The Paleoproterozoic Kolvitsa Anorthosite Massif: New Data on the U–Pb Age (ID TIMS) and Geochemical Features of Zircon

Doklady Earth Sciences - The rocks and minerals of the Kolvitsa massif are studied by complex isotopic–geochronological and geochemical (U–Pb, Sm–Nd, REE contents of zircons)...     

The Spectrum-UV Mission: an International Ultraviolet Observatory

The Spectrum-UV Mission is an ultraviolet space observatory, scheduled to be launched at the break of the century into a 7-day, highly excentric orbit aboard a Spectrum Series platform. The Observatory is endowed with a 170-cm aperture telescope and a focal plane instrument complement for spectroscopy and imaging in the 912 to 3600 range. The results of an advanced feasibility study, being carried out in the four partecipating Countries (Germany, Italy, Russia and Ukraine) are presented.     

REE distribution in zircon from reference rocks of the Arctic region: Evidence from study by the LA-ICP-MS method

The results of the LA-ICP-MS analysis of the concentrations of REEs, U, Th, and Hf in zircon from Paleo- and Neoarchean reference rocks of the Kola region (garnet–amphibole gneiss, basic and acid granulites, and granite pegmatite) are reported. A new methodology of the study of accessory zircons has been validated and modified. The accuracy of the results is confirmed by analysis of standard zircons Temora 1 and 91 500 and by comparison with the data obtained in other laboratories.     

Optical layout of the T-170M space telescope

The optical layout of the T-170M telescope for observation of astronomical objects in the ultraviolet spectral range 0.115–0.35 μm from the spacecraft SPECTRUM-UV is described. The telescope represents a Ritchey-Chretien aplanat with an aperture 1.7 m in diameter, a relative hole of f/10, and a field of view of 0.5°. The spectrographs are designated for obtaining spectra of stars and spread objects with a resolution of 2000–50 000. It is planned to record direct images using two field cameras: a wide-angle (f/10) and a telefocus (f/75–f/100) camera. The tolerances for basic parameters and the characteristics of the optimal system of baffles and the optics control unit are given.     

A method for manufacturing and testing large mirrors for space telescopes

A method for finishing the surface shape of large mirrors for space telescopes that are accurate up to λ/20 is described, as well as training of the method for manufacturing a systall mirror 2.6 m in diameter for the ZTSH telescope.     

The paleoproterozoic Kandalaksha Anorthosite Massif: New U–Pb (ID–TIMS) data and geochemical features of zircon

New U–Pb and Sm–Nd isotope data have been obtained in the Kandalaksha–Kolvitsa zone, Baltic Shield, on accessory zircon and rutile, along with whole-rock and secondary metamorphic minerals. Isotope U–Pb age of single zircon grains from metagabbro of the Kandalaksha Anorthosite Massif is 2453.5 ± 4.8 Ma, which is close to the U–Pb age of zircon from the Kolvitsa Massif metagabbro (2448 ± 5 Ma). For the first time, REEs in zircon grains of the Kandalaksha metagabbro have been analyzed and the results have been plotted. Ti-in-zircon thermometry has been applied using LA–ICP–MS: it yielded an average temperature of zircon crystallization of 844°C. The isotope and geochemical new data obtained indicate a magmatic genesis of the zircon crystals studied.