Molecular and low excitation emission in high mass post-main-sequence nebulae

We have undertaken mapping and spectroscopy of a broad range of type I post-Main-Sequence nebulae in COJ=1→0,J=2→1, andJ=3→2, using the 12 m antenna at Kitt Peak, and the 45 m facility of the Nobeyama Radio Observatory. As a consequence, we find COJ=2→1 emission associated with NGC 3132 and NGC 6445, determine the location of COJ=1→0 emission in the nucleus of NGC 6302, and obtain (for the first time) COJ=3→2 spectroscopy for a substantial cross-section of type I sources. LVG analysis of the results suggests densitiesn(H₂) ～ 10⁴ cm^?3, and velocity gradients dv/dr ～ 2×10² in both NGC 7027 and CRL 618, commensurate with uniform expansion of a constant velocity outflow, whilst for the case of NGC 2346 these values probably exceedn(H₂) ～ 4.0×10⁵ cm^?3. dv/dr ～ 2.6×10³ km s^?1 andT _k ～10² K, implying appreciable compression (and shock heating?) of the CO excitation zone. Hi masses extend over a typical range 0.01<M(Hi)/M _⊙<1, whilst corresponding estimates of the progenitor mass imply 0.7<M _prog/M _⊙<2.3; values significantly in excess of those pertinent for normal PN, although somewhat at the lower end of the type I mass range. COJ=3→2 profiles for CRL 2688 confirm the presence of an extended plateau with width Δv～85 km s^?1, whilst modestJ=3→2 enhancement is also observed for the high-velocity components in NGC 7027. TheJ=3→2 spectrum for NGC 2346 appears to mimic lower-frequency results reasonably closely, confirming the presence of a double-peaked structure towards the core, and predominantly unitary profiles to the north and south, whilst there is also evidence to suggest appreciableJ=3→2 asymmetry in CRL 618 compared to lower-frequency measures. The status of an extended cloud near HB 5 remains uncertain, although this clearly represents a remarkably complex region with velocity span ΔV～50 km s^?1. Our presentJ=3→2 results appear to track lower frequency measures extremely closely, implying local densitiesn(H₂)>3×10³ cm^?3—although temperatures close to theV _lsr of HB 5 are relatively weak, and of orderT _MB (J=3→2)≤0.9 K. Finally, as a result of both this, and previous investigations we find that of type I sources so far observed in CO, some ～42% appear to possess detectable levels of emissionT _r ^* >0.1 K. Similarly, in cross-correlating this data with other results, we note a closely linear relation betweenJ=2→1 antenna temperaturesT _MB, and the surface brightness of H₂ S(1) quadrupole emissionS(H₂)—a trend which appears also to be reflected betweenS(H₂) and corresponding parameters for [Oi], [Oii], [Ni], [Nii], and [Sii]. Such relations almost certainly arise from comparable secular variations in line intensities, although the CO, H₂, and optical emission components are likely to derive from disparate line excitation zones. As a consequence, it is clear that whilst H₂ S(1) emission is probably enhanced as a result of local shock activity, the evidence for post-shock excitation of the CO and optical forbidden lines is at best marginal. Similarly, although it seems likely that CO emission derives from circum-nebular Hi shells with kinetic temperatureT _k ～ 30 K or greater, the predominant fraction of low-excitation emission arises from a mix of charge exchange reactions, nebular stratification and, probably most importantly, the influence of UV shadow zones and associated neutral inclusions.     

Meteor showers associated with 2003EH1

Using the Everhart radau19 numerical integration method, the orbital evolution of the near-Earth asteroid 2003EH1 is investigated. This asteroid belongs to the Amor group and is moving on a comet-like orbit. The integrations are performed over one cycle of variation of the perihelion argument ω. Over such a cycle, the orbit intersect that of the Earth at eight different values of ω. The orbital parameters are different at each of these intersections and so a meteoroid stream surrounding such an orbit can produce eight different meteor showers, one at each crossing. The geocentric radiants and velocities of the eight theoretical meteor showers associated with these crossing points are determined. Using published data, observed meteor showers are identified with each of the theoretically predicted showers. The character of the orbit and the existence of observed meteor showers associated with 2003EH1 confirm the supposition that this object is an extinct comet.     

A submillimeter view of protoplanetary dust disks

We present some results from our submillimeter single-dish and aperture synthesis imaging surveys of protoplanetary disks using the JCMT, CSO, and Submillimeter Array (SMA) on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. Employing a simple disk model, we simultaneously fit the spectral energy distributions and spatially resolved submillimeter continuum emission from our SMA survey to constrain disk structure properties, including surface density profiles and sizes. The typical disk structure we infer is consistent with a fiducial accretion disk model with a viscosity parameter α≈0.01. Combined with a large, multiwavelength single-dish survey of similar disks, we show how these observations provide evidence for significant grain growth and rapid evolution in the outer regions of disks, perhaps due to an internal photoevaporation process. In addition, we discuss SMA observations of the disks in the Orion Trapezium (proplyds) in the context of disk evolution in a more extreme environment.     

Similarity solution for free and forced convection hydromagnetic flow over a horizontal semi-infinite plate through a non-homogeneous porous medium

A similarity analysis for the free and forced convection hydromagnetic flow over a horizontal semi-infinite flat plate through a non-homogeneous porous medium is presented, taking into account the hydrostatic pressure variation normal to the flat plate. The similarity solution of the problem under consideration is obtained under certain valid simplifying assumptions when, (i) the plate temperature is inversely proportional to the square root of the distance from the leading edge, (ii) the intensity of the applied magnetic field, normal to the plate, changes with the inverse square root of the distance from the leading edge, and (iii) the permeability of the porous medium, occupying a semi-infinite region of the space bounded by the flat plate, is proportional to the distance measured in the direction of the flow. A numerical solution of the resulting system of ordinary differential equations of motion and energy is obtained, depending on the Prandtl number Pr, the magnetic parameterM _n ,the bouyancy parameter , and the permeability parameterP _m .The variations of the fundamental quantities of the problem are shown graphically followed by a quantitative discussion.     

Comparisons of Supergranule Characteristics During the Solar Minima of Cycles 22/23 and 23/24

Supergranulation is a component of solar convection that manifests itself on the photosphere as a cellular network of around 35 Mm across, with a turnover lifetime of 1 – 2 days. It is strongly linked to the structure of the magnetic field. The horizontal, divergent flows within supergranule cells carry local field lines to the cell boundaries, while the rotational properties of supergranule upflows may contribute to the restoration of the poloidal field as part of the dynamo mechanism, which controls the solar cycle. The solar minimum at the transition from cycle 23 to 24 was notable for its low level of activity and its extended length. It is of interest to study whether the convective phenomena that influence the solar magnetic field during this time differed in character from periods of previous minima. This study investigates three characteristics (velocity components, sizes and lifetimes) of solar supergranulation. Comparisons of these characteristics are made between the minima of cycles 22/23 and 23/24 using MDI Doppler data from 1996 and 2008, respectively. It is found that whereas the lifetimes are equal during both epochs (around 18 h), the sizes are larger in 1996 (35.9 ± 0.3 Mm) than in 2008 (35.0 ± 0.3 Mm), while the dominant horizontal velocity flows are weaker (139 ± 1 m s⁻¹ in 1996; 141 ± 1 m s⁻¹ in 2008). Although numerical differences are seen, they are not conclusive proof of the most recent minimum being inherently unusual.     

Numerical interpretation of high-altitude photoelectron observations

The Electron Spectrometer (ELS) instrument of the ASPERA-3 package on the Mars Express satellite has recorded photoelectron energy spectra up to apoapsis (∼10,000 km altitude). The characteristic photoelectron shape of the spectrum is sometimes seen well above the ionosphere in the evening sector across a wide range of near-equatorial latitudes. Two numerical models are used to analyze the characteristics of these high-altitude photoelectrons. The first is a global, multi-species MHD code that produces a 3-D representation of the magnetic field and bulk plasma parameters around Mars. It is used here to examine the possibility of magnetic connectivity between the high-altitude flanks of the martian ionosheath and the subsolar ionosphere. It is shown that some field lines in this region are draped interplanetary magnetic lines while others are open field lines (connected to both the IMF and the crustal magnetic field sources). The second model is a kinetic electron transport model that calculates the electron velocity space distribution along a selected, non-uniform, magnetic field line. It is used here to simulate the high-altitude ELS measurements. It is shown that the photoelectrons are essentially confined to the source cone, as governed by magnetic field inhomogeneity along the field line. Reasonable agreement is shown between the data and the model results, and a method is demonstrated for inferring properties of the local and photoelectron source region magnetic field from the ELS measurements. Specifically, the number of sectors in which photoelectrons are measured is a function of the magnetic field intensity ratio and the field's angle with respect to the detector plane. In addition, the sector of the photoelectron flux peak is a function of the magnetic field azimuthal angle in the detector plane.     

The Palomar‐Quest digital synoptic sky survey

We describe briefly the Palomar‐Quest (PQ) digital synoptic sky survey, including its parameters, data processing, status, and plans. Exploration of the time domain is now the central scientific and technological focus of the survey. To this end, we have developed a real‐time pipeline for detection of transient sources.We describe some of the early results, and lessons learned which may be useful for other, similar projects, and time‐domain astronomy in general. Finally, we discuss some issues and challenges posed by the real‐time analysis and scientific exploitation of massive data streams from modern synoptic sky surveys. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)