Analysis of red and infrared wide-band photometry of Algol

The basic physical picture of the Algol system is reviewed, and, using collected red and infrared observations, photometric curve fits are investigated by applying numerical quadratures to determine theoretical light curves appropriate to Roche model stars. The contact nature of Algol B appears to be confirmed, and effective temperatures of the three components areT _A=11 400°,T _B=5300°,T _C=7600°. In terms of a Lambert's law approach to the reflection effect, the effective heat-albedo is required to be reduced from unity to one half; and it is also found that the averaged gravity-darkening coefficient is close to a value appropriate for a diffusion type of heat-transfer mechanism operating in sub-photospheric layers.     

Investigation of Barred Galaxies. VII. Comparative Statistics of SB and SA Galaxies. Near and Mid-IR Regions

The near and mid-IR properties of barred and unbarred spiral galaxies are discussed on the basis of complete samples that were compiled earlier. The two types of spirals are shown not to differ from one another in emission power in the near and mid-IR ranges. Multiple regression and principal component analysis have been applied to investigate near and mid-IR properties of SB and SA galaxies, particularly their relation to X-ray and radio continuum emissions. There are definite differences between SB and SA spirals in the near and mid-IR. In the case of SB galaxies, the compactness of 10 m emission is closely related to the J - H color index, and the redder J - H color corresponds to relatively more extended emission at 10 m. It is assumed that these are caused by the bar itself, which stimulates enhanced star formation in a barred galaxy with respect to unbarred spiral.     

Synthetic Light-Curves of Some Eclipsing X-Ray Binary Systems

In this paper, the standard model of X-ray binaries was used in synthesizing light-curves of eclipsing X-ray binaries. Two moderated approaches were introduced in this regard; the first concerns the method of solution of the Roche Model's basic equation, where, instead of using series solutions as developed by Kopal, the Newton-Raphson method was utilized to solve it, after changing it into an eighth-degree polynomial equation, which proved to be more precise, and yet, more efficient. The second approach concerns the development of a new phenomenological model to account for X-ray reflection, and heating of the optical star. Our model was successfully applied to HZ-Her/Her X-1. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Modified physical and geometric parameters of the eclipsing X-ray binary system Centaurus X-3

Modified physical and geometric parameters for the eclipsing x-ray binary system Cen X-3 are presented. The parameters were estimated by comparing synthetic photometric light curves with the observed ones in an iterative method until the best fit was achieved. The synthetic light curves were constructed in accordance with the Roche model, since Cen X-3 is likely to be powered by Roche-lobe overflow. We focused on the phenomenon of x-ray heating of the side of the optical component facing the compact object. The parameters and present status of this work are briefly discussed.     

Fourier analysis of the light curves of eclipsing variables. XIXA:

The radiation of a charge rotating in a circle with the constant velocity (in the external magnetic field) in the isotropic plasma with random inhomogeneities of the electron density has been considered. A general expression is obtained for the radiation intensity at thenth harmonic, which is a generalization of the known Shott formula. In the ultra-relativistic case the conditions are clarified under which the inhomogeneity effect on the form of the spectrum of radiation from a particle is essential. An asymptotic formula is derived for the spectral intensity in the region of sufficiently low frequencies. The mechanism of transient radiation in this case is shown to prevail over the synchrotron one.     

Very Low Frequency Remote Sensing Measurements of the Lower Ionosphere at Site of the United Arab Emirates

The proposed research project is aiming for providing basic data for quantitative comparison of lightning-induced disturbances of the ionosphere and the radiation belts in the American, European and Asia sectors. Most of the current data on such phenomena has so far been obtained in the western hemisphere, and the weight of scientific information indicates that lightning-induced effects at high altitudes and in the radiation belts may dominate other processes on a global scale. The proposed research project will facilitate the establishment and conduct of Very Low Frequency observations in the United Arab Emirates as a part of the Asia sector, thus providing a basis for comparison to facilitate global extrapolations and conclusions. Under the proposed project, Stanford University partners with Sharjah University, deploying one of their Very Low Frequency receivers at Sharjah University campus. Sharjah University provides the data digitization and recording equipment to facilitate continuous acquisition of the data. All data from the proposed project will be available for analysis over the Internet, and a series of annual visits are planned to maximize interactions and information exchange between the two universities.     

Fourier analysis of the light changes of four Algol-type eclipsing variables

The aim of the present paper is to present the analysis of the light curves of four totally-eclipsing systems (BM Ori, VW Cyg, TW Dra, and RW Mon), using the automated Fourier techniques in the frequency-domain, developed recently by Kopal and his school at Manchester University.New Physical and geometrical elements for the above systems are derived.     

The Iraqi National Astronomical Observatory

Iraq is currently experiencing a praid cultural, scientific, and technical renaissance, and astronomy is a natural focus for the country's pride in the past achievements of the civilization which have flourished in Iraq. The current plans of the Space and Astronomy Research Center (SARC) include building a major observatory to work in the optical, IR and radio region of the spectrum.The core of the optical facility will be a 3.5 m optical telescope, together with 1.25 m telescope designed for efficient performance in the IR. These telescopes will be equipped with instruments for photographic, photometric and spectroscopic observations. A 30 m dish is also being built for millimeter/radio observations.SARC has selected an excellent observing site in the northern mountains of Iraq which has good seeing and clear dark skies. The sites selection was made with the collaboration of several leading astronomers and observatories from various countries.Paper presented at the IAU Third Asian-Pacific Regional Meeting, held in Kyoto, Japan, between 30 September–6 October, 1984     

New Elements for Three Eclipsing X-Ray Binary Systems: HZ Herculis, Centaurus X-3, and Vela X-1

A contribution to the theoretical analysis of eclipsing x-ray binary systems and the calculation of physical and geometrical elements, are represented. The principle of this work is to make fitting between the observational light curve and the synthetic light curve built up in accordance with the Roche model, and to consider the elements of the best fitting as new elements. This method were applied to three systems, there are: (i) HZ Herculis (Hercules X-1). (ii) Krzemenski's star (Centaurus X-3). (iii) HD 77851 (Vela X-1). Finally, the mass-luminosity relation and the H-R diagram for the optical components of the three systems, have been plotted and studied. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthetic light curves of two eclipsing binary systems,U Sge and AW UMa

Photometric curve fits have been investigated by means of numerical quadratures to develop theoretical light curves appropriate to stars built up in accordance with the Roche model. The method has been applied previously to β Per (Al-Naimiy and Budding, 1977) on the basis of available observations in red and infrared, while presently applied to two systems with contact components.

1. U Sge, spherical primary totally eclipsed by a contact component secondary. Improved photometric elements of the system have been found, and compared with those obtained by Kopal's method in the frequency domain. The outcome of the curve fitting corresponds well with the results of an analysis in the frequency domain.
2. AW UMa, exhibiting the shallowest minima known for totally eclipsing W UMa systems. The physical and geometrical elements of the system have been found, and the contact nature of the two components confirmed.