Variations in the HCN/HNC abundance ratio in the Orion molecular cloud

We have used observations of the rare isotopes of HCN and HNC to determine the relative abundance of these two chemical isomers along the central ridge of the Orion molecular cloud. The abundance ratio [HCN]/[HNC] decreases by more than an order of magnitude from the relatively warm plateau and hot core sources toward the KL nebula to the colder, more quiescent clouds to the north and south. Even in the cooler regions, however, the ratio is an order of magnitude larger than that found in previous investigations of cold dark clouds. We determine the kinetic temperature in the regions we have studied from new observations of methylacetylene (CH3CCH), together with other recent estimates of the gas temperature near KL. The results suggest that the warmer portions of the cloud are dominated by different chemical pathways than those in the general interstellar cloud material.     

An analysis of the spectrum of the zeta geminorum

Four spectrograms of the cepheid Geminorum at different phases have been analysed for the determination of the abundances of various elements. The analysis shows that the atmosphere of Gem has an essentially solar composition.     

Culgoora radio and skylab euv observations of emerging magnetic flux in the lower corona

Detailed comparisons of Culgoora 160 MHz radioheliograms of solar noise storms and Skylab EUV spectroheliograms of coronal loop structures are presented. It is concluded that: (1) there is a close association between changes in large-scale magnetic fields in the corona and the onset or cessation of noise storms; (2) these coronal changes result from the emergence of new magnetic flux at the photospheric level; (3) although new magnetic flux at the photospheric level is often accompanied by an increase in flare activity the latter is not directly responsible for noise storm activity; rather the new magnetic flux diffuses slowly outwards through the corona at rates 1–2 km s^–1 and produces noise storms at 160 MHz 1–2 days later; (4) the coronal density above or in large-scale EUV loop systems is sufficiently dense to account for noise storm emission at the fundamental plasma frequency; (5) the scatter in noise storm positions can be accounted for by the appearance and disappearance of individual loops in a system.     

Polarimetry of comets: A review

Some attempts of polarimetric sounding of Comet Halley will be undertaken from the flyby probes. In order to facilitate the final planning and the future interpretation of these experiments we have done a thorough analysis of practically all available polarimetric observations. An emphasis is made on interpretation attempts and their discussion. The results of the phase dependence of polarization investigations are presented covering a wide range of phase angles . The chief peculiarities of this dependence are: maximum polarization at = 90, diminishing through zero at 20, negative values up to several per cent and a final growth to zero at zero . A division into gaseous and dusty comets on polarimetric basis is revealed. The wavelength dependence of polarization is discussed. The numerous results of detailed polarimetry are compared to the negative results of attempts to detect the elliptical polarization. New observational problems arising from the evidence given by the negative polarization at small phase angles and by the opposition effect recently discovered are discussed.     

Premature mortality in the Republic of Ireland

Regional variations in the incidence of premature deaths between 1971 and 1981 arc examined by mapping standardised mortality ratios for deaths under the age of 65. Premature mortality is also examined with regards to the number of years of normal life lost by those who die prematurely, using a specially defined unfulfilled life index. Unfulfilled life and premature deaths arc found to have a higher incidence in the major urban areas and a lower incidence in western counties, although there are some interesting differences in their spatial distributions. Differences with regard to sex. age at death and cause of death are also examined.     

Population development in Greater Santiago between 1970 and 1982: an analysis of district census results

"An attempt is made in the light of an analysis of population changes occurring in several sub-districts of Greater Santiago in the period between the last population censuses of 1970 and 1982, based on small-area census units (distritos and communas) to draw attention to the effects on the spatial growth of the city resulting from changed conditions in the political and juridical sphere since the change of power in 1973." The effect of changes in government policy concerning the liberalization of the property market and the illegal occupation of land are noted. (summary in ENG)     

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.     

Structure and origin of the cygnus superbubble

This paper summarizes and analyzes the results of radio optical, infrared, and X-ray observations of a large sector of the sky in the constellation Cygnus (19^h20^m-22^h, =30–50°;l ^II=65–90°, |b ^II|10°). This region is associated with an extended X-ray source referred to as the Cygnus superbubble. About a quarter of the superbubble region is occupied by the extensively investigated multicomponent thermal radio source Cyg X. The region contains eight OB-associations which, when projected on the sky, duplicate the outline of the X-ray superbubble. These associations contains 110 stars of high luminosity (about 40 Wolf-Rayet and Of stars). The observations suggest that the X-ray superbubble is not a single object. Between 50 and 75% of its X-ray emission can be ascribed to discrete sources, the rest being probably due to regions of coronal gas about 100 pc in diameter, created by stellar winds and, possibly, supernova explosions in individual associations. The objects that produce the X-ray and optical radiation of the presumed superbubble are located at distances from 0.5 to 2.5 kpc from the Sun in the Carina-Cygnus spiral arm. The eastern portion of the region presumed superbubble contains the associations Cyg OB7 and Cyg OB4 and is generally less than 1 kpc distant, while the western portion contains the associations Cyg OB1, 2, 3, 8, and 9 and is 1 to 2 kpc distant.     

Numerical simulations of comet nuclei: II. The effect of the dust mantle

The insulating effect of an evolving dust mantle is examined. The role of this mantle in determining the surface temperature of the ice core is studied as a function of the mass fraction of the dust in the ice-dust mixture and the thermal conductivity of the nucleus. Using the so-called “looselattice” model of D.A. Mendis and G.D. Brin (1977, Moon17, 359–372) (which was also extended to include cracks and pores in the mantle), it was found that both high dust to ice ratios and high core conductivities inhibit mantle blowoff. Indeed, it is often possible to build an essentially permanent dust mantle around an ice nucleus, so that the nucleus will take on an asteroidal appearance.     

A sociodemographic typology of middle-level regions in the USSR

"Oblast-level regions of the USSR are grouped and mapped in nine types and a number of subtypes to reflect a combination of demographic factors: level of urbanization, urban and rural population growth, and population density. The typology can be used to devise sets of spatially differentiated measures to carry out a demographic policy and to regulate the sociodemographic evolution of regions."