bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Science with Small Observatory Instruments
Authors: Samec Ron G.
Published: July 2016

Good science can be done with small instruments. Very productive research in the area of short period interacting binary systems has been conducted by the authors with PMT’s and small CCD cameras attached to 0.28 m to 0.9-m instruments. A summary of important results over the past fourteen years is presented along with current work on the interesting semidetached and contact solar type systems TY UMa, V523 Cas, CN And, VZ Psc and BE Cep. Light curve asymmetries in CN And, BE Cep and possibly others indicate the presence of gas streams. This may signal that they are undergoing evolution into contact, an important but rarely observed stage in binary star evolution. Period studies are presented for each of the systems, documenting interesting orbital histories. V523 Cas and TY UMa display large period changes giving evidence of a light time effect due to a third body. This research has been largely supported at the local level and by small research grants from the American Astronomical Society.
Electronic Access to Journals
Authors: Abt Helmut A.
Published: July 2016

The use made of electronic access to journals by astronomers in some developing countries is estimated and compared with the use made of it by astronomers in developed countries.
The Physics-Astronomy-Mathematics Asia-Pacific Forum: A Network for Librarians and Information Specialists
Authors: Regan Jeanette
Published: July 2016

Non-commercial astronomical publications have been freely distributed worldwide to relevant institutions for more than a century. Astronomers have considered collaboration a very important aspect of their work and, to assist them, librarians have established a supportive international network.
Zimbabwe – The Place for Astronomy at the next Total Solar Eclipse
Authors: Podmore Francis
Published: July 2016

With clear skies most of the year, low levels of light and industrial pollution and location (we can see 96% of the celestial sphere) Zimbabwe is an excellent place for astronomy. For nearly 100 years a small but dedicated and talented band of amateur astronomers have been making hundreds of observations of occultations and variable stars, and contibuted 10% of the global total of reports to the International Halley Watch. The Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (Harare Centre) is 25 years old and the largest telescopes (mostly ‘home-made’) in the country are owned by members. Active preparations for the next two solar eclipses include site selection, coordination or safaris and free distribution of information packs and over 100 000 eclipse viewers to all schools. If the economy doesn’t collapse, good government and respect for law and order return, the planes keep flying and fuel shortages end, we look forward to welcoming hundreds of eclipse watchers to a dramatic 3 minute spectacle on 21 June 2001.
Commission 4: Ephemerides
Authors: Standish E. M. , Chapront J. , Abalakin V. K. , Arlot J.-E. , Fukushima T. , He M.-F. , Hohenkerk C. Y. , Kaplan G. H. , Kaplan G. H. , Kinoshita H. , Krasinsky G. A. , Lieske J. H. , Schwan H. , Seidelmann P. K.
Published: July 2016

The Commission has established its own website (http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/iau-comm4/) containing the following main topics:

Information

Where to Obtain Ephemerides

Recent Papers and Information Related to Ephemerides

Observational Data

(Measurements to which the ephemerides are adjusted)

Commission 4 Personnel

Commission 4 Activity

The Commission presently has 88 full members and 3 consultants.
Commission 24: Photographic Astrometry: (Astrometrie Photographique)
Authors: Schilbach E. , Jin Wenjing , Crézé M. , Hemenway P. D. , Kumkova I. I. , Platais I. K. , Röser S. , Turon C. , Wang J. J.
Published: July 2016

The scope of scientific interests of about 130 Commission members is much more complex than one may expect from the title of the commission. Besides traditional topics like the compilation of astrometric catalogues and the construction of an inertial reference system, more and more investigations performed by our members have been dedicated to the astrophysical interpretation of observations including among others astrometric data.
Commission 20: Positions and Motions of Minor Planets, Comets and Satellites: (Positions et Mouvements des Petites Planetes, Des Cometei et des Satellites)
Authors: Rickman H. , Bowell E.L.G. , Aksnes K. , Arlot J.-E. , Carusi A. , Lemaître A. , Marsden B.G. , Shor V.A. , Yeomans D.K. , Zhang J.-X. , Valsecchi G.B.
Published: July 2016

This Comm. 20 triennial report is prepared as a short summary of the scientific progress in the fields of interest, where, by necessity, only a few highlights are to be mentioned. On the Comm. 20 webpage, the interested reader may find a more complete list of recent references to the relevant literature. Its URL at the time of writing (October 1999) is www.astro.uu.se/IAU/c20/, but mirror sites are expected to have been set up at the time of appearance of these Transactions.
Working Group on Satellites: (Groupe de Travail Pour Satellites)
Authors: Arlot J.E. , Aksnes K. , Blanco C. , Jacobson R.A. , Lieske J.H. , Mulholland J.D. , Nakamura T. , Pascu D. , Rapaport M. , Seidelmann P.K. , Emelianov N. , Taylor D.B. , Viera-Martins R.
Published: July 2016

During the period from July 1996 to Dec 1998, 189 photographic positions of the galilean satellites were obtained with the zonal astrograph (D=120 mm, F=2044mm). In the year 1998 the close approach of the satellite system with the star N 117881 from the HIPPARCOS catalogue was observed. The observations of 1996 were processed using PPM catalogue and the observations of 1997, 1998 in the ICRS using HIPPARCOS and ACTRC star catalogues. The results are not yet published, but are available upon request. Observations made since 1962 up to 1996 with the zonal astrograph were reprocessed and results are in preparation for publication. During the period from 1996 to 1998, 69 positions of the Galilean satellites were determined by photoelectric meridian observations with the Repsold meridian circle equipped by CCD-microscopes (F=2150 mm, D=150 mm).
Division IV: Stars: (Etoiles)
Authors: Cram Lawrence , Barbuy Beatriz , Gerbaldi Michele , Lambert David , Pallavicini Roberto , Zahn Jean-Paul , Zinnecker Hans
Published: July 2016

Division IV organises astronomers studying the characterisation, interior and atmospheric structure, and evolution of stars of all masses, ages, and chemical compositions. The Executive Committee of the Division comprises the Presidents of the Five Commissions of the Division, and the Past Division President.

One of the main tasks of the Division is to advise the Executive Committee of the IAU on meetings proposed by members of the IAU. Members wishing to seek IAU support for proposed scientific meetings should follow the IAU rules for such meetings.
Working Group on Ap and Related Stars: (Groupe de Travail Pour Les Etoiles Particulieres de Type a)
Authors: Takada-Hidai Masahide , Alecian Georges , Gray Richard O. , Landolfi Marco , North Pierre , Stepien Kazimierz , Weiss Werner W. , Zverko Juraj
Published: July 2016

The JD 16 was held on August 25, 1997 as one-day session with the title of “Spectroscopy with Large Telescope of Chemically Peculiar Stars”. It was supported by the Division IV and Commissions 14, 27, 29, 36, and 45.

The members of SOC were: G. Alecian, J. Babel, M. Gerbaldi, R. O. Gray, G. Mathys, P. North, M. Takada-Hidai (Chairperson), and J. Zverko (Co-chairperson).

15 talks and 18 contributed posters were presented on six topics of (1) model atmospheres and atomic data, (2) stellar parameters, (3) LTE and NLTE abundance analyses, (4) diffusion processes, (5) magnetic fields, and (6) variabilities. Approximate number of participants amounted to 50 at maximum.
Commission 42: Close Binary Stars: (Etoiles Doubles Serrees)
Authors: Guinan Edward F. , Szkody P. , Rodono M. , Bianchi L. , Clausen J.V. , Drechsel H. , Hill G. , Kenyon S.J. , Niemela V.S. , Osaki Y. , Sterken C.L. , Taam R.E. , Vilhu O. , Wheeler J.C. , Wood J.H.
Published: July 2016

This is the last triennial report of Commission 42 for this millennium. A great deal has been accomplished in the study of Close Binary Stars (CBS) since the discovery of the first close (eclipsing) binary, Algol, in 1783 by John Goodricke. Now, over 10,000 CBS (most eclipsing variables) are known. More than 5000 of these CBS were discovered over the last several years alone! And many more are expected to be detected over the next few years. Most of these stars were found as spin-offs of microlensing surveys. Interestingly, nearly half of these stars are found outside our Galaxy, primarily in the Magellanic Clouds and M31. Every type of star is represented as a member of a close binary. These include main sequence (as well as pre-main sequence) stars, giants, and supergiants, with the entire possible range of of spectral types and masses represented. Moreover, “dying” stars and “dead” stars, such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, and, more recently, even brown dwarfs and giant planets (e.g., 51 Peg) have been found as members of close binary systems.
Commission 37: Star Clusters and Associations: (Amas Stellaires et Associations)
Authors: Da Costa Gary S. , Meylan Georges , Aarseth S. , Buonanno R. , Cannon R. , Castellani V. , Cudworth K. , Lada C. , Sarajedini A.
Published: July 2016

With the exception of the activities associated with the XXIII IAU General Assembly in Kyoto, Japan, in August 1997, the report period (July 1, 1996 through June 30, 1999) has been a relatively quiet one for Commission 37. Commission activities have been restricted primarily to the consideration of proposals for IAU Symposia and Colloquia together with some activity related to cluster nomenclature issues. At the General Assembly the commission was involved in either supporting or co-supporting four Joint Discussion sessions and one of the accompanying Symposia. Eighteen new members were added to the commission, increasing membership by just under 10%.
Commission 47: Cosmology: (Cosmologie)
Authors: Szalay Alexander , Peacock John , da Costa Y. Chu L. , Einasto J. , Ellis G. , Koo D. , Lilly S. , Narlikar J. , Shaver P. , Webster R. , White S. , Wolfe A.
Published: July 2016

Cosmology is one of the most dynamically evolving areas of astrophysics today. Twenty years ago the estimates of the amplitude of the primordial fluctuations were about 10-3, almost a factor of 100 off of today’s measurements. Ten years ago we could only hope for high precision measurements of large scale structure, there were less than 5000 redshifts measured, and only a handful of normal galaxies with z > 1 were known. Computer models of structure formation had just begun to consider non-power-law spectra based on physical models like hot/cold dark matter. As a consequence there was considerable freedom in adjusting parameters in the various galaxy formation scenarios. In contrast, many of today’s debates are about factors of 2 and soon we will be arguing about 10% differences. The Harrison-Zeldovich shape of the primordial fluctuation spectrum, first derived from philosophical arguments can now be quantified from detections of fluctuations by COBE. The number of available redshifts is beyond 50,000, and soon we will have redshift surveys surpassing 1 million galaxies. N-body simulations are becoming more sophisticated, of higher resolution, and incorporating complex gas dynamics.
Commission 9: Instrumentation and Techniques: (Instrumentation et Techniques)
Authors: McLean Ian S. , Su Ding-Qiang , Armstrong Thomas , Brosch Noah , Cullum Martin , Dennefeld Michel , Jacoby George , Jordan Carol , Lelievre Gerard , Nishimura Shiro , Saxena A.K. , Tango William , Tsvetkov Milcho
Published: July 2016

The last triennium, and coincidentally the last few years of the 20th century, has been a most remarkable time for Commission 9, and for astronomy in general. Ground-based astronomy in particular has received an enormous boost due to the arrival of an astonishing array of new telescopes, novel instruments and innovative techniques. For those of us closely involved in developing new observatories, instrumentation or detectors, the last few years have been rather hectic! As an astronomer with a long-time interest in the development of new instruments, what amazes me is the breadth of technology and the visionary scope of all these incredible new achievements. Many of the very large 8-10 meter class telescopes are now coming into full operation – yet, just as this is happening, numerous smaller “survey” telescopes are providing a wealth of new sources. Adaptive optics is being practiced at many sites and diffraction-limited imaging from the ground is now a reality. Several optical-IR interferometers are now working and more are coming along very soon. Detectors continue to get bigger and better, especially for the infrared, and instrumentation is increasingly more sophisticated, complex and efficient. Remote observing, robotic telescopes and global networks of telescopes are common, and international collaborations are larger and stronger than ever before.
Commission 5: Documentation and Astronomical Data: (Documentation et Donnees Astronomiques)
Authors: Dhizhnevskaya O. , Genova F. , Hauck B. , Boyce P. , Beaseli M. , Dickel H. , Hearn A. , Jenkner H. , Murtagh F. , Nakajima K. , Ochsenbein F. , Piskunov A. , Raimond E. , Riegler G. , Wells D. , Wielen R. , Youngheng Z.
Published: July 2016

Four working groups and three task groups of IAU Commission 5 deal specifically with information handling, technical aspects of collection, archiving, storage and dissemination of data, with designations and classification of astronomical objects, with library services, editorial policies, computer communications, ad hoc methodologies, and with various standards, reference frames etc. Information about Commission 5 working and task groups and their activities may be found in http://nut.inasan.rssi.ru/IAU/.
Commission 38: Exchange of Astronomers: (Echange Des Astronomes)
Authors: Roberts M. S. , West R. M. , Chitre D. , Ducati J. , Jorgensen H. , Krishna G. , Morimoto M. , Tolbert C. , Ye S. , Boyarchuk A. , Caccin B. , Cannon R. , Capaccioli M. , Florsch A. , Haupt H. , Kozai Y. , Leung K. , MacRae D. , Nha S. , Ninkovic S. , Okoye S. , Othman M. , Routly P. , Sahade J. , Smith G. , Straizys V. , Swarup G. , den Heuvel E. van , Wang S. , Zhao J.
Published: July 2016

Thirty five grants were made during the triennium October 1, 1996 to September 30, 1999. The astronomer, home country, and host country are listed below.
Commission 50: Protection of Existing and Potential Observatory Sites: (Protection Des Sites D’observatoires Existants Et potentiels)
Authors: Sullivan W. , Cohen J. , Crawford D. , Hidayat B. , Isobe S. , Jiang S.-Y. , Malin D. , McNally D. , Spoelstra T.
Published: July 2016

The chief activities of the Commission for this period were the organizing of two important meetings. The first was held as Joint Discussion 5 at the Kyoto General Assembly in August 1997. The proceedings have now appeared as “Preserving the Astronomical Windows”, edited by S. Isobe (1997).
Working Group for the Worldwide Development of Astronomy: (Groupe de Travail Pour le Developpement Mondial de L’Astronomie)
Authors: Batten A.H. , Fierro J. , Hearnshaw J.B. , Hidayat B. , Kozai Y. , McNally D. , de Carias M. Pineda , Roberts M.S. , Wentzel D.G. , Raither S.
Published: July 2016

The Working Group often overlaps in responsibilities with other Commissions, particularly with Commission 46. Some projects (e.g. TAD) may begin on the initiative of our Group but are maintained by Commission 46. TAD programmes are now running in Viet Nam and Central America and one will begin soon in Morocco. Preliminary inquiries have been received from other countries.
4. Ephemerides
Authors: Sinzi A M , Lederle T , Abalakin V K , Aoki S , Duncombe R L , Lieske J H , Morando B L , Orte A , Seidelmann P K , Wilkins G A , Yallop B D
Published: July 2016

Because of unforeseen difficulties, Dr Sinzi, President of the Commission, was not able to prepare this Report. It was then too late for asking the Directors of the almanac offices and the other Members of the Commission for informations. This Report is therefore based on the material just available, and it must be apologized for some lack from which it necessarily suffers. If possible, any omitted facts which appear to be serious, may be included in the Report for the following triennium.
22. Meteors and Interplanetary Dust
Authors: Elford W.G.
Published: July 2016

Following past practice, a number of authors have contributed reviews of their own field. These contributions have been edited by the President to reduce major overlaps and in some cases, due to space constraints, to reduce the length of the reviews. When possible reference numbers in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Abstracts are used. As editor, the President accepts responsibility for any shortcomings in the report.
24. Photographic Astrometry
Authors: Eichhorn Heinrich
Published: July 2016

The name of this commission was recently changed from “Parallaxes and Proper Motions”. These data are at this time indeed obtained mostly by the techniques of photographic astrometry, but so is the bulk of relative star positions. It is clear, however, that the nonabsolute determination of relative positions and data derived from them in narrow fields (which describes the scope of this Commission) is going to be carried out more and more also by nonphotographic methods, namely photoelectrically (Earth and satellite based) by interferometry (optical, radio, and speckle) and by direct imaging. This therefore creates considerable overlap with the subject areas and methods of a number of other Commissions, especially Commission 8, and it will be appropriate for Commission 24 in the near future to examine critically the overlapping areas of interest and to come to an agreement about the definition of the proper responsibilities of the individual commissions.
35. Stellar Constitution
Authors: Tayler R.J.
Published: July 2016

Once again this report consists of detailed discussions of a limited number of topics of current interest, which have not been discussed in recent reports. The subjects are: Mixing in Stellar Evolution (A. Maeder); Supernovae (J. Craig Wheeler); Theory of Variable Stars (J. Cox); Theoretical Studies of Star Formation (J. J. Monaghan); The Age and Helium Content of Globular Clusters (V. Castellani). Because the first three contributions have been written by different authors there is a small amount of overlap in their contents. I am very grateful to the authors for providing their reports very promptly. The references are in general identified by their number in Astronomy and Astrophysics Abstracts but many references are too recent for this to be possible and a few others were not included in A & A Abstracts.
47. Cosmology
Authors: Abell G.O.
Published: July 2016

For the preparation of this report, I solicited recommendations from all members of the Commission, and also invited them to submit very brief statements of activities of themselves or others that they believed should be considered for inclusion. I received a large number of replies (unfortunately, many in the form of extensive reprints and preprints). I have tried to incorporate most suggestions, and to summarize the activities of Commission members as well as activities described in other sources to provide as broad an account as I have been able of the developments relating to cosmology since the last General Assembly in 1979. In am sure, however, that this report falls short of being complete, especially in the areas of theoretical cosmology, in which I am not really expert.
Spectra Due to Dielectronic Recombination
Authors: Dubau J , Bely-Dubau F
Published: July 2016

Dielectronic recombination (DR) is an electron-ion process particularly effective in high temperature plasmas such as those observed in the Solar Corona, Supernovae remnants in fusion plasmas (Tokamak and laser produced plasmas). This process is a resonant capture process of projectile electrons by a target ion as one of the target electron is excited, thereby forming an intermediate autionising state which can decay radiatively to a singly excited state. DR plays an important role on the establishment of ionisation equilibrium in the plasma and is also responsible for spectral lines appearing as satellites of the resonance lines of the target ion. The analysis and interpretation of such satellite lines in terms of plasma diagnostics has been widely used in soft X-ray spectroscopy during the last decade, and has given reliable estimates of the physical parameters of the plasma (electron and ion temperatures and densities). In the case of H-like and He-like resonance lines, high resolution spectra have been obtained in Tokamak for Z = 14 - 28 and most of the satellites have been clearly identified. To help the reader to go further we give some references of solar studies 2, 3, 4, 0, Tokamak 6, 7, laser plasma 8, 9.
34. Interstellar Matter and Planetary Nebulae
Authors: Woerden H. van
Published: July 2016

The subject of interstellar matter is one of the most active fields of astronomical research to-day. Observational information spans the full electromagnetic spectrum from long radio waves to gamma rays and includes cosmic-ray particles. Results of chemical research find as much application now as mathematical methods. Interstellar matter plays a leading role in galactic and extragalactic research, and contributes increasingly to stellar astronomy and in solar system studies.
37. Star Clusters and Associations
Authors: King I. R.
Published: July 2016

This triennium has been quiet but industrious. Information and understanding about star clusters and associations have advanced in a quantitative way, on a broad front that encompasses all their aspects. The tabulations given below refer to many of the well-known objects, for which improved data are now available, plus an impressive number of objects that heretofore have been little more than catalogue entries. Clusters and associations have always been the source, the stage, and the touchstone for the investigation of star birth, stellar evolution, populations, and galactic structure, and the data of the 1976 report of Commission 37 will figure in the scientific advances reported in 1979 by several other IAU Commissions.
44. Astronomical Observations From Outside The Terrestrial Atmosphere
Authors: Code A. D.
Published: July 2016

Commission 44 is by title technique oriented. The following statement of the role of the commission was prepared for use by the General Secretary in responding to requests by non-astronomers with respect to the activities of IAU commissions.

‘The Earth’s atmosphere is opaque to radiation throughout most of the electromagnetic spectrum. The light reaching the surface of the Earth from celestial objects is confined primarily to the visual region of the spectrum and a larger window in the radio region. Much of the infrared and all the far ultraviolet, X-ray and γ-ray radiation are absorbed in the upper atmosphere. Thus astronomers must carry their telescopes and auxiliary instrumentation above the Earth’s atmosphere to unlock the clues on the structure of the universe revealed by the light at these wavelengths. Furthermore the light in the accessible region of the spectrum that does reach the surface of the Earth is distorted and scattered in such a manner that the spatial resolution and details of the radiating source is seriously degraded.
48. High Energy Astrophysics
Authors: Rees M. J.
Published: July 2016

In view of the broad range of topics covered by Commission 48, and the consequent inevitable overlap with other commissions, it is not feasible to produce a comprehensive self-contained report. The commission therefore decided to restrict its report to a selected list of accessible recent review articles and conference reports, wherein up-to-date summaries of various topics can be found. Such a list is given below:
V. Sunspots
Authors: Buraba V.
Published: July 2016

Several proceedings of scientific meetings on sunspots appeared during the 1981-1984 period [The Physics of Sunsots, Cram and Thomas (eds.) 1981; see also reports of regional meetings, e.g.. Third European Solar Meeting, Oxford 1981; Nordic Astronomy Meeting, O. Hauge (ed.), Oslo 1983; 11th Regional Consultation on Solar Physics, L. Dezsö and B. Kalman (eds.), Debrecen 1983]. New interest in sunspots was aroused through observations of EUV sunspot spectra from space and was also inspired by the growing number of observations of starspots and other stellar activities [IAU Symposium No. 102, Solar and Stellar Magnetic Fields: Origin and Coronal Effects, J.O. Stenflo (ed.) 1983; Colloquium IAU No. 71 Activity in Red Dwarf Stars, Catania 1982]. Other reasons for the increased interest in sunspots and their energetics were prompted by the correlation between sunspot occurrence and the variations of the solar constant (Hudson et al. 1982) and by the use of sunspot positions for determining solar differential rotation and its change with latitude, depth, and time (Howard et al. 1984, Godoli S Mazzucconi 1982, Balthasar et al. 1984, Tuominen & Kyrolainen 1982, Adam 1983, Koch 1984).
24. Photographic Astrometry
Authors: Gliese Wilhelm , Upgren Arthur R. , Corbin T. E. , Eichhorn H. K. , Gatewood G. , Kanaev I. I. , Lutz T. E. , Stock J. D. , Van Altena W. F.
Published: July 2016

The question of the title of Commission 24, obviously, offers a difficult problem as already mentioned in recent reports. Photographic Astrometry no longer describes the whole scope of the commission. This problem has continued during the last three years especially in view of the preparations for the astrometric tasks of the NASA Space Telescope and of the ESA satellite HIPPARCOS.
IV. Detector Developments
Authors: Tinbergen J.
Published: July 2016

There is little doubt that array detectors of some kind will eventually take over from the single-pixel detectors now used for precise work. The takeover, however, is a gradual process; more and more problems are encountered as the required precision is raised. Very broadly speaking, the best array detector practice has now reached 0.01 mag in photometry and 0.1% in polarimetry (0.001 and 0.005% respectively for single detectors). Whenever this precision of the array detectors is sufficient and the multiplex advantage vital to the programme comtemplated, the array detectors are the indicated path to progress (see, for instance, Ref. 1).
4. White Dwarf Atmospheres
Authors: Wehrse Rainer
Published: July 2016

The main characteristic of white dwarf atmospheres is a pressure that is at least two orders of magnitude higher than in main sequence star atmospheres of the same effective temperature. This is due to the high gravity (log g ≈ 8), extreme metal under-abundances (Δlog εM ≳ 2.5), and (in many cases) the replacement of hydrogen by helium as the main constituent. As consequences the atmospheres are very thin (ΔR ≲ a few km) and the level populations of all species are given by the Boltzmann distribution (perhaps with the exception of the extreme outer layers, Greenstein 1973, Pilachowski 1984). Thus, models can be calculated under the assumption of plane parallel radiative transfer and local thermodynamic equilibrium, which facilitates the numerics very much;but special care has to be taken of pressure effects (e.g., broadening of spectral lines, quenching of levels, changes in the dissociation-ionization equilibria). In addition, the proper consideration of convection, which is very effective and may reach into the optically thin layers, makes the construction of model atmospheres for white dwarfs rather tedious and costly.
Commission 38: Exchange of Astronomers
Authors: Wood F. B. , Muller E. A. , Boyarchuk A. A. , Delhaye J. , MacRae D. A. , Routly P. H. , Sahade J. , Smith F. G. , Tolbert C. R. , Voight H. H. , Ye S. H.
Published: July 2016

While the chief function and methods of operation of the Commission have remained much the same as in the past, there has been a gradual evolution in the nature of the proposals submitted. A greater fraction now come from countries in which the study of astronomy on a professional basis is as yet very recent and more proposals are being received from relatively young astronomers, although admittedly the distinction between a “young” and an “established” astronomer is not always easy to make. The commission may wish to consider whether or not it is advisable to reconsider its guidelines. Grants awarded during the interval 30 November 1981 and 31 January 1985 were the following.
44. Astronomy From Space
Authors: Oda M. , Kondo Y. , Boyarchuk A. A. , Fredga K. , Grewing M. , Morton D. C. , Peterson L. , Peytremann E. , Underhill A. B. , Valnicek B. , van der Hucht K. A. , Duinen R. J. van , Willis A. J.
Published: July 2016

A rapid and dramatic change in our views of the Universe which we have witnessed during the past two decades or so is often compared with what happened at the time of Galileo. Revolutionary role of the optical telescope then may be analogized with that of space-astronomy today which has drastically opened the new observational window to the Universe. The revolution is ongoing with a rapid pace or even being accelerated.
3. Ultraviolet Astronomy
Authors: Maran Stephen p.
Published: July 2016

During 1982-1984, progress in ultraviolet astronomy continued through extensive observations with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE), continuing programs of sounding rocket and balloon flights, and through observations made from other orbital spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle and ASTRON. In addition, there was important progress in the design and development of facilities for future missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope.
6. Space Observations of Solar System Objects
Authors: Caldwell J.
Published: July 2016

Solar system objects may be studied in space by two general techniques. Everyone is familiar with the exciting aspects of deep space probes: very high spatial resolution; in situ measurements of particles and fields; in situ chemistry studies by mass spectrographs and gas chromatographs; unique phase angle and occultation opportunities. However, the Solar system can also be studied to great advantage by observatories in orbit around the Earth. The broader spectral range available above the terrestrial atmosphere is as important for planetary studies as it is for investigations of more distant astronomical targets. Both techniques will be discussed in this brief report.
6. The cosmological evolution of radio sources
Authors: Windhorst R. A.
Published: July 2016

Considerable progress has been made over the last few years in the study of the cosmologica! evolution of radio sources, both regarding the collection of deeper and higher quality observations and towards a better understanding of the physical processes that may cause the epoch dependent properties of the radio source populations on cosmological timescales. In this review it is attempted to give a fair coverage to the work of all groups that made relevant contributions to this field since 1981. A few very important papers from before 1980, that were not dealt with by the previous IAD commission, are covered as well. For more detailed reviews we refer to Katgert (1980), Kellerman (1980), van der Laan and Windhorst (1982), van der Laan et al. (1983), Longair (1978), Wall and Benn (1982), Wall (1983) and Windhorst (1984). Le latter review is a more detailed version of the current report to IAU commission 47 on Cosmology.
Commision 14: Atomic and Molecular Data (Donnees Atomiques Et Moleculaires)
Authors: Nicholls R.W. , Sahal S. , Gabriel A.H. , Kato T. , Lovas F.J. , Mandel’shtam S.L. , Nussbaumer H. , Parkinson W.H. , Rudzigas Z.R. , Wiese W.L.
Published: July 2016

The Commission has, since its inception, been devoted to the continually increasing needs of astronomy and astrophysics for reliable atomic and molecular data a) for diagnostic interpretation of astronomical observations, and b) for support of theoretical modelling of astrophysical situations. At the 1985 Delhi General Assembly, the Commission reviewed the scope of its subject matter, and considered whether it should be extended to include higher energy physical processes than are commonly treated by atomic and molecular data. It was concluded that there was no strong demand for this change, which, if implemented, would make the work of the Commission too diffuse. The appropriateness of the past working group structure was also carefully reviewed in the light of contemporary needs. The following working groups, which have evolved from those of past years, together with their chairmen was approved:

1:

Atomic Spectra and Wavelength Standards (excluding primary standards): W.C. Martin

2:

Atomic Transition Probabilities: W.L Wiese

3:

Collision Processes: A. Dalgarno

4:

Line Broadening: N. Feautrier

5:

Molecular Structure and Transition Data: W.H. Parkinson
Commission 22: Meteors and Interplanetary Dust (Meteores Et La Poussiere Interplanetaire)
Authors: Babadzhanov P. B. , Keay C. S. L. , Baggaley W. G. , Belkovich O. I. , Elford W. G. , Fechtig H. , Hanner M. S. , Hasegawa I. , McDonnell J. A. M. , Stohl J. , Tomita K.
Published: July 2016

As before a number of authors have contributed reviews of their own field. The contributions were editted by the President in order to avoid some overlaps, to reduce the length of the reviews and to add some publications. Reference numbers from “Astronomy and Astrophysics Abstracts” were used when available. In the end of the report a list of references not found in “Abstracts” is given. As editor, the President takes the responsibility for any shortcomings in the report.
30. Radial Velocities (Vitesses Radiales)
Authors: Andersen J. , Latham D. W. , Florsch A. , Maurice E. , Mayor M. , McClure R. D. , Philip A. G. D.
Published: July 2016

The present report on the activities of IAU Commission 30, covering the triennium June l, 1984 through June 1, 1987, will be somewhat different from its recent predecessors in both content and style. Over the preceding decade or so, the reports mainly emphasized the dramatic improvements in observing efficiency, achieved primarily through the general adoption of cross-correlation techniques, combined with modern detectors attached to either specialized spectrometers or to existing, more conventional instruments. A great surge of observational activity followed, directed towards a variety of astrophysical problems, some of which are of a more classical nature, but many of which are in entirely new classes of research. At the time of the previous reports, most of the major observational projects were still underway, even if some preliminary results were emerging. The proceedings of IAU Colloquium No. 88,Stellar Radial Velocities(L. Davis Press, 1985) contains a collection of papers on instrumentation and reduction techniques as well as on ongoing observing programs which remains a very useful source of references to this developmental phase as well as to the current state of the art.
41. History of Astronomy (Histoire De L’astronomie)
Authors: Eddy J.A. , North J.D. , Debarbat S. , Eelsalu H. , Pedersen O. , Ze-Zong Xi
Published: July 2016

Commission 41 has been involved in one colloquium and one symposium since the last report:

IAU Colloquium 91 on “The History of Oriental Astronomy” was held in New Delhi, November 13-16, 1985, preceding the XlXth General Assembly. Members of the scientific organizing committee were S.M.R. Ansari, E.S. Kennedy, D. King, R. Mercier, O. Pedersen, D. Pingree, G. Saliba, Xi Ze-Zong and K. Yabuuti. The colloquium was co-sponsored by the International Union for the History and Philosophy of Science, and by a number of organizations in India: the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, the Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bombay, and the University Grants Commission, New Delhi. The local organizing committee, chaired by G. Swarup, made possible a number of local excursions, including a conducted tour of the great stone open air observatory, built in the city by the enlightened Maharadjah Jai Singh in the 18th century. The colloquium brought 84 participants from 19 countries. 46 papers were presented of which 10 were invited, covering aspects of astronomy in the far east and middle east since the earliest civilizations. Papers from Colloquium 91 have now been published in book form: History of Oriental Astronomy, G. Swarup, A.K. Bag, and K.S. Shukla, editors, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, England, 1987. Contributions are divided into three broad categories: ancient astronomy and its characteristics, ancient elements and planetary models, and medieval astronomy. Within these are papers on the characteristics and achievements of early astronomy in the eastern half of the world, including inter-regional development and mutual influences, ancient data relating to eclipses, supernovae and comets, medieval astronomical developments, instruments and early observatories, and the interplay between observational and theoretical astronomy. A short introductory paper by the revered historian E.S. Kennedy opens the book, as it set the stage for the colloquium in New Delhi: “We find (astronomy) originating a few centuries before the Christian era in two disparate cultures, Mesopotamia and the Hellenistic world. From the Mediterranean it passed to India, there to flourish. Thence the centroid of activity moved westward, residing in the lands of Islam during medieval times, more recently in Europe. Now astronomical research is carried out throughout the entire world.”
Commission 47: Cosmology (Cosmologie)
Authors: Setti G. , Satco K. , Audouze J. , Vaucouleurs G. de , Gunn J. E. , Hayakawa S. , Fang L. Zhi , Longair M. S. , Novikov I. D. , Tammann G. A. , Trimble V.
Published: July 2016

The number of pages allocated to the commission report has been very limited and certainly not sufficient to cover in any exhaustive manner the wide range of topics relevant to cosmology and to provide also extensive bibliographies. Because of the vast amount of material to be covered, the report is based on a number of contributions from different colleagues who have been asked to highlight the main trends in the triennium (mid 1984 - mid 1987), together with a list of references sufficiently comprehensive to serve as a guideline for further reading. Unfortunately, two of the expected contributions did not reach me in time for inclusion in the report, and consequently topics such as the large scale structure and streaming motions, the clusters of galaxies and the counts of extragalactic radio sources are not included. However, it is my understanding that a large portion, if not all, of these topics will be covered in the reports of Commissions 28 and 40, and if true, this will at least avoid unnecessary overlaps. It should also be mentioned here that several proceedings of very recent IAU conferences provide excellent, updated and exhaustive reviews of the research work relevant to cosmology.
Quasars: Their Evolution, Absorption Lines and the Intergalactic Gas
Authors: Setti G.
Published: July 2016

For many years now it has been known that the number vs. magnitude counts of quasars is the prima facie evidence of a cosmological evolution of this class of objects. Down to an apparent magnitude B - 19 the number of quasars increases by almost a factor 8 per magnitude Interval, compared to a factor 4 obtained in an Euclidean universe filled with a uniform distribution of sources, and correspondingly less for the classical Friedmann models of Gen. Relativity due to the red-shift effects. This strong evolution has been recently questioned because of several biases which may artificially steepen the slope of the counts in the optical surveys. Deep surveys of quasars selected via multi-colour techniques down to B - 23 have confirmed the long standing inference that the number count relationship must flatten beyond B - 20. As a consequence, pure density evolution models, where only the number density of quasars increases with the redshift z, leaving unchanged the shape of the local luminosity function, are ruled out, since too many quasars are predicted at faint magnitudes compared to the dramatic flattening of the counts (see, e.g., ref. 4).
Solar Wind Interaction with Venus, Mars and Comets
Authors: Wallis M.K.
Published: July 2016

To model and quantify the comet-like interactions with the atmosphere of Venus the extent and time-variability of the suprathermal exospheric coronas need to be established. An extensive suprathermal O corona hypothesized to arise via dissociative recombination of the dominant ion was confirmed by the Orbiter’s UV spectrometer. Uncertainties remain, firstly because the O-corona’s extension beyond the observed limit of 1500 km altitude depends on the poorly-known partition between dissociation channels, secondly because the ionosphere varies substantially with solar UV inputs, and thirdly because the ionosphere and therefore O-corona decrease strongly from dayside to nightside (Kliore et al., Adv. Space Res. 5(11), 1985).
6. Astronomical Telegrams (Telegrammes Astronomiques) (Committee of the Executive Committee)
Authors: Marsden B. G.
Published: July 2016

The year 1990, within the triennium covered by the present report, marked a number of significant anniversaries for the Central Bureau, including 70 years since its foundation at the Brussels Observatory, 25 years since the transfer of the Bureau’s operations to the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (and 22 years of Dr. Marsden’s service as Director), and the issuance of the 5000th Circular. The amount of work done at the Bureau has increased enormously in this time, but especially within the past decade, as a result of the demands of modern astronomers and astrophysicists who are responding to the technological advances that have revolutionized observing and computing methods. At the same time methods of rapid communication have undergone a transformation that still continues. Appreciation is due for the support provided to the Bureau by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, but special gratitude must be expressed to Dr. Marsden and members of the staff and volunteers for their long hours of work and dedication to the needs of astronomers around the world for rapid access to information.
Commission 14 : Atomic and Molecular Data (Donnees Atomiques et Moleculaires)
Authors: Parkinson W.H.
Published: July 2016

Since its creation, the Commission has been keen on activating the cross-discipline interaction between astrophysics and atomic and molecular physics. The need for a variety of atomic and molecular data has become more and more important for the recent past years. This need will certainly increase still more in the next years, due to the creation of new ground based instruments and to the launch of new space missions : they will produce large amounts of high resolution spectra from the X-rays to the infrared and millimeter wavelengths involving many atoms, ions and molecules. At the 1988 Baltimore meeting there was a general consensus that the aim of the Commission is to watch over the atomic and molecular spectral and structure data, together with the energy exchange processes in atomic and molecular physics relevant for astrophysics. In particular, the Commission is concerned by the interactions between photons and atoms (or ions or molecules), including wavelengths and line transition probabilities data, and by the interactions between particles, including atomic, molecular, ionic and electronic collision cross-sections, and by related phenomena, such as line broadening, collisional redistribution of radiation and line polarization. All these informations are essential for the interpretation of astronomical observations, such as spectroscopic diagnosis and theoretical modelling of astrophysical media.
Commission 16: Physical Study of Planets and Satellites (Etude Physique pes Planetes et Satellites)
Authors: Brahic Andre
Published: July 2016

It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of Harold Masursky on August 24, 1990 at the age of 66. Harold Masursky was the President of the Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature. He was well known for his active participation to space exploration of the planets. He was one of the pioneers of planetary geology. He wrote many important contributions on planetary surfaces.
Bioastronomy (Report of Iau Commission 51)
Authors: George Marx
Published: July 2016

In the recent years, science have become able to give more definite answers to the questions of the abundance of planetary systems, of the pathways of chemical evolution leading to the emergence of simple self-reproducing structures, to the origins of life within and beyond the Solar System. At the same time a new question has been raised: the duration of life-sustaining environment, what is a prerequisit for the emergence of technology. Thanks to the fast progress of computer technology, the search for intelligent radio signals has become affordable. The number of observatories participating in this venture increases rapidly. Preparations are in progress for a large scale systematic survey.
4. Ephemerides
Authors: Abalakin V. K.
Published: July 2016

This Report is compiled by using the reports of the Directors of the national ephemeris offices reviewing the programs for the preparation and publication of astronomical ephemerides of variuos purposes, i.e. for astronomers and space scientists, marine and air navigators, and surveyors. Some proposals of Commission members are also included. The Report may be of interest also to other I.A.U. Commissions, and mainly to Commissions 7, 8 and 31. Principal topics belonging to the Commission competence and some items to be presented to the XVIIth General Assembly of the I.A.U. in Montreal will be reviewed in following comments.
5. Documentation: (Committee of the Executive Committee)
Authors: Pecker J.-C.
Published: July 2016

A la requîte de J. Sahade, Président du POGSI, les membres de la Commission 5 ont donné des avis sur ce problème. Quelques extraits significatifs des suggestions relatives aux solutions possibles:
6. Astronomical Telegrams
Authors: Roemer E. , Marsden B. G.
Published: July 2016

As noted below in the report of the Central Bureau, a number of changes have been introduced in the technical and business operations of the Bureau during the triennium. Some of the changes follow from the transfer of the IAU Minor Planet Center to the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. For example the Minor Planet Circulars now offer an alternate avenue of publication for less time-urgent data concerning comets as well as minor planets. Changes at the communications center of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory have made it less costly, as well as more efficient, for the Central Bureau to maintain its own communications equipment. At the same time, in the face of generally rising costs, and after careful investigation of alternatives, it has become necessary for users to assume an increased share in underwriting the operating expenses of the Bureau.
9. Instruments and Techniques
Authors: Ring J.
Published: July 2016

It is clearly impossible to prepare a comprehensive review of three years’ work in the field of astronomical instrumentation within the space available in this volume. The selection of topics included and the space devoted to each is therefore largely subjective; some emphasis has been placed on material unlikely to be generally available elsewnere.