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Closed String Thermodynamics And A Blue Tensor Spectrum, Robert H. Brandenberger, Ali Nayeri, Subodh P. Patil Jan 2014

Closed String Thermodynamics And A Blue Tensor Spectrum, Robert H. Brandenberger, Ali Nayeri, Subodh P. Patil

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The BICEP-2 team has recently reported the positive detection of cosmic microwave background Bmode polarization. Although uncertainties due to galactic dust foregrounds remain, it is a constructive exercise to work out the implications of presuming some part of the detected B-mode signal to be due to primordial gravitational waves. Were a positive detection of a tensor-to-scalar ratio larger than r greater than or similar to O(10(-2)) confirmed, detecting a tilt in the tensor spectrum comparable to that observed for the scalar power spectrum becomes in principle possible. We wish to explore in this brief paper the possibility of there being …


Limit On Continuous Neutrino Emission From Neutron Stars, Itzhak Goldman, Shmuel Nussinov Jan 2010

Limit On Continuous Neutrino Emission From Neutron Stars, Itzhak Goldman, Shmuel Nussinov

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The timing data of the binary pulsar PSR1913+16, are used to establish an upper limit on the rate of continuous neutrino emission from neutron stars. Neutrino emission from each of the neutron stars of the binary system, increases the star binding energy and thus translates to a decrease in their masses. This in turn implies an increase with time of the binary period. Using the pulsar data we obtain an upper limit on the allowed rate of mass reduction: vertical bar M vertical bar < 1.1 x 10(-12) yr(-1) M, where M is the total mass of the binary. This constrains exotic nuclear equations of state that predict continuous neutrino emissions. The limit applies also to other channels of energy loss, e. g. axion emission. Continued timing measurements of additional binary pulsars, should yield a stronger limit in the future.


The Recent High State Of The Bl Lacertae Object Ao 0235 And Cross-Correlations Between Optical And Radio Bands, M. Roy, I. E. Papadikis, E. Ramos-Colon, R. Sambruna, K. Tsinganos, J. Papamastorkis, Menas Kafatos Jan 2000

The Recent High State Of The Bl Lacertae Object Ao 0235 And Cross-Correlations Between Optical And Radio Bands, M. Roy, I. E. Papadikis, E. Ramos-Colon, R. Sambruna, K. Tsinganos, J. Papamastorkis, Menas Kafatos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

We present new optical (B, V , R, I) and radio (at 14.5, 8.5, and 4.8 GHz) observations of the γ-ray- loud blazar AO 0235+164 obtained during the high state of 1997 December-1998 January. The data were combined with historical light curves from the literature to study correlated optical and radio variations over a time span of more than 20 years. Flux variability with large and energy-dependent amplitude is observed at both wave bands, with the source varying over all timescales sampled (years-months- days), in agreement with previous reports. We have performed a cross-correlation analysis of optical and radio light …


Contemporaneous Iue, Euve, And High-Energy Observations Of 3c 273, E. Ramos, Menas Kafatos, A. Fruscione, F. C. Bruhweiler, I. M. Mchardy, R. C. Hartman, L. G. Titarchuk, C. Von Montigny Jan 1997

Contemporaneous Iue, Euve, And High-Energy Observations Of 3c 273, E. Ramos, Menas Kafatos, A. Fruscione, F. C. Bruhweiler, I. M. Mchardy, R. C. Hartman, L. G. Titarchuk, C. Von Montigny

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

We present the results of our 1994 January and 1995 January observations of the quasar 3C 273 obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) and the Extreme-Ultraviolet Explorer (EUV E). These observations were part of a large multiwavelength campaign to observe 3C 273 from radio through γ-rays. Our 1995 January photometric observations with the EUV E Lexan/B Deep Survey (DS) instrument indicate strong evidence for variability, at a 99% confidence level, during the 12 day observing period. We have utilized ROSAT PSPC soft X-ray power-law models to correlate with EUV E count rates. Besides variations in the normalization level between …


Lateral Shock Of The R Aquarii Jet, J. M. Hollis, J. A. Pedelty, Menas Kafatos Jan 1997

Lateral Shock Of The R Aquarii Jet, J. M. Hollis, J. A. Pedelty, Menas Kafatos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The R Aqr jet was observed with the VLA B-configuration at two epochs separated by ~13.2 yr. Comparison of the resulting 6 cm continuum images show that the radio jet has undergone a lateral counterclockwise rotation of ~6-12 on the plane of the sky. The model of jet parcels on independent trajectories is difficult to reconcile with these observations and leads us to consider a path-oriented jet (i.e., younger parcels follow the same path as older parcels). Comparison of the most recent radio image with a nearly contemporaneous HST /FOC ultraviolet image at ~2330 A suggests that the ultraviolet emission …


Multifrequency Studies, Menas Kafatos Jan 1997

Multifrequency Studies, Menas Kafatos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The present report concerns the following projects 'Multifrequency observations of the BL Lacertae object MK 421"; "EUVE and multifrequency observations of the quasars 3C 273 and 3C 279"; "EUVE observations of the symbiotic star RAquarii"; and "Morphology of the local HI void and ionization of He in the local ISM". The common theme of the above projects is UV observations and analysis of a wide range of astrophysical classes or objects, from the diffuse interstellar medium, to symbiotic stars (R Aqr), to active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Understanding the local (primarily neutral hydrogen or HI) interstellar medium is of great importance …


Multiwavelength Blazar Studies, Menas Kafatos Jan 1997

Multiwavelength Blazar Studies, Menas Kafatos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The present report concerns the following projects 'High energy emission from hot accretion disks from active galactic nuclei'; 'OSSE spectral timing and monitoring observations of Cygnus X- 1'; 'OSSE observations of blazars'; and 'Search for correlated time variations of bright EGRET blazars'. The most favored model for the central engine inAGNs is the supermassive black hole hypothesis (Rees 1978). The observed luminosities range from approx. 10 logical and 44-45 erg /s for objects such as Mk 421 and Seyferts to as much as approx. 10logical and 47 for powerful QSOs such as 3C 273 and 3C 279, a large fraction …


Multiwavelength Observations Of Markarian 421 During A Tev/X-Ray Flare, D. J. Macomb, C. W. Akerlof, H. D. Aller, M. F. Aller, D. L. Bertsch, Menas Kafatos Jan 1995

Multiwavelength Observations Of Markarian 421 During A Tev/X-Ray Flare, D. J. Macomb, C. W. Akerlof, H. D. Aller, M. F. Aller, D. L. Bertsch, Menas Kafatos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

A Te V flare from the BL Lac object Mrk 421 was detected in May of 1994 by the Whipple Observatory air Cherenkov experiment during which the flux above 250 GeV increased by nearly an order of magnitude over a 2-day period. Contemporaneous observations by ASCA showed the X-ray flux to be in a very high state. We present these results, combined with the first ever simultaneous or nearly simultaneous observations at Ge V gamma-ray, UV, IR, mm, and radio energies for this nearest BL Lac object. While the GeV gamma-ray flux increased slightly, there is little evidence for variability …


Osse Observations In Blazars, K. Mcnaron-Brown, W. N. Johnson, G. V. Jung, R. L. Kinzer, J. D. Kurfess, M. S. Strickman, C. D. Dermer, D. A. Grabelsky, W. R. Purcell, M. P. Ulmer, Menas Kafatos, P. A. Becker, R. Staubert, M. Maisack Jan 1995

Osse Observations In Blazars, K. Mcnaron-Brown, W. N. Johnson, G. V. Jung, R. L. Kinzer, J. D. Kurfess, M. S. Strickman, C. D. Dermer, D. A. Grabelsky, W. R. Purcell, M. P. Ulmer, Menas Kafatos, P. A. Becker, R. Staubert, M. Maisack

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Results are reported on observations obtained with the Oriented Scintillation Spectrometer Experiment (OSSE) instrument on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) of 17 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) known to exhibit blazar properties at other wavelengths. These observations span the period from 1991 June through 1994 May. Of the 33 high-confidence EGRET detections of blazars during CGRO observing phases 1 and 2 (1991 May 16-1993 September 7), OSSE has observed eight and detected five, namely 3C 273, 3C 279, PKS 0528+134, CTA 102, and 3C 454.3. Additionally, OSSE has detected the BL Lac sources H1517+65.6 and PKS 2155-304, which were not …


Ultraviolet Temporal Variability Of The Peculiar Star R Aquarii, S. R. Meier, Menas Kafatos Jan 1995

Ultraviolet Temporal Variability Of The Peculiar Star R Aquarii, S. R. Meier, Menas Kafatos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

This paper is a comprehensive study of all far-UV spectra obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite of the symbiotic star R Aquarii (R Aqr) covering a 13 yr period between 1979 and 1992. We have analyzed the ultraviolet emission for the compact H II region and the NE and SW extended "jetlike" filamentary structures. The results of our ultraviolet analysis indicate that the H II region and features A, B, and D of the NE jet are increasing in intensity, while the SW counterjet, feature A', has declined in intensity. We have found much stronger evidence that the …


A Far-Ultraviolet Atlas Of Symbiotic Stars Observed With Iue. I. The Swp Range, S. R. Meier, Menas Kafatos, R. P. Fahey, A. G. Michalitsianos Jan 1994

A Far-Ultraviolet Atlas Of Symbiotic Stars Observed With Iue. I. The Swp Range, S. R. Meier, Menas Kafatos, R. P. Fahey, A. G. Michalitsianos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

This atlas contains sample spectra from the far-ultraviolet observations of32 symbiotic stars obtained with the lnternational Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite. In all, 394 low-resolution spectra from the short-wavelength pnmary (SWP) camera covering the range 1200-2000 A have been extracted from the IUE archive, calibrated, and measured. Absolute line fluxes and wavelengths for the prominent emission lines have been tabulated. Tables of both the general properties of these symbiotics and of features specific to the spectrum of each are included. The spectra shown are representative of the different classes of symbiotic stars that are currently in the IUE archive. These include …


Evidence Signalling The Start Of Enhanced Counterjet Flow In The Symbiotic System R Aquarii, A. G. Michalitsianos, M. Perez, Menas Kafatos Jan 1994

Evidence Signalling The Start Of Enhanced Counterjet Flow In The Symbiotic System R Aquarii, A. G. Michalitsianos, M. Perez, Menas Kafatos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The velocity structure of strong far-UV emission lines observed in the symbiotic variable R Aqr suggests the start of new jet activity which will probably culminate in the appearance of a series of intense nebular emission knots within a decade. This is indicated by a systematic redward wavelength drift of emission lines, which we have followed with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IV E) since the discovery of the brilliant northeast jet emission knots more than 10 years ago. The C IV λλ1548, 1550 resonance lines, which previously showed a prominent blue asymmetric wing that extended to velocities in excess -200 …


Extended Variability Of The Symbiotic Star Ag Draconis, Menas Kafatos, S. R. Meier Jan 1993

Extended Variability Of The Symbiotic Star Ag Draconis, Menas Kafatos, S. R. Meier

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

We have analyzed the complete set of available IUE (International Ultraviolet Explorer) spectra for the symbiotic star AG Draconis covering the period from 1979 to 1989. All absolute line fluxes and wavelengths have been obtained for the prominent emission lines in the λλ1200-3200 wavelength range. These spectra contain observations which were taken before, during and after the two extended outbursts which occurred on 1980 November to 1981 November and 1985 February to 1986 January. These two outburst events have two maxima that are separated by ~1600 days, a time scale not known to be associated with the star, but which …


Fe Ii Fluorescence And Anomalous C Iv Doublet Intensities In Symbiotic Novae, A. G. Michalitsianos, Menas Kafatos, S. R. Meier Jan 1992

Fe Ii Fluorescence And Anomalous C Iv Doublet Intensities In Symbiotic Novae, A. G. Michalitsianos, Menas Kafatos, S. R. Meier

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Symbiotic stars frequently exhibit anomalous C IV λλ1548.2, 1550.8 doublet flux ratios, in which the intensity ratio of the blue and red doublet members is below the optically thick limit of unity. Three symbiotic stars (RR Tel, RX Pup, and AG Peg) have been investigated in detail with high-resolution spectra obtained from the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) archives. We have examined the deficit of C IV λ1548.2 emission relative to λ1550.8 in context with the fluorescent pumping of the Fe II multiplet (45.01) λ1548.204 by the C IV λ1548.2 line. In RR Tel the C IV λ1548.2 flux is correlated …


Forbidden Lines Of Np^Q Ions. Ii. Line Intensities, J. P. Lynch, Menas Kafatos Jan 1991

Forbidden Lines Of Np^Q Ions. Ii. Line Intensities, J. P. Lynch, Menas Kafatos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Ground state forbidden transitions of np^q ions of C, N, 0, Ne, Mg, Si, S, and Fe can provide important information on the state of cosmic ionized gases. Wavelengths of these lines are in the far- and near-UV visible and near- and far-IR regions of the spectrum. The line intensity ratios of particular transitions in q = 2, 4 ions can provide information on the temperature of the gas and in q = 3 ions information on the density of the gas. In the present work we have tabulated the line intensities of 95 transitions of these ions, which include …


Ultraviolet And Optical Spectroscopy Of The R Aquarii Symmetrical Jet, J. M. Hollis, R. J. Oliverson, Menas Kafatos, A. G. Michalitsianos, R. M. Wagner Jan 1991

Ultraviolet And Optical Spectroscopy Of The R Aquarii Symmetrical Jet, J. M. Hollis, R. J. Oliverson, Menas Kafatos, A. G. Michalitsianos, R. M. Wagner

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The first ultraviolet spectrum of the southwest (SW) component of the symmetrical jet in the R Aquarii binary system has been obtained in the range 1200-2000 A with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE). These results are compared to more encompassing spectra (1200-3200 A) of the central H II region taken at the same time and also similar spectra of the northeast (NE) jet component obtained 6 months earlier. Moreover, optical spectra of both the NE and SW jet components in the range 3400-9800 A were obtained within ~ 6 months and ~ 1 month, respectively, of the ultraviolet spectra. These …


Comparisons Of Sio Maser And Long-Period Variable Positions In The Aquarii And Omicron Ceti Binary Systems, J. M. Hollis, M. C. H. Wright, W. J. Welch, P. R. Jewell, H. E. Crull, Menas Kafatos, A. G. Michalitsianos Jan 1990

Comparisons Of Sio Maser And Long-Period Variable Positions In The Aquarii And Omicron Ceti Binary Systems, J. M. Hollis, M. C. H. Wright, W. J. Welch, P. R. Jewell, H. E. Crull, Menas Kafatos, A. G. Michalitsianos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

We have determined that the absolute position of the centroid of SiO maser-emitting spots toward both R A~r ~nd o Cet are coincident with the position of the long-period variables (LPVs) in these binary systems to within the errors of measurement. The SiO positions were determined with the Hat Creek interferometer while the LPV positions were determined with the 8 inch (20 em) transit circle of the US Naval Observatory: These results contradict an earlier report of a circumbinary SiO maser far removed from the LPV in the R Aqr binary system, and we suggest statistical reasons for the discrepancy. …


Moderate-Resolution Spectroscopy Of The Lensed Quasar 2237+0305: A Search For Ca Ii Absorption Due To The Interstellar Medium In The Foreground Lensing Galaxy, P. Hintzen, S. P. Maran, A. G. Michalitsianos, C. B. Foltz, F. H. Chafee, Menas Kafatos Jan 1990

Moderate-Resolution Spectroscopy Of The Lensed Quasar 2237+0305: A Search For Ca Ii Absorption Due To The Interstellar Medium In The Foreground Lensing Galaxy, P. Hintzen, S. P. Maran, A. G. Michalitsianos, C. B. Foltz, F. H. Chafee, Menas Kafatos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The gravitational lens system 2237 + 0305 consists of a low-redshift barred spiral galaxy (z = 0.0394) centered on a more distant quasar (z = 1.695). Because the lensing galaxy is nearly face on, spectroscopy of the background quasar affords a unique opportunity to study the interstellar medium in the galaxy's center and buW:. We report moderate-resolution spectroscopy of QS02237 + 0305 yielding a 3u upper limit of 72 rnA forthe rest equivalent width of Ca II K absorption d);le to gas in the intervening galaxy. Since gas in the Milky Way "thick disk" typically produces 220 mA Ca II …


Sanduleak's Star (Lmc Anonymous): Its Similarity In The Far-Ultraviolet With The Luminous Object N Carinae And Sn 1987a, A. G. Michalitsianos, Menas Kafatos, S. N. Shore Jan 1989

Sanduleak's Star (Lmc Anonymous): Its Similarity In The Far-Ultraviolet With The Luminous Object N Carinae And Sn 1987a, A. G. Michalitsianos, Menas Kafatos, S. N. Shore

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Spectra obtained in the far UV wavelength range 1200-2000 A with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) of the peculiar emission object LMC Anonymous, or Sanduleak's Star in the Large Magellanic Cloud, indicate the presence of circumstellar-high-excitation gas, which is rich in CNO processed material. Although LMC Anonymous is a field star whose nebular line-forming region can not be resolved, and whose mass may be considerably smaller than the massive-luminous galactic object η Carinae, the far-UV spectrum of LMC Anonymous closely resembles that of the S Condensation of η Carinae. The similarity between LMC Anonymous and the S Condensation is apparent …


R Aquarii: Evidence For A Two-Sided Radio Jet And A Circumbinary Sio Maser, Menas Kafatos, J. M. Hollis, F. Yusef-Zadeh, A. G. Michalitsianos, M. Elitzur Jan 1989

R Aquarii: Evidence For A Two-Sided Radio Jet And A Circumbinary Sio Maser, Menas Kafatos, J. M. Hollis, F. Yusef-Zadeh, A. G. Michalitsianos, M. Elitzur

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

We have detected collimated 4.86 GHz (~6 cm) radio continuum emission southwest (SW) of the symbiotic vanable R Aquarii by combining data corresponding to different configurations of the Very Large Array (VLA). In the xontext of a previously reported northeast (NE) 6 cm jet structure, the orientation of the newly found SW radto structure suggests bipolar symmetry, extending to distances of ~2500 AU on either side of the central H II region. The amorphous morphology of the new collimated SW structure is distinct from the discrete radio knots NE of the central object. Further, we have determined the radio spectral …


Rx Puppis: Detection Of Asymmetrical Radio Structure, J. M. Hollis, F. Yusef-Zadeh, T. J. Cornwell, R. J. Oliverson, A. G. Michalitsianos, Menas Kafatos Jan 1989

Rx Puppis: Detection Of Asymmetrical Radio Structure, J. M. Hollis, F. Yusef-Zadeh, T. J. Cornwell, R. J. Oliverson, A. G. Michalitsianos, Menas Kafatos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Subarcsecond ( ~0':3 x ~0':1) observations of the RX Puppis symbiotic system with the Very Large Array (VLA) have resolved 2 cm continuum emission which deviates from a previously reported circularly symmetric radio distribution. The radio structure is comprised of at least three nearly colinear components. Under the assumption that the strongest feature is coincident with the hot star, the other two features lie 230 and 590 AU distant. These radio features are reminiscent of small-scale radio structure detected toward R Aquarii, another symbiotic star system, and probably represents material ejected from the RX Puppis system at an earlier epoch.


The C Iv Doublet Ratio Intensity Effect In Symbiotic Stars, A. G. Michalitsianos, Menas Kafatos, R. P. Fahey, R. Viotti, A. Cassatella, A. Altamore Jan 1988

The C Iv Doublet Ratio Intensity Effect In Symbiotic Stars, A. G. Michalitsianos, Menas Kafatos, R. P. Fahey, R. Viotti, A. Cassatella, A. Altamore

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The first successful high-resolution ultraviolet spectra in the λλ 1200-2000 wavelength range of the symbiotic variable R Aquarii and its nebular Jet were obtained in 1987 July with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE). The line profile structure of the C IV λλ1548, 1550 doublet in the jet indicates multicomponent velocity structure from an optically thin emitting gas. The C IV doublet profiles in the compact H II region engulfing the Mira and hot companion binary also suggest multicomponent structure, in which the radial velocities range up to ~ -100 km s^- 1. The value of the doublet intensity ratio in …


R Aquarii: The Large-Scale Optical Nebula And The Mira Variable Position, A. G. Michalitsianos, R. J. Oliverson, J. M. Hollis, Menas Kafatos, H. E. Crull, R. J. Miller Jan 1988

R Aquarii: The Large-Scale Optical Nebula And The Mira Variable Position, A. G. Michalitsianos, R. J. Oliverson, J. M. Hollis, Menas Kafatos, H. E. Crull, R. J. Miller

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The R Aquarii symbiotic star system is surrounded by a large-scale optical nebula. We present observations of the nebular [O III] structure and discuss its morphological significance in context with previously observed small-scale radio-continuum features, which may be related. We suggest that a precessing accretion disk may explain the global features of both the large-scale optical emission and the small-scale radio emission. Moreover, we have determined an accurate position of the system's Mira, which suggests that a recent theoretical model, yielding an egg-shaped central H II region for symbiotic systems with certain physical parameters, may apply to R Aquarii. The …


Supershells And Propagating Star Formation, R. Mccray, Menas Kafatos Jan 1987

Supershells And Propagating Star Formation, R. Mccray, Menas Kafatos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Stellar winds and repeated supernovae from an OB association will create a cavity of coronal gas in the interstellar medium, with radius greater than 100 pc, surrounded by a dense, expanding shell of cool interstellar gas. If the association has a typical initial mass function, its supernovae explosions will inject energy into the supershell at a nearly constant rate for about 5 x 10^7 yr. The supershell loses its interior pressure and enters the snowplow phase when radiative cooling becomes important or when the shell bursts through the gas disk of a galaxy, typically after a few times 10^7 yr …


The Large Scale Radio Structure Of R Aquarii, J. M. Hollis, Menas Kafatos, A. G. Michalitsianos, R. J. Oliverson, F. Yusef-Zadeh Jan 1987

The Large Scale Radio Structure Of R Aquarii, J. M. Hollis, Menas Kafatos, A. G. Michalitsianos, R. J. Oliverson, F. Yusef-Zadeh

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Radio continuum observations of the R Aquarii symbiotic star system, using the compact D configuration of the VLA at 6 em wavelength, reveal a large-scale ~2' structure engulfing the binary which has long been known to have a similar optical nebula. This optical/radio nebula possesses - 4 X 10^42 ergs of kinetic energy which is typical of a recurrent nova outburst. Moreover, a cluster of a dozen additional 6 em radio sources were observed in proximity to R Aquarii; most of these discrete sources lie ~3' south and/ or west of R Aquarii and, coupled with previous 20 cm data, …


Evidence For Extended Radio Emission Surrounding Rx Puppis, J. M. Hollis, R. J. Oliverson, Menas Kafatos, A. G. Michalitsianos Jan 1986

Evidence For Extended Radio Emission Surrounding Rx Puppis, J. M. Hollis, R. J. Oliverson, Menas Kafatos, A. G. Michalitsianos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

We report evidence for ~1" extended structure in 6 cm continuum emission emanating from the symbiotic star system RX Puppis. We did not detect hourly continuum flux changes as suggested in previous radio experiments by others. Our observations indicate that the predominant nature of the radio emission is thermal and consistent with an optically thick stellar wind emanating from the symbiotic star system. Our results are discussed with regard to other similar stellar binary systems.


Sub-Arc Second 2 Centimeter Continuum And Sio Spectral Line Observations Of R Aquarii, J. M. Hollis, A. G. Michalitsianos, Menas Kafatos, M. C. H. Wright, W. J. Welch Jan 1986

Sub-Arc Second 2 Centimeter Continuum And Sio Spectral Line Observations Of R Aquarii, J. M. Hollis, A. G. Michalitsianos, Menas Kafatos, M. C. H. Wright, W. J. Welch

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

ub-arc second (- 0'.'15) VLA observations at 2 em have resolved the previously reported 6 em H II region, which engulfs the R Aquarii binary system, into two components. The stronger 2 em component is itself partially resolved (distorted in shape), which may be a consequence of the long-period variable (LPV) wind being subjected to the intense ionizing radiation field of the hot companion's accretion disk, which we suspect is precessing. The distorted radio contours of the central H II region may also suggest that one hemisphere of the extended LPV envelope is directly illuminated by the intense radiation field …


The Unusual Ultraviolet Variability Of The Qso 3c 232, C. Bruhweilier, Menas Kafatos, U. J. Sofia Jan 1986

The Unusual Ultraviolet Variability Of The Qso 3c 232, C. Bruhweilier, Menas Kafatos, U. J. Sofia

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

After examining ultraviolet IUE spectra of 18 QSOs with z > 0.35, we find that one object, 3C 232 (z = 0.533), stands out as exhibiting highly unusual spectral and continuum variability. The H 1-Lya shows at least 50% variability on a time scale of roughly a month, while the ultraviolet continuum exhibited approximately a factor of 2 decrease in a day. The magnitude of the UV continuum variability is reminiscent of that seen in the optically violent variables at visual wavelengths. Several spectral features at wavelengths shortward of H I-Lya in the rest frame are identified. A brief discussion COJ?lparing …


The R Aquarii System At Optical And Radio Wavelengths, J. M. Hollis, Menas Kafatos, A. G. Michalitsianos, H. A. Mcalister Jan 1985

The R Aquarii System At Optical And Radio Wavelengths, J. M. Hollis, Menas Kafatos, A. G. Michalitsianos, H. A. Mcalister

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Observations of the symbiotic binary R Aquarii environment were obtained with the Very Large Array (VLA) at 2, 6, and 20 em at the same epoch. The observed spectral index and strong linear polarization reveal that emission from the compact double radio source discovered in previous observations is nonthermal; thus, this source is not associated with R Aquarii but is an extragalactic background object. The spectral index of the compact nebula surrounding R Aquarii indicates that the emission is thermal and the nebula is ionized by an unseen, hot companion to the Mira-like variable R Aquarii. As expected, this region …


High Dispersion Untraviolet Spectra Of The Peculiar Star Rx Puppis, Menas Kafatos, A. G. Michalitsianos, R. P. Fahey Jan 1985

High Dispersion Untraviolet Spectra Of The Peculiar Star Rx Puppis, Menas Kafatos, A. G. Michalitsianos, R. P. Fahey

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

High spectral resolution observations of the peculiar star RX Puppis obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer suggest the presence of a complex gaseous ring system which surrounds an accreting hot secondary. The anomalous line intensity ratio of the C IV A.A-1548, 1550 doublet during the observations exceeded the optically thick limit, implying the presence of a high-velocity wind. Additionally, the C IV doublet exhibits about four or five narrow emission components, which are redshifted up to velocities of at least - + 300 km s -I (with respect to the rest wavelength).