Showing papers in "Astrophysics and Space Science in 2012"

Dark energy cosmology: the equivalent description via different theoretical models and cosmography tests

Abstract: We review different dark energy cosmologies. In particular, we present the ΛCDM cosmology, Little Rip and Pseudo-Rip universes, the phantom and quintessence cosmologies with Type I, II, III and IV finite-time future singularities and non-singular dark energy universes. In the first part, we explain the ΛCDM model and well-established observational tests which constrain the current cosmic acceleration. After that, we investigate the dark fluid universe where a fluid has quite general equation of state (EoS) [including inhomogeneous or imperfect EoS]. All the above dark energy cosmologies for different fluids are explicitly realized, and their properties are also explored. It is shown that all the above dark energy universes may mimic the ΛCDM model currently, consistent with the recent observational data. Furthermore, special attention is paid to the equivalence of different dark energy models. We consider single and multiple scalar field theories, tachyon scalar theory and holographic dark energy as models for current acceleration with the features of quintessence/phantom cosmology, and demonstrate their equivalence to the corresponding fluid descriptions. In the second part, we study another equivalent class of dark energy models which includes F(R) gravity as well as F(R) Hořava-Lifshitz gravity and the teleparallel f(T) gravity. The cosmology of such models representing the ΛCDM-like universe or the accelerating expansion with the quintessence/phantom nature is described. Finally, we approach the problem of testing dark energy and alternative gravity models to general relativity by cosmography. We show that degeneration among parameters can be removed by accurate data analysis of large data samples and also present the examples.

Science performance of Gaia, ESA's space-astrometry mission

Abstract: Gaia is the next astrometry mission of the European Space Agency (ESA), following up on the success of the Hipparcos mission. With a focal plane containing 106 CCD detectors, Gaia will survey the entire sky and repeatedly observe the brightest 1,000 million objects, down to 20th magnitude, during its 5-year lifetime. Gaia’s science data comprises absolute astrometry, broad-band photometry, and low-resolution spectro-photometry. Spectroscopic data with a resolving power of 11,500 will be obtained for the brightest 150 million sources, down to 17th magnitude. The thermo-mechanical stability of the spacecraft, combined with the selection of the L2 Lissajous point of the Sun-Earth/Moon system for operations, allows stellar parallaxes to be measured with standard errors less than 10 micro-arcsecond (μas) for stars brighter than 12th magnitude, 25 μas for stars at 15th magnitude, and 300 μas at magnitude 20. Photometric standard errors are in the milli-magnitude regime. The spectroscopic data allows the measurement of radial velocities with errors of 15 km s−1 at magnitude 17. Gaia’s primary science goal is to unravel the kinematical, dynamical, and chemical structure and evolution of the Milky Way. In addition, Gaia’s data will touch many other areas of science, e.g., stellar physics, solar-system bodies, fundamental physics, and exo-planets. The Gaia spacecraft is currently in the qualification and production phase. With a launch in 2013, the final catalogue is expected in 2021. The science community in Europe, organised in the Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC), is responsible for the processing of the data.

LRS Bianchi type-I cosmological model in f ( R , T ) theory of gravity

Abstract: The exact solutions of the field equations in respect of LRS Bianchi type-I space time filled with perfect fluid in the framework of f(R,T) gravity (Harko et al., arXiv:1104.2669v2 [gr-qc], 2011) are derived. The physical behavior of the model is studied. In fact, the possibility of reconstruction of the LRS Bianchi type-I cosmology with an appropriate choice of a function f(T) has been proved in f(R,T) gravity.

Bianchi type-III cosmological model in f(R,T) theory of gravity

Abstract: A spatially homogeneous Bianchi type-III space-time is considered in the presence of perfect fluid source in the frame work of f(R,T) gravity (Harko et al in Phys Rev D 84:024020, 2011) with the help of a special law of variation for Hubble’s parameter proposed by Bermann (Nuovo Cimento B 74:182, 1983) A cosmological model with an appropriate choice of the function f(T) has been constructed The physical behavior of the model is studied

Two-Fluid Scenario for Dark Energy Models in an FRW Universe-Revisited

Abstract: In this paper we study the evolution of the dark energy parameter within the scope of a spatially homogeneous and isotropic Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) model filled with barotropic fluid and dark energy by revisiting the recent results (Amirhashchi et al. in Chin. Phys. Lett. 28:039801, 2011a). To prevail the deterministic solution we select the scale factor $a(t) = \sqrt{t^{n}e^{t}}$ which generates a time-dependent deceleration parameter (DP), representing a model which generates a transition of the universe from the early decelerating phase to the recent accelerating phase. We consider the two cases of an interacting and non-interacting two-fluid (barotropic and dark energy) scenario and obtained general results. The cosmic jerk parameter in our derived model is also found to be in good agreement with the recent data of astrophysical observations under the suitable condition. The physical aspects of the models and the stability of the corresponding solutions are also discussed.

Modelling heliospheric current sheet drift in stochastic cosmic ray transport models

Abstract: Drifts are one of the major cosmic ray modulation mechanisms in the heliosphere. Three types of drifts occur in the background heliospheric magnetic field, namely curvature, gradient and current sheet drifts. The last component occurs because of the switch in magnetic field polarity across the heliospheric current sheet and is the main topic of study. We discuss and implement a new approach to model drifts in a numerical modulation model. The model employs stochastic differential equations to solve the relevant transport equation in five (three spatial, energy and time) dimensions. What is of interest is the fact that the model can handle current sheet tilt angles up to the theoretical maximum of α=90° and still remain numerically stable. We use the additional insights gained from the numerical model to investigate the effectiveness of drifts along the current sheet by examining the relationship between the current sheet path length and the cosmic ray propagation time. It is found that diffusion can disrupt the drift process very effectively, leading to diffusive short circuiting of the current sheet by the cosmic rays.

Existence and stability of triangular points in the restricted three-body problem with numerical applications

Abstract: In this paper, we prove that the locations of the triangular points and their linear stability are affected by the oblateness of the more massive primary in the planar circular restricted three-body problem, considering the effect of oblateness for J2 and J4. After that, we show that the triangular points are stable for 0<μ<μc and unstable when \(\mu_{c}\leq \mu\leq \frac{1}{2}\), where μc is the critical mass parameter which depends on the coefficients of oblateness. On the other hand, we produce some numerical values for the positions of the triangular points, μ and μc using planets systems in our solar system which emphasis that the range of stability will decrease; however this range sometimes is not affected by the existence of J4 for some planets systems as in Earth–Moon, Saturn–Phoebe and Uranus–Caliban systems.

Nonextensive dust acoustic solitary and shock waves in nonplanar geometry

Abstract: The properties of cylindrical and spherical dust acoustic (DA) solitary and shock waves in an unmagnetized electron depleted dusty plasma consisting of inertial dust fluid and ions featuring Tsallis statistics are investigated by employing the reductive perturbation technique. A Korteweg-de Vries Burgers (KdVB) equation is derived and its numerical solution is obtained. The effects of ion nonextensivity and dust kinematic viscosity on the basic features of DA solitary and shock waves are discussed in nonplanar geometry. It is found that nonextensive nonplanar DA waves behave quite differently from their one-dimensional planar counterpart.

The Large Magellanic Cloud and the distance scale

Abstract: The Magellanic Clouds, especially the Large Magellanic Cloud, are places where multiple distance indicators can be compared with each other in a straight-forward manner at considerable precision. We here review the distances derived from Cepheids, Red Variables, RR Lyraes, Red Clump Stars and Eclipsing Binaries, and show that the results from these distance indicators generally agree to within their errors, and the distance modulus to the Large Magellanic Cloud appears to be defined to ±3% with a mean value (m−M)0=18.48 mag, corresponding to 49.7 kpc. The utility of the Magellanic Clouds in constructing and testing the distance scale will remain as we move into the era of Gaia.

Periodic orbits under combined effects of oblateness and radiation in the restricted problem of three bodies

Abstract: In this paper, we study the existence of libration points and their linear stability when the three participating bodies are axisymmetric and the primaries are radiating, we found that the collinear points remain unstable, it is further seen that the triangular points are stable for 0<μ<μ c , and unstable for $\mu_{c}\leq\mu\leq\tfrac{1}{2}$ where $\mu_{c}\in(0,\tfrac{1}{2})$ , it is also observed that for these points the range of stability will decrease. In addition to this we have studied periodic orbits around these points in the range 0<μ<μ c , we found that these orbits are elliptical; the frequencies of long and short orbits of the periodic motion are affected by the terms which involve parameters that characterize the oblateness and radiation repulsive forces. The implication is that the period of long periodic orbits adjusts with the change in its frequency while the period of short periodic orbit will decrease.

Initial spin periods of neutron stars in supernova remnants

Abstract: We present estimates of initial spin periods, P 0, for radio pulsars associated with supernova remnants. By using the published data on 30 objects, we were able to derive a reliable estimate for the initial spin period, assuming standard magneto-dipole spin-down (braking index n=3), in many cases. Our set of estimates is still not sufficient to infer the exact shape of the initial period distribution. However, we show that a gaussian distribution with mean and deviation ∼0.1 s is consistent with our results, while flat, wide distributions and very narrow ones are disfavored.

Noether gauge symmetry approach in f( R) gravity

Abstract: We discuss the f(R) gravity model in which the origin of dark energy is identified as a modification of gravity. The Noether symmetry with gauge term is investigated for the f(R) cosmological model. By utilization of the Noether Gauge Symmetry (NGS) approach, we obtain two exact forms f(R) for which such symmetries exist. Further it is shown that these forms of f(R) are stable.

FRW and Bianchi type I cosmology of f-essence

Abstract: F-essence is a generalization of the usual Dirac model with the nonstandard kinetic term. In this paper, we introduce a new model of spinor cosmology containing both Ricci scalar and the non minimally coupled spinor fields in its action. We have investigated the cosmology with both isotropy and anisotropy, where the equations of motion of FRW and Bianchi type-I spacetimes have been derived and solved numerically. Finally the quantization of these models through Wheeler-De Witt (WD) wave function has been discussed.

LRS Bianchi-I anisotropic cosmological model with dominance of dark energy

Abstract: The present study deals with spatially homogeneous and anisotropic locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi type I cosmological model with dominance of dark energy. To get the deterministic model of Universe, we assume that the shear scalar (σ) in the model is proportional to expansion scalar (θ). This condition leads to A=B n , where A, B are metric potential and n is positive constant. It has been found that the anisotropic distribution of dark energy leads to the present accelerated expansion of Universe. The physical behavior of the Universe has been discussed in detail.

Rogue wave in Titan's atmosphere

Abstract: Rogue wave in a collisionless, unmagnetized electronegative plasma is investigated. For this purpose, the basic set of fluid equations is reduced to the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation. However, when the frequency of the carrier wave is much smaller than the ion plasma frequency then the KdV equation is also used to study the nonlinear evolution of modulationally unstable modified ion-acoustic wavepackets through the derivation of the nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation. In order to show that the characteristics of the rogue wave is influenced by the plasma parameters, the relevant numerical analysis of the NLS equation is presented. The relevance of our investigation to the Titan’s atmosphere is discussed.

Globular cluster luminosity function as distance indicator

Abstract: Globular clusters are among the first objects used to establish the distance scale of the Universe. In the 1970-ies it has been recognized that the differential magnitude distribution of old globular clusters is very similar in different galaxies presenting a peak at M V ∼−7.5. This peak magnitude of the so-called Globular Cluster Luminosity Function has been then established as a secondary distance indicator. The intrinsic accuracy of the method has been estimated to be of the order of ∼0.2 mag, competitive with other distance determination methods. Lately the study of the Globular Cluster Systems has been used more as a tool for galaxy formation and evolution, and less so for distance determinations. Nevertheless, the collection of homogeneous and large datasets with the ACS on board HST presented new insights on the usefulness of the Globular Cluster Luminosity Function as distance indicator. I discuss here recent results based on observational and theoretical studies, which show that this distance indicator depends on complex physics of the cluster formation and dynamical evolution, and thus can have dependencies on Hubble type, environment and dynamical history of the host galaxy. While the corrections are often relatively small, they can amount to important systematic differences that make the Globular Cluster Luminosity Function a less accurate distance indicator with respect to some other standard candles.

On the triangular libration points in photogravitational restricted three-body problem with variable mass

Abstract: This paper investigates the triangular libration points in the photogravitational restricted three-body problem of variable mass, in which both the attracting bodies are radiating as well and the infinitesimal body vary its mass with time according to Jeans' law. Firstly, applying the space-time transformation of Meshcherskii in the special case when q=1/2, k=0, n=1, the differential equations of motion of the problem are given. Secondly, in analogy to corresponding problem with constant mass, the positions of analogous triangular libration points are obtained, and the fact that these triangular libration points cease to be classical ones when alpha not equal 0, but turn to classical L (4) and L (5) naturally when alpha=0 is pointed out. Lastly, introducing the space-time inverse transformation of Meshcherskii, the linear stability of triangular libration points is tested when alpha > 0. It is seen that the motion around the triangular libration points become unstable in general when the problem with constant mass evolves into the problem with decreasing mass.

On the stability of triangular points in the elliptic R3BP under radiating and oblate primaries

Abstract: This paper investigates the stability of triangular equilibrium points (L 4,5) in the elliptic restricted three-body problem (ER3BP), when both oblate primaries emit light energy simultaneously. The positions of the triangular points are seen to shift away from the line joining the primaries than in the classical case on account of the introduction of the eccentricity, semi-major axis, radiation and oblateness factors of both primaries. This is shown for the binary systems Achird, Luyten 726-8, Kruger 60, Alpha Centauri AB and Xi Bootis. We found that motion around these points is conditionally stable with respect to the parameters involved in the system dynamics. The region of stability increases and decreases with variability in eccentricity, oblateness and radiation pressures.

Dark energy models with anisotropic fluid in Bianchi Type-VI (0) space-time with time dependent deceleration parameter

Abstract: We present two dark energy (DE) models with an anisotropic fluid in Bianchi type-VI 0 space-time by considering time dependent deceleration parameter (DP). The equation of state (EoS) for dark energy ω is found to be time dependent and its existing range for derived models is in good agreement with the recent observations. Under the suitable condition, the anisotropic models approach to isotropic scenario. We also find that during the evolution of the universe, the EoS parameter for DE changes from ω>−1 to ω=−1 in first model whereas from ω>−1 to ω<−1 in second model which is consistent with recent observations. The cosmological constant Λ is found to be a positive decreasing function of time and it approaches a small positive value at late time (i.e. the present epoch) which is corroborated by results from recent type Ia supernovae observations. The cosmic jerk parameter in our derived models is also found to be in good agreement with the recent data of astrophysical observations. The physical and geometric aspects of both the models are also discussed in detail.

Modulational instability of electron-acoustic waves in relativistically degenerate quantum plasma

Abstract: Using the Quantum hydrodynamic (QHD) model the modulational instability of electron-acoustic waves (EAWs) has been examined theoretically by deriving a nonlinear Schrodinger equation in a two-electron-populated relativistically degenerate super dense plasma. Through numerical analysis it is shown that the relativistic degeneracy parameter significantly influence the stability conditions and the formation and properties of the envelop solitons.

Tachyon reconstruction of ghost dark energy

Abstract: Recently it has been argued that a possible source for the dark energy may arise due to the contribution to the vacuum energy of the QCD ghost in a time-dependent background. In this paper we establish a connection between interacting ghost dark energy and tachyon field. It is demonstrated that the evolution of the ghost dark energy dominated universe can be described completely by a single tachyon scalar field. The potential and the dynamics of the tachyon field are reconstructed according to the evolutionary behavior of ghost energy density.

Tachyonic teleparallel dark energy

Abstract: Teleparallel gravity is an equivalent formulation of general relativity in which instead of the Ricci scalar R, one uses the torsion scalar T for the Lagrangian density. Recently teleparallel dark energy has been proposed by Geng et al. (in Phys. Lett. B 704, 384, 2011). They have added quintessence scalar field, allowing also a non-minimal coupling with gravity in the Lagrangian of teleparallel gravity and found that such a non-minimally coupled quintessence theory has a richer structure than the same one in the frame work of general relativity. In the present work we are interested in tachyonic teleparallel dark energy in which scalar field is responsible for dark energy in the frame work of torsion gravity. We find that such a non-minimally coupled tachyon gravity can realize the crossing of the phantom divide line for the effective equation of state. Using the numerical calculations we display such a behavior of the model explicitly.

Electron acoustic solitary waves in a plasma with nonthermal electrons featuring Tsallis distribution

Abstract: The problem of solitary electron acoustic (EA) wave propagation in a plasma with nonthermal hot electrons featuring the Tsallis distribution is addressed. A physically meaningful nonextensive nonthermal velocity distribution is outlined. It is shown that the effect of the nonthermal electron nonextensivity on EA waves can be quite important. Interestingly, we found that the phase speed of the linear EA mode increases as the entropic index q decreases. This enhancement is weak for q>1, and significant for q 1) becomes less noticeable as the nonthermal parameter decreases. Nevertheless, decreasing α yields for q<0 a different result, a trend which may be attributed to the functional form of the nonthermal nonextensive distribution. Our study (which is not aimed at putting the ad hoc Cairns distribution onto a more rigorous foundation) suggests that a background electron nonextensivity may influence the EA solitons.

Interacting Ricci Dark Energy with Logarithmic Correction

Abstract: Motivated by the holographic principle, it has been suggested that the dark energy density may be inversely proportional to the area A of the event horizon of the universe. However, such a model would have a causality problem. In this work, we consider the entropy-corrected version of the holographic dark energy model in the non-flat FRW universe and we propose to replace the future event horizon area with the inverse of the Ricci scalar curvature. We obtain the equation of state (EoS) parameter ω Λ, the deceleration parameter q and $\Omega_{D}'$ in the presence of interaction between Dark Energy (DE) and Dark Matter (DM). Moreover, we reconstruct the potential and the dynamics of the tachyon, K-essence, dilaton and quintessence scalar field models according to the evolutionary behavior of the interacting entropy-corrected holographic dark energy model.

Generalized Chaplygin gas model with or without viscosity in the w – w ′ plane

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of generalized Chaplygin gas (GCG) model with or without viscosity in the w–w′ plane, which is defined by the equation of state parameter and its time derivative with respect to the logarithm of the scale factor. We show that GCG model without viscosity approaches to a late time de Sitter attractor (w g =−1) and behaves like a “freezing” scalar field for the parameter α constrained by the latest observational data. However, introducing viscosity exerts an influence on the evolution of w and affects the location of the late time attractor (w g >−1) in viscous GCG model. We also find numerically such a transition from w′>0 to w′<0 as the universe expands in viscous GCG model different from GCG model without viscosity (w′<0) in the w–w′ plane.

Phantom phase power-law solution in f(G) gravity

Abstract: Power-law solutions for f(G) gravity coupled with perfect fluid have been studied for spatially flat universe. It is shown that despite the matter dominated and accelerating power-law solutions, the power-law solution exists for an special form of f(G) when this universe enters a Phantom phase.

Exact physical Maxwell-Einstein Tolman-VII solution and its use in stellar models

Abstract: We derive an exact Maxwell-Einstein metric for a spherically symmetric static perfect fluid with mass and charge (Q), that electrifies the Tolman-VII metric and meets applicable physical boundary conditions. We show that there is more than one way to electrify any Q=0 metric, depending on whether metric component g tt , g rr , or neither, is independent of Q. We illustrate an approach not yet in the literature in which g rr is independent of Q. When applied to a baryonic stellar model, this metric is versatile, capable of producing a range of values for radius, mass, Q, and far-field mass due to the presence of charge.

Dark energy model with variable q and ω in LRS Bianchi-II space-time

Abstract: The present study deals with spatial homogeneous and anisotropic locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi-II dark energy model in general relativity. The Einstein’s field equations have been solved exactly by taking into account the proportionality relation between one of the components of shear scalar $(\sigma^{1}_{1})$ and expansion scalar (ϑ), which, for some suitable choices of problem parameters, yields time dependent equation of state (EoS) and deceleration parameter (DP), representing a model which generates a transition of universe from early decelerating phase to present accelerating phase. The physical and geometrical behavior of universe have been discussed in detail.

Nonextensive dust acoustic waves in a charge varying dusty plasma

Abstract: Our recent analysis on nonlinear nonextensive dust-acoustic waves (DA) [Amour and Tribeche in Phys. Plasmas 17:063702, 2010] is extended to include self-consistent nonadiabatic grain charge fluctuation. The appropriate nonextensive electron charging current is rederived based on the orbit-limited motion theory. Our results reveal that the amplitude, strength and nature of the nonlinear DA waves (solitons and shocks) are extremely sensitive to the degree of ion nonextensivity. Stronger is the electron correlation, more important is the charge variation induced nonlinear wave damping. The anomalous dissipation effects may prevail over that dispersion as the electrons evolve far away from their Maxwellian equilibrium. Our investigation may be of wide relevance to astronomers and space scientists working on interstellar dusty plasmas where nonthermal distributions are turning out to be a very common and characteristic feature.

Fading Hawking radiation

Abstract: In this study, we explore a particular type Hawking radiation which ends with zero temperature and entropy. The appropriate black holes for this purpose are the linear dilaton black holes. In addition to the black hole choice, a recent formalism in which the Parikh-Wilczek’s tunneling formalism amalgamated with quantum corrections to all orders in ħ is considered. The adjustment of the coefficients of the quantum corrections plays a crucial role on this particular Hawking radiation. The obtained tunneling rate indicates that the radiation is not pure thermal anymore, and hence correlations of outgoing quanta are capable of carrying away information encoded within them. Finally, we show in detail that when the linear dilaton black hole completely evaporates through such a particular radiation, entropy of the radiation becomes identical with the entropy of the black hole, which corresponds to “no information loss”.