ASCA observations of two SGRs SGR1806-20 and SGR0526-66

ASCA has observed two Soft Gamma-ray burst Repeaters (SGRs) among three known. This is a short report of the two SGRs, 1806–20 and 0526–66(N49). The observed X-ray characteristics favor a spin-powered system for SGR1806-20 and no ASCA detection of the hard X-ray component from SGR0526–66 suggests a very soft spectrum of the ROSAT HRI X-ray point source.     

Extended dust shells around carbon stars resolved by “HIRAS”

We have examined forty-two carbon stars which show excess emission at 60 and/or 100µm by applying maximum-entropy image reconstruction techniques to the IRAS 60µm survey data. Thirteen stars are found to be extended in the reconstructed images. Four of them show a detached ring centered on the stellar position. In particular, U Ant may have a double detached dust shell. The implications of our results are discussed concerning the variation of mass loss on the AGB evolution.     

The intermediate orbit of resonance asteroids of the Hecuba family constructed on the basis of solution of the internal variant of the generalized problem of the three fixed centres

On the basis of the solution of the internal variant of the generalized problem of three fixed centres (taking as an example a minor planet of 108 Hecuba) an intermediate orbit of the resonance asteroids of the Hecuba family has been constructed. Comparison of the results obtained from the formulae with observations and also with the results of Isaeva (1976) showed that in investigating the motion of the celestial bodies it would be reasonable to use the orbits of the internal variant of the generalized problem of three fixed centres.     

Mass flow and the validity of ionization equilibrium on the Sun

Ionization equilibrium is a useful assumption which allows temperatures and other plasma properties to be deduced from spectral observations. Inherent to this assumption is the premise that the ion stage densities are determined solely by atomic processes which are local functions of the plasma temperature and electron density. However, if the time scale of plasma flow through a temperature gradient is less than the characteristic time scale for an important atomic process, deviations from the ionization stage densities expected for equilibrium will occur which could introduce serious errors into subsequent analyses. In the past few years, significant flow velocities in the upper solar atmosphere have been inferred from observations of emission lines originaing in the transition region (about 10⁴–10⁶ K) and corona. In this paper, three models of the solar atmosphere (quiet Sun, coronal hole, and a network model) are examined to determine if the emission expected from these model atmospheres could be produced from equilibrium ion populations when steady flows of several kilometers per second are assumed. If the flows are quasi-periodic instead of steady, spatial and temporal averaging inherent in the observations may allow for the construction of satisfactory models based on the assumption of ionization equilibrium. Representative emission lines are analysed for the following ions: C iii, iv, O iv, v, vi, Ne vii, viii, Mg ix, x, Si xii, and Fe ix–xiv. Two principle conclusions are drawn. First, only the iron ions are generally in equilibrium for steady flows of 20 km s^–1. For carbon and oxygen, ionization equilibrium is not a valid assumption for steady flows as small as 1 km s^–1. Second, the three models representing different solar conditions behave in a qualitatively similar manner, implying that these results are not particularly model dependent over the range of temperature gradients and electron densities thus far inferred for the Sun. In view of the flow velocities which have been reported for the Sun, our results strongly suggest caution in using the assumption of ionization equilibrium for interpreting spectral lines produced in the transition region.The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.     

Short-term temporal variations of X-ray bright points

Skylab S-054 data have been used to examine the flux from X-ray bright points with 90 s time resolution. There is evidence of a steady heating input, similar to one reported for active region loops. Also observed are impulsive brightenings of bright points and rapid decays which are consistent with a sudden turn-off of the steady heating.     

High resolution polarimetric measurements in a sunspot

A Fabry-Perot interferometer is being used for two-dimensional spectropolarimetric measurements. We demonstrate the suitability of the setup for the measurement of the magnetic field and present some preliminary results from first observations.     

Chaotic scattering in the restricted three-body problem I. The Copenhagen problem

We consider the scattering motion of the planar restricted three-body problem with two equal masses on a circular orbit. Using the methods of chaotic scattering we present results on the structure of scattering functions. Their connection with primitive periodic orbits and the underlying chaotic saddle are studied. Numerical evidence is presented which suggests that in some intervals of the Jacobi integral the system is hyperbolic. The Smale horseshoe found there is built from a countable infinite number of primitive periodic orbits, where the parabolic orbits play a fundamental role.     

The yield of ionization in critical ionization velocity space experiments

We compare the conditions in laboratory and space critical ionization velocity (CIV) experiments. One significant difference that comes to light is the rapid expansion of the neutral cloud in space experiments, which does not take place in the laboratory. This has important ramifications for the ultimate ionization yield if there is a time delay in the ignition of the CIV discharge. We find that a simple kinetic model implies that the delay time of CIV ignition is a critical factor in determining the ultimate yield of the experiment. Although the delay time is difficult to calculate precisely, we provide some estimates that predict low CIV yield for typical space experimental geometries, densities and expansion rates. We examine the possibility of the variation of experimental conditions to maximize yield, but find that natural limitations in the design of space experiments may lead to low yields in the best of circumstances. This implies that experiments to date neither prove nor disprove the relevance of the CIV process to cosmology.     

Flows in clumpy planetary nebulae

The dynamics of clumps observed in planetary nebulae are considered. The possibility that SiO maser spots in evolved stars and the planetary nebula clumps are formed by the Parker instability behind shocks in pulsating stars' atmospheres is raised. Molecular observations of the clumps are suggested. The effects of the ablation of clumps on the global flow structure of a more tenuous plasma in which they are embedded are reviewed.     

The GEM project: An international collaboration to survey galactic radiation emission

The GEM (Galactic Emission Mapping) project is an international collaboration established with the aim of surveying the full sky at long wavelengths with a multi-frequency radio telescope. A total of 745 hours of observation at 408 MHz were completed from an Equatorial site in Colombia. The observations cover the celestial band 0 ^h <<24 ^h , and –24° 22<<+35° 37. Preliminary results of this partial survey will be discussed. A review of the instrumental setup and a 10° resolution sky map at 408 MHz is presented.Presented by S. Torres at the UN/ESA Workshop on Basic Space Sciences: From Small Telescopes to Space Missions, Colombo, Sri Lanka 11–14 January 1996