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The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) allows for solar observations in the wavelength range of 0.3$-$10 mm, giving us a new view of the chromosphere. The measured brightness temperature at various frequencies can be fitted with theoretical models of density and temperature versus height. We use the available ALMA and Mets\"ahovi measurements of selected solar structures (quiet sun (QS), active regions (AR) devoid of sunspots, and coronal holes (CH)). The measured QS brightness temperature in the ALMA wavelength range agrees well with the predictions of the semiempirical Avrett$-$Tian$-$Landi$-$Curdt$-$W\"ulser (ATLCW) model, better than previous models such as the Avrett$-$Loeser (AL) or Fontenla$-$Avrett$-$Loeser model (FAL). We scaled the ATLCW model in density and temperature to fit the observations of the other structures. For ARs, the fitted models require 9%$-$13% higher electron densities and 9%$-$10% higher electron temperatures, consistent with expectations. The CH fitted models require electron densities 2%$-$40% lower than the QS level, while the predicted electron temperatures, although somewhat lower, do not deviate significantly from the QS model. Despite the limitations of the one-dimensional ATLCW model, we confirm that this model and its appropriate adaptations are sufficient for describing the basic physical properties of the solar structures., Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables, accepted and published in Astronomische Nachrichten/Astronomical Notes

We determined the differential rotation (DR) parameters $A$ and $B$ (corresponding to the equatorial rotation velocity and the gradient of the solar DR) by tracing sunspot groups in sunspot drawings of the Kanzelh\"ohe Observatory for Solar and Environmental Research (KSO; 1964-2008, for solar cycles (SC) 20-23) and KSO white-light images (2009-2016, for SC 24). We used different statistical methods and approaches to analyse cycle related variations, solar cycle phase-related variations and long-term variations of the DR. $A$ and $B$ show statistically significant periodic variability. The changes in $A$ related to solar cycle phase are in accordance with previously reported theoretical and experimental results (higher $A$ during solar minimum, lower $A$ during the maximum of activity), while changes in $B$ differ from the theoretical predictions as we observe more negative values of $B$, that is, a more pronounced DR during activity maximum. The main result of this paper for the long-term variations in $A$ is the detection of a phase shift between the activity flip (in the 1970s) and the equatorial rotation velocity flip (in the early 1990s). During this time period both $A$ and activity show a secular decreasing trend, indicating their correlation. Therefore, the theoretical model fails in the phase-shift time period that occurs after the modern Gleissberg maximum, while in the time period thereafter (after the 1990s), theoretical and experimental results are consistent. The long-term variations in $B$ in general yield an anticorrelation of $B$ and activity, as a rise of $B$ is observed during the entire time period (1964-2016) we analysed, during which activity decreased. We study for the first time the variation in solar DR and activity based on 53 years of KSO data. Our results agree well with the results related to the solar cycle phase from corona observations.

Images of the Sun at millimeter wavelengths obtained by ALMA show a significant correspondence with the magnetograms. In this paper, we investigate this correspondence by comparing ALMA full-disk solar image taken at 1.2 mm with a SDO/HMI magnetogram and analyze their correlation. It is found that chromospheric network and active regions show a positive correlation where brightness temperature is increasing with the line-of-sight magnetic field strength, while sunspots have a negative correlation. Quiet Sun regions do not show any dependence of the brightness temperature with the magnetic field. Thermal bremsstrahlung is given as the best explanation for the observed correlations., Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures, published in Central European Astrophysical Bulletin, 2020

The minimum - maximum method, belonging to the precursor class of the solar activity forecasting methods, is based on a linear relationship between relative sunspot number in the minimum and maximum epochs of solar cycles. In the present analysis we apply a modified version of this method using data not only from the minimum year, but also from a couple of years before and after the minimum. The revised 13-month smoothed monthly total sunspot number data set from SILSO/SIDC is used. Using data for solar cycle nos. 1-24 the largest correlation coefficient (CC) is obtained when correlating activity level 3 years before solar cycle minimum with the subsequent maximum (CC = 0.82), independent of inclusion or exclusion of the solar cycle no. 19. For the next solar maximum of the cycle no. 25 we predict: Rmax = 121 +- 33. Our results indicate that the next solar maximum (of the cycle no. 25) will be of the similar amplitude as the previous one, or even something lower. This is in accordance with the general middle-term lowering of the solar activity after the secular maximum in the 20th century and consistent with the Gleissberg period of the solar activity. The reliability of the 3 years before the minimum predictor is experimentally justified by the largest correlation coefficient and verified with the Student t-test. It is satisfactorily explained with the two empirical well-known findings: the extended solar cycle and the Waldmeier effect. Finally, we successfully reproduced the maxima of the last four solar cycles, nos. 21-25, using the 3 years before the minimum method., Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, accepted by Astronomische Nachrichten / Astronomical Notes

This study investigates and compares brightness and area of coronal bright points (CBPs) inside and outside of coronal holes (CHs) using the single-dish Band 6 observations by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), combined with extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) 193 $\overset{\circ}{\mathrm{A}}$ filtergrams obtained by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) and magnetograms obtained by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI), both on board Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The CH boundaries were extracted from the SDO/AIA images using the Collection of Analysis Tools for Coronal Holes (CATCH) and CBPs were identified in the SDO/AIA, SDO/HMI, and ALMA data. Measurements of brightness and areas in both ALMA and SDO/AIA images were conducted for CBPs within CHs and quiet Sun regions outside CHs. A statistical analysis of the measured physical properties resulted in a lower average CBP brightness in both ALMA and SDO/AIA data for CBPs within the CHs. Depending on the CBP sample size, the difference in intensity for the SDO/AIA data, and brightness temperature for the ALMA data, between the CBPs inside and outside CHs ranged from between 2$\sigma$ and 4.5$\sigma$, showing a statistically significant difference between those two CBP groups. For CBP areas, CBPs within the CH boundaries showed smaller areas on average, with the observed difference between the two CBP groups between 1$\sigma$ and 2$\sigma$ for the SDO/AIA data, and up to 3.5$\sigma$ for the ALMA data, indicating that CBP areas are also significantly different. Given the measured properties, we conclude that the CBPs inside CHs tend to be less bright on average, but also smaller in comparison to those outside of CHs. This conclusion might point to the specific physical conditions and properties of the local CH region around a CBP limiting the maximum achievable intensity (temperature) and size of a CBP., Comment: 27 pages, 28 figures, accepted in Astronomy and Astrophysics

The (sub)millimeter radiation of solar flares is poorly understood. Without spatial resolution, it cannot be compared easily to flare emissions in other wavelengths. The Atacama Large Millimeter-submillimeter Array (ALMA) offers sufficient resolution for the first time. However, used as an interferometer, its field of view is smaller than an active region and ALMA cannot observe on demand when a flare occurs. We use readily available large scale single-dish ALMA observations of solar millimeter flares and compare them to well-known features observed in other wavelengths. The properties of these other flare emissions, correlating in space and time, may then be used to interpret the millimeter brightenings and vice versa. The aim is to obtain reliable associations, limited by the time and space resolution of single-dish observations. We collected ALMA observations at 3 mm and 1 mm and searched for millimeter brightenings during times given in a flare catalog. We found five events with 9 or more images that can be used for comparison in time and space. The millimeter brightenings are associated with a variety of flare features in cool (H$\alpha$, 30.4 nm), intermediate (17.1 nm), and hot (9.4 nm) lines. In several cases, the millimeter brightening peaked at the footpoint of a hot flare loop. In other cases the peak coincided with the top or footpoint of an active H{\alpha} filament. We found correlations also with post-flare loops and tops of a hot loop, and in some cases to no features at all. The wide field of view provided by the single-dish observations allowed for completely overviewing the flare activity in millimeter waves for the first time. The associated phenomena often changed during the flare in type and location, and may explain the sometimes bewildering behavior of millimeter flare emissions observed previously without spatial resolution., Comment: 13 pages, 10 figures, accepted in Astronomy and Astrophysics

A reliable determination of the basic physical properties and variability patterns of hot emission-line stars is important for understanding the Be phenomenon and ultimately, the evolutionary stage of Be stars. This study is devoted to one of the most remarkable Be stars, V1294 Aql = HD 184279. We collected and analysed spectroscopic and photometric observations covering a time interval of about 25000 d (68 yr). We present evidence that the object is a single-line 192.9 d spectroscopic binary and estimate that the secondary probably is a hot compact object with a mass of about 1.1-1.2 solar masses. We found and documented very complicated orbital and long-term spectral, light, and colour variations, which must arise from a combination of several distinct variability patterns. Attempts at modelling them are planned for a follow-up study. We place the time behaviour of V1294 Aql into context with variations known for some other systematically studied Be stars and discuss the current ideas about the nature of the Be phenomenon., Comment: 15 pages, 15 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics

We determined the differential rotation (DR) parameters $A$ and $B$ (corresponding to the equatorial rotation velocity and the gradient of the solar DR) by tracing sunspot groups in sunspot drawings of the Kanzelh\"ohe Observatory for Solar and Environmental Research (KSO; 1964-2008, for solar cycles (SC) 20-23) and KSO white-light images (2009-2016, for SC 24). We used different statistical methods and approaches to analyse cycle related variations, solar cycle phase-related variations and long-term variations of the DR. $A$ and $B$ show statistically significant periodic variability. The changes in $A$ related to solar cycle phase are in accordance with previously reported theoretical and experimental results (higher $A$ during solar minimum, lower $A$ during the maximum of activity), while changes in $B$ differ from the theoretical predictions as we observe more negative values of $B$, that is, a more pronounced DR during activity maximum. The main result of this paper for the long-term variations in $A$ is the detection of a phase shift between the activity flip (in the 1970s) and the equatorial rotation velocity flip (in the early 1990s). During this time period both $A$ and activity show a secular decreasing trend, indicating their correlation. Therefore, the theoretical model fails in the phase-shift time period that occurs after the modern Gleissberg maximum, while in the time period thereafter (after the 1990s), theoretical and experimental results are consistent. The long-term variations in $B$ in general yield an anticorrelation of $B$ and activity, as a rise of $B$ is observed during the entire time period (1964-2016) we analysed, during which activity decreased. We study for the first time the variation in solar DR and activity based on 53 years of KSO data. Our results agree well with the results related to the solar cycle phase from corona observations.

The minimum - maximum method, belonging to the precursor class of the solar activity forecasting methods, is based on a linear relationship between relative sunspot number in the minimum and maximum epochs of solar cycles. In the present analysis we apply a modified version of this method using data not only from the minimum year, but also from a couple of years before and after the minimum. The revised 13-month smoothed monthly total sunspot number data set from SILSO/SIDC is used. Using data for solar cycle nos. 1-24 the largest correlation coefficient (CC) is obtained when correlating activity level 3 years before solar cycle minimum with the subsequent maximum (CC = 0.82), independent of inclusion or exclusion of the solar cycle no. 19. For the next solar maximum of the cycle no. 25 we predict: Rmax = 121 +- 33. Our results indicate that the next solar maximum (of the cycle no. 25) will be of the similar amplitude as the previous one, or even something lower. This is in accordance with the general middle-term lowering of the solar activity after the secular maximum in the 20th century and consistent with the Gleissberg period of the solar activity. The reliability of the 3 years before the minimum predictor is experimentally justified by the largest correlation coefficient and verified with the Student t-test. It is satisfactorily explained with the two empirical well-known findings: the extended solar cycle and the Waldmeier effect. Finally, we successfully reproduced the maxima of the last four solar cycles, nos. 21-25, using the 3 years before the minimum method., Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, accepted by Astronomische Nachrichten / Astronomical Notes

Images of the Sun at millimeter wavelengths obtained by ALMA show a significant correspondence with the magnetograms. In this paper, we investigate this correspondence by comparing ALMA full-disk solar image taken at 1.2 mm with a SDO/HMI magnetogram and analyze their correlation. It is found that chromospheric network and active regions show a positive correlation where brightness temperature is increasing with the line-of-sight magnetic field strength, while sunspots have a negative correlation. Quiet Sun regions do not show any dependence of the brightness temperature with the magnetic field. Thermal bremsstrahlung is given as the best explanation for the observed correlations., Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures, published in Central European Astrophysical Bulletin, 2020

Item does not contain fulltext, A modern day light microscope has evolved from a tool devoted to making primarily empirical observations to what is now a sophisticated , quantitative device that is an integral part of both physical and life science research. Nowadays, microscopes are found in nearly every experimental laboratory. However, despite their prevalent use in capturing and quantifying scientific phenomena, neither a thorough understanding of the principles underlying quantitative imaging techniques nor appropriate knowledge of how to calibrate, operate and maintain microscopes can be taken for granted. This is clearly demonstrated by the well-documented and widespread difficulties that are routinely encountered in evaluating acquired data and reproducing scientific experiments. Indeed, studies have shown that more than 70% of researchers have tried and failed to repeat another scientist's experiments, while more than half have even failed to reproduce their own experiments. One factor behind the reproducibility crisis of experiments published in scientific journals is the frequent underreporting of imaging methods caused by a lack of awareness and/or a lack of knowledge of the applied technique. Whereas quality control procedures for some methods used in biomedical research, such as genomics (e.g. DNA sequencing, RNA-seq) or cytometry, have been introduced (e.g. ENCODE), this issue has not been tackled for optical microscopy instrumentation and images. Although many calibration standards and protocols have been published, there is a lack of awareness and agreement on common standards and guidelines for quality assessment and reproducibility. In April 2020, the QUality Assessment and REProducibility for instruments and images in Light Microscopy (QUAREP-LiMi) initiative was formed. This initiative comprises imaging scientists from academia and industry who share a common interest in achieving a better understanding of the performance and limitations of microscopes and improved quality con

Aims. The main aim of the present analysis is to decipher (i) the small-scale bright features in solar images of the quiet Sun and active regions obtained with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and (ii) the ALMA correspondence of various known chromospheric structures visible in the H-alpha images of the Sun. Methods. Small-scale ALMA bright features in the quiet Sun region were analyzed using single-dish ALMA observations (1.21 mm, 248 GHz) and in an active region using interferometric ALMA measurements (3 mm, 100 GHz). With the single-dish observations, a full-disk solar image is produced, while interferometric measurements enable the high-resolution reconstruction of part of the solar disk, including the active region. The selected quiet Sun and active regions are compared with the H-alpha (core and wing sum), EUV, and soft X-ray images and with the magnetograms. Results. In the quiet Sun region, enhanced emission seen in the ALMA is almost always associated with a strong line-of-sight (LOS) magnetic field. Four coronal bright points were identified, while other small-scale ALMA bright features are most likely associated with magnetic network elements and plages. In the active region, in 14 small-scale ALMA bright features randomly selected and compared with other images, we found five good candidates for coronal bright points, two for plages, and five for fibrils. Two unclear cases remain: a fibril or a jet, and a coronal bright point or a plage. A comparison of the H-alpha core image and the 3 mm ALMA image of the analyzed active region showed that the sunspot appears dark in both images (with a local ALMA radiation enhancement in sunspot umbra), the four plage areas are bright in both images and dark small H-alpha filaments are clearly recognized as dark structures of the same shape also in ALMA., Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures, to be published in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Contains fulltext : 237693.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access), A modern day light microscope has evolved from a tool devoted to making primarily empirical observations to what is now a sophisticated , quantitative device that is an integral part of both physical and life science research. Nowadays, microscopes are found in nearly every experimental laboratory. However, despite their prevalent use in capturing and quantifying scientific phenomena, neither a thorough understanding of the principles underlying quantitative imaging techniques nor appropriate knowledge of how to calibrate, operate and maintain microscopes can be taken for granted. This is clearly demonstrated by the well-documented and widespread difficulties that are routinely encountered in evaluating acquired data and reproducing scientific experiments. Indeed, studies have shown that more than 70% of researchers have tried and failed to repeat another scientist's experiments, while more than half have even failed to reproduce their own experiments. One factor behind the reproducibility crisis of experiments published in scientific journals is the frequent underreporting of imaging methods caused by a lack of awareness and/or a lack of knowledge of the applied technique. Whereas quality control procedures for some methods used in biomedical research, such as genomics (e.g. DNA sequencing, RNA-seq) or cytometry, have been introduced (e.g. ENCODE), this issue has not been tackled for optical microscopy instrumentation and images. Although many calibration standards and protocols have been published, there is a lack of awareness and agreement on common standards and guidelines for quality assessment and reproducibility. In April 2020, the QUality Assessment and REProducibility for instruments and images in Light Microscopy (QUAREP-LiMi) initiative was formed. This initiative comprises imaging scientists from academia and industry who share a common interest in achieving a better understanding of the performance and limitations of microscopes and improved quality con

Contains fulltext : 237693.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access), A modern day light microscope has evolved from a tool devoted to making primarily empirical observations to what is now a sophisticated , quantitative device that is an integral part of both physical and life science research. Nowadays, microscopes are found in nearly every experimental laboratory. However, despite their prevalent use in capturing and quantifying scientific phenomena, neither a thorough understanding of the principles underlying quantitative imaging techniques nor appropriate knowledge of how to calibrate, operate and maintain microscopes can be taken for granted. This is clearly demonstrated by the well-documented and widespread difficulties that are routinely encountered in evaluating acquired data and reproducing scientific experiments. Indeed, studies have shown that more than 70% of researchers have tried and failed to repeat another scientist's experiments, while more than half have even failed to reproduce their own experiments. One factor behind the reproducibility crisis of experiments published in scientific journals is the frequent underreporting of imaging methods caused by a lack of awareness and/or a lack of knowledge of the applied technique. Whereas quality control procedures for some methods used in biomedical research, such as genomics (e.g. DNA sequencing, RNA-seq) or cytometry, have been introduced (e.g. ENCODE), this issue has not been tackled for optical microscopy instrumentation and images. Although many calibration standards and protocols have been published, there is a lack of awareness and agreement on common standards and guidelines for quality assessment and reproducibility. In April 2020, the QUality Assessment and REProducibility for instruments and images in Light Microscopy (QUAREP-LiMi) initiative was formed. This initiative comprises imaging scientists from academia and industry who share a common interest in achieving a better understanding of the performance and limitations of microscopes and improved quality con

Aims. The main aim of the present analysis is to decipher (i) the small-scale bright features in solar images of the quiet Sun and active regions obtained with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and (ii) the ALMA correspondence of various known chromospheric structures visible in the H-alpha images of the Sun. Methods. Small-scale ALMA bright features in the quiet Sun region were analyzed using single-dish ALMA observations (1.21 mm, 248 GHz) and in an active region using interferometric ALMA measurements (3 mm, 100 GHz). With the single-dish observations, a full-disk solar image is produced, while interferometric measurements enable the high-resolution reconstruction of part of the solar disk, including the active region. The selected quiet Sun and active regions are compared with the H-alpha (core and wing sum), EUV, and soft X-ray images and with the magnetograms. Results. In the quiet Sun region, enhanced emission seen in the ALMA is almost always associated with a strong line-of-sight (LOS) magnetic field. Four coronal bright points were identified, while other small-scale ALMA bright features are most likely associated with magnetic network elements and plages. In the active region, in 14 small-scale ALMA bright features randomly selected and compared with other images, we found five good candidates for coronal bright points, two for plages, and five for fibrils. Two unclear cases remain: a fibril or a jet, and a coronal bright point or a plage. A comparison of the H-alpha core image and the 3 mm ALMA image of the analyzed active region showed that the sunspot appears dark in both images (with a local ALMA radiation enhancement in sunspot umbra), the four plage areas are bright in both images and dark small H-alpha filaments are clearly recognized as dark structures of the same shape also in ALMA., Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures, to be published in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Reliable determination of the basic physical properties of hot emission-line binaries with Roche-lobe filling secondaries is important for developing the theory of mass exchange in binaries. It is not easy, however, due to the presence of circumstellar matter. Here, we report the first detailed investigation of a new representative of this class of binaries, HD~81357, based on the analysis of spectra and photometry from several observatories. HD~81357 was found to be a double-lined spectroscopic binary and an ellipsoidal variable seen under an intermediate orbital inclination of $\sim(63\pm5)^\circ$, having an orbital period of 33\fd77445(41) and a~circular orbit. From an automated comparison of the observed and synthetic spectra, we estimate the component's effective temperatures to be 12930(540)~K and 4260(24)~K. The combined light-curve and orbital solutions, also constrained by a very accurate Gaia Data Release 2 parallax, give the following values of the basic physical properties: masses $3.36\pm0.15$ and $0.34\pm0.04$~\Mnom, radii $3.9\pm0.2$ and 13.97\pm0.05$~\Rnom, and a~mass ratio $10.0\pm0.5$. Evolutionary modelling of the system including the phase of mass transfer between the components indicated that HD~81357 is a~system observed in the final slow phase of the mass exchange after the mass-ratio reversal. Contrary to what has been seen for similar binaries like AU~Mon, no cyclic light variations were found on a~time scale an~order of magnitude longer than the orbital period. 243,1 15%, Comment: 16 pages, 9 figures; accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Reliable determination of the basic physical properties of hot emission-line binaries with Roche-lobe filling secondaries is important for developing the theory of mass exchange in binaries. It is not easy, however, due to the presence of circumstellar matter. Here, we report the first detailed investigation of a new representative of this class of binaries, HD~81357, based on the analysis of spectra and photometry from several observatories. HD~81357 was found to be a double-lined spectroscopic binary and an ellipsoidal variable seen under an intermediate orbital inclination of $\sim(63\pm5)^\circ$, having an orbital period of 33\fd77445(41) and a~circular orbit. From an automated comparison of the observed and synthetic spectra, we estimate the component's effective temperatures to be 12930(540)~K and 4260(24)~K. The combined light-curve and orbital solutions, also constrained by a very accurate Gaia Data Release 2 parallax, give the following values of the basic physical properties: masses $3.36\pm0.15$ and $0.34\pm0.04$~\Mnom, radii $3.9\pm0.2$ and 13.97\pm0.05$~\Rnom, and a~mass ratio $10.0\pm0.5$. Evolutionary modelling of the system including the phase of mass transfer between the components indicated that HD~81357 is a~system observed in the final slow phase of the mass exchange after the mass-ratio reversal. Contrary to what has been seen for similar binaries like AU~Mon, no cyclic light variations were found on a~time scale an~order of magnitude longer than the orbital period. 243,1 15%, Comment: 16 pages, 9 figures; accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics

In this work we use solar observations with the ALMA radio telescope at the wavelength of 1.21 mm. The aim of the analysis is to improve understanding of the solar chromosphere, a dynamic layer in the solar atmosphere between the photosphere and corona. The study has an observational and a modeling part. In the observational part full-disc solar images are analyzed. Based on a modified FAL atmospheric model, radiation models for various observed solar structures are developed. Finally, the observational and modeling results are compared and discussed., Comment: 4 pages, presented at The 20th Cambridge Workshop on Cool Stars, Stellar Systems, and the Sun, July 29 - Aug 3 2018, Boston / Cambridge, USA

In this work we use solar observations with the ALMA radio telescope at the wavelength of 1.21 mm. The aim of the analysis is to improve understanding of the solar chromosphere, a dynamic layer in the solar atmosphere between the photosphere and corona. The study has an observational and a modeling part. In the observational part full-disc solar images are analyzed. Based on a modified FAL atmospheric model, radiation models for various observed solar structures are developed. Finally, the observational and modeling results are compared and discussed., Comment: 4 pages, presented at The 20th Cambridge Workshop on Cool Stars, Stellar Systems, and the Sun, July 29 - Aug 3 2018, Boston / Cambridge, USA

Various solar features can be seen on maps of the Sun in the mm and sub-mm wavelength range. The recently installed Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is capable of observing the Sun in that wavelength range with an unprecedented spatial, temporal and spectral resolution. To interpret solar observations with ALMA the first important step is to compare ALMA maps with simultaneous images of the Sun recorded in other spectral ranges. First we identify different structures in the solar atmosphere seen in the optical, IR and EUV parts of the spectrum (quiet Sun (QS), active regions (AR), prominences on the disc, magnetic inversion lines (IL), coronal holes (CH) and coronal bright points (CBPs)) in a full disc solar ALMA image. The second aim is to measure the intensities (brightness temperatures) of those structures and compare them with the corresponding QS level. A full disc solar image at 1.21 mm obtained on December 18, 2015 during a CSV-EOC campaign with ALMA is calibrated and compared with full disc solar images from the same day in H\alpha, in He I 1083 nm core, and with SDO images (AIA at 170 nm, 30.4 nm, 21.1 nm, 19.3 nm, and 17.1 nm and HMI magnetogram). The brightness temperatures of various structures are determined by averaging over corresponding regions of interest in the ALMA image. Positions of the QS, ARs, prominences on the disc, ILs, CHs and CBPs are identified in the ALMA image. At 1.21 mm ARs appear as bright areas (but sunspots are dark), while prominences on the disc and CHs are not discernible from the QS background, although having slightly less intensity than surrounding QS regions. ILs appear as large, elongated dark structures and CBPs correspond to ALMA bright points. These results are in general agreement with sparse earlier measurements at similar wavelengths. The identification of CBPs represents the most important new result., Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures

The main aim of this work is to determine the solar differential rotation by tracing sunspot groups during the period 1964-2016, using the Kanzelh\"ohe Observatory for Solar and Environmental Research (KSO) sunspot drawings and white light images. Two procedures for the determination of the heliographic positions were applied: an interactive procedure on the KSO sunspot drawings (1964 - 2008, solar cycles nos. 20 - 23) and an automatic procedure on the KSO white light images (2009 - 2016, solar cycle no. 24). For the determination of the synodic angular rotation velocities two different methods have been used: a daily shift (DS) method and a robust linear least-squares fit (rLSQ) method. Afterwards, the rotation velocities had to be converted from synodic to sidereal, which were then used in the least-squares fitting for the solar differential rotation law. For the test data from 2014, we found the rLSQ method for calculating rotational velocities to be more reliable than the DS method. The best fit solar differential rotation profile for the whole time period is $\omega(b)$ = (14.47 $\pm$ 0.01) - (2.66 $\pm$ 0.10) $\sin^2b$ (deg/day) for the DS method and $\omega(b)$ = (14.50 $\pm$ 0.01) - (2.87 $\pm$ 0.12) $\sin^2b$ (deg/day) for the rLSQ method. A barely noticeable north - south asymmetry is observed for the whole time period 1964 - 2016 in the present paper. Rotation profiles, using different data sets (e.g. Debrecen Photoheliographic Data, Greenwich Photoheliographic Results), presented by other authors for the same time periods and the same tracer types, are in good agreement with our results. Therefore, the KSO data set is suitable for the investigation of the long-term variabilities in the solar rotation profile.

Various solar features can be seen on maps of the Sun in the mm and sub-mm wavelength range. The recently installed Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is capable of observing the Sun in that wavelength range with an unprecedented spatial, temporal and spectral resolution. To interpret solar observations with ALMA the first important step is to compare ALMA maps with simultaneous images of the Sun recorded in other spectral ranges. First we identify different structures in the solar atmosphere seen in the optical, IR and EUV parts of the spectrum (quiet Sun (QS), active regions (AR), prominences on the disc, magnetic inversion lines (IL), coronal holes (CH) and coronal bright points (CBPs)) in a full disc solar ALMA image. The second aim is to measure the intensities (brightness temperatures) of those structures and compare them with the corresponding QS level. A full disc solar image at 1.21 mm obtained on December 18, 2015 during a CSV-EOC campaign with ALMA is calibrated and compared with full disc solar images from the same day in H\alpha, in He I 1083 nm core, and with SDO images (AIA at 170 nm, 30.4 nm, 21.1 nm, 19.3 nm, and 17.1 nm and HMI magnetogram). The brightness temperatures of various structures are determined by averaging over corresponding regions of interest in the ALMA image. Positions of the QS, ARs, prominences on the disc, ILs, CHs and CBPs are identified in the ALMA image. At 1.21 mm ARs appear as bright areas (but sunspots are dark), while prominences on the disc and CHs are not discernible from the QS background, although having slightly less intensity than surrounding QS regions. ILs appear as large, elongated dark structures and CBPs correspond to ALMA bright points. These results are in general agreement with sparse earlier measurements at similar wavelengths. The identification of CBPs represents the most important new result., Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures

The main aim of this work is to determine the solar differential rotation by tracing sunspot groups during the period 1964-2016, using the Kanzelh\"ohe Observatory for Solar and Environmental Research (KSO) sunspot drawings and white light images. Two procedures for the determination of the heliographic positions were applied: an interactive procedure on the KSO sunspot drawings (1964 - 2008, solar cycles nos. 20 - 23) and an automatic procedure on the KSO white light images (2009 - 2016, solar cycle no. 24). For the determination of the synodic angular rotation velocities two different methods have been used: a daily shift (DS) method and a robust linear least-squares fit (rLSQ) method. Afterwards, the rotation velocities had to be converted from synodic to sidereal, which were then used in the least-squares fitting for the solar differential rotation law. For the test data from 2014, we found the rLSQ method for calculating rotational velocities to be more reliable than the DS method. The best fit solar differential rotation profile for the whole time period is $\omega(b)$ = (14.47 $\pm$ 0.01) - (2.66 $\pm$ 0.10) $\sin^2b$ (deg/day) for the DS method and $\omega(b)$ = (14.50 $\pm$ 0.01) - (2.87 $\pm$ 0.12) $\sin^2b$ (deg/day) for the rLSQ method. A barely noticeable north - south asymmetry is observed for the whole time period 1964 - 2016 in the present paper. Rotation profiles, using different data sets (e.g. Debrecen Photoheliographic Data, Greenwich Photoheliographic Results), presented by other authors for the same time periods and the same tracer types, are in good agreement with our results. Therefore, the KSO data set is suitable for the investigation of the long-term variabilities in the solar rotation profile.

Predicting transit times of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) from their initial parameters is a very important subject, not only from the scientific perspective, but also because CMEs represent a hazard for human technology. We used a neural network to analyse transit times for 153 events with only two input parameters: initial velocity of the CME, $v$, and Central Meridian Distance, CMD, of its associated flare. We found that transit time dependence on $v$ is showing a typical drag-like pattern in the solar wind. The results show that the speed at which acceleration by drag changes to deceleration is $v\approx$500 km s$^{-1}$. Transit times are also found to be shorter for CMEs associated with flares on the western hemisphere than those originating on the eastern side of the Sun. We attribute this difference to the eastward deflection of CMEs on their path to 1 AU. The average error of the NN prediction in comparison to observations is $\approx$12 hours which is comparable to other studies on the same subject.

Predicting transit times of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) from their initial parameters is a very important subject, not only from the scientific perspective, but also because CMEs represent a hazard for human technology. We used a neural network to analyse transit times for 153 events with only two input parameters: initial velocity of the CME, $v$, and Central Meridian Distance, CMD, of its associated flare. We found that transit time dependence on $v$ is showing a typical drag-like pattern in the solar wind. The results show that the speed at which acceleration by drag changes to deceleration is $v\approx$500 km s$^{-1}$. Transit times are also found to be shorter for CMEs associated with flares on the western hemisphere than those originating on the eastern side of the Sun. We attribute this difference to the eastward deflection of CMEs on their path to 1 AU. The average error of the NN prediction in comparison to observations is $\approx$12 hours which is comparable to other studies on the same subject.

The goal of this paper is to investigate Reynolds stresses and to check if it is plausible that they are responsible for angular momentum transfer toward the solar equator. We also analysed meridional velocity, rotation velocity residuals and correlation between the velocities. We used sunspot groups position measurements from GPR (Greenwich Photographic Result) and SOON/USAF/NOAA (Solar Observing Optical Network/United States Air Force/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) databases covering the period from 1878 until 2011. In order to calculate velocities we used daily motion of sunspot groups. The sample was also limited to $\pm$58\degr in Central Meridian Distance (CMD) in order to avoid solar limb effects. We mainly investigated velocity patterns depending on solar cycle phase and latitude. We found that meridional motion of sunspot groups is toward the centre of activity from all available latitudes and in all phases of the solar cycle. The range of meridional velocities is $\pm10$ m s$^{-1}$. Horizontal Reynolds stress is negative at all available latitudes and indicates that there is a minimum value ($q\approx$ - 3000 m$^2$ s$^{-2}$) located at $b\approx\pm$30$^{0}$. In our convention this means that angular momentum is transported toward the solar equator in agreement with the observed rotational profile of the Sun.

Thanks to its long and rich observational history and rapid apsidal motion, the massive eclipsing binary Y Cyg represents one of the cornestones to critical tests of stellar evolution theory for massive stars. Yet, the determination of the basic physical properties is less accurate than it could be given the existing number of spectral and photometric observations. Our goal is to analyze all these data simultaneously with the new dedicated series of our own spectral and photometric observations from observatories widely separated in longitude. We obtained new series of UBV observations at three observatories separated in local time to obtain complete light curves of Y Cyg for its orbital period close to 3 days. This new photometry was reduced and carefully transformed to the standard UBV system using the HEC22 program. We also obtained new series of red spectra secured at two observatories and re-analyzed earlier obtained blue electronic spectra. Our analyses provide the most accurate so far published value of the apsidal period of 47.805 +/- 0.030 yrs and the following physical elements: M1=17.72+/-0.35$ Msun, M2=17.73+/-0.30 Msun, R1=5.785+/-0.091 Rsun, and R2=5.816+/-0.063 Rsun. The disentangling thus resulted in the masses, which are somewhat higher than all previous determinations and virtually the same for both stars, while the light curve implies a slighly higher radius and luminosity for star 2. The above empirical values imply the logarithm of the internal structure constant log k2 = -1.937. A comparison with Claret's stellar interior models implies an age close to 2 millions yrs for both stars. The claimed accuracy of modern element determination of 1-2 per cent seems still a bit too optimistic and obtaining new high-dispersion and high-resolution spectra is desirable., Comment: 13 pages; accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Thanks to its long and rich observational history and rapid apsidal motion, the massive eclipsing binary Y Cyg represents one of the cornestones to critical tests of stellar evolution theory for massive stars. Yet, the determination of the basic physical properties is less accurate than it could be given the existing number of spectral and photometric observations. Our goal is to analyze all these data simultaneously with the new dedicated series of our own spectral and photometric observations from observatories widely separated in longitude. We obtained new series of UBV observations at three observatories separated in local time to obtain complete light curves of Y Cyg for its orbital period close to 3 days. This new photometry was reduced and carefully transformed to the standard UBV system using the HEC22 program. We also obtained new series of red spectra secured at two observatories and re-analyzed earlier obtained blue electronic spectra. Our analyses provide the most accurate so far published value of the apsidal period of 47.805 +/- 0.030 yrs and the following physical elements: M1=17.72+/-0.35$ Msun, M2=17.73+/-0.30 Msun, R1=5.785+/-0.091 Rsun, and R2=5.816+/-0.063 Rsun. The disentangling thus resulted in the masses, which are somewhat higher than all previous determinations and virtually the same for both stars, while the light curve implies a slighly higher radius and luminosity for star 2. The above empirical values imply the logarithm of the internal structure constant log k2 = -1.937. A comparison with Claret's stellar interior models implies an age close to 2 millions yrs for both stars. The claimed accuracy of modern element determination of 1-2 per cent seems still a bit too optimistic and obtaining new high-dispersion and high-resolution spectra is desirable., Comment: 13 pages; accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics

The goal of this paper is to investigate Reynolds stresses and to check if it is plausible that they are responsible for angular momentum transfer toward the solar equator. We also analysed meridional velocity, rotation velocity residuals and correlation between the velocities. We used sunspot groups position measurements from GPR (Greenwich Photographic Result) and SOON/USAF/NOAA (Solar Observing Optical Network/United States Air Force/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) databases covering the period from 1878 until 2011. In order to calculate velocities we used daily motion of sunspot groups. The sample was also limited to $\pm$58\degr in Central Meridian Distance (CMD) in order to avoid solar limb effects. We mainly investigated velocity patterns depending on solar cycle phase and latitude. We found that meridional motion of sunspot groups is toward the centre of activity from all available latitudes and in all phases of the solar cycle. The range of meridional velocities is $\pm10$ m s$^{-1}$. Horizontal Reynolds stress is negative at all available latitudes and indicates that there is a minimum value ($q\approx$ - 3000 m$^2$ s$^{-2}$) located at $b\approx\pm$30$^{0}$. In our convention this means that angular momentum is transported toward the solar equator in agreement with the observed rotational profile of the Sun.

Summary: What?: CME geomagnetic forecast tool Context: integrated in COMESEP alert system (www.comesep.eu/alert) Input: positional and physcial parameters from detection algorithms CACTus, flaremail and SolarDemon Output: estimation of CME arrival, storm impact and duration How?: statistical model developed based on CME event lists

We present a new observational campaign, DWARF, aimed at detection of circumbinary extrasolar planets using the timing of the minima of low-mass eclipsing binaries. The observations will be performed within an extensive network of relatively small to medium-size telescopes with apertures of ~20-200 cm. The starting sample of the objects to be monitored contains (i) low-mass eclipsing binaries with M and K components, (ii) short-period binaries with sdB or sdO component, and (iii) post-common-envelope systems containing a WD, which enable to determine minima with high precision. Since the amplitude of the timing signal increases with the orbital period of an invisible third component, the timescale of project is long, at least 5-10 years. The paper gives simple formulas to estimate suitability of individual eclipsing binaries for the circumbinary planet detection. Intrinsic variability of the binaries (photospheric spots, flares, pulsation etc.) limiting the accuracy of the minima timing is also discussed. The manuscript also describes the best observing strategy and methods to detect cyclic timing variability in the minima times indicating presence of circumbinary planets. First test observation of the selected targets are presented., Comment: 12 pages, 2 figures, submitted to Astron. Nachrichten

We present a new observational campaign, DWARF, aimed at detection of circumbinary extrasolar planets using the timing of the minima of low-mass eclipsing binaries. The observations will be performed within an extensive network of relatively small to medium-size telescopes with apertures of ~20-200 cm. The starting sample of the objects to be monitored contains (i) low-mass eclipsing binaries with M and K components, (ii) short-period binaries with sdB or sdO component, and (iii) post-common-envelope systems containing a WD, which enable to determine minima with high precision. Since the amplitude of the timing signal increases with the orbital period of an invisible third component, the timescale of project is long, at least 5-10 years. The paper gives simple formulas to estimate suitability of individual eclipsing binaries for the circumbinary planet detection. Intrinsic variability of the binaries (photospheric spots, flares, pulsation etc.) limiting the accuracy of the minima timing is also discussed. The manuscript also describes the best observing strategy and methods to detect cyclic timing variability in the minima times indicating presence of circumbinary planets. First test observation of the selected targets are presented., Comment: 12 pages, 2 figures, submitted to Astron. Nachrichten

The A-type star HR 6412 = V2368 Oph was used by several investigators as a photometric comparison star for the known eclipsing binary U Oph but was found to be variable by three independent groups, including us. By analysing series of new spectral and photometric observations and a critical compilation of available radial velocities, we were able to find the correct period of light and radial-velocity variations and demonstrate that the object is an eclipsing and double-lined spectroscopic binary moving in a highly eccentric orbit. We derived a linear ephemeris T min.I = HJD (2454294.67 +/- 0.01) + (38.32712 +/- 0.00004)d x E and estimated preliminary basic physical properties of the binary. The dereddened UBV magnitudes and effective temperatures of the primary and secondary, based on our light- and velocity-curve solutions, led to distance estimates that agree with the Hipparcos distance within the errors. We find that the mass ratio must be close to one, but the limited number and wavelength range of our current spectra does not allow a truly precise determination of the binary masses. Nevertheless, our results show convincingly that both binary components are evolved away from the main sequence, which makes this system astrophysically very important. There are only a few similarly evolved A-type stars among known eclipsing binaries. Future systematic observations and careful analyses can provide very stringent tests for the stellar evolutionary theory., Comment: 10 pages, 7 figs, in press 2011 A&A

Using our new photometric and spectroscopic observations as well as all available published data, we present a new interpretation of the properties of the peculiar emission-line binary UX Mon. We conclude that this binary is in a rare phase of fast mass transfer between the binary components prior to the mass ratio reversal. We firmly establish that the orbital period is secularly decreasing at a rate of $\dot{P}=-0.260$ seconds per year. From several lines of reasoning, we show that the mass ratio of the component losing mass to the mass-gaining component $q$ must be larger than 1 and find our most probable value to be $q=1.15\pm0.1$. The BINSYN suite of programs and the steepest descent method were used to perform the final modeling. We modeled the star as a W Ser star with a thick disk around its primary. Although the remaining uncertainties in some of the basic physical elements describing the system in our model are not negligible, the model is in fair agreement with available observations. Only the nature of the light variations outside the primary eclipse remains unexplained.

The A-type star HR 6412 = V2368 Oph was used by several investigators as a photometric comparison star for the known eclipsing binary U Oph but was found to be variable by three independent groups, including us. By analysing series of new spectral and photometric observations and a critical compilation of available radial velocities, we were able to find the correct period of light and radial-velocity variations and demonstrate that the object is an eclipsing and double-lined spectroscopic binary moving in a highly eccentric orbit. We derived a linear ephemeris T min.I = HJD (2454294.67 +/- 0.01) + (38.32712 +/- 0.00004)d x E and estimated preliminary basic physical properties of the binary. The dereddened UBV magnitudes and effective temperatures of the primary and secondary, based on our light- and velocity-curve solutions, led to distance estimates that agree with the Hipparcos distance within the errors. We find that the mass ratio must be close to one, but the limited number and wavelength range of our current spectra does not allow a truly precise determination of the binary masses. Nevertheless, our results show convincingly that both binary components are evolved away from the main sequence, which makes this system astrophysically very important. There are only a few similarly evolved A-type stars among known eclipsing binaries. Future systematic observations and careful analyses can provide very stringent tests for the stellar evolutionary theory., Comment: 10 pages, 7 figs, in press 2011 A&A

Using our new photometric and spectroscopic observations as well as all available published data, we present a new interpretation of the properties of the peculiar emission-line binary UX Mon. We conclude that this binary is in a rare phase of fast mass transfer between the binary components prior to the mass ratio reversal. We firmly establish that the orbital period is secularly decreasing at a rate of $\dot{P}=-0.260$ seconds per year. From several lines of reasoning, we show that the mass ratio of the component losing mass to the mass-gaining component $q$ must be larger than 1 and find our most probable value to be $q=1.15\pm0.1$. The BINSYN suite of programs and the steepest descent method were used to perform the final modeling. We modeled the star as a W Ser star with a thick disk around its primary. Although the remaining uncertainties in some of the basic physical elements describing the system in our model are not negligible, the model is in fair agreement with available observations. Only the nature of the light variations outside the primary eclipse remains unexplained.

The analysis of radial velocities of the Be star o Cas from spectra taken between 1992 and 2008 at the Ondrejov Observatory and the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory allowed us to reconfirm the binary nature of this object, first suggested by Abt and Levy in 1978, but later refuted by several authors. The orbital parameters of this SB1 system imply a very high mass function of about one solar mass. This in turn leads to a very high mass of the secondary, possibly higher than that of the primary. In order to look for such a massive secondary, o Cas was observed with the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer, which allowed the binary components to be spatially resolved for the first time. The interferometric observations lead to the detection of a secondary, about 3 mag fainter than the primary. The possible properties of this peculiar binary system and the reasons why the massive secondary does not dominate the optical spectrum are discussed., Pub. in Astronomy & Astrophysics, v517 a24 p1-29, 2010.

The analysis of radial velocities of the Be star o Cas from spectra taken between 1992 and 2008 at the Ondrejov Observatory and the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory allowed us to reconfirm the binary nature of this object, first suggested by Abt and Levy in 1978, but later refuted by several authors. The orbital parameters of this SB1 system imply a very high mass function of about one solar mass. This in turn leads to a very high mass of the secondary, possibly higher than that of the primary. In order to look for such a massive secondary, o Cas was observed with the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer, which allowed the binary components to be spatially resolved for the first time. The interferometric observations lead to the detection of a secondary, about 3 mag fainter than the primary. The possible properties of this peculiar binary system and the reasons why the massive secondary does not dominate the optical spectrum are discussed., Published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, v517, A24, 2010.

We describe a charge-coupled device (CCD) imaging system for microarrays capable of acquiring quantitative, high dynamic range images of very large fields. Illumination is supplied by an arc lamp, and filters are used to define excitation and emission bands. The system is linear down to fluorochrome densities <<1 molecule/microm2. The ratios of the illumination intensity distributions for all excitation wavelengths have a maximum deviation approximately +/-4% over the object field, so that images can be analyzed without computational corrections for the illumination pattern unless higher accuracy is desired. Custom designed detection optics produce achromatic images of the spectral region from approximately 450 to approximately 750 nm. Acquisition of a series of images of multiple fluorochromes from multiple arrays occurs under computer control. The version of the system described in detail provides images of 20 mm square areas using a 27 mm square, 2K x 2K pixel, cooled CCD chip with a well depth of approximately 10(5) electrons, and provides ratio measurements accurate to a few percent over a dynamic range in intensity >1000. Resolution referred to the sample is 10 microm, sufficient for obtaining quantitative multicolor images from >30,000 array elements in an 18 mm x 18 mm square.

We describe a charge-coupled device (CCD) imaging system for microarrays capable of acquiring quantitative, high dynamic range images of very large fields. Illumination is supplied by an arc lamp, and filters are used to define excitation and emission bands. The system is linear down to fluorochrome densities <<1 molecule/microm2. The ratios of the illumination intensity distributions for all excitation wavelengths have a maximum deviation approximately +/-4% over the object field, so that images can be analyzed without computational corrections for the illumination pattern unless higher accuracy is desired. Custom designed detection optics produce achromatic images of the spectral region from approximately 450 to approximately 750 nm. Acquisition of a series of images of multiple fluorochromes from multiple arrays occurs under computer control. The version of the system described in detail provides images of 20 mm square areas using a 27 mm square, 2K x 2K pixel, cooled CCD chip with a well depth of approximately 10(5) electrons, and provides ratio measurements accurate to a few percent over a dynamic range in intensity >1000. Resolution referred to the sample is 10 microm, sufficient for obtaining quantitative multicolor images from >30,000 array elements in an 18 mm x 18 mm square.

Applied Sciences

Applied Sciences