Polyatomic molecules,molecular ions,and radicals of astrophysical interest,II

This paper has been devoted to a basic molecular studies of polyatomics. A critical analysis of the 70 available references in literature has been made to select 37 polyatomic molecules, molecular ions, and radicals containing six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, and thirteen atoms of astrophysical significance. The results have been arranged in a text-cum-tabular form. The compilation contains various information for each molecule, such as the spectral region, transition levels, astrophysical objects where the respective molecules have been detected (say, comet, meteorite, Sun, planet, star, interstellar matter, interstellar cloud, molecular cloud, interstellar space, Galaxy, etc.). Two-hundred fourteen new polyatomic molecules (containing 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 atoms) of astrophysical significance have also been listed.Astrophysics and Space Science Review Paper II.     

Polyatomic molecules,molecular ions,and radicals of astrophysical interest,i

This paper has been devoted to basic molecular studies of polyatomics. A critical analysis of the 356 available references in literature has been made to select 98 polyatomic molecules, molecular ions, and radicals containing three, four, and five atoms of astrophysical significance. The results have been arranged in a text-cum-tabular form. The compilation contains various information for each molecule, such as the spectral region, transition levels, astrophysical objects, where the respective molecules have been detected (say, comet, meteorite, Sun, planet, star, interstellar matter, interstellar cloud, molecular cloud, interstellar space, Galaxy, etc.).A few important areas of active research in laboratory astrophysics have also been identified in this article: laboratory astrophysics, molecular cloud chemistry, isotopic abundance, planetary and cometary atmospheres through satellites. Seventy-five new polyatomic molecules (containing three, four, and five atoms) of astrophysical significance have also been listed.Astrophysics and Space Science Review Paper I     

Spectral studies of molecules of astrophysical interest

This paper has been devoted to a minimum amount of literature necessary for an understanding of the spectra of molecules, molecular ions, and radicals present in the cosmic objects such as Sun, comet, interstellar medium, Earth's atmospheres, long period variables, peculiar late-type stars, nebulae, and planetary atmospheres.Astrophysics and Space Science Review Article.     

One hundred and fifty-three diatomic molecules,molecular ions,and radicals of astrophysical interest

A critical analysis of the 583 available references in literature has been made to select 153 diatomic molecules, molecular ions, and radicals of astrophysical significance. The results have been arranged in a text-cum-tabular form. The compilation contains various information for each molecule, such as the dissociation energy, spectral region, transition levels, astrophysical objects where the respective molecules have been detected (say, comet, meteorite, Sun, planet, star, interstellar matter, Galaxy, etc.); computed theoretical parameters (i.e., FCFs, transition probabilities, r-centroids, PE curves), and available laboratory data with respective references.In many problems involving the estimation of the physical condition (viz., temperature, pressure, density, and abundance) of the emitter, in various cosmic sources, it is desirous to have a knowledge of the theoretical parameters as well as the experimental details for the molecular spectra of interest.A few important areas of active research in laboratory astrophysics have also been identified in this article: laboratory astrophysics, molecular cloud chemistry, isotopic abundance, planetary and cometary atmospheres through satellites.Besides, some interesting plots of the dissociation energy vs molecular weight, dissociation energy vs total atomic number, dissociation energy vs atomic number differences, ionization potential vs total atomic number, ionization potential vs atomic number differences, and ionization potential vs molecular weight for respective molecules have also been enumerated. Thirty-one new diatomic molecules/molecular ions/radicals of astrophysical significance have also been listed.Astrophysics and Space Science Review Paper.     

Experimental and theoretical studies of Dy iii: radiative lifetimes and oscillator strengths of astrophysical interest

The lifetimes of three short-lived levels belonging to the 4f⁹6p configuration and of two long-lived levels of the 4f⁹5d configuration of Dy  iii have been measured for the first time using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence techniques. They are in good agreement with theoretical values calculated within the framework of a pseudo-relativistic configuration interaction approximation. Using the experimental lifetimes and the theoretical branching fractions, a first set of transition probabilities of astrophysical interest has been obtained for Dy  iii .     

UV transitions of astrophysical interest in Ge II, As II and Se II

An extensive set of oscillator strengths and transition probabilities has been obtained for the UV transitions originating from the ground 4s²4p ⁿ ( n =1–3) states of Ge II , As II and Se II . These new data, calculated within the framework of a pseudo-relativistic Hartree–Fock (HFR) approach, fill in the gap existing in the atomic data needed for elemental abundance analysis of the interstellar medium. The f values are compared with the rather scarce results previously published in the literature. The astrophysical implications of the new transition rates regarding the interstellar medium are discussed.     

Measurement of radiative lifetimes and determination of transition probabilities of astrophysical interest in Ho iii

Lifetimes of six levels belonging to the 4f¹⁰6p configuration of Ho  iii have been measured for the first time using the time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence method. They are compared with multiconfigurational pseudo-relativistic Hartree–Fock calculations. A very good agreement is found. Using the experimental lifetimes and theoretical branching fractions, a first set of transition probabilities of astrophysical interest has been obtained for this ion.     

Electron impact broadening of multicharged ion lines of astrophysical interest: Ne VII,Ne VIII and Si XI

The modified semi-empirical method, often used in the investigations of stellar plasma for the determination of needed Stark line widths, is adapted here to use more accurate collision strengths instead of Gaunt factor. It is demonstrated that in such a way its applicability is extended to highly charged ions and good agreement is obtained with the more sophisticated semi-classical perturbation approach up to Si XI. Using this method, Stark line widths of several complex ions: two Be-like ions (Ne VII and Si XI) and one Li-like neon (Ne VIII) were calculated. The obtained results were compared with experiments and other theoretical approaches.     

A plea for better astrophysical and astrometric data in case of double stars of peculiar interest

Summary TheIAU Symposium No. 61 (Perth, 1973, “New Problems in Astrometry’) makes clear that radiosources will play an important role for astrometry in view of the linkage of reference systems. The purposes developed later were to link the various systems from the earth and the solar system to the most inertial possible one. Extragalactic radiosources are the most reliable objects but they are faint. So, intermediate objects are needed. Among them the radiostars, optical objects having radioemission at a certain level and for given frequencies have a fundamental and key position. Most of such radiostars are double or multiple ‘binaries’ as it can be seen from the list of reference stars issued by the Working Group of Commission 24, Working Group created in 1978. The last issue of the core list of radiostars was presented by Ch. de Vegt (Chairman of the WG) on the occasion of the last General Assembly of the IAU (November 1985). A recent study of the system α Scorpii (Antares) has shown that the data concerning the magnitude and the spectral type are not accurate enough, according to the accuracy obtained for the astrometric position (±0 _. ^s 003 for an astrolabe campaign in right ascension). There is also a need for better knowledge about the orbits. In the case of the astrolabe observations, if the distance between the components in <3″ the astrometric position concerns the photocenter and accurate physical properties are needed for comparison with the radio position. Better astrophysical properties are strongly needed for all radiostars to be used as references, during the time the astrometrists have to improve the accuracy of their measurements both in optical and radio fields. Presented by S. Débarbat.     

Vibrational and rotational cooling of electrons by molecular hydrogen

The cooling of electrons by vibrational and rotational excitation of molecular hydrogen plays an important role in the thermal balance of electrons in atmospheres containing significant amounts of H₂. Calculations of vibrational and rotational cooling rates of electrons by H₂ are described. Results are presented for a wide range of electron and neutral temperatures. Analytical formulae for some of the cooling rates are also provided.     

The coronal spectra of Fe xv and Ni xvii

Predicted allowed and forbidden EUV line intensities of Fe xv and Ni xvii are presented in explicit graphical form, clarifying and extending the earlier treatment of Bely and Blaha (1968). In the case of the former ion a detailed comparison with available observations leads to questioning or rejection of some presently accepted line identifications (323.57 Å, 317.61 Å), and on the other hand suggests that a quiet Sun line at 304.853 Å is due to Fe xv. For the little known ion Ni xvii estimates of level structure and line wavelengths are given and a preliminary comparison is made with recent flare observations.     

The physical and infrared spectral properties of CO2 in astrophysical ice analogs

Both laboratory measurements and theory indicate that CO2 should be a common component in interstellar ices. We show that the exact band position, width, and profile of the solid-state 12CO2 infrared bands near 3705, 3600, 2340, and 660 cm-1 (2.70, 2.78, 4.27, and 15.2 micrometers) and the 13CO2 band near 2280 cm-1 (4.39 micrometers) are dependent on the matrix in which the CO2 is frozen. Measurements of these bands in astronomical spectra can be used to determine column densities of solid-state CO2 and provide important information on the physical conditions present in the ice grains of which the CO2 is a part. Depending on the composition of the ice, the CO2 asymmetric stretching band was observed to vary from 2328.7 to 2346.0 cm-1 and have full widths at half-maxima (FWHMs) ranging from 4.7 to 29.9 cm-1. The other CO2 bands showed similar variations. Both position and width are also concentration dependent. Absorption coefficients were determined for the five CO2 bands. These were found to be temperature independent for CO2 in CO and CO2 matrices but varied slightly with temperature for CO2 in H2O-rich ices. For all five bands this variation was found to be less than 15% from 10 to 150 K, the temperature at which H2O ice sublimes. A number of parameters associated with the physical behavior of CO2 in CO2- and H2O-rich ices were also determined. The CO2-CO2 surface binding energy in pure CO2 ices is found to be (delta Hs/k) = 2690 +/- 50 K. CO2-H2O and CO-H2O surface binding energies were determined to be (delta Hs/k) = 2860 +/- 200 K and 1740 +/- 100 K, respectively. Under our experimental conditions, CO2 condenses in measurable quantities into H2O-rich ices at temperatures up to 100 K, only slightly higher than the temperature at which pure CO2 condenses. Once frozen into an H2O-rich ice, the subsequent loss of CO2 upon warming is highly dependent on concentration. For ices with H2O/CO2 > 20, the CO is physically trapped within the H2O lattice, and little CO2 is lost until the sublimation temperature of the H2O matrix is reached. In contrast, in ices having H2O/CO2 < 5, the CO2 remains only to temperatures of about 90 K. Above this point the CO2 readily diffuses out of the H2O matrix. These results suggest that two different forms of H2O lattice are produced. The implications of these data for cometary models and our understanding of cometary formation are considered.     

Shapes and rotational properties of thirty asteroids from photometric data

We have analyzed photometric lightcurves of 30 asteroids, and present here the obtained shapes, rotational periods and pole directions. We also present new photometric observations of five asteroids. The shape models indicate the existence of many features of varying degrees of irregularity. Even large main-belt asteroids display such features, so the resulting poles and periods are more consistent than those obtained by simple ellipsoid-like models. In some cases the new rotational parameters are rather different from those obtained previously, and in a few cases there were no proper previous estimates at all.     

Comments on pulses of characteristic energy produced in solar flare detonations and its possible application to other astrophysical plasmas

A qualitative discussion of physical conditions at neutral sheets was developed in an attempt to explain the repetitive pulsed energy-production mechanism, which has been suggested for solar flares. A characteristic energy per pulse appears to depend critically on the magnetic field strength and dipole length applied to a high temperature plasma, and seem to be regulated by discrete characteristic relative changes in the magnetic moment, following Syrovatskii's model. Discrete energy pulses are produced when neutral sheet thickness approaches to critical values, proportional to the characteristic relative changes in the magnetic moment. Repetition of pulses may occur in multi-sheet configurations at magnetically complex active centres, or at a single sheet where the total system energy change exceeds the critical conditions. The time-scale of the pulsed energy release may be explained by the tearing mode instability, and the repetition time-scale might be understood by the Sweet mechanism in limit conditions. The mechanism might have attractive applications in other high temperature astrophysical plasma. An empirical relation is derived for pulses' energy prediction, in orders of magnitude, and some possible tests were suggested. An attempt was made to interpret soft -ray events of cosmic origin.     

Jupiter's ring system: New results on structure and particle properties

A reexamination of the Voyager images has yielded a refined understanding of Jupiter's diffuse ring system. The system is composed of a relatively bright narrow ring and inner toroidal halo, in addition to the exterior “gossamer” ring discussed elsewhere (Showalter et al., 1985, Nature 316, 526–528). The previously suspected inner disk is absent. The main ring is ∼7000 km wide and has an abrupt outer boundary at a radius of 129,130 ± 100 km. Visible in the ring are several narrow bright features, which may bear some relationship to Adrastea and Metis; these features appear to be narrower and relatively brighter in backscatter. The smallest ring particles obey a power law size distribution, and have an optical depth of 1–6 × 10⁻⁶ for grains up to 100 μm in radius. The largest bodies are dark, rough, and red, and of comparable total optical depth. The halo arises at the bright ring's inner boundary and rapidly expands inward to a ∼20,000-km full thickness, but remains symmetric about the ring plane. It disappears from sight at a radius of 90,000 km, roughly halfway between the main ring and the planet's cloudtops. The halo particles are not predominantly Rayleigh scatterers; they appear to obey a size distribution similar to that of the micron-sized population in the main ring, and comprise a similar optical depth.