An analysis of the derivation of Friedmann's Equation

In the introductive section a deeper specification is made of the physical meaning of the terms in the Friedmann Equation (FE). After that, assuming validity of Mach's Principle, it is deduced (Section 2) that the FE for the radiation-dominated phase of the evolution of the Universe (which is considered to be closed) is valid even for the matter-dominated era. On the other hand, such a form of the FE is shown to be irrelevant when used for deducing how the frequency of the 3K-photons depends on the radius of the Universe. The solution of the dilemma turns out to have its roots in the way in which the relativistic gravitational potentials are composed, together with the fact that the cosmic potential of the closed Universe is equal to –1. Consequently, the equation one uses for the matter-dominated era is shown to be proper for both the main phases of the cosmological evolution (Section 3). In Section 4, the deduction of the critical density-value is revised, and the new result shortly discussed. In Section 5 it is concluded that there is only one possible value for the maximum radius of our Universe, specific for the initial condition due to the FE. Nevertheless, it is not excluded that other smaller universes can exist. In the final section a modified soabubble analogy with the first law of thermodynamics is used to describe the dynamics of the cosmological expansion, and, in this context, the importance of Mach's Principle is pointed out.     

Improvements of drilling fluid processing for cable-suspended electromechanical drills

Deep ice drilling in Polar Regions plays a key role in paleo-climate, microbiological and glaciological researches. For deep ice and subglacial coring the special purpose-built electromechanical cable-suspended drills with bottom-hole circulation are designed and explored. Used at present drilling fluid circulation systems are specified by very high fluid wastes during processing. Measurements in deep drilling projects in Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets showed that 25%-40% of the drilling fluid, pumped into the hole, is retrieved to the surface with cable and drill, and up to 45% of retrieved fluid goes to waste. This leads not only to increasing of the fluid consumption and cost of the project in general but also to severe contamination of air, surface and near-surface snow-firn layers at the drilling site. In order to reduce wastes and environmental impact, it is proposed to modify drilling fluid processing system by avoiding of evaporation and leakages of fluid as far as practicable. Drilling fluid is prepared and pumped into the hole according to predetermined program on semiautomatic mode, and volume and density of blended and pumped into the hole drilling fluid are measured continuously. Components of the drilling fluid are stored and mixed in the special closed containers equipped by pressure relief valves. Separation of drilling fluid from ice cuttings is carried out by two steps: firstly, fluid is separated with hydro extractor and then with thermal separator. To reduce the amount of removed drilling fluid with cable special squeezing collar is installed on the borehole mouth. All these arrangements are able to decrease drilling fluid wastes in many times.     

The Friedmann universe and the world potential

In Section 1 of the paper the energy equation of the Friedmann universe, when matter dominates over radiation, is discussed. It is known that the value of the world potential is constant everywhere in the Universe, despite the pulsation motion of the Universe or a possible transformation of pulsation energy into matter or vice versa. The condition for the Universe being closed is deduced. Furthermore, the possibility to define the mass-energy of the Universe is discussed; and the conclusion is arrived at that the mass-energy of the Universe relative to an observer in the non-metric space outside the Universe is equal to zero; i.e. the Universe originated as a vacuum fluctuation. Finally, the view-point of an external observer is described. Such an observer can claim that our closed Universe is a black hole in a non-metric empty space. Besides, the differences between such a black hole and the astrophysical black holes are indicated.In Section 2 the origin of the gravitational force retarding the expansion is discussed, using the properties of the relativistic gravitational potential. In contradiction to Section 1, the view-point of an inner observer (inside the Universe) is used here. It is concluded that the boundary of the closed Universe is an unlocalizable potential barrier.In Section 3 of the paper the apparent discrepancy between Mach's principle and the general theory of relativity is resolved. The solution is based on the fact that, for the Euclidean open universe, the concept of mass is related to the potential of the background equal to –1, but the concept of the mass-energy is related to the zero-potential of the non-metric background. Because the universe is open and a potential barrier (a boundary of the universe) can be localized-i.e. is geometrically existing — by solution of the field equation, we have to refer to the background with zero-potential. The principal idea of the solution is then that the zero-density means the density of mass-energy, when simultaneously the mass density is equal to the critical value for which the Robertson-Walker metric becomes the Euclidean metric of the Minkowski (i.e., flat) space-time. Further a generalization of Newton's law of inertia is formulated, and the properties of nullgeodesics are touched upon. As a conclusion it is stated that this paper and the two previous ones (see Voráek, 1979a, b)de facto express Mach's principle.     

Tidal tails of star clusters

Based on recent findings of a formation mechanism of substructure in tidal tails by Küpper et al., we investigate a more comprehensive set of N -body models of star clusters on orbits about a Milky Way like potential. We find that the predicted epicyclic overdensities arise in any tidal tail no matter which orbit the cluster follows as long as the cluster lives long enough for the overdensities to build up.
The distance of the overdensities along the tidal tail from the cluster centre depends for circular orbits only on the mass of the cluster and the strength of the tidal field, and therefore decreases monotonically with time, while for eccentric orbits the orbital motion influences the distance, causing a periodic compression and stretching of the tails and making the distance oscillate with time. We provide an approximation for estimating the distance of the overdensities in this case.
We describe an additional type of overdensity which arises in extended tidal tails of clusters on eccentric orbits, when the acceleration of the tidal field on the stellar stream is no longer homogeneous. Moreover, we conclude that a pericentre passage or a disc shock is not the direct origin of an overdensity within a tidal tail. Escape due to such tidal perturbations does not take place immediately after the perturbation but is rather delayed and spread over the orbit of the cluster. All observable overdensities are therefore of the mentioned two types. In particular, we note that substructured tidal tails do not imply the existence of dark matter substructures in the haloes of galaxies.     

Analysis of instrumental observations of the Jesenice meteorite fall on April 9, 2009

Abstract– We report an analysis of instrumental observations of a very bright fireball which terminated with a meteorite fall near the town of Jesenice in Slovenia on April 9, 2009, at 0h59m46s UT. The fireball designated EN090409 was recorded photographically and photoelectrically by two southern stations of the Czech part of the European Fireball Network (EN). Simultaneously, a part of the luminous trajectory was also captured by two all‐sky CCD systems and one video camera of the Slovenian meteor network. In addition to these optical recordings, the sonic booms produced by the Jesenice fireball were detected at 16 seismic stations located within 150 km of the trajectory. From all these records, we reconstructed the fireball’s atmospheric trajectory, basic geophysical data, the possible impact area, and the original heliocentric orbit of the meteoroid. Using a detailed fireball light curve, we modeled the atmospheric fragmentation of the meteoroid. Both the atmospheric behavior and the heliocentric orbit proved to be quite normal in comparison with other observed meteorite falls. The Jesenice orbit is markedly different from the P?íbram and Neuschwanstein orbital meteorite pair, which fell on similar dates (April 7, 1959, and April 6, 2002, respectively). Three meteorites with a total weight of 3.6 kg (until April 2010) were found in a high mountain area near the town of Jesenice. They are classified as L6 ordinary chondrites ( Bischoff et al. 2010 ).     

The possible compatibility of Einstein's general theory of relativity,Mach's principle,and Rosen's bimetric theory,in relation to Horák's cosmic potential

Mach's principle is formulated in two different ways, heuristic and mathematical. Known problems of the principle are listed and two of them, the problem of its validity in the case the Universe is open and the boundary condition problem, are analyzed separately. Moreover, the history of the cosmic potential is outlined and a short modification of Horák's deduction of the potential is presented together with a discussion on the conditions of the solution. The conclusions are drawn that the Universe is closed and that Mach's principle is compatible with the general theory of relativity, provided that the Big Bang did not start from a singularity but from finite volume and density. In the last section it is shown that Rosen's bimetric theory is compatible with our picture of the Universe.     

The formation of a bound star cluster: from the Orion nebula cluster to the Pleiades

Direct N -body calculations are presented of the formation of Galactic clusters using GasEx , which is a variant of the code Nbody6 . The calculations focus on the possible evolution of the Orion nebula cluster (ONC) by assuming that the embedded OB stars explosively drove out 2/3 of its mass in the form of gas about 0.4 Myr ago. A bound cluster forms readily and survives for 150 Myr despite additional mass loss from the large number of massive stars, and the Galactic tidal field. This is the very first time that cluster formation is obtained under such realistic conditions. The cluster contains about 1/3 of the initial 10⁴ stars, and resembles the Pleiades cluster to a remarkable degree, implying that an ONC-like cluster may have been a precursor of the Pleiades. This scenario predicts the present expansion velocity of the ONC, which will be measurable by upcoming astrometric space missions. These missions should also detect the original Pleiades members as an associated expanding young Galactic-field subpopulation. The results arrived at here suggest that Galactic clusters form as the nuclei of expanding OB associations.
The results have wide implications, also for the formation of globular clusters and the Galactic-field and halo stellar populations. In view of this, the distribution of binary orbital periods and the mass function within and outside the model ONC and Pleiades is quantified, finding consistency with observational constraints. Advanced mass segregation is evident in one of the ONC models. The calculations show that the primordial binary population of both clusters could have been much the same as is observed in the Taurus–Auriga star-forming region. The computations also demonstrate that the binary proportion of brown dwarfs is depleted significantly for all periods, whereas massive stars attain a high binary fraction.     

Russian researchers reach subglacial Lake Vostok in Antarctica

Opening a new scientific frontier lying under the Antarctic ice, Russian researchers have drilled down and finally reached the surface of the gigantic freshwater lake, Lake Vostok. The mission chief likened the achievement to placing a man on the moon. Drilling in the area of the lake began 22 years ago in 1990, but progressed slowly as a result of funding shortages, equipment breakdowns, difficulties of drilling in the ＂warm＂ ice, and environmental concerns. In 1996, six years after drilling was started, a group of Russian and British scientists discovered the lake believed to be one of the largest fresh water reservoirs on the planet. This lake is among the last unexplored places on Earth. Sealed from the Earth＇s atmosphere for millions of years, it may provide vital information about microbial evolution, the past climate of the Earth, and the formation of the Antarctic ice sheet. Russian experts waited several years for international approval of their drilling technology before proceeding. As anticipated, lake water under pressure rushed up the borehole, pushing the drilling fluid up and away, then froze, forming a protective plug that prevented contamination of the lake. In December of the next Antarctic season, 2012--2013, researchers plan to re-drill the frozen sample of subglacial water for analysis.     

From beyond the Big Bang to the end of the Planck era of the Universe

The state ante beyond the Big Bang is described as a non-metrical space devoid of time, and some circumstances are discussed. It is also concluded that the non-metrical space outside our closed Universe is identical with the stateante.Further, the conclusion is made that the virtual pairs production cannot occur in a space without any metric; then, the virtual pairs (the matter) and space had to arise together within the Planck era of the Universe, where it was not possible to arrange events in order of time. Consequently, the origin of the virtual pairs and of space could be mutually determined and synchronous. The sum of binding energies of the pairs at the same time both already were and only were becoming the binding gravitational energy of the closed Universe. The non-locality phenomenon (the Einstein-Rosen-Podolski paradox) is then considered as a possible explanation for the causal interconnection of the Universe.Another possible mechanism is proposed, namely the quantum tunneling effect, this is but combined with the special conditions existing during the Planck era. Moreover, the creational process is assumed to be an optimal quantum phenomenon possibly governed by as yet unknown laws. The role of the Planck density is analyzed and the conclusion is made that probably only one option exists for the results of the creational process: the closed quasi-Euclidean universe. The causal interconnection of our Universe would then only be apparent.In the final section a philosophical problem is found: in the stateante the law of probability was valid without the existence of the objects necessary in order for the law to actually exist; thus, it would be a law of divine character.     

Potential forest fire danger over Northern Eurasia: Changes during the 20th century

Significant climatic changes over Northern Eurasia during the 20th century have been reflected in numerous variables of economic, social, and ecological interest, including the natural frequency of forest fires. For the former USSR, we are now using the Global Daily Climatology Network and a new Global Synoptic Data Network archive, GSDN, created jointly by U.S. National Climatic Data Center and Russian Research Institute for Hydrometeorological Information. Data from these archives (approximately 1500 of them having sufficiently long meteorological time series suitable for participation in our analyses) are employed to estimate systematic changes in indices used in the United States and Russia to assess potential forest fire danger. We use four indices: (1) Keetch–Byram Drought Index, (KBDI; this index was developed and widely used in the United States); (2) Nesterov, (3) Modified Nesterov, and (4) Zhdanko Indices (these indices were developed and widely used in Russia). Analyses show that after calibration, time series of the days with increased potential forest fire danger constructed using each of these three indices (a) are well correlated and (b) deliver similar conclusions about systematic changes in the weather conditions conducive to forest fires. Specifically, over the Eastern half of Northern Eurasia (Siberia and the Russian Far East) statistically significant increases in indices that characterize the weather conditions conducive to forest fires were found. These areas coincide with the areas of most significant warming during the past several decades south of the Arctic Circle. West of the Ural Mountains, the same indices show a steady decrease in the frequency of “dry weather summer days” during the past 60 yr. This study is corroborated with available statistics of forest fires and with observed changes in drought statistics in agricultural regions of Northern Eurasia.