Imaging planets around nearby white dwarfs

We suggest that Jovian planets will survive the late stages of stellar evolution, and that white dwarfs will retain planetary systems in wide orbits (≳5 au). Utilizing evolutionary models for Jovian planets, we show that infrared imaging with 8-m class telescopes of suitable nearby white dwarfs should allow us to resolve and detect companions ≳3 M _JUP. Detection of massive planetary companions to nearby white dwarfs would prove that such objects can survive the final stages of stellar evolution, place constraints on the frequency of main-sequence stars with planetary systems dynamically similar to our own and allow direct spectroscopic investigation of their composition and structure.     

3.8-μm photometry during the secondary eclipse of the extrasolar planet HD 209458b

We report infrared photometry of the extrasolar planet HD 209458b during the time of secondary eclipse (planet passing behind the star). Observations were acquired during two secondary eclipses at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) in 2003 September. We used a circular variable filter (1.5 per cent bandpass) centred at 3.8 μm to isolate the predicted flux peak of the planet at this wavelength. Residual telluric absorption and instrument variations were removed by offsetting the telescope to nearby bright comparison stars at a high temporal cadence. Our results give a secondary eclipse depth of 0.0013 ± 0.0011, not yet sufficient precision to detect the eclipse, whose expected depth is  ∼0.002 –0.003  . We here elucidate the current observational limitations to this technique, and discuss the approach needed to achieve detections of hot Jupiter secondary eclipses at 3.8 μm from the ground.     

Strong bursts and diffusion in avalanching systems

The connection between avalanche dynamics and space physics has been studied for several years. In that context we recently suggested an avalanche model which explains the phenomena of reconnection. In this work the model is generalized to include the influence of an extremely strong perturbation, reflecting the effect of plasma storms originating from the sun. In addition, we allow for diffusion processes and show that the behavior changes with the onset of diffusion processes, rendering it quasi-periodic, along with the supression of small-size avalanches.     

Modelling rainfall/watertable relations using linear response functions

Linear system theory can be used to model and predict watertable responses to precipitation inputs in an artificially drained field. The response function is mathematically equivalent to the Unit Hydrograph concept familiar to hydrologists. This paper shows that it is possible to derive such response functions, and comments on the problems encountered in their derivation. Response functions for two contrasted sites are presented, and the possibilities for their use discussed.     

一种无线数据传输接口及控制装置

本文介绍一种无线数据传接口及控制装置。装置中采用计算机软件实现串—并、并—串变换及频率调制、其硬件成本低廉,工作可靠,可用于速率为50、300、600或1200bps的数传通信。     

Effective Hamiltonian for the D'Alembert Planetary Model Near a Spin/Orbit Resonance

The D'Alembert model for the spin/orbit problem in celestial mechanics is considered. Using a Hamiltonian formalism, it is shown that in a small neighborhood of a p:q spin/orbit resonance with (p,q) different from (1,1) and (2,1) the 'effective' D'Alembert Hamiltonian is a completely integrable system with phase space foliated by maximal invariant curves; instead, in a small neighborhood of a p:q spin/orbit resonance with (p,q) equal to (1,1) or (2,1) the 'effective' D'Alembert Hamiltonian has a phase portrait similar to that of the standard pendulum (elliptic and hyperbolic equilibria, separatrices, invariant curves of different homotopy). A fast averaging with respect to the 'mean anomaly' is also performed (by means of Nekhoroshev techniques) showing that, up to exponentially small terms, the resonant D'Alembert Hamiltonian is described by a two-degrees-of-freedom, properly degenerate Hamiltonian having the lowest order terms corresponding to the 'effective' Hamiltonian mentioned above.     

REVIEWS OF GEOGRAPHIC SOFTWARE

Geographic Software Reviewed in this article: THE DIFFUSION GAME . Christopher J. Lovelock and Charles B. Weinberg . MAPIT . Raymond J. Kalush , Jr . SIMODEL . Peter A. Williams and A. Stewart Fotheringham . WEATHER FRONTS . P. C. Moyer . WORLD DYNAMICS . Mark Lewis Baldwin     

APPLICATIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNIQUES TO REMOTE SENSING*

Remote sensing is a geographic analysis tool capable of producing large quantities of data in the spectral, temporal and spatial domains. Techniques for automating the image analysis process would be advanced by the inclusion of artificial intelligence techniques in the design of image processing systems. The remote sensing application which show promise for successful implementation of artificial intelligence techniques are intelligent onboard processing, advanced database interrogation, and the automated analysis of multispectral imagery.     

非保守弹性动力系统两类变量的广义拟变分原理及其应用

按照广义力和广义位移之间的对应关系,将弹性动力学的各基本方程分别乘上相应的虚量,然后在相应的体积域和面积域上积分,将积分式代数相加,再将代数和在时间域上积分,代入本构关系,并考虑到体积力和面积力均为伴生力,进而建立了非保守弹性动力系统的第1类两类变量的广义拟变分原理;再应用类似的方法,通过代入另一类本构关系,建立了非保守弹性动力系统的第2类两类变量广义拟变分原理.应用第1类两类变量广义拟余能原理给出同时求解1个典型的非保守弹性动力系统的固有频率、变形和内力的计算方法.最后,讨论了有关问题.