PN G068.1+11.0: A young pre-cataclysmic variable with an extremely hot primary

An analysis of spectroscopic and photometric data for the young pre-cataclysmic variable (PCV) PN G068.1+11.0, which passed through its common-envelope stage relatively recently, is presented. The spectroscopic and photometric data were obtained with the 6-m telescope and Zeiss-1000 telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory. The light curves show sinusoidal brightness variations with the orbital-period time scale and brightness-variation amplitudes of Δm = 1_.^m41, 1_.^m62, and 1_.^m57 in the B, V, and R bands, respectively. The system’s spectrum exhibits weak HI (Hβ–Hδ) andHeII λλ4541, 4686, 5411 Å absorption lines during the phases of minimum brightness, as well as HI, HeII, CIII, CIV, NIII, and OII emission lines whose intensity variations are synchronized with variations of the integrated brightness of the system. The emission-line formation in the spectra can be fully explained by the effects of fluorescence of the ultraviolet light from the primary at the surface of the cool star. All the characteristics of the optical light of PN G068.1+11.0 confirm that it is a young PCV containing sdO subdwarf. The radial velocities were measured from a blend of lines of moderately light elements, CIII+NIII λ4640 Å, which is formed at the surface of the secondary due to reflection effects. The ephemeris of the system has been improved through a joint analysis of the radial-velocity curves and light curves of pre-cataclysmic variable, using modelling of the reflection effects. The fundamental parameters of PN G068.1+11.0 have been determined using two evolutionary tracks for planetary-nebula nuclei of different masses (0.7 M_⊙and 0.78M_⊙). The model spectra for the system and a comparison with the observations demonstrate the possibility of refining the components’ effective temperatures if the quality of the spectra used is improved.     

Spectroscopic study of the optical counterpart to the fast X-ray transient IGR J17544-2619 based on observations at the 1.5-m RTT-150 telescope

We present the results of our long-term photometric and spectroscopic observations at the Russian–Turkish RTT-150 telescope for the optical counterpart to one of the best-known sources, representatives of the class of fast X-ray transients, IGR J17544-2619. Based on our optical data, we have determined for the first time the orbital and physical parameters of the binary system by the methods of Doppler spectroscopy.We have calculated theoretical spectra of the optical counterpart by applying non- LTE corrections for selected lines and obtained the parameters of the stellar atmosphere (T _eff = 33 000 K, log g = 3.85, R = 9.5 R _⊙, and M = 23 M _⊙). The latter suggest that the optical star is not a supergiant as has been thought previously.     

“Galileo Galilei” (GG) a small satellite to test the equivalence principle of Galileo, Newton and Einstein

“Galileo Galilei” (GG) is a small satellite designed to fly in low Earth orbit with the goal of testing the Equivalence Principle—which is at the basis of the General Theory of Relativity—to 1 part in 10¹⁷. If successful, it would improve current laboratory results by 4 orders of magnitude. A confirmation would strongly constrain theories; proof of violation is believed to lead to a scientific revolution. The experiment design allows it to be carried out at ambient temperature inside a small 1-axis stabilized satellite (250 kg total mass). GG is under investigation at Phase A-2 level by ASI (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana) at Thales Alenia Space in Torino, while a laboratory prototype (known as GGG) is operational at INFN laboratories in Pisa, supported by INFN (Istituto Nazionale di fisica Nucleare) and ASI. A final study report will be published in 2009.     

The mass of the black hole in the X-ray binary LMC X-1

A dynamical estimate of the mass of the black hole in the LMC X-1 binary system is obtained in the framework of a Roche model for the optical star, based on fitting of the He I 4471 Å and He II 4200 Å absorption lines assuming LTE. The mass of the black hole derived from the radial-velocity curve for the He II 4200 Å line is m_x = 10.55 M_⊙, close to the value found earlier based on a model with two point bodies [1].     

On the formation of TW Crv optical radiation

We present the analysis of the optical radiation of the young pre-cataclysmic variable TW Crv. Spectroscopic and photometric observations were obtained at the SAO RAS 6-m BTA telescope and at the Russian-Turkish RTT-150 telescope. The light curves of the system posses nearly sinusoidal shapes with the amplitudes of Δ_m > 0.^m7, what is typical for young pre-cataclysmic variables with sdO-subdwarfs and orbit inclinations of less than 45?. The optical spectrum contains dominant radiation of the hot subdwarf with the HI and He II absorption lines and strong emission lines, which are formed in the atmosphere of the secondary owing to the reflection effects. Radial velocities of the cool star were measured by analyzing the λλ 4630–4650 Å Bowen blend, which for the first time allowed to determine the component masses. A numerical simulation of the light curves and spectra of TW Crv, obtaining a complete set of systems fundamental parameters was carried out. The hot star parameters prompt its belonging to the sdOsubdwarf class at the stage of transition to the cooling white dwarf sequence. The absence of its observable planetary nebula is caused by a long-lasting evolution of the system after the common envelope state. The secondary component has a luminosity excess, which is typical for other young sdO-subdwarf precataclysmic variables. Its position on the “age??luminosity excess” diagram points at the accuracy of the obtained set of TW Crv fundamental parameters and at the similarity of its evolutionary and physical conditions with that of other BE UMa-type objects.     

Spectral and photometric studies of polar CRTS CSS 130604 J 215427+155714

We present the results of spectroscopic and photometric studies of a new polar CRTS CSS130604 J 215427+155714, conducted at the telescopes of the SAO RAS. Analysis of the photometric series of observations allowed to clarify the orbital period of the system, P _o = 0_. ^d 0672879 (±0.0000003). We build radial velocity curves and trace the intensity variations in the Hβ and H_γ hydrogen lines and He II λ 4686 ?A ionized heliumline. Based on the Hβ and He II lines we build Doppler maps. It is shown that the line formation region is localized near the Lagrange point. The following parameter estimates of the system are obtained:M ₁ = 0.83 ± 0.10M _⊙, M ₂ = 0.15 ± 0.01M _⊙, q = M ₂/M ₁ = 0.18 ± 0.03, i = 53? ± 5?. Based on the results of spectral, photometric and previously published polarimetric observations the possible geometric model of the system is discussed.     

Observations of Candidates for Eclipsing Cataclysmic Variables with the RTT-150 Telescope

Astronomy Letters - We present the results of our photometric and spectroscopic observations. We have studied four cataclysmic variable stars: 2XMM J183251.4-100106, MLS1809017 J224712+461815,...     

Spectroscopy of Globular Clusters in the Spheroidal Dwarf Galaxy IKN

Astronomy Reports - Moderate resolution spectra of four globular clusters in the dwarf spheroidal galaxy IKN obtained with the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory have been used...     

Photometric and spectral studies of the eclipsing polar CRTS CSS081231 J071126+440405

We present the results of the study of the eclipsing polar CRTS CSS081231 J071126+440405. Photometric observations allowed us to refine the orbital period of the system \(P_ \circ = 0_ \cdot ^d 0.08137673\). Considerable changes in the appearance of the object’s spectra have occurred over the period of September 20–21, 2001: the slope of the continuum changed from “red” to “blue”, and the variability of the line profiles over the duration of the orbital period has also changed. Doppler maps have shown a shift of the emission line-forming region along the accretion stream closer to the white dwarf. We measured the duration of the eclipse of the system and imposed constraints on the inclination angle \(78_ \cdot ^ \circ 7 < i < 79_ \cdot ^ \circ 3\). The derived radial velocity amplitude was used to obtain the basic parameters of the system: M₁ = 0.86 ± 0.08M_⊙, M₂ = 0.18 ± 0.02 M_⊙, q = 0.21 ± 0.01, R_L2 = 0.20 ± 0.03 R_⊙, A = 0.80 ± 0.03 R_⊙. The spectra of the object exhibit cyclotron harmonics. Their comparison with model spectra allowed us to determine the parameters of the accretion column: B = 31–34 MG, T_e = 10–12 keV, θ = 80–90°, and Λ = 10⁵.     

Analysis of spectra of V471 Tau and HD 115404

We analyze the chemical composition of the atmospheres of a single K-type star HD 115404 and the secondary component of the V471 Tau variable. We use the technique of modeling of synthetic spectra to analyze the high-resolution spectra of these stars, taken with the RTT 150 Russian-Turkish telescope and find the abundances of 23 and 17 elements in the atmospheres of HD 115404 and V471 Tau, respectively. We demonstrate the lack of composition anomalies in the HD 115404 and show it to be consistent with the published data, inferred from equivalent widths of spectral lines. We find the abundances of 15 elements from Na to Ba to be consistent with the metallicity of the atmosphere of V471 Tau ([Fe/H] = −0.22 ± 0.12dex), which differs significantly from the average metallicity of the Hyades cluster. We show the existence of strong carbon and oxygen overabundances (by more than 1dex) due to the enrichment of the secondary by the nucleosynthesis products during the common-envelope stage of the system. On the whole, we demonstrate that V471 Tau and the other precataclysmic variables share similar composition anomalies.