The Sixth Catalogue of galactic Wolf-Rayet stars,their past and present

This paper presents the Sixth Catalogue of galactic Wolf-Rayet stars (Pop. I), a short history on the five earlier WR catalogues, improved spectral classification, finding charts, a discussion on related objects, and a review of the current status of Wolf-Rayet star research.The appendix presents a bibliography on most of the Wolf-Rayet literature published since 1867.Visiting astronomer, Kitt Peak National Observatory and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory.Visiting astronomer, European Southern Observatory.     

Optical identifications of faint X-ray sources: New CCD candidates for 0918-549, 1822-000 and 1905+000

We present preliminary results of multicolor CCD imaging within the error boxes of several unidentified faint galactic X-ray sources. New, faint ultraviolet stars have been found lying within the combined SAS-3/HEAO A-3 error boxes of Reid et al. (1980) for 0918-549, 1822-000 and the X-ray burster 1905+000.Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory, La Silla, Chile.Visiting Astronomer, Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, administered by NRC of Canada, CNRS of France and U. of Hawaii     

X-ray Nova Binary Systems

The physical properties of X-ray novae as close binary systems are analysed. Observational data in X-ray, UV, optical, IR and radio ranges are summarized. Modern theoretical considerations of the problem of X-ray novae, taking into account some new ideas and results, are described. Properties of optical stars in X-ray novae are analysed. Data about the masses of black holes in X-ray binary systems are summarized. Possible evolutionary links between WR stars in close binary systems and X-ray novae are analysed.     

Is the Vela pulsar associated with the Vela SNR?

Optical data taken in January 1987 from La Silla, when compared with the discovery plate of 1975.2 show no proper motion for PSR 0833-45, while a very significant one was expected if the pulsar originated in the center of the Vela SNR, which has so far been associated with it. If such an association is to be retained, either an extreme asymmetry of the SNR is required, or both objects are much older than has so far been thought. Both alternatives have their difficulties, thus possibly casting doubts on the reality of this classic SNR/pulsar association.Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory, La Silla, Chile.     

CCD photometry of low mass X-ray binaries: LMCX-2, 1556-60 and 1957+11

We present preliminary results from V-band CCD photometric observations of several low-mass X-ray binaries with faint optical counterparts obtained at ESO and CFHT from February to September 1984. LMCX-2 exhibits large (0.3–0.5 magnitude) variations consistent with a possible 6.4 hour period. 1556-605 shows 0.2–0.5 magnitude variations suggesting that the orbital period is longer than 7 hours. 1957+115 shows short time scale (1 hour) variations of 0.1 magnitude.Based on observations obtained at the European Southern Observatory, La Silla, Chile and with the Canada-France-Hawaii telescope, Mauna Kea, HI.     

Observations and theory of cataclysmic variables: On progress and problems in understanding dwarf novae and nova-like stars

After brief historical and theoretical introductions to the field, observed properties of dwarf novae and non-magnetic nova-like stars are reviewed. Photometric observations splitted into events on time-scales of months to years (outburst light curves), hours (orbital light curves) and minutes and below (flickering and oscillations), respectively, and spectroscopic observations are presented. The emphasis is on one hand on the features common to many objects in an attempt to gain some impression on what could be considered typical features. On the other hand observations are highlighted that spectacularly deviate from these common trends as they may give some hint as to what the possible range of variability is. Whenever possible, the implications for the physical properties and possible models of the systems are pointed out. Furthermore, for each section the current status of the conceptual understanding and attempts to model this are briefly reviewed and, finally, confronted with the observations.     

Pre-Main Sequence Stars Seen by ISO

Observations of pre-main sequence objects (T Tauri, Herbig Ae/Be and FU Orionis stars) obtained with the instrumentation on board the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) are reviewed. All the observations have been mainly carried out by using the two spectrographs SWS and LWS, adopting their low resolution modes and such data have been used both for lines detection and to reconstruct the spectral energy distributions. Line emission and photometric behaviour of pre-main sequence objects have been analyzed in the framework of the current models, discussing the agreement (or disagreement) with them and trying to derive the questions which should be answered by the forthcoming FIR instrumentation. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.     

Cooling of neutron stars and X-ray observations

Cooling of neutron stars is calculated using an exact stellar evolution code. The full general relativistic version of the stellar structure equations are solved, with the best physical input currently available. For neutron stars with a stiff equation of state, we find that the deviation from the isothermality in the interior is significant and that it takes at least a few thousand years to reach the isothermal state. By comparing the most recent theoretical and observational results, we conclude that for Cas A, SN1006, and probably Tycho, standard cooling is inconsistent with the results from the Einstein Observatory, if neutron stars are assumed to be present in these objects. On the other hand, the detection points for RCW103 and the Crab are consistent with these theoretical results.On leave from Department of Physics, Ibaraki University, Japan     

A catalogue of low-resolution IUE spectra of dwarf novae and nova-like stars

A catalogue is presented of all the low-resolution IUE spectra of dwarf novae and nova-like stars that were recorded until the end of 1987. All spectra have been reduced, and are displayed, in a homogeneous way. In addition to details about these data, to the extent available, their position in the outburst light curves is given, physical information about each system, and a comprehensive list of references for published observations in all wavelength ranges.     

EXOSAT/optical observations of the AM Her star HO139-68

We report preliminary results of X-ray and optical observations of the AM Her star HO139-68 during its low state at V 17 to 18. X-rays were detected only during 45 % of the orbital period when the system was optically bright and the radial velocity of the Balmer lines was positive. Our data show no evidence for accretion onto two active poles as indicated by previous X-ray and linear-polarization measurements. We find that the distance of the system based on its K-magnitude is d 130 pc.Based in part on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory at La Silla, Chile.     

The extremely X-ray bright Wolf-Rayet star HD193793

The Einstein Observatory showed that Wolf-Rayet stars have a much larger range in the ratio of X-ray to bolometric luminosity than normal early-type stars. EXOSAT measurements of HD193T93 (WCT+abs) show it to be extremely X-ray bright. This result is probably not connected with the infra-red and radio outburst that the star underwent in 1977. Other Einstein X-ray sources which are probably identified with Wolf-Rayet stars are newly reported.     

Highly evolved close binary stars

Recent progress on observational and theoretical investigations of close binary systems of stars allows one to understand the origin and evolution of peculiar objects in close binary systems: Wolf-Rayet stars, white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes. The prediction made by Gamov (1943) about the Wolf-Rayet stars as stars displaying at their surfaces products of thermo-nuclear processing is now confirmed by observations of Wolf-Rayet stars in binary systems. The Catalogue of Close Binary Stars on Late Evolutionary Stages has been published by our group in 1989 in Moscow University Press. An improved version of this Catalogue is now in preparation and will be published in 1995 by Gordon and Breach.     

Observational Overview of Young Intermediate-Mass Objects: Herbig Ae/Be Stars

Recent discoveries of planets orbiting several nearby solar-mass stars have focussed renewed attention on the frequency and evolution of planetary systems and their evolutionary precursors around both solar and intermediate (2 M/M 8) mass stars. As a result of a wealth of new observations at all wavelengths of the circumstellar material around the nearest of the young intermediate-mass stars, the so-called Herbig Ae/Be (HAeBe) stars, we are beginning to see how these systems are similar to the solar mass objects, and how they differ. A review of the recent literature is presented, including the evolutionary status of the stars, binary frequency and the star forming environment, the morphology of the circumstellar material, including the first direct detections of disks in Keplerian rotation around these objects, and mass loss and infall phenomena. Prospects for advances in this research area as a result of advances in instrumentation are reviewed.     

无先验信息的低轨空间目标航迹起始方法

针对光学观测中缺乏预报信息的低轨道空间目标自动识别捕获问题,提出一种基于修正Hough变换的空间目标航迹起始方法,从而实现空间目标的自动识别。首先利用背景恒星运动规律对观测数据进行预处理,剔除大部分背景恒星。再利用观测数据的时序信息、定向参数进行Hough变换。本方法并没有采用传统的Hough变换对所有参数空间中的数据点进行投票,而是仅对参数空间中部分点投票,可以大幅减少运算量和存储量。试验表明:该方法能够有效地抑制背景恒星产生的虚假航迹,并快速准确地完成无先验信息的低轨道空间目标的航迹起始;可以在光学观测中实现空间目标的自动识别捕获,以及实时发现新目标,这为低轨道空间目标光学观测的无人值守和联网观测奠定了技术基础。     

A catalogue of low-resolution IUE spectra of dwarf novae and nova-like stars

A catalogue is presented of all the low-resolution IUE spectra of dwarf novae and nova-like stars that were recorded until the end of 1987. All spectra have been reduced, and are displayed, in a homogeneous way. In addition to details about these data, to the extent available, their position in the outburst light curves is given, physical information about each system, and a comprehensive list of references for published observations in all wavelength ranges.In collaboration with Janet A. Mattei, American Association of Variable Star Observers, 25 Birch Street, Cambridge, MA 02138-1205, U.S.A.     

SOFIA: The next generation airborne observatory

The United States and German Space Agencies (NASA and DARA) are collaborating in plans for SOFIA — The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy. It is a 2.5 meter telescope to be installed in a Boeing 747 aircraft and operated at altitudes from 41,000 to 45,000 feet. It will permit routine measurement of infrared radiation absorbed by the atmosphere at lower altitudes, and observation of astronomical objects and transient events from anywhere in the world. The concept is based on 20 years of experience with NASA's Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO), which SOFIA would replace. SOFIA will complement the capabilities of other future space missions, and will enable scientists to make observations which would otherwise be made from space.     

Gamma-ray Lines From cr Source Regions

Gamma-ray lines arise from radioactivities produced in nucleosynthesis sites, and from deexcitation of nuclei which have been activated through energetic particle collisions. Since the bulk of nucleosynthesis activity relates to activities inside massive stars, both these processes are related to the likely sources of cosmic rays: Supernova remnants show radioactivity afterglows at time scales which bracket their likely phases of relevance as CR acceleration sites; ²⁶Al radioactivity may trace regions of intense wind interactions from groups of massive stars, and also encode information about the possible injection of matter into CR acceleration environments through interstellar dust grains. The status of -ray line measurements after the Compton Observatory mission is presented, with models and interpretations of current results, and the prospects of upcoming measurements.     

Earthshine and Asteroseismology Telescope (East) Network

Several automated optical telescopes have been setup at appropriate longitudes around the globe to study earthshine variations and asteroseismology. The first telescope has been setup at Teide Observatory, Tenerife, Spain in October 2004. The intensity of earthshine relates to the average of Earth’s albedo, and in turn relates to the global temperature of the Earth. A global network is necessary because each site can measure the earthshine reflected from only a part of the Earth. The network will also be used for asteroseismology study. It can measure photometric variations of pulsating stars. The long-term and continuous measurements allow the accurate determination of mode frequencies of stellar pulsations, which provides information on the properties of stellar interior.     

A catalogue of low-resolution IUE spectra of dwarf novae and nova-like stars

A catalogue is presented of all the low-resolution IUE spectra of dwarf novae and nova-like stars that were recorded until the end of 1987. All spectra have been reduced, and are displayed, in a homogeneous way. In addition to details about these data, to the extent available, their position in the outburst light curves is given, physical information about each system, and a comprehensive list of references for published observations in all wavelength ranges.In collaboration with Janet A. Mattei, American Association of Variable Star Observers, 25 Birch Street, Cambridge, MA 02138-1205, U.S.A.     

Stellar flares

Radio and X-ray observations of stellar flares provide the most direct probes of energy relaase particle acceleration, and energy transport on stars other than the Sun. In this review, the observational basis for our understanding of the flare phenomenon on other stars is briefly described and outstanding interpretive and theoretical issues are discussed. I shall confine my attention to objects which are solar-like, to the extent that they possess deep convective envelopes and display activity which is presumed to be magnetic in origin. These include pre-main sequence objects, classical flare stars, and close binaries. Future directions are briefly discussed.