Showing papers in "Astrophysics and Space Science in 2010"

The chemical composition of the Sun

Abstract: We present a redetermination of the solar abundances of all available elements. The new results have very recently been published by Asplund et al. (Annu. Rev. Astron. Astrophys. 47:481, 2009). The basic ingredients of this work, the main results and some of their implications are summarized hereafter.

The Wide Field Spectrograph (WiFeS): performance and data reduction

Abstract: This paper describes the on-telescope performance of the Wide Field Spectrograph (WiFeS). The design characteristics of this instrument, at the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA) of the Australian National University (ANU) and mounted on the ANU 2.3 m telescope at the Siding Spring Observatory has been already described in an earlier paper (Dopita et al. in Astrophys. Space Sci. 310:255, 2007). Here we describe the throughput, resolution and stability of the instrument, and describe some minor issues which have been encountered. We also give a description of the data reduction pipeline, and show some preliminary results.

The PL calibration for Milky Way Cepheids and its implications for the distance scale

Abstract: The rationale behind recent calibrations of the Cepheid PL relation using the Wesenheit formulation is reviewed and reanalyzed, and it is shown that recent conclusions regarding a possible change in slope of the PL relation for short-period and long-period Cepheids are tied to a pathological distribution of HST calibrators within the instability strip. A recalibration of the period-luminosity relation is obtained using Galactic Cepheids in open clusters and groups, the resulting relationship, described by log L/L ⊙=2.415(±0.035)+1.148(±0.044)log P, exhibiting only the moderate scatter expected from color spread within the instability strip. The relationship is confirmed by Cepheids with HST parallaxes, although without the need for Lutz-Kelker corrections, and in general by Cepheids with revised Hipparcos parallaxes, albeit with concerns about the cited precisions of the latter. A Wesenheit formulation of W V =−2.259(±0.083)−4.185(±0.103)log P for Galactic Cepheids is tested successfully using Cepheids in the inner regions of the galaxy NGC 4258, confirming the independent geometrical distance established for the galaxy from OH masers. Differences between the extinction properties of interstellar and extragalactic dust may yet play an important role in the further calibration of the Cepheid PL relation and its application to the extragalactic distance scale.

Some Bianchi Type Cosmological Models in f(R) Gravity

Abstract: The modified theories of gravity, especially the f(R) gravity, have attracted much attention in the last decade. In this context, we study the exact vacuum solutions of Bianchi type I, III and Kantowski-Sachs spacetimes in the metric version of f(R) gravity. The field equations are solved by taking expansion scalar θ proportional to shear scalar σ which gives A=B n , where A and B are the metric coefficients. The physical behavior of the solutions has been discussed using some physical quantities. Also, the function of the Ricci scalar is evaluated in each case.

Analytic forms of the perpendicular cosmic ray diffusion coefficient for an arbitrary turbulence spectrum and applications on transport of Galactic protons and acceleration at interplanetary shocks

Abstract: We investigate cosmic ray scattering in the direction perpendicular to a mean magnetic field. Unlike in previous articles we employ a general form of the turbulence wave spectrum with arbitrary behavior in the energy range. By employing an improved version of the nonlinear guiding center theory we compute analytically the perpendicular mean free path. As shown, the energy range spectral index, has a strong influence on the perpendicular diffusion coefficient. If this parameter is larger than one we find for some cases a perpendicular diffusion coefficient that is independent of the parallel mean free path and particle energy. Two applications are considered, namely transport of Galactic protons in the solar system and diffusive particle acceleration at highly perpendicular interplanetary shock waves.

Dynamics of Bianchi I universe with magnetized anisotropic Dark Energy

Abstract: We study Bianchi type I cosmological model in the presence of magnetized anisotropic dark energy. The energy-momentum tensor consists of anisotropic fluid with anisotropic EoS p=ωρ and a uniform magnetic field of energy density ρB. We obtain exact solutions to the field equations using the condition that expansion is proportional to the shear scalar. The physical behavior of the model is discussed with and without magnetic field. We conclude that universe model as well as anisotropic fluid do not approach isotropy through the evolution of the universe.

Collinear equilibrium points of Hill’s problem with radiation and oblateness and their fractal basins of attraction

Abstract: We discuss the existence, location, and stability of the collinear equilibrium points of a generalized Hill problem with radiation of the primary (the Sun) and oblateness of the secondary (the planet), and present some remarkable fractals created as basins of attraction of Newton’s method applied for their computation in several cases of the parameters.

Dust ion-acoustic solitary and shock waves in a dusty plasma with non-thermal electrons

Abstract: A theoretical investigation of the one dimensional dynamics of nonlinear electrostatic dust ion-acoustic (DIA) waves in an unmagnetized dusty plasma consisting of ion fluid, non-thermal electrons and fluctuating immobile dust particles has been made by the reductive perturbation technique. The basic features of DIA solitary and shock waves are studied by deriving the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) and KdV Burger equations, respectively. It is shown that the special patterns of nonlinear electrostatic waves are significantly modified by the presence of the non-thermal electron component. In particular, the rarefactive solitary and shock structures are found with smaller amplitude in comparison to the isothermal case. The transition from DIA solitary to shock waves is also studied which is related to the contributions of the dispersive and dissipative terms. It is found that the dust charge fluctuation is a source of dissipation, and is responsible for the formation of the dust ion-acoustic shock waves. Furthermore, the dissipative effect becomes important and may prevail over that of dispersion as the population of non-thermal electrons present decreases. The present investigation may be of relevance to electrostatic solitary structures observed in many space dusty plasma, such as Saturn’s E-ring.

de Sitter expansion with anisotropic fluid in Bianchi type-I space-time

Abstract: Some features of the Bianchi type-I universes in the presence of a fluid that wields an anisotropic equation of state (EoS) parameter are discussed in the context of general relativity. The models that exhibit de Sitter volumetric expansion due to the constant effective energy density (the sum of the energy density of the fluid and the anisotropy energy density) are of particular interest. We also introduce two locally rotationally symmetric models, which exhibit de Sitter volumetric expansion in the presence of a hypothetical fluid that has been obtained by minimally altering the conventional vacuum energy. In the first model, the directional EoS parameter on the x axis is assumed to be −1, while the ones on the other axes and the energy density of the fluid are allowed to be functions of time. In the second model, the energy density of the fluid is assumed to be constant, while the directional EoS parameters are allowed to be functions of time.

Stability of the photogravitational restricted three-body problem with variable masses

Abstract: This paper investigates the stability of equilibrium points in the restricted three-body problem, in which the masses of the luminous primaries vary isotropically in accordance with the unified Meshcherskii law, and their motion takes place within the framework of the Gylden–Meshcherskii problem. For the autonomized system, it is found that collinear and coplanar points are unstable, while the triangular points are conditionally stable. It is also observed that, in the triangular case, the presence of a constant κ, of a particular integral of the Gylden–Meshcherskii problem, makes the destabilizing tendency of the radiation pressures strong. The stability of equilibrium points varying with time is tested using the Lyapunov Characteristic Numbers (LCN). It is seen that the range of stability or instability depends on the parameter κ. The motion around the equilibrium points L i (i=1,2,…,7) for the restricted three-body problem with variable masses is in general unstable.

Prospects for asteroseismology

Abstract: The observational basis for asteroseismology is being dramatically strengthened, through more than two years of data from the CoRoT satellite, the flood of data coming from the Kepler mission and, in the slightly longer term, from dedicated ground-based facilities. Our ability to utilize these data depends on further development of techniques for basic data analysis, as well as on an improved understanding of the relation between the observed frequencies and the underlying properties of the stars. Also, stellar modelling must be further developed, to match the increasing diagnostic potential of the data. Here we discuss some aspects of data interpretation and modelling, focusing on the important case of stars with solar-like oscillations.

New results on standard solar models

Abstract: We describe the current status of solar modeling and focus on the problems originating with the introduction of solar abundance determinations with low CNO abundance values. We use models computed with solar abundance compilations obtained during the last decade, including the newest published abundances by Asplund and collaborators. The results presented here focus on both helioseismic properties and models as well as neutrino flux predictions. We also discuss changes in radiative opacities to restore agreement between helioseismology, solar models, and solar abundances and show the effect of such modifications on solar neutrino fluxes.

The solar, exoplanet and cosmological lithium problems

Abstract: We review three Li problems. First, the Li problem in the Sun, for which some previous studies have argued that it may be Li-poor compared to other Suns. Second, we discuss the Li problem in planet hosting stars, which are claimed to be Li-poor when compared to field stars. Third, we discuss the cosmological Li problem, i.e. the discrepancy between the Li abundance in metal-poor stars (Spite plateau stars) and the predictions from standard Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. In all three cases we find that the “problems” are naturally explained by non-standard mixing in stars.

profit: a new alternative for emission-line profile fitting

Abstract: I briefly describe a simple routine for emission-line profile fitting by Gaussian curves or Gauss–Hermite series. The profit (line-profile fitting) routine represent a new alternative for use in fits data cubes, as the ones from Integral Field Spectroscopy or Fabry–Perot Interferometry, and may be useful to better study the emission-line flux distributions and gas kinematics in distinct astrophysical objects, such as the central regions of galaxies and star forming regions. The profit routine is written in IDL language and is available at http://www.ufsm.br/rogemar/software.html . The profit routine was used to fit the [Fe ii] λ=1.257 μm emission-line profiles for about 1800 spectra of the inner 350 pc of the Seyfert galaxy Mrk 1066 obtained with Gemini NIFS and shows that the line profiles are better reproduced by Gauss–Hermite series than by the commonly used Gaussian curves. The two-dimensional map of the h 3 Gauss–Hermite moment shows its highest absolute values to be in regions close to the edge of the radio structure. These high values may be originating with an biconical outflowing gas associated with the radio jet—previously observed in the optical [O iii] emission. The analysis of this kinematic component indicates that the radio jet leaves the center of the galaxy with the north-west side slightly oriented towards us and the south-east side away from us, being partially hidden by the disc of the galaxy.

Radio precursors to neutron star binary mergings

Abstract: We discuss a possible generation of radio bursts preceding final stages of binary neutron star mergings which can be accompanied by short gamma-ray bursts. Detection of such bursts appear to be advantageous in the low-frequency radio band due to a time delay of ten to several hundred seconds required for radio signal to propagate in the ionized intergalactic medium. This delay makes it possible to use short gamma-ray burst alerts to promptly monitor specific regions on the sky by low-frequency radio facilities, especially by LOFAR. To estimate the strength of the radio signal, we assume a power-law dependence of the radio luminosity on the total energy release in a magnetically dominated outflow, as found in millisecond pulsars. Based on the planned LOFAR sensitivity at 120 MHz, we estimate that the LOFAR detection rate of such radio transients could be about several events per month from redshifts up to z∼1.3 in the most optimistic scenario. The LOFAR ability to detect such events would crucially depend on exact efficiency of low-frequency radio emission mechanism.

New class of regular and well behaved exact solutions in general relativity

Abstract: We present a new class of spherically symmetric regular and well behaved solutions of the general relativistic field equations in isotropic coordinates. These solutions describe perfect fluid balls with positively finite central pressure and positively finite central density; their ratio is less than one and causality condition is obeyed at the centre. The solutions of this class, the outmarch of pressure, density pressure-density ratio and the ratio of sound speed to light is monotonically decreasing. Keeping in view of well behaved nature in terms of central red shift and surface red shift and by assuming the surface density ρb=2×1014 g/cm3, we constructed a Neutral star model for k=2, resulting into maximum mass ≈6.36MΘ, linear dimension ≈48.08 km, surface red shift ≈1.132 and central red shift ≈17.1314.

New agegraphic dark energy in f(R) gravity

Abstract: In this paper, we study a cosmological application of the new agegraphic dark energy density in the f(R) gravity framework. We employ the new agegraphic model of dark energy to obtain the equation of state for the new agegraphic energy density in a spatially flat universe. Our calculations show, taking n<0, that it is possible to have wΛ crossing −1. This implies that one can generate a phantom-like equation of state from a new agegraphic dark energy model in a flat universe in the modified gravity cosmology framework. Also, we develop a reconstruction scheme for the modified gravity with f(R) action.

New insights on the interior of solar-like pulsators thanks to CoRoT: the case of HD 49385

Abstract: The high performance photometric data obtained with space mission CoRoT offer the opportunity to efficiently constrain our models for the stellar interior of solar-like pulsating stars. On the occasion of the analysis of the oscillations of solar-like pulsator HD 49385, a G0-type star in an advanced stage of evolution, we revisit the phenomenon of the avoided crossings. Christensen-Dalgaard proposed a simple analogy to describe an avoided crossing between two modes. We here present an extension of this analogy to the case of n modes, and show that it should lead, in certain cases, to a characteristic behavior of the eigenfrequencies, significantly different from the n=2 case. This type of behavior seems to be observed in HD 49385, from which we infer that the star should be in a Post Main Sequence phase.

Anisotropic universe with cosmic strings and bulk viscosity

Abstract: Spatially homogeneous and anisotropic LRS Bianchi type-I string cosmological models are studied in the frame work of general relativity when the source for the energy momentum tensor is a bulk viscous fluid containing one dimensional strings. A barotropic equation of state for the pressure and density is assumed to get determinate solutions of the field equations. The bulk viscous pressure is assumed to be proportional to the energy density. The physical and kinematical properties of the models are discussed. The role of bulk viscosity in getting an inflationary phase in the universe is studied.

Population synthesis of Galactic subdwarf B stars

Abstract: I briefly review the method of population synthesis of binary stars and discuss the preliminary results of a study of the Galactic population of subdwarf B stars. In particular I focus on the formation of (apparently) single sdB stars and their relation to (apparently) single helium-core white dwarfs. I discuss the merits of mergers of two helium white dwarfs and interactions with sub-stellar companions for explaining these single objects. A preliminary conclusion is that the current observations suggest both mechanisms may contribute, but that the helium white dwarfs are likely formed in majority from interactions with sub-stellar companions.

Head-on collision of dust-acoustic solitary waves in an adiabatic hot dusty plasma with external oblique magnetic field and two-temperature ions

Abstract: In the present paper, the characteristics of the head-on collision between two dust-acoustic solitary waves (DASWs) in an adiabatic dusty plasma consisting of variable negatively charged dust grains, isothermal electrons and two-temperature isothermal ions in the presence of an external oblique magnetic field are investigated. Using the extended Poincare–Lighthill–Kuo (PLK) method, the Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equations and the analytical phase shifts after the head-on collision of two solitary waves are derived. The effects of the magnetic field and its obliqueness, two different type of isothermal ions and the dust particles adiabaticity are discussed. It is found that these factors significantly affect the phase shifts.

Self-gravitational instability of rotating viscous Hall plasma with arbitrary radiative heat-loss functions and electron inertia

Abstract: The effects of arbitrary radiative heat-loss functions and Hall current on the self-gravitational instability of a homogeneous, viscous, rotating plasma has been investigated incorporating the effects of finite electrical resistivity, finite electron inertia and thermal conductivity. A general dispersion relation is obtained using the normal mode analysis with the help of relevant linearized perturbation equations of the problem, and a modified Jeans criterion of instability is obtained. The conditions of modified Jeans instabilities and stabilities are discussed in the different cases of our interest. We find that the presence of arbitrary radiative heat-loss functions and thermal conductivity modifies the fundamental Jeans criterion of gravitational instability into a radiative instability criterion. The Hall parameter affects only the longitudinal mode of propagation and it has no effect on the transverse mode of propagation. For longitudinal propagation, it is found that the condition of radiative instability is independent of the magnetic field, Hall parameter, finite electron inertia, finite electrical resistivity, viscosity and rotation; but for the transverse mode of propagation it depends on the finite electrical resistivity, the strength of the magnetic field, and it is independent of rotation, electron inertia and viscosity. From the curves we find that the presence of thermal conductivity, finite electrical resistivity and density-dependent heat-loss function has a destabilizing influence, while viscosity and magnetic field have a stabilizing effect on the growth rate of an instability. The effect of arbitrary heat-loss functions is also studied on the growth rate of a radiative instability.

UV observations of sdB stars and prospects of WSO-UV mission for such studies

Abstract: The hot subdwarf B (sdB) stars are considered to be core He-burning stars with surface temperatures T eff up to 40 000 K and log g≥5. They are UV bright and ultraviolet observatories have a significant impact on studies of these objects. Using the technical characteristics of the instruments of the World Space Observatory–Ultraviolet (WSO–UV) mission and data from previous UV studies of sdBs we estimate the limiting apparent magnitudes for these stars that can be observed with the signal-to-noise ratio required in fine spectroscopic analysis. WSO–UV is an international space observatory for observation in UV spectral range 100–350 nm, that is beyond the reach of ground-based instruments but where most of astrophysical processes can be efficiently studied with unprecedented capability. The WSO–UV project is currently funded by national space agencies of Russia and Spain with participation of Germany, Ukraine and China. The WSO–UV consists of a 1.7 m aperture telescope (under responsibility of Russia) with instrumentation designed to carry out high resolution spectroscopy, long-slit low resolution spectroscopy and direct sky imaging. The WSO–UV Ground Segment is under development by Spain and Russia. They will coordinate the Mission and Science Operations and provide the satellite tracking stations for the project. The WSO–UV will work as a targeted scientific observatory. The scientific program of the observatory is open to excellent scientific projects from the world-wide community and occupies up to 40% of total observational time.

Arbitrary amplitude electron-acoustic solitary waves in the presence of excess superthermal electrons

Abstract: The problem of arbitrary amplitude electron-acoustic solitary (EAS) waves in a plasma having cold fluid electrons, hot superthermal electrons and stationary ions is addressed. The domain of their allowable Mach numbers enlarges as the spectral index κ increases revealing therefore that the “maxwellisation” process of the hot component favors the propagation of the EAS waves. As the superthermal character of the plasma is increased, the potential pulse amplitude increases while its width is narrowed, i.e, the superthermal effects makes the electron-acoustic solitary structure more spiky. As the spectral index κ decreases, the hot electrons are locally expelled and pushed out of the region of the soliton’s localization. A decrease of the fractional number density of the hot electrons relative to that of the cold ones number density would lead to an increase of the depth as well as the width of the localized EAS wave. Our results should help to understand the salient features of large amplitude localized structures that may occur in the plasma sheet boundary layer and may provide an explanation for the strong spiky waveforms that have been observed in auroral electric fields.

Stationary axisymmetric solutions and their energy contents in teleparallel equivalent of Einstein theory

Abstract: We apply the energy-momentum tensor which is coordinate independent to calculate the energy content of the axisymmetric solutions. Our results are compared with what have been obtained before within the framework of Einstein general relativity and Moller’s tetrad theory of gravitation.

On role of pressure anisotropy for relativistic stars admitting conformal motion

Abstract: We investigate the spacetime of anisotropic stars admitting conformal motion. The Einstein field equations are solved using different ansatz of the surface tension. In this investigation, we study two cases in details with the anisotropy as: (1) p t =n p r , (2) $p_{t}-p_{r}=\frac{1}{8\pi}(\frac{c_{1}}{r^{2}}+c_{2})$ where, n, c 1 and c 2 are arbitrary constants. The solutions yield expressions of the physical quantities like pressure gradients and the mass.

A class of solutions for anisotropic stars admitting conformal motion

Abstract: We provide a new class of interior solutions for anisotropic stars admitting conformal motion. The Einstein’s field equations in this construction are solved for specific choices of the density/mass functions. We analyze the behavior of the model parameters like radial and transverse pressures, density and surface tension.

Reconstructing interacting new agegraphic polytropic gas model in non-flat FRW universe

Abstract: We study the correspondence between the interacting new agegraphic dark energy and the polytropic gas model of dark energy in the non-flat FRW universe. This correspondence allows us to reconstruct the potential and the dynamics for the scalar field of the polytropic model, which describe accelerated expansion of the universe.

Stochastic excitation of gravity modes in massive main-sequence stars

Abstract: We investigate the possibility that gravity modes can be stochastically excited by turbulent convection in massive main-sequence (MS) stars. We build stellar models of MS stars with masses M=10 M⊙,15 M⊙, and 20 M⊙. For each model, we then compute the power supplied to the modes by turbulent eddies in the convective core (CC) and the outer convective zones (OCZ). We found that, for asymptotic gravity modes, the major part of the driving occurs within the outer iron convective zone, while the excitation of low n order modes mainly occurs within the CC. We compute the mode lifetimes and deduce the expected mode amplitudes. We finally discuss the possibility of detecting such stochastically-excited gravity modes with the CoRoT space-based mission.

Novae ejecta as colliding shells

Abstract: Following on our initial absorption-line analysis of fifteen novae spectra we present additional evidence for the existence of two distinct components of novae ejecta having different origins. As argued in Paper I one component is the rapidly expanding gas ejected from the outer layers of the white dwarf by the outburst. The second component is pre-existing outer, more slowly expanding circumbinary gas that represents ejecta from the secondary star or accretion disk. We present measurements of the emission-line widths that show them to be significantly narrower than the broad P Cygni profiles that immediately precede them. The emission profiles of novae in the nebular phase are distinctly rectangular, i.e., strongly suggestive of emission from a relatively thin, roughly spherical shell. We thus interpret novae spectral evolution in terms of the collision between the two components of ejecta, which converts the early absorption spectrum to an emission-line spectrum within weeks of the outburst. The narrow emission widths require the outer circumbinary gas to be much more massive than the white dwarf ejecta, thereby slowing the latter’s expansion upon collision. The presence of a large reservoir of circumbinary gas at the time of outburst is suggestive that novae outbursts may sometime be triggered by collapse of gas onto the white dwarf, as occurs for dwarf novae, rather than steady mass transfer through the inner Lagrangian point.