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2007

Highlights - Volume 466-2 (May I 2007)

Details: Published on 06 April 2007

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HIGHLIGHTS: this week in A&A

Volume 466-2 (May I 2007)

Near-IR imaging of L1641N in Orion

“Herbig-Haro flows in L1641N”, by M. Gålfalk and G. Olofsson A&A 466, p. 579

This paper presents new near-IR imaging data of the popular L1641N star-forming region in Orion. The results are nicely presented and thoroughly analysed. In particular, proper motions and Spitzer data are used to associate the many emission line features with outflows and possible driving sources. This yields a much clearer view of what is happening in this region.

Visual/infrared interferometry in the Orion Trapezium region

“Visual/infrared interferometry of Orion Trapezium stars: preliminary dynamical orbit and aperture synthesis imaging of θ¹ Orionis C system", by S. Kraus et al. A&A 466, p. 649

This paper discusses the observations and results leading to dynamical mass constraints on the most massive star system in the Orion Trapezium region.

In section 1. Letters

“A 33h period for the Wolf-Rayet/black hole X-ray binary candidate NGC 300 X-1”, by S. Carpano et al. A&A 466, p. L17

This paper reports the discovery of modulated X-ray emission from NGC 300 X-1, using Swift and XMM-Newton. NGC 300 X-1 is the extragalactic massive X-ray binary system located in the dwarf spiral NGC 300. It includes a Wolf-Rayet (WNE type) and, very probably, a black hole. This is only the second extragalactic candidate of this rare class of objects, after IC 10 X-1. The authors interpret this modulation as its orbital period, which is very close to that of IC 10 X-1 (respectively, 32.8 and 34.8 hours). Both differ from the Galactic candidate of this class of objects (Cygnus X-3), which has a shorter period of 4.8 hours and may have a different origin.

In section 12. Atomic, molecular, and nuclear data

“Ionization rate coefficients for the elements hydrogen through zinc”, by K. P. Dere A&A 466, p. 771

This is an extensive compilation of neutral atom/ion electron impact rate coefficients. Analytical fits are provided to the experimental values, and new theoretical calculations were performed where no laboratory data existed. This comprehensive compilation should be a welcome addition to resources for the astrophysical community.