Ejection from pulsars in binary systems

Interaction of an ejecting pulsar in a binary with a matter surrounding it is considered. Around the pulsar a cavern is formed, and its shape calculated. Non-stationary regime of floating caverns filled with binary radioemission is discussed. This regime can lead to a special radio-burster. It is noticed that in binaries with rather large separation between components a pulsed radioemission from a pulsar can be observable. In this case, the pulsar will be a fine probe for exploration of physical characteristics of a stellar wind from a normal expansion.     

On the influence of mass loss and convective overshooting on the evolution of massive stars

Evolution of massive stars losing mass with the rateM H L/V C is computed (for =1,2,7). It is shown that observed mass loss rates correspond to 0.3 and, therefore, mass loss by stellar wind cannot play any significant role in the evolution of normal massive stars. However, for several types of massive stars (WR, OH/IR, X-ray sources) enhanced mass loss explains their peculiar features. Computations of evolutionary sequences of massive stars with convective overshooting taken into account (as a formal increase of the convective core) show that a significant broadening of the hydrogen-burning band in the H-R diagram may be obtained.     

Spectroscopic observations of winds on Venus: I. Technique and data reduction

We present out methods of measurement and reduction of high-dispersion photographic spectra of Venus. Our preliminary results are consistent with slow direct or no rotation at the level we sample, and disagree strongly with a 4-day retrograde rotation. A serious systematic error, which affects much published work, is due to blending of solar lines in the sky with those reflected from the planet. This always tends to produce a spurious retrograde “rotation.” Only data obtained in a dark sky, or daytime observations from which the sky lines have been accurately subtracted, can be relied upon. All such data give low wind speeds.     

Photometric properties of outer planetary satellites

We present optical broadband photometry for the satellites J6, J7, J8, S7, S9, U3, U4, N1, and polarimetry for J6, obtained between 1970 and 1979. The outer Jovian satellites resemble C-type asteroids; J6 has a rotational lightcurve with period ～9.5 hr. The satellites beyond Jupiter also show C-like colors with the exception of S7 Hyperion. S9 Phoebe has a rotational lightcurve with period near either 11.25 or 21.1 hr. For U4 and N1 there is evidence for a lightcurve synchronous with the orbital revolution. The seven brighter Saturnian satellites show a regular relation between the ultraviolet dropoff and distance to the planet, probably related with differences in the rock component on their surfaces.     

Rare opportunity for information on the upper atmosphere of Saturn

We report on taking, successfully, the rare opportunity to monitor photoelectrically the eclipse of Saturn's largest satellite (Titan) and present a light curve. Comparing this light curve with similar ones obtained for Jovian satellites we deduce the Saturnian stratosphere to be relatively clear, at least at the latitude (25° S) probed.     

A numerical study of aerosol growth in Titan's atmosphere

We present a simple model for the formation and growth of photochemical aerosols in the atmosphere of Titan. We show that, in general, an optically thick layer of particles in the size range required by models of Titan cannot be obtained at pressures less than about 2 mbar. Since the thin model of Titan's atmosphere requires that the inversion not extend below pressures of 0.11 mbar (D. M. Hunten and J. J. Caldwell, 1978, preprint), it seems to be ruled out by the calculations.     

A model for a structure in the galactic nebula S206

The galactic nebula S206 contains a half shell of high excitation nebulosity which is centred on the associated exciting star. The suggestion has been made that this structure is caused by the interaction of stellar mass loss from the star with nebular gas. A steady state model of such an interaction is investigated quantitatively. The required mass loss rate from the star is about 10^–7 M yr^–1 which is compatible with the observationally derived mass-loss rates from early-type stars.     

Energetic properties of interplanetary plasma at the earth's orbit following the August 4, 1972 flare

Solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field data were obtained by the PROGNOZ 1 and PROGNOZ 2 satellites during the period following the August 4, 1972 (0621 UT) solar flare. A thermalized plasma was recorded one hour after the shock followed two hours later by the plasma piston with a bulk velocity higher than 1700 km s^-1. The comparison between the PROGNOZ and PIONEER 9 solar wind data shows an attenuation of the plasma properties with the deflection from the flare's meridian.     

The structure of the atmosphere of Uranus

Models of the interior of Uranus (Podolak, 1976) suggest that the abundances of such substances as CH₄ are greatly enhanced with respect to solar abundances of heavy elements. Such enhancement leads to a new type of model atmosphere for Uranus, which agrees with observation if the internal energy flux is small (?10%) compared with the absorbed solar energy. An important feature of the models is the presence of a cloud of CH₄ droplets whose top is at a temperature of ?90°K and a pressure of ?4atm. Above the cloud, the atmosphere is stable because of the rapid decrease of the thermal flux with depth. Being saturated, most of the observable gaseous CH₄ is near the cloud; the CH₄ abundance above the cloud, of the order of 5 km-am, is a very sensitive function of the cloud-top temperature.     

Axel dust on Saturn and Titan

The scattering and absorption properties of Axel dust were investigated by means of Mie theory. We find that a flat distribution of particle radii between 0 and 0.1 μm, and an imaginary part of the index of refraction which varies as λ^?2.5 produce a good fit to the variation of Titan's geometric albedo with wavelength (λ) provided that τ_ext, the extinction optical depth of Titan's atmosphere at 5000 Å, is about 10. The real part of the complex index is taken to be 2.0. The model assumes that the mixing ratio of Axel dust to gas is uniform above the surface of Titan. The same set of physical properties for Axel dust also produces a good fit to Saturn's albedo if τ_ext = 0.7 at 5000 Å. To match the increase in albedo shortward of 3500 Å, a clear layer (containing about 7 km-am H₂) is required above the Axel dust. Such a layer is also required to explain the limb brightening in the ultraviolet. These models can be used to analyze the observed equivalent widths of the visible methane bands. The analysis yields an abundance of the order of 1000 m-am CH₄ in Titan's atmosphere. The derived CH₄/H₂ mixing ratio for Saturn is about 3.5 × 10^?3 or an enhancement of about 5 over the solar ratio.