Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Breger, M.; Wheeler, J. C.

doi: 10.1086/130703pmid: N/A

The colors of the blue straggler K1211 in the open cluster NGC 7789 have been redetermined and the reddening of the cluster has been reexamined in view of existing inconsistencies in the basic data. Two approaches were taken: (1) the reddening was calculated from the photometric indices alone, and (2) the spectral type was matched with the observed color or colors. As a result of reanalysis of cluster reddening, E(B-V) = 0.27 m, and (B-v)o = -0.08 have been adopted for K1211. If the star is evolving normally off the main sequence, it has a mass of about 3 solar masses in a cluster with turnoff mass about 1.5 solar mass. Thus, K1211 is just at or slightly beyond the limiting mass allowed in the simplest scenario in which blue stragglers are produced by binary mass transfer.

Tomaszewski, L.; Symonds, G. R.; Landstreet, J. D.

doi: 10.1086/130704pmid: N/A

A spectropolarimeter has been constructed which combines a Pockels cell polarization modulator, a standard Cassegrain spectrograph, and an intensifier-dissector-scanner-type detector. The resulting instrument is capable of measuring a wavelength dependence of polarization over a 2000 A band with 15 A-20 A resolution. This paper describes the distinctive design features of the spectropolarimeter and number of tests of its performance.

Feldt, A. N.; Chincarini, G.

doi: 10.1086/130705pmid: N/A

The period variation (k) and orbital elements, such as the epoch period and radial velocity, are computed for the two spectroscopic noneclipsing binaries using data published by Walker and Chincarini (1968), and Smak (1969) for the SS Cygni and data from Chincarini and Walker (1980), and Joy (1954) for the AE Aquarii. The SS Cygni k value is significant to about a 5 standard deviation, while the AE Aquarii k value is significant to about 0.5 standard deviation. The various data are compared and the main characteristics of both binary systems are summarized.

Lippincott, S. L.; Turner, A.

doi: 10.1086/130706pmid: N/A

The unseen companion of BD +27°4120, CC 1299, was discovered in 1964 from plates taken with the Sproul refractor from 19399-63. The observations extending to 1979 are satisfied by a period of 85 years. With an adopted mass range for CC 1299, 0.44-0.55Msun, the most likely mass for the unseen companion ranges between 9.23 and 0.29 Msun, with Mr ̃ 13. This interpretation leads to a somewhat underluminous Ni dwarf companion. The semi-major axis of the photocentric orbit, α = 0"436 ± 0".004 (p.e.) and the Sproul absolute parallax, π = 0".081 ± 0".002 (p.e.).

Schwartz, P. R.

doi: 10.1086/130707pmid: N/A

The millimeter wavelength spectrum of MWC 349 has been measured and fit to an empirical spectrum: Snu = 0.0667 (nu/GHz) exp 0.6 Jy. It is suggested that objects like MWC 349 are attractive calibrators at millimeter, submillimeter, and far-infrared wavelengths.