Messenger No. 13 (June 1978)

« Back to The Messenger home

1-1 (PDF)
ESO
1978

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13....1.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
This issue of the Messenger focusses on the recent discovery of two Earth-approaching minor planets. Both were found with the ESO Schmidt telescope on La Silla by Dr. Hans-Emil Schuster. Working in close collaboration with Dr. B. Marsden of the Smithsonian Observatory in the USA, it was possible to establish the orbits before the closest approaches in March 1978. This enabled other observers to study the tiny planets and to learn more about their physical properties.
2-3 (PDF)
ESO
The close encounter with 1978 CA and 1978 DA.

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13....2.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
It was a fine night on La Silla. Astronomers were working with all of the ESO telescopes, scrutinizing the southern skies with spectrographs and photometers and the big Schmidt was busy, taking deep photographs.
3-4 (PDF)
J. Surdej, A. Surdej
Photometric observations of 1978 CA and 1978 DA

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13....3S
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Surdej, J.; Surdej, A.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
UBV photometric observations of the earth-crossing asteroid 1978 CA and the Mars-crosser 1978 DA are reported. Light curves are plotted which indicate that 1978 CA has a rotation period of approximately 3 hr 45 min and that 1978 DA rotates about its axis much more slowly than 1978 CA. The following color indices are determined: (B-V) of approximately 0.90 and (U-B) of about 0.48 for 1978 CA and (B-V) = 0.83 and (U-B) = 0.41 for 1978 DA. A model that may explain the observed smooth and nearly symmetric light curve of 1978 CA is briefly discussed.
4-4 (PDF)
ESO
List of Preprints Published at ESO Scientific Group - January - April 1978

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13....4.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
19. G. CONTOPOULOS: Higher order resonances in dynamical systems. January 1978. Submitted to: Celestial Mechanics.
5-5 (PDF)
J. Degewij
The sizes of 1978 CA and 1978 DA

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13....5D
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Degewij, J.
AA(Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona)
Abstract:
Observational work aimed at determining the albedos and mean diameters of the asteroids 1978 CA and 1978 DA is briefly described. The albedos obtained are 0.068 + or - 0.006 for 1978 CA and 0.17 + or 0.03 for 1978 DA; the mean diameters are 1.86 + or - 0.04 km for 1978 CA and 0.90 + or - 0.05 km for 1978 DA. It is noted that both objects showed typical S-type UBV colors and that 1978 CA exhibited a very low albedo for an asteroid with reddish colors. A rotation period of 3 hr 45 min 38 + or - 3 sec is derived for 1978 CA. A light curve of 1978 CA in the Johnson V and I colors is plotted along with the total averaged light curve (without the data points) of 1978 CA and a short stretch of the light curve of 1978 DA.
References:
Frecker, J. E. and Serkowski, K. (1976). Appl. Opt. 15, 605.
; Lebotsky, L. A., Veeder, G. J., Lebotsky, M. J. and Matson, D. L. (1978). Accepted tor publication in Icarus.
6-7 (PDF)
H. W. Duerbeck
Novae observed at La Silla.

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13....6D
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Duerbeck, H. W.
AA(Hoher List Observatorium near Bonn in the Federal Republic of Germany)
Abstract:
Few astronomical events receive as much attention by amateur astronomers as the appearance of new stars in the sky, i.e. nova outbursts. Many novae are discovered by persistent sky watchers far from the large observatories and it is only somewhat later that these spectacular astronomical events come to the notice of professional astronomers through the telegram service of the International Astronomical Union. Or. Hilmar W. Ouerbeck of the Hoher List Observatorium near Bonn in the Federal Republic of Germany has observed several novae from La Silla.
8-10 (PDF)
D. Despois, E. Gerard et al.
Radio observations of comet Bradfield /1978c/

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13....8D
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Despois, D.; Gerard, E.; Crovisier, J.; Kazes, I.
AA(Meudon, Observatoire, Meudon, Hauts-de-Seine, France), AB(Meudon, Observatoire, Meudon, Hauts-de-Seine, France), AC(Meudon, Observatoire, Meudon, Hauts-de-Seine, France), AD(Meudon, Observatoire, Meudon, Hauts-de-Seine, France)
Abstract:
Radio observations at 18 cm wavelength of OH in comet Bradfield (1978c) are discussed which were performed in March 1978. The comet was detected in emission on March 11 and 12, then in absorption on March 14 and 15; the sign change of the signal on March 13 is identified as a direct consequence of the Swings effect, whereby the population of the ground-state Lambda doublet critically depends on heliocentric radial velocity. The final OH radio spectrum of comet Bradfield is presented. It is shown that the OH line profile was well centered at the radial velocity of the nucleus, the line width was the expected value of about 3 km/s, but the amplitude was only 10 mK. From model calculations it is concluded that the OH production rate was seven times smaller than that anticipated from the total visual brightness announced in early February 1978 but was in satisfactory agreement with the visual magnitude of 8.6 plus or - 0.3 observed between March 9 and 17.
10-11 (PDF)
W. Wamsteker
Catching all the photons: the CCD.

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13...10W
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Wamsteker, W.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Before you read the figure text on page 11, try to guess which ofthe photos was made with the ESO 1m telescape and which with the 3.6 m telescape. The exposure times were 15 and 30 minutes, respectively. If you cannot tell the difference, then you will have been convinced of the efficiency of the new super-detector, the Gharge-Goupled Oevice. ESO astronomer Or. Willem Wamsteker was privileged to use a CCD on La Silla and teils us about his exciting experience.
11-12 (PDF)
H. Pedersen, P. Gammelgard et al.
Whatever happened to NGC 5291

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13...11P
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Pedersen, H.; Gammelgard, P.; Laustsen, S.
AA(Aarhus Observatory, Aarhus, Denmark; European Southern Observatory, Garching, West Germany), AB(Aarhus Observatory, Aarhus, Denmark; European Southern Observatory, Garching, West Germany), AC(Aarhus Observatory, Aarhus, Denmark; European Southern Observatory, Garching, West Germany)
Abstract:
Photographic plates of the pair of interacting galaxies of which NGC 5291 is a component are discussed. It is found that the extragalactic material associated with this pair is greatly extended and quite unusual in appearance, with most of the light apparently originating in small nonstellar knots. An unfiltered plate and a red plate are examined which confirm the knotted structure of the extragalactic material and show that this material is clearly bluer than the galaxies in the field. These observations are interpreted in terms of 'extragalactic H II regions'.
12-12 (PDF)
R. M. West
S. B. Lorensen, 1942 - 1978.

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13...12W
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
West, R. M.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
With great grief we have learned that Svend Bahn Lorensen 1942-1978 died suddenly in Copenhagen on March 1st, as a result of a serious i1lness.
12-12 (PDF)
ESO
Personnel Movements

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13...12.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
13-15 (PDF)
G. F. Gahm
Sign-posts of star formation in interstellar clouds south of declination -30 degrees.

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13...13G
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Gahm, G. F.
AA(Stockholm Observatory, Saltsjöbaden, Sweden)
Abstract:
A major investigation of star formation in the southern hemisphere was recently undertaken by Dr. Gösta F. Gahm from the Stockholm Observatory at Saltsjöbaden, Sweden. He obtained direct plates and spectra with the 3.6 m telescope and here reports some very interesting preliminary results. Working with a newly-commissioned telescope mayaIso create some exciting moments ...
13-13 (PDF)
ESO
Proceedings of the ESO Workshop on Modern Techniques in Astronomical Photography

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13Q..13.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
13-13 (PDF)
ESO
ESO Workshop on Modern Techniques in Astronomical Photography

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13R..13.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
A workshop on the above subject took place in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 16-18,1978. It was organized by the European Southern Observatory, in collaboration with the Working Group on Photographic Problems of the International Astronomical Union.
15-17 (PDF)
J. Lub
RR Lyrae stars

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13...15L
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Lub, J.
AA(European Southern Observatory, Geneva, Switzerland)
Abstract:
The importance of studying RR Lyrae variables is discussed along with a recent photometric survey of southern RR Lyrae stars. The period-temperature plane for RR Lyrae stars and the B light curve of the extremely metal-poor variable V675 Sgr are plotted. Characteristics of the Walvaren VBLUW photometric system are summarized, and the use of this system in the case of RR Lyrae stars is described. Some important physical properties of field RR Lyrae variables are briefly reviewed.
17-18 (PDF)
M. Pakull
Optical observations of galactic X-ray transients.

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13...17P
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Pakull, M.
AA(ESO Seientifie Group in Geneva)
Abstract:
Dr. Manfred Pakull, of the ESO Seientifie Group in Geneva, works on the optieal identifieation of Xray sourees. During the past years, he has performed photometrie and speetroseopie observations of stars near error boxes of X-ray sourees. It is very diffieult to be absolutely sure of an identifieation until synehronous variation of the X-ray and optieal intensity has been demonstrated. He reports the possible identifieation of the transient X-ray souree MX 0656-07, with a 12^m star.
18-19 (PDF)
ESO
The Large Magellanic Cloud in Infrared Light!

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13Q..18.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Deep plates of the Magellanic Clouds are presently being compiled at the European Southern Observatory, by means of the 1 m Schmidt telescope. On page 19 we show the Large Cloud as it looks in infrared light (7000-9000 A) on a unique IV-N plate, obtained on January 16, 1978, behind a RG715 filter. The exposure time was one hour. The plate was sensitized and guided by Guido Pizarro. The plate is remarkable because of its uniformity; normally it is very difficult to hypersensitize infrared plates without the risk of large non-uniformities. Water (H20) and ammonium (NH3) were used for this plate.
18-18 (PDF)
ESO
NGC 1809: Behind the LMC

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13R..18.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
NGC 1809: Behind the LMC
20-23 (PDF)
M. Dennefeld
Supernova remnants - What do they tell us about massive star evolution and the interstellar medium

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13...20D
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Dennefeld, M.
AA(European Southern Observatory, Geneva, Switzerland)
Abstract:
Present-day knowledge of supernova remnants (SNRs) is reviewed. Attention is given to the four phases in the dynamical evolution of an SNR shell, expansion ages of galactic SNRs, abundance determinations for galactic and Magellanic Cloud SNRs, and the frequency of supernova explosions in the Galaxy and the Large Magellanic Cloud. The individual SNRs discussed include the Crab Nebula, the Cygnus Loop, Cas A, the Monoceros SNR, the Tycho and Vela SNRs, SN 1006, W44, and N 63 A and N 132 D in the Large Magellanic Cloud.
23-24 (PDF)
ESO
A New Intrared Top-end for the 3.6 m Telescope

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13...23.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
So far, most, but not all, infrared observations have been carried out with conventional optical telescopes. This often implies that a comparatively strong infrared radiation (heat) from the telescope proper has to be subtracted from the total signal for a given celestial infrared source. This is particularly so when the telescope has much material in the beam, e. g. support of the secondary mirror, cables, etc.
24-24 (PDF)
ESO
Algunos Resumenes

ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..13...24.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
EI cercano encuentro con 1978 CA Y 1978 DA; La Gran Nube Magallfmica en luz infraroja!; Radio observaciones del cometa Bradfield (1978c)