Analysis of first overtone bands of isotopologues of CO and SiO in stellar spectra

The first overtone ($\Delta v$ = 2) bands of the monosubstituted isotopologues of CO at 2.3 $\mu$m in the spectrum of Arcturus (K2 III), and of the monosubstituted isotopologues of SiO at 4 $\mu$m in the spectrum of the red giant HD196610 (M6 III) are modelled. To investigate problems involving the computation of the first overtone bands of isotopologues of CO and SiO in spectra of late-type stars and to determine isotopic abundances. We use fits of theoretical synthetic spectra to the observed stellar molecular bands of CO and SiO to determine abundances of isotopes of C, O and Si. Fits of synthetic spectra of the \CO first overtone bands at 2.3 $\mu$m computed with three available line lists (Goorvitch, HITEMP2010 and Li et al.) to the observed spectrum of Arcturus provide the same carbon abundance [C]=$-0.6$ and isotopic ratio of carbon $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C=10 $\pm$ 2. However, the quality of fits to the observed spectrum differ for three line lists used. Furthermore, the derived oxygen isotopic ratio $^{16}$O/$^{18}$O = 2000 $\pm$ 500 is larger than that known in the solar system where $^{16}$O/$^{18}$O = 500. The silicon isotopic ratio in the atmosphere of the red giant HD196610 is revised. Using the ExoMol SiO line list with appropriate statistical weights for the SiO isotopologues the `non-solar' ratio $^{28}$Si:$^{29}$Si:$^{30}$Si = 0.86$\pm$0.03:0.12$\pm$0.02:0.02$\pm$0.01 is obtained. We found that a) the computed isotopic carbon and silicon ratios determined by the fits to the observed spectrum depend on the adopted abundance of C and Si, respectively; b) Correct treatment of the nuclear spin degeneracies parameter is of crucial importance for the use of nowadays HITRAN/ExoMol line lists in the astrophysical computations.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures, accepted by A&

Astronomy in Ukraine

The current and prospective status of astronomical research in Ukraine is discussed. A brief history of astronomical research in Ukraine is presented and the system organizing scientific activity is described, including astronomy education, institutions and staff, awarding higher degrees/titles, government involvement, budgetary investments and international cooperation. Individuals contributing significantly to the field of astronomy and their accomplishments are mentioned. Major astronomical facilities, their capabilities, and their instrumentation are described. In terms of the number of institutions and personnel engaged in astronomy, and of past accomplishments, Ukraine ranks among major nations of Europe. Current difficulties associated with political, economic and technological changes are addressed and goals for future research activities presented.Comment: Paper to be published in ``Organizations and Strategies in Astronomy'' -- Vol. 7, Ed. A. Heck, 2006, Springer, Dordrecht; 25 pages, 2 figs, 2 table