A study of the radial velocity of the star Θ1 Ori C

The radial velocities of the star Θ¹ Ori C were measured from IUE spectra and are compared with published data. Two companions (C1 and C2) are assumed to be present. The probable periods for companion C1 can be estimated from the formula P=729.6/L days, where L<13 is an integer. Radialvelocity curves were constructed for L=11 and 12. The orbit turned out to be elliptical. At L=11, the orbital elements are P=66.3(1) days, γ=10.9(2) km s^?1, K=6.1(4) km s^?1, ω=?2.88(5) rad, e=0.43(6), and Ep=JD 2449044.7(4). The errors in the last decimal digit are given in parentheses. Companion C2 was as detected by temporal variations in the γ velocity of companion C1. Its orbit is assumed to be circular with the following elements: P=120(6) yr, γ=22(1) km s^?1, K=13(2) km s^?1, and Ep=1911(3) yr.     

Observations of asteroids in the infrared range (JHK) at the AZT-24 telescope

In 2007–2010, ten asteroids were observed in the JHK bands. The color indexes J-H and H-K were determined from the observations. Their positions in the two-color diagram generally correspond to the areas occupied by the asteroids of the corresponding taxonomic types. For two asteroids, (624) Hektor and (762) Pulcova, the light curves in the J and H bands and the curves of the color index J-H were constructed. The changes in the color index J-H from 0.05 ^m to 0.1 ^m were revealed; it may be supposed that they are caused by the heterogeneity in structure or mineral composition of the surface. For all of the asteroids, the astrometric positions were obtained. It was found that the best reference catalogue for the astrometric processing of observations of asteroids in the JHK bands under a small field of view is the 2MASS survey.     

Global atomic hydrogen density derived from OGO-6 Lyman α measurements

Measurements of the Lyman α airglow intensity were made between June 1969 and June 1970 by a u.v. photometer experiment on the OGO-6 satellite. The data for the zenith intensity at altitudes between 400 and 1100 km were fitted to theoretical airglow models to derive atomic hydrogen density n_c at a reference altitude, taken to be 500 km. n_c was determined for each of 286 orbits throughout the year. The mean exospheric temperature T∞(J) during this period varied from 900 to 1300 K according to the Jacchia model. The solar Lyman α flux at line center F₀ was also determined over each 90-min orbit in the model-fitting procedure. F₀ was found to be correlated with sunspot number, in agreement with previous results. A nearly-exact linear relationship was found for F₀, when averaged over ‘bins’ which are 20 sunspot numbers in width. n_c was found to be inversely correlated with T∞(J); however the dependence is not that predicted by steady-state models whose only escape mechanism is Jeans evaporative escape. Unless the total atmospheric loss rate depends upon 27-day changes in the solar EUV, which is unlikely, an additional upper atmospheric loss is required in order that the total loss remain constant with T∞(J). This extra loss may be largely due to charge-exchange reactions in the exosphere, wherein energetic protons are converted to fast hydrogen atoms, as suggested previously by a number of authors. An additional result is suggested by the apparent spherical symmetry of the inferred density, namely that the familiar diurnal variation of hydrogen is absent at the high latitudes preferentially sampled by the OGO-6 data.     

Photometric investigation of two contact binaries in the young open cluster NGC 957

We present V- and R- band time-series CCD photometry of two contact binaries in the region of the young open cluster NGC 957. The two eclipsing binaries were discovered by Bukowiecki et al., 2009. OEJV 112, 1 and named as V4 and V5, respectively. In the present paper, the first detailed studies of the two contact binary systems are carried out. Firstly, based on the light curves, 28 times of minimum light were detected for V4 and 21 times of minimum light for V5, respectively. Secondly, the orbital periods of V4 and V5 were redetermined as P_V4 = 0.40032(5) days and P_V5 = 0.30752 (4)days, respectively. The photometric solutions were analyzed by using Wilson Decinny Code. The results reveal that both V4 and V5 are W UMa-type contact binaries with a degree of f_V4 = 31(± 1)% and f_V5 = 65(± 1)%. The mass ratios were determined to be q_V4 = 0.30 and q_V5 = 0.19. For V5, the well known O’Connell effect was detected in the dataset, which effect can be explained by employing a dark spot placed on the more massive primary component. Finally, based on the distances of the two contact binaries, which were calculated by using an relation given by Gettel et al., the two contact binaries are judged to be foreground stars in the open cluster NGC 957.     

Thermal emission from a multiple scattering model of Saturn's rings

Models of Saturn's B ring have been investigated which include the shadowing mechanism, realistic phase functions for the ring particles, and the effects of multiple scattering and a particle size dispersion. These models are based on the assumption that the rings form a layer many particles thick. A power law relation dn ∝ ?^?s is used for the size dispersion law of the ring particles, where dn is the number of particles with radii between ? and ? + d?. In the calculation of the infrared brightness temperature of the rings, the effect of mutual heating among the ring particles is considered quantitatively for the first time. The parameters of the polydisperse s = 2 model can be chosen to satisfy both optical (λ ? 1.1 μ) and infrared data, but the situation could be much clarified if a good phase curve for the rings were available in the red, if the ring brightness were known accurately for λ > 1 μ, and if it could be established whether the ring particles are rotating synchronously.     

Lightcurves and phase relations of the asteroids 82 alkmene and 444 Gyptis

The asteroids 82 Alkmene and 444 Gyptis were observed photoelectrically at Table Mountain Observatory and at Torino Observatory during their 1979 oppositions. The rotation periods and amplitudes of variation observed were, for 82: P_syn = 12.^h999, Δm = 0.55; and for 444: P_syn = 6.^h214, Δm = 0.15. The phase relation of 82 Alkmene can be well fit to the theory of K. Lumme and E. Bowell (Astron. J. (1981), 86, 1705). It showed a probable decrease in brightness of ～0.04 mag from 1 month before opposition to 2 months after opposition, which can be attributed to the changing viewing aspect coupled with polar flattering of the asteroid. The phase relation of 444 Gyptis is poorly fit by the Lumme and Bowell theory when only Q and V(0η) are treated as variables. A good fit can be obtained by adjusting some of the other parameters of their theory, but the physical interpretation is ambiguous.     

Rapid inactivation of seven Bacillus spp. under simulated Mars UV irradiation

Seven Bacillus spp. were exposed to simulations of Mars-normal UV fluence rates in order to study the effects of UV irradiation on microbial survival. A UV illumination system was calibrated to deliver 9.78 W m⁻² (35.2 kJ m⁻² h⁻¹) of UVC + UVB irradiation (200-320 nm) to microbial samples, thus creating a clear-sky simulation (0.5 optical depth) of equatorial Mars. The Bacillus spp. studied were: B. licheniformis KL-196, B. megaterium KL-197, B. nealsonii FO-092, B. pumilus FO-36B, B. pumilus SAFR-032, B. subtilis 42HS1, and B. subtilis HA101. The bacteria were prepared as thin monolayers of endospores on aluminum coupons in order to simulate contaminated spacecraft surfaces. Bacterial monolayers were exposed to Mars UV irradiation for time-steps of 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, or 180 min. The surviving endospores were then assayed with a Most Probable Numbers (MPN) procedure and with a culture-based assay that utilized a bacillus spore germination medium. Results indicated that B. pumilus SAFR-032 was the most resistant, and B. subtilis 42HS-1 and B. megaterium were the most sensitive of the seven strains exposed to martian UV fluence rates. Bacillus subtilis 42HS1 and B. megaterium were inactivated after 30 min exposure to Mars UV, while B. pumilus SAFR-032 required 180 min for full inactivation in both assays. Spores of B. pumilus SAFR-032 exhibited significantly different inactivation kinetics suggesting that this wild type isolate also was more resistant than the standard dosimetric strain, B. subtilis HA101. Although the various Bacillus spp. exhibited diverse levels of UV resistance, none were immune to UV irradiation, and, thus, all species would be expected to be inactivated on Sun-exposed spacecraft surfaces within a few tens-of-minutes to a few hours on sol 1 under clear-sky conditions on equatorial Mars. The inactivation kinetics of all seven Bacillus spp. support the conclusion that significant levels of bioload reductions are possible on Sun-exposed spacecraft surfaces in very short time periods under clear-sky conditions on Mars. However, the presence of UV resistant microbes on spacecraft surfaces rapidly covered in dust during landing operations, and non-Sun-exposed surfaces of spacecraft remain concerns that must continue to be addressed through adequate spacecraft sanitizing procedures prior to launch.     

Instrumental and Observational Artifacts in Quiet Sun Magnetic Flux Cancellation Functions

Under the assumption that the photospheric quiet Sun magnetic field is turbulent, the cancellation function has previously been used to estimate the true, resolution-independent mean, unsigned vertical flux 〈|B _z |〉_true. We show that the presence of network elements, noise, and seeing complicate the measurement of accurate cancellation functions and their power law exponents κ. Failure to exclude network elements previously led to estimates that were too low for both the cancellation exponent κ and 〈|B _z |〉_true. However, both κ and 〈|B _z |〉_true are overestimated due to noise in magnetograms. While no conclusive value can be derived with data from current instruments, our Hinode/SP results of κ?0.38 and 〈|B _z |〉_true?270 gauss can be taken as upper bounds.     

Mass—luminosity relation and pulsational properties of Wolf—Rayet stars

The evolution of Population I stars with initial masses 70M _⊙ ≤ M _ZAMS ≤ 130M _⊙ is considered. The computations were performed under various assumptions about the mass loss rate and were terminated at the phase of gravitational contraction after core helium exhaustion. The mass loss rate at the helium burning phase, ?_3α , is shown to be the main parameter that determines the coefficients of the mass—luminosity relation for Wolf—Rayet stars. Several more accurate mass—luminosity relations for mass loss rates ? = f _3α ?_3α , where 0.5 ≤ f _3α ≤ 3, are suggested, along with the mass—luminosity relation that combines all of the evolutionary sequences considered. The results of the stellar evolution computations were used as initial conditions in solving the hydrodynamic equations describing the spherically symmetric motions of a self-gravitating gas. The outer layers of massive Population I stars are unstable against radial oscillations throughout the helium burning phase. The oscillation amplitude is largest at enhanced carbon and oxygen abundances in the outer stellar layers, i.e., at a lower initial stellar mass M _ZAMS or a lower mass loss rate during the entire preceding evolution. In the course of evolution, the radial oscillation amplitude decreases and the small nonlinearity of the oscillations at M < 10M _⊙ allow the integral of mechanical work W done by an elementary spherical layer of gas in a closed thermodynamic cycle to be calculated with the necessary accuracy. The maximum of the radial dependence of W is shown to be located in layers with a gas temperature T ～ 2 × 10⁵ K, where the oscillations are excited by the iron Z-bump κ-mechanism. Comparison of the radial dependences of the integral of mechanical work W and the amplitude of the radiative flux variations suggests that the nonlinear radial oscillations of more massive Wolf—Rayet stars are also excited by the κ-mechanism.     

V475 Sct (Nova Scuti 2003) – Binary or Triple System?

UBV RI photometry and 4600–9000 Å spectroscopy of nova V475 Sct taken in the first 3 month after discovery is presented. The object can be classified as a Fe II type slow nova with t _2,V = 48 days, t _3,V = 53 days. The absolute magnitude of the nova at maximum, its colour excess and distance were determined. The observed 13.4 day periodicity of flares can be explained by the mass transfer bursts from the red to the white dwarf, probably caused by the periastron passage of a third body. Two sets of absorptions are seen in the P Cyg-type Hα line profile. They arise in the expanding shell of the nova.     

Multivariate analyses of crater parameters and the classification of craters

Multivariate analyses were performed on certain linear dimensions of six genetic types of craters. A total of 320 craters, consisting of laboratory fluidization craters, craters formed by chemical and nuclear explosives, terrestrial maars and other volcanic craters, and terrestrial meteorite impact craters, authenticated and probable, were analyzed in the first data set in terms of their mean rim crest diameter (D _r), mean interior relief (R _i), rim height (R _e), and mean exterior rim width (W _e ). The second data set contained an additional 91 terrestrial craters of which 19 were of experimental percussive impact and 28 of volcanic collapse origin, and which was analyzed in terms ofD _r,R _i, andR _e. Principal component analyses were performed on the six genetic types of craters; 90% of the variation in the variables can be accounted for by two components. 99% of the variation in the craters formed by chemical and nuclear explosives is explained by the first component alone. Classification using the CLUS procedure (Rubin and Friedman, 1967) indicates an optimum number of two groups; the main difference between the groups was the presence or absence of rims. The rimmed group of craters could, if desired, be subdivided on the basis of the dimension of the rim crest diameter. Several small rimless craters were classified as rimmed craters, this is believed to have resulted from the small difference in the dimension of their rim crest diameter to rim height, as contrasted with the larger rimless craters; thus, this distinction may also be size dependent. No evidence was found to support an exogenic-endogenic classification scheme of craters, with respect to the variables measured.     

An accuracy estimation of the World CCD asteroid observations in the years 1999-2005

The MPC database of the asteroid observations (each position from near 20 millions) was used in analysis of observational accuracy for more than 300 active world observatories both professional and amateur. The values of the “Mean error of a single observation” σ (for α,δ) were derived based on the Pulkovo method of accuracy estimation. These values may be used for observatory weight assignment in the orbital improvement procedures. The accuracy of the best amateur observations is proved to be comparable with professional one (σ=±0^″.20). The detailed results in electronic format are accessible from the first author.     

Dynamics of the energy spectra of solar proton events observed in solar cycle 23

The proton energy spectra I(E, t) as functions of time were obtained and analyzed in the energy range of a few tens of MeV on the basis of GOES observations of proton enhancements during solar cycle 23. The energy spectra were approximated by power-law functions. We found a wide variety of functions I(E, t) for studied events. The spectra cannot be described by a universal function of time, although three groups of proton events seem to have some common features. This allows us to outline an approach to their empirical classification in future using a number of dimensionless scaling parameters. The regularities we observe may be partly due to the dynamical processes occurring on the Sun, in the heliosphere, and magnetosphere.     

Measurements of the light flash produced by high velocity particle impact

The impact light flash produced by electrostatically accelerated iron particles with diameters meters ranging from 5 to 0.05 μm and velocities lying between 1 km/sec and 30 km/sec has been investigated by means of photomultipliers. As target materials mainly gold and tungsten were used. The pulse of the multiplier was registered directly and after electronic integration. The pulse height of the multiplier signal, the amplitude of the integrated signal as well as its rise time were found to be unique functions of the mass and velocity of the impacting particle. For the pulse height of the differential signal the relation I = c₁ × m^1.25 × v⁵ was obtained, and for the integrated signal the relation I = c₂ × m^1.25 × v^3.8, with only c₁ and C₂ depending on the target material. The rise time of the integrated signal follows the relation T = 2.2 × 10² × v^?0.4 using gold as target, and in the case of tungsten material follows the relation T = 9.8 × 10² × v^?1.2, where v is expressed in km/sec and T in μsec. Using the spectral distribution of the light intensity, measured by means of calibrated photomultipliers, the total amount of light energy emitted in the visible range could be calculated. As a result we obtained that for v = 4 km/sec and m = 10^?11 g about 3 × 10^?4 of the kinetic energy of the particle was converted into light energy. The variation of the impact flash intensity with the target material and the measured spectral distribution allowed the temperature of the crater after the impact to be estimated as between 2000 and 3000 K.     

Analysis of the hypervelocity impact process from impact flash measurements

Hypervelocity microparticle impact experiments were performed with a 2 MV Van De Graaff dust accelerator. From measurements of the light intensity I and the total light energy E, the relations I=c₁mv^4.1 and E=c₂mv^3.2 were obtained, where m is the projectile mass, ν the projectile velocity and c₁,c₂ are constants, depending on projectile and target material. Using the measured values of the spectral distribution of the light emitted during impact, the temperature of the radiating material was estimated to be between 2500 and 5000 K depending on the projectile velocity. From an analysis of these measurements the angular distribution of secondary particle velocities as well as the relative mass distribution of these particles was determined. Approximately 90% of the detected ejecta mass (ν?1 km/sec) is found between 50° and 70° ejection angle. For ejection angles smaller than 20°, ejecta velocities of up to 30 km/sec were detected when the primary particle velocity was 4.8 km/sec. Using the dependence of the light intensity on pressure in the target chamber, an estimate of the total amount of material vaporized during impact could be derived. It was concluded that at 7.4 km/sec particle impact velocity at least 1.6% of the displaced projectile and crater material was vaporized.     

Use of cyanobacteria for in-situ resource use in space applications

The regolith of other planetary bodies, such as the Moon and Mars, is rich in inorganic elements that could potentially be exploited for space applications. Lithotrophic microorganisms that are capable of utilising rocks as a growth substrate, and facilitate the extraction of elements, are ideal candidates for in-situ resource use. Of particular interest are the cyanobacteria, which have been suggested for applications, such as oxygen, fuel and biomass production, nutrient acquisition, and feedstock provisions. In this study, Gloeocapsa strain OU_20, isolated from a rock-dwelling community exposed to low Earth orbit; Leptolyngbya strain OU_13 and Phormidium strain OU_10, both isolated from a rock-dwelling community exposed to Mars simulated conditions; Chroococcidiopsis 029; Arthrospira platensis; Synechococcus elongatus; and Anabaena cylindrica, were examined as potential organisms for space in-situ resource use. Volcanic rocks, including basalt (low in SiO₂) analogous to martian and lunar basalt, rhyolite (high in SiO₂), and anorthosite analogous to lunar regolith were used as growth substrates. The growth rate and rock dissolution were significantly lower with rhyolite demonstrating the importance of silica content in defining the potential for in-situ resource use. Biological weathering resulted in the release of bio-essential elements from the rock matrix, highlighting the potential of cyanobacteria for applications such as bio-mining and nutrient acquisition, on other planets. A. cylindrica produced the maximum biomass with the three rock-types and the optimal value was obtained with the basalt. Exposure experiments demonstrated that A. cylindrica, Chroococcidiopsis 029, Gloeocapsa strain OU_20, Phormidium strain OU_10, and Leptolyngbya strain OU_13 were able to survive 28 days of exposure to desiccation and Mars simulated conditions, which is beneficial in case of system malfunction and for storage. The results from this study indicate that cyanobacteria can potentially be used for in-situ planetary resource acquisition.     

Scattering by nonspherical particles and optical properties of Martian dust

Ultraviolet spectral reflectance data obtained from the Mariner 9 during the 1971 Mars dust storm were analyzed at two wavelengths to deduce the complex index of refraction of Martian dust. Martian dust particles were considered to be irregularly shaped and randomly oriented nonspherical particles. The analysis shows that the Mariner 9 data are consistent with the scattering by irregular particles with an index of refraction m = 1.59 ? 0.0015i at λ = 0.305 μm and m = 1.55 ? 0.004i at λ = 0.268 μm. Both the real and the imaginary parts of refractive index found are considerably smaller than previously reported results using a spherical shape model for Martian dust particles.     

Hinode Flare Catalogue

We describe a catalogue of solar flares observed by the three instruments (SOT, XRT, EIS) onboard the Hinode satellite. From the launch of the Hinode satellite in September 2006 until late 2011, about 5000 solar flares (larger than A-class in the GOES classification) occurred during the five-year period of Hinode observations, and more than half of them were captured by the Hinode telescopes. Observation information for RHESSI and Nobeyama Radioheliograph are also included in the catalogue. This catalogue is distributed to users through the Internet. It will be useful and helpful for scientists in surveying flares to be analyzed, facilitate access to Hinode data, and help advance data analysis activities among the world solar community.     

Properties of the population of classical Cepheids in the Galaxy

Based on our compiled catalogue of positions, velocities, ages, and abundances of nine chemical elements for 221 classical Cepheids, we analyze the dependences of the relative abundances of α-elements as well as rapid and slow neutron capture elements on metallicity, space velocity components, and Galactocentric distance. We have found that the relative abundances of all elements in Cepheids do not depend on velocity but increase with Galactocentric distance and decrease with increasing metallicity, just as in thin-disk dwarfs and giants. In Cepheids, however, the [α/Fe]-[Fe/H] relation lies below, while the [r/Fe]-[Fe/H] and [s/Fe]-[Fe/H] relations lie above the analogous sequences for dwarfs and giants. We hypothesize that upon reaching a nearly solar metallicity in the interstellar medium of the thin disk, the most massive stars ceased to explode as type II supernovae, which mostly enriched the interstellar medium with α-elements. As a result, an underabundance of α-elements and a slight overabundance of r-process elements, which are ejected into the interstellar medium by less massive (8–10 M _⊙) type II supernovae, were formed in the next generations of stars. The overabundance of s-process elements in Cepheids can be explained by the fact that some of the s-elements were produced in the weak s-process in the interiors of massive stars, which may be able to eject the upper parts of their envelopes even without any explosion like asymptotic giant branch stars. And since such massive stars, exploding as type II supernovae, also enriched the interstellar medium with a considerable amount of iron atoms, the [s/Fe] ratios (along with [r/Fe]) in the next generations of stars must be higher in their absence.     

Measurement of spin in twenty binary systems

The spin velocities of 20 primaries and 5 secondaries in 20 binary systems were measured with the Condé Reticon on the McDonald 2.1 m telescope. 14 of the primaries and all 5 of the secondaries measured show synchronous rotation. The star, 62 Per, previously thought to have V sin i = 0,, turned out to have V sin i = 200 km/s. Results for other stars are in basic agreement with previous measurements (₀ Per has not been measured before). For TXUMa, the NaI D-line was found to be stronger in the secondary than in the primary, from which fact a mass-ratio of 0.32 was deduced.