measurement of noise power spectrum in photon counting PMT's and the effect of the observed (1/f) noise on astronomical photometry

In astronomical photometry, the sensitivity of observations is limited by the dark counts of the photomultiplier tube. In the present work, the effect of dark count noise in photon counting systems is investigated by theory and experimental measurements. Dark counts are considered to be originating from two sources, namely: dc fluctuations and random pulses.Experimental measurements were carried out to determine noise effects in different operating regions of noise dominance. The results provide strong evidence that: in normal operating mode, where the effect of random pulses is dominant, dark counts do not follow Poisson statistics. The observed noise shows strong (1/f) power spectrum, where the observed noise power is found to increase with time of observation.The results are important in photon counting systems operating under dark count limited mode. The conclusions drawn can be useful in obtaining more accurate error estimates and in assessing astronomical photometric observations and data reduction techniques.     

On the stability of particular solutions of the singly averaged Hill problem

We consider the particular solutions of the evolutionary system of equations in elements that correspond to planar and spatial circular orbits of the singly averaged Hill problem. We analyze the stability of planar and spatial circular orbits to inclination and eccentricity, respectively. We construct the instability regions of both particular solutions in the plane of parameters of the problem.     

Friedmann cosmology with a cosmological constant in the modified Brans-Dicke theory

Homogenous isotropic cosmologies in the presence of a cosmological constant A are studied in the modified Brans-Dicke theory. A class of exact solutions are obtained in Dicke's revised units for empty space as well as for the models filled with dust or radiation. Behaviour of these models near the singularity are discussed.     

On spatial characteristics of five-minute oscillations in the sunspot umbra

Using a differential method we have carried out observations of oscillations in six sunspots. Spectral lines Fe i 5434 Å and Fe i 5576 Å were used. Horizontal waves are not observed in the sunspot umbra photosphere. Results obtained indicate that, at least, the sunspot umbra oscillates as a single whole.     

Asymmetry of 56Ni ejecta and polarization in the type-IIP supernova 2004dj

I study the question of whether the asymmetry of ⁵⁶Ni ejecta that results in the asymmetry of the Hα emission line at the nebular epoch of the type-IIP supernova SN 2004dj can account for the recently detected polarization of the supernova radiation. I have developed a model of the Hα profile and luminosity with nonthermal ionization and excitation in a spherically symmetric envelope for an asymmetric bipolar ⁵⁶Ni distribution. I have calculated the polarized radiation transfer against the background of the recovered electron density distribution. The observed polarization is shown to be reproduced at the nebular epoch around day 140 for the same parameters of the envelope, and the ⁵⁶Ni distribution for which the evolution of the Hα luminosity and profile is explained. Yet the model polarization decreases with time more slowly than is observed. The origin of the additional component responsible for the early polarization on day 107 is discussed.     

Merging of low-mass systems and the origin of the fundamental plane

We present the preliminary results of a study of how small stellar systems merge to form larger ones. As we display the families of galaxies in the μ_e - R_e plane (effective surface brightness versus effective radius) we realize that different morphological types occupy different loci, evidencing the different physical mechanisms operating in each family. As proposed by Capaccioli et al. (1992) this diagram is the logical equivalent of the HR diagram for stars. Here we take some initial steps in understanding of how we can establish the evolutionary tracks, solely due to dynamical processes, in the μ_e - R_e plane, ultimately making a dwarf elliptical to turn into a normal elliptical galaxy. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A synthesis map of the sky at 34.5 MHz

This paper describes a wide-field survey made at 34.5 MHz using GEETEE,1 the low frequency telescope at Gauribidanur (latitude 13°36′12′′N). This telescope was used in the transit mode and by per forming 1-D synthesis along the north-south direction the entire observable sky was mapped in a single day. This minimized the problems that hinder wide-field low-frequency mapping. This survey covers the declination range of-50° to + 70° (- 33° to +61° without aliasing) and the complete 24 hours of right ascension. The synthesized beam has a resolution of 26′ x 42′ sec (δ- 14°. 1). The sensitivity of the survey is 5 Jy/beam (1σ). Special care has been taken to ensure that the antenna responds to all angular scale structures and is suitable for studies of both point sources and extended objects This telescope is jointly operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore and the Roman Research Institute, Bangalore.     

Chandrasekhar's perturbation method-oriented theories up to third order for uniformly and differentially-rotating polytropic stars: Error-removing techniques

In this paper we analyse error-removing techniques used without sufficient theoretical support in a previous paper, where Chandrasekhar's higher-order perturbation theories were developed for either uniformly or differentially-rotating polytropic stars.