We present visible and near-infrared spectra of the nucleus of comet 28P/Neujmin 1, obtained in 2001, 2002, and 2003, while it had no detectable coma. The spectra show no strong features in this wavelength range, which prevented the identification of specific compounds on the surface of comet 28P. We found evidence for spectral variability, as our

The major objective of EURONEAR is high precision astrometry of Near Earth NEAs Asteroids (NEAs) and Potentially Hazarduous Asteroids (PHAs) observed in a coordinated network. During the last year, the activity was conducted toward the identification of the first dedicated 1m telescope to be automated and operated by an EURONEAR Consortium, as well

The main goal of this work is the analysis of new approaches in order to study the properties of astronomical sites. The objective is to calibrate the atmospheric extinction provided by in situ techniques through remote sensing data retrieved from satellite-platforms. We have selected data provided by different spectrographs on board NASA and ESA

It is well known that magnetic activity in late-type stars increases with increasing rotation rate. Using inversion techniques akin to medical imaging, the rotationally broadened profiles from such stars can be used to reconstruct `Doppler images' of the distribution of cool, dark starspots on their stellar surfaces. Interacting binaries, however

Aims: Exo-planets are preferentially found around high metallicity main sequence stars. We investigate whether evolved stars share this property, and its implications for planet formation. Methods: Statistical tools and the basic concepts of stellar evolution theory are applied to published results as well as our own radial velocity and chemical

The optical properties of a number of supercompact ultraviolet luminous galaxies (UVLGs), recently discovered in the local universe matching Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) and Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) data, are discussed. Detailed reanalysis of the SDSS data for these and other similar but nearer galaxies shows that their surface