Revised identifications in the 5C2 survey

In the present paper revised distances of optical objects from radio sources of the 5C2 survey are given. A statistical investigation of the data is given for blue objects and galaxies by the statistical method of the “first neighbour”. The identification rate on blue plates for both the blue objects and galaxies amounts to about 40% out of the total number of 26 identifications. For every blue object and galaxy which are proposed as an identification the statistical reliability is given.     

A new semi-quantitative Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) method for detection of maleimide (2,5-pyrroledione) with potential application to astrobiology

Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds are fundamental biochemical components of all life on Earth and, presumably, life elsewhere in our solar system. Dete...     

Fe3+ in shocked olivine crystals of the ALHA 77005 meteorite

ALHA 77005, a shocked achondrite of the shergottite group, is unique in containing cumulus olivine crystals which display a brownish color in thin section. Mössbauer, EPR, and optical spectroscopic studies show the presence of Fe³⁺ in the olivine. Approximately 4.5 wt.% of the total iron in the olivine (24 wt.% as FeO) is in the trivalent state. The Fe³⁺ ions preferentially occupy M2 lattice positions. Charge transfer between Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ as well as between Fe³⁺ and oxygen ligands causes a broad absorption band in the optical spectrum at high energies which is the reason for the olivine color. It is concluded that the color of the ALHA 77005 olivine is preterrestrial and may be the result of shock-induced oxidation of the olivine crystals on the meteorite parent body.     

The periodic variations of the core drift rate: global and zonal motions (Mitteilung des Zentralinstituts für Physik der Erde,Nr. 1746)

Toroidal zonal motions at the top of the Earth's core were computed from the observed secular variation and investigated with regard to their time dependence. Previously derived results for a pure westward drifting core could be re-examined. Additionally, the well-known 66.7 years period was found to be an oscillation of the zonal velocity field of third degree. With respect to periodic constituents, the total magnetic core-mantle coupling torque according to the zonal motions is comparable with that derived for a pure westward drifting core. Some differences in period lengthes and amplitudes do not remove previously stated differences between the spectra of the magnetic and mechanical torques on principle.     

Saturn's electrostatic discharges: Could lightning be the cause?

It is proposed that Saturn's electrostatic discharges (SED) might be generated in the planet's equatorial atmosphere, perhaps as lightning from a storm system. The 10^h10^m periodicity of the signal envelope duplicates that of Saturn's equatorial jet. The rings shield the atmosphere from solar EUV photons, and thereby substantially reduce the local ionospheric cutoff frequency to allow low-frequency SED to leak out. Many of the unusual properties of SED could be explained in terms of changes in the storm system, the relative spacecraft position in the beaming pattern of the source, local refraction of the signal by the highly disturbed ionosphere, and the influence of the ring particles on the highest frequency component of SED. A comparison of SED with planetary lightning on other planets shows that the two are similar in general character and some time behavior; the power output of SED may be higher than most planetary lightnings but that is unclear because of uncertainties in the measurements and variations in the signal's spectrum. Our simple discussion suggests that lightning could be a viable source for SED and that exotic ring mechanisms are not necessarily required.     

Laboratory study of deep-water breaking waves

In an attempt to elucidate the mechanics of deep-water wave breaking, a variety of breaking waves, including spilling and plunging waves, of different length scales and geometries was studied. The waves were generated through wave-wave interactions using wave packets with constant-steepness components, constant-amplitude components, and also components following the Pierson-Moskowitz distribution. Wave steepening prior to breaking were found to cause an increase in the high frequency spectral slope of the wave spectrum. The slopes were correlated to the type of breaking and the intensity of the breaking. The energy loss through breaking varied with the spectral characteristics of the wave packet. On the other hand, it was also noted that, irrespective of the wave packet, the losses were from the higher frequency end of the first harmonics.     

Magnetic properties of the Lower Old Red Sandstone lavas in the Midland Valley,Scotland; palaeomagnetic and tectonic considerations

Thermal demagnetization studies of lavas in the Strathmore area of the Midland Valley, Scotland, support overall palaeomagnetic data found in previous studies of these rocks. Reduced directional scatter as compared to some earlier studies, is attributed to more effective demagnetization, resolving some of the directional complexity of previous studies. Combined magnetic fabric and directional analysis suggest that at least some deviating directions may be explained by local tectonism. The existence of almost antiparallel directional groups and field tests give supporting evidence for a “primary” (deuteric) origin of the main magnetization of these rocks. Additionally, a second remanence component having shallow reverse directions of magnetization, is attributed to later remagnetization in Old Red Sandstone time. The Midland Valley results are seen in conjunction with other Palaeozoic palaeomagnetic results and possible geodynamic implications are discussed.     

First Byurakan Spectral Sky Survey. Stars of Late Spectral Types. XI. Zone -7° ≤ δ ≤ -3°

The eleventh list of faint late M and carbon type stars detected on the plates of the First Byurakan Spectral Survey in zone -7° -3° and covering about 1000 square degrees is presented. From 126 detected stars, 88 are newly discovered objects: they are 6 carbon stars, 8 carbon star candidates, and 74 M-type stars; among the latter 38 (26 PSC + 12 FSC) are unclassified IRAS sources, and one object is an unclassified ROSAT source. Distances to the 6 newly discovered early-type carbon stars are estimated. Equatorial coordinates, red magnitudes, and spectral classes determined from the Palomar E-charts are provided. The lack of optical counterparts on Palomar O and E maps for two detected late M-type stars indicates a large variability in brightnesses of these objects (amplitude not smaller than 7.0 magnitude).