A two-component model of the solar photosphere is obtained from the inversion of the intensity profiles of 22 Fe I spectral lines for which very accurate atomic data (oscillator strengths, central wavelengths, and collisional broadening parameters) exist. The model is meant to describe the effects of convective motions in the solar photosphere. It

Observations with the Wide Field Cameras on BeppoSAX revealed seven type-I X-ray bursters that failed to exhibit significant levels of persistent emission. The constraints on the persistent luminosity simultaneous to the bursts are sometimes lower than what is commonly observed for type-I bursters. Therefore, a new class of objects is suggested

Through a high-resolution spectroscopic survey, we analyze the velocity field of 16 planetary nebulae with [WC]- or wels-type nuclei in comparison with 8 nebulae having other central star types. We found spectral evidence for finite turbulent velocities in [WC]-type planetary nebulae superimposed on an essentially constant expansion velocity

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The highlights of the round table discussion held to discuss the most important pending problems in cometary astrophysics are reported. A number of experts presented short summaries of what they regarded as the most pressing problems to be solved. These were taken up by a panel of five experts who discussed and analysed the best way to take the

We present the first detection of the mass donor star in the prototype X-ray binary Scorpius X-1. Phase-resolved spectroscopy revealed narrow emission line components from the irradiated secondary star. Radial velocity fits to the Bowen blend emission are used to establish an absolute orbital ephemeris and derive an accurate value for the systemic