Search

A general catalog of active galactic nuclei (AGN) has been created from identified optical sources of X-ray data from the Hamburg-ROSAT Catalog (HRC) and the Byurakan-Hamburg ROSAT Catalog (BHRC). Optical and multiwavelength data from both catalogs have been examined in order to eliminate erroneous AGN and add new ones. The result is a new catalog of 4253 AGN with X-ray emission (ROSAT BSC/FSC). All of these sources are either AGN or have been classified as candidates. All the multiwave data (gamma, X-ray, UV, optical, IR, radio) have been retrieved for these objects using new catalogs and statistical studies have been made. Attempts have been made to find the relation between the radiative fluxes in different ranges for various types of sources and to determine their characteristics, thereby confirming their membership as AGN. The X-ray properties of these sources have been analyzed in order to find the boundary between normal galaxies and X-ray AGN, and an attempt has been made to find hidden AGN.

This is a detailed spectral classification of 96 active galaxies from the Veron-Cetty and Veron catalog (2010, Version 13, VCV-13) of active galaxies and quasars. These objects were identified as radio sources using standard radio catalogs. Those galaxies which had radio sources in at least 6 different radio bands and had been identified spectrally in the SDSS catalog were selected. The types of activity of these were determined using their SDSS spectra. Three diagnostic diagrams and a direct study of the spectra were used for more certain classification. As a result, the classifications of 85% of the objects were changed. The radio sources in different radio bands make it possible to construct the spectral distribution of the energy in the radio range and to compare it with the optical activity types.

This is a detailed spectral classification of 198 candidate active galactic nuclei (AGN) from a joint HRC/BHRC sample consisting of a combination of the HRC (Hamburg-ROSAT) and BHRC (Byurakan-ROSAT) catalogs. These objects have been identified as optical counterparts of ROSAT x-ray sources, but spectra for 198 of them are given in the SDSS without determinations of their spectral classification. They are studied using the SDSS spectra and detailed types of activity are found for them. For a more reliable classification, three diagnostic diagrams have been used, along with direct studies of the spectra. These sources were also identified in other wavelength ranges and their physical parameters have also been calculated.

The Astrophysical Virtual Observatories (AVOs) have been created in a number of countries using their available databases and current observing material as a collection of interoperating data archives and software tools to form a research environment in which complex research programs can be conducted. Among all these data, a large spectroscopic database for all objects is especially useful. The Armenian Virtual Observatory (ArVO) has being created to utilize the Digitized First Byurakan Survey (DFBS) as an appropriate spectroscopic database. ArVO is a project of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) aimed at construction of a modern system for data archiving, extraction, acquisition, reduction, use and publication. ArVO is based on DFBS and is the Armenian contribution to the International Virtual Observatories Alliance (IVOA). One of the ArVO's main tasks is to create and utilize a global Spectroscopic Virtual Observatory, which will combine data from DFBS and other low-dispersion spectroscopic databases, as well as provide the first understanding on the nature of any object up to B=18 m. In frame of ArVO, BAO collaborates with the Institute of Informatics and Automation Problems (IIAP) of the Armenian National Academy of Sciences to develop software for ArVO corresponding to the IVOA standards. Beside the DFBS, ArVO is being complemented by the Digitized Second Byurakan Survey (SBS) database, the Byurakan photographic archive, and BAO 2.6m and 1m Schmidt telescope observations, and will be a part of IVOA.

The Digitized First Byurakan Survey has digitized and processed about 1900 photographic plates from the objective prism surveys conducted in Byurakan by Benjamin Markarian and collaborators in the 1960ies and 1970ies. After digitization, a custom web service was built and operated first in Rome, then in Trieste. However, as astronomical data systems and standards evolved, it became desirable to update the data and build standards-compliant, Virtual Observatory services from it. This contribution reports on the challenges encountered during this migration, the solutions we chose, and the lessons to be learned. It also discusses the use of the resulting services.

Astronomy in Armenia was popular since ancient times and Armenia is rich in its astronomical heritage, such as ancient and medieval Armenian calendars, records of astronomical events by ancient Armenians, the astronomical heritage of the Armenian medieval great thinker Anania Shirakatsi, etc. Armenian astronomical archives have accumulated vast number of photographic plates, films and other careers of observational data. The Digitized Markarian Survey or the First Byurakan Survey, is the most important low-dispersion spectroscopic database. It is one of the rare science items included in UNESCO “Memory of the World” Documentary Heritage list. The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) Plate Archive Project (2015–2021) will result in digitization and storage of some 37,000 astronomical plates and films and in creation of an Electronic Database for further research projects. Based on these data and archives and development of their interoperability, the Armenian Virtual Observatory was created and joined the International Virtual Observatory Alliance.

Bright IR galaxies (LIRG, ULIRG, and HLIRG) are important for research on star formation processes in the early universe since they can be detected at large distances owing to their luminosity. High IR is indicative of active star formation and starburst (SB) processes, which are typical of HII regions. In many cases high IR is indicative of an active galactic nucleus (AGN). This raises the question of whether the SB causes the AGN or vice versa, or is there no direct interaction? Given that these objects are very often binary or multiple systems, it is also interesting to study the interrelations among SB, nuclear activity of the members of a system, and their interactions or mergers. With cross correlation of the IRAS PSC/FSC Combined Catalog and SDSS DR14, 114 ultrabright IR galaxies have been indentified and classified with respect to their types of activity. 1 BLL, 2 quasars, 29 Seyfert types 1.0-1.8, 5 Seyfert type 2, 14 LINERS, 36 HII regions, and 14 objects with composite spectra (Composites) have been identified and classified. Among the type 1 Seyfert galaxies there are many objects with narrow lines.

A total of 18 lists of the First Byurakan Survey of Late-Type Stars (FBS LTS) were published between 1990 and 2016. The stars were found on FBS low-dispersion spectroscopic plates. A systematic search and selection were carried out on a surface of ∼16 000 deg2 on almost the whole area of the FBS. As a result, the ‘Revised and Updated Catalogue of the First Byurakan Survey of Late-Type Stars’ was generated (FBS LTS v1; 1045 objects). We present the second version of the catalogue of FBS LTS with new data (FBS LTS v2), comprising 1471 objects. It is a homogeneous and complete data base for high-Galactic-latitude, late-type stars, including M and C types. Since 2007, all FBS low-resolution spectral plates have been digitized. All digitized FBS (DFBS) spectral plates have been analysed with FITSView and SAO Image ds9, and numerous relatively faint LTSs have been discovered. We have performed cross-correlations with DFBS, USNO-B1.0, 2MASS, AllWISE, IRAS PSC/FSC, AKARI, ROSAT BSC/FSC, GCVS, SDSS and added updated SIMBAD data. For numerous new detected objects, we present accurate DSS2 positions, approximate spectral subtypes refined from the DFBS low-dispersion spectra, luminosity classes estimated from 2MASS colours, and available proper motions for 1471 FBS LTSs. The Revised and Updated Catalogue v2 lists a large number of completely new objects, which promises to extend very significantly the census of M giants, faint N-type asymptotic giant branch carbon stars, CH-type carbon giants at high Galactic latitudes, and M dwarfs in the Solar vicinity up to 16.0–17.0 mag in the visual. Some important data from Gaia DR2 and supplementary spectra from the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory 2.6-m and LAMOST telescopes are presented.

The history of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) meetings goes back to 1922 when the first IAU General Assembly (GA) was held in Rome, Italy, following the IAU creation in 1919. However, until 1953, no individual symposia were organized and the GAs were the only official gatherings for astronomers. All together, eight IAU GAs were held during 1922–1952. The IAU Symposium 1 was held in 1953 in Groningen, Netherlands. Starting with 1955, several IAU symposia were regularly held in different places, and since 1959, the IAU also began to organize colloquia to discuss relatively smaller topics. Twenty IAU colloquia numbered as I–XX were held in the period 1959–1971, and another series of IAU colloquia was organized in 1968–2005, numbered as Nos. 1–200. At present IAU symposia are the only official scientific meetings, nine of them being organized every year. IAU S349 “Under One Sky: the IAU Centenary Symposium”, held in Vienna during the IAU GA XXX, was the last one by number in 2018. Thus, the IAU has a 65-year history of symposia and all together 348 such meetings have been held, on average 5–6 annually. At present most of the IAU symposia during the years of GA are being organized in the framework of the GA, there being typically six symposia during each GA. All together, 31 IAU GA have been organized during the years 1922–2018, including 30 regular ones and one Extraordinary GA (1973 in Warsaw, Poland), typically once every three years. Since 1974, the IAU has also organized regional meetings in Europe, Asia and Pacific (APRIM), Latin America (LARIM), and the Middle East and Africa (MEARIM). The European ones were discontinued in 1990 after the creation of the European Astronomical Society (EAS) and the organization of the yearly JENAM/EWASS. The 348 IAU symposia have been organized in 43 countries. We give the statistics of all IAU symposia by year of organization, by various topics of astronomy and astrophysics, and by host countries and cities.

In the present study we have cross-correlated NVSS and FIRST radio catalogues having radio flux measurements at the same 1.4 GHz frequency. This way we benefit from repeated observations from both catalogues, as they give more accurate positions and fluxes and more important, reveal large differences between the two measured fluxes, thus allowing to establish radio variability. As a result 79,382 radio variables have been revealed, including 6301 with flux differences at 1.4 GHz larger than 15 mJy, 1917 with flux differences > 45 mJy and 260 with flux differences > 200 mJy. By using a special technique (Mickaelian & Sinamyan 2010, Mickaelian et al. 2011), 2425 optically variable objects out of 6301 radio sources have been revealed. 2425 radio sources with both high radio and optical variability into four categories have been divided. 1206 (19%) out of 6301 radio sources have activity types from available catalogues and 619 (25.5%) out of 2425 radio sources with at the same time radio and optical variability have activity types from available catalogues. In addition, 279 radio sources out of 2425 have high variability in optical range. We have established their activity types when available. The IR fluxes and colours for the 6301 variable radio sources have been studied. Colour–colour diagrams show that most of the “unknown” sources are galaxies. The activity types for 110 (42%) out of 260 extremely high variable radio sources also have been retrieved.

Information on interstellar extinction and dust properties may be obtained from modern large photometric surveys data. Virtual Observatory facilities allow users to make a fast and correct cross-identification of objects from various surveys. It yields a multicolor photometry data on detected objects and makes it possible to estimate stellar parameters and calculate interstellar extinction. A 3D extinction map then can be constructed. The method was applied to 2MASS, SDSS, GALEX and UKIDSS surveys. Results for several high-latitude areas are obtained, compared with independent sources and discussed here.

The aim of the article is to introduce the data sharing service of the Armenian Virtual Observatory (ArVO) based on the Simple Image Access (SIA) Protocol of the International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA).

The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) has always been one of the centres for surveys and studies of active galaxies. Here we review our search and studies of active galaxies during last 30 years using various wavelength ranges, as well as some recent related works. These projects since late 1980s were focused on multiwavelength search and studies of AGN and Starbursts (SB). 1103 blue stellar objects (BSOs) on the basis of their UV-excess were selected using Markarian Survey (First Byurakan Survey, FBS) plates and Markarian’s criteria used for the galaxies. Among many blue stars, QSOs and Seyfert galaxies were found by follow-up observations. 1577 IRAS point sources were optically identified using FBS lowdispersion spectra and many AGN, SB and high-luminosity IR galaxies (LIRG/ULIRG) were discovered. 32 extremely high IR/opt flux ratio galaxies were studies with Spitzer. 2791 ROSAT FSC sources were optically identified using Hamburg Quasar Survey (HQS) lowdispersion spectra and many AGN were discovered by follow-up observations. Fine analysis of emission line spectra was carried out using spectral line decomposition software to establish true profiles and calculate physical parameters for the emitting regions, as well as to study the spectral variability of these objects. X-ray and radio selection criteria were used to find new AGN and variable objects for further studies. We have estimated AGN content of X-ray sources as 52.9%. We have also combined IRAS PSC and FSC catalogs and compiled its extragalactic sample, which allowed us to estimate AGN content among IR sources as 23.7%. Multiwavelength approach allowed revealing many new AGN and SB and obtaining a number of interesting relations using their observational characteristics and physical properties.

Since the ancient times the usage of cosmological ideas in mythology and poetry has contributed to the formation and development of human’s philosophical thought. It is believed that before the M. Mashtots’salphabet, ancient Armenians have expressed their astronomical knowledge through stone structures and rock art. In the Armenian reality, the cosmological views, the idea of the spherical shape of the Earth and information of other celestial bodies more vividly were manifested in the works of Movses Khorenatsi, David Anhaght (5th century) and Anania Shirakatsi (7th century). Anania Shirakatsi is an Armenian Astronomer, Mathematician, Philosopher, Geographer and Alchemist. The importance of his work is also noted by foreign authors and he was called 7th century Cosmologist, First Scientist of Armenia and Middival Astronomer.Shirakatsi’s works are united in his comprehensive knowledge, his insight of the mind, the ability of combining and analyzing facts and his literature talent. His works have simultaneous historical, cosmic, geographical, religious, literary and mystical significance. In the present study we will show Anania Shirakatsi’s cosmological ideas and observations.

International audience; The Digitized First Byurakan Survey (DFBS) is the digitized version of the Markarian Survey and it is the largest spectroscopic survey by its sky coverage (17, 000 deg2) and by the number of spectra (∼40,000,000). It provides a unique possibility to compare objects between different epochs, as the observations have been carried out in 1965–1980 and it complements the epochs between POSS1 and POSS2. DFBS is especially efficient for discovery and study of moving objects, such as asteroids. On the other hand, searching with a “naked eye” in planetary data archives takes a considerable time. Therefore, such work must be done in an automatic way. However, the planetary data archive is subject to a constant change (new elements, new version of analysis, new parameters). Furthermore, there are several archives for the same object, thus, obtaining reliable information requires a sequential search of several different archives. Workflows developed in the frame of the virtual observatories (VO), can use all collections of integrated astronomical data archives and software tools that utilize computer networks to create an environment in which research can be conducted. In this paper, we have used the VO tool SkyBoT for searching for asteroids in the DFBS and other archives and we have developed a workflow using a selection of the VO tools in the case of the hot topic of asteroids.

The Digitized First Byurakan Survey is the largest and the first systematic objective-prism survey of the extragalactic sky. The detection, extraction, and classification of about 40 million spectra of about 20 million astronomical objects available in the survey require distinguishing the pixels containing photons from the source and the noise pixels per object. This paper aims at developing a service to classify the spectra of UV-excess galaxies, quasars, compact galaxies, and other objects in the survey. Supervised and unsupervised convolutional neural network deep learning algorithms have been developed and studied.

The Digitised First Byurakan Survey (DFBS) provides low dispersion optical spectra for about 24 million sources. A two-step machine learning algorithm based on similarities to predefined templates is applied to select different classes of rare objects in the dataset automatically, for example late type stars, quasars and white dwarves. Identifying outliers from the groups of common astrophysical objects may lead to discovery of rare objects, such as gamma-ray burst afterglows.

Statistical studies of active galaxies (both AGN and Starburst) using large multi-wavelength data are presented, including new studies of Markarian galaxies, large sample of IR galaxies, variable radio sources, and large homogeneous sample of X-ray selected AGN. Markarian survey (the First Byurakan Survey) was digitized and the DFBS database was created, as the biggest spectroscopic database by the number of objects involved ( ~ 20 million). This database provides both 2D images and 1D spectra. We have carried out a number of projects aimed at revealing and multi-wavelength studies of active galaxies among optical, X-ray, IR and radio sources. Thousands of X-ray sources were identified from ROSAT, including many AGN (52% among all identified sources). IRAS PSC/FSC sources were studied having accurate positions from WISE and a large extragalactic sample was created for further search for AGNs. The fraction of active galaxies among IR-selected galaxies was estimated as 24%. Variable radio sources at 1.4 GHz were revealed by cross-correlation of NVSS and FIRST catalogues using the method introduced by us for optical variability. Radio-X-ray sources were revealed from NVSS and ROSAT for detection of new active galaxies. Big Data in astronomy is described that provide new possibilities for statistical research of active galaxies and other objects.

Recent all-sky and large-area astronomical surveys and their catalogued data over the whole range of electromagnetic spectrum, from γ-rays to radio waves, are reviewed, including such as Fermi-GLAST and INTEGRAL in γ-ray, ROSAT, XMM and Chandra in X-ray, GALEX in UV, SDSS and several POSS I and POSS II-based catalogues (APM, MAPS, USNO, GSC) in the optical range, 2MASS in NIR, WISE and AKARI IRC in MIR, IRAS and AKARI FIS in FIR, NVSS and FIRST in radio range, and many others, as well as the most important surveys giving optical images (DSS I and II, SDSS, etc.), proper motions (Tycho, USNO, Gaia), variability (GCVS, NSVS, ASAS, Catalina, Pan-STARRS), and spectroscopic data (FBS, SBS, Case, HQS, HES, SDSS, CALIFA, GAMA). An overall understanding of the coverage along the whole wavelength range and comparisons between various surveys are given: galaxy redshift surveys, QSO/AGN, radio, Galactic structure, and Dark Energy surveys. Astronomy has entered the Big Data era, with Astrophysical Virtual Observatories and Computational Astrophysics playing an important role in using and analyzing big data for new discoveries.

Results of comparison of Gaia DR2 parallaxes with data derived from a combined analysis of 2MASS (Two Micron All-Sky Survey), SDSS (Sloan Digital Sky Survey), GALEX (Galaxy Evolution Explorer), and UKIDSS (UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey) surveys in four selected high-latitude | b | &gt, 48&deg, sky areas are presented. It is shown that multicolor photometric data from large modern surveys can be used for parameterization of stars closer than 4400 pc and brighter than g S D S S = 19 . m 6 , including estimation of parallax and interstellar extinction value. However, the stellar luminosity class should be properly determined.

Optical identifications of a few thousands of IRAS sources showed that IRAS Point Source and IRAS Faint Source catalogues (PSC and FSC, respectively) contain many quasars and active galactic nuclei, late-type stars, planetary nebulae, variables, etc. To increase the efficiency of using IRAS PSC and FSC, which contain a lot of common sources, one needs a joint catalogue of all IRAS point sources with improved data based on both catalogues. However, cross-correlation of the catalogues is not so easy, as the association of many sources is relative, and not always it is obvious, whose source from one catalogue corresponds to the other one in the second catalogue. This problem exists in case of using standard cross-correlation tools like VizieR. Therefore, we have created a tool for cross-matching astronomical catalogues and we have applied it to IRAS PSC and FSC. Using this tool we have carried out identifications with a search radius corresponding to 3 σ of errors for each source individually rather than a standard radius for all sources. As a result, we obtained 73,770 associations. We showed that in case of cross-correlation of these catalogues by VizieR, we had to take 161.95 arcseconds radius not to lose any association; however, in this case a lot of false associations appear for many sources. In addition, we have made cross-correlations with AKARI-IRC, AKARI-FIS and WISE catalogues. As a result we created a catalogue with high positional accuracy and with 17 photometric measurements from 1.25 to 160 μm range, providing a detailed catalogue for IRAS point sources.

Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO), Byurakan 0213, Aragatzotn province, ArmeniaReceived 2013, accepted 2013Published online 2013Key words Markarian galaxies – multiwavelength studies – virtual observatoriesMarkarian galaxies are the result of the First Byurakan Survey (FBS) conducted in 1965-1980 by B.E. Markarian et al.The sample consists of 1515 UV-excess galaxies containing many active galaxies, both AGN and starburst (SB) that areinteresting from the point of view of galaxy evolution and multiwavelength studies. Several catalogs of Markarian galaxieshave been published; however multiwavelength (MW) data were not provided and matched for more efficient investiga-tions. Moreover, SDSS spectra now give possibility for better classification by activity types, and we have accomplishedfine classification obtaining new types and subtypes for most of the objects. We have cross-correlated Markarian cataloguewith all available large-area MW catalogues at various wavelengths, from X-ray to radio: ROSAT BSC and FSC, GALEX,APM, MAPS, USNO B1.0, GSC 2.3.2, SDSS, 2MASS PSC and ESC, WISE, AKARI-IRC, IRAS PSC, FSC, and SSSC,AKARI-FIS, GB6, NVSS, FIRST, SUMSS, WENSS, and 7C providing 35 photometric data-points, as well as the Dig-itized FBS (DFBS, http://byurakan.phys.uniroma1.it/) and Hamburg Quasar Survey (HQS) low-dispersion spectra. TheArmenian Virtual Observatory (ArVO, http://www.aras.am/Arvo/arvo.htm) services have been used for cross-correlationsand extraction of DFBS spectra, as well as MW SEDs have been built using the IVOA tools and MW classification hasbeen accomplished. Diagrams with MW flux ratios have been built to reveal objects with extreme characteristics. Theclassifications have been matched with these flux ratios. A MW catalog of Markarian galaxies has been compiled.

There have been 15 lists of late-type stars published between 1990 and 2010. These late-type stars have been found in the low-dispersion spectroscopic plates of the First Byurakan Survey (FBS). The systematic search and selection was carried out on a surface ∼16 000 deg2 on almost the whole area of the FBS. As a result, a comprehensive catalogue of the late-type stars of the FBS was generated. Its preliminary version has been available at the Centre de Donnes Astronomiques de Strasbourg since 2007. We have revised and updated the FBS catalogue of late-type stars with new data from recently published optical and multiwavelength catalogues to give access to all available data and to make further comparative studies of the properties of these objects possible. We have made cross-correlations with the Digitized First Byurakan Survey (DFBS), the United States Naval Observatory-B1.0 catalogue, the Guide Star Catalogue 2.3.2, Tycho-2, Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 8, the Two-Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS), the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer catalogue, the Infrared Astronomical Satellite Point Source Catalogue/Faint Source Catalogue, the AKARI catalogue, the ROSAT Bright Source Catalogue/Faint Source Catalogue, the General Catalogue of Variable Stars and the Northern Sky Variability Survey. Also, we have added updated SIMBAD data for the objects. We present accurate Digitized Sky Survey 2 positions, approximate spectral subtypes refined from the DFBS low-dispersion spectra, luminosity classes estimated from 2MASS colours and available proper motions for 1045 FBS late-type stars. The FBS revised and updated catalogue lists a large number of completely new objects, which promise to extend very significantly the census of M giants, faint carbon stars at high Galactic latitudes and M dwarfs in the vicinity of the Sun. We study the complete samples, as well as investigating individual interesting objects up to 16.0–16.5 mag in visual magnitudes.

A new method for the combined calculation of magnitudes based on accurate measurements of Palomar Observatory Sky Survey (POSS) epochs 1 and 2 (POSS 1 and POSS2) plates is given. The photometric accuracy of various surveys and catalogues has been estimated and established and statistical weights have been calculated for each one. To achieve the best possible magnitudes, weighted averaging of data from United States Naval Observatory (USNO-A2.0), Automatic Plate Measuring (APM), Minnesota Automated Plate Scanner (MAPS), USNO-B1.0 and Guide Star Catalog (GSC 2.3.2) catalogues has been used. The root-mean-square (rms) accuracy of magnitudes achieved for POSS1 is 0.184 mag for B and 0.173 mag for R, while that for POSS2 is 0.138 mag for B and 0.128 mag for R. We have derived the best POSS 1 and POSS2 magnitudes for First Byurakan Survey (FBS) blue stellar objects. We have refined the transformation formulae between POSS1 and POSS2 magnitudes and those for the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and a standard UBV system. Using these accurate magnitudes, we have estimated the variability of FBS blue stellar objects and revealed probable and possible variables. We have worked out methods with which to control and exclude the accidental errors that appear in any survey. We have compared and combined our results with those given in the Northern Sky Variability Survey (NSVS) data base and obtained better candidates for variability. Having excluded variables, we have combined POSS1 and POSS2 data for the remaining objects to achieve even better magnitudes and colours, the rms being smaller than 0.1 mag in both B and R and for B ― R colours. This approach has been applied to FBS blue stellar objects containing a significant number of white dwarfs (WDs) or cataclysmic variables (CVs), as well as extragalactic objects (quasars, Seyferts, BL Lac objects). Altogether 336 variable objects have been revealed, with POSS2―POSS1 ≥ 3σ of the errors. An electronic table of these objects is given. Candidate variables are divided into four classes: extreme, strong, probable and possible. For a more reliable sample of variable objects we excluded possible variables from the list and were left with 161 objects. By analysing the radio and X-ray properties of these objects we have revealed their nature and rediscovered or revealed candidate active galactic nuclei (AGNs), CVs, WDs and other objects.

A new method for combined calculations of proper motions (PMs) based on accurate measurements of POSS1 and POSS2 epoch plates is given. The positional accuracy of various surveys and catalogues is estimated, and statistical weights for each of them are established. To achieve the best positions, weighted averaging of direct measurements on DSS1/DSS2, and data from APM, MAPS, USNO-A2.0, USNO-B 1.0 and GSC 2.3.2 catalogues were used. The rms accuracy of positions achieved for POSS1 is 119 mas in each coordinate and 168 mas total, and for POSS2 it is 69 mas in each coordinate and 98 mas total. Using these accurate positions and the large separation in years between POSS1 and POSS2, we calculated the best possible PMs: 3.9 mas yr -1 in each coordinate and 5.5 mas yr -1 total. We developed methods to control and exclude the accidental errors that appear in any survey. We compared and combined our PMs with those given in USNO-B 1.0, SDSS DR7 and Tycho-2 catalogues and obtained even better results: 3.0 mas yr -1 in each coordinate and 4.2 mas yr -1 total PM. This approach was applied to the First Byurakan Survey blue stellar objects, containing significant numbers of white dwarfs and subdwarfs. In total, 640 objects were revealed with PM ≥ 10 mas yr -1 , the detection limit for this method, and an electronic table of these objects is given. For more confident PMs, we adopt the limit 20 mas yr -1 (333 objects). Adopting a 50 km s -1 upper limit for tangential velocities, we calculated maximum distances and absolute magnitudes and estimated luminosity types for these objects, obtaining 185 probable white dwarfs (M > 8 mag), 69 possible white dwarfs (6 < M < 8 mag), and 42 candidate subdwarfs/white dwarfs (3 < M < 6 mag). Given that we rediscovered 141 genuine white dwarfs among the classified objects, the success rate for the discovery of white dwarfs is estimated as 83 per cent, and as 38 per cent for our probable and possible white dwarfs, respectively.

A list of comparatively faint late M and Carbon type stars detected on the Digitized First Byurakan Survey (DFBS) spectral plates in the zone with +45° ≤ δ ≤ +49° covering 684 deg2 is presented. Accurate DSS2 positions, USNO-B1.0 B and R magnitudes, 2MASS near-infrared J, H, and Ks photometry, IRAS PSC/FSC fluxes (when available), approximate spectral types, and luminosity class estimates are given for 72 objects. Nine of them are newly confirmed carbon stars and 63 are M-type stars. For seven Mira variables with known pulsation periods we determined distances of 2 ÷ 8 kpc using a period-luminosity relation. Distances of 17 ÷ 115 pc for five M dwarfs, classified on the base of detected proper motions, were estimated using a color-luminosity relation. The object FBS 0845+466 is classified as a candidate carbon dwarf with distance r ≈ 72 pc.

Optically bright Galactic stars (V < 13 mag) having fv(24 um) > 1 mJy are identified in Spitzer mid-infrared surveys within 8.2 square degrees for the Bootes field of the NOAO Deep Wide-Field Survey and within 5.5 square degrees for the First Look Survey (FLS). 128 stars are identified in Bootes and 140 in the FLS, and their photometry is given. (K-[24]) colors are determined using K magnitudes from the 2MASS survey for all stars in order to search for excess 24 um luminosity compared to that arising from the stellar photosphere. Of the combined sample of 268 stars, 141 are of spectral types F, G, or K, and 17 of these 141 stars have 24 um excesses with (K-[24]) > 0.2 mag. Using limits on absolute magnitude derived from proper motions, at least 8 of the FGK stars with excesses are main sequence stars, and estimates derived from the distribution of apparent magnitudes indicate that all 17 are main sequence stars. These estimates lead to the conclusion that between 9% and 17% of the main sequence FGK field stars in these samples have 24 um infrared excesses. This result is statistically similar to the fraction of stars with debris disks found among previous Spitzer targeted observations of much brighter, main sequence field stars., Accepted for publication in The Astronomical Journal

Eleven lists of blue stellar objects (BSOs) were published in Astrophysics in 1990-1996, found in the First Byurakan Survey (FBS) low-dispersion spectroscopic plates. The selection was carried out in the region with +33° > δ > +45° and δ > +61° with a surface of 4000 deg2. As a result, the catalogue of the FBS BSOs was compiled. Its preliminary version has been available at Centre de Donnees Astronomiques de Strasbourg since 1999. We revised and updated the FBS BSOs catalogue with new data from recently published optical and multiwavelength catalogs to give access to all available data and make further comparative studies of the properties of these objects possible. We made cross-correlations of the FBS BSOs catalogue with the Minnesota Automated Plate Scanner, USNO-B1.0, Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and Two Micron All Sky Survey, as well as ROSAT, IRAS, NRAO VLA Sky Survey1The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc., and Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty cm catalogs, added updated SIMBAD and NED data for the objects, and provided accurate DSS1 and DSS2 positions and revised photometry. We also checked the objects for proper motion and variability. A refined classification for the low-dispersion spectra in the Digitized First Byurakan Survey was carried out. The revised and updated catalogue of 1101 FBS BSOs is presented. The FBS BSOs catalogue can be used to study a complete sample of white dwarfs, hot subdwarfs, HBB stars, cataclysmic variables, bright active galactic nuclei, and to investigate individual interesting objects.

Context. Five lists of late-type stars were published in Astrophysics in 1997–2001, found in the First Byurakan Survey low-dispersion spectroscopic plates as optical identifications of unidentified IRAS sources. These identifications were carried out in the region with δ> +61 ◦ and |b| > 15 ◦ with a surface of 1504 deg 2 . As a result, the catalogue of the Byurakan-IRAS Stars (BIS) was compiled. Its preliminary version has been available at the CDS since 2003. Aims. We revised and updated the BIS catalogue with the new data from recently published optical and infrared catalogues to give access to all available data and make further comparative studies of the properties of these objects possible. Methods. We made cross-correlations of the BIS catalogue with the MAPS, USNO-B1.0, and 2MASS, added updated SIMBAD data for the BIS objects, and provided accurate DSS1 and DSS2 positions and revised photometry. We also checked the objects for proper motion and variability. A refined classification from low-dispersion spectra in the Digitized First Byurakan Survey (DFBS) was carried out. Results. The revised and updated catalogue of 276 Byurakan-IRAS stars (BIS) is presented. Conclusions. The BIS catalogue can be used to study a complete sample of IRAS-selected stars and to investigate individual objects.

The Byurakan/Hamburg/ROSAT Catalogue (BHRC) of the optical identifications of X-ray sources is presented. The BHRC includes all 2791 sources from the ROSAT-FSC with $|b|\ge30\degr$, $\delta\ge0\degr$ and ROSAT count rate $CR>0.04$ cts s -1 . For the optical identifications, we used the Hamburg Quasar Survey (HQS) digitized spectroscopic plates, the DSS1 and DSS2 (blue, red, and IR) images, the MAPS photometric data, the USNO-B1.0 (for proper motions), the NVSS and FIRST radio, and the IRAS and 2MASS infrared catalogues. From the DSS images we obtained positional, brightness, color, extension, variability, proper motion information, and measured the optical-to-X-ray distance. Based on the DSS images, a morphological classification was made. Available SIMBAD and NED data were used as well. Cross-correlations were made with AGN, white dwarf, and cataclysmic variable catalogues (322/8/7 associations, respectively). We managed to identify 97% of sources (2696 sources) that are associated with 3202 optical objects. 2248 X-ray sources have a single optical counterpart, 144 have a double or multiple optical counterpart (binaries, galaxy groups etc.), and 304 have ambiguous identifications. We find that some of the latest might actually be blends of two X-ray sources that were not resolved by ROSAT. The QSOs and AGN represent the largest group of X-ray counterparts (56.2%); bright stars (including late type stars, but excluding WDs and CVs) are counterparts for 33.2% of sources, and the bright galaxies and groups of galaxies comprise 9.2%. We found a number of close galaxy pairs (possibly interacting/merging galaxies) that are counterparts for X-ray sources (3.0%), as well as 1.0% WDs and 0.4% CVs. The BHRC may be used for selection and for studies of samples of various classes of X-ray emitters.

Based on optical identifications of ROSAT sources, we have created a large homogeneous catalog of X-ray selected AGN. The Hamburg-RASS Catalog (HRC) and Byurakan-Hamburg-RASS Catalog (BHRC) made up on the basis of optical identification of X-ray sources from ROSAT Bright Source (BSC) and Faint Source (FSC) catalogues, respectively, have been used. These identiifcations were based on low-dispersion spectra of Hamburg Quasar Survey (HQS). As a result, a new large sample of X-ray selected AGN has been compiled containing 4253 sources with photon count rate CR > 0.04 ct/s in the area with galactic latitudes |b|>20 and declinations δ>0. All these sources are classified as AGN or candidate AGN. We have carried out multiwavelength studies in several wavelength ranges (X-ray, optical, radio). Catalogues that more or less guarantee the completeness condition (all-sky or large area surveys) were used. A number of erroneous classifications were found (some AGN had been classified as stars or galaxies); 1024 and 59 from HRC and BHRC, respectively. Out of 4253 sources, 3352 are spectroscopically confirmed AGN (given in Veron-Cetty & Veron and Roma Blazar catalogs), and the rest 901 are candidate AGN. For 210 of them spectra are available in SDSS DR9, and the results of their classification are given in another paper. We calculated absolute magnitudes, fluxes, improved coordinates and redshifts. An attempt is made to find a connection between the radiation fluxes in different bands for different types of sources, and identify their typical characteristics, thus confirming candidate AGN and in some cases finding new ones.

An international collaboration on the multiwavelength search for and studies of active galaxies between the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (Armenia) and Observatoire de Haute-Provence (France) ...

Spectroscopic observations by the 2.6 m BAO telescope of IRAS galaxies identified on the basis of the First Byurakan Survey (BIG objects) are reported. Slit spectra were obtained for 16 objects, including components of 7 multiple systems and 2 individual galaxies. The red shifts were measured, and the radial velocities, distances, absolute stellar magnitudes, and infrared and far infrared luminosities were calculated. A diagnostic diagram has been constructed based on the intensity ratios of emission lines and the activity types of the objects have been determined. Two LINERs, five galaxies with composite spectra (Comp, one of which has Sy2 features) and seven HII regions were found. Two objects are ultraluminous IR galaxies (ULIG). It is shown that all the multiple systems are physical pairs or groups. The observed high IR luminosity confirms the view that ULIG/HLIGs may be associated with interactions of galaxies.

The First Byurakan Survey (FBS) is the largest spectral survey in the Northern sky. Its plates contain low-dispersion spectra for some 20,000,000 objects. The FBS spectra allow selection of objects by their color, broad emission or absorption lines, or SED; to discover, classify and investigate them. The FBS was conducted originally to search for UVX galaxies (1500 Markarian galaxies were discovered). Selection of blue stellar objects, red stars, and identification of IRAS sources have also been done by means of the FBS spectra. All these projects have been carried out by visual inspection of the plates. Digitization will give new possibilities to search for many new objects: new bright QSOs (mm), new Markarian (UVX) galaxies, BCDGs, optical counterparts of IR, radio, X-ray and other sources, late-type stars, planetary nebulae, emission-line stars, and white dwarfs; and to study star clusters and clusters of galaxies. The digitized FBS will be available via the Internet and on CDs. Software and an appropriate interface for working with the data will be provided.

The spectral energy distribution (SED) gives a complete picture of the radiation of space objects and may result in correct classifications compared to those based only on optical (or other local) spectra. This is especially crucial for active galaxies, both AGN and Starbursts (SB). For this, multiwavelength (MW) data are needed taken from available surveys and catalogs. We have cross-correlated the Catalogue of quasars and active galaxies with all-sky or large-area MW catalogues, such as X-ray ROSAT (BSC and FSC), UV GALEX (MIS and AIS), optical APM, MAPS, USNO-B1.0, GSC 2.3.2, and SDSS DR8, NIR 2MASS, MIR/FIR WISE, IRAS (PSC and FSC) and AKARI (IRC and FIS), radio GB6, NVSS, FIRST, and WENSS. We have established accurate positions and photometry for a few thousands of objects that appeared in the catalog with poor data, as well as achieved the best astrometric and photometric data for all objects. This allowed correct cross-correlations and establishing correct MW data for these objects. As a result, we obtained 34 photometric points from X-rays to radio and using VO tools built SEDs for some 10,000 bright objects. Some data from other surveys were also used, such as Chandra, XMM, Spitzer, etc. All objects were grouped into several forms of SED and were compared to the known optical classes given in the catalog (QSO, BLL, Sy1, Sy1.2–1.9, Sy2, LINER, SB, and HII). This allowed reveal obscured AGN, as well as find previously misclassified objects. A homogeneous classification for these objects was established. The first part of this project is presented; establishment of accurate positions and photometry and cross-correlations with MW catalogs.

The second part of the First Byurakan Survey is aimed at detecting all bright (B < 16.5) UV-excess starlike objects in a large area of the sky. By comparison with major X-ray and radio surveys we tentatively identified as QSOs 11 FBS objects. We made spectroscopic observations of nine of them. We found six new QSOs bringing the total number of known QSOs in this survey to 42. By comparison with the Palomar Green (PG) QSO survey, we found that the completeness of this last survey is of the order of 70% rather than 30-50% as suggested by several authors., 5 pages (LaTeX2e), 1 enclosed figure; needs paspconf.sty. To be published in the proceedings of the IAU Symposium 194 on "Activity in Galaxies and Related Phenomena" (Eds. Y. Terzian, D. Weedman) held the 17-21 August 1998, Byurakan, Armenia. Also available at http://www.obs-hp.fr/www/preprints/pp128/pp128.html

A new sample of some 900 faint IRAS galaxies will be constructed after optical identifications of all IRAS point sources from PSC and FSC in an area with 1500 deg2 at high galactic latitudes. The identifications are being made on the basis of FBS low-dispersion spectra, DSS images and infrared colours. Some 320 IRAS sources have been identified and 180 galaxies have been found. Spectral observations of these objects revealed new AGN and luminous infrared galaxies.

We investigate religious myths related to astronomy from different cultures in an attempt to identify common subjects and characteristics. The paper focuses on astronomy in religion. The initial review covers records from Holy books about sky related superstitious beliefs and cosmological understanding. The purpose of this study is to introduce sky related religious and national traditions (particularly based on different calendars; Solar or Lunar). We carried out a comparative study of astronomical issues contained in a number of Holy books. We come to the conclusion that the perception of celestial objects varies from culture to culture, and from religion to religion and preastronomical views had a significant impact on humankind, particularly on religious diversities. We prove that Astronomy is the basis of cultures, and that national identity and mythology and religion were formed due to the special understanding of celestial objects.

Armenia is hosting the IAU South West Asian (SWA) Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (ROAD). It is a county of ancient astronomy and is also rich in modern astronomical facilities and infrastructures, hence may successfully serve as a regional center for various activities. Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) has 2.6m and 1m Schmidt, as well as a number of smaller telescopes that are an observational basis for joint projects and collaborations. Armenian Virtual Observatory (ArVO) is hosting astronomical databases, such as the Digitized First Byurakan Survey (DFBS) and may also serve as a basis for development of VO structures in this region. Recently we have conducted a number of new activities; a meeting on “Relation of Astronomy to other Sciences, Culture and Society" (RASCS) was organized by BAO and Armenian Astronomical Society (ArAS) in Oct 2014 in Byurakan. Activities related to Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy in Culture (AAC) were initiated as well. Discussions on future Armenian-Iranian collaboration in astronomy were carried out, including an Armenian-Iranian Astronomical Workshop held in Oct 2015 in Byurakan. Similar workshops have been carried out between BAO and Abastumani Astronomical Observatory (AbAO, Georgia) since 1974.

Part three of optically identified point sources from the IRAS Point Source Catalog contains 113 objects. The identifications were based on the Digitized Sky Survey (DSS), the First Byurakan Survey, blue and red maps from the Palomar Sky Survey, and infrared fluxes at 12, 25, 60, and 100 μm in the region of +61° ≤ δ ≤ + 65° and 11h15m ≤ α ≤ 18h35m with an area of 200 sq. deg. Of the 119 sources in this region, 6 could not be identified owing to the absence of optical counterparts with the given coordinates. For the identified objects we determined their optical coordinates, their departures from the IR coordinates, and their stellar V magnitudes, color indices (CI), and preliminary types. The objects have optical magnitudes in the range of 8n–21m. Of the 113 objects, 31 turned out to be stars of spectral types K and M, 1 is a planetary nebula, 2 are candidates to be quasi- stellar objects, and 79 are galaxies. A list of the 48 nonstellar objects is given. The identified galaxies include Seyfert candidates, interacting pairs, galaxies with companions, superassociations, etc. The galaxies are in groups in many cases, and the IR emission may be due to heating of intergalactic matter within a group. Finder charts for these objects from the DSS are given.

The Byurakan-IRAS Galaxy (BIG) sample (1967 galaxies) is based on optical identifications of IRAS PSC sources at δ>+61° and |b| >15° (FBS area). A redshift survey for brighter objects (Bm) is being carried out with the Byurakan Observatory 2.6m, Special Observatory 6m, and Observatoire de Haute-Provence 1.93m telescopes. 213 objects have been observed, and redshifts in the range 0.008-0.173 have been measured. For this subsample, 15% of the objects are AGNs, and 15% are LIGs and ULIGs.

We introduce accurate magnitudes as combined calculations from catalogues based on accurate measurements of POSS1- and POSS2-epoch plates. The photometric accuracy of various catalogues was established, and statistical weights for each of them have been calculated. To achieve the best possible magnitudes, we used weighted averaging of data from APM, MAPS, USNO-A2.0, USNO-B1.0 (for POSS1-epoch), and USNO-B1.0 and GSC 2.3.2 (for POSS2-epoch) catalogues. The r.m.s. accuracy of magnitudes achieved for POSS1 is 0.184 in B and 0.173 mag in R, or 0.138 in B and 0.128 in R for POSS2. By adopting those new magnitudes we examined the First Byurakan Survey (FBS) of blue stellar objects for variability, and uncovered 336 probable and possible variables among 1103 objects with POSS2–POSS1 ≥ 3σ of the errors, including 161 highly probable variables. We have developed methods to control and exclude accidental errors for any survey. We compared and combined our results with those given in Northern Sky Variability Survey (NSVS) database, and obtained firm candidates for variability. By such an approach it will be possible to conduct investigations of variability for large numbers of objects.

We present spectroscopic results for all galaxies observed with the Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) that also have total infrared fluxes f IR measured with the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS), also using AKARI photometry when available. Infrared luminosities and spectral energy distributions (SEDs) from 8 μm to 160 μm are compared to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emission from starburst galaxies or mid-infrared dust continuum from active galactic nuclei (AGNs) at rest-frame wavelengths ~8 μm. A total of 301 spectra are analyzed for which IRS and IRAS include the same unresolved source, as measured by the ratio f ν(IRAS 25 μm)/f ν(IRS 25 μm). Sources have 0.004 < z < 0.34 and 42.5 < log L IR < 46.8 (erg s–1) and cover the full range of starburst galaxy and AGN classifications. Individual spectra are provided electronically, but averages and dispersions are presented. We find that log [L IR/νL ν(7.7 μm)] = 0.74 ± 0.18 in starbursts, log [L IR/νL ν(7.7 μm)] = 0.96 ± 0.26 in composite sources (starburst plus AGN), log [L IR/νL ν(7.9 μm)] = 0.80 ± 0.25 in AGNs with silicate absorption, and that log [L IR/νL ν(7.9 μm)] = 0.51 ± 0.21 in AGNs with silicate emission. L IR for the most luminous absorption and emission AGNs are similar and 2.5 times larger than for the most luminous starbursts. AGNs have systematically flatter SEDs than starbursts or composites, but their dispersion in SEDs overlaps starbursts. Sources with the strongest far-infrared luminosity from cool dust components are composite sources, indicating that these sources may contain the most obscured starbursts.

A new sample of 1178 faint IRAS galaxies (BIG) has been constructed by means of optical identification of IRAS point sources from PSC in the region +61° < δ < +90° at high galactic latitudes over an area of some 1500 deg2. Compact galaxies, interacting pairs and groups, ‘mergers', radio and X-ray sources are among the identified objects. Spectral observations have revealed new AGNs and luminous infrared galaxies. Study of the sample gives better understanding of star-formation, nuclear activity, interactions and connections between these phenomena.