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Royal Astronomical Society of New ZealandSouthern Stars: Abstracts volume 38, September 1998 to June 2000. |
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Royal Astronomical Society of New ZealandSouthern Stars: Abstracts volume 38, September 1998 to June 2000. |
No 1 Sep 98, No 2 Dec 98, No 3 Mar 99, No 4 Jun 99, No 5 Sep 99, No 6 Dec 99, No 7 Mar 00, No 8 Jun 00.
Southern Stars Vol 38 Contents. Return to RASNZ information page. RASNZ Home Page
Southern Stars:
Volume 38, number 1. September 1998. Pp
1-40
The Preston
Observatory - II. Onwards and Upwards
Binary Cepheids - the
Radial Velocity Programme at Mt John University
Observatory
Professor and Mrs
Aldis: Mathematician, Feminism, and Astronomy in Victorian
Auckland
The Sun in
1997
Obituary - Jack
Fisher
The Preston
Observatory - II. Onwards and Upwards
V Barocas, University of Central Lancashire
This account of the history of Preston Observatory is concluded
with a review of the developments since World War II. Operations
of the Jeremiah Horrocks and Wilfred Hall Observatories are
separately recounted. Their pioneering function in astronomical
education is noted.
Part I of this paper appeared in Vol 37, no 8, June 1998.
Volume 38, number 1. September 1998. Pp 1-8
Binary Cepheids -
the Radial Velocity Programme at Mt John University
Observatory
Orlon K L Petterson et al, Dept of Physics and Astronomy, Mt
John University Observatory
Presented are cepheid radial velocity data obtained at Mt John
University Observatory over the last decade. The data which
demonstrate their key role in long-term studies, particulalry
with respect to binary Cepheids, where the orbital periods range
from one to many years. Long-term characteristics of the datasets
are shown, which include some velocity data from more than 40
years ago and provide more precise determinations of the orbital
parameters. Orbits for the binary Cepheids AX Cir, S Mus, W Sgr
and V636 Sco are presented and some limits on Cepheid masses are
determined.
Volume 38, number 1. September 1998. Pp 9-17
Professor and Mrs
Aldis: Mathematician, Feminism, and Astronomy in Victorian
Auckland
Garry J Tee, Department of Mathematics, University of
Auckland
The lives of a few people in late Victorian and early 20th
century Auckland are sketched, in particular Prof W S and Mrs M
Aldis. Their contributions to the development of astronomy and
mathematics are noted, alongside their pioneering and enlightened
stances of various social and moral issues.
Volume 38, number 1. September 1998. Pp 18-27
The Sun in
1997
Robert W Evans, Aurora and Solar Section, RASNZ
White light observations of the Sun in 1997 are presented and
discussed.
Volume 38, number 1. September 1998. Pp 28-32
Obituary - Jack
Fisher (1907-95)
Wayne Orchiston, Carter Observatory and Alan Gilmore, Mt John
University Observtaory
A appreciation of Jack Fisher, Assistant to the Director of
Carter Observatory 1960-1972.
Volume 38, number 1. September 1998. Pp 33-36
Southern Stars Vol 38 Contents
Southern Stars:
Volume 38, number 2. December 1998. Pp
41-72
Royal Astronomical
Society of New Zealand 1998 Annual Report
New Zealand Astronomy
and Astrophysics in the First Decade of the New Millenium: a
Summary
Developments with the
Construction of a Radiotelescope in New Zealand
Royal Astronomical
Society of New Zealand 1998 Annual Report
(In fact the report for the 1997 year.)
Alan Gilmore, President, PO Box 3181, Wellington
The Annual Report presents the President's introduction, followed
by summaries of the Society's business and administration. The
Treasurer's report is followed by brief accounts of the
membership, publications and library. Reports from the various
Sections on their activities during 1997 follow, pointing to the
wide range and outreach of the RASNZ.
Volume 38, number 2. December 1998. Pp 41-50
New Zealand
Astronomy and Astrophysics in the First Decade of the New
Millenium: a Summary
P L Cottrell, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University
of Canterbury and Glen Mackie, Carter Observatory,
Wellington
A summary is presented of the New Zealand Foresight Project
Astronomy and Astrophysics Sector Strategy that was submitted to
the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST) on 31
October 1998. MoRST launched the Foresight Project in December
1997 and called for submissions from all sectors involved in
research, science and technology to provide input into the
planning of government fundings of these areas through to 2010.
In this paper the stategy for the preferred position of the
professional astronomy and astrophysics community by the year
2010 has been compiled and edited. Much of the latter part of the
document is therefore 'viewed' from the perspective of
2010.
Volume 38, number 2. December 1998. Pp 51-61
Developments with
the Construction of a Radiotelescope in New
Zealand
Edwin Budding, New Zealand Radioscience Group, c/- PO Box
40740, Upper Hutt
Progress with the development of an observing component in
radioastronomy in New Zealand over recent years are reviewed.
Some recent preliminary results from the West antenna of the
microwave interferometer at the CIT are presented.
Volume 38, number 2. December 1998. Pp 41-50
Southern Stars Vol 38 Contents
Southern Stars:
Volume 38, number 3. March 1999. Pp
73-100
Astronomical
Resources on the World Wide Web: A Guide to Surfing
Sakurai's Object: A
Rare Stellar Cataclysm
The Cosmic Distance
Scale
A Report on the
National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers April
1998
Astronomical
Resources on the World Wide Web: A Guide to
Surfing
Glen Mackie, Carter Observatory, PO Box 2909, Wellington, New
Zealand
A selective guide to efficient access of astronomical resources
on the World Wide Web is presented. Resource lists, Search
Engines, regularly updated sites, sites of interest to New
Zealand astronomers and online network documentation are
described.
Volume 38, number 3. March 1999. Pp 73-79
Sakurai's Object:
A Rare Stellar Cataclysm
Hilmar W Duerbeck, Free University Brussels (VUB), et
al
Cataclysmic events during late stellar evolution in high- and
low-mass stars are briefly described. Most noticeable, but rare,
brightenings in single low-mass stars are the so-called "final
helium flashes" or "born-again giants", which occur with
different time-scales (years-decades) in about 10% of all stars.
Besides the slowly evolving object FG Sge, three fast events have
been observed in the last centuries for CK Vul, V605 Aql, and
V4334 Sgr (Sakurai's Star). Five-colour observations of V4334 Sgr
are presented, and it is shown that the brightness evolution in
the first three years can be explained by a slowly expanding star
radiating at almost constant bolometric luminosity. The resulting
cooling of the outer layers leads to dramatic spectral changes
(type a through F and G to that of a carbon-rich C spectrum). The
later brightness evolution is dominated by formation of carbon
particles, leading to R-Coronae-Borealis-like brightness
drops.
Volume 38, number 3. March 1999. Pp 80-89
The Cosmic
Distance Scale
L Mestel, Astronomy Centre, University of Sussex,
England
The article backgrounds the determination of astronomical
distances, leading up to a brief appraisal of the current status
of evidence relating to the cosmological problem, and of some of
the issues that require clarification.
Volume 38, number 3. March 1999. Pp 90-96
A Report on the
National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers April
1998
C Bembrick, Mt Tarana Observatory, PO Box 1537, Bathurst, NSW
2795, Australia
Volume 38, number 3. March 1999. Pp 97-98
Southern Stars Vol 38 Contents
Southern Stars:
Volume 38, number 4. June 1999. Pp
100-135
The Long-Term Period
Behaviour of Contact Binaries, I. Overview
Spectroscopic
Monitoring of Southern Post-AGB Stars
The Matter of
Crux
Variable Star Section
Annual Report for 1997
Astronomy at the
University of Canterbury: Report for 1998
The Long-Term
Period Behaviour of Contact Binaries I. Overview
Hans D Kennedy, University of Southern Queensland
Many long-term period diagrams suggest that contact binaries are
subject to abrupt period changes. Considering the geometry of
such systems in combination with hydrodynamic principles, it
remains difficult to explain abrupt period changes. One would
rather expect period changes to be of a continuous nature. Period
changes have been investigated for some 50 contact systems. These
studies are carried out against the background of the theory of
thermal relaxation oscillations for contact binaries.
Volume 38, number 4. June 1999. Pp 100-104
Spectroscopic
Monitoring of Southern Post-AGB Stars
D. J. Pooley et al, Department of Physics and Astronomy,
University of Canterbury
We present here some preliminary findings of an on-going
monitoring programme of about 40 candidate post-AGB stars. The
programme consists of photoelectric photometry and both medium
and high resolution spectroscopy done at the Mount John
Observatory. Significant changes in the profiles of the Ha and
NaD lines are observed over monthly timescales for some of these
peculiar objects. Radial velocity measurements, as well as
abundance analyses, are also being undertaken
Volume 38, number 4. June 1999. Pp 105-112
The Matter of the
Crux
A W Beasley OBE ED, 37 Hay Street, Oriental Bay,
Wellington
This paper describe the importance and varied applications of the
stars of the Southern Cross (the constellation Crux) to the
heraldry, and in particular the flag heraldry, of a number of
countries of the Southern Hemisphere.
Volume 38, number 4. June 1999. Pp 113-120
Variable Star
Section Annual Report for 1997
Frank M. Bateson, Director
This report formed part of the 1997 Annual Report of the RASNZ
(Southern Stars, Vol 38 No 2, Pp 41-50, December 1998)
Volume 38, number 4. June 1999. Pp 121-122
Astronomy at the
University of Canterbury Department of Physics and Astronomy and
Mt John University Observatory Annual Report 1998
Director: Prof J B Hearnshaw
Report for the Period 1 January 1998 to 31 December 1998
Volume 38, number 4. June 1999. Pp 123-132
Southern Stars Vol 38 Contents
Southern Stars:
Volume 38, number 5. September 1999. Pp
137-168
The Long-Term Period
Behaviour of Contact Binaries, II
Improved Predictions
for Planetary Occultations
Galilean Satellite
Eclipse Timings: 1997/98
The Long-Term
Period Behaviour of Contact Binaries
II. Individual Contact Binaries (1-12)
Hans D Kennedy, University of Southern Queensland
Paper II continues with some more introductory background to
contact binary systems, a discussion of how suitable ephemerides
are selected and a listing of more detailed information on the
first 12 of the 24 contact binaries
Volume 38, number 5. September 1999. Pp 137-147
Improved
Predictions for Planetary Occultations
Ronald C Stone, US Naval Observatory, Flagstaff Station, PO
Box 1149, Flagstaff, Arizona 86002
Until recently the generally low accuracy of astrometric
measurements has made it difficult to predict occultations of
stars by solar system objects with a high level of confidence,
and as a result, there has been very limited success in observing
these events. Occultations by solar system objects are
important in they provide fundamental knowledge about their
shapes, sizes, albedos and atmospheres if present. In
recent years, the Hipparcus, Tycho and ACT catalogues of star
positions have become available and are much more accurate than
all previous star catalogues. Differential reductions using
reference stars taken from those catalogues and CCD observations
now enable the positions of planetary bodies and the background
occultation stars to be determined with accuracies of ~+/-60
milliarcsecond resulting in occultation predictions accurate to
+/-50 mas, or better, for individual determinations and +/-10 mas
when using last minute astrometry. As a consequence, occultations
can be predicted now with much improved accuracy (a record number
were observed in 1998). Moreover, occultations of astrophysically
interesting objects, such as Centaurs and Kuiper Belt Objects
(KBO), can be planned now with good chances for success.
Hitherto, these objects were not considered seriously because of
their small angular sizes. Finally, more chords can be observed
now with each occultation event, meaning more information is
becoming available about the shapes of planetary objects and
perhaps, in time, resolving the outstanding question as to
whether many asteroids have satellites.
Volume 38, number 5. September 1999. Pp 148-159
Galilean Satellite
Eclipse Timings: 1997/98 Apparition
Brian Loader, Occultation Section RASNZ
Observations of the times of eclipses of the Galilean Satellites
of Jupiter are used as a check of predictions of the longitudes
of the satellites in their orbits round Jupiter. A summary of the
results of timings made by observers in Australia and New Zealand
for the 1997/98 apparition of Jupiter is presented.
Volume 38, number 5. September 1999. Pp 160-166
Southern Stars Vol 38 Contents
Southern Stars:
Volume 38, number 6: December 1999. Pp
169-200
The Long-Term Period
Behaviour of Contact Binaries, III
The Sun in
1998
76th Annual Report of
Council for 1998
The Long-Term
Period Behaviour of Contact Binaries
III. Individual Contact Binaries (13-24)
Hans D Kennedy, University of Southern Queensland
Paper III concludes the review of individual contact binaries
started in Paper II of this series.
Volume 38, number 6: December 1999. Pp
169-178.
The Sun in
1998
Robert W Evans, Aurora and Solar Section, RASNZ
White light observations of the Sun in 1998 are presented and
discussed.
Volume 38, number 6: December 1999. Pp
176-178
76th Annual Report
of Council for the Calendar Year 1998
Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand
(Incorporated)
Volume 38, number 6. December 1999. Pp 179-198
Southern Stars Vol 38 Contents
Southern Stars:
Volume 38, number 7: March 2000. Pp
201-236
The Long-Term Period
Behaviour of Contact Binaries, IV
Total and Annular
Eclipses in New Zealand, 2000 to 2100
Micrometer Measures
of Southern Double Stars
The Variable Star
V4374 SGR
An Offering on
Noctilucent Clouds
The Long-Term
Period Behaviour of Contact Binaries
III. Comparison of Systems
Hans D Kennedy, University of Southern Queensland
In this final paper we review the period variation of all 24
contact binaries investigated. Apparent sudden period changes are
probably always continuous when considered carefully. The period
variations observed in systems of closely similar properties can
be either to increase or decrease. We consider this to be an
effect of flow reversals, in keeping with the standard TRO
theory. A number of new parameter sets have been derived and we
compare the general findings on contact binary parameters with
the generally recognised period-mass and mass-radius relations.
Systems for which further observations are highly desirable are
noted.
Volume 38, number 7: March 2000. Pp 201-211.
Total and Annular
Solar Eclipses in New Zealand, 2000-2100
Jean Meeus, VVS, Belgian Astronomical Society
The circumstances of nine total and annular solar eclipses
visible in New Zealand in the 21st century are presented.
Volume 38, number 7: March 2000. Pp 212-216.
Micrometer
Measures of Southern Double Stars
Ormond C.R. Warren, 516 New North Road, Kingsland,
Auckland
The data presented give previously unpublished results of a
general survey of 197 stars (597 measures of position angle and
599 measures of distance) measured mainly at Wanganui using the
f/15 24 cm Fletcher equatorial (Cooke & Sons, 1861) and the
Wanganui Astronomical Society's antique Type-A bifilar micrometer
(Cooke & Sons, c 1850). Some were made using the 41 cm Boller
& Chivens Cassegrain at Carter Observatory's Black Birch
Outstation with the same micrometer.
The coverage of declination is between South 3° and South
85°, while primary visual magnitudes range between 1.6 and
10.7. Separations range between 1".83 and 69".98.
Volume 38, number 7: March 2000. Pp 217-222.
The Variable Star
V4374 Sgr
W.H. Allen, G.L. Blow, E.Budding, A.C. Gilmore,
W.Kissling
Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand, PO Box 3181,
Welington
Photometric data on the variable star V4374 Sgr, obtained in 1992
at the Mt John University Observatory and the former Black Birch
Outstation of Carter Observatory, have been analysed. It is found
that combination of observed effects can best be modelled by a
pair of sun-like rapidly rotating stars in a non-eclipsing
configuration. The major photometric effects are then due to the
effects of maculation. Grazing eclipses cannot be ruled out,
however.
Volume 38, number 7: March 2000. Pp 223-230.
An Offering on
Noctilucent Clouds
Graham W. Wolf, Flat 2, 6 main Road, Wainuiomata 6008, New
Zealand
Noctilucent clouds (NLC) occur during twilight hours and are a
high atitude atmospheric phenomenon. Whilst usually reported at
high Northern latitudes, there is no reason why they cannot be
seen under appropriate circumstances in relevant Southern
regions. Their history, structure and behaviour are discussed. An
observation example is briefly presented. A case is made for more
observations in New Zealand.
Volume 38, number 7: March 2000. Pp 231-234.
Southern Stars Vol 38 Contents
Southern Stars: Volume 38, number 8:
June 2000. Pp 237-276
Astronomy at the
University of Canterbury: Report for 1999
Compton Scattering
Can Explain Redshifting
77th Annual Report of
Council for 1999
Murray Geddes Prize
1999 - Norman Rumsey
Index to Volume
38
Astronomy at the
University of Canterbury Department of Physics and Astronomy
Annual Report 1999
Director: Prof J B Hearnshaw
Report for the period 1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999.
Volume 38, number 8: March 2000. Pp 237-246.
Compton Scattering
Can Explain Redshifting.
Geoffrey Wynne-Jones, 281 River Road, Hamilton
This paper introduces a hypothesis that multiple collisions with
minute particles such as neutrinos can cause redshifting in the
manner of Compton's paper (1923), the minute scattering being
cancelled by a photon's requirement to maintain wave form.
Redshift then becomes a measure of distance but not of recession.
The Universe can therefore be infinite in time and space.
Volume 38, number 8: March 2000. Pp 247-249.
77th Annual Report
of Council for the Calendar Year 1999.
Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand
(Incorporated)
Volume 38, number 8: March 2000. Pp 250-270.
Murray Geddes
Prize 1999 - Norman Rumsey.
Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand
(Incorporated)
Volume 38, number 8: March 2000. P 271.
Index to Volume
38.
Volume 38, number 8: March 2000. Pp 272-276.
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