Nonlinear wave conversion in electron-positron plasmas

Wave conversion mechanisms causing large-frequency shifts are considered for an electron-positron plasma in a strong magnetic field. In particular, we discuss the effects of the nonlinear erenkov as well as the cyclotron resonances in order to associate pulsar radio-emissions with our present model for nonlinear conversion of high-frequency radiation into the low-frequency region.     

Accuracy of close binary mass determinations from parallaxes

Absolute masses for W Ursae Majoris and Algol-type close binaries can be determined from their parallax, if observed, and the relative sizes of the stars and their mass ratio, obtained from a light curve solution. An error propagation study compares the typical order of magnitude of the various terms involved, and shows how accurate parallaxes have to be in order to make the procedure work, i.e., making the parallax term not larger than the combined non-parallax terms, and producing reasonably low mass errors. Some comments are made on the possibilities with respect to the HIPPARCOS program.Communication presented at the International Conference on Astrometric Binaries, held on 13–15 June, 1984, at the Remeis-Sternwarte Bamberg, Germany, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel (1784–1846).     

Gravitational instability of interstellar magnetic clouds

The gravitational instability of a nonrotating isothermal gaseous disk permeated by a uniform frozen-in magnetic field is investigated using a fourth-order perturbation technique. From the results it is found that the disk is stable whenn/B ₀ < (4/3³ G)^–1/2, wheren andB are the column density of the disk and unperturbed magnetic field, respectively, andG is the gravitational constant. The disk is gravitationally unstable only whenn/B ₀ > (4/3³ G)^–1/2.     

The diameter of the sun at decameter wavelengths

Using observations obtained with the Clark Lake radioheliograph we determined the diameter of the Sun in the decameter wavelength range. Both equatorial and polar diameters increase with decreasing frequency, as D=Af . The eccentricity of the brightness distribution appears to remain constant in the frequency range (30–74 MHz) in good agreement with the optical results in a corresponding height range. The smaller size of the polar diameter is attributed to coronal holes covering the poles during the period of our observations, while streamers were observed at the equator most of the time.     

Energetic ions in solar γ-ray flares

Solar flares emit line and continuum -radiation as well as neutrons and charged particles. These high-energy emissions require the presence of energetic ions within the magnetic structures of the flare proper. We have already learned a great deal about the location and mode of particle acceleration. The observations have now become extensive enough so that we can begin to study the dynamics of the energetic ions within the flare structures themselves. This paper reviews the -ray and neutron observations and the theory of their emission, and discusses on this basis the presence of energetic ions deep within the flaring atmosphere.     

Candidates for astrometric or direct-imaging detection of extra-solar planets,and comments on the photometric method

Knowledge of a star's rotation period and ν sin i can be used to select stars that are seen pole-on, and thus are well suited to planetary searches by astrometric or direct-imaging means. A table of such stars is presented. This method is not suitable for discriminating equator-on systems and so cannot be used to select candidates for the photometric method of W. J. Borucki and A. L. Summers (1984, Icarus58, 121–134).     

The blanketing in the rocket ultraviolet from 225.2 to 319.6 nm

The blanketing effect for the solar disc center and its value near the limb (cos = 0.23) are obtained for the rocket ultraviolet region using the Harvard center and limb spectra. The value of for the disc center appears to be 0.67 (on average) relative to the quasicontinuum. The essential decrease of towards the limb is also revealed.     

On the collision probability for comets with the Sun

We consider the collision probability for comets with the Sun under the suppositions of different velocity distributions and various initial conditions. We solve the problem applying Laplace's method and using Schiaparelli's hyperboloid of visibility. The probabilities obtained in this manner are given separately for elliptic and hyperbolic orbits.     

Effect of the Coriolis force and slowly varying flow on the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability

The effect of the Coriolis force on the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability has been investigated, in which basic velocities of fluid are varying slowly with lateral coordinatey. The problem is solved by J.W.K.B. approximation method. Parabolic and other types of profiles for wide long channel flow have also been studied in detail.     

The impact of migration on the spatial structure of rural settlement

"Changes in the system of settlement in Staraya Russa Rayon, Novgorod Oblast [USSR], are traced. Migration from peripheral areas of the rayon to the suburban zone of Staraya Russa and to larger inhabited places along highways has transformed the historical pattern of settlement focused on river valleys into a new pattern focused on the central city of Staraya Russa, i.e., from the traditional dendritic configuration into a monocentric pattern. The impact of the migration process on land use is discussed, and it is suggested that abandoned peripheral villages be converted to recreation uses."