Lunar modulation on the occurrence frequency of the afternoon counter-electrojet events at Trivandrum

Distribution, over the lunar age, of the frequency of occurrence of the afternoon counter-electrojet events at Trivandrum during the period 1959–1978 is examined in each of the calendar months. A strong lunar modulation on the occurrence frequency is seen in January; this may be related to the global enhancement of the lunar tide during January. The modulation is also prominent in April, although 62% of the events in that month occur irrespective of the lunar age. The occurrence frequency at Trivandrum appears to be least influenced by the Moon in the northern summer months.     

Magnetic field configuration of the heliosphere in interstellar space

A model of the heliospheric magnetic field configuration is constructed by including a uniform interstellar magnetic field to the model proposed by Akasofu et al. (1980).     

Long term variations in solar flare activity

A statistical analysis of the contemporary (1954-1975) solar flare particle events has been made for the parametersF (integrated, proton fluence in cm^-2 in an event with kinetic energy above 10 MeV) andR ₀ (the characteristic rigidity). These data are compared with the long-term averaged values determined from stable- and radio-nuclide measurements of lunar samples. The analysis shows that the ancient solar flare proton spectrum was harder (higher R₀ values) compared to that observed in contemporary flares. A similar analysis can not be made for the mean long-term averaged flux (ˉJ, cm^-2 S^-1), since the contemporary averages suffer from an uncertainty due to the statistics of a single event. However, the average flux estimates for time durations 〈T〉 exceeding 10³ yr, are free from such uncertainties. The long-term averaged ˉJ values obtained over different time scales (10⁴ - 10⁶ yr) suggest a possible periodic variation in solar flare activity, with enhanced flux level during the last 10⁵ yr. The available data rule out the occurrence of giant flares, with proton fluence exceeding 10¹⁵ cm^-2 during the last million years.     

Optical depth effects on the formation of spectral lines in rotating and expanding spherical atmospheres

We have investigated the effects of increasing optical depths on spectral lines formed in a rotating and expanding spherical shell. We have assumed a shell whose outer radius is 3 times the inner radius, with the radial optical depths equal to 10, 50, 100, 500. We have employed a constant velocity with no velocity gradients in the shell. The shell is assumed to be rotating with velocities varying as 1/_ρ, where_ρ is the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation, implying the conservation of angular momentum. Two expansion (radial) velocities are treated: (1)V = 0 (static case) and (2)V = 10 mean thermal units. The maximum rotational velocities areV _rot = 0, 5, 10 and 20. In the shell where there are no radial motions, we obtain symmetric lines with emission in the wings forV _rot = 0 and 5 while forV _rot ≥ 10 we obtain symmetric absorption lines. In the case of an expanding shell, we obtain lines with central emission.     

Spectroscopic far ultraviolet observations of transition zone instabilities and their possible role in a pre-flare energy build-up

(1) Highly flare-productive new emerging active regions are characterized by numerous small low-lying loops which frequently show a chaotic pattern. (2) Flare activity in such a region subsides as the chaotic loop structures relax and expand into a bipolar configuration. (3) The transition zone in such an active region is highly unstable as shown by broadened and shifted non-thermal line profiles of medium ionized elements like Si iii, Si iv, C iv, etc. (4) These transition zone instabilities which occur as isolated events in active regions of low flare productivity are often observed prior to flares. (5) Transition zone instabilities can be traced to the footpoints of active loops, and seem to be accompanied by heating of the loop. (6) The loops vary in size and show differing degrees of activity, with the brightest and most compact ones seemingly being in a pre-flare state which results in the catastrophic energy release along the loop during a flare.     

On the relative magnitude of streaming velocities of alpha particles and protons at 1 AU

The occurrence at a heliocentric distance of 1 AU of alpha particle streaming velocities larger than proton streaming velocities,v /v _p >1 (Ogilvie, 1975) is investigated on the basis of the theory suggesting the existence in the solar wind of an accelerating force acting preferentially on the alpha particles.Accurate solution of the three-fluid model equations for the quiet solar wind indicates that anecessary andsufficient condition for (v /v _p )_{1 AU}>1 is the presence of a relativelyweak accelerating forceacting in a limited region in the vicinity of 1 AU. If the force is effectiveonly at small heliocentric distances, the alpha particle streaming velocity excess vanishes at distances less than 1 AU, because of the (equalization) action of the dynamical friction force.     

The structure and oscillations of low-mass stars in the presence of a magnetic field

The equilibrium structure and oscillations of a partially degenerate standard model in the presence of a poloidal magnetic field have been studied. The magnetic field in the interior has been matched with an outside dipole field. The effect of magnetic field on the various structural parameters, e.g., mass, central condensation, moment of inertia, and oblateness has been computed for different values of the central degeneracy of the model. We have also studied the effect of magnetic field on radial oscillations of the configuration. A variational formulation is used to compute the changes in the frequency of radial mode of oscillation. It has been shown that the changes in frequency computed for various models using a two-parameter eigenfunction are in fair agreement with the values obtained by using the exact eigenfunction.     

R-W cosmological models with zero-mass scalar fields for different equations of state

Spatially-flat cosmological models with interacting perfect fluid and zero-mass scalar field have been obtained under different equations of state and in presence of the scalar charge density associated with the Klein-Gordon equation assuming a special law of variation for the Hubble's parameter.     

The dynamo dilemma

The recent determination that the angular velocity of the Sun declines downward through the convective zone raises serious questions about the nature of the solar dynamo. The principal qualitative features of the Sun are the azimuthal fields that migrate toward the equator in association with an oscillating poloidal field which reverses at about the time of maximum appearance of bipolar magnetic regions. If decreases downward, or is negligible, the horizontal gradient in produces a dynamo with some of these essential characteristics. There is reason to think that the dynamo is confined to the lower half of the convective zone where has the opposite sign from the usual ( > 0 in the northern hemisphere) producing equatorward migration but reversing the sign of the associated poloidal field. Meridional circulation may play an essential role in shaping the dynamo. At the present time it is essential to measure accurately and determine the nature of the meridional circulation.Solar Cycle Workshop Paper.     

Effect of shocks on interstellar turbulence and cosmic-ray dynamics

A theoretical model for the interstellar turbulence is developed. In this model the fluctuation spectrum is formed due to reflection of shocks, produced by supernovae, on interstellar clouds. The spectra of turbulence and the diffusion coefficient of cosmic rays are derived. It is demonstrated that local enhancements of the ionization rate by cosmic rays accelerated by supernova shocks may be responsible for fast renewal of warm ionized envelopes around cores of standard ISM clouds.