluxes observed for shells around other hot stars. Additionally, we detect 10 X‐ray sources in the field of view. All but one of these X‐ray emitters have stellar counter parts in the Palomar Sky Survey. We suggest that they are active late‐type stars possibly belonging to Cyg OB1.     

Short-term brightness variations of V747 Cyg

We have conducted high-speed photometric observations of the suspected cataclysmic variable V747 Cyg. The literature data about the spectra of this star are conflicting. Zwitter and Munari [A&AS 107 (1994) 503] obtained spectroscopic observations which confirmed the cataclysmic variable nature of V747 Cyg, whereas Downes et al. [AJ 110 (1995) 1824] have concluded that this object may be a Be + M binary rather than a cataclysmic variable. Our observations revealed the complete absence of the rapid flickering in this star at a millimagnitude level. This phenomenon is to be inherent in all cataclysmic variables. Instead, the lightcurves of V747 Cyg showed probably periodic smooth low-amplitude variations that were visible during each observational night. When V747 Cyg was observed in two colours simultaneously, these variations had the equal phases and amplitudes. A periodogram analysis revealed probable periods of 5.77, 7.41 and 7.59 h. These periods and the amplitude as well as the oscillation behaviour in the different colours are typical of variable Be stars. Hence, V747 Cyg may be a variable Be star but not a cataclysmic variable.     

Revised photometric elements of three semi-detached binary systems

TheV andB light curves of three Algol-type eclipsing binaries (UZ Cyg, VW Cyg, AQ Peg), observed by Ammanet al. (1979), have been analysed using the Wilson and Devinney (1971) model. We find that all of them are semi-detached systems, with A-type primary components and K-type evolved secondary which fill the corresponding lobe, although VW Cyg should perhaps be considered as an sd-d system.     

On the accretion disc properties in eclipsing dwarf nova EM Cyg

In this paper we analyze the behavior of the unusual dwarf nova EM Cyg using the data obtained in April–October, 2007, at the Vyhorlat observatory (Slovak Republic) and in September, 2006, at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory (Ukraine). During our observations, EM Cyg has shown outbursts in every 15–40 days. Because on the light curves of EM Cyg a partial eclipse of the accretion disc is observed, we applied the eclipse mapping technique to a reconstruction of the temperature distribution in the eclipsed parts of the disc. Calculations of the accretion rate for the system were made for the quiescent and the outburst states of activity for various distances.     

On the chaotic orbital dynamics of the planet in the system 16 Cyg

The chaotic orbital dynamics of the planet in the wide visual binary star system 16 Cyg is considered. The only planet in this system has a significant orbital eccentricity, e = 0.69. Previously, Holman et al. suggested the possibility of chaos in the orbital dynamics of the planet due to the proximity of 16 Cyg to the separatrix of the Lidov–Kozai resonance. We have calculated the Lyapunov characteristic exponents on the set of possible orbital parameters for the planet. In all cases, the dynamics of 16 Cyg is regular with a Lyapunov time of more than 30 000 yr. The dynamics is considered in detail for several possible models of the planetary orbit; the dependences of Lyapunov exponents on the time of their calculation and the time dependences of osculating orbital elements have been constructed. Phase space sections for the system dynamics near the Lidov–Kozai resonance have been constructed for all models. A chaotic behavior in the orbital motion of the planet in 16 Cyg is shown to be unlikely, because 16 Cyg in phase space is far from the separatrix of the Lidov–Kozai resonance at admissible orbital parameters, with the chaotic layer near the separatrix being very narrow.     

Some notes on SS Cygni

The results of photoelectric and spectral observations of SS Cyg are briefly discussed. Some features of the spectral variations observed during a large outburst of SS Cyg can probably be explained using a model of a double star which is surrounded by an absorbing gaseous shell. It is noted that the existing data are not numerous enough for the explanation of the SS Cyg variability, in particular, its short-term variations.SS Cyg is a spectroscopic binary star with a 0·^d276 period. The components of this system are dwarf stars (M 5 ·^m5 for both stars), with dG5 and sdBe spectra; they probably show eruptive activity (Joy, 1956). In the spectrum of the B-component strong emission lines are observed. The dG5 spectrum is observed only in the minimum of SS Cyg.There are various investigations of SS Cyg, but up to now the cause of its variability, in particular, its rapid variability has not been determined. In addition, there are many other observations which have not been explained.Paper presented at the IAU Colloquium No. 93 on Cataclysmic Variables. Recent Multi-Frequency Observations and Theoretical Developments, held at Dr. Remeis-Sternwarte Bamberg, F.R.G., 16–19 June, 1986.     

The first light-curve analysis of eclipsing binaries observed by the INTEGRAL/OMC

Three Algol-type binaries in Cygnus constellation were selected for an analysis from a huge database of observations made by the INTEGRAL/OMC camera. These data were processed and analyzed, resulting in a first light-curve study of these neglected eclipsing binaries. The temperatures of the primary components range from 9500 K to 10,500 K and the inclinations are circa 73° (for PV Cyg and V1011 Cyg), while almost 90° for V822 Cyg. All of them seem to be main-sequence stars, well within their critical Roche lobes. Nevertheless, further detailed analyses are still needed.     

Spectral atlas of dwarf novae in outburst

Up to now, only a very small number of dwarf novae have been studied during their outburst state (∼30 per cent in the Northern hemisphere). In this paper we present the first comprehensive atlas of outburst spectra of dwarf novae. We study possible correlations between the emission and absorption lines seen in the spectra and some fundamental parameters of the binaries. We find that out of the 48 spectra presented, 12 systems apart from IP Peg show strong He  ii in emission: SS Aur, HL CMa, TU Crt, EM Cyg, SS Cyg, EX Dra, U Gem, HX Peg, GK Per, KT Per, V893 Sco, IY UMa, and seven others less prominently: FO And, V542 Cyg, B  i Ori, TY Psc, VZ Pyx, ER UMa and SS UMi. We conclude that these systems are good targets for finding spiral structure in their accretion discs during outburst if the models of Smak and Ogilvie are correct. This is confirmed by the fact that hints of spiral asymmetries have already been found in the discs of SS Cyg, EX Dra and U Gem.     

The spectroscopic evolution of V2467 Cyg (Nova Cygni 2007) in the first months after the outburst

We present the spectroscopy of nova V2467 Cyg acquired at the Loiano Observatory, Italy, during the first six months after the outburst. We have used the optical spectroscopy to study the physical properties of the ejected material and the photometry to estimate the nova distance. V2467 Cyg is a fast nova, with decline rates by two or three magnitudes of 7.6 and 14.6 days respectively. The light curve exhibited oscillations during the transition stage. The nova achieved an absolute magnitude at maximum in the range –8.5… –9.1. The distance is in the range 2.6… 3.6 kpc. V2467 Cyg showed an early appearance of forbidden lines during the transition stage. Its evolution is similar to the behavior of V1494 Aql (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Interstellar absorption and variable soft X-ray component in Cygnus X-1

The hydrogen column density along the line of sight to Cyg X-1 is 7×10²¹ cm^–2 as determined from the extinction of its optical counterpart HD 226 868. This value may be used to interpret soft X-ray measurements, including those previously reported, where it is not possible to determine the column density independently from the intrinsic spectral function. The correction for interstellar absorption is larger than previously thought. Application to an old observation suggests that an intense soft X-ray component was present in Cyg X-1, even though the data at 1 keV suggests that it was probably in a low state. This is consistent with the picture of Cyg X-1 suggested by Price and Thorne, in which transitions in Cyg X-1 are attributed to changes in the high energy cut-off of an intense soft component.Paper presented at the COSPAR Symposium on Fast Transients in X-and Gamma-Rays, held at Varna, Bulgaria, 29–31 May, 1975.     

Short-Term H <Emphasis Type="Italic">α</Emphasis> Line Variations in Classical Be Stars: 59 Cyg and OT Gem

We present the optical spectroscopic study of two classical Be stars, 59 Cyg and OT Gem obtained over a period of few months in 2009. We detected a rare triple-peak H α emission phase in 59 Cyg and a rapid decrease in the emission strength of H α in OT Gem, which are used to understand their circumstellar disks. We find that 59 Cyg is likely to be rapid rotator, rotating at a fractional critical rotation of ～0.80. The radius of the H α emission region for 59 Cyg is estimated to be R _d/R _? ～ 10.0, assuming a Keplerian disk, suggesting that it has a large disk. We classify stars which have shown triple-peaks into two groups and find that the triple-peak emission in 59 Cyg is similar to ζ Tau. OT Gem is found to have a fractional critical rotation of ～0.30, suggesting that it is either a slow rotator or viewed in low inclination. In OT Gem, we observed a large reduction in the radius of the H α emission region from ～6.9 to ～1.7 in a period of three months, along with the reduction in the emission strength. Our observations suggest that the disk is lost from outside to inside during this disk loss phase in OT Gem.