The β Cephei instability strip

We carried out a series of linear stability analyses of the radial and low-degree non-radial p modes for stellar models with initial masses of     . The stellar models were computed by using convective overshoot distance     , 0.25 and 0.40  H _P. Our numerical results show that the β Cephei instability strip forms a horn-shaped region pointing upwards near the main sequence on the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram (HRD). The lower part of the instability strip for the radial modes join the zero-age main-sequence (ZAMS) at     , while the top of the instability strip extends up to     . The instability strip for the non-radial modes is even wider. The overall instability strip is dominated by the radial and non-radial fundamental modes. The first overtone (the radial-order index     is also pulsationally unstable. We have shown that the β Cephei stability is almost independent of the overshoot parameter d _over used for the stellar models, while it depends critically on the metal abundance. With decreasing metal abundance, the instability region shrinks and eventually disappears for     .     

The Geminid Meteor Stream Activity Profile

The existence of two maxima of the activity of the Geminid meteor stream and the general shape of the stream activity (rate curve) are discussed. The data of visual and radar observations are compared to the results of mathematical simulation. The distribution of the orbits of meteoroids, which are observed on the Earth, is determined from the mathematical model. This distribution cannot as yet be confirmed or disproved because of the absence of appropriate experimental data.     

Starburst activity in a ROSAT narrow emission-line galaxy

We present multiwaveband photometric and optical spectropolarimetric observations of the R =15.9 narrow emission-line galaxy R117_A which lies on the edge of the error circle of the ROSAT X-ray source R117. The overall spectral energy distribution of the galaxy is well modelled by a combination of a normal spiral galaxy and a moderate-strength burst of star formation. The far-infrared and radio emission is extended along the major axis of the galaxy, indicating an extended starburst.
On positional grounds, the galaxy is a good candidate for the identification of R117, and the observed X-ray flux is very close to what would be expected from a starburst of the observed far-infrared and radio fluxes. Although an obscured high-redshift QSO cannot be entirely ruled out as contributing some fraction of the X-ray flux, we find no candidates to K =20.8 within the X-ray error box, and so conclude that R117_A is responsible for a large fraction, if not all, of the X-ray emission from R117.
Searches for indicators of an obscured AGN in R117_A have so far proven negative; deep spectropolarimetric observations show no signs of broad lines to a limit of 1 per cent and, for the observed far-infrared and radio emission, we would expect 10 times greater X-ray flux if the overall emission were powered by an AGN. We therefore conclude that the X-ray emission from R117 is dominated by starburst emission from the galaxy R117_A.     

Authors' Reply

Abstract— Jull et al. propose an alternative interpretation of our depth vs. ¹⁴C data measured on a peat core from the central Tunguska impact site (Rasmussen et al., 1999). We find that the proposed alternative is untenable.     

Abundances of [WC] central stars and their planetary nebulaee

We review elemental abundances derived for planetary nebula (PN) WCcentral stars and for their nebulae. Uncertainties in the abundances of[WC] stars are still too large to enable an abundance sequenceto be constructed. In particular it is not clear why the hotter [WCE]stars have C and O abundances which are systematically lower than those oftheir supposed precursors, the [WCL] stars. This abundance differencecould be real or it may be due to unaccounted-for systematic effects inthe analyses. Hydrogen might not be present in [WC] star winds asoriginallysuggested, since broad pedestals observed at the base of nebular lines canplausibly be attributed to high velocity nebular components. It isrecommended that stellar abundance analyses should be carried out withnon-LTE model codes, although recombination line analyses can provideuseful insights. In particular, C II dielectronic recombinationlines provide a unique means to determine electron temperatures in cool[WC] star winds. We then compare the abundances found for PNe which have [WC] central starswith those that do not. Numerous abundance analyses of PNe have beenpublished, but comparisons based on non-uniform samples and methods arelikely to lack reliability. Nebular C/H ratios, which might be expected todistinguish between PNe around H-poor and H-rich stars, are rather similarfor the two groups, with only a small tendency towards larger values fornebulae around H-deficient stars. Nebular abundances should be obtainedwith photoionization models using the best-fitting non-LTE modelatmosphere for the central star as the input. Heavy-metal line blanketingstill needs to be taken into consideration when modeling the central star,as its omission can significantly affect the ionizing fluxes as well asthe abundance determinations. We discuss the discrepancies between nebularabundances derived from collisionally excited lines and thosederived from optical recombination lines, a phenomenon that may havelinks with the presence of H-deficient central stars.     

Celestial-mechanical peculiarities of Uranus’s satellite system

We consider the structural peculiarities of Uranus’s satellite system associated with its separation into two groups: inner equatorial satellites moving in nearly circular orbits and distant irregular satellites with retrograde motion in highly elliptical orbits. The intermediate region is free from satellites in a wide range of semimajor axes. By analyzing the evolution of satellite orbits under the combined effect of solar attraction and Uranus’s oblateness, we offer a celestial-mechanical explanation for the absence of equatorial satellites in this region. M.L. Lidov’s studies during 1961–1963 have served as a basis for our analysis.     

High-temperature geothermal reservoir possibilities in Hungary

Theoretical studies have shown the possibility of high-temperature ('high enthalpy') geothermal reservoirs in the pre-Tertiary rocks at 4–5 km depth range within the Pannonian Basin. This expectation was proven by the hotwater/steam blowout of Fábiánsebestyén-4 borehole (16.12.85–31.1.86). Exploration efforts carried out during 1987–88 in the broad vicinity of the borehole proved that reservoirs of this type can be found with the combination of seismic reflection, silica-thermometry and magnetotelluric sounding methods. Deliberate prospection should be continued in all suitable areas within the basin, since high enthalpy reservoirs promise profitable operation of geothermal power stations.