On proton and electron acceleration by shock waves during large solar flares

The data on optical, X-ray and gamma emission from proton flares, as well as direct observations of flare-associated phenomena, show energetic proton acceleration in the corona rather than in the flare region. In the present paper, the acceleration of protons and accompanying relativistic electrons is accounted for by a shock wave arising during the development of a large flare. We deal with a regular acceleration mechanism due to multiple reflection of resonance protons and fast electrons from a collisionless shock wave front which serves as a moving mirror. The height of the most effective acceleration in the solar corona is determined. The accelerated particle energy and density are estimated. It is shown in particular that a transverse collisionless shock wave may produce the required flux of protons with energy of 10 MeV and of relativistic electrons of 1–10 MeV.The proposed scheme may also serve as an injection mechanism when the protons are accelerated up to relativistic energies by other methods.     

An indirect mechanism for the production of O(1S) in the aurora

Recent laboratory measurements of the deactivation rate constants for O(¹S) have suggested that the dominant production mechanism for the green line in the nightglow is a two-step process. A similar mechanism involving energy transfer from an excited state of molecular oxygen is considered as a potential source of the OI (5577 Å) emission in the aurora. It is shown that the mechanism, $\text{O}{}_2\text{+ e → O}{}_2{}^1\text{+ e O}{}_2{}^1\text{+ O → O}{}_2\text{+ O(}{}^1\text{S}\text{)}$, is consistent with auroral observations; the intermediate excited state has been tentatively identified as the O₂(c¹∑^?_u) state. For the proposed energy transfer mechanism to be the primary source of the auroral green line, the peak electron impact cross-section for O₂¹ production must be approximately 2 × 10^?17 cm².     

Photoelectric lightcurve and period of rotation of the asteroid 182 Elsa

Photoelectric observations on five consecutive nights yield a period of rotation of 80 ± 2 hr with an amplitude of 0.7 magnitude for 182 Elsa, making it the longest period of rotation known to date. 182 Elsa is classed as an S object with a diameter of 48 km.     

Photometric properties of outer planetary satellites

We present optical broadband photometry for the satellites J6, J7, J8, S7, S9, U3, U4, N1, and polarimetry for J6, obtained between 1970 and 1979. The outer Jovian satellites resemble C-type asteroids; J6 has a rotational lightcurve with period ～9.5 hr. The satellites beyond Jupiter also show C-like colors with the exception of S7 Hyperion. S9 Phoebe has a rotational lightcurve with period near either 11.25 or 21.1 hr. For U4 and N1 there is evidence for a lightcurve synchronous with the orbital revolution. The seven brighter Saturnian satellites show a regular relation between the ultraviolet dropoff and distance to the planet, probably related with differences in the rock component on their surfaces.     

On the convective instability of finitely conducting viscous model chromosphere

The convective stability of a simple model chromosphere, consisting of protons, electrons and hydrogen atoms in the ground state, has been studied in the presence of a vertically upward uniform magnetic field to include the effects of FLR, Hall-currents, finite conductivity and ionization. The ionization in the chromosphere is collisional and the recombination is radiative. It is found that the Schwarzchild criterion should necessarily be satisfied for the stability together with the condition thatv > 2v ₀, where is kinematic viscosity andv ₀ is gyroviscosity. Some special cases have also been investigated.     

Rare opportunity for information on the upper atmosphere of Saturn

We report on taking, successfully, the rare opportunity to monitor photoelectrically the eclipse of Saturn's largest satellite (Titan) and present a light curve. Comparing this light curve with similar ones obtained for Jovian satellites we deduce the Saturnian stratosphere to be relatively clear, at least at the latitude (25° S) probed.     

A numerical study of aerosol growth in Titan's atmosphere

We present a simple model for the formation and growth of photochemical aerosols in the atmosphere of Titan. We show that, in general, an optically thick layer of particles in the size range required by models of Titan cannot be obtained at pressures less than about 2 mbar. Since the thin model of Titan's atmosphere requires that the inversion not extend below pressures of 0.11 mbar (D. M. Hunten and J. J. Caldwell, 1978, preprint), it seems to be ruled out by the calculations.     

The eruptive evolution of the Galilean satellites: Implications for the ancient magnetic field of Jupiter

The hypothesis considering the Jupiter-Sun system as a limiting case of a close binary star implies the initial relative ice abundances in all the Galilean satellites to be essentially equal. The satellites move in the Jovian magnetosphere; thus the unipolar current flowing through their bodies subjected their ices to volumetric electrolysis. Explosions of the electrolysis products resulted in a loss of ices. While Callisto did not explode at all, Ganymede exploded once, Europa twice, and Io two or three times. An analysis of the magnetic field changes needed to create the modern ice abundances in the satellite shows:

1. the initial field of Jupiter was ～10² times stronger when compared with the present-day field, and
2. the field had to decrease exponentially with τ_2| ≈ (0.6?1), which means its relic nature.

     

Estimation of coronal magnetic field from razin effect in solar decametric continuum burst

A solar flare of importance 1B which occurred at 06:36 UT on April 27, 1979 on the solar disk (N 20, E 16) produced intense radio bursts. The most interesting feature of this event is the observation of a strong continuum radiation (type IV) starting at 06:53 UT and lasting for about 10 min in the decametric range. This continuum radiation displayed sharp low frequency cut-off, which varied from about 40 to 30 MHz in a quasiperiodic manner and could be attributed to Razin effect. The perturbation of this cut-off frequency is interpreted as that induced by the passing MHD shock wave through the region of the trapped energetic electrons. Assuming model electron density values and using the observed cut-off frequency, the magnitude of coronal magnetic field around 2R from Sun center works out to be about 6 G.