The far UV spectrum of the Be star AX Monocerotis

In this paper we study the main features of the far UV spectrum of the binary star AX Mon, observed with the IUE satellite at phase 0.568.Ions indicating a large range of ionization stages, going fromCi,Oi,Ni toSiv,Civ,Nv are present.The spectrum is dominated by shell absorption lines of Feii, Feiii, Siiii,Cii, Alii, Mgii and Niii.Two satellite components are clearly indicated in all these lines except for Niii which presents only one. Their mean velocities are +10±5 km s^–1, –75±10 km s^–1, and –260±15 km s^–1.Red emission wings are observed in the Mgii resonant doublet at 2800 Å, which shows a P Cygni profile. Each of the absorption lines of the Mgii doublet is formed by a narrow component, which is blended with the Mgii interstellar line and a broad component, which shows a complex structure.Broad and asymmetrical profiles are observed for the Siiv,Civ, andNv resonance lines with blue edge velocities about –700±30 km s^–1.     

Evolution du spectre de la Nova Delphini 1967 en 1971 et 1972

Continued spectroscopic observations of Nova Del 67 during 1971 and 1972 show a general decrease of the nebular and coronal emission with respect to the local continuum. The continuous spectrum exhibits a strong Balmer emission (figure 1). Equivalent widths of Hi, Hei, Heii, Oi, [Oi], Oii, [Oii], Oiii, [Oiii], Niii, [Sii], [Aiii], [Neiii], [Nev], [Fevi], [Fevii], [Fex], [Fexi], [Fexiv], [Nixvi], [Nixv] are listed in tables 1 and 2.Figures 5 to 10 show several line profiles, which can be interpreted in terms of a model proposed by Hutchings (1972). Kinematical properties of the nova envelope do not seem to have changed in the 1968–1972 time interval. However, a study of the [Oiii] (4959 Å) line indicates that the physical conditions in the polar blobs in 1972 (T _e=10 660 K,N _e=5,5×10⁵ cm^–3) are different from those prevailing in equatorial rings (T _e=9×100 K,N _e=7×10⁵ cm^–3).

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Le matérial d'observation utilisé pour cette étude a été obtenu à l'aide de téléscopes de 120 cm, 152 cm et 193 cm de l'Observatoire de Haute-Provence (CNRS).     

On the fine structure of the evershed effect

The fine structure of the Evershed effect was studied using spectrograms obtained on 3 July 1969 at the Pulkovo Observatory. The results of the study of Fei and Cai lines show that the outward motion in the penumbra is concentrated only in dark filaments. It is supposed that interfilamentary spaces are parts of the photosphere not covered by dark filaments. The velocity variation along a few dark filaments shows that maximum velocity is at a distance 0.8 Rs from the center of the sunspot. The mean velocity in the interfilamentary elements is of the same order as that in the photosphere directly adjoining the penumbra. The results of measurement in Ti ii, Fe ii and CH lines show that in the colder upper part of the penumbra (CH) the velocity is greater than the velocity measured in the deeper layers (Feii and Tiii). The mean velocity at the outer boundaries of the dark filaments (Tii) is 1.5–2.0 km/s.     

Raies nébulaires et coronales dans le spectre infrarouge de la Nova Delphini

Nova Delphini 1967 has been observed in the red and photographic infrared at the Haute-Provence Observatory from September 7 to November 12, 1968. Dispersions range from 230 Å/mm to 4 Å/mm. The slope of the continuous spectrum in the region 1.3–1.7 ^–1 leads to a gradient of 3.06, which did not appear to vary during the observing period. This gradient is, however, very different from the value 1.71 measured on plates secured in August 1968. Lines ofHi, Hei, Heii, Feii,Oi,Cii and forbidden transitions due toOi,Oii, Fevii, Fex, Fexi,Siii,Aiii,Av,Axi and Nixv have been identified. Their intensities at various dates are given in Table II. Line profiles could be measured for a few lines taken on a 39 Å/mm spectrogram on October 3. Hei 6678 and 7065 are displayed on Figures 2 and 3. Figure 4 gives the [Oii] doublet at 7319–7330, while the H profile, obtained on October 4 can be seen on Figure 5. The line extends over more than 45 Å and narrow absorptions are seen at 6551.05; 6555.75; 6563.15; 6571.49; 6574.45. Due to the absence of published data on radial velocities of absorption lines in the visible spectrum at that time, it is not possible to give a clear identification for these features. Some of them may belong to H, while others are probably due to metals.     

Ultraviolet studies of the interstellar gas in the direction of the stars AE Aur (09.5V) andθ 2 Ori A (09.0V)

We have studied high-resolution SWP spectra of AE Aur and ² Ori A, obtained from the International Ultraviolet Explorer Satellite; and derived curve of growth and column densities ofCii,Cii ^*, Alii, Siii, Siii ^*,Sii, Crii, Feii, Niii, and Znii. It has been possible to fit these ions on one empirical curve of growth with a velocity parameterb=13 km s^–1 for both stars.Based on the observations made by the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE), and collected at the Villafranca Satellite Tracking Station of the European Space Agency.     

The UV spectrum of the binary system SZ Psc

In this paper we study the far-UV as well as the UV spectrum of the spectroscopic binary system SZ Psc in the wavelength ranges 1235–1950 Å and 2710–3090 Å, respectively, from spectra obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE). The UV spectrum of SZ Psc is mainly an emission spectrum. The short wavelength region includes emission lines formed from the low chromosphere to the transition region (e.g., Siiv,Civ, andNv) and also a deep and broad absorption line of Feii.The Mgii[1] resonance doublet at about 2800 Å presents a P Cygni profile and a multiple structure with two emission and two absorption satellite components. We also present the emission measure diagram in the temperature region 4.4T _e <53.     

Spectral evolution of Nova V400 Per (1974) and Nova V373 Sct (1975)

Photographic and spectroscopic observations of the two galactic novae, V400 Per and V373 Sct, which appeared in 1974 and 1975, have been carried out at Asiago. The light curves of the two novae were characterized by the presence of brightness oscillations during the early decline. The spectral evolution was quite normal: the spectra showed at first, over a relatively strong continuum, wide emission bands of moderate excitation, accompanied by blueshifted absorptions, with radial velocities of –1760 km s^–1 (Nova Per) and –1260 km s^–1 (Nova Sct). Later, after the novae entered the nebular stage, the continuum weakened, the absorption disappeared and the novae displayed the usual emission spectrum, with permitted and forbidden lines of high excitation ([Oiii], Niii, Hei, Heii). Forbidden lines of Fevi and Fevii-and in Nova Sct, also Fex and Ax-were present for a time, but they soon disappeared, so that at the end the spectrum was dominated by the [Oiii] nebular lines, even stronger than H.     

Structure of the expanding atmosphere of P Cygni

With the aid of the spectra taken in the years 1959–1968, a physical analysis of the atmosphere of P Cygni has been carried out and the motions of the atmosphere have been studied. The variations of radial velocities, the velocity progressions of Balmer and Hei lines, the high rate of mass loss (2×10^–5 M yr^–1), the features of the observed line profiles, especially that of H-K lines of Caii andD ₁-D ₂ lines of Nai confirm the conclusion of Van Blerkom (1978), concerning the assumption of an accelerating atmosphere for P Cygni. The electron density variation with the radius seems to ben _e r ^–5/2, with an average value of 7×10¹¹cm^–3 at the lower boundary of the atmosphere.In order to explain the two absorption components of observed lines, an atmospheric model based on the assumption of three envelopes, two of which accelerate gradually with two different velocity laws (up to 11.2r _c ), and the third of which accelerates rapidly with a standard velocity law (beyond 11.2r _c ) has been developed. From this model and the observed profiles, the geometrical thicknesses of the line-forming regions of H, H, H, and H are derived.The observations were obtained at Haute Provence Observatory (CNRS).     

Nova Delphini 1967. Observations du spectre nebulaire entre 5600 et 8800 Å en 1970

Five 230 Å/mm infrared spectra of Nova Delphini 1967 have been obtained from May to September 1970 on Kodak hypersensitized IN plates. Visual brightness has dropped by one magnitude between fall 1969 and fall 1970. The continuous spectrum remains strong and a mean value of 2.35 is found for the gradient in the region 6000–8000 Å, indicating a slight increase in temperature since 1969. Permitted lines ofHi,Oi, Hei, Feii are weakening, while intensities of forbidden transitions due [Nii], [Fevii], [Oi], [Oii], [Aiii], [Av], [Fevii], [Fex], [Fexi], [Fexi], [Nixv] are much more stable At the dispersion of our spectra, there is little evidence of activity in the nova shell during 1970. Temperature seems to be slightly increasing in the lower layers as well as in the external, low density regions.

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Les observations ont été effectuées à l'Observatoire de Haute-Provence (C.N.R.S.)     

The UV spectrum of the binary system TY Pyx

A detailed list and analysis of line identifications of five UV spectra of the RS CVn-type binary system TY Pyxidis are presented. These spectra are recorded at different phases with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE). Two of them are in the wavelength range1235–1950 Å while the other three in the range2700–3110 Å.The far-UV spectrum of TY Pyx is mainly an emission spectrum dominated by the emission lines of the ions:Ci, Oi, Cii, Siii, Heii, Alii, and Feiii. We also pointed out the existence of a Feiii [34] line in absorption.The UV spectrum between 2700–3110 Å is dominated by weak absorption lines. Two satellite components are indicated for many lines, which correspond to the two stars of the system, in the two out of the three spectra (LWP 13386 and LWP 13347).Violet emission wings are observed for Fei [1], Tii [1],Oiv [1], and Siiii [1]. The UV spectrum of TY Pyx is also characterized by the multi-structure of Mgii [1] resonance lines.Based on data from the International Ultraviolet Explorer, de-archived from the Villafranca Data Archive of the European Space Agency.     

Densities and mass motions in transition-zone plasmas in solar flares observed from Skylab

We studied the EUV line spectra of three flare observed with the NRL slit spectrograph on Skylab. The electron densities in the flare transition-zone plasmas are determined from density-sensitive lines of Si iii and O iv. The electron densities in all three flares studied were greatest during the flare maximum with values of the order of 10¹² cm^–3. The density decreases by a factor of 2 to 3 in the decay phase of the flares. The intensities of EUV lines from the flare chromospheric and transition-zone plasmas all are greatly enhanced. In contrast to lines for Oi, Ci, Feii and other chromospheric ions, the lines of Oiv and Nv and other transition-zone lines are not only enhanced but also very much broadened.Fitting of the N v 1242 Å line with a two-gaussian model shows that for two of the flares studied, there is a red-shifted component in addition to an unshifted component. The shifted component in the N v line profiles is interpreted as due to a dynamic and moving plasma with a bulk motion velocity of 12 km s^–1 for one flare and more than 70 km s^–1 for the other. The broadened line profiles indicate that there are large turbulent mass motions with random velocities ranging from 30 to 80 km s^–1.Ball Corporation. Now with NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center.     

Nova Vulpeculae 1968 No. 2 (Kohoutek)

Nova Vul 1968 No. 2 (Kohoutek) has been studied on Asiago material obtained before and after the announcement of discovery. The nova, fainter than 20 magnitude at minimum, brightened on July 16. The maximum (9.25 B) was reached on July 19. From the light curve the star can be classified as a normal fast nova. Objective prism spectra taken near maximum display the presence of absorption systems with radial velocities from –550 to –2200 km/sec. On slit spectrograms obtained at the end of October, the nova was found in the nebular stage with wide emission bands of H, Hei, Heii,Nii,Niii and forbidden lines ofOiii,Nii,Oi. The degree of excitation is slowly increasing.The nova is strongly reddened by interstellar absorption.     

Spectroscopic study of the supergiant star 6 Cassiopeiae

Twenty-five coudé spectrograms (22 with dispersion 12 Å mm^–1 and three 7 Å mm^–1) of 6 Cassiopeiae (A3 Ia) have been studied. The observations were made at the Haute Provence Observatory. The results of the analysis suggest a correlation between the variations of the equivalent widths, the microturbulence and the radial velocity. The radial velocity and turbulent velocity present a rapid variation with time, even in intervals as short as about an hour. The hydrogen lines are slightly asymmetric but the strongest Feii lines are clearly asymmetric. We found that the amount of asymmetry of the strongest Feii lines (I>6) correlates with the loggf value, with the estimated laboratory intensityI, and with the equivalent widthW .The observations have been made at the Astronomical Observatory of Haute Provence (CNRS). This work has been supported by TUBITAK (Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey), and partially by CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche) of Italy.     

Log(gf) for singly-ionized elements of the iron group

Moderately accurate oscillator strengths are obtained by application of systematic corrections to Warner's-log(gf) for the once ionized elements of the iron group. Corrections are derived by comparison of Warner's values with those of Kurucz-Peytremann (Scii, Tiii,Vii, Crii, Mnii, Coii, and Niii) and Kurucz (Feii).K–P andK derived log(gf) by semi-empirical methods for many transitions using scaled Thomas-Fermi-Dirac potentials for the atoms of the elements from B to Ni. Although their individual values may be seriously in error, it has been shown that their mean scales are acceptable, being affected at most by rather small errors. It is known, for example, that when interacting terms are not properly accounted for in the semi-empirical method, very small values are derived for log(gf); these were dropped away in calculating mean corrections as they exhibited gross deviations.The relations loggf(KP)–loggf(W) vs , loggf(W), andE _u (energy of the upper level) have been investigated, and constant corrections, or weak dependences are found.Using Warner's corrected log(gf) for these elements, we have shown in a rather qualitative way that abundances consistent with the values accepted at present are found in the solar photosphere.Research supported in part by the SECYT.     

The physical properties of the Hα-emission line stars: CD-42°11721, KK Oph and XX Oph

By use of the data found in the literature, observed at the ESO and taken from the IRAS point source catalogue, the physical properties of the H-emission stars: CD-42°11721, KK Oph and XX Oph were studied photometrically and spectroscopically. The results can be summarized as follows: (a) Feii and [Feii] emission lines show that these stars have a gaseous envelope of which part is of low density. (b) P Cygni profiles in the spectral lines of XX Oph indicate the existence of rapid gaseous motions in its atmosphere. The presence of P Cygni profiles in the spectra of the other two stars is not certain. (c) In the outer atmosphere of CD-42°11721 and KK Oph at least two circumstellar concentrations of dust grains seems to be present; the temperatures of these dust shells are, for both stars, about 1200 and 250 K. (d) XX Oph has an M6III companion causing the infrared excess. Furthermore, we have studied the physical properties of the dust shells. The distances to the central star, the chemical composition and the masses of each shell were estimated. It is recommended to study above stars further with high dispersion spectroscopy and simultaneous long-term photometry.Based partly on data obtained at the ESO, La Silla, Chile and with the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS).     

Upper limits to the rotation measure and magnetism of the Great Attractor supercluster

A substantial concentration of galaxies towardl ⁱⁱ =320°,b ⁱⁱ =+7°, with a mean radial velocity of 4000 km s^–1, has earlier been nicknamed the Great Attractor — it is a nearby supercluster of galaxies. Here, an attempt is made to detect an excess Faraday rotation measure that could be attributed to the magnetic field and thermal gas in the space between the galaxies inside the Great Attractor supercluster. Only an upper limit to the rotation measure, of at most 8 rad m^–2, could be placed on the Great Attractor supercluster, implying in turn an upper limit on the supercluster magnetic field, of at most 0.1 microgauss (ordered component only).     

Photoelectric observations of CH Cygni during the explosive phases of 1967–68

Observations made at Trieste in 1967 and 1968 of CH Cygni reveal a strong variability, particularly in U colour. From the observed colours, a suggestion is made about the existence of a hot companion which could be a subdwarf.Presented at the Trieste Colloquium on Mass Loss from Stars, September 12–16, 1968.     

Analysis of the emission line spectra of a solar flare observed from Skylab

The EUV emission spectra in the wavelength range 110–1900 Å of the 5 September 1973 flare observed with the NRL slit spectrograph on Skylab are studied. The results are: (1) The chromospheric and transition-zone lines are greatly enhanced during the flare. In particular, the allowed lines are enhanced more than the intersystem lines. The Ni ii and P ii lines show the greatest enhancement with a factor of 800 increase in intensity. Other lines such as O i, C i, Si iii, S iii, S iv, O iv, O v, and N v show increases in intensity 10–100 times during the flare. (2) The chromospheric lines, although greatly enhanced during the flare, maintain their sharp and gaussian profiles and are not appreciably broadened. The transition zone lines, on the other hand, show a red-shifted component during the initial phase of the flare. The deduced downward velocity in the transition zone is 50 km s^–1. In addition, there are large turbulent mass motions. The downward mass motion is probably caused by the pressure imbalance between the flare hot plasma at 13 × 10⁶ K and the cooler plasma at 10⁵ K. (3) The density of the 10⁵ K flare plasma, as deduced from density-sensitive lines, is greater than 10¹² cm^-3. The depth of the 10⁵ K plasma in the flare transition zone is only of the order of 0.1 km, giving a steep temperature gradient. Consideration of the energy balance between the conductive flux and the radiative energy losses shows that, indeed, the high density in the transition zone requires that its thickness be very small. This is a consequence of the maximum radiative efficiency at the temperature around 10⁵ K in the solar plasma.Ball Brothers Research Corporation.     

On the continuum and the absolute magnitude of eta Carinae

The excitation temperature, colour excess and continuum of Car in the visible and near ultraviolet have been determined from the study of the excitation of the ionized iron emission lines. The excitation temperatures of Feii and [Feii] are about 8000K, value which is very much lower than the mean ionization temperature of the elements in Car.E _B-V is about 1^m.1; the absolute visual magnitude is presently –10^m.5±1^m. From the equivalent widths of the emission lines the true continuum between 1.5 and 3.0 ^–1 has been derived. The correspondingB-V is –0^m.14, while the Balmer jump is less than 0^m.5. The continuum appears mainly nebular in origin with a strong contribution of the two-photon emission from the 2s-level of hydrogen in the blue.     

The symbiotic stellar lines at 6830 Å, 7088 Å; An origin in optically thick fluorescence

The question of the origin of the symbiotic stellar lines at 6830 Å and 7088 Å, recently proposed to arise from Raman scattering of ultraviolet Ovi lines by hydrogen, is examined quantitatively by comparing line intensities expected from this process with the intensity of an Feii line photoexcited by one of the same Ovi lines. It appears that Raman scattering does not yield sufficient intensity to account for the symbiotic lines. An alternative mechanism for producing the lines exists, however, in off-line-center photoexcitation of optically thick hydrogen by the Ovi lines. This gives intensities which are higher than Raman intensities, and which are more consistent with the Feii fluorescent line intensity. Observed further redward shifts are also explained by the mechanism. It is therefore suggested that the proposed hypothesis of Ovi–Hi interaction may be valid, but that the process involved is probably not second-order Raman scattering but first-order fluorescent scattering.