A classification scheme is proposed for the central regions of Sérsic-Pastoriza galaxies based on high resolution photographs of 50 objects in the integrated light (4000 Å-8700 Å). Structures of two different linear scales are recognized: (1) nucleus(≲1 kpc) and (2) perinuclear formation (∼l.5 kpc). The perinuclear formation is weak in classκ while the nucleus is too faint to detect in class ι. In the intermediate classesε andσ both the components are bright. Classε has an elliptical perinuclear formation with little gas while the classσ consists of bright H II complexes and dust. Observations of a few galaxies in the infrared and the blue ends of the image tube response show that the nucleus is generally redder than its surroundings. Equal intensity contours and the luminosity profiles are presented for the central regions of 27 galaxies. A comparison of their axial ratios with those of the parent galaxies indicates that the perinuclear formations are prolate or barlike. The dependence of the peak surface brightness of the central formation on the size of the bar is investigated as also the dependence of the central surface brightness of the bar on the size of the bar. The following major conclusions are drawn:

The evolution of the spectrum of SN1987a is traced from 1987 February 26 to March 31. Based on the low-resolution spectroscopic data we identify the lines of H, He I, Na I, Fe II, Sc II, Ca II which are known to be present in Type II Supernovae, and also present evidence for the existence of lines of Mg I, Ca_I, O I, and N I. We discuss the evolution of the Hα profile, and draw attention to its complex structure around March 30. Close to the rest wavelength of Ha a double-peaked structure appeared in the profile with a peak-to-peak separation of ∼ 1400 km s⁻¹, suggestive of an expanding shell or disc of gas.

Using the available broadband photometric information, we also trace the evolution of the photosphere of SN1987a assuming that it radiates like a supergiant.

Optical spectroscopic data are presented on nova LW Serpentis 1978, obtained during its decline fromV 9.0 to ≃10.2 (compared to a value of ∼ 8.0 at recorded maximum). The spectrum and its evolution compare well with a typical nova, though the principal absorption (∼ −750 km s^−l) was very weak in comparison with the diffuse-enhanced absorption (∼ −1300 km s⁻¹). The principal absorption could be identified only in the lines of O I λλ7774, 8446, and in moderate-resolution observations of Hα. The salient features of spectral evolution follow: The near-infrared triplet of Ca n continuously weakened. O I λ8446 was always brighter than O I λ 7774, indicating continued importance of Lyman Β fluorescence. The lines due to [O I], [N II] and N n brightened considerably near the end of our observations (37 days from maximum). The Hα emission line was asymmetric all through with more emission towards the red. Its emission profile showed considerable structure. Based on the individual peaks in the Hα line profile, a kinematical model is proposed for the shell of LW Ser. The model consists of an equatorial ring, and a polar cone on the side away from the earth. The nearer polar cone did not show significant emission of Hα during our observations. The polar axis of the shell is inclined at a small angle (∼ 15‡) to the line of sight.

Optical spectroscopic data on the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi obtained between 32 and 108 days after its last outburst on 1985 January 27 are presented. RS Oph was in the coronal-line phase at that time. The widths of the permitted as well as coronal-lines decreased continuously. Assuming that the ejected envelope decelerated due to its interaction with circum stellar matter, its size is deduced as a function of time. Observed fluxes in permitted lines would then imply that the electron density decreased from 3 × 10⁹ cm^#x2212;3 on day 32 to 1.8 × 10⁸ cm^-3 on day 108, for an assumed filling factor of 0.01. The helium abundance in the ejecta is estimated to be n(He)/n(H) ∼ 0.16. The mass of the unshocked ejecta was 3 × 10-6 (Φ/0.01)^1/2 M_⊙, (at this stage, where f is the filling factor. Observed fluxes in coronal-lines imply that the temperature of coronal-line region decreased from 1.5 × 10⁶ K on day 32 to 1.1 × 10⁶ K on day 108. Most of the coronal line emission, as well as He n emission arises in shocked and cooling ejecta. This region is not isothermal, but contains material at a wide range of temperatures. Mass of the shocked ejecta is estimated to be in the range 10⁻⁷−10⁻⁶ M⊙ Based on the number of H- and He-ionizing photons, we estimate that the ionizing source evolved from a radius and temperature of (2 × l0¹² cm, 3 × 10⁴ K) on day 32 to (6 × l0⁹ cm, 3.6 × 10⁵K) on day 204.

We also present the spectra of RS Oph recorded in quiescent phase, 2 and 3 years after outburst, for comparison. The spectrum is dominated by that of M2 giant secondary, with superposed emission lines of H and He I

The system gain of two CCD systems in regular use at the Vainu Bappu Observatory, Kavalur, is determined at a few gain settings. The procedure used for the determination of system gain and base-level noise is described in detail. The Photometrics CCD system at the 1-m reflector uses a Thomson-CSF TH 7882 CDA chip coated for increased ultraviolet sensitivity. The gain is programme-selected through the parameter ‘cgain’ varying between 0 and 4095 in steps of 1. The inverse system gain for this system varies almost linearly from 27.7 electrons DN^-1 at cgain = 0 to 1.5 electrons DN^-1 at cgain = 500. The readout noise is ≲ 11 electrons at cgain = 66. The Astromed CCD system at 2.3-m Vainu Bappu Telescope uses a GEC P8603 chip which is also coated for enhanced ultraviolet sensitivity. The amplifier gain is selected in discrete steps using switches in the controller. The inverse system gain is 4.15 electrons DN^-1 at the gain setting of 9.2, and the readout noise ∼ 8 electrons.

We present the results from CCD photometry in theV, R andI bands, of the ‘Dipper Asterism’ region of the open cluster M67 based on observations carried out at the prime focus of the 2.3 m Vainu Bappu Telescope of the Vainu Bappu Observatory, Kavalur. The CCD parameters like the system gain and the readout noise are measured using several flatfield frames taken through the standardI filter. The CCD chip is calibrated using the photometric standards in the field and linear colour transformation relations are derived. Also a few newVRI photometric measurements are reported for the members of the cluster.