Probability imaging of the bright double star ζ Aqr in the infrared

The technique of probability imaging is applied to the bright, well resolved, infrared binary star Aqr. It is shown how the second probability density function (pdf) contains all pertinent information to reconstruct the binary system with no ambiguity. Relations between the second pdf and other techniques (speckle masking technique and fork algorithm) are briefly indicated. An analysis of the behaviour of the second pdf under additive signal-independent nose is undertaken. As expected from the general theory of signal processing, the second pdf of the noise is found to blur the second pdf of the signal by means of a convolution relation.Based on observations obtained at ESO, La Silla, Chile.     

Further confirmation of the non-eclipsing nature of the RS CVn system V775 Her

Due to the extensive photoelectric observations made at the Ege University Observatory in 1988, we have found no evidence for any eclipse in the light curve of this newly classified RS CVn system V775 Her. The shapes and behaviour of the light curves obtained at different time intervals clearly suggest the existence of a migrating wave, which is typical of that seen in most RS CVn binaries. The amplitude of the wave-like distortion seems to be slightly less than 0.1 mag. The migration period for the wave-like distortion is roughly found to be between 8 and 10 months.Paper presented at the 11th European Regional Astronomical Meetings of the IAU on New Windows to the Universe, held 3–8 July, 1989, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.     

Investigation of the electrostatic charging of dust particles in a Paul-trap

Dust particles (glass, tungsten, and nickel) with sizes ranging from 0.25 to 3m were levitated in a Paul-trap and charged by ions or electrons. For ions the particle potential is limited at field strength of about 1×10⁹ V m^–1 by a temperature-dependent discharge mechanism. The particles interaction with 2 to 20 keV electrons always leads to positive surface potentials which can be explained in terms of a decreased absorption of electrons by small particles. Micrometer sized agglomerates were used for the investigation of the electrostatic fragmentation. Fragmentation takes place in a twofold manner: small surface flufl can be removed or the parent particle can be disrupted into smaller agglomerates.Paper presented at the 11th European Regional Astronomical Meetings of the IAU on New Windows to the Universe, held 3–8 July, 1989, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.     

Multifrequency behayiour of the dwarf nova SS Cygni

Several years of coordinated multifrequency observations of the dwarf nova SS Cygni have been performed in order to study the accretion behaviour of this system in particular, and in general to clarify this crucial problem for the cataclysmic variables.From IUE measurements, together with those from optical and IR ground based telescopes, we have found orbital modulations in the continuum and in the equivalent widths of the emission lines. During quiescent phases the behaviour of SS Cygni are dependent on the type of the preceding outburst (long-type or short-type).In this paper we will discuss the physical implications one can derive from these results.Paper presented at the 11th European Regional Astronomical Meetings of the IAU on New Windows to the Universe, held 3–8 July, 1989, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.Based on the observations performed with IUE (VILSPA) satellite, and with the telescopes of the Loiano and Roque de los Muchachos Observatories.     

Velocity fields associated with the magnetic component of solar faculae

The StokesV asymmetries observed in solar faculae can be interpreted by invoking the presence of magnetic and velocity fields variations along the line-of-sight. By means of a perturbative approach, we develop the theoretical dependence on magnetic and velocity fields of the StokesV profile around its zero-crossing point. We find that the empirical curves of growth for theV zero-crossing point and the slope, as well as the curve of growth for the integral (previously derived by Sánchez Almeidaet al., 1989, through the same approach), are reproduced quite well with a single atmosphere which assumes such simultaneous variations.The depth dependence of the fields that give the best fit in our model presents several striking properties which cannot be released without totally compromising the goodness of the fit. Namely, the magnetic field strength increases towards the observer while the downflowing velocity field decreases. Both variations must occur co-spatially, in the same atmospheric layers. This fact seems to contradict theoretical models for the fanning out parts of magnetic concentrations which foresee a sharp separation between a static magnetic layer and a deep zone with velocity fields. We discuss a possible solution of such contradiction in terms of a finite optical thickness of the boundary layer between zones with and without magnetic field in faculae.Paper presented at the 11th European Regional Astronomical Meetings of the IAU on New Windows to the Universe, held 3–8 July, 1989, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.     

Eta carinae nebulosities in 1963

The purpose of this note is to give further information regarding the positions of some condensations around Carinae in 1963, an epoch not yet considered in the literature. The new information is unable to confirm the deceleration hypothesis of theeir motion.     

A revised version of synchrotron radiation in a magnetized plasma

We analyze the propagation features of synchrotron radiation of a charge moving with a gyrating helix trajectory (3-dimensional) in a magnetoplasma. We found that a new factor (1+ cot ) should be included into the relevant spectrum radiation formulae and the usual relativistic factor has to be modified as , ifv <v _g , the radiative energy are more concentrated along the velocity of the moving charge; but ifv>v _g, the direction of maximum energy cone deviates from the direction of the moving charge.     

CCD BV photometry of the old rich open cluster king 2

We present preliminary results of CCD BV photometry of the old open cluster King 2. The values obtained for the main parameters are:E(B-V)=0.31, (m-M)₀=13.78, metal content approximately solar, and age 6×10⁹ yr. From the comparison with synthetic colour-mgnitude diagrams generated by models with overshoot we try to answer the question whether or not convective elements generated in the core can penetrate into the surrounding stable zone (separated by a discontinuity of molecular weight).Paper presented at the 11th European Regional Astronomical Meetings of the IAU on New Windows to the Universe, held 3–8 July, 1989, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.     

Experimental investigation of the elastic modulus of a fractal system—A model of fractured rocks

The elastic properties of a physical model representing a damaged rock matrix were studied using a square lattice deformed under tensile stress. The elastic modulusM of such a system varies in agreement with percolation theory as|x–x _c | ^f , wherex is the damage parameter andx _c the threshold value of the damage parameter,f3.6. Atxx _c the scale dependence ofM can be expressed asML ^–f/v , whereL is the size of the sample andv the correlation exponent in percolation theory.The experimental results are of interest in assessing elastic properties in earthquake focal zones and fault zones in general.     

Recent crustal subsidence at Yellowstone Caldera,Wyoming

Following a period of net uplift at an average rate of 15±1 mm/year from 1923 to 1984, the east-central floor of Yellowstone Caldera stopped rising during 1984–1985 and then subsided 25±7 mm during 1985–1986 and an additional 35±7 mm during 1986–1987. The average horizontal strain rates in the northeast part of the caldera for the period from 1984 to 1987 were: ₁ = 0.10 ± 0.09 strain/year oriented N33° E±9° and ₂ = 0.20 ± 0.09 strain/year oriented N57° W±9° (extension reckoned positive). A best-fit elastic model of the 1985–1987 vertical and horizontal displacements in the eastern part of the caldera suggests deflation of a horizontal tabular body located 10±5 km beneath Le Hardys Rapids, i.e., within a deep hydrothermal system or within an underlying body of partly molten rhyolite. Two end-member models each explain most aspects of historical unrest at Yellowstone, including the recent reversal from uplift to subsidence. Both involve crystallization of an amount of rhyolitic magma that is compatible with the thermal energy requirements of Yellowstone's vigorous hydrothermal system. In the first model, injection of basalt near the base of the rhyolitic system is the primary cause of uplift. Higher in the magmatic system, rhyolite crystallizes and releases all of its magmatic volatiles into the shallow hydrothermal system. Uplift stops and subsidence starts whenever the supply rate of basalt is less than the subsidence rate produced by crystallization of rhyolite and associated fluid loss. In the second model, uplift is caused primarily by pressurization of the deep hydrothermal system by magmatic gas and brine that are released during crystallization of rhyolite and them trapped at lithostatic pressure beneath an impermeable self-sealed zone. Subsidence occurs during episodic hydrofracturing and injection of pore fluid from the deep lithostatic-pressure zone into a shallow hydrostatic-pressure zone. Heat input from basaltic intrusions is required to maintain Yellowstone's silicic magmatic system and shallow hydrothermal system over time scales longer than about 10⁵ years, but for the historical time period crystallization of rhyolite can account for most aspects of unrest at Yellowstone, including seismicity, uplift, subsidence, and hydrothermal activity.