We present a study of the MgII absorption system at z=0.558 towards the BL Lac object PKS 0118-272 based on high resolution spectra (λ/{DELTA}λ=~2x10^4^) obtained at the 3.6m ESO telescope and on direct imaging data obtained at the 3.5m ESO New Technology Telescope. At the redshift of the absorber we detect lines of the low ionization species MgI

The Universe at Large presents a unique survey of key questions outstanding in contemporary astronomy and cosmology. In this timely volume, eleven of the world's greatest living astronomers and cosmologists present personal views of what problems must be addressed by future research. Allan Sandage presents a 23-point plan to reach a full

In this Letter we report new evidence for a close three-galaxy interaction in the compact group of galaxies HCG 95. Deep optical imaging in the Johnson UBVRI bands and in narrowband H alpha have shown four long tidal tails emanating from the two disk galaxies as well as signs of transfer of material between one of the tidal tails and the elliptical

We have tested current models for the atmospheres (including photosphere and low chromosphere) of late-type stars using the D resonance lines of neutral sodium as a diagnostic. To this end, we have measured the equivalent widths of the D lines for a sample of 39 dwarf and 45 giant late-type stars observed with high spectral resolution. We

The bulge of the Galaxy is analyzed by inverting K-band star counts from the Two-Micron Galactic Survey in a number of off-plane regions. A total area of about 75 sq deg of sky is analyzed. Assuming a nonvariable luminosity function within the bulge, we derive the top end of the K-band luminosity function and the stellar density function, whose

From 1996 June 10 to July 29, the International Ultraviolet Explorer monitored the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 7469 continuously in an attempt to measure time delays between the continuum and emission-line fluxes. From the time delays, one can estimate the size of the region dominating the production of the UV emission lines in this source. We find the