29 research outputs found
The Large Magellanic Cloud and the Distance Scale
The Magellanic Clouds, especially the Large Magellanic Cloud, are places
where multiple distance indicators can be compared with each other in a
straight-forward manner at considerable precision. We here review the distances
derived from Cepheids, Red Variables, RR Lyraes, Red Clump Stars and Eclipsing
Binaries, and show that the results from these distance indicators generally
agree to within their errors, and the distance modulus to the Large Magellanic
Cloud appears to be defined to 3% with a mean value of 18.48 mag, corresponding
to 49.7 Kpc. The utility of the Magellanic Clouds in constructing and testing
the distance scale will remain as we move into the era of Gaia.Comment: 23 pages, accepted for publication in Astrophysics and Space Science.
From a presentation at the conference The Fundamental Cosmic Distance Scale:
State of the Art and the Gaia Perspective, Naples, May 201
Chaos and the Quantum Phase Transition in the Dicke Model
We investigate the quantum chaotic properties of the Dicke Hamiltonian; a
quantum-optical model which describes a single-mode bosonic field interacting
with an ensemble of two-level atoms. This model exhibits a zero-temperature
quantum phase transition in the N \go \infty limit, which we describe exactly
in an effective Hamiltonian approach. We then numerically investigate the
system at finite and, by analysing the level statistics, we demonstrate
that the system undergoes a transition from quasi-integrability to quantum
chaotic, and that this transition is caused by the precursors of the quantum
phase-transition. Our considerations of the wavefunction indicate that this is
connected with a delocalisation of the system and the emergence of macroscopic
coherence. We also derive a semi-classical Dicke model, which exhibits
analogues of all the important features of the quantum model, such as the phase
transition and the concurrent onset of chaos.Comment: 51 pages, 15 figures, late
Epistemic consequentialism: Philip Percival
I aim to illuminate foundational epistemological issues by reflecting on 'epistemic consequentialism'âthe epistemic analogue of ethical consequentialism. Epistemic consequentialism employs a concept of cognitive value playing a role in epistemic norms governing belief-like states that is analogous to the role goodness plays in act-governing moral norms. A distinction between 'direct' and 'indirect' versions of epistemic consequentialism is held to be as important as the familiar ethical distinction on which it is based. These versions are illustrated, respectively, by cognitive decision-theory and reliabilism. Cognitive decision-theory is defended, and various conceptual issues concerning it explored. A simple dilemma suggests that epistemic consequentialism has radical consequences
The history of the Bengal European Regiment, now the Royal Munster Fusiliers, and how it helped to win India /
Mode of access: Internet