Orbital eccentricity of the symbiotic star MWC 560

We present projected rotational velocity measurements of the red giant in the symbiotic star MWC 560, using the high‐resolution spectroscopic observations with the FEROS spectrograph. We find that the projected rotational velocity of the red giant is v sin i = 8.2 ± 1.5 km s^–1, and estimate its rotational period tobe P_rot = 144–306 days. Using the theoretical predictions of tidal interaction and pseudosynchronization, we estimate the orbital eccentricity e = 0.68–0.82. We briefly discuss the connection of our results with the photometric variability of the object (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The 2016 outburst of the unique symbiotic star MWC 560 (= V694 Mon), its long-term BVRI evolution and a marked 331 days periodicity

After 26 years from the major event of 1990, in early 2016 the puzzling symbiotic binary MWC 560 has gone into a new and even brighter outburst. We present our tight BVR_CI_C photometric monitoring of MWC 560 (451 independent runs distributed over 357 different nights), covering the 2005–2016 interval, and the current outburst in particoular. A stricking feature of the 2016 outburst has been the suppression of the short term chaotic variability during the rise toward maximum brightness, and its dominance afterward with an amplitude in excess of 0.5 mag. Similar to the 1990 event when the object remained around maximum brightness for ∼6 months, at the time Solar conjunction prevented further observations of the current outburst, MWC 560 was still around maximum, three months past reaching it. We place our observations into a long term contex by combining with literature data to provide a complete 1928–2016 lightcurve. Some strong periodicities are found to modulate the optical photometry of MWC 560. A period of 1860 days regulate the occourence of bright phases at BVR_C bands (with exactly 5.0 cycles separating the 1990 and 2016 outbursts), while the peak brightness attained during bright phases seems to vary with a ∼9570 days cycle. A clean 331 day periodicity modulate the I_C lightcurve, where the emission from the M giant dominates, with a lightcurve strongly reminiscent of an ellipsoidal distortion plus irradiation from the hot companion. Pros and cons of 1860 and 331 days as the system orbital period are reviewed, waiting for a spectroscopic radial velocity orbit of the M giant to settle the question (provided the orbit is not oriented face-on).     

Photoelectric Investigation of the Herbig Ae/Be Star MWC 1080

The results of photoelectric observations of the Herbig Ae/Be star MWC 1080 in the Strömgren system are given. It was found that MWC 1080 undergoes rapid rises and falls in brightness with an amplitude of up to 0 ^m .25, occurring in a time interval of from several minutes to several hours. It is shown that MWC 1080 is similar to MWC 342 and MWC 419. It is suggested that there is a fundamental difference between the mechanisms of brightness variation of these three objects and of Herbig Ae/Be stars.     

Spectroscopy of the Candidate Pre-CV LTT 560

We present preliminary results on spectroscopic data of the candidate pre-cataclysmic variable LTT 560. A fit to the flux-calibrated spectrum reveals the temperature of the white-dwarf primary to be T _eff=7000–7500 K, and confirms the result of previous studies on the detection of an M5V secondary star. The analysis of radial velocity data from spectral features attributed to the primary and the secondary star show evidence for low-level accretion.     

Detailed optical spectroscopy of the B[e] Star MWC17

Based on the material of multiple high-resolution R = 60 000 observations conducted on the 6-m telescope (BTA) of the Special Astrophysical Observatory in combination with the Nasmyth Echelle Spectrograph (NES), we closely studied the features of the optical spectrum of the star MWC17 with the B[e] phenomenon. In the wavelength interval of 4050–6750 Å, we identified numerous permitted and forbidden emissions, interstellar Na I lines, and diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs). Radial velocities were estimated from lines of different origin. As the systemic velocity, V_sys, the velocity of the forbidden emissions can be accepted: ?47 kms^?1 (relative to the local standard V_lsr = ?42 kms^?1). Comparison of the obtained data with the earlier measurements allows us to conclude on the absence of considerable variability of spectral details.     

Meteoroids, Meteors, and the Near-Earth Object Impact Hazard

In considering the modern-day hazard from infalling near-Earth asteroids and comets, the focus has shifted toward the smallest, most frequent impacts that can do damage on the ground, like the 1908 Tunguska aerial burst. There is considerable uncertainty about the potential for damage by objects in the range 20 to 100 m diameter. Since smaller, less dangerous, meter-sized meteoroids are part of a continuum of small interplanetary bodies, derived by a collisional cascade and Yarkovsky spin-up, research on such phenomena by meteor scientists can shed light on a vital question that will soon have great practical relevance as new telescopic searches for near-Earth asteroids come on line: what is the threshold size between harmless high-altitude airbursts and impacts that can cause lethal damage on the ground?     

Dynamical Processes in the Neighborhood of the Herbig Ae Star MWC 480 Based on Spectral Monitoring Data

Spectral observations of the Herbig Ae star MWC 480 are reported. Observations were made on the 2.6 m telescope at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory and the 6 m telescope at the Special Astrophysical Observatory in the neighborhoods of the sodium resonance doublet, the He I 5876 line, the oxygen O I 7774 line, the H line, and some others. The H line has a P Cyg-type profile which is typical of anisotropic decelerated material outflows. The parameters of the line profile vary on a time scale on the order of days or longer. The blue wing of the line profile, in which noticeable changes are detectable over times of a few hours, is subject to the greatest variation. An unusual line shape is observed in the sodium lines. Their profiles resemble type P Cyg profiles with discrete absorption components can be seen in the blue wing. The number, shape, and radial velocities of the components change with time. The maximum radial velocity is -330 km/s and the minimum, about -50 km/s. The high velocity components are subject to the greatest variability. An analysis of the spectral variability yields the following conclusions: (1) the inner layers of the accretion disk of MWC 480 reach right to the star. The maximum rotation velocity of the circumstellar gas derived from the oxygen OI 7774 line shape is close to 400-500 km/s, which corresponds roughly to the radius of the last Keplerian orbit. (2) A highly nonuniform, high velocity component of the disk wind, which contains dense fragments (microjets), develops in this region. They appear to form as a result of the unstable structure of the magnetic field in the layers of the accretion disk closest to the star. (3) The maximum velocities of the microjets are only slightly higher than the escape velocity at the star's surface. Thus, the bulk of the momentum which they acquire is expended in overcoming the star's gravity and this causes a deceleration in the radial motion of the gas. This kind of structure for the radiating region is consistent with magneto-centrifugal models of the disk wind in which the intrinsic magnetic field of the accretion disk plays a dominant role in the acceleration of the gas.     

Visible and/or near infrared spectral variations of v1016 Cygni,HM sagittae and MWC 349

The recent spectral evolution of the three peculiar emission-line objects with IR excess V1016 Cyg, HM Sge, and MWC 349 is described, on the basis of data obtained at the Asiago (blue and red spectral regions) and Haute Provence (near infrared) Observatories. In the near infrared spectral region, details are given concerning the data briefly described in IAU Circular No. 3498 (Andrillat and Swings, 1980).Based on observations performed at the Haute Provence (CNRS, France) and Asiago (Italy) Observatories.     

准周期振荡(QPO)天体GX5-1的双分支谱的唯象分析

本文对小质量X射线双星的准周期振荡的差频模型做了修正和补充。修正的要点是:要考虑柱吸积过程中的粘滞阻尼。由此即可成功地解释QPO天体GX5-1的双分支谱特性。     

Present Understanding of the Light Curves of Symbiotic Binaries

We explain a complex behaviour of the light curves (LC) of symbiotic binaries on the basis of their spectral energy distribution (SED) in the optical domain. During quiescent phases we observe a wave-like variation of the optical light as a function of orbital phase. This is produced by the orbitally-related variation of the emission measure (EM) of the symbiotic nebula. During active phases this type of variability disappears, the continuum level increases by 2–3 magnitudes in U and, in the case of a highly inclined orbit, narrow minima – eclipses – in the LC can occur. These phenomena are connected with the creation of a cool pseudo-photosphere around the hot star, whose contribution is significant in the optical, while the nebula practically disappears.     

Second Outburst of the Yellow Symbiotic Star LT Delphini

Astronomy Letters - We present the results of our photoelectric UBV observations of the yellow symbiotic star LT Del over 2010–2018. The binary system LT Del, which consists of a bright K...     

Dust around the Cool Component of D-Type Symbiotic Binaries

D type symbiotic binaries are an excellent astrophysical laboratory for investigation of the dust properties and dust formation under the influence of theMira stellar wind and nova activity and of the mass loss and mass transfer between components in such a widely separated system. We present a study of the properties of circumstellar dust in symbiotic Miras by use of long-term near-IR photometry and colour indices. The published JHKL magnitudes of o Ceti, RX Pup, KM Vel, V366 Car, V835 Cen, RR Tel, HM Sge and R Aqr have been collected, analyzed and corrected for short-term variations caused by Mira pulsations. Assuming spherical temperature distribution of the dust in the close neighbourhood of the Mira, the DUSTY code was used to solve the radiative transfer in order to determine the dust temperature and its properties in each particular case. Common dust properties of the symbiotic Miras have been found, suggesting similar conditions in the condensation region of the studied symbiotic Miras. Silicate dust with the inner dust shell radius determined by the dust condensation and with the dust temperature of 900?1200 K can fully explain the observed colour indices. R Aqr is an exception and showed lower dust temperature of 650 K. Obscuration events visible in light curves can be explained by variable dust optical depth with minimal variations of other dust properties. More active symbioticMiras that underwent recent nova outbursts showed higher dust optical depths and larger maximum grain sizes of the order of μm, which means that the post-nova activity could stimulate the dust formation and the grain growth. Optically thicker dust shells and higher dust condensation temperatures have been found in symbiotic Miras compared to their single counterparts, suggesting different conditions for dust production.     

The X-ray bursts within the 2010 outburst of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar SAX J1748.9-2021

With the observations from Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer, we search and study the X-ray bursts of accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar SAX J1748.9-2021 during its 2010 outburst. We find 13 X-ray bursts, including 12 standard type-I X-ray bursts and an irregular X-ray burst which lacks cooling tail. During the outburst, the persistent emission occurred at \(\sim (1\mbox{--}5)\%{\dot{\mathrm{M}}_{\mathrm{Edd}}}\). We use a combination model of a blackbody (BB), a powerlaw, and a line component to fit the persistent emission spectra. Another BB is added into the combination model to account for the emission of the X-ray bursts due to the thermonuclear burning on the surface of the neutron star. Finally, we modify the combination model with a multiplicative factor \(f_{\mathrm{a}}\), plus a BB to fit the spectra during the X-ray bursts. It is found that the \(f_{\mathrm{a}}\) is inversely correlated with the burst flux in some cases. Our analysis suggests that the ignition depth of the irregular X-ray burst is obviously smaller than those of the type-I X-ray bursts. We argue that the detected type-I X-ray bursts originate from helium-rich or pure-helium environment, while the irregular X-ray burst originates from the thermonuclear flash in a shallow ocean.     

Analysis of Near Infrared Observations of the Symbiotic Mira RR Tel

JHKL photometry of the symbiotic Mira RR Tel over 25 years shows variable fading in all bands, which can be explained by variable obscuration due to dust. The evolutionary track of the star is presented in a two-colour diagram together with the corresponding mean values for normal Miras with thick and thin dust shells and pulsation periods between 350 and 600 days. The observed colours for RR Tel are significantly shifted from the range shown by normal unreddened Miras. The distance of RR Tel is estimated from its K magnitude and the Mira period luminosity relation after correcting for reddening. The dust envelope is discussed with respect to a simple model involving two blackbodies. There appears to be rather little dust emission even at 3 μm, but considerable extinction.     

A Study of the Distribution of Electric Currents and Current Helicity in the Photosphere at the Growth Stage of a Bipolar Active Region

The process of active region formation was researched by analyzing the densities of electric current and electric current helicity in the photosphere. The observational data were obtained with the vector magnetograph of the Sayan observatory. The appearance (as the sunspot developed) of the part of current helicity which is determined by the vertical components of the magnetic field and electric current density was studied. It is concluded that the loop-like magnetic flux tube which is responsible for the active region emergence contains thinner tubes with the same structure. The electric current system in a sunspot is simplified as the sunspot forms perhaps because the thinner flux tubes are merged together.     

第三届中国天体物理暑期讲习班:活动星系核(2007年5月21-30日,合肥)

由国家自然基金委员会、教育部主办的中国天体物理暑期讲习班,自2004年首届在上海举办以来,得到了天文界的广泛关注和支持。2007年5月21—30日,由中国科学技术大学天体物理中心承办的第三届中国天体物理暑期讲习班在合肥顺利举行。     

Modeling the evolution of Sakurai's Object

Sakurai's Object is a born again AGBstar of the very late thermal pulse flavor. In thiscontribution I will discuss new models of stellar evolution andnucleosynthesis models of this phase. Two most intriguing properties ofSakurai's Object have so far not been understood theoretically: the peculiar chemical appearance, in particular the high lithiumabundance, and the short time scale of only a few years on which thetransition from the dwarf configuration into the born again giantappearance has occurred. A new nucleosynthesis mode of hot hydrogen-deficient ³He burning can explain the extraordinarylithium abundance. During the thermal pulse ³He is ingested fromthe envelope together with the protons into the hot He-flashconvection zone. The first network calculations show that, due to thelarge ¹²C abundance protons are captured rather by carbon, thandestroy newly formed ⁷Be and ultimately ⁷Li. Moreover, the shortevolution time scale has been reproduced by making the assumption that the convective efficiency forelement mixing is smaller by two to three orders of magnitude thanpredicted by the mixing-length theory. As a result the main energygeneration from fast convective proton capture will occur at a largermass coordinate, closer to the surface and the expansion to the giantstate is accelerated to a few years, in excellent agreement with thebehavior of Sakurai's Object. This result represents an independent empiricalconstraint on the poorly known efficiency of element mixing inconvective zones of the stellar interior.