Evidence for a planetary mass third body orbiting the binary star KIC 5095269

In this paper, we report the evidence for a planetary mass body orbiting the close binary star KIC 5095269. This detection arose from a search for eclipse timing variations among the more than 2,000 eclipsing binaries observed by Kepler. Light curve and periodic eclipse time variations have been analysed using Systemic and a custom Binary Eclipse Timings code based on the Transit Analysis Package which indicates a $7.70\pm0.08M_{Jup}$ object orbiting every $237.7\pm0.1d$ around a $1.2M_\odot$ primary and $0.51M_\odot$ secondary in an 18.6d orbit. A dynamical integration over $10^7$ years suggests a stable orbital configuration. Radial velocity observations are recommended to confirm the properties of the binary star components and the planetary mass of the companion.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures, Accepted for publication in MNRA

The economic impact of space weather – where do we stand?

Space w eather describes the way in which the Sun, and conditions in space more generally, impact human activity and technology both in space and on the ground. It is now well understood that space weather represents a significant threat to infrastructure resilien ce, and is a source of risk which is wide - ranging in its impact and the pathways by which this impact may occur. Although s pace weather is growing rapidly as a field, work rigorously assessing the overall economic cost of space weather appears to be in its infancy. Here we provide an initial literature review to gather and assess the quality of any published assessments of space weather impa cts and socio - economic studies. Generally speaking there is a good volume of scientific peer - reviewed literature detai ling the likelihood and statistics of different types of space weather phenomena. These phenomena all typically exhibit ‘power - law’ behaviour in their severity. The literature on documented impacts is not as extensive with many case studies, but few statis tical studies. The literature on the economic impacts of space weather is rather sparse and not as well developed when compared to the other sections , most probably due to the somewhat limited data that is available from end - users . The major risk is attach ed to power distribution systems and there is disagreement as to the severity of the technological footprint. This strongly controls the economic impact. Consequently, urgent work is required to better quantify the risk of future space weather events

Detecting binary star planetary and brown dwarf companions from analysis of eclipse timing variations

The Abstract is currently unavailable, due to the thesis being under Embargo

The detectability of binary star planetary and brown dwarf companions from eclipse timing variations

In this paper, we determine the detectability of eclipsing binary star companions from eclipse timing variations using the Kepler mission data set. Extensive and precise stellar time-series photometry from space-based missions enable searches for binary star companions. However, due to the large data sets and computational resources involved, these searches would benefit from guidance from detection simulations. Our simulations start with and benefit from the use of empirical Kepler mission data, into which we inject third bodies to predict the resulting timing of binary star eclipses. We find that the orbital eccentricity of the third body and the orbital period of the host binary star are the key factors in detecting companions. Target brightness is also likely to be a factor in detecting companions. Detectable third body masses and periods can be efficiently bound using just two equations. Our results enable the setting of realistic expectations when planning searches for eclipsing binary star planetary and brown dwarf companions. Our results also suggest the brown dwarf desert is real rather than observational selection

Cosmic and solar radiation monitoring of Australian commercial flight crew at high southern latitudes as measured and compared to predictive computer modelling

This study set out to examine the levels of galactic cosmic radiation exposure to Australian aircrew during routine flight operations, with particular attention to the high southern latitude flights between Australia and South Africa. Latitudes as high as 65° South were flown to gain the data and are typical of the normal flight routes flown between Sydney and Johannesburg on a daily basis.In achieving this objective it became evident that suitable commercially available radiation monitoring equipment was not readily available and scientific radiation monitors were sourced from overseas research facilities to compliment my own FH4lB and Liulin monitors provided by UNSW. At the same time it became apparent that several predictive codes had been developed to attempt to model the radiation doses received by aircrew based on flight route, latitudes and altitudes. Further, it became apparent that these codes had not been subjected to verification at high southern latitudes and that they had not been validated for the effects of solar particle events.Initially measurements were required at the high latitudes followed by mid-latitude data to further balance the PCAIRE code to ensure reasonableness of results for both equatorial and high latitudes. Whilst undertaking this study new scientific monitors became available which provided an opportunity to observe comparative data and results. The Liulin, QDOS and a number of smaller personal dosimeters were subsequently obtained and evaluated. This appears to be the first time that such an extensive cross comparison of these monitors has been conducted over such a wide range of latitudes and altitudes.During the course of this study a fortuitous encounter with GLE 66 enabled several aspects of code validation to be examined, namely the inability of predictive codes to estimate the increased dose associated with a GLE or the effects of a Forbush decrease on the code results. Finally I review the known biological effects as discussed by numerous authors based on current epidemiological studies, with a view to high-lighting were the advent of future technology in aviation may project aircrew dose levels

Меня милый праважал

Меня милый праважал / Всю сямейку рассказал: / Папа, мама, два браты, / Пяты – я, шэстая – ты