The asymmetry of the solar cycle: A result of non-linearity

The paper presents a numerical analysis of Wolf sunspot numbers, with emphasis being laid on the asymmetry of the cyclic variation. To that purpose we have used the standard tables of monthly numbers and, in addition to the Fourier transform, we have done an overall analysis of the trend around each maximum. Many of these maxima present an asymmetry, and sometimes the presence of two maxima is evident. The non-linear RLC van der Pol model suggested by Polygiannakis and Moussas [Polygiannakis, J.M., Moussas, X. A nonlinear RLC solar cycle model. Solar Physics 163, 193–203, 1996] can explain many features of the observed asymmetries. Our analysis shows that a consistent deconvolution in two Gaussian curves is possible for each maximum. We may presume that the observed sunspot time series includes a hidden complex structure. This could give some hints of a behavior typical for coupled non-linear oscillators. It is a matter of further interpretations. whether such “oscillators” are just a simple approximation of a much complex phenomenon, or are a sign of another more physically based model like the dynamo model (or other models).     

Estimation of plasma density from wave data of cold electron plasma

Based on the dispersion relation of electron plasma, one can expect, that the waves excited in the frequency band (f_p, f_u=sqrt(f_p^*f_p+f_c^*f_c)) should persist in experimental spectra. For wave data from a spacecraft immersed in a cold plasma such an assumption may be misleading. In measurements performed on board the INTERCOSMOS-19, ACTIVE, APEX satellites and VC36.064CE rocket the most prominent spectral structure is centered around frequency f_r fulfilling the relation f_crp and corresponds to resonant detection of Bernstein waves excited in the surrounding plasma by spacecraft systems. Input network mismatch at frequencies around fu significantly depresses natural plasma noise as well as that excited by the spacecraft. Plasma emissions in the band (f_p, f_u) are prominent if the electromagnetic excitation is preferential (topside sounders) or if the excitation introduces nonequilibrium components into the plasma e.g. particle beams or clouds. Experimental examples are presented and parameters of cold plasma spectra useful for electron density estimation are discussed. The application to other spacecraft-cold plasma configurations is suggested.     

Phase resolved study of the CRSF in MX 0656-072

MXB 0656-072 is an accreting X-ray pulsar with a Be star companion, showing notable emission in H. In October 2003 this system exhibited a large and extended X-ray outburst. RXTE observations during this outburst indicated a pulse period of 160.4 s and a cyclotron resonance scattering feature in the spectrum at 32 keV. This paper presents pulse profile analysis and phase-resolved X-ray spectroscopy of RXTE observations during this outburst.     

Do heavy ions cause microlesions in cell membranes?

Heavy ions are a hazard in manned deep space missions. It has been theoretically postulated that when they interact with cells, localized damage in the forms of "microlesions" may occur. Purported morphological evidence of these lesions, however, has not been confirmed in the most extensively studied tissue so far, the cornea. Recent morphological evidence from rat corneas demonstrated that holes in membranes do not form as consequence of heavy ion irradiation. This does not mean, however, that some other form of damage is excluded. For example such damage may be physiological in nature, impairing the ability of cells or tissues to function properly. In order to uncover any physiological effects, we investigated the microlesion question by monitoring the electrical potential difference across the endothelium of rat corneas in vitro before, during, and after irradiation. When the corneas were exposed to 1 Gy of 56Fe ions (450 and 600 MeV/a.m.u.), we detected no effect on this parameter. These results suggest that direct physical damage to cell membranes, as predicted by the microlesion theory, does not take place.     

"Mir" radiation dosimetry results during the solar proton events in September-October 1989.

Using data from dosimetry-radiometry system "Liulin" on board of "Mir"-space station the particle flux and doserate during September-October, 1989 has been studied. The orbit of the station was 379 km perigee, 410 km apogee and 51.6 degrees inclination. Special attention has been paid to the flux and doserate changes inside the station after intensive solar proton events (SPE) on 29 of September, 1989. The comparison between the doses before and after the solar flares shows increase of the calculated mean dose per day by factor of 10 to 200. During the SPE on the 29 of September the additional dose was 310 mrad. The results of the experiment are compared with the data for the solar proton fluxes obtained on the GOES-7 satellite.     

Biological role of gravity: hypotheses and results of experiments on "Cosmos" biosatellites.

In order to reveal the biological significance of gravity, microgravity effects have been studied at the cellular, organism and population levels. The following questions arise. Do any gravity-dependent processes exist in a cell? Is cell adaptation to weightlessness possible; if so, what role may cytoskeleton, the genetic apparatus play in it? What are the consequences of the lack of convection in weightlessness for the performance of morphogenesis? Do the integral characteristics of living beings change in weightlessness? Is there any change in "biological capacity" of space, its resistance to expansion of life? What are the direction and intensity of microgravity action as a factor of natural selection, the driving force of evolution? These problems are discussed from a theoretical point of view, and in the light of results obtained in experiments from aboard biosatellites "Cosmos".     

Polarization Studies of Contribution of Aerosol Scattering to the Glow of Twilight Sky

The paper is devoted to studies and a quantitative estimation of the influence of scattering of direct solar radiation by particles of tropospheric aerosols in the period of light twilight, close to sunrise and sunset. Polarization measurements of the twilight sky in two broad spectral bands lying near the standard bands V and R form the basis of these studies. The measurements were carried out in 2002 and 2003 at the Southern Laboratory (Crimea) of the Sternberg Astronomical Institute. The twilight period during which the single aerosol scattering becomes significant is isolated. The character of its influence on the intensity and polarization of the twilight sky is demonstrated. A method is suggested to evaluate polarization of the single aerosol scattering and its contribution to the general brightness of the twilight sky background. The method is based on differential characteristics of the background near the zenith and on their correlations with each other.     

Human exploration of Mars

The human exploration of Mars has the potential to return a rich harvest of scientific information about that planet, its possible past biological history and the prospects for future habitation by Earthly life. The realization of that potential will require new approaches and new technologies--a whole new paradigm in space exploration. Picture yourself exploring the surface of Mars, where your task involves conducting a detailed investigation of features larger than the United States in order to uncover a record of planetary history spanning over four billion years.     

高超声速脉冲风洞中带燃料的超燃冲压发动机模型试验

给出了在ITAM最近投入使用的高超声速脉冲绝热压缩风洞AT-303中进行超燃冲压发动机模型实验的结果.实验马赫数M∞≈8,运行时间τ=50~60 ms,雷诺数范围Re1∞=2.7×106~4.0×107,模型表面的边界层自然转捩.在实验中,模型中有燃料供给:把气态氢以超过化学量比率的空气燃料因子注入到燃烧室.提供了足以发生氢燃料自点燃的流动条件.测量了沿进气道楔型压缩面和整个发动机通道上的纵向压力和热流分布.所获数据与同一模型在热射流风洞IT-302M(实验马赫数M∞≈6,8,运行时间τ=100~120 ms,雷诺数范围Re1∞=(1.3~1.8)×106,进气道压缩面和侧压缩面进行了边界层转捩).结果表明:实验模型发动机在两座风洞中进行实验所获得的流态类型相同.发动机刚刚启动时,在进气道入口及其下游的发动机通道内形成超声速流.注入氢后,首先在燃烧室内形成平均流速是超声速的燃烧流动.之后,在燃烧室出口出现热拥塞现象、在进气道扩压段产生伪激波流态.在两座风洞中进行了进气道和发动机通道的流动特征试验,获得了令人满意的结果.     

Numerical Simulation of Geomagnetic Trapping of Anomalous Cosmic Ray Ions

A method for simulating the propagation processes for ions of the anomalous component of cosmic rays in the Earth's magnetic field is described with allowance made for a step-by-step stripping of the ions in the residual atmosphere and their trapping by the geomagnetic field. Numerical results are presented for the geomagnetic trapping of high-energy singly charged oxygen ions penetrating into the stripping region from interplanetary space.