The Rees-Sciama effect produced in mergers of galaxy clusters is discussed, and an analytical approximation to compute this effect from numerical simulations is given. Using this approximation and a novel model describing the physics of the merger, we characterize the spatial properties and symmetries of the Rees-Sciama signal. Based on these

We present a method for the analysis of latitude distribution associated with temperature and/or velocity perturbations of the stellar surface due to non-radial pulsation (NRP) modes in rapidly rotating B stars. The technique is applied together with Fourier Doppler Imaging (FDI) to high resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio spectroscopic

We present the latest results and current status of the site survey portion of the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST) project. The ATST will provide high resolution solar data in the visible and IR. The site is a major factor determining the performance of the telescope. The most critical site characteristics are the statistics of daytime

We investigate the nuclear and global structure of elliptical galaxies, and the apparent disparity between the Nuker and Sérsic light-profile models. We show that the so-called ``power-law" galaxies in fact have Sérsic r1/n profiles over their entire observed radial range. Consequently, only three (Sérsic-profile) parameters are required to

We present SAURON integral-field observations of the S0 galaxy NGC 7332. Existing broad-band ground-based and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) photometry reveals a double-disc structure and a boxy bulge interpreted as a bar viewed close to edge-on. The SAURON two-dimensional stellar kinematic maps confirm the existence of the bar and inner disc but

We report on the first results from observations of 28 variable B stars obtained with the new Mercator telescope (La Palma). Besides confirming the pulsational nature of known and candidate β Cephei and slowly pulsating B stars, we also present new candidate ellipsoidal variables and spotted stars.