Communications of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (ComBAO)
Volume 71, Issue 1, July 2024

INTRODUCTION 0.2 MB
Editorial Board
Pages: 1-2



Armenian Astronomical Society: report of 25-years activities 0.7 MB
A. M. Mickaelian
Pages: 3-12
Abstract. The history of the Armenian Astronomical Society (ArAS) foundation and its goals and a summary of ArAS activities during 1999-2024 is presented. The following have been among the most important activities: ArAS formation, increase of ArAS membership, consolidation of foreign Armenian astronomers, ArAS webpage with full of useful information, creating a Database of Armenian Astronomers, ArAS Electronic Newsletters (ArASNews), ArAS Annual Meetings, Byurakan International Summer Schools (BISS) and other events for young astronomers and students, ArAS School Lectures series, Byurakan Science Camps (BSC) and other events for school pupils, ArAS Annual Prize for Young Astronomers (Yervant Terzian Prize), award of Galileo Teacher Training Program (GTTP) International Certificates and other teacher training programs, Armenian Archaeoastronomy webpage, initiation and development of Scientific (Astro) Journalism and its Annual Awards, initiation and development of Scientific (Astro) Tourism, as well as UNESCO/IAU International Year of Astronomy (IYA-2009) activities and others.



The Digitized First Byurakan Survey Database. Late-type stars candidates. New confirmations. 0.5 MB
K. S. Gigoyan
Pages: 13-16
Abstract. More than 3000 Late-Type Stars (LTS) candidates was confirmed among the sample, selected on the Digitized First Byurakan Survey (DFBS) spectral plates. The DFBS is the digitized version of the First Byurakan Survey (FBS, or Markarian survey). This objective-prism survey was carried out in 1965-1980 by B. E. Markarian and colleagues using the 1 m Schmidt telescope of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO). FBS spectral plates have been used long period to search and study faint LTS (Ctype (carbon) and M-type) stars at high Galactic latitudes. Thousands of objects was confirmed as LTS. The confirmation is based on Gaia DR3 BP/RP low-resolution spectral database. In previous studies of the DFBS plates, these objects were presented as LTS candidates. Some objects are located more than 10 kpc. The predominant part of the new confirmed objects are M dwarfs.



New M dwarfs found in DFBS plates 0.4 MB
G. R. Kostandyan
Pages: 17-21
Abstract. In this paper we report about 100 new M dwarfs, confirmed in the DFBS database. The DFBS is the digitized version of the First Byurakan Survey (FBS, or Markarian survey). FBS plates have been used to search and study faint Late-Type Stars (LTS). The confirmations is based on Gaia DR3 BP/RP spectral database. In previous studies of the DFBS plates, these objects were presented as LTS candidates. TESS phased light curves for some of them shows flares. In SEDs of these objects the infrared excess is clearly visible.



The digitized First Byurakan Survey database. New carbon stars confirmed. 1.1 MB
K. K. Gigoyan
Pages: 22-28
Abstract. Some amount of the new carbon ( C ) stars was confirmed among the sample of the Late-Type Stars (LTSs) candidates, selected on the Digitized First Byurakan Survey (DFBS) spectral plates. The DFBS is the digitized version of the First Byurakan Survey (FBS, or Markarian survey). The FBS was the first systematic survey of the extragalactic sky. This objective-prism survey was carried out in 1965-1980 by B. E. Markarian and colleagues using the 1 m Schmidt telescope of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory. In this work we present Gaia DR3 photometric data, spectra, light curves, distances, high above/below Galactic plane, radial velocities (RV), and other important physical characteristics from modern astronomical catalogues for some amount new confirmed DFBS carbon stars. The confirmation is based on Gaia DR3 BP/RP low-resolution spectral database. In previous studies of the DFBS plates, these objects were presented as LTSs candidates. Some objects are located more than 7 kpc from the Galactic plane. Four of them are N-type C stars, from which two are Mira-type variables. The remaining objects are CH-type giants at high Galactic latitudes. Most probably they present binary systems.



Stellar Membership of RCW 34 HII Star-Forming Region 1.7 MB
V. M. Grigoryan, A. L. Samsonyan, E. H. Nikoghosyan, N. M. Azatyan, D. H. Andreasyan, A. A. Khachatryan
Pages: 29-35
Abstract. The Vel OB1 association, located at a distance of 1.5-1.9 kpc, is one of the most actively studied star formation regions in the southern hemisphere. Our study focuses on an “Arclike” structure within the Vel OB1 association, which may have been formed from a shock wave caused by a supernova explosion about 2-2.5 Myr ago. Optical Gaia data revealed probable stellar members only in the southern part of the Arclike structure, where the RCW34 HII (IRAS 08546-4254) region is located. In contrast, the northeastern part of the Arclike structure, in the vicinity of the IRAS 08563-4225 source, hosts more embedded stellar population. Using near-infrared astrometric and photometric data from the 2MASS survey, we identified well-defined clusters of young stellar objects in the vicinity of both IRAS 08546-4254 and IRAS 08563-4225. The members of the cluster associated with IRAS 08563-4225 exhibit stronger infrared excess.



Identification of the young stellar clusters in the G345.5+1.5 Star-Forming Region 1.9 MB
A. Khachatryan, E. Nikoghosyan, D. Andreasyan, A. Samsonyan, N. Azatyan, V. Grigoryan, R. Simonyan
Pages: 36-41
Abstract. Star-forming regions, their formation and evolution are a subject of active study. The subject of our research is the G345.5+1.5 region, which is composed of two dusty ring-like structures referred to as G345.45+1.5 and G345.10+1.35. The region is located at a distance of 1.8 kpc and classified as HII regions. According to previous studies, G345.45+1.5 could have been created by a supernova explosion represented by the 36.6 cm source J165920-400424 in its center. Despite the considerable interest, only a few works are devoted to this region, and there is very little information about its stellar population. Our work focuses specifically on the stellar population in this region. Using 2MASS astrometric and photometric data, we identified three well-defined clusters of young stellar objects (YSOs) in the vicinity of the IRAS 16561-4006, 16571-4029, and 16545-4012 sources.



The runaway nature and origin of α Crucis system 1.0 MB
M. Torosyan, N. Azatyan, E. Nikoghosyan, A. Samsonyan, D. Andreasyan
Pages: 42-47
Abstract. Massive stars are always the focus of astronomical research and a significant part of them (10–20%) moves in space at a high (supersonic) velocity. This paper presents the results of a study of the α Crucis system, located at ∼114 pc distance from the Sun, with an observed bow shock around it. We used data and images from the Gaia and WISE space telescopes. The coordinates, distance, and proper motion of the α Crucis system were used to determine its space velocity. We managed to find a stellar cluster to which the α Crucis system belongs, that is, it has not been ejected from its parent cluster, but is moving in space together with other members of the cluster. The α Crucis system has a velocity of ∼1.3 km/s relative to the star cluster. The geometric parameters of the bow shock are compatible with other known bow shocks. The bow shock is unaligned, i.e., most likely interstellar medium (ISM) large-scale motions are responsible for the resulting bow shock, which is further evidence that the α Crucis system is not runaway in nature.



Classification of Blazars by Activity Types 0.5 MB
H. V. Abrahamyan, A. M. Mickaelian
Pages: 48-54
Abstract. We have carried out a spectral classification by the Activity Types for all sample of Blazars from the BZCAT v.5 Catalogue, namely the BZB, BZG, BZQ and BZU type objects. The classification is based on the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) homogeneous medium-resolution optical spectroscopy and along with the standard BPT-type diagnostic diagrams, we have applied our newly introduced fine classification scheme with subtypes of AGN and considering many more features. Out of 3561 BZCAT objects, 1363 (38.3 %) having SDSS spectra were classified. After the new classification, 749 (54.9 %) of 1363 objects have changed their optical class.



Dark Energy as a Key Player in the Evolution of Cosmic Objects 0.2 MB
H. A. Harutyunian
Pages: 55-62
Abstract. Researchers have been searching for the speed at which the universe’s expansion is slowing for decades. The dominant cosmological model predicted the inevitable process of braking. The discovery of the opposite process should have alerted researchers. However, the basic cosmological model has not changed at all. Although it is estimated that approximately 70 percent of all existing mass energy is dark energy, its role is not fully understood. In this paper, we show that the evolution of cosmic objects and their systems at all hierarchical levels occurs due to the interaction of ordinary matter with dark energy. Moreover, the interaction also increases the mass of ordinary matter. The mass increase occurs due to the conversion of some part of the dark energy into mass. Namely, it happens both due to a decrease in the mass defect of atomic nuclei and because of the fission of the same nuclei. It is noted that the role of dark energy should be studied much deeper than is currently being done, considering the known laws of physics.



Investigation of QSO spectra having measured Lα from GALEX FUV 0.5 MB
A. G. Sukiasyan, A. M. Mickaelian, G. M. Paronyan, H. V. Abrahamyan, G. A. Mikayelyan
Pages: 63-67
Abstract. Active Galactic Nuclei, especially quasars, have not been thoroughly investigated in far UV range. There are few observations in this range, and most of this range is available for objects with high redshifts, whose UV range is shifted to the optical one. But on the other hand, there is GALAXY Evolution Explorer (GALEX) space UV telescope catalog, where 82,992,086 near-UV (NUV, 1750–2800 ˚A) and far-UV (FUV, 1350–1750 ˚A) flux measurements in UV bands are available. In order to find a connection between the fluxes of two of the most important emission lines, λ5007 ([OIII]) and λ1216 (Lα) in the spectra of quasars, we created a sample of quasars with measured Lα. For this, we took the Milliquas 2023 catalog, which contains 1,021,800 objects. From these objects, we selected those having redshifts lying between 0.15 < z < 0.40, so that Lα spectral line is located in GALEX FUV window. As a result, we have 42,150 objects. These sources were identified with SDSS DR16 and GALEX DR6+DR7, and as a result we have 11,697 identifications which have data from both SDSS and GALEX. Using a pilot survey (for 177 objects), we found a preliminary connection between Lα and [OIII] lines.



On the Blueshift of the Andromeda Galaxy 0.2 MB
H. A. Harutyunian, A. A. Torosyan
Pages: 68-71
Abstract. The observed spectral shift of galaxies is usually interpreted using the Doppler effect. However, attention should be paid to other possible mechanisms of spectral shift. For example, suppose baryon matter evolves due to interaction with the carrier of dark energy. In that case, the objects that pass through longer evolutionary paths compared to our galaxy will be blue-shifted for us. Since the evolutionary spectral shift is a rather weak effect, it can only be detected at small cosmological distances, where the redshift due to the expansion of the Universe is not very large. From this point of view, the Andromeda Nebula is undoubtedly an appropriate example. It is one of the main members of the Local Group of galaxies and has a small blueshift. Here we review observational data and theoretical generalizations in favor of interpreting the blueshift of our neighboring galaxy as an evolutionary effect.



The eigenfunctions method in relation to diffuse reflection problems of the radiative energy transfer theory 0.2 MB
H. V. Pikichyan
Pages: 72-78
Abstract. Using the new method proposed earlier by the author, a solution of diffuse reflection problem is given in this report. A case of diffuse reflection of radiation from a semi-infinite absorbing and isotropically reflecting medium is presented, when in the elementary act of scattering there is a general law of redistribution of radiation by frequencies. In the approach presented here, conventionally called the method of ”decomposition of the resulting field” - DRF, in contrast to the previously widely used traditional method of ”decomposition of a single act” of scattering - DSA, the problem of diffuse reflection is solved without the use of any decomposition or special representation of the characteristic of the elementary act of scattering, i.e., the redistribution function of radiation by frequencies. The resulting radiation field, formed in the medium by means of multiple scatterings, is sought and constructed directly in the form of a bilinear series through a specially derived system of its own eigenfunctions. The physical basis of this approach lies in the fact that after each successive act of scattering, the field formed in the medium becomes more and more smoothed, so its direct representation in a decomposed form is more expedient than the traditionally used decomposition of a pre-known ”unsmoothed” characteristic of the elementary act of scattering.



Astrochemistry and Astrobiology over the last 20 years 1.0 MB
A. G. Yeghikyan
Pages: 79-91
Abstract. A review of the achievements of astrochemistry and astrobiology over the past 20 years is given. Advances in astrochemistry in understanding the processes of emergence and survival high molecular weight chemical compounds are directly related to the conditions of prebiomolecules origin, like -amino acids and complex hydrocarbons. And if on the case of amino acids and hydrocarbons synthesis , the astrophysical picture seems quite clear, then on the case of the emergence of chiral amino acids, of which the proteins of living organisms are composed, there is no generally accepted point of view. Probably they occurred in certain photochemical transformations under the influence of circularly polarized radiation in the conditions of star formation regions of molecular clouds.



Effects of Geomagnetic Disturbances on Human Health and Cardiovascular Diseases 0.2 MB
S. Shamyar
Pages: 92-95
Abstract. Geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) are significant perturbations in Earth's magnetosphere caused by solar wind interactions. This paper explores the impact of GMD on human health, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The proposed mechanisms include alterations in the autonomic nervous system, circadian rhythm disturbances, changes in blood viscosity, and psychiatric effects. Understanding these impacts can enhance medical protocols and patient care during geomagnetic storms.



The Space and Time in Rock Art of Armenia 4.0 MB
K. Tokhatyan
Pages: 96-125
Abstract.



Heaven and Earth in Ancient Armenian Mythology 1.6 MB
G. Vardumyan
Pages: 126-145
Abstract.



Toumanian and the Universe 0.2 MB
L. Karaxanyan
Pages: 146-152
Abstract. Toumanian’s poetic intelligence indeed ignited the universe, ensuring the continuous flow of creation on Earth and into the hearts and minds of people. The rapprochement with the universe represents a cultural endeavor in life organization, aimed at not only rectifying past and present mistakes but also guiding pathways to harmony with the universe and God. His lyrical hero embodies the ultimate human, seamlessly integrated into the universe, reverting to their inherent creator nature and origin. Through this, Toumanian established space as an essential element of identity, a perpetual value. The article explores the connection between Toumanian and space.



On The Proto-form of the Native Armenian Word Yerkin “Heaven” and ist Armenian Parallels 0.2 MB
L. G. Stepanyan
Pages: 153-157
Abstract. The native Armenian word yerkin (heaven) is absolutely incomprehensibly derived from the Indo-European root “*d(i)ui-n-, *dei - “to shine, to beam” with the root determinative *-u”, the Armenian parallel of which is the root tiv . At the same time, it is noted that “there are phonetic difficulties”, which is too mild a statement. The comparative study of the vocabulary of Armenian and Polynesian languages has already proven its effectiveness and mutual benefit: Rapanui-Armenian lexical parallels help to clarify the boundaries of the Polynesian word-form and the structure of the word, and with the help of the ancient roots preserved in the Polynesian languages, it was possible to etymologically analyze many Armenian words of unknown origin, incomprehensible, as well as the ones considered loanwords and find out their origin and initial meaning. A similar comparative examination reveals that the most probable form of the native Armenian word yerkin “heaven” is the word ragi (rangi) “heaven” from the Pan-Polynesian vocabulary. Not only the real living proto-form of the native Armenian word yerkin is revealed, but also the basic meaning, as well as a genealogical bunch of words with the same root in Armenian, three of which are presented in this article.



Moon in the Poetry of Misak Metsarents and it’s Lingual-stylistic Features 0.2 MB
K. L. Arakelyan
Pages: 158-161
Abstract. Celestial bodies, luminaries and phenomena have accompanied mankind since time immemorial. Heavenly luminaries have been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for poets. Creators praised creation, marveled at the beauty of luminaries, perceived man as a part of nature and in inseparable connection with all other elements. Heavenly bodies and phenomena have often served as a way to reveal the inner world of a person, his past path, hopes and expectations for the future. In this sense, Western Armenian lyric poetry of the beginning of XX century is not an exception. The mentioned topic received remarkable comments in the work of Siamanto, Daniel Varoozhan, Ruben Sevak, especially Misak Metsarents. Celestial bodies, luminaries and phenomena are a significant number in Metsarents’ poetry have a great stylistic role. One of these the noun moon and its various synonyms, which very often become the core and body of the poetic image, endow the speech with incomparable nuances, beauty and originality, causing the reader the greatest aesthetic pleasure, transporting him to an extraterrestrial light sphere.



ArAS educational activities: history and statistics 0.4 MB
G. D. Baleyan, S. V. Farmanyan, A. K. Davtyan, A. M. Mickaelian
Pages: 162-168
Abstract. A review of ArAS Educational activities is given. ArAS initiated a number of projects and events related to Astronomical Education, teacher training, as well as public activities. Among the most important are: Byurakan International Summer Schools (BISS, since 2006, 9 such schools have been accomplished), Regional Astronomical Summer Schools (RASS, since 2019, 3 such schools have been accomplished), Byurakan Summer Schools for YSU students (BSS, since 1995, 5 such events have been accomplished), ArAS School Lectures “From School to the Space” (since 2012, 11 projects have been organized), Byurakan Science Camps (BSC, since 2014, 10 events have been organized), Armenian Republican Astronomical Olympiads final phase (since 1999), a number of astronomy teacher training programs (since 2010, in total 9 events) and others. The history and statistics of all these events are presented.



Scientific (Astro) tourism activities in Armenia and in South West and Central Asian region 0.4 MB
S. V. Farmanyan, G. A. Mikayelyan, A. M. Mickaelian
Pages: 169-173
Abstract. Scientific Tourism activities have been initiated in a number of countries during the recent decades. Armenia was among the first countries developing Scientific Tourism and most probably the first to develop Astro Tourism. We were the first to introduce the term “Astronomical Tourism” (or “Astro Tourism”). This includes visits to astronomy-related sites (astronomical observatories, astronomical institutes, astronomy-related university departments, ancient sky/astronomy-related sites, medieval universities, planetariums, space/astronomy museums, etc.) but not only. The organization of astronomical meetings, schools, camps and other events with involvement of many visitors, we also consider as Astro Tourism activities. We give an overview of our activities, including the main project; development of Astro Tourism in the SWCA region. A detailed study of Astro Tourism sites in Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkey and (in addition) Uzbekistan was carried out, namely, modern astronomical observatories and institutes, ancient astronomy-related sites, medieval universities, planetariums, astronomy/space museums, etc. A webpage was built representing Astro Tourism in SWCA region. We also discuss the Scientific Tourism and Tourism in general as disciplines for studies and not only as service. We will share our experience on Scientific/Astro tourism activities and discuss how different items may be implemented in different regions.



A Journey Through the History and Statistics of ArASNews 0.2 MB
M. A. Asryan, S. V. Farmanyan, A. M. Mickaelian
Pages: 174-177
Abstract. A review of ArAS Electronic Newsletter ArASNews (e-newsletter of the Armenian Astronomical Society – ArAS) is given. ArASNews has been published since 2002 and during these years it has largely contributed to the circulation of information among the Armenian astronomical community, as well as other astronomical societies and organizations. It is being distributed monthly to all ArAS members. ArASNews publishes informative materials on ArAS, Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO), and Armenian astronomy in general, reports on ArAS Annual Meetings and other astronomy-related events in Armenia, participation of the Armenian astronomers in important international meetings. Additionally, it features articles commemorating notable Armenian astronomers, announcements of new ArAS members, and discussions on various astronomical topics including archaeoastronomy and public outreach initiatives, acceptance of new ArAS members, achievements of the Armenian astronomers, ArAS Annual Prizes for Young Astronomers and other international and local prizes, Astronomical Education and Public Outreach in Armenia, Armenian Archaeoastronomy, as well as scientific articles (reviews) on important studies. We will give some statistics on the number of published articles and pages, the distribution of articles by topics, and more. ArASNews’ numerous useful articles may be accessed through its Reference List.



X-ray AGM activity classes based on SDSS spectra 0.9 MB
G. M. Paronyan, A. M. Mickaelian, H. V. Abrahamyan, G. A. Mikayelyan, A. G. Sukiasyan
Pages: 178-184
Abstract. Sources of X-ray radiation are very interesting and at the same time little studied. Their class mainly includes objects that exhibit a certain activity, such as AGNs, cataclysmic variable stars, white dwarfs, pulsars, etc. Identification of X-ray sources is a rather difficult task, and it is not always possible to detect an optical object. In this work, we tried to carry out a spectral classification of X-ray AGNs and identify activity classes, taking as a basis the ROSAT BSC/FSC catalog of X-ray AGNs, compiled on the basis of low-dispersion spectral plates of the first Byurakan survey. We identified these objects with the SDSS spectral catalog and tried, by carefully studying the spectra, to find out their activity classes, as well as to understand which activity class is more common in these sources.

ORIGINAL PAPERS

On the Possible Astronomical Function of Portasar’s (Göbekli Tepe) Pillar 27 0.9 MB
H. A. Malkhasyan
Pages: 185-198
Abstract. The examination of Portasar’s Pillar 27 in Enclosure C from an archaeoastronomical point of view reveals four distinct directions. Considering the directions obtained as observational shows that they could have served to observe the simultaneous culminations of Pleiades, α Persei, and 36 Draconis pointing towards the North Ecliptic Pole during the activity period of the September ε-Perseid meteor shower. On the same day (perhaps a few days apart) before sunrise, it was most likely possible to observe the star disappearance of the constellations Hercules and Centaurus at their culmination points. At the same time, the T-shaped structure of Pillar 27 could serve as a shadow meter (gnomon) to show the specified day of the mentioned observations. Additionally, 36 days after the summer solstice (Perseids activity period), the simultaneous appearance of the stars β Andromedae and γ Draconis at their culmination points was observable. On the other hand, there are principal parallels with the possible observations with the help of Portasar’s Pillar 27 and the function of Platform 3 (as well as some angular stones (No. 7, 12, 158, etc.)) of the Zorats Qarer megalithic monument, which refer to the same millennium (9000 BC). There are also commonalities with ancient calendar patterns that relate to ancient mythological concepts. Their detailed analysis is still in progress.



On the Astronomical Significance of Stone Number 137 of Zorats Qarer Megalithic Monument 0.6 MB
H. A. Malkhasyan
Pages: 199-210
Abstract. The work is dedicated to discovering a new type of “observational device” in the Zorats Qarer megalithic monument and uncovering a new layer of the continuous function of the monument using the “new device.” The possible use of the “new device” significantly differs from the observation platforms and angular stones in the same monument. Stone No. 137 in question was previously considered a ”periscope” based on some assumptions. By examining the astronomical and structural application of the mentioned stone in more detail and without preconceived assumptions (or with much simpler, obvious suppositions), new functions of its application are revealed. One relates to the observations of circumpolar stars in the direction of the stone hole. The other relies on the puddle and the special structure of the stone. The latter makes it possible to determine the days of the equinoxes and the summer solstice due to the Sun’s positions. By combining these two functions, the probable date of the use of the stone is determined: 15500 BC, when it was possible to observe the appearance of the star γ Cygni (Sadr, Swan constellation) after sunset on the summer solstice in the direction of the hole. Thus, a new layer of the “calendar observations” (15500 BC) is added to the already identified layers (9000, 5800, and 2341 BC), which is in harmony with the logic regarding this and other similar monuments (for example, Göbekli Tepe) and essentially complements the evolutionary chain of ancient cultural concepts with its content and time.



A study of the Shk40 compact galaxy group 0.2 MB
E. L. Karapetyan
Pages: 211-214
Abstract. A compact group represents a specialized type of galaxy system where member galaxies are separated by distances roughly equivalent to the size of galaxies themselves. The intense interactions among these galaxies make compact groups ideal laboratories for investigating the environmental impacts on galaxy evolution. In this study, we aim to investigate the Shk40 cluster from the Shahbazian catalog of compact groups of galaxies.