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We analyse \'Echelle spectra of $\theta^1$ Ori F obtained by us on six nights unevenly distributed along six years; we identify several hundred spectral lines and measure, for the first time, the star's heliocentric radial velocity. We also collect and discuss previously published photometry of $\theta^1$ OriF . We find that $\theta^1$ Ori F is a Chemically Peculiar (CP) star with overabundant silicon and phosphorus, and possibly other elements as well. From the singly ionised Fe, Cr and Ti lines we estimate its spectral type to be between B7 and B8. The radial velocity of $\theta^1$ Ori F is possibly marginally variable, with an average of $24 \pm 4.2$ kms, (standard deviation), in good agreement with the mean radial velocity of the Orion Nebula Cluster members, and about 5 kms smaller than the average of the other Trapezium components. We cast doubt on the coeval nature of this star relative to the other Trapezium components, and present arguments that almost certainly exclude its membership to the Orion Trapezium. $\theta^1$ Ori F turns out to be enigmatic in several respects, and is probably an important link for understanding the evolutionary stage at which the CP phenomenon sets on., Comment: 13 pages, 2 tables, 6 figures, to be published in MNRAS

Spectroscopic observations of AH Herculis during a deep quiescent state are put forward. We found the object in a rare long minima, allowing us to derive accurately the semi-amplitudes: $K_1 =121 \pm \, 4$ \kms\ and $K_2 =152 \pm 2$ \kms\ and its mass functions $M_W{ \sin }^{ 3 }i=0.30 \pm 0.01$ M$_{\odot}$ and $M_R{ \sin }^{ 3 }i=0.24 \pm 0.02$ M$_{\odot}$, while its binary separation is given by $a \sin i =1.39 \pm 0.02$~R$_{\odot}$. The orbital period $P_{orb}$~=~ 0.25812~$\pm~0.00032$~days was found from a power spectrum analysis of the radial velocities of the secondary star. These values are consistent with those determined by \citet{Horne:1986}. Our observations indicate that K5 is the most likely spectral type of the secondary. We discuss why we favour the assumption that the donor in AH Her is a slightly evolved star, in which case we find that the best solution for the inclination yields $i = 48^\circ \pm 2^\circ$. Nonetheless, should the donor be a ZAMS star, we obtain that the inclination is between $ i = 43^\circ$ and $i = 44^\circ$. We also present Doppler tomography of H$\alpha$ and H$\beta$, and found that the emission in both lines is concentrated in a large asymmetric region at low velocities, but at an opposite position to the secondary star, outside the tidal radius and therefore at an unstable position. We also analyse the H$\alpha$ and H$\beta$ line profiles, which show a single broad peak and compare it with the previous quiescent state study which shows a double-peaked profile, providing evidence for its transient nature., Comment: 10 pages, 8 figures, 2 tables, accepted for publication on MNRAS

We propose that a significant fraction of the wide massive binaries in the field are formed as a result of the disintegration of multiple systems of trapezium type. As examples we discuss here the binaries formed from the evolution of the mini-cluster associated with the B component of the Orion Trapezium, from that of the Orion Trapezium itself, and from 10 additional massive trapezia for which we found reliable data in the literature.

We have obtained simultaneous photometric and spectroscopic observations of the cataclysmic variable 1RXS J064434.5+334451. We have calibrated the spectra for slit losses using the simultaneous photometry allowing to construct reliable Doppler images from H$\alpha$ and HeII 4686 emission lines. We have improved the ephemeris of the object based on new photometric eclipse timings, obtaining $HJD = 2453403.759533 + 0.26937446E$. Some eclipses present a clear internal structure which we attribute to a central HeII emission region surrounding the white dwarf, a finding supported by the Doppler tomography. This indicates that the system has a large inclination angle $i=78 \pm 2^{\circ}$. We have also analysed the radial velocity curve from the emission lines to measure its semi--amplitude, $K_1$, from H$\alpha$ and HeII 4686 and derive the masses of the components: $M_1=0.82\pm0.06$ M$_{\odot}$, $M_2=0.78\pm0.04$ M$_{\odot}$ and their separation $a=2.01\pm0.06$ $R_{\odot}$. The Doppler tomography and other observed features in this nova-like system strongly suggests that this is a SW Sex-type system., Comment: 11 pages, 10 figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS

We analyse new optical spectroscopic, direct-image and X-ray observations of the recently discovered a high-proper motion cataclysmic variable V1838 Aql. The data were obtained during its 2013 superoutburst and its subsequent quiescent state. An extended emission around the source was observed up to 30 d after the peak of the superoutburst, interpreted it as a bow shock formed by a quasi-continuous outflow from the source in quiescence. The head of the bow shock is coincident with the high-proper motion vector of the source (v⊥ = 123 ± 5 km s−1) at a distance of d = 202 ± 7 pc. The object was detected as a weak X-ray source (0.015 ± 0.002 counts s−1) in the plateau of the superoutburst and its flux lowered by two times in quiescence (0.007 ± 0.002 counts s−1). Spectroscopic observations in quiescence we confirmed the orbital period value Porb = 0.0545 ± 0.0026 d, consistent with early-superhump estimates, and the following orbital parameters: γ = −21 ± 3 km s−1 and K1 = 53 ± 3 km s−1. The white dwarf is revealed as the system approaches quiescence, which enables us to infer the effective temperature of the primary Teff = 11 600 ± 400 K. The donor temperature is estimated 2200K and suggestive of a system approaching the period minimum. Doppler maps in quiescence show the presence of the hotspot in He I line at the expected accretion disc-stream shock position and an unusual structure of the accretion disc in Hα., The authors are indebted to Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM)/DGAPA for financial support via PAPIIT projects IN111713, IN122409, IN100617, IN102517, IN102617, IN108316, and IN114917. JVHS is supported by a Vidi grant awarded to N. Degenaar by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and acknowledges travel support from DGAPA/UNAM. JE acknowledges support from an LKBF travel grant to visit the Anton Panekoek Institute. VN acknowledges the financial support from the visitor and mobility program of the Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO (FINCA), funded by the Academy of Finland grant No. 306531. GT acknowledges Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT) grant 166376. E. de la F. wishes to thank CGCI-Universidad de Guadalajara staff for mobility support. VS thanks Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) for financial support (grant WE 1312/51-1). His work was also funded by the subsidy allocated to Kazan Federal University for the state assignment in the sphere of scientific activities (3.9780.2017/8.9). We thank Tom Marsh for the use of MOLLY. We acknowledge with thanks the variable star observations from the AAVSO International Data base contributed by observers worldwide and used in this research. We acknowledge the use of public data from the Swift data archive. This research made use of ASTROPY, a community-developed core PYTHON package for Astronomy (Astropy Collaboration et al. 2013), MATPLOTLIB (Hunter 2007) and APLPY (Robitaille & Bressert 2012). Based (partly) on observations made with the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), installed in the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias in the island of La Palma (GTC7-16AMEX). Partly based on observations made with the Nordic Optical Telescope, operated by the Nordic Optical Telescope Scientific Association at the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos, La Palma, Spain, of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias. The data presented here were obtained in part with ALFOSC, which is provided by the Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia (IAA) under a joint agreement with the University of Copenhagen and NOTSA. The results presented in this paper are based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory under programme ID 0100.D0932. We thank the day and night-time support staff at the OANSPM for facilitating and helping obtain our observations. This work has made use of data from the European Space Agency (ESA) mission Gaia (https://www.cosmos.esa.int/gaia), processed by the Gaia Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC, https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/gaia/dpac/consortium). Funding for the DPAC has been provided by national institutions, in particular the institutions participating in the Gaia Multilateral Agreement. We thank J. van den Eijnden for help on Swift's DDT proposal.

We have selected archival observational data for several O and B trapezia in the Milky Way. For each of the main components of the trapezia we obtained transverse velocities from the historical separation data. With this information, and with the stellar masses of the main components, we studied the dynamical evolution of ensembles of multiple systems mimicking each one of the trapezia. For this purpose we conducted numerical $N-$body integrations using the best available values for the masses, the observed positions and {\bf transverse} velocities, randomly generated radial velocities, and random line-of-sight ($z$) positions for all components. Random perturbations were assigned to the observed quantities, compatible with the observational errors. A large fraction of the simulated systems ({\bf between 70 and 90 percent}) turned out to be unbound. The properties of the evolving systems are studied at different values of the evolution time. We find that the dynamical lifetimes of both the bound and unbound seems to be quite short, of less than 10~000 yr for the unbound systems, and of 10~000 to 20~000 yr for the bound systems. The end result of the simulations is usually a binary {\bf with semiaxes of a few hundred AU} sometimes a triple of hierarchical on non-hierarchical type. Non-hierarchical triples formed during the integrations (which are dynamically unstable) were found to have much longer lifetimes, of 250~000 to 500~000 yr. The frequency distributions of the major semi-axes and eccentricities of the resulting binaries are discussed and compared with observational properties of binary systems from the literature., Comment: 17 pages, 13 Figures, 5 Tables, Accepted for publication on MNRAS

We discuss recent observational data on the transverse and radial velocities, as well as on the masses of the main components of the Orion Trapezium. Based on the most reliable values of these quantities we study the dynamical evolution of ensembles of multiple systems mimicking the Orion Trapezium. To this end we conduct numerical $N-$body integrations using the observed masses, planar positions and velocities, radial velocities, and random line-of-sight ($z$) positions for all components. We include perturbations in these quantities compatible with the observational errors. We find the dynamical lifetimes of such systems to be quite short, of the order of 10 to 50 thousand years. The end result of the simulations is usually a tight binary, or sometimes a hierarchical triple. The properties of the evolved systems are studied at different values of the crossing times. The frequency distributions of the major semiaxes and eccentricities of the resulting binaries are discussed and compared with observations., 19 pages, 11 figures, 8 tables, accepted to be published in MNRAS

We present the second paper of a series of publications aiming at obtaining a better understanding regarding the nature of type Ia supernovae (SNIa) progenitors by studying a large sample of detached F, G and K main sequence stars in close orbits with white dwarf companions (i.e. WD+FGK binaries). We employ the LAMOST (Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fibre Spectroscopic Telescope) data release 4 spectroscopic data base together with GALEX (Galaxy Evolution Explorer) ultraviolet fluxes to identify 1,549 WD+FGK binary candidates (1,057 of which are new), thus doubling the number of known sources. We measure the radial velocities of 1,453 of these binaries from the available LAMOST spectra and/or from spectra obtained by us at a wide variety of different telescopes around the globe. The analysis of the radial velocity data allows us to identify 24 systems displaying more than 3sigma radial velocity variation that we classify as close binaries. We also discuss the fraction of close binaries among WD+FGK systems, which we find to be ~10 per cent, and demonstrate that high-resolution spectroscopy is required to efficiently identify double-degenerate SNIa progenitor candidates., Comment: accepted for publication by MNRAS

We used extensive ground-based multisite and archival spectroscopy to derive observational constraints for a seismic modelling of the magnetic beta Cep star V2052 Ophiuchi. The line-profile variability is dominated by a radial mode (f_1=7.14846 d^{-1}) and by rotational modulation (P_rot=3.638833 d). Two non-radial low-amplitude modes (f_2=7.75603 d^{-1} and f_3=6.82308 d^{-1}) are also detected. The four periodicities that we found are the same as the ones discovered from a companion multisite photometric campaign (Handler et al. 2012) and known in the literature. Using the photometric constraints on the degrees l of the pulsation modes, we show that both f_2 and f_3 are prograde modes with (l,m)=(4,2) or (4,3). These results allowed us to deduce ranges for the mass (M \in [8.2,9.6] M_o) and central hydrogen abundance (X_c \in [0.25,0.32]) of V2052 Oph, to identify the radial orders n_1=1, n_2=-3 and n_3=-2, and to derive an equatorial rotation velocity v_eq \in [71,75] km s^{-1}. The model parameters are in full agreement with the effective temperature and surface gravity deduced from spectroscopy. Only models with no or mild core overshooting (alpha_ov \in [0,0.15] local pressure scale heights) can account for the observed properties. Such a low overshooting is opposite to our previous modelling results for the non-magnetic beta Cep star theta Oph having very similar parameters, except for a slower surface rotation rate. We discuss whether this result can be explained by the presence of a magnetic field in V2052 Oph that inhibits mixing in its interior.

We have made a search for common proper motion (CPM) companions to the wide binaries in the solar vicinity. We found that the binary GJ 282AB has a very distant CPM companion (NLTT 18149) at a separation $s=1.09 \arcdeg$. Improved spectral types and radial velocities are obtained, and ages determined for the three components. The Hipparcos trigonometric parallaxes and the new radial velocities and ages turn out to be very similar for the three stars, and provide strong evidence that they form a physical system. At a projected separation of 55733AU from GJ 282AB, NLTT 18149 ranks among the widest physical companions known., Comment: 13 pages, 3 figures, submmited to ApJ

We report Hubble Space Telescope imaging, obtained 155 and 449 days after the 2006 outburst of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi, together with ground-based spectroscopic observations, obtained from the Observatorio Astron\'omico Nacional en San Pedro M\'artir, Baja California, M\'exico and at the Observatorio Astrof\'isico Guillermo Haro, at Cananea, Sonora, M\'exico. The observations at the first epoch were used as inputs to model the geometry and kinematic structure of the evolving RS Oph nebular remnant. We find that the modeled remnant comprises two distinct co-aligned bipolar components; a low-velocity, high-density innermost (hour glass) region and a more extended, high-velocity (dumbbell) structure. This overall structure is in agreement with that deduced from radio observations and optical interferometry at earlier epochs. We find that the asymmetry observed in the west lobe is an instrumental effect caused by the profile of the HST filter and hence demonstrate that this lobe is approaching the observer. We then conclude that the system has an inclination to the line of sight of 39$^{+1}_{-10}$ degrees. This is in agreement with the inclination of the binary orbit and lends support to the proposal that this morphology is due to the interaction of the outburst ejecta with either an accretion disk around the central white dwarf and/or a pre-existing red giant wind that is significantly denser in the equatorial regions of the binary than at the poles. The second epoch HST observation was also modeled. However, as no spectra were taken at this epoch, it is more difficult to constrain any model. Nevertheless, we demonstrate that between the two HST epochs the outer dumbbell structure seems to have expanded linearly., Comment: 33 pages, 9 figures, 1 table, accepted for publication in ApJ

Absolute integrated line fluxes of H ii regions have been measured using a Fabry–Perot spectrophotometer. We describe the observations and calibration procedures. Fluxes are given for 36 H ii regions with Galactocentric distances ranging from 6.6 to 17.7 kpc. Several emission lines have been measured, mainly [O ii] λλ3726 and 3629, Hβ, [O iii] λ5007, He iλ5876 and Hα. The very faint [O iii] λ4363 line has been measured in six regions, allowing a direct determination of the electron temperature. New photometric distances have been derived based on data from the literature. A discussion of these results in terms of extinction, electron density and temperature, and oxygen and helium abundances is given in Paper II.

The absolute integrated fluxes that we obtained (Paper I) for 34 H ii regions, with Galactocentric distances RG in the 6.6–17.7 kpc range, in the emission lines [O ii] λλ3726 and 3729, [O iii] λλ4363 and 5007, He iλ5876, Hα and Hβ, are analysed to derive the extinctions, the electron densities and temperatures, the ionic abundances O+/H+, O++/H+ and He+/H+ and the O/H abundances. The electron temperature has been derived from the [O iii] λ4363/λ5007 ratio in six H ii regions with RG between 6.6 and 14.8 kpc. These new measurements of Te, which are in good agreement with those from radio recombination lines, widen the RG range for which reliable Te measurements exist. Combining our new Te([O iii]) results with the radio values, we obtain the following temperature relationship: TeK]=(372±38)RG+4260±350. The O+/H+ and O++/H+ abundances have been obtained assuming a two-temperature H ii region model. Our O/H relationship for 5 kpc

Using the novel Diffracto-Astrometry technique, we analyze 44 Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 images of the Orion Trapezium (OT) taken over a span of 12 yr (1995-2007). We measure the relative positions of the six brighter OT components (A-F) and supplement these results with measurements of the relative separations and position angles taken from the literature, thus extending our analysis time base to ~200 yr. For every pair of components we find the relative rate of separation as well as the temporal rate of change of their position angles, which enable us to determine the relative kinematics of the system. Component E shows a velocity larger than the OT's escape velocity, thus confirming that it is escaping from the gravitational pull of this system., Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures, 5 tables

There is a relevant and growing effort in Astronomy to store observations in Virtual Observatories to make better use and exploitation of modern and archival data. In that perspective, we are in the process of not only digitalizing the Tonantzintla Schmidt Telescope plate archival (about 15000 plates from 1942-1995), but actually developing a semi-automatic system to process the large amount of direct-imaging and objective-prism data into a homogenous and calibrated set, in order to create an astronomically useful catalogue for data mining and analysis. In particular, for the 4120 spectroscopic plates, the system consists of a series of algorithms that: locate and extract spectra; determine and apply the proper wavelength calibration; carry on the astrometry solution; correlate the astrometry with direct images of the archive (when available); and to label all identifiable objects. In this work we discuss the overall strategy to be implemented and present preliminary results.

High-dispersion time-resolved spectroscopy of the unique magnetic cataclysmic variable AE Aqr is presented. A radial velocity analysis of the absorption lines yields K_2 = 168.7+/- 1 km/s. Substantial deviations of the radial velocity curve from a sinusoid are interpreted in terms of intensity variations over the secondary star's surface. A complex rotational velocity curve as a function of orbital phase is detected which has a modulation frequency of twice the orbital frequency, leading to an estimate of the binary inclination angle that is close to 70^o. The minimum and maximum rotational velocities are used to indirectly derive a mass ratio of q= 0.6 and a radial velocity semi-amplitude of the white dwarf of K_1 = 101+/-3 km/s. We present an atmospheric temperature indicator, based on the absorption line ratio of Fe I and Cr I lines, whose variation indicates that the secondary star varies from K0 to K4 as a function of orbital phase. The ephemeris of the system has been revised, using more than one thousand radial velocity measurements, published over nearly five decades. From the derived radial velocity semi-amplitudes and the estimated inclination angle, we calculate that the masses of the stars are M_1 = 0.63+/-0.05M_sun; M_2 = 0.37+/-0.04 M_sun, and their separation is a = 2.33+/-0.02R_sun. Our analysis indicates the presence of a late-type star whose radius is larger, by a factor of nearly two, than the radius of a normal main sequence star of its mass. Finally we discuss the possibility that the measured variations in the rotational velocity, temperature, and spectral type of the secondary star as functions of orbital phase may, like the radial velocity variations, be attributable to regions of enhanced absorption on the star's surface., 14 pages, 6 figures, accepted in MNRAS

High-resolution spectroscopy of U Gem was obtained during quiescence. We did not find a hot spot or gas stream around the outer boundaries of the accretion disk. Instead, we detected a strong narrow emission near the location of the secondary star. We measured the radial velocity curve from the wings of the double-peaked H$��$ emission line, and obtained a semi-amplitude value that is in excellent agreement with the obtained from observations in the ultraviolet spectral region by Sion et al. (1998). We present also a new method to obtain K_2, which enhances the detection of absorption or emission features arising in the late-type companion. Our results are compared with published values derived from the near-infrared NaI line doublet. From a comparison of the TiO band with those of late type M stars, we find that a best fit is obtained for a M6V star, contributing 5 percent of the total light at that spectral region. Assuming that the radial velocity semi-amplitudes reflect accurately the motion of the binary components, then from our results: K_em = 107+/-2 km/s; K_abs = 310+/-5 km/s, and using the inclination angle given by Zhang & Robinson(1987); i = 69.7+/-0.7, the system parameters become: M_WD = 1.20+/-0.05 M_sun,; M_RD = 0.42+/-0.04 M_sun; and a = 1.55+/- 0.02 R_sun. Based on the separation of the double emission peaks, we calculate an outer disk radius of R_out/a ~0.61, close to the distance of the inner Lagrangian point L_1/a~0.63. Therefore we suggest that, at the time of observations, the accretion disk was filling the Roche-Lobe of the primary, and that the matter leaving the L_1 point was colliding with the disc directly, producing the hot spot at this location., 36 pages, 14 figures, ccepted for publication in AJ

The Observatorio Astronomico Nacional at San Pedro Martir is situated on the summit of the San Pedro Martir Sierra in the Baja California peninsula of Mexico, at 2800m above sea level. For as long as three decades, a number of groups and individuals have gathered extremely valuable data leading to the site characterization for astronomical observations. Here we present a summary of the most important results obtained so far. The aspects covered are: weather, cloud coverage, local meteorology, atmospheric optical extinction, millimetric opacity, geotechnical studies, seeing, optical turbulence profiles, wind profiles and 3D simulations of atmospheric turbulence. The results place San Pedro Martir among the most favorable sites in the world for astronomical observations. It seems to be particularly well-suited for extremely large telescopes because of the excellent turbulence and local wind conditions, to mention but two characteristics. Long-term monitoring of some parameters still have to be undertaken. The National University of Mexico (UNAM) and other international institutions are putting a considerable effort in that sense.

We present the dual IR camera CID for the 2.12 m telescope of the Observatorio Astronomico Nacional de Mexico, IA-UNAM. The system consists of two separate cameras/spectrographs that operate in different regions of the IR spectrum. In the near IR, CID comprises a direct imaging camera with wide band filters, a CVF, and a low resolution spectrograph employing an InSb 256 x 256 detector. In the mid IR, CID uses a BIB 128 x 128 detector for direct imaging in 10 and 20 microns. Optics and mechanics of CID were developed at IR-Labs (Tucson). The electronics was developed by R. Leach (S. Diego). General design, construction of auxiliary optics (oscillating secondary mirror), necessary modifications and optimization of the electronics, and acquisition software were carried out at OAN/ UNAM. The compact design of the instruments allow them to share a single dewar and the cryogenics system.

We studied the environment of the Cataclysmic Variable EY Cyg with direct images obtained in Hα. We were motivated by the very unusual light curve of this extremely long orbital period and extremely low inclination CV, which could be an indication of a common envelope around the object. The complex Hα emission at the background complicates the identification of nebular emission associated with EY Cyg.

We have observed WZ Sge with high resolution echelle spectroscopy during the 2001 superoutburst. The hot‐spot arising near the secondary star is again visible 15 days after its first detection. We have been able to measure its position as a function of orbital phase directly from individual spectra. We derive a a semiamplitude of Khs = 457 ± 16km s−1 and a systemic velocity of γ = 0 ± 14km s−1. We also show that the accretion disc has an ellipsoidal shape with a value around e = 0.75. Based on these facts we derive a phase shift of ΔΦ = −0.12 between the eclipse and the inferior conjuntion ephemeris. If this is the case, then the hot‐spot appears located at the trailing side of the red dwarf and must be the result of in‐falling material back to the donor star.

A Fabry—Perot spectrophotometer was used to obtain integrated line fluxes of Galactic H II regions through large diaphragms rather than slits. Fluxes of [O II] λ 3726 and λ 3727, [0 III] λ 4363 and λ 5007, He I λ 5876, Hδ, Hs and Hα were measured in thirty-six H II Galactic H II regions ranging from 6.5 to 17.5 kpc in distance from the Galactic Centre. This homogeneous set of observations was reduced in a consistent manner.

The results of photometric and spectroscopic observations of dwarf novae are presented. The data were obtained during an international program of multiwavelength observations, held in 1986 February at several observatories, of dwarf novae during the first and subsequent days of outburst. During the campaign numerous dwarf novae were monitored in order to catch them in outburst. Preliminary results and analysis of some objects are reported elsewhere. A total of 30 dwarf novae were observed in the northern and southern hemispheres. Among them 37% were caught in outburst, including 10% on the rise to outburst and 17% in decline. Photometric observations were carried out in the UBVRI system and colour indexes were calculated. Colour-colour diagrams and light curves of the particular stars were constructed. U - B, B - V and V - R, B - V diagrams are presented in Figs. 1 and 2 respectively. The data shown in Figs. 1 and 2 confirm many results obtained previously, and shows clustering of the objects, depending on their orbital periods, above the main sequence at minimum (Echevarria 1984; Echevarria, Costero & Michel 1993). This region is a very large one, reflecting differences in types of dwarf novae. SU UMa type stars and other short period systems are considerably bluer in both U - B and B - V colours. During an outburst cycle, the systems trace a loop on the colour-colour diagram, with the general pattern shown in the U - B, B - V diagram.

SU UMa — the prototype of a subgroup of dwarf novae, which displays superhumps in superoutbursts, has been observed1 during an international campaign dedicated to the observation of the first day of outburst of dwarf novae during February 1986. After the start of a brightening was reported, the star was monitored by IUE, ground-based photometry and spectrophotometry, IR-photometry and Radio observations by VLA. However, it did not undergo to a normal outburst or a superoutburst.

The central star of NGC 2346 is a well known binary with an A-type primary and a hot companion (Mendez and Niemela 1981). The star went through a series of periodic light variations which ceased in 1986 and were interpreted as an eclipse of a dust cloud passing in front of the binary system (e.g. Mendez et al. 1982, Costero et al. 1986). Recently, light variations reappeared with shallower minima compared to the previous eclipse (e.g. Kohoutek et al. 1992).

We report optical photometric observations of the Seyfert nucleus NGC 7469. During the first observing run in 1989, night-to-night measurements were done during 13 photometric nights spanning November 3-30. The largest variation, Δm=0 m .403, within a 20 arcsec diaphragm, occurred in eleven days and a decrease in brightness of Δm=0 m .337 (∼70% of the luminosity of the unresolved nuclear component) occurred in only five days. During the second run in August 1990, all-night monitoring was done during five photometric nights (∼29 hr) using differential photometry techniques

High dispersion time-resolved spectrograms of the dwarf nova SS Cygni, obtained with the Echelle-Mepsicron system, show double peaked emission lines with a complex profile. The intensity of the Hβ line appears to be modulated by the orbital period. Radial velocity measurements of the wings of Hβ and of the absorption line system of the late-type star yield semiamplitude values of Kem = 101 ± 6 km s-1 and Kab = 151 ± 7 km s-1, respectively. Radial velocity measurements of the blue and red peaks and of the central absorption of Hβ reveal a synchronous movement with the broad wings, although there is some evidence of a narrow component probably associated with a hot spot in the disk or a chromospheric emission line from the secondary star. The Hβ modulation, the double profile and recently discovered UBV light variations support an inclination angle i ~ 50°. The masses of the primary and secondary stars using this angle and the observed semiamplitudes are Mp = 0.60 M(c) and Ms = 0.40 M◉, respectively. A detailed analysis of the absorption lines reveals a spectral type of K2V.

On presente des observations VLA de la nebuleuse bipolaire NGC 6302 a 2,6 et 21 cm, en emission continue, a 2 cm dans la raie 476α et a 21 cm dans la raie HI. La plus grande partie de l'emission continue provient d'un toroide ionise de diametre angulaire exterieur +10 secarc. Les caracteristiques de NGC 6302 et de son etoile centrale sont celles d'une nebuleuse planetaire jeune

New observations of the eclipses of the central star of NGC23H6 are presented; these, together with other data available in the litterature allow us to elaborate on a detailed model for the obscuring dust cloud.

With the objective of investigating the wind±wind collision phenomenon and supporting contemporaneous X-ray observations, we have organized a large-scale, coordinated optical monitoring campaign of the massive, highly eccentric O9III1B1III binary Iota Orionis. Successfully separating the spectra of the components, we refine the orbital elements and confirm the rapid apsidal motion in the system. We also see strong interaction between the components during periastron passage and detect phase-locked variability in the spectrum of the secondary star. However, we find no unambiguous signs of the bow shock crashing on the surface of the secondary, despite the predictions of hydrodynamic simulations. Combining all available photometric data, we find rapid, phase-locked variations and model them numerically, thus restricting the orbital inclination to 50 8& i & 708

We present an in-depth photometric study of the 2013 superoutburst of the recently discovered cataclysmic variable V1838 Aql and subsequent photometry near its quiescent state. A careful examination of the development of the superhumps is presented. Our best determination of the orbital period is Porb = 0.05698(9) days, based on the periodicity of early superhumps. Comparing the superhump periods at stages A and B with the early superhump value we derive a period excess of {\epsilon} = 0.024(2) and a mass ratio of q = 0.10(1). We suggest that V1838 Aql is approaching the orbital period minimum and thus has a low-mass star as a donor instead of a sub-stellar object., Comment: Rev. Mex A. A. accepted manuscript. 19 pages, 6 figures

We present a theoretical analysis of the measuring algorithm we use when applying the Diffracto-Astrometry technique to Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) saturated stellar images. Theoretical Point Spread Functions (PSFs) were generated using the Tiny Tim software for the four CCDs in the WFPC2 and for some of the available filters. These images were then measured with our Diffracto-Astrometry measuring algorithm using only their diffraction pattern, and positions for the simulated PSFs on each generated CCD-frame were obtained. The measuring algorithm recovers the original positions reasonably well ($\pm 0.1\ \rm{to} \ \pm 0.4$ pixels). However, slight deviations from the original values are observed. These also vary with position over the entire surface of the CCD. We adjust the difference between the real and the measured position with a quadratic function of the coordinates. The transformation coefficients also present a slight correlation with the filter effective wavelength. Application of these transformation coefficients allows us to determine the position of a stellar image with a precision of a few hundredths of a pixel., Comment: 25 pages, 8 tables 6 figures

High dispersion time-resolved spectrograms of the dwarf nova SS Cygni, obtained with the Echelle-Mepsicron system, show double peaked emission lines with a complex profile. The intensity of the Hβ line appears to be modulated by the orbital period. Radial velocity measurements of the wings of Hβ and of the absorption line system of the late-type star yield semiamplitude values of Kem = 101 ± 6 km s−1 and Kab = 151 ± 7 km s−1, respectively. Radial velocity measurements of the blue and red peaks and of the central absorption of Hβ reveal a synchronous movement with the broad wings, although there is some evidence of a narrow component probably associated with a hot spot in the disk or a chromospheric emission line from the secondary star. The Hβ modulation, the double profile and recently discovered UBV light variations support an inclination angle i ~ 50°. The masses of the primary and secondary stars using this angle and the observed semiamplitudes are Mp = 0.60 M⊙ and Ms = 0.40 M⊙, respectively. A detailed analysis of the absorption lines reveals a spectral type of K2V.