The first 40 years

Press Release (More) Highlight (More) Editorial Volume 500, Issue 1: the A&A 40th anniversary special issue     p. E1 C. Bertout Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912466 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (45.88 KB) | PS (19.78 KB) | References | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Toward mapping the spiral arm tracers - Commentary on: FitzGerald M. P., 1970, A&A, 4, 234     p. 11 J. Lequeux Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912145 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (56.78 KB) | PS (25.63 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

The conjecture of the cosmic web - Commentary on: Zel'dovich Ya. B., 1970, A&A, 5, 84     p. 19 S. F. Shandarin and R. A. Sunyaev Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912144 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (61.96 KB) | PS (30.65 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

The viscous circle: the first steps toward modeling Galactic binary X-ray sources - Commentary on: Pringle J. E. and Rees M. J., 1972, A&A, 21, 1     p. 31 S. N. Shore Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912146 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (67.53 KB) | PS (30.64 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Accretion: the gold mine opens - Commentary on: Shakura N. I. and Sunyaev R. A., 1973, A&A, 24, 337     p. 53 A. King Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912147 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (56.64 KB) | PS (26.03 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Hogbom's CLEAN algorithm. Impact on astronomy and beyond - Commentary on: Högbom J. A., 1974, A&AS, 15, 417     p. 65 T. J. Cornwell Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912148 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (59.56 KB) | PS (27.43 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

The MARCS model atmosphere code's first publication - Commentary on: Gustafsson B., Bell R. A., Eriksson K., and Nordlund Å, 1975, A&A, 42, 407     p. 93 F. Allard Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912149 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (59.30 KB) | PS (24.80 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

The β-model of the intracluster medium - Commentary on: Cavaliere A. and Fusco-Femiano R., 1976, A&A, 49, 137     p. 103 M. Arnaud Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912150 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (81.17 KB) | PS (38.62 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

From distances to galaxy evolution and the dark matter problem - Commentary on: Tully R. B. and Fisher J. R., 1977, A&A, 54, 661     p. 119 F. Combes Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912152 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (70.53 KB) | PS (31.08 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

A lubricant for tidal friction - Commentary on: Zahn J.-P., 1977, A&A, 57, 383     p. 133 N. Langer Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912151 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (62.31 KB) | PS (25.72 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Setting the radio astronomy flux density scale - Commentary on: Baars J. W. M., Genzel R., Pauliny-Toth I. I. K., et al., 1977, A&A, 61, 99     p. 143 K. I. Kellermann Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912153 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (56.80 KB) | PS (25.62 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Chemical composition and evolution of irregular and blue compact galaxies. The dawn of a thirty year journey - Commentary on: Lequeux J., Peimbert M., Rayo J. F., et al., 1979, A&A, 80, 155     p. 157 M. Tosi Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912154 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (73.03 KB) | PS (30.89 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Galactic interstellar extinction: Neckel & Klare view and beyond - Commentary on: Neckel Th. and Klare G., 1980, A&AS, 42, 251     p. 165 A. C. Robin Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912158 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (66.02 KB) | PS (29.22 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Unveiling cosmic X-ray/γ-ray sources from their scattering screen - Commentary on: Sunyaev R. A. and Titarchuk L. G., 1980, A&A, 86, 121     p. 185 J. E. Grindlay Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912156 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (62.70 KB) | PS (30.79 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

The discovery of LINERs and a premonition that black holes are found in every galaxy - Comentary on: Heckman T. M., 1980, A&A, 87, 152     p. 201 G. Kauffmann Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912157 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (53.77 KB) | PS (26.00 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

The Paczyński-Wiita potential. A step-by-step “derivation” - Commentary on: Paczyński B. and Wiita P. J., 1980, A&A, 88, 23     p. 213 M. A. Abramowicz Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912155 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (71.45 KB) | PS (35.92 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

No new observations, no new theories, enduring scientific value - Commentary on: Kühr H., Witzel A., Pauliny-Toth I. I. K., and Nauber U., 1981, A&AS, 45, 367     p. 219 J. J. Condon Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912160 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (61.81 KB) | PS (29.27 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Welcoming new players to the stage - Commentary on: Renzini A. and Voli M., 1981, A&A, 94, 175     p. 241 J. C. Lattanzio Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912159 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (64.39 KB) | PS (28.68 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

The 408 MHz all-sky survey - Commentary on: Haslam C. G. T., Salter C. J., Stoffel H., and Wilson W. E., 1982, A&AS, 47, 1     p. 245 R. Wielebinski Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912161 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (452.7 KB) | PS (7.930 MB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Making infrared photometry accessible - Commentary on: Koornneef J., 1983, A&A, 128, 84     p. 257 M. S. Bessell Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912163 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (42.65 KB) | PS (20.84 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Interstellar radiation and dust - Commentary on: Mathis J. S., Mezger P. G., and Panagia N., 1983, A&A, 128, 212     p. 277 A. P. Jones Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912162 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (65.96 KB) | PS (28.35 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Identification of the “unidentified IR features” of interstellar dust - Commentary on: Léger A. and Puget J.-L., 1984, A&A, 137, L5     p. 283 C. M. Walmsley Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912164 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (41.84 KB) | PS (21.10 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

The ionization balance of a non-equilibrium plasma - Commentary on: Arnaud M. and Rothenflug R., 1985, A&AS, 60, 425     p. 299 G. J. Ferland Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912165 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (65.58 KB) | PS (30.82 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

X-ray emission spectrum of a hot plasma - Commentary on: Mewe R., Gronenschild E. H. B. M., and van den Oord G. H. J., 1985, A&AS, 62, 197     p. 311 J. C. Raymond Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912166 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (62.71 KB) | PS (28.54 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

The large and the small of interstellar dust - Commentary on: Désert F.-X., Boulanger F., and Puget J.-L., 1990, A&A, 237, 215     p. 335 A. G. G. M. Tielens Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912167 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (46.19 KB) | PS (22.77 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

The properties of G-dwarf multiple stars - Commentary on: Duquennoy A. and Mayor M., 1991, A&A, 248, 485     p. 377 P. Kroupa Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912168 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (63.51 KB) | PS (29.67 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

A golden age for stellar evolution and evolutionary grids - Commentary on: Schaller G., Schaerer D., Meynet G., and Maeder A., 1992, A&AS, 96, 269     p. 389 F. D'Antona Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912197 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (67.53 KB) | PS (31.93 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Chemical composition and kinematics of Galactic disk stars - Commentary on: Edvardsson B., Andersen J., Gustafsson B., et al., 1993, A&A, 275, 101     p. 443 B. Barbuy and R. Cayrel Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912193 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (45.55 KB) | PS (22.92 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

The stellar clocks of galaxies - Commentary on: Bertelli G., Bressan A., Chiosi C., et al., 1994, A&AS, 106, 275; Girardi L., Bressan A., Bertelli G., Chiosi C., 2000, A&A, 141, 371     p. 457 G. Meynet Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912194 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (62.01 KB) | PS (30.21 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

X-ray scattering by interstellar dust grains as a diagnostic tool - Commentary on: Predehl P. and Schmitt J. H. M. M., 1995, A&A, 293, 889     p. 477 J. Trümper Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912198 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (56.53 KB) | PS (28.69 KB) | References | Online Material | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Modern astronomical surveys and the development of informatics - Commentary on: Bertin E. and Arnouts S., 1996, A&AS, 117, 393     p. 491 S. N. Shore Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912200 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (63.77 KB) | PS (29.69 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Citation counts: trick or treat? - Commentary on: Kessler M. F., Steinz J. A., Anderegg M. E., et al., 1996, A&A, 315, L27     p. 499 H. J. Habing Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912199 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (43.82 KB) | PS (22.49 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

The Hipparcos catalog - Commentary on: Perryman M. A. C., Lindegren L., Kovalevsky J., et al., 1997, A&A, 323, L49     p. 505 F. van Leeuwen Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912202 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (68.21 KB) | PS (31.72 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

PEGASE: a UV to NIR spectral evolution model of galaxies - Commentary on: Fioc M. and Rocca-Volmerange B., 1997, A&A, 326, 950     p. 521 G. Bruzual A. Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912201 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (54.07 KB) | PS (24.10 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

How quasars and galaxies get to know each other - Commentary on: Silk J. and Rees M. J., 1998, A&A, 331, L1     p. 527 A. Ferrara Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912203 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (54.70 KB) | PS (25.65 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Modeling stellar colors - Commentary on: Bessell M. S., Castelli F., and Plez B., 1998, A&A, 333, 231     p. 549 S. Arribas Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912205 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (44.35 KB) | PS (20.55 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Ordinary stars matter! - Commentary on: Baraffe I., Chabrier G., Allard F., et al., 1998, A&A, 337, 403     p. 561 T. Guillot Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912204 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (50.97 KB) | PS (23.40 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

ROSAT's view of the X-ray sky - Commentary on: Voges W., Aschenbach B., Boller Th., et al., 1999, A&A, 349, 389     p. 581 M. G. Watson Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912206 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (61.57 KB) | PS (28.45 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

The Tycho-2 Catalogue: a reference for astrometry and photometry. Combining the most modern and the oldest astrometric data - Commentary on: Høg E., Fabricius C., Makarov V. V., et al., 2000, A&A, 355, L27     p. 587 C. Turon Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912207 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (236.3 KB) | PS (671.0 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

A decade of X-ray astronomy with XMM-Newton - Commentary on: Jansen F., Lumb D., Altieri B., et al., 2001, A&A, 365, L1; Strüder L., Briel U., Dennerl K., et al., 2001, A&A, 365, L18; Turner M. J. L., Abbey A., Arnaud M., et al., 2001, A&A, 365, L27     p. 595 M. Güdel Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912208 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (62.80 KB) | PS (28.75 KB) | References | SIMBAD record | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service

Creating a legacy and learning about dark energy - Commentary on: Astier P., Guy J., Regnault N., et al., 2006, A&A, 447, 31     p. 615 B. Leibundgut Published online: 15 June 2009 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912209 Abstract | Full HTML | PDF (64.60 KB) | PS (30.87 KB) | References | Original article | NASA ADS Abstract Service