Discovery of the First Interstellar Comet and the Spatial Density of Interstellar Objects in the Solar Neighborhood

Solar System Research - The discovery of the first interstellar comet 2I/Borisov confirmed the astronomers’ speculation that the passage through the solar system of relatively large objects...     

A coupled,dynamical and chemical model for the prestellar core L1544: Comparison of modeled and observed C<Superscript>18</Superscript>O,HCO<Superscript>+</Superscript>, and CS emission spectra

We consider radiative transfer in C¹⁸O, HCO⁺, and CS molecular lines in a spherically symmetrical, coupled, dynamical and chemical model of a prestellar core whose evolution is determined by ambipolar diffusion. Theoretical and observed line profiles are compared for the well-studied core L1544, which may be a collapsing protostellar cloud. We study the relationship between the line shapes and model parameters. The structure of the envelope and kinematic parameters of the cloud are the most important factors determining the shape of the lines. Varying the input model parameters for the radiative transfer—the kinetic temperature and microturbulent velocity—within the limits imposed by observations does not result in any substantial variations of the line profiles. The comparison between the model and observed spectra indicates that L1544 displays a flattened structure, and is viewed at an oblique angle. A two-dimensional model is needed to reproduce this structure.     

Scientific problems addressed by the Spektr-UV space project (world space Observatory—Ultraviolet)

The article presents a review of scientific problems and methods of ultraviolet astronomy, focusing on perspective scientific problems (directions) whose solution requires UV space observatories. These include reionization and the history of star formation in the Universe, searches for dark baryonic matter, physical and chemical processes in the interstellar medium and protoplanetary disks, the physics of accretion and outflows in astrophysical objects, from Active Galactic Nuclei to close binary stars, stellar activity (for both low-mass and high-mass stars), and processes occurring in the atmospheres of both planets in the solar system and exoplanets. Technological progress in UV astronomy achieved in recent years is also considered. The well advanced, international, Russian-led Spektr-UV (World Space Observatory—Ultraviolet) project is described in more detail. This project is directed at creating a major space observatory operational in the ultraviolet (115–310 nm). This observatory will provide an effective, and possibly the only, powerful means of observing in this spectral range over the next ten years, and will be an powerful tool for resolving many topical scientific problems.     

The Sweeping-out of Dust by Radiation Pressure of Stars and Chemical Composition Peculiarities of Disc Galaxies

Astronomy Reports - We consider the drift of dust grains of various sizes and chemical compositions caused by the stellar radiation pressure in the vicinity of the Milky Way. When integrating the...     

The radial gradient of heavy-element abundances in disk galaxies

Various origins for the formation of the heavy-element abundance gradients observed in nearly all disk galaxies are analyzed in the framework of evolutionary models. In an isolated galaxy, there is a radial gradient of the abundance of heavy elements only early in its evolution (the first several billion years), which subsequently practically disappears. The gradients of chemical compositions of young objects and the interstellar gas require that typical disk galaxies be open systems (i.e., that they eject some heavy elements into circumgalactic space and/or accrete intergalactic gas) and that the rates of both processes be dependent on galactocentric distance.     

On the modern approach to the problem of detecting hazardous celestial bodies

The problem of detecting dangerous (in the sense of a collision with the Earth) celestial bodies of natural origin and the modern concept of building a system of detection of such bodies are discussed. The concept includes two items: remote detection of large (>50 m) hazardous objects providing warning time of several tens of days, which is sufficient to allow the active counteraction and detection of hazardous bodies larger than 10 m in near-Earth space providing warning time of few hours, which is sufficient to issue a warning and to carry out mitigation activities. Some examples of this approach and prospects of the international cooperation are discussed.     

Erratum to: The Sweeping-out of Dust by Radiation Pressure of Stars and Chemical Composition Peculiarities of Disc Galaxies

Astronomy Reports - An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1063772922080054     

All-sky ultraviolet surveys: the needs and the means

This is a crucial time in the history of astronomy with major all-sky surveying work being carried out in all spectral bands, as well as in astrometry. The results of this activity are advancing all fields of astrophysical research, from the investigation of exo-planetary systems to the study of the chemical evolution of the Universe. Full sky surveys are available from the radio domain to X-ray wavelengths but not in the ultraviolet range (UV). While large UV missions are currently under discussion within the astrophysical community and at the major Space Agencies, the efficient use of resources requires preparatory work that can fill the UV surveying gap. This article summarizes the research and on-going activities in this field.     

The importance of intermediate size space missions to maintain access for astronomers to the space windows (Science with the World Space Observatory)

General, technological and scientific premises of new UV-opticalobservatory (e.g. World Space Observatory) are briefly discussed. The 2-m class telescopewith high-resolution spectrograph and imaging camera seems to be a proper combination for the multipurpose observatory.