ALBERT

Description: Ground-based solar observational programs are discussed. The Birmingham (U.K.) solar oscillation network (BiSON) program, the Crimean (Ukraine) low degree program, the Stanford (California) low degree program, the Tenerife (Spain) group program, the South Pole program, the Mount Wilson (California) program, the international research on the interior of the sun (IRIS) network program, the high-l helioseismometer instrument, the ground luminosity oscillations imager (LOI) program, and the Taiwanese oscillation network (TON) program, are outlined.

Description: The UBV variability of classical T Tauri stars is investigated using a large data set compiled by Herbst et al. (1994). The analysis is based on the covariance of the UBV colors, which is independent of the obscuration and the temporal sampling, and is a powerful tool for finding trends that otherwise would be hidden in the complex time-dependence of the data. I find that there are two types of UBV variability and introduce the nomenclature 'ortho-' and 'para-UBV' variations, or in short 'type-O' and 'type-P' variations. Objects with a predominance of ortho-UBV variability show strong variability in both the Balmer and Paschen continua, whereas objects dominated by para-UBV changes vary mostly in the Paschen continuum. I show that type-O variations can be explained in terms of rotating spots, variable obscuration, or changes intrinsic to the source that obey the law Delta T(sub S)/T(sub S) varies as Delta n(sub H)/n(sub H), where T(sub S) and n(sub H) are, respectively, the gas temperature and the number density of hydrogen nuclei. Type-P variations can be explained only by changes intrinsic to the source with Delta T(sub S)/T(sub S) varies as - Delta n(sub H)/n(sub H), and I speculate on a possible origin for these changes. The covariance ellipse of the UBV colors is a versatile tool for studying the connection between variability and other spectral signatures of classical T Tauri stars; its use for this purpose is illustrated by studying the correlation between the presence of CO first-overtone bands in emission and the type of variability. I find that objects with CO band emission are also those with type-P variability and propose an observational test to validate this conclusion.

Description: We present the results of a first attempt to employ multiaperture masks to obtain spectrophotometry of H II regions in nearby galaxies. A total of 97 H II regions in six southern spiral galaxies were observed using a combination of multiaperture masks and conventional long-slit spectrophotometry. The oxygen abundances derived from the multiaperture mask observations using the empirical abundance diagnostic R(sub 23) are shown to be consistent with those from long-slit spectra and generally show better reproducibility and object definition. Although the number of objects that can be observed simultaneously with this particular system is still quite limited compared with either imaging spectrophotometry or fiber-fed spectrographs, the spectral resolution offered and high throughput in the blue help make multiaperture spectrophotometry a competitive technique for increasing the sampling of H II regions in both radial distance and luminosity. There is still no clear trend of abundance gradient with either the galaxy's luminosity or its Hubble type, although the extrapolated central abundance does appear to correlate with galaxy luminosity/mass. In order to avoid difficulty in choosing an appropriate normalizing radius, we instead plot the oxygen abundance against the underlying I-band surface brightness at the radial distance of the H II region and confirm the existence of a local metallicity-surface brightness reltaionship within the disks of spiral galaxies. Although the simple closed-boc model of galaxy evolution predicts almost the right form of this relationship, a more realistic multizone model employing expnentially decreasing gas infall provides a more satisfactory fit to the observational data, provided the expected enriched gas return from dying low-mass stars shedding their envelopes at late epochs is properly taken into account. This same model, with a star formation law based upon self-regulating star formation in a three-dimensional disk (Dopita & Ryder 1994), is equally capable of accounting for the observed relationship between recent massive star formation and stellar surface brightness (Ryder & Dopita 1994).

Description: We report new high-resolution near-infrared imaging observations of the planetary nebula J900, in broadband J, H, and K, and narrowband 2.122 micrometers (for H2 1-0 S(1)), Brackett-gamma, and continuum filters. The H2 images reveal a remarkable set of outward-extending features not detected in any previous observations of theis object. In the northwest lobe of the inner bipolar region, the H2 emission, Brackett-gamma emission, and underlying continuum are spatially resolved. The relative positions of the peaks of the line emission suggest an ionization front seen edge-on. The continuum emission, apparently located nearer to the central star, is likely due to transiently heated small dust grains. The extended H2 emission features are probably excited either by oblique shocks caused by material ejected from the nebula, or by radiation leaking from holes in the opacity surrounding the ionized shell.

Description: Recent ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) observations for the first time unequivocally reveal the presence of a compact source of hard X-ray emission centered on the peculiar star eta Car. These observations also show a dramatic change in the hard-band (E greater than 1.6 keV) counting rate by about a factor of 2 in a 4 month interval. Thus, strong variability, which is a characteristic of eta Car in radio through IR and visible-band wavelengths, is also observed at X-ray energies. The increase in hard X-ray emission could be the result of a tripling of the mass-loss rate in less than 4 months.

Description: Using data extracted from the ROSAT archive we have discovered a recurrent supersoft X-ray transient RX J0045.4+4154 in M31. The first outburst began on 1992 February 2 and continued for at least 4 days, until the end of the observation sequence. A second outburst that lasted more than 6 days was seen to begin on 1993 January 7. The X-ray spectrum on both occasions yields a characteristic blackbody temperature of approximately 90 eV. For a range of plausible continuum models, the hydrogen column density is (0.8-1.5) x 10(exp 21)/sq cm and is consistent with the source being located in M31. This implies an unabsorbed 0.1-2.0 keV peak luminosity of approximately 10(exp 38) ergs/sec. This is the first recurrent X-ray transient to be found in M31 and is particularly notable because it is much softer than the bright X-ray transients seen in our Galaxy. The spectrum is characteristic of the supersoft class of X-ray sources, which are thought to be accreting white dwarfs that have a hydrogen-burning surface layer. A fit to a white dwarf model atmosphere gives a temperature of 10(exp 6)K, the hottest found so far. This high temperature is consistent with a white dwarf mass of 1.3-1.4 solar mass, approaching the Chandrasekhar limit, and burning close to the nuclear stability limit.

Description: The life of 18th century astronomer, craftsman, and partriot David Rittenhouse is detailed. As a craftsman, he distinguished himself as one of the foremost builders of clocks. He also built magnetic compasses and surveying instruments. The finest examples of his craftsmanship are considered two orreries, mechanical solar systems. In terms of astronomical observations, his best-known contribution was his observation of the transit of Venus in 1769. Rittenhouse constructed the first diffraction grating. Working as Treasurer of Pennsylvania throughout the Revolution, he became the first director of the Mint in 1792. Astronomical observations in later life included charting the position of Uranus after its discovery.

Description: Using high-resolution spectroscopic data taken with the Goddard High Resolution Spectrographic (GHRS) aboard the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and with the International Ultraviolet Expolorer (IUE) satellite, we compare the profiles of the Mg II h and k lines seen in stars with spectral types ranging from early K through mid-M and luminosities from giants to supergiants. For all of these stars the lines are broad emission features with a central absorption. When plotted on a velocity scale the absorption features of the h and k lines agree very well in both shape and position, as do the blue wings of the emission component. The red wings of the emission, however, show a pronounced difference, with the k line wing consistently shifted to the red of the h line wing. At present the reason for this discrepancy is unknown, but we suggest several possibilities, including radiative transfer effects and high-speed stellar winds.

Description: The X-ray observatory Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics (ASCA) (Astro-D) was launched in Feb 1993 and is now providing excellent spectro-imaging observations of objects from virtually every astronomical class. This paper reviews the scientific capabilities of ASCA using some of the first results from X-ray binaries, cataclysmic variables, and stars.

Description: A close examination of the 0.7- to 23-micron infrared data base acquired by Gehrz and Ney (1992), suggests that the nucleus of Comet P/Halley 1986 III emitted a burst of small dust grains during a 3-day period commencing within hours of perihelion passage on 1986 February 9.46 UT. The outburst was characterized by significant increases in the coma's grain color temperature T(sub obs), temperature excess (superheat: S = T(sub obs)/T(sub BB)), infrared luminosity, albedo, and 10-micron silicate emission feature strength. These changes are all consistent with the sudden ejection from the nucleus of a cloud of grains with radii of approximately 0.5 micron. This outburst may have produced the dust that was responsible for some of the tail streamers photographed on 1986 February 22 UT. The peak of the dust outburst occurred about 3 days before a pronounced increase in the water production rate measured by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter Ultraviolet Spectrometer. We suggest that jets that release large quantities of small particles may be largely responsible for some of the variable infrared behavior that has been reported for P/Halley and other comets during the past two decades. Such jets may also account for some of the differences IR Type I and IR Type II comets.

Description: The age relations between 36 impact craters with dark paraboloids and other geologic units and structures at these localities have been studied through photogeologic analysis of Magellan SAR images of the surface of Venus. Geologic settings in all 36 sites, about 1000 x 1000 km each, could be characterized using only 10 different terrain units and six types of structures. Mapping of such units and structures in 36 randomly distributed large regions shows evidence for a distinctive regional and global stratigraphic and geologic sequence. On the basis of this sequence we have developed a model that illustrates several major themes in the history of Venus. Most of the history of Venus (that of its first 80% or so) is not preserved in the surface geomorphological record. The major deformation associated with tessera formation in the period sometime between 0.5-1.0 b.y. ago (Ivanov and Basilevsky, 1993) is the earliest event detected. Our stratigraphic analyses suggest that following tessera formation, extensive volcanic flooding resurfaced at least 85% of the planet in the form of the presently-ridged and fractured plains. Several lines of evidence favor a high flux in the post-tessera period but we have no independent evidence for the absolute duration of ridged plains emplacement. During this time, the net state of stress in the lithosphere apparently changed from extensional to compressional, first in the form of extensive ridge belt development, followed by the formation of extensive wrinkle ridges on the flow units. Subsequently, there occurred local emplacement of smooth and lobate plains units which are presently essentially undeformed. The major events in the latest 10% of the presently preserved history of Venus are continued rifting and some associated volcanism, and the redistribution of eolian material largely derived from impact crater deposits. Detailed geologic mapping and stratigraphic synthesis are necessary to test this sequence and to address many of the outstanding problems raised by this analysis.

Description: We obtained the first high-dispersion IUE spectrum, and an additional low-dispersion spectrum of the very young planetary nebula He 3-1357 and its central star SDAO 244567. In 1988, it showed a very strong C IV lambda-1549 P Cygni profile which diminished and has disappeared by 1994, but C IV absorptions are seen in a high-resolution spectrum. The electron density from the C III F(lambda 1907)/F(lambda 1909) emission ratio is log N(sub e) = 4.1/cc. The older IUE data were reprocessed, and emission-line fluxes vary greatly for the period 1988-1994. The high-dispersion data show a rich Fe V and Fe VI absorption spectrum.

Description: We have observed seven narrow-linedd Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies and one high-ionization Seyfert 2 galaxy with the Very Large Array (VLA). Combining these observations with published data, we summarize the radio properties of the NLS1 galaxies for which spectropolarimetry was reported by Goodrich. Fifteen of these 17 objects now have published radio observations of high sensitivity, and only nine of those have been detected. For a Hubble parameter of 75 km/s/Mpc, the 6 cm radio powers range from 10(exp 20) to 10(exp 23) W/Hz, within the range previously found for other types of Seyfert galaxy. The median radio size of the nine VLA-detected galaxies is no larger than 300 pc, similar to the median size found by Ulvestad & Wilson for a distance-limited sample of Seyfert galaxies. Of the six NLS1 galaxies known to have significant intrinsic optical polarization, three have measurable radio axes. Two of those three galaxies have radio major axes close to 90 deg from their polarization position angles, while the third has an inner radio axis that may be nearly parallel to the polarization position angle. The former relationship is expected for a Seyfert 1 in a unified model of Seyfert galaxies, assuming no intrinsic continuum polarization.

Description: We have performed multiband photopolarimetry toward stars behind the molecular cloud L1457 (MBM 12). This cloud is the nearest known molecular cloud (65 pc) and thought to be contained within the local 'hot bubble.' The polarization shows a regular structure, indicating that the cloud is threaded by an ordered magnetic field. The wavelength dependence of the polarization seems to indicate that the grains in L1457 have higher indices of refraction than normal for interstellar clouds. However, the wavelength of maximum polarization indicates that their size distribution is close to normal.

Description: Using Viking Orbiter images, detailed photoclinometric profiles were obtained across 10 irregular depressions, 32 fretted fractures, 40 troughs and pits, 124 solitary scarps, and 370 simple grabens in the north Tharsis region of Mars. These data allow inferences to be made on the shallow crustal structure of this region. The frequency modes of measured scarp heights correspond with previous general thickness estimates of the heavily cratered and rigded plains units. The depths of the flat-floored irregular depressions (55-175 m), fretted fractures (85-890 m), and troughs and pits (60-1620 m) are also similar to scarp heights (thicknesses) of the geologic units in which these depressions occur, which suggests that the depths of these flat-floored features were controlled by erosional base levels created by lithologic contacts. Although the features have a similar age, both their depths and their observed local structural control increase in the order listed above, which suggests that the more advanced stages of associated fracturing facilitated the development of these depressions by increasing permeability. If a ground-ice zone is a factor in development of these features, as has been suggested, our observation that the depths of these features decrease with increasing latitude suggests that either the thickness of the ground-ice zone does not increase poleward or the depths of the depressions were controlled by the top of the ground-ice zone whose depth may decrease with latitude.

Description: We report the detection of a broad absorption feature near 2166/cm in the spectrum of the Taurus cloud cource Elias 18. This pre-main-sequence source is the second in Taurus, the third in our survey, and the fifth known in the sky to show the broad 2166/cm absorption feature. Of equal importance, this feature is not seen toward several other embedded sources in our survey, nor is it seen toward the source Elias 16, located behind the Taurus cloud. Laboratory experiments with interstellar ice analogs show that such a feature is associated with a complex C triple bonded to N containing compound (called X(C triple bonded to N)) that results from high-energy processing (ultraviolet irradiation or ion bombardment) of simple ice components into more complex, organic components. We find a nonlinear anticorrelation between the abundance of X(C triple bonded to N) and frozen CO components in nonpolar lattices. We find no correlation between the abundance of X(C triple bonded to N) and frozen CO in polar lattices. Because the abundances of frozen CO and H2O are strongly correlated with each other and with visual extinction toward sources embedded in and located behind the Taurus molecular cloud, these ice components usually are associated with intracloud material. Our results indicate that X(C triple bonded to N) molecules result from chemical processing of dust grains dominated by nonpolar icy mantles in the local environments of pre-main-sequence stars. Such processing of icy grains in the early solar system may be an important source of organic compounds observed in minor solar system bodies. The delivery of these organic compounds to the surface of the primitive Earth through comet impacts may have provided the raw materials for prebiotic chemistry.

Description: Theoretical electron density sensitive emission-line ratios, determined using electron impact excitation rates calculated with the R-matrix code, are presented for R = I(2s(sup 2) (1)S-2s2p 3P(sub 2))/I(2s(sup 2) (1)S-2s2p 3P(sub 1) = 1(1483 A)/I(1486 A) in N IV. These are found to be up to an order of magnitude different from those deduced by previous authors, principally due to the inclusion of excitation rates for transitions among the 2s2p (3)p fine-structure levels. The observed values of R for several planetary nebulae, symbiotic stars and the Cygnus Loop supernova remnant, measured from spectra obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite and the Hopkins Ultraviolet Explorer (HUT), lead to electron densities which are in excellent agreement with those deduced from line ratios in other species. This provides observational support for the accuracy of the atomic data adopted in the present calculations.

Description: The Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics (ASCA) instrument uses identical conical foil X-ray mirrors for its four telescopes. One of the major advantages of ASCA's telescopes is the first time ever use of X-ray imaging over a broad energy band and high throughput for conducting astronomical spectroscopy. Nested thin foil reflectors make possible a large effective area up to 10 keV, even under the tight weight restriction of the ASCA spacecraft. The expected characteristics of the ASCA mirrors are summarized based on ray tracings and pre-flight calibrations. The total effective area of four telescopes at 1 and 7 keV are approximately 1200 and 600 sq cm, respectively. The image size (half power diameter: HPD) is about 3 min. The field of view is 24 min and 16 min full width at half maximum for 1 and 7 keV, respectively. Observations of several X-ray sources from space during the performance verification phase have confirmed those performances as well as the alignment of the optical systems.

Description: Data from the Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) instrument aboard the Cosmic Background Explorer Satellite (COBE) spacecraft have been used to examine the near and far infrared signatures of the interplanetary dust (IPD) bands. Images of the dust band pairs at ecliptic latitudes of +/- 1.4 deg and +/- 10 deg have been produced at DIRBE wavelengths from 1.25 to 100 micrometers. The observations at the shorter wavelengths provide the first evidence of scattered sunlight from particles responsible for the dust bands. It is found that the grains in the bands and those in the smooth IPD cloud have similar spectral energy distributions, suggesting similar compositions and possibly a common origin. The scattering albedos from 1.25 to 3.5 micrometers for the grains in the dust bands and those in the IPD cloud are 0.22 and 0.29, respectively. The 10 deg band pair is cooler (185 +/- 10 K) than the smooth interplanetary dust cloud (259 +/- 10 K). From both parallactic and thermal analyses, the implied location of the grains responsible for the peak brightness of the 10 deg band pair is 2.1 +/- 0.1 AU the Sun A parallactic distance of 1.4 +/- 0.2 AU is found for the peak of the 1.4 deg band pair.

Description: We report a new component of Jovian radio emission observed by the Ulysses spacecraft when Ulysses was at high Jovigraphic latitudes (greater than or approximately = 30 deg north or south of the Jovian magnetic equator). This bursty high-latitude emission is elliptically polarized in the right-hand sense when observed from northern latitudes and in the left-hand sense when observed from southern latitudes, consistent with extraordinary mode. The orientation of the polarization ellipse is observed to systematically vary with time relative to the observer. It is argued that the elliptically-polarized nature of the emission is intrinsic to the source region.

Description: The high-energy diffuse gamma-ray emission from the interstellar gas in Orion was studied using observations from the Energetic Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory (CGRO) and radio surveys of the H I and CO emission. The good correlation of the gamma-ray emission with the atomic and molecular gas permits determination of the gamma-ray emissivity per nucleon in the interstellar medium and the molecular mass calibrating ratio N(H2)/W(sub co) in Orion. The integral gamma-ray emissivity is (1.7 +/- 0.1) x 10(exp -26)/s/sr for E greater than 100 MeV, in good agreement with expectations from studies of the diffuse emission on larger scales. The N(H2)/W(sub co) ratio is (1.06 +/- 0.14) x 10(exp 20)/sq cm/(K km/s), approximately 40% less than the commonly adopted Galactic average. We find no evidence for variations of the cosmic-ray density or N(H2)/W(sub co) ratio in Orion at the sensitivity and resolution of EGRET.

Description: We compare observations of BL Lac megaparsec-scale clustering environments with those for F-R I radio galaxies V and R image data are used to show that the strengths of the clustering measured via spatial cross-correlation amplitude are similar for the two types of galaxies and are consistent with Abel richness class 0. We discuss the implications this has for the origin of the BL Lac phenomena. We also examine the evolution of clustering environments of F-R I radio galaxies and BL Lac objects with redshift.

Description: We present a grid of stellar classification spectra of moderate resolution (R approximately 1500) in the range lambda lambda 5600-9000 A, compiled from high signal-to noise spectra of 275 stars, most in the open clusters Praesepe and M67. The grid covers dwarfs from types B8 through M5, giants from G8 through M7, and subgiants from F5 through K0. We catalog atomic and molecular absorption features useful for stellar classification, and demonstrate the use of luminosity-sensitive features to distinguish between late-type dwarf and giant stars. The entire database is made available in digital format on anonymous ftp and through the World Wide Web.

Description: In the past two centuries, alert amateur and professional meteor astronomers have documented 35 outbursts of 17 individual meteor streams well enough to allow the construction of a homogeneous set of activity curves. These curves add to similar profiles of the annual streams in a previous paper (Paper 1). This paper attempts to define the type and range of phenomena that classify as meteor outbursts from which the following is concluded: Outbursts are associated with the return of the comet to perihelion (near-comet type outbursts), but occur also when the parent comet is far from perihelion and far from the Earth (far-comet type). All outbursts of a given type only, depending on encounter geometry. The activity curves, expressed in terms of Zenith Hourly Rates (ZHR), have a shape that is generally well described by: ZHR = ZHR(sub max) 10(sup(-B (the absolute value of lambda (sub dot in a circle) - lambda (sup max) (sub dot in a circle))). The steepness of the slopes varies from an exponent of B = 7 to B = 220 per degree of solar longitude, with a typical value of B = 30. In addition, most near-comet type outbursts have a broader component underlying the main peak with B approximately 1 - 7.The duration Delta t is approximately 1/B of the main peak is almost independent of location near the comet, while the background component varies considerably in duration and relative intensity from one return to another. The two components in the activity curve are due to two distinct structures in the dust distribution near the parent comet, where the main component can be due to a sheet of dust that emanates from the IRAS dust trail. This brings the total number of distinct structures in meteor streams to four, including the two structures from the annual stream activity in Paper 1.

Description: On five occasions between 1992 June 29 and 1994 May 3, we have used the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) to image Eta Carinae at a wavelength of 3 cm and a resolution of 1 arcsec. These observations have revealed remarkable activity. Since 1992 June, the total flux density has increase from 0.8 to 2.2 Jy, and the original single compact source has grown to a complex of sources spread over an area of about 16 sq arcsec. Strong hydrogen recombination-line spectral emission has appeared at the site of the strongest of these new sources. This recombination emission has the largest spectral width ever observed from a star, +/- 250 km/s, and reveals gas with turbulent velocities as great as 250 km/s approaching us at an average velocity of about 200 km/s. We believe that this radio outburst has been caused by a more than threefold increase of ultraviolet luminosity, and consequent ionization of previously neutral gas clouds.

Description: The bright quasar Kaz 102, which lies in the vicinity of the North Ecliptic Pole, was monitored during the ROSAT All Sky Survey for 121.5 days from 1990 July 30 to 1991 January 25. In the course of the survey, optical photometry with various filters was peformed at several epochs, together with UV (IUE) and optical spectrophotometry. The spectral energy distribution in the 3 x 10(exp 14) -3 x 10(exp 17) Hz range is obtained simultaneously among the various frequencies to less than or = 1 day. No clear case of variability can be made in the X-rays, while in the optical and UV variability of 10%-20% is apparent. An analysis of IUE and Einstein archives indicates a doubling timescale of years for the UV and soft X-ray flux. The X-ray photon index, which in 1979 was rather flat (Gamma = 0.8(+0.6 -0.4), in 1990/1991 was found to be Gamma = 2.22 +/- 0.13, a typical value for radio-quiet quasars in this energy range. The overall energy distribution and the variability are discussed.

Description: This paper describes the calibration of the two solid-state Si(Li) X-ray detectors and the X-ray telescopes that flew as part of Goddard Space Flight Center's Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT) experiment on board the space shuttle Columbia in 1990 December. During the 9 day shuttle mission, BBXRT performed approximately 150 observations of 82 celestial sources. The content of the archive is summarized here. Although BBXRT had a relatively short life, it stands as a milestone in X-ray astronomy as being the first instrument to offer moderate spectral resolution over a wide bandpass (0.3-12.0 keV). Among other things, this paper discusses the effective area calibration of the instrument, the flux calibration and flux corrections for off-axis observations, the detector background, and optimal background subtraction techniques. The on-axis effective area calibration for the central detector elements was performed using data from the Crab Nebula, while other carefully selected targets were used for calibration of the outer detector elements. The remaining systematic uncertainties in the effective area calibration for point sources observed both on and off axis are generally less than 5%-10%. The energy scale is known to better than 0.5% at 6.0 keV for both detectors. The results presented here have an impact on the calibration of other medium resolution X-ray experiments such as the CCDs on board ASCA (Astro-D) as well as the Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility detectors.

Description: An intelligent subsystem for interfacing a PDS1010A digital microdensitometer to a DEC DR11W DMA 16 bit UNIBUS port in DEC VAX VMS environment was tested. The subsystem employs two MOTOROLA M68000 microprocessors with 128 KB data memory. The PDS primitives and the user defined high level scanning functions and preprocessing modules are loaded from the host computer into two 8 KB RAM memories in the microprocessors using a dedicated PDS control language. The subsystem is planned to employ a nonstandard photomultiplier electronics. Two design schemes were tested: (1) based on three amplifiers of gain 10 cascaded and multiplexed to a 12 bit AD converter, and (2) based on a single amplifier of gain 100 and two 14 bit AD converters.

Description: An actively-shielded, high-energy X-ray telescope was launched onboard OSO-8 on 21 June 1975. The primary objectives of this experiment are the measurements of the energy spectrum of discrete cosmic X-ray sources in the range 20 keV to 3 MeV and of the temporal variations in the intensity of each source detected with a time resolution of 0.3 msec. This detector provides the highest duty factor and the finest time resolution of any of its kind for observations over a period of up to 10 days. The background spectrum of this detector in orbit was monitored continuously since shortly after launch. The minimum detectable source strength is estimated to be between 10,000 and 100,000 photons/sq-cm-sec keV, limited primary by the effects of induced radioactivity. From 16 July through 18 July 1975, the X-ray binary, Cen X-3, was observed with the hard X-ray telescope.

Description: Photoelectric photometry of X Persei was obtained on five out of seven consective nights in January 1975, from the Lick and Leuschner Observatories. The observations yield B = 6.848 + or - 0.002, B-V = 0.139 + or - 0.001, with no strong evidence for variability during the observing run. These are the faintest and bluest photoelectric magnitudes and colors ever reported for X Per; this change apparently occured relatively uniformly during 1973-74 and is reminiscent of behavior last observed in approximately 1900. The suggested association of X Persei with the weak X-ray source 3U 0352+30 raises the possibility of detection of X-ray/optical covariability. On January 21, 1975, 7 hours of data were obtained from both observatories simulataneous with OAO Copernicus X-ray observations of 3U 0352+30. The X-ray data varied during this period by a factor of two, but there is no obviously correspondent optical activity, to a level of 0.02 mag. The optical data are also used to limit to 0.01 mag variations coincident with the X-ray periodicity.

Description: Spectra of Cen X-3 during eclipse, in transition out of eclipse, and during several later phases of the binary orbit were obtained from quick look data of the July 16-25, 1975 observation by the Goddard X-ray spectroscopy experiment on OSO-8. In the high state there was no absorption turn over. Pulsations were present at least to 23 keV. The spectrum at the pulse minimum was flatter above 7 keV than that of the pulse peak. In transition out of eclipse Cen X-3 emerged above a small low energy flux seen during eclipse. The observations appear to indicate absorption by cold and ionized matter and the presence of iron in the companion's atmosphere. Decreased intensities were observed at late phases of some binary orbits in some cases corresponding to dips. Absorption appears although the low energy component remains. Variable features may be interpretable as absorption and emission by iron and possibly other trace elements.

Description: Preliminary results from the Bragg crystal spectrometer on the ANS satellite are given. No significant Si XIII and Si XIV narrow line emission has been detected from Cygnus X-1, -2, or -3.

Description: The X-ray binary Her X-1 was observed by the GSFC cosmic X-ray detectors aboard OSO-8 between August 26 and September 3, 1975. The results reported are based on quick look tapes which contain less than 10% of the total time spent on source. Spectra were observed during different phases of the binary period including the anomalous low state (dip) in X-ray intensity. The normal high spectra is well represented by a power law with a short cutoff above approximately 25 keV. A significant and varying enhancement in the intensity around 6.7 keV was observed, suggesting the presence of an iron line. Absorption was seen in the spectrum immediately following eclipse. The dip spectrum is found to be considerably flattened. Also spectra are presented for different phases of the pulse period.

Description: Data from the Copernicus satellite are presented which show that the 4.8 hour light curve of Cyg X-3 has been relatively stable in period, shape, and amplitude since the observation of the first giant radio outburst in September 1972. A pulse height spectrum of the source obtained by the Ariel 5 satellite in the 1.5 to 26 kev energy band shows convincing evidence for line emission at about 6.5 keV. The strength of this feature varies in phase with the 4.8 hour continuum modulation, but there is no simple long term relation with the mean continuum intensity per 4.8 hour cycle. Evidence is presented which indicates that the average 2-6 kev intensity of Cyg X-3 has been higher by a factor of 3 since the onset of the radio flares.

Description: Six different instruments on OSO-8 have observed several binary X-ray sources between energies of 0.13 keV and 1 MeV at various times since 21 June 1975. The schedule for these observations is given, as well as the present plan for such future observations through July 1976. Included is the OSO-8 observing schedule for the transient X-ray source A0620-00.

Description: X-ray observations with Copernicus reveal three categories of flux variability in 3U 1700-37. High amplitude hourly variations are energy independent in the 3-11 keV range while a change in the low energy absorbing column causes variations in flux level on an orbital time scale. This absorption is most severe prior to eclipse ingress, suggesting that the distribution of absorbing material around the X-ray source is asymmetrical with respect to the line of centers of the binary system. The absorbing material may be identical with a high density region inferred from optical observations of HD 153919. In the third category, the maximum source intensity per binary cycle is variable by at least a factor of two between observations. Measurement of the eclipse duration on three occasions indicate that it is significantly less than when observed by Uhuru.

Description: X-ray, spectroscopic, and photometric data for the source are reviewed briefly. Some points of controversy and difficulty are discussed. The X-ray source 3U 1700-37 is moderately strong (approximately 100 Uhuru counts) and shows a long eclipse, with a period of 3.412 days. The X-rays are attenuated near 0.5 phase, and show a very wide gradual decrease on either side of the total eclipse. The low-energy cutoff is the strongest of all the X-ray binaries. These characteristics are all qualitatively compatible with the optical star's, which represent an extreme in several ways: (1) the primary is an extreme star with large mass outflow through a spherically symmetric stellar wind; (2) it is the hottest of all X-ray binary primaries (with possible exception of Cen X-3); and (3) the mass ratio is very high and the relative separation of the stars is low.

Description: A model is presented for the X-ray nova A0620-00. Identification with a nova can be ruled out on two counts. A binary consisting of a late-type subgiant near the Roche lobe, irradiated by an accreting compact companion is shown, however, to be in agreement with all known observations. Photometry of the optical object should be pursued since variability on an approximately eight hour period is expected.

Description: Observations of Cyg X-1 between October 1974 and July 1975 reveal a persistent 5.6 day modulation of the 3-6 keV X-ray intensity, having a minimum in phase with superior conjunction of the HDE 226868 binary system. The modulation is found to be most pronounced just prior to the April-May 1975 increase of Cyg X-1, after which both the modulation and intensity are at their lowest values for the entire duration of the observations. These data imply that the X-ray emission from Cyg X-1 arises from the compact member of HDE 226868, and that the increase of April-May 1975 may have represented the depletion of accreting material which had not yet been mixed into a cylindrically symmetric accretion disk about the compact member.

Description: The interpretation of optical light variations of X-ray binaries is discussed for the case of negligible reflection effect. The limiting cases of synchronous rotation of the visible star (Roche configuration) and of no rotation (pure tidal deformation) are considered. The theoretical results are compared with the available light curves of Cen X-3. X-ray data of the Copernicus satellite are used to get an impression of the atmospheric structure of the outer layers of the visible component. It is shown, that the X-ray eclipse duration is in good agreement with the mass ration derived from the optical variations. The X-ray eclipse duration is discussed with respect to the extended low states, and a possible correlation of the extended lows with the appearance of the optical light curves is considered.

Description: The cosmic X-ray spectroscopy experiment on OSO-8 will observe seven X-ray binary sources in its first six months of operation. If possible, each of these sources will be observed for one or more binary orbits so that the X-ray spectrum of each object can be observed through all phases of its orbit. For the two pulsing binaries, Her X-1 and Cen X-3, spectral variations over the pulse period will be studied. Simultaneous radio observations of Cyg X-1 and Cyg X-3 will search for any correlation between radio and X-ray emission. During the first year of operation, the detectors will observe over 50% of the known X-ray sources.

Description: The spectrum of the object suggested as a possible optical counterpart of GX 2+5, was studied, using the image tube scanner attached to the 3-m telescope of Lick Observatory. An improved X-ray error box obtained with Copernicus strongly supports this proposed identification. The candidate displays all the characteristics of the symbiotic stars and the related recurrent novae. The spectrum reveals the presence of an M star together with a blue component and a large number of emission lines displaying a wide range of ionization. There is evidence of variability of both the continuum and the line intensities. This object provides strong support for the often proposed association of some X-ray sources with nova-like systems.

Description: No modulation of the 3-6 keV X-ray intensity of Sco X-1 at a level of excess of 1% is observed at the optical period of .787313d. Evidence is found for shot-noise character in a large fraction or the X-ray emission. Almost all of the Sco X-1 emission can be synthesized in terms of approximately 200 shots per day, each with a duration of approximately 1/3 day.

Description: The properties of the binary system in the different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are presented from X-rays to the radio. Physical parameters and a model for the system are derived.

Description: Ultraviolet spectra of HD153919 (=3U1700-37) and HDE226868 (=Cyg X-1) were obtained with the ultraviolet objective-prism spectrograph of Skylab Experiment S019. The data consist of unwidened spectra which extend to 1,600A for HD153919 and to 2,400A for HDE226868. The wavelength resolution is about 2A to 1,400A and 12A at 2,000A. For HD153919, an unwidened spectrum of fair quality and extending to a wavelength of 1,600A was obtained at 22 sup h 08 sup m on 1 September 1973. The energy distribution in this spectrum generally resembles that of other reddened O stars. A break in continuum intensity seems to occur at a wavelength of about 1,720A. There is a suggestion of an emission line on the longward edge of the break but this could be either a chance clumping of grains or else a photographic edge-effect caused by the break.

Description: Cyg X-1 was observed on two occasions (Oct. 4, 1973 and Oct. 3, 1974) by the Goddard X-ray rocket payload. This payload consisted of two gas proportional counters (xenon-methane with 710 sq cm and argon-methane with 610 sq cm using the same 128 channel pulse height analyzer and having 320 micro sec temporal resolution on the 1973 flight and 160 micro sec resolution on the 1974 flight. During both flights, bursts of 1 ms duration were observed with very high statistical certainty. To date all 13 of these bursts were analyzed for spectral and temporal character, and the results of this analysis are presented. The spectra of overall X-ray emission from both flights is also presented. In a source known for its variability, it is remarkable that the spectra taken one year apart are virtually identical.

Description: The Ariel-5 All-Sky Monitor measured the 3-6 keV X-ray intensity of 0620-00 for two days shortly after peak emission in August 1975, and continuously throughout September 1975. The effective exposure each day for this source (and every other source in the 80% of the celestial sphere covered by the monitor) is approximately 250 sq cm sec. The light curve obtained through October 1 (when the spin axis was again pointed to A0620-00) is shown. The intensity difference at maximum is obviously a manifestation of the very soft spectrum of the source. Clearly, A0620-00 was approximately four times as bright as Sco X-1 at maximum in the band 3-6 keV. The decay is quite smooth, but cannot be fit with a single e-folding time. The interval between the early All-Sky Monitor points and the onset of continuous coverage has an inferred e-folding time of 22 days, but it is continually increasing throughout September. A0620-00 is apparently similar in its X-ray character to the very strong, long-lasting transient X-ray sources which presently number six. In contrast, only three can be sensibly reconciled with the lower-intensity, shorter-duration hard-spectrum transients which have been found to pulse on a time scale of minutes.

Description: An observation of Cygnus X-3 was made with soft X-ray detectors launched on an Aerobee rocket. The iron line emission observed one month later and in May 1975 was not found. A 3 sigma upper limit for this feature is 0.006 ph/2 cm/s.

Description: Some of the conclusions derived from the data on the radio flaring of Cyg X-3 are summarized. In addition, recent data showing that Cyg X-3 has both active and quiet radio behavior are presented.

Description: The current status of the analysis of Cen X-3 data from Uhuru concerning pulsations, orbital period and eccentricity, and extended lows, are reviewed. The pulse period decreases irregularly. The pulsed fraction (2-7 keV) is 70%-90% for single pulses but significantly less for superpositions of pulses, due to variability in shape. The pulses are narrower at higher energies with a correlated increase in fraction pulsed. The orbital period is found to both decrease and increase with p/p on the order of a few times 0.00001/year. A three sigma upper limit on the eccentricity of 0.003 is obtained; if no significant periastron motion is allowed over two years, the upper limit becomes 0.0016. The orbital period is found to be detectable during some extended lows but with a significantly decreased ratio of eclipsed to non-eclipsed intensity. Two transitions between normal high states and extended lows are studied, and a consistent model is obtained in which extended lows are caused by both burying the source in an increased stellar wind from the companion, and starving the source by decreasing the stellar wind. Changes in fraction pulsed during transitions and systematic differences in the harmonic content of the pulses are also found.

Description: The present state of knowledge of the binary system HDE226868 = Cygnus X-1 is summarized, including system dimensions, nature of the secondary X-ray source, and mass transfer properties. Some deficiencies in the optical observations are pointed out; these deficiencies make interpretation of the system difficult, but can be corrected.

Description: Observations of Cyg X-1 with a 20 to 200 keV balloon carried X-ray telescope in 1969, 1970, and 1972 are presented. These results reveal the following characteristics of Cyg X-1: The steep spectrum observed at E 10 keV during the radio quiet phase can extend to 200 keV. This phase may have lasted 21 months (July 1969 to March 1971). The low flux values are factors of 3 and 8 below the normal values at 30 and 100 keV respectively, are rarely observed, and may be associated with the early phase of the 1971 April X-ray transition. During some one hour periods, the intensity remained constant to approximately 20% and during other periods it varied a factor 2 in 5 minutes and a factor 10 in 1 hour. Complex spectral variations accompanied the intensity changes.

Description: The status of X-ray observations is summarized in tabular form along with general aspects of X-ray emission. Specific questions that arise when the observed phenomena are pieced together into a coherent picture are presented. Spectral states, transitions, periodic behavior, fluctuations, and bursts are among the topics discussed.

Description: A0620-00 is the first of the so-called X-ray novae to be identified with an optical object. Emission in the ultraviolet, infrared, and radio wavelength regions was observed from this source. From the observed properties of the optical radiation, it is suggested that the source is a recurrent nova.

Description: The 4.8 second X-ray pulsations from Centaurus X-3 were monitored by the MSSL collimated proportional counter on board Ariel-5 between 18-27 January 1975. Analysis of the source Doppler effect shows that the pulsation period of Cen X-3 decreased by 3.70 + or - 0.04 milliseconds during the preceding 2.3 years. The Doppler analysis also yields updated values for the binary phase and period of Cen X-3. Phase zero occurred at JD 2442438.628 + or - 0.003, and the average heliocentric binary period between October 1972 and January 1975 was 2.087129 + or - 0.000007 days. Light curves of the 4.8 second pulsations in the 3-9 keV band are characterized by two pronounced peaks, in contrast with the single peak profiles observed by Uhuru.

Description: The usual gas-to-dust ratio is shown to hold quite precisely for a sample of supernova remnants with available X-ray spectra and interstellar reddening observations. Supernova remnants are extended objects, tenuous enough to be optically thin in the X-ray range; it is shown that the X-ray observations can readily be interpreted in terms of a main source component and of an interstellar perturbation affecting the lower part of the spectrum. Cen X-3 is associated with an OB supergiant. The effect of the column density is easily detectable in the X-ray range. The spectrum exhibits a low energy cut-off, which is parameterized by a column of cold matter, NX. The cut-off is definitely observed to be variable. There is a suggestion that sometimes NX NH. It is concluded that on those occasions a spurious soft X-ray component is present in the source, bearing close similarity with Cyg X-1.

Description: A model of pulsars is outlined. Key early considerations were those which led to the identification of pulsars with neutron stars, the Goldreich-Julian model of pulsar magnetospheres, and the recognition that, in a pulsar magnetosphere, a high energy gamma ray may annihilate to produce an electron-positron pair. Arguments that suggest that pulsar magnetospheres may contain large masses of plasma, a suggestion which has important implications concerning the structure of the magnetosphere, are considered along with observational data which support a magnetosphere model based on that idea rather than the Goldreich-Julian model.

Description: The density distributions of pulsars in luminosity, period, Z-distance, and galactocentric distance were derived using a uniform sample of pulsars detected during a 408 MHz pulsar survey at Jodrell Bank. There are indications of a fine scale structure in the spatial distribution and evidence that there is a general correlation with other galactic populations and the overall spiral structure. The electron layer in the galaxy is shown to be wider than the pulsar layer and uniform on a large scale. The number of pulsars in the galaxy was estimated and used to derive the pulsar birthrate.

Description: Recent data from the high energy gamma ray experiment have revealed the existence of four pulsars emitting photons above 35 MeV. An attempt is made to explain the gamma ray emission from these pulsars in terms of an electron-photon cascade that develops in the magnetosphere of the pulsar. Although there is very little material above the surface of the pulsar, the very intense magnetic fields correspond to many radiation lengths which cause electrons to emit photons via magnetic bremsstrahlung and these photons to pair produce. The cascade develops until the mean photon energy drops below the pair production threshold which happens to be in the gamma ray range; at this stage the photons break out from the source.

Description: Flight testing plans for a large deployable infrared reflector telescope to be tested on a space platform are discussed. Subsystem parts, subassemblies, and whole assemblies are discussed. Assurance of operational deployability, rigidization, alignment, and serviceability will be sought.

Description: UBV photometry of WRA 977 on 36 nights between January and July of 1974 shows that this object is active on a time scale of days at the 0.1 mag level, but that it remains quite constant during monitoring intervals lasting up to 1 hour. Periodogram analysis reveals no significant periodic variation in the brightness of this object.

Description: The optical component of the binary X-ray source 3U1700-37/HD 153919 was observed with the interference filter centered on the He II lambda 4686 emission. This photometry does not reveal any dependence of lambda 4686 emission on the orbital phase thereby confirming earlier spectroscopic result that the region of formation of the ionized helium emission is confined to the envelope of the 06f primary.

Description: Results of blue band photometry of HDE 226868 in the years 1972-3-4 and provisional results for 1975 are presented. A mean light curve is obtained from the first three years observations which is based on 192 nights observations. Intercomparison of the results from the different years shows that the light curve is not constant.

Description: Evidence for and against the star associated with A0620-00 being a nova is presented. The conclusion is that this star closely resembles other recurrent novae with the only unusual characteristic being the apparent high temperature at maximum brightness.

Description: Identification of the optical counterpart to the transient X-ray source A0620-00 was made using image tube photography. Spectra taken subsequent to the identification showed no stellar absorption or emission features. Photometric data gave a V magnitude of 11.2 + or - .1. This is about 8 magnitudes brighter than the object appears on the Palomar Sky Survey.

Description: The hard X-ray experiment (1 - 28 keV) on ANS observed Cygnus X-3 in November 1974, and in May 1975. The average flux intensities for these time periods were found to be 22.4 + or - 0.5 cts/sec and 12.8 + or - 0.3 cts/sec (1.3 - 7.1 keV), the former being the highest average value ever observed. The spectrum studies show an excess in the flux above the fitted continuum which can be interpreted as a line emission of FeXXIV and/or FeXXV, at approximately 6.5 keV. The strength of this feature varied in phase with the 4.8 hr X-ray modulation, and remained at a constant relative intensity. The period of the X-ray modulation is refined to 0.1996813 + or - 0.0000006 day and obtained at a 2 sigma upper limit to a continuous change in the period of 50 to the minus 13th power/sec. This new limit places serious constraints on several models for this object.

Description: The Copernicus satellite was launched on 21 August 1972. The main experiment on board is the University of Princeton UV telescope. In addition a cosmic X-ray package of somewhat modest aperture was provided by the Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) of University College London. Following a brief description of the instrument, a list of galactic sources observed during the year is presented. Although the X-ray detection aperture is small, the ability to point the satellite for long periods of time with high accuracy makes Copernicus an ideal vehicle for the study of variable sources.

Description: Observations of Centaurus X-3 are briefly reviewed. The composition of the neutron star, optical light curves, and X-ray pulsations are among the topics discussed.

Description: Photometric observations of HZ Herculis in the ultraviolet with a time resolution of 5 seconds are discussed. The existence of periodic flickering with a time scale of 115 to 130 seconds is observed. The amplitude modulation is about 3 to 6 percent, larger than that associated with the erratic white flickering. The flickering, either erratic or periodic, occurs, but not always, near orbital phase 0.5, irrespective of the on and off parts of the X-ray cycle.

Description: A short description is given of the Astronomical Netherlands Satellite (ANS) and the X-ray instruments of the Space Research Laboratory in Utrecht. The ANS observed in February 1975 a soft (1/4 keV) X-ray flux in Her X-1 during the 'off'-state with an intensity of a factor 10 lower than observed in the 'on'-state. The ANS observations on Cyg X-1 are summarized. During the May 1975 flaring state a very high intensity at 0.5 keV is measured consistent with a power-law photon-spectrum with index 3.5 and an interstellar absorption of 7.10 to the 21st power atoms/sq cm, but not consistent with spectra that show an additional cut-off below 1 KeV and an absorption of 7.10 to the 21st power atoms/sq cm. Intensity changes on a time scale of minutes, as observed in Cyg X-1 low state, are not observed during the flaring state.

Description: The BL Lacertae object OJ 287 was intensively monitored with the IUE satellite from 1993 March 15 to 20 in the 2000-3000 A wavelength region. The very low emission state of the source hampered the detection during part of the 23 performed exposures. The light curve at 2650 A constructed with the 11 best images exhibits a variable trend with a factor is less than or approximately 2 enhancement of the flux in about 3 hours. Simultaneous ground based observations show an optical flux variability of smaller amplitude, but correlated with the UV light curve without any apparent lag. The radio light curve is nearly constant. The UV emission state is the weakest observed in 15 years for this flaring blazard, being a factor of less than orapproximately 20 lower than the maximum recorded one.

Description: The twin Voyager spacecraft, launched nearly two decades ago, continue to operate and are now searching for the edge of our solar system, the heliopause. Voyager's giant-planet flybys of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune have provided data that are likely to remain the definitive data set for the foreseeable future and have led to many ongoing discoveries. As the spacecraft move toward the heliopause, they are also providing data on the structure of the heliosphere. This article discusses the discoveries resulting from the flyby and heliosphere data that have been made within the past five years.

Description: Echelle mode spectra obtained with the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) onboard the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) have been used to determine the abundances of the heavy elements Pt, Au, and Hg in the chemically peculiar HgMn-type stars kappa Cancri and chi Lupi. The abundances were determined by fitting observed line profiles with synthetically generated spectra and are found to be enhanced relative to solar system values by between three and five orders of magnitude in both stars. The Hg isotope mixture in kappa Cancri is found to resemble the terrestrial mixture while that of chi Lupi is dominated by the heaviest isotope. As determined from multiple ionization states, the abundances place constraints upon theories attempting to explain the large superficial abundances of heavy elements.

Description: The Goddard High Resoulution Spectrograph (GHRS) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has been used to obtain medium (R = 20,000) and high (R = 85,000) resoultion UV spectra of chromosphere emission features for the M3.4 III star gamma Cru. Small Science Aperture (SSA) G270M and Echelle-B spectra of selected regions in the 2300-2850 A range were obtained to determine the kinematics of the chromosphere using lines of C2), Fe2, Co2, Si1/2), Ni2, Mn2, and Mg2. Profiles of C2) (UV 0.01) lines and fluorescently excited lines of low optical depth indicate average turbulent velocities (Doppler FWHM) of 30.2 +/- 1.3 and 28.8 +/- 1.3 km/s, respectively. The fluorescent emission lines (mean RV = 21.3 +/- 0.9 km/s) and the wings of the emission components of Fe2 lines (mean RV = 22.8 +/- 0.4 km/s) are approximately at rest relative to the radial velocity of the star (21 km/s), while the C2) lines show a modest inflow (mean RV = 23.1 +/- 0.9 km/s). The more opaque lines of Fe2 and Mg2 exhibit complex profiles resulting from line formation in an optically thick, extended expanding atmosphere. The emission wings of these lines are broadened by multiple scattering, and they are centered near the photospheric radial velocity. Closer to line center, these strong lines show a strong blueshifted self-absorption feature (already seen in IUE data), indicative of formation in an expanding chromosphere, and a previously unseen dip in the profiles on the red side of line center. The absorption components, when extracted using simple Gaussian fits, show strong correlations with the relative optical depths of the lines. The derived absorption flow velocities converge to the photospheric velocity as one examines spectra features formed deeper in the atmosphere. The blueward abosrption velocity increases in magnitude from about 7 to 14 km/s with increasing line optical depth - the strong absorptions directly map the acceleration of the outflowing stellar wind, while the interpretation of the weaker redshifted abosrptions is more ambiguous, indicating either an inflow of material or formation in an extended, spherically expanding outflow. The Mg2 and Fe2 profiles, taken together, imply that the wind speed decreases between the atmospheric layers where the Mg2 and Fe2 self-absorption components are formed. Interstellar absorptions are seen in the resonance lines of Mg2 (UV 1) and Fe2 (UV1) with zero-volt lower levels, at about -3 km/s, consistent with models of the interstellar medium in the direction of gamma Cru. Finally, we have detected the Mg2 'satellite lines' seen in solar spectra obtained above the limb. In gamma Cru these lines are probably fluorescently excited by H Ly beta.

Description: Scientists are still trying to piece together what exactly occurred when comet fragments from Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacted with Jupiter last year. Several theories have been from the data received from Galileo and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) together with the modeling of the impacts using supercomputers, scientists hope to discover the answers to their questions and perhaps to resolve the differences that have arisen between the different model simulations.

Description: A brief discussion on the characteristics of pulsars is given followed by a review of millisecond pulsar discoveries including the very first, PRS B1937+21, discovered in 1982. Methods of timing millisecond pulsars and the accuracy of millisecond pulsars as clocks are discussed. Possible reasons for the pulse residuals, or differences between the observed and predicted pulse arrival times for millisecond pulsars, are given.

Description: We present data on the galactic X-ray source 1E 1740.7-2942 from the Oriented Scintillation Spectrometer Experiment (OSSE) on board NASA's Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO). Episodes of increased low-energy gamma radiation have been reported from this source, including 1-day events in 1990 October and 1992 September. These events, of intensity 7 x 10(exp -3) and 4 x 10(exp -3) photons/sq cm/s, respectively, have been interpreted as broadened and redshifted positron annihilation radiation. OSSE conducted observations of the Galactic Center region during a 21-day interval from 1992 September 17 thru 1992 October 8. This includes the time of increased 200-450 keV emission from 1E 1740.7-2942 reported by SIGMA. The OSSE observations do not confirm this event. For the specific outburst recorded by SIGMA, 1992 Sep. 19.42-20.58 (UT), OSSE data provide an upper limit (3 sigma) of 2.4 x 10(exp -3) photons/sq cm/s.

Description: X-ray observations of Abell 548 reveal that the hot gas in this cluster is at least as complex as the galaxy distribution. Our ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) image is used in conjunction with optical data from the Minnesota plate-scanning project and redshift data in the literature to investigate the degree of substructure in the intracluster medium and the galaxy distribution. A548 has several X-ray components: hot gas associated with clumps of galaxies, individual sources, and a newly discovered diffuse component. This diffuse component may be promordial gas falling into the cluster for the first time. The optical data suggest that this cluster consists of four major components, not three (as indicated when velocity data are ignored). Simple models of the orbital dynamics suggest that the cluster may not yet have reached its turnaround radius.

Description: A new observatory for meteor research which provides data for study of meteor heights, velocities, orbits, and meteoroid abundances is described. The observing equipment is automated to take advantage of the long periods of favorable observing weather common to the region. Four K-24 cameras, electrically operated, provide the triangulation observations, and four Maksutov f/1.3 cameras with blazed transmission grating provide spectral coverage. The patrol cameras have operated for a year and a half, and approximately 6,000 frames have been exposed by 9 March 1975. Meteor trails appear on 260 of these frames. Sixty-eight trails are of meteors photographed from two locations and thus allow trajectory and orbit determinations for 34 meteors. Photoelectric sensors initiate the 2-second spectrograph exposures, and electrical controls open and close the observatory at present times.

Description: Visual and photoelectric observations of R Coronae Borealis are presented, including a number of observations surrounding the 1974 minimum. The recent visual history of the variable is examined and the discrete cloud obscuration model is considered.

Description: The David Dunlap Observatory system uses six intermediate-band filters whose central wavelengths were chosen to cover important features in the spectrum of a late-type star. Calibrations of the color indices with physical parameters, allow one to estimate T sub eff, log g, Fe/H, M sub v and reddening directly from the photometry. Although a number of standards lists exist, only a small fraction of the stars is fainter than V=6. It is desirable to add to the numbers of faint standards. Results are presented of photometry of sixteen stars obtained during a program of variable-star photometry at Blue Mesa Observatory.

Description: A 1 to 20 micron mapping of the centers of galaxies encompassing the regions that extend out to several kiloparsecs from the nuclei is reviewed. Power emerging at or = 5 microns is a direct measure of the number of young stars present. This conclusion is strongly supported by the large-scale association of the infrared-emitting regions with visual continuum and line emission indicative of young stars, and by the similarity of the energy distributions to those of Galactic HII region/molecular cloud complexes. Much of the young-star activity is completely hidden from view. At shorter wavelengths, a variety of processes, including bremsstrahlung, are evident.

Description: The Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) is an approved NASA mission, programmed for launch in 1988. Its complement of four detectors has established goals: (1) to study the nature of compact gamma-ray sources such as neutron stars and black holes, or objects whose nature is yet to be understood; (2) to search for evidence of nucleosynthesis especially in the regions of supernovae; (3) to study structural features and dynamical properties of the Galaxy; (4) to explore other galaxies, especially the extraordinary types such as radio, Seyferts, and quasars; and (5) to study cosmological effects by examining the diffuse radiation in detail. This paper discusses the design, objectives, and expected scientific results of each of the GRO instruments in view of the GRO mission goals.

Description: Far-ultraviolet imagery of a region in Cygnus, a 20 deg diameter field centered near (1950) R. A. 21 h 31.2 m decl. +37 deg 25 arcmin, was obtained by the S201 far-ultraviolet camera during the Apollo 16 mission. In a 10 minute exposure covering the 1250-1600 A wavelength range (effective wavelength 1400 A), 730 star images can be detected, corresponding to a limiting ultraviolet magnitude of about m (1400) = 10. Assuming nominal interstellar extinction values in this region near the galactic plane, this result corresponds to the detection of A0 V stars to a distance of 300 pc and of B0 V stars to 1500 pc. Uncertainties in spectral classification and interstellar extinction for individual objects are probably more significant than calibration or measurement errors. Most of the objects detected are identified with stars in the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Star Catalog (1966), or the Catalog of Stellar Identifications (1979) or both, but 87 objects remain unidentified (or are identified with late-type stars).

Description: The orbit of Mars is perturbed more than 5 m, a value compatible with the accuracy of the Viking Lander ranging data, by about three dozen asteroids. In addition to larger asteroids throughout the belt, significant perturbations of long period are generated by smaller objects near commensurabilities with Mars. The largest periodic terms induced by 1 Ceres and 2 Pallas have amplitudes of 0.8 and 0.2 km, respectively, both with 10-year periods. Due to a near commensurability, 4 Vesta causes a 5-km, 52-year term. While the Viking ranges will yield significant mass determinations for the largest three asteroids, and some of the smaller bodies should be detectable, it will be difficult to separate the smaller bodies with useful accuracies. Accurate discrimination must await range data from future missions to Mars or other bodies in the neighborhood of the asteroid belt. The Viking ranges can also yield improved masses for the outer planets (except Pluto), an application which is being exploited by groups analyzing these data. Uncertainties in the asteroid masses limit the ultimate accuracy of the Viking determinations of both the long time scale motion of the system of the inner four planets with respect to an inertial frame and the rate of change of the gravitational constant.

Description: A 10-micron spectrum of periodic Comet Grigg-Skjellerup was obtained on 22 June 1982 with the UCL array spectrometer at the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope, Mauna Kea. No emission feature is obvious in the spectrum. The observed spectrum can be fit equally well by a model of small hot absorbing grains or by a composite model with less than or equal to 30 percent (3sigma) warm, 'dirty' silicate grains. The latter model is consistent with the silicate abundance in Comet Kohoutek, which did display an emission feature at 10 microns.

Description: The Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT) experiment has been designed for high sensitivity, moderate resolution spectrophotometry of cosmic sources in the range 0.5 to 12 keV. Principal elements are two co-aligned imaging telescopes with cooled Si(Li) detectors at each focus. The mirror design uses an approximate geometry of tightly nested, conical, foil reflectors that allow a large filling factor (high throughput) at small grazing angles (high energy response). Each detector consists of a cluster of five elements defined with grooves on a single crystal. This arrangement affords some spatial resolution as well as a means of substantial background reduction. Shuttle borne measurements will typically be of 2000 s duration for sources with a flux of 10 to the -12 erg/sq cm-s.

Description: Photoelectric visual and ultraviolet observations of the compact planetary nebula Sw St 1 are analyzed. The electron density, determined from the C III 1907/1909 A line ratio, is N(e) = (1.1 + or - 0.1) x 10 to the 5th/cu cm, consistent with the high emission measure and high critical frequency determined from observations of the thermal radio emission. The C/O abundance ratio in the nebula is found to be N(C)/N(O) = 0.72 + or - 0.1, i.e. the envelope is oxygen-rich, as suggested by the identification of the silicate feature in the 8-13 micron infrared spectrum. Difficulties remain in accurately determining the reddening constant to the nebula and its electron temperature.

Description: Continuum and spectral-line radio observations of the comets IRAS-Araki-Alcock and Sugano-Saigusa-Fujikawa obtained at a number of observatories during May and June, 1983, are compiled in tables and briefly characterized. The species NH3, H2O, CO, and HCN are considered in detail; visible-range observations of CN are compared; and the implications of the results and the experience gained in performing and coordinating the observations for the detection of important species in other comets, especially Halley's Comet, are explored.

Description: A complete sample of 26 extended radio galaxies was observed at 2.29 GHz with the Mark III VLBI system. The fringe spacing was about 3 milli-arcsec, and the detection limit was about 2 millijanskys. Half of the galaxies were found to possess milli-arcsec radio cores. In all but three sources, the nuclear flux density was less than 0.04 of the total flux density. Galaxies with high optical luminosity (less than -21.2) were more likely than less luminous galaxies to contain a detectable milliparcsec radio core (69 percent vs. 20 percent). For objects with arcsec cores, 80 percent were found to have a milli-arcsec core, even though the milli-arcsec object did not always contribute the greater part of the arcsec flux density.

Description: Observations of the infrared cluster of low luminosity protostars in Orion Molecular Cloud 2 (OMC2) are reported. Results show that the asymmetric distribution of the extended emission seen about IRS1 is another infrared reflection nebula. Energy distributions show that the spectral shape is fairly constant throughout the nebula which indicates there is little internal extinction within this region. Integrated surface brightness values show that the nebula is 5 times brighter than IRS1 at K. Energy distributions show that IRS1 has a more pronounced ice band absorption feature at 3.1 micron; suggesting that there is more extinction along the direct line of sight to IRS1 than along a line from IRS1 to the scattering grains and then to the observer. The distribution of the extended emission around IRS1 is similar to the reflection nebula seen in NGC 7538 (Werner et al. 1979). The asymmetric shapes of the two nebulae are similar and in each case there is excess extinction along line of sight to the illuminating source.

Description: The transient intensity dips of the binary system Cyg X-1 have been observed, using the gas scintillation proportional counter (GSPC) array onboard the Tenma X-ray astronomy satellite. The duration of the dips was in the range from several seconds to 10 minutes, with several dips occurring as much as 15 h before the superior conjunction. Within the dips, complex structures were observed with time scales of several seconds, and, in at least one case, shorter than two seconds. For a dip lasting longer than 10 minutes, a high-quality spectrum was obtained which reveals the K-absorption edge of iron at 7.18 + or - 0.18 keV. On the basis of the observed absorption, it is suggested that the dips are caused by absorption due to relatively cool matter (less than about 30,000 k); the low-energy excess observed during the dips is due either to an extended soft X-ray emitting corona or to partial obscuration of the X-ray source by multiple blobs. From the time structure of the dip, a blob size of the order of 10 to the 9th cm is derived.

Description: IUE observations of the peculiar 'Butterfy' nebula M2-9 indicate that it is not a normal planetary nebula. The ultraviolet spectrum is characterized by few emission lines and a weak continuum. Mg II 2800 A is the strongest emission line present and may be indicative of a binary nucleus. Lines of N v, Q I, N III, N IV, Si III, and C III are seen, but C IV and O III are conspicuous by their absence. T(e) = 10,250 + or - 400 K was determined for the core. Nitrogen in the core is found to be overabundant by about a factor of 5 over the solar value. M2-9 may be an object in the early stages of becoming a planetary nebula.

Description: The possibility that an invisible solar companion passing through the Oort cloud every 28 Myr precipitates a sufficiently high rate of cometary collisions with the earth to account for periodic mass species extinctions recorded in the fossil record is discussed. A Monte Carlo simulation shows that any hypothesized 'death star' with a 28 Myr orbit would experience an average 10 percent change in period per orbit. Production of an 18-fold increase in cometary impacts would be associated with a 0.055 probability that a 10 km nucleus would hit the earth in a shower once every 510 Myr, longer than the proposed extinction periodicity. However, if the death star orbit has a 0.6 eccentricity and the Oort cloud is sufficiently densely populated, a 2 billion comet shower may be possible. A survey of large terrestrial impact craters indicates that 6-12 craters with diameters over 10 km originated in periodic showers. The extinctions in any case occur at 26 Myr periods and cannot be correlated with the 33 Myr period of recrossing the galactic plane, or with any other known phenomena.

Description: The region in the Saturn system between the F ring and the outer edge of the A ring is an area that appears, in images from the imaging experiment, to be virtually devoid of material except for three small satellites. Near the orbit of 1980S28, Atlas - the innermost satellite - the Voyager Photopolarimeter Stellar Occultation data show a discontinuity in count rate which marks a boundary between the tenuous material near the outer edge of the A ring and the orbit of Atlas. The data pertaining to this region have been examined with the aid of statistics and models generated from other similar ring structures. It is concluded that the discontinuity is real, implying the existence of tenuous material of normal optical depth of 0.01 to 0.006 in this region.

Description: Asteroid 1984 AB, discovered in January 1984, proved to be a unique object with a close dynamical relationship to Mars. A brief history of the discovery and subsequent 'evolution' of the orbit as it was refined is presented. The preliminary orbit of 1984 AB indicated that it might be a Mars Trojan, and an extended discussion of this interesting possibility is presented, but this hypothesis had to be dismissed after further observations had refined the orbit. The semimajor axis and orbital eccentricity are very similar to that of Mars. No other known Mars-crossing asteroid exists with an orbit as closely associated to Mars.

Description: Radar echoes from Comet IRAS-Araki-Alcock at wavelengths 3.54 and 12.9 cm indicate that the comet's nucleus is very rough on a scale larger than the radar wavelengths; however, the low polarization ratio (25 percent at 3.54 cm) indicates that the scattering is not dominated by multiple reflections, internal reflections, or large abundances of sharp edges, cracks, and pits. The shape of the nucleus probably departs greatly from a sphere with average radii near 3-4 km. The nucleus does not appear to look significantly different from a number of Apollo and Amor asteroids except that: (1) there is a suggestion that minor structure moves rapidly across the spectra, and (2) the debris not gravitationally bound to the comet was detected, and contributes 25 percent of the total radar cross section at the 12.9-cm wavelength. Other considerations suggest that the pole was at least 45 deg away from the line of sight on two days of observation, and that the rotation period is approximately 1-2 days.

Description: A spectral line list for the 10-200 A range is developed from existing solar spectra for application to high spectral resolution measurements of astrophysical plasmas. The solar spectral line lists are merged into a single comprehensive list. The effect of the solar emission measure distribution is removed from the line intensities, which results in a set of emission rates for the lines that can be applied to many optically thin, low density high temperature plasmas in ionization equilibrium. In addition to the measured solar lines, 250 theoretical lines are added to this list. These lines fall in wavelength regions where the existing solar lists have few lines because of limitations in instrumental sensitivity. Also, some lines have been added because the sun has very little plasma at temperatures of about one million K, and consequently these lines are weak or absent in solar spectra. The entire list contains about 600 lines. Finally, predicted spectra of the two RS CVn stars, alpha Aur (Capella) and UX Ari, are presented at 1 and 0.25 A spectral resolution. Also, the solar spectrum is shown at 1 A resolution, and the emission rate spectrum (spectrum not modified by an emission measure distribution) is shown at very high spectral resolution. The predicted spectra for Capella and UX Ari are based on results obtained from the Einstein and International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) spacecraft.

Description: A method is presented which transforms certain nonlinear differential equations of dynamics into linear equations by introducing an independent variable and utilizing the integrals of motion. As examples of special interest, the linearizations of unperturbed and perturbed Keplerian motions are discussed.

Description: The extent through which the initial conditions of a given three-body system may be varied without completely changing the qualitative nature of the subsequent system evolution is investigated. It is assumed that the three masses are equal, all initial velocities are zero, the first two bodies initially lie on the x-axis, and the position of the third body is confined to a specific region of space. Analysis of the system evolution for different initial positions of the third body shows that there is a whole area or 'island' in the x-y plane throughout which the initial position of the third body may be moved in a continuous fashion to produce an evolution which also changes in a continuous manner. A Monte Carlo approach is adopted to determine the full extent of this island in the general problem. It is concluded that the stability of a full solution may be directly related to the size of its island in phase space.