SN2015bh in NGC 2770: LBV core collapse in merging of binary system components

We present spectroscopy and multicolor photometry for the optical transient PSN J09093496+3307204 in the galaxy NGC2770, which has afterwards been transferred into the supernova phase and got the name SN2015bh. Medium-resolution spectral observations were carried out between February 2015 to May 2016 using the focal reducer SCORPIO at the 6-m Russian telescope BTA. They were followed by by photometric observations at the BTA and six other telescopes with 0.5–1m apertures. Both at the phase of the SN impostor (2015a) and at the supernova phase (2015b), besides Balmer emissions, the strong Fe II emissions are seen in the spectrum; so, these spectra resemble those of Williams Fe II type classical novae. Taking into account circumstellar, interstellar and galactic absorption, A_V = 1.^m 14 ±0.^m 15), we determined maximum absolute magnitudes of the object to be M_V =–15.^m 0 ±0.^m 3 at the 2015a phase and of M^V =–18.^m 14 ±0.^m 30 at the 2015b phase. The light curve at the 2015b phase is similar to those of SN IIL. The supernova progenitor is a luminous blue variable (LBV) star with the powerful Hα emission. We consider several hypotheses of supernovae explosions following optical transients related with LBV. The hypothesis of core collapse of an evolved massive star interrupting the process of its merging with massive companion in a binary system (a failed luminous red nova) was chosen as the preferable one for this event.     

A giant bipolar shell around the WO star in the galaxy IC 1613: Structure and kinematics

Observations of the nebula associated with the WO star in the galaxy IC 1613 are presented. The observations were carried out with a scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer in Hα using the 6-m Special Astrophysical Observatory telescope; narrow-band Hα and [O III]images were obtained with the 4-m KPNO telescope (USA). The monochromatic Hα image clearly reveals a giant bipolar shell structure outside the bright nebula S3. The sizes of the southeastern and northwestern shells are 112×77 and (186–192)×(214–224) pc, respectively. We have studied the object’s kinematics for the first time and found evidence for expansion of both shells. The expansion velocities of the southeastern and northwestern shells exceed 50 and 70 km s^?1, respectively. We revealed a filamentary structure of the shells and several compact features in the S3 core. A scenario is proposed for the formation of the giant bipolar structure by the stellar wind from the central WO star located at the boundary of a “supercavity” in the galaxy’s H I distribution.     

Discovery of a flare star near Sirius

The discovery of a flare star (R.A. (1950)=6^h43^m6^s.07, Decl.(1950)=?16°45′24″) located about 6 arc min south of Sirius is reported. During photometric observations on the night of 13 January, 1982, using the 102 cm telescope at Kavalur, India, the star was seen to brighten by 2.55 mag. inV band over a duration of about 200 s. Observations on this object for a duration of about 10.5 hr spread over seven more nights indicate the star to be variable. The results of these observations are presented.     

Independent estimate of the interstellar extinction toward FU Ori

Speckle-interferometric observations of FU Ori are performed with the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory with 600/40 nm and 800/100 nm (central bandwidth/halfwidth) filters. The companion star FU Ori S that was recently discovered at λ >-1.25µm was recorded in observations with the λ/Δλ==800/100 nm filter. The positional parameters and magnitude difference of the companion in the filter considered are found to be θ = (163.9 ± 1.0)°, ρ = (0.493 ± 0.007)″, Δm = 3.96 ± 0.28. An analysis of the spectral energy distribution of the companion implies that for the extinction A _V toward FU Ori to be greater than about 1.6 ^m , i.e., the minimum value required by the available models of the fuor, the spectral type of the companion star must be no later than K3. The reliability of this conclusion and the possible ways for obtaining more accurate estimates of A _V are discussed.     

A study of the B[e] star AS 160

We present the results of our study of the poorly known B[e] star AS 160=IRAS 07370-2438. The high-resolution spectrum obtained with the 6-m BTA telescope exhibits strong emission in the Hα line with a two-component profile, indicating that the gaseous envelope of the star is nonspherical. Previously nonanalyzed photometric data suggest the presence of a compact dust envelope. The fundamental parameters of the star (log L/L_⊙ = 4.4 ± 0.2, v sin i = 200 km s^?1 and its distance (3.5±0.5 kpc) have been determined for the first time and are in agreement with published estimates of the MK spectral type of the object (B1.5 V:). Analysis of the object's properties leads us to suggest that this is a binary system that belongs to our recently identified type of Be stars with warm dust.     

Observations of Near-Earth Asteroids in Polarized Light

We report the results of position, photometric, and polarimetric observations of two near-Earth asteroids made with the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences. 1.2-hour measurements of the photometric variations of the asteroid 2009 DL46 made onMarch 8, 2016 (approximately 20^m at a distance of about 0.23 AU from the Earth) showed a 0.^m2-amplitude flash with a duration of about 20 minutes. During this time the polarization degree increased from the average level of 2–3% to 14%. The angle of the polarization plane and the phase angle were equal to 113° ± 1° and 43°, respectively. Our result indicates that the surface of the rotating asteroid (the rotation period of about 2.5 hours) must be non-uniformly rough. Observations of another asteroid—1994 UG—whose brightness was of about 17^m and which was located at a geocentric distance of 0.077 AU, were carried out during the night of March 6/7, 2016 in two modes: photometric and spectropolarimetric. According to the results of photometric observations in Johnson’s B-, V-, and R-band filters, over one hour the brightness of the asteroid remained unchanged within the measurement errors (about 0.^m02). Spectropolarimetric observations in the 420–800 nm wavelength interval showed the polarization degree to decrease from 8% in the blue part of the spectrum to 2% in the red part with the phase angle equal to 44?, which is typical for S-type near-Earth asteroids.     

Spectrum of the star BM Ori at minimum light

Two spectra of the star BM Ori were obtained with the 2.6-m Crimean Astrophysical Observatory telescope near its maximum eclipse phase. The light detector was a CCD array. The wavelength range 5305–5373 Å was chosen in such a way that it contained no strong primary lines. Optimum filtration of the spectra yielded a signal-to-noise ratio of ～300. Eighteen secondary lines are seen in the spectrum. Atmospheric parameters of the secondary star were determined: T _eff=5740 K and logg=3.0; the secondary was classified by these parameters as being of spectral type G2 III. The best agreement between observed and synthetic spectra is achieved for metallicity [M/H]=?0.5 and microturbulence ξ_t=0 km s^?1. The projected rotational velocity is Vsini=60 km s^?, in agreement with the synchronous velocity in the hypothesis that assumes a total eclipse by the secondary star. Atmospheric elemental abundances in the secondary are estimated. Nickel, chromium, and iron exhibit an underabundance of ～1 dex.     

SCORPIO-2 guiding and calibration system in the prime focus of the 6-m telescope

We describe a device (adapter) for off-axis guiding and photometric calibration of wide-angle spectrographs operating in the prime focus of the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences. To compensate coma in off-axis star images an achromatic lens corrector is used, which ensures maintaining image quality (FWHM) at a level of about 1″ within 15′ from the optical axis. The device has two 54″-diameter movable guiding fields, which can move in 10′ × 4.′5 rectangular areas. The device can perform automatic search for guiding stars, use them to control the variations of atmospheric transmittance, and focus the telescope during exposure. The limiting magnitude of potential guiding stars is m _R ~ 17^m. The calibration path whose optical arrangement meets the telecentrism condition allows the spectrograph to be illuminated both by a source of line spectrum (a He–Ne–Ar filled lamp) and by a source of continuum spectrum. The latter is usually represented either by a halogen lamp or a set of light-emitting diodes, which provide illumination of approximately uniform intensity over the wavelength interval from 350 to 900 nm. The adapter is used for observations with SCORPIO-2 multimode focal reducer.     

Orbital and physical parameters of the spectroscopic binary HD37737

We report the physical and orbital parameters of the visible component of the spectroscopic binary HD37737 (m _V = 8.03). The observations were performed with the 1.2-m telescope of the Kourovka Astronomical Observatory of the Ural Federal University in 2012 and the 6-m BTA telescope of the SAO RAS in 2007 and 2009. Radial velocities were measured separately from each spectral line of the list by the cross-correlation method with a synthetic spectrum. The latter was calculated using the grids of non-LTE model atmospheres with solar chemical compositions. A significant difference in the epochs of observations (2005–2012) allowed to refine the orbital period of the star (7 _· ^d 84705) and the orbital elements of the binary system. We obtained an estimate of the mass function f(m) = 0.23 ± 0.02M _⊙. The best agreement between the synthetic and observed spectra is achieved at T _eff = 30 000 K and log g = 3.50 according to the observations on both instruments. The obtained parameters correspond to a star of spectral type O9.5 III, with mass estimated at 26 ± 2M _⊙. The minimum mass estimate of the secondary component of the binary is 6.2 ± 0.5M _⊙. We have discovered a fact that the velocities, obtained from different spectral lines, differ, which is typical for giant stars. Engaging additional spectra, obtained in 2005 with the 2.1-m KPNO telescope, we investigated the effect of this fact on the estimate of the speed of the system’s center of mass. The difference in the velocities of various lines is approximately the same in the spectra, obtained at all the three instruments. The obtained ratios suggest that the deeper layers of the atmosphere of the star are moving with a greater velocity than the outer layers. Depending on the line, the estimate of the heliocentric velocity of the binary’s center of mass varies in the range from ?11 to 1 km/s.     

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.     

Devasthal Fast Optical Telescope Observations of Wolf–Rayet Dwarf Galaxy Mrk 996

The Devasthal Fast Optical Telescope (DFOT) is a 1.3 meter aperture optical telescope, recently installed at Devasthal, Nainital. We present here the first results using an Hα filter with this telescope on a Wolf–Rayet dwarf galaxy Mrk 996. The instrumental response and the Hα sensitivity obtained with the telescope are (3.3 ± 0.3) × 10^???15 erg s^?1 cm^?2/counts s^?1 and 7.5 × 10^???17 erg s^?1 cm^?2 arcsec^?2 respectively. The Hα flux and the equivalent width for Mrk 996 are estimated as (132 ± 37) × 10^?14 erg s^?1 cm^?2 and ～96 Å respectively. The star formation rate is estimated as 0.4 ± 0.1M _⊙ yr^?1. Mrk 996 deviates from the radio-FIR correlation known for normal star forming galaxies with a deficiency in its radio continuum. The ionized gas as traced by Hα emission is found in a disk shape which is misaligned with respect to the old stellar disk. This misalignment is indicative of a recent tidal interaction in the galaxy. We believe that galaxy–galaxy tidal interaction is the main cause of the WR phase in Mrk 996.     

A spectroscopic study of V1016 Ori

Two CCD spectra of the star V1016 Ori were obtained with the echelle spectrograph of the 6-m (BTA) telescope. An analysis of these spectra allowed us to estimate the star's atmospheric parameters (T _eff=29700 K, logg=4.4) and projected rotational velocity (Vsini=60 km s^?1) and to determine its chemical composition. Chemical anomalies were found. The Fe abundance is nearly solar; He, C, O, Mg, Al, Si are underabundant; and Ne, S, Zn are overabundant. The “spectroscopic” radius of the primary is in satisfactory agreement with its radius determined from the light and radial-velocity curves if the small star is assumed to lie in front of the giant star during an eclipse. The paradox of the primary's anomalous radius is thus resolved. A table of line equivalent widths and a portion of the star's spectrum are given in Appendices 1 and 2.     

HD 331319: A post-AGB F supergiant with He I lines

Based on CCD spectra taken with an echelle spectrometer attached to the 6-m telescope, we have determined for the first time the fundamental parameters and detailed chemical composition of HD 331319, an optical counterpart of the infrared source IRAS 19475+3119, by the model-atmosphere method. Helium lines were detected in the spectrum of this luminous (Mυm object with the effective temperature T _eff=7200 K. This detection can be interpreted as a significant helium overabundance in the observed atmospheric layers and may be considered as a manifestation of helium synthesis during the preceding evolution. Nitrogen and oxygen were found to be overabundant, [N/Fe]_⊙=+1.30 dex and [O/Fe]_⊙=+0.64 dex, with the carbon overabundance being modest. The metallicity of the stellar atmosphere, [Fe/H]_⊙=+0.25, differs only slightly from its solar value. The s-process metals are not overabundant but most likely underabundant relative to iron: [X/Fe]_⊙=?0.68 for Y and Zr. Barium is also underabundant relative to iron: [Ba/Fe]_⊙=?0.47. The heavier elements La, Ce, Nd, and Eu are slightly enhanced relative to iron: the mean [X/Fe]_⊙=?0.16 for them. In general, the elemental abundances confirm that IRAS 19475+3119 is a post-AGB object. The metallicity in combination with the radial velocity V_r=?3.4 km s^?1 and Galactic latitude $\left| b \right| = 2_.^ \circ 7$ of the object suggest that it belongs to the Galactic disk population. The envelope expansion velocity, V _exp≈21 km s^?1, was determined from the positions of the absorption bands that originate in the circumstellar envelope. A comparison of our results for the comparison star HD 161796=IRAS 17436+5003, a typical post-AGB object, with previously published data revealed an evolutionary increase in the effective temperature of HD 161796 at a mean rate of ≥50° per year.     

Neutral hydrogen in the vicinity of the supernova remnant HB 9

The neutral hydrogen emission at 21 cm has been investigated with the RATAN-600 radio telescope in the vicinity of the supernova remnant HB9. A clumpyHI shell with radial motions surrounding the remnant has been detected. Its measured parameters contradict the connection with a shock wave from a supernova explosion. The shell formation under the action of a wind from a star that exploded as a supernova at the end of its evolution seems more realistic. The characteristics of the star obtained from the observed shell parameters are the following: a wind power of 0.5 × 10³⁸ erg s^?1, a mass-loss rate of 3.7 × 10^?5 M _⊙ yr^?1, and an age of 3 × 10⁶ yr. Given the measurement errors, the mass of the star is estimated to be >8M _⊙.     

On the Evolutionary State of High-Latitude Variable V534 Lyr

Based on the high spectral resolution monitoring conducted at the 6-m BTA telescope, we study the optical spectrum of the high-latitude variable V534 Lyr. Heliocentric radial velocities V_r corresponding to the positions of all metal absorption components, as well as the Na I D and Hα lines were measured during all the observational sets. The analysis of the velocity field examining the lines of various nature revealed a low-amplitude variability of V_r based on the lines with a high excitation potential, which are formed in deep layers of the stellar atmosphere, and allowed to estimate the systemic velocity of V_sys ≈ ?125 kms^?1 (V_lsr ≈ ?105 kms^?1). The distance estimate of d ≈ 6 kpc for the star leads to its absolute magnitude of \(M_V \approx - 5_ \cdot ^m 3\), what corresponds to the spectral classification. The previously undetected spectral phenomenon was revealed for this star: at certain times a splitting of the profiles of low-excited absorptions is observed, reaching ΔV_r = 20–50 kms^?1. A combination of the parameters: reduced metallicity [Met/H]_⊙ = ?0.28, high nitrogen abundance [N/Fe] = +1.10, large spatial velocity, high luminosity, a strong variability of the emission-absorption profiles of HI lines, splitting of metal absorptions at different times of observations and the variability of the velocity field in the atmosphere allow to classify V534 Lyr as a pulsating star in the thick disk of our Galaxy.     

The radio galaxy RC J1148+0455

Based on data from the MIT-GB-VLA 4850-MHz survey, we investigate the radio structure of RC J1148+0455 with a steep radio spectrum (α=?1.04) from the COLD catalog. The radio source consists of two components, each having a complex structure. We analyze an optical identification of the source by using 6-m telescope images. The centroid of the radio source falls on a group of eight galaxies at a 24 ^m level in R.     

One-meter Schmidt telescope of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory: New capabilities

In 2013–2015 the Laboratory of spectroscopy and photometry of extragalactic objects (LS-PEO) of the Special Astrophysical Observatory together with Armenian specialists upgraded the 1-m Schmidt telescope of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. We completely redesigned the control system of the telescope: we replaced the actuating mechanisms, developed telescope control software, and made the guiding system. We reworked and prepared a 4k × 4k Apogee (USA) liquid-cooled CCD with RON ~ 11.1 e^?, a pixel size of 0.″868, and field of view of about 1□°, and in October 2015 mounted it in the focus of the telescope. The detector is equipped with a turret bearing 20 intermediate-band filters (FWHM = 250 Å) uniformly covering the 4000–9000 Å wavelength range, five broadband filters (u, g, r, i, z SDSS), and three narrow-band filters (5000 Å, 6560 Å and 6760 Å, FWHM = 100 Å). During the first year of test operation of the 1-m telescope we performed pilot observations within the framework of three programs: search for young stellar objects, AGNevolution, and stellar composition of galaxy disks.We confirmed the possibility of efficiently selecting of young objects using observations performed in narrow-band Hα and [SII] filters and the intermediate-band 7500 Å filter. Three-hours long exposures with SDSS g-, r-, and i-band filters allow us to reach the surface brightness level of 28^m/□″ when investigating the stellar content of galaxy disks for a sample of nine galaxies. We used observations performed with the 1-m telescope in five broadband (SDSS u, g, r, i, and z) and 15 intermediate-band filters (4000–7500 Å) to construct a sample of quasar candidates with 0.5 < z < 5 (330 objects) in about one-sq. degree SA68 field complete down to R_AB = 23^m. Spectroscopic observations of 29 objects (19.^m5 < R < 22^m) carried out at the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences confirmed the quasar nature of 28 objects.     

A study of the photometric system of the Kiev network telescope

We performed a series of CCD observations in BVRI bands of a celestial region in cluster M67 (NGC 2682) to study the photometric system of the Kyiv network telescope. The signal recording system consists of a CGE-1400 telescope, Celestron #94175 focal reducer, an automatic turret with a set of UBVRI filters, and a Rolera Mgi CCD camera. The operating field of the system is 10.62′ × 10.62′. CCD images are processed in the MIDAS/ROMAFOT package. The reduction coefficients of the instrumental photometric system relative to Johnson’s BVRI system are determined. The resulted value of the module of distance to cluster M67 V ? M _V = 9.63 ^m does not contradict the results of other researchers. The mean square errors for one determination of stellar magnitude for different bands are 0.02–0.12 ^m . The errors in determining equatorial coordinates in the TYCHO-2 catalog system are ± 1″.     

Tip-tilt wavefront corrector for large-sized CCD cameras

A tip-tilt wavefront (image displacement) corrector has been designed and fabricated to increase the efficiency of direct imaging with large-sized CCD cameras. A plane-parallel glass plate tilting in two mutually perpendicular directions at an angle large enough to compensate for an image displacement of±16″ on a telescope with F ≈ 20 m forms the basis of the device. The device allows up to ≈20 corrections per second to be made when a ～14^m reference star is used. We investigate the effects of aberrations introduced by the plate on the image quality. We present the results of test observations with the corrector performed on the 1.25-m ZTE telescope at the Crimean Station of the Sternberg Astronomical Institute and the 1.5-m AZT-22 telescope at the Maidanak Observatory, where test images with 1-h exposures that completely realized atmospheric seeing were obtained.     

Fiber-optic magnetometer for prime focus of 6-m BTA telescope based on suspended echelle spectrograph

We have developed and manufactured a fiber-optic magnetometer for the prime focus of the 6-m BTA telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences based on a suspended echelle spectrograph. The magnetometer is designed to improve the spectrum stability and eliminate the effect of instrumental polarization of the diagonal mirror on the results of magnetic field measurements. The magnetometer is to be used for measurements of stellar magnetic fields in stars and to study their chemical composition. The instrument operates in the 5000–6800 Å wavelength interval with mean reciprocal dispersion of 0.15 Å/pixel. According to the estimates for 9 ^m .5 stars, the standard error of magnetic field measurements based on 400 spectral lines would be 100 G for a half-hour exposure.