A photometric survey of a central region of the LMC has been undertaken to obtain a magnitude and colour limited sample of bright asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars; the stars were selected from V and Ic plates taken by the UK Schmidt Telescope Unit (UKSTU) at Coonabarabran. Infrared JHK photometry has been obtained for all the stars in the sample in order to determine bolometric magnitudes, and spectra have been obtained for most of the stars to obtain spectral types. Stars in the sample have bolometric magnitudes up to the AGB limit of Mbol ∼ – 7.1, and many of the stars show evidence for dredge-up of carbon and s-process elements during helium shell flashes. A bolometric luminosity function has been constructed and its behaviour is discussed in terms of possible mass loss scenarios.

We report spectroscopic and photometric observations of the new DQ Hercuis system 1H0542-407, recently discovered by us to be the optical counterpart of a HEAO-1 X-ray source. Medium resolution spectroscopy using the AAT in the region λ3930 to λ4960 conducted over consecutive nights shows radial velocity variations at periods of ∼ 1910 s, consistent with the white dwarf rotation period, and 5.7 h, in agreement with the orbital period derived from our EXOSAT observations. The K semi-amplitude velocities are ∼ 50 and 20 km s-1 respectively, leading to a mass function f(M) = 3.3 ± 0.6 × 10-3M⊙ and an orbital inclination close to 20°. The emission line profiles are characterized by simple Gaussians whose FWHM vary at the rotation period. A time series analysis of high resolution photometry conducted on the ANU 2.3 metre telescope reveals the presence of several periodicities, including the orbital sidebands. The dominant sideband (Vr − Vo) arises from X-rays reprocessed in a region corotating at the orbital frequency. A model is developed for 1H0542-407 which indicates that the accretion disk is disrupted at ∼5Rwd by the primary’s magnetic field. The short period velocity variations arise within the magnetosphere. A white dwarf magnetic field strength of < ∼ 3 MG is implied.

The Molonglo Observatory synthesis telescope has been used to obtain twelve observations of a 23′ arc field containing the active star AB Dor. On each occasion, an unresolved source close to the optical position of AB Dor was observed. The source exhibits day-to-day variations of flux density, with a mean value of ∼4 mJy. The identification of the source with the star and the variations in emission are discussed.

Spectropolarimetric observations of SN 1987A obtained with the AAT are presented and discussed. The foreground interstellar polarization is estimated to have a value of 0.8% at position angle 40°. In the early stages polarization features on the absorption troughs of the P-Cygni profiles are observed. At later stages the polarization is dominated by the effects of electron scattering. After correction for the effects of interstellar polarization the position angle of the electron scattering polarization is 110°. The spectrum of the polarized radiation shows broad redshifted features corresponding to the emission lines which can be understood as the consequence of electron scattering in an expanding atmosphere. The position angle observed is consistent with the elongation of the supernova image seen by speckle inteferometry.

During the second half of 1986 tests were made of a new Q-band (43 GHz) receiver designed for the Parkes radio telescope. As part of the trial observation program 12 symbiotic stars were examined for SiO maser emission. No significant new emission was detected from any of the candidates, although several previously known SiO sources (including one symbiotic star) were confirmed. We conclude that potential SiO maser action near the Mira star in most symbiotic systems is prevented by the presence of the hot companion star.

We present an overview of the survey for radio emission from active stars that has been in progress for the last six years using the observatories at Fleurs, Molonglo, Parkes and Tidbinbilla. The role of complementary optical observations at the Anglo-Australian Observatory, Mount Burnett, Mount Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatories and Mount Tamborine are also outlined. We describe the different types of star that have been included in our survey and discuss some of the problems in making the radio observations.

Results from optical and infrared observations of SN 1987A obtained at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory since maximum light (100-400 days after core collapse) are reviewed.

We describe bright microwave events that were first detected with the Parkes 64-m telescope at 8.4 or 22 GHz from six active-chromosphere stars. In some flares spectral data were obtained over a large frequency range from simultaneous measurements with the Parkes reflector (8.4 or 22 GHz), the Tidbinbilla interferometer (8.4 and 2.29 GHz), the Fleurs synthesis telescope (1.42 GHz) and the Molonglo Observatory synthesis telescope (0.843 GHz). Data on circular polarization were obtained from the Parkes observations at 8.4 GHz.

The stars were in a wide variety of evolutionary states, ranging from a single pre-main-sequence star (HD 36705), two RS CVn binaries (HD 127535, HD 128171), an Algol (HD 132742) and two apparently single K giants (HD 32918 and HD 196818). Their high brightness temperatures, positive spectral indices and low polarization are consistent with optically thick gyrosynchrotron emission from mildly relativistic electrons with average energies 0.5 to 3 MeV gyrating in inhomogeneous magnetic fields of 5 to 100 G.

The following are brief summaries of recent observational investigations of SN 1987A by ESO staff and their collaborators, which were reported at the Conference.

Gamma-ray astronomy has traditionally been a difficult field of research due to the low fluxes from astronomical objects and the inherently poor angular response of detectors. Progress made in the field in the last twenty years is reviewed. Many major astrophysical problems can only be addressed with the future operation of more sensitive satellite experiments. Recent gamma-ray observations of the supernova SN1987 a are briefly discussed.

In γ-ray astronomy one often wishes to search for a periodic signal from a suspected point source. Either one knows the period in advance, for example in the case of a radio pulsar, or at least a range of possible periods, or one has no information and is searching “blind”, as in the case of SN1987a, unidentified sources in the COS-B catalogue, or binary X-ray sources without known pulse periods. In both cases one should adopt a strategy which give the best chance of obtaining a statistically significant result. The power of tests using the family of statistics based on the Rayleigh statistic is discussed for two extreme forms of possible light curves: a uniform distribution plus a delta function, and a cartoid distribution. Strategies for using these statistics are discussed. Methods of obtaining confidence bands, and in the case of an unsuccessful search, upper-limits to any pulsed component are described, and graphs given which enable these to be calculated readily given the value of the statistic obtained.

Mt John Observatory photographic spectra of SN 1987A have been obtained on 111 nights during the first year at resolutions of 1.1 Å (blue) and 1.6 Å (red). The early spectra are dominated by broad P Cygni profiles from neutral or singly ionised species. Ba absorption lines may be present. After six months nebular emission features emerged, including [OI] 630, 636 nm and two unidentified UV lines (367, 375 nm) in the previously dark region below 380 nm. Absorption line radial velocities show steep declines in the first month, but are almost constant or only slowly decline after 100 days. For the Hα absorption minimum the initial decline rate was 690 ± 70 km s−1d−1 and the initial velocity was −20.2±0.5 Mm s−1 (LMC frame). By 1988 Feb the slowest material in absorption was at −2.2 Mm s−1.

The emission maxima of Hα and NaID show anomalous redshifts of about 1.0 Mm s−1. The [OI] lines show no such redshift. Recent [OI] and Hα spectra at higher resolution show ‘fine structure’ in the profiles, indicating inhomogeneity in the ejecta. Hβ, Hγ and Hδ (but not Hα) were all weaker or absent from 1987 late March to early May, but strong thereafter. From about 1987 Mar 18 to Apr 17 Hα showed a bump on the blue side of the emission at 647 nm and a double peak (658 and 668 nm). Absorption bumps in the Hα profile in early spectra (1987 Feb) may be due to circumstellar water vapour.

We present UBVRI photometry of the faint and highly erratic cataclysmic variable discovered by Hawkins (1983) from a sequence of U.K. Schmidt plates. Observations using the ANU 2.3 m telescope over two nights in September 1986 show pronounced and repeatable modulation at a binary period of 108.6 min. Dramatic colour differences are evident in the folded UBVRI light curves: in the U band, a single sinusoidal peak is present, while at longer wavelengths, a second red peak dominates at a phase separation of Δϕ = 0.5. This behaviour is strongly suggestive of cyclotron emission from two magnetic accretion funnels in an AM Herculis binary system. Furthermore, the binary period lies in the narrow range of 100-115 minutes that characterizes most of the AM Herculis variables lying on the short side of the 2-3 hour period gap. We conclude therefore that the object is almost certainly a new AM Herculis system, and develop a model in which the blue and red components originate from two non-diametrically opposed cyclotron regions that are characterized by differing electron temperatures and opacities. Predictions are made regarding the linear and circular polarization properties of this important new magnetic variable.

Spectra computed from hydrodynamical models for SN 1987A at very early times (t < 2 days) are presented and discussed.

This is a preliminary report on the first Strömgren–Hβ photometric survey of yellow supergiants in the Magellanic Clouds. Less luminous supergiants have been chosen in preference for this program in order to facilitate calculation of their physical parameters. This will not only provide a basis for future detailed spectral analysis of these stars, but will allow a better calibration of the colours derived from model atmospheres for this type of star. The colours of these stars are more affected by changes in metallicity than the hotter stars more frequently studied, and since they are also young, they reflect the metallicity of their local InterStellar Medium (ISM). If indeed the Strömgren abundance index m1 can be calibrated successfully for these stars, then their observation in any galaxy will provide the metallicity of that particular ISM. Our results show that it is important for future colours to be calculated over the range of turbulent velocities important for supergiants.

The Lyman mission will undertake the first sensitive high resolution spectroscopic observations in the largely unexplored 912-1216Å region. This astrophysically critical wavelength interval is exceedingly rich in diagnostic spectral lines such as the Lyman series of atomic hydrogen and deuterium, the Lyman and Werner bands of molecular hydrogen and deuterium, and the resonance lines of numerous important species including CIII, NI-III and OVI. Lyman will have a major impact in all areas of modern astrophysics, with the most fundamental contribution being the determination of light element abundances in the local interstellar medium and in the intergalactic medium at low redshift. The mapping of hot gas (T ∼ 3 × 105K) and molecular hydrogen and HD in the disk and halo of our galaxy represent additional major objectives for which Lyman is uniquely qualified.

The Lyman payload will comprise a grazing incidence telescope and three spectroscopic instruments: the prime spectrograph operating between 912-1250Å with a resolution of λ/ Δλ ∼ 30,000, a far ultraviolet spectrograph (1200-2000Å;λ/ Δλ ∼ 10,000), and an extreme ultraviolet spectrograph (100-900Å; λ /Δλ ∼ 300). Observations will be conducted from a highly efficient 48 hour elliptical orbit which will allow long un-interrupted exposures and real time operations. It is anticipated that Lyman will be launched by Ariane in 1996, and will have an operational lifetime of at least 5 years. Data reception and spacecraft control will be undertaken from ground stations in Spain and in Australia.

Lyman is currently being studied at Phase-A level by Australia in close coordination with the European Space Agency. The scientific involvement is the responsibility of the Lyman Science Working Group, composed of members representing the various astronomical institutions in Australia. Funding to support the technical and scientific aspects of the mission is provided via the Australian Space Board and the Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce in recognition of the major opportunity that Lyman presents to the Australian aerospace industry.

A cloud with a l.s.r. velocity of ∼ 160 km s-1 and a half-width of ∼ 25 km s-1 was mapped in the (1,1), (2,2) and (4,4) lines of para NH3 and the (3,3) and (6,6) lines of ortho NH3 using the 40″ arc beam of the 100-m Effelsberg telescope. The cloud was extended some 5′ in latitude and contained a central concentration ∼ 1′.5 in size at ℓ = 1°.59; b=0°.01. Line temperatures of the four higher transitions define a rotational temperature of ∼ 120 K, while the (1,1) and (2,2) alone yield the lower value of ∼ 40 K. The high temperatures, well above that of the dust, are too high to be caused by collisions with H2 molecules in the ground state, but might result from collisions with H2 in excited states. On a (ℓ, v) plot the cloud does not coincide with any generally accepted galactic centre feature but it is possibly located near the periphery of the ‘rotating nuclear disk’, where conditions would be favourable for the production of shocks, excited H2 and possibly high NH3 temperatures.

Model calculations for the photospheres of SN 1987A are presented. Spherical symmetry and density profiles are assumed to be given by the homologous expansion of the stellar structure of a B3I supergiant. For later stages the density slopes are determined. For a number of elements (H, He, C, N, O, Ne, Na, Mg, K, Ca, Ba) detailed atomic models are used. The statistical equations and the radiation transport are treated consistently as well for the lines as for the continua. In addition, line blanketing due to other elements are included under the assumption of pure scattering. The importance of a sophisticated NLTE-treatment is demonstrated. Chemical metal abundances are derived by comparing the observed and synthetic spectra. Good agreement is found if a third of solar abundance for all elements with the exception of the s-process elements is assumed. An overabundance of He by a factor of 1-2 is indicated by the models corresponding to the time before June 87. No gradient in the chemical abundances of the hydrogen rich layers has to be assumed. Up to October 87 the He abundance at the photosphere is increased to 5 times solar, i.e. the continua are formed in helium rich layers. The chemical profile indicates strong mixing processes of the different layers of the progenitor during the explosion. Additionally, pecularities of hydrogen line profiles are discussed. Mainly, they can be understood by selective line blanketing effects. The total mass of the hydrogen rich shell is estimated to amount to be 9-11 M⊙.

Continuum photometry of high accuracy with Strömgren u and y filters was used to observe the LMC supernova 1987a for a period of 7 days just two weeks after the outburst.

The Parkes 64-m antenna has been used to map ammonia emission in the (J,K = 1,1) and (J,K = 2,2) transitions toward molecular cloud complex NGC 6334. This complex contains a number of OH and H2O masers, HII regions and IR sources, and is a rich source of molecular line emission.

Distributions of observed and derived quantities are presented with a linear resolution of ∼ 1 pc. Velocity anomalies are present near the two OH masers NGC 6334A and B, and the source of ammonia emission located near the northernmost H2O maser is one of the most intense sources of NH3 emission in the Galaxy.