The NLTE Formation of Iron Lines Used in Solar Polarimetry

We study in some detail one-dimensional NLTE effects in solar Fei lines. The lines selected are frequently used in solar polarimetry, and also in studies of line asymmetries and for abundance determinations. Our model atom for Fei–Feii–Feiii is realistic: it takes account of multiplet structure and it includes over 200 bound–bound and bound–free transitions in detail. We use very efficient iterative methods for the self-consistent solution of the kinetic and radiative transfer equations (Auer, Fabiani Bendicho, and Trujillo Bueno, 1994). We have applied these fast methods of solution because they are suitable for the investigation of 2D and 3D NLTE transfer effects with multilevel atoms, which constitutes the next step of our ongoing research project on the iron line formation problem.     

Galaxy evolution, cosmology and dark energy with the Square Kilometer Array

The present-day Universe is seemingly dominated by dark energy and dark matter, but mapping the normal (baryonic) content remains vital for both astrophysics – understanding how galaxies form – and astro-particle physics – inferring properties of the dark components.The Square Kilometer Array (SKA) will provide the only means of studying the cosmic evolution of neutral hydrogen (HI) which, alongside information on star formation from the radio continuum, is needed to understand how stars formed from gas within dark-matter over-densities and the rôles of gas accretion and galaxy merging.‘All hemisphere’ HI redshift surveys to z 1.5 are feasible with wide-field-of-view realizations of the SKA and, by measuring the galaxy power spectrum in exquisite detail, will allow the first precise studies of the equation-of-state of dark energy. The SKA will be capable of other uniquely powerful cosmological studies including the measurement of the dark-matter power spectrum using weak gravitational lensing, and the precise measurement of H₀ using extragalactic water masers.The SKA is likely to become the premier dark-energy-measuring machine, bringing breakthroughs in cosmology beyond those likely to be made possible by combining CMB (e.g. Planck), optical (e.g. LSST, SNAP) and other early-21st-century datasets.     

Star burst activity in high surface brightness galaxies

High surface brightness galaxies are also galaxies with high star-forming activity. About a half of them omit, on the average, twice as much energy in the IR than in the blue. The rates of star formation are 10–30 times higher than those in normal galaxies. On average 100–300 solar masses gas are converted into stars every year and 10–30 are massive stars.     

Observational approach to star formation

The observational approach to the early stages of stellar evolution has been applied to some problems relating to the formation and dissipation of stellar associations, the origin of OB field stars, and low-mass star formation in OB associations. The OB field stars ejected from parent associations are older on the average than the OB stars in the associations. The average duration of active OB-star formation in associations is evaluated. It is suggested that, under the conditions in OB associations, low-mass stars may be formed from dense protostellar objects.Translated fromAstrofizika, Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 393–406, July–September, 1996.     

Pre-Breakdown Processes in the Hollow Cathode Region of a Transient Hollow Cathode Discharge

Discharge formation in the A–K space of transient hollow cathode discharge (THCD) is causally linked with the emission of high energy electron beams originating in the hollow cathode region (HCR). Ionization in the A–K gap proceeds through the formation of a moving virtual anode, whose time evolution is strongly correlated with different periods in the electron beam activity. Here, we report on time and space resolved observations of different ionization events inside the HCR, which are time correlated with ionization processes inside the A–K gap. The experiments have been performed in Hydrogen, at pressures between 50 and 400 mTorr. A statistical study of the characteristic times associated with the different ionization events, based on von Laue plots, shows that the time distribution of events is well described by a single Gaussian distribution.     

XXIV IAU General Assembly,IAU Symposium S202 “Planetary Systems in the Universe”

The IAU Symposium S202 of the 24th General Assembly (Manchester, August 7–18, 2000) was dedicated to new, rapidly developing areas of stellar–planetary astronomy—extrasolar planet discoveries, dust rings, the theory of the formation and evolution of orbits, and future research perspectives. A short review of the symposium is presented.     

The metallicity of galactic populations and the history of star formation

The metal abundance distribution (the metallicity function, MF) of stars and globular clusters is studied. It is found to have three gaps, near [Fe/H]=–1.0, –0.5 and –0.1. The gaps are shown to be statistically significant practically at the 100% confidence level. They divide the galactic population into four metallicity groups with the average [Fe/H] of about –1.5, –0.8, –0.25 and +0.10 (groups I, II, III and IV, respectively). The main contribution into the scatter of metallicity within the groups (apart from group I) comes from random errors in abundance measurements. So we infer that the actual MF must be essentially discrete. These results substantiate the ones obtained in our previous Papers I–IV; they support our idea on active phases in the evolution of the Galaxy, which imply the intermittent enrichment and star formation.We find that the kinematics and metallicity of groups III and IV of F and G dwarfs show a paradox: the metal-rich group (group IV) of G dwarfs turns out to be kinematically older than the group III of F dwarfs with half the metal abundance. The implication of this result for star formation is discussed. Also we show that the portion of metal poor disk population F dwarfs (group III) is the same or even larger than that of G dwarfs. This fact disagrees with the conventional idea that the young kinematics of F dwarfs owes to the absence of old F dwarfs, which are supposed to be evolved into red giants.     

Jet streams in space

Ifviscosity is taken into account, Keplerian motion of a large number of grains in a gravitational field has a tendency to lead to the formation ofjet streams.In order to treat problems of this kind it is advantageous to present celestial mechanics by a simple perturbation approach which is developed in Sections 2–7.Inelastic collisions between a number of grains will tend to make their orbits similar. This leads to the formation of jet streams. Their properties are treated in Sections 8–10.Finally, in Section 11, we discuss the possible application of the jet stream theory to meteor streams, to asteroidal jet streams, and to the cosmogonic accretion process.     

The formation and evolution of low-mass close binaries with compact components

We discuss the formation and evolution of interacting low-mass close binaries with a He-1CO- or ONe-dwarf neutron star or a black hole as a compact component. Mass exchange leads to cataclysmic events in such systems. The rate of semidetached low-mass close binary formation is 5×10^–3 yr^–1 if the accreting component is a He degenerate dwarf, 5×10^–3 yr^–1 if it is a CO-dwarf and 3×10^–8 yr^–1 if it is a neutron star. Systems with compact accretors arise as the result of the common envelope phase of close binary evolution or due to collisions of single neutron stars or dwarfs with low-mass single stars in dense stellar clusters. Evolution of LMCB to the contact phase in semi-detached stages is determined mainly by the angular momentum losses by a magnetic stellar wind and radiation of gravitational waves. Numerical computations of evolution with momentum loss explain observed mass exchange rates in such systems, the absence of cataclysmic variables with orbital periods 2^h–3^h, the low number and the evolutionary status of systems with orbital periods shorter than 80^m. In conclusion we list unsolved problems related to magnetic stellar wind, the distribution of young close binaries over main initial parameters, stability of mass exchange.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.     

Negative ions in comets

The primary negative ion sources in comets are shown to be: for the inner coma—both polar photodissociation of HCN, electron attachment of OH and collisions with alkalis; in the vicinity of the nucleus—plasma, excavated during interplanetary dust impacts on the nucleus; for both the contaminated solar wind region and sporadic discharges in the non-homogeneous inner coma plasma—dissociative electron attachment and charge inversion during keV positive ion scattering by cometary dust are also significant sources. Negative ion abundance for Halley's Comet has been estimated to be from 10^–6 to 10^–10 of electron densities. However, this ratio may be more due to the formation of clusters A^–(H₂O)_n. Some possible cometary plasma effects, caused by negative ions, have also been discussed.     

Effects of suprathermal grains

Grains ejected from stars at velocities of 10⁷ cm s^–1 and/or grains accelerated by the pressure of starlight in the intercloud medium to velocities in the range 2×10⁶–10⁷ cm s^–1 are slowed to velocities of about 2×10⁵ cm s^–1 in a typical interstellar cloud. The interaction of fast grains with gas atoms as they are slowed in clouds could provide (a) the dominant heat source for interstellar clouds; (b) sites for molecule formation; and (c) a mechanism of providing a pressure balance between clouds and the intercloud medium.Paper presented at the Symposium on Solid State Astrophysics, held at the University College, Cardiff, Wales, between 9–12 July, 1974.     

Photometry of the spotted flare star by dra during 1985-1991

Spot photometry in theUBV was obtained for the flare star BY Dra during 1985-1991 at the Bulgarian National Astronomical Observatory. Light curves are presented for 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1991. There are significant variations of the amplitudes of the light curves implying changes of the spot distribution. The phases of the light minima are variable, indicating possible latitudinal migration of the spot and differential rotation. Rough estimate of the corresponding latitudinal shear is in the range 3 × 10^–11 –5 × 10^–10 rad s^–1 deg^–1. The photometric behaviour of BY Dra since 1960 shows no compeling evidence for existence of stellar cycles. This is in contradiction with previous studies. During 1985-1991 a total of 38.47 hours of monitoring in theU-filter were obtained. Analysis of the flare activity of BY Dra shows no significant changes from previous studies.     

Origin of Cosmic Gamma-Bursts

The papers deals with a model of origin of cosmic gamma-bursts (CGB) which appear at cosmological distances from the merging of two compact stars. The process of CGB degeneration is divided into three stages – formation of the initial state, hydrodynamic expansion and free runaway. Theory includes fundamental parameters – a star mass and electron mass. Quantitative predictions of a model agree with the observed characteristics of CGB.     

Important Issues of Physics of Improved Confinement in Tokamaks

The review addresses transitions into regimes with improved confinement. The E × B paradigm is tested on the example of L–H transitions. It is demonstrated that L–H transitions may emerge either due to an amplification of the diamagnetic drift term caused by enhanced pressure gradient or due to an increase poloidal rotation velocity at the separatrix. In general, it is asserted that the emergence and dynamics of transitions is very sensitive to fine details of prelude plasma profiles. The L–H transition occurs provided the ambipolar electric field changes dramatically within a few centimeters. The dynamics of interest consists of threshold conditions for barrier formation, barrier propagation speed, and profile steepening rates, barrier limits and mechanisms for their relaxation and termination.     

Some consequences of inhomogeneous dust formation in the principal shell of a nova

It is pointed out that dust formation in the principal shell of a nova in the equatorial belt only and the orientation of this belt relative to the line of sight may lead to an overestimation of the interstellar extinction and, consequently, to an overestimation of the luminosity of the nova. The orientation of the dust belt must also be taken into account in evaluating its contribution to the bolometric luminosity of the nova.Translated fromAstrofizika, Vol. 39, No. 2, pp. 237–241, April–June, 1996.     

Identification of the hard X-ray pulse in the flare of September 11–12, 1968

A hard X-ray pulse in the 11–12 September 1968 flare is identified with the formation of a brilliant kernel. Each stage in the X-ray event corresponds to a definite phase in flare development.     

Feeding Monsters – A Study of Active Galaxies

We present new interferometric observations of the molecular gas distribution and kinematics in the nuclei of different active galaxies at high angular resolution and high sensitivity carried out with the IRAM Plateau de Bure interferometer (PdBI). The observations cover galaxies in a redshift range of 0.03–1.4. We have so far observed five different active galaxies: NGC3718, NGC1068, HE1029–1831, 3C48 and Q0957+561. The first two objects belong to the NUGA (NUclei of GAlaxies) project – an international collaboration mainly between Spain, France and Germany – containing about 30 Seyfert and LINER galaxies. Both are at the same distance of 14Mpc and show a warped gas and dust disk. The new mosaic map of NGC3718 corrected for short-spacing effects with IRAM 30 m observations well demonstrates the existence of the warped gas disk with several secondary maxima in the projected gas distribution caused by orbit crowding effects. Based on these new data we have improved recent simulations of the warped disk in NGC3718. HE1029–1831 and 3C48 are nearby QSOs. HE1029–1831 is taken out of the Cologne nearby QSO sample. The maps of the integrated CO(1–0) and CO(2–1) emission clearly show that the molecular gas is mostly related to the central bulge with a non-negligible fraction distributed along the bar known from optical observations. Our new CO data of 3C48 unveil new information about the kinematics of its molecular gas complementing and improving further studies based on previous infrared observations and detailed multi-particle simulations. Finally, new measurements of the CO(1–0) line in Q0957+561 – a highly-red-shifted, gravitationally lensed quasar – will be presented as a link to earlier evolutionary stages of active galaxies and their hosts.     

A survey of emission-line stars in the CMa star formation region

A survey of emission-line stars was carried out in the CMa star formation region, based on spectral observations with the Kiso Schmidt telescope. In total, 128 emission-line stars were detected, ranging fromV=6 to 15, and the majority are found withV between 11 and 14. A comparison with the existing catalogues shows that some emission-line stars are common with ours, while some exhibit no detectable emission line on our plates, suggesting the variability of emission-line strength. The two-colour (U–B, B–V) diagram is also shown for the detected stars.Paper presented at the IAU Third-Asian-Pacific Regional Meeting, held in Kyoto, Japan, between 30 September–6 October, 1984.On leave from the Bosscha Observatory, Institute of Technology Bandung, Indonesia.     

Simulation of large-scale gas structures formed in the interaction between galaxies. I. Method and preliminary results

Computer programs developed to study large-scale, transient gas structures in galaxies are described and test results are given. Gas-dynamic quantities are determined on the basis of a three-dimensional algorithm using so-called "smoothed particle hydrodynamics" (SPH). Preliminary calculations were made to simulate the formation of a gas ring around a spheroidal galaxy when it absorbs a low-mass, gas-rich companion, as well due to gas accretion during the flyby of a spiral galaxy of comparable mass. The evolution of tidal gas tails of disk galaxies is investigated.Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 39, No. 2, pp. 265–284, April–June, 1996.     

Flare — type II — burst association in the February 1986 activity complex

During the February 3 – 15, 1986 activity complex the region NOAA 4713 is 100 % effective in producing type II burst related flares. It is proposed to explain this fact by the immediate neighborhood of this active region and a non — polar coronal hole with its open magnetic-topology. Synoptic plots of magnetograms illuminate the formation of this rare configuration.