An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

A method of mathematical analysis which in many cases makes it possible to reduce the study of differential operators, pseudo-differential operators and certain types of integral operators, and the solution of equations containing them, to an examination of simpler algebraic problems. It is also known as operational analysis.

→ operational; → calculus.

In the philosophy of science, the view that → concepts are defined in terms of measuring operations which determine their applicability. Same as operationism.

→ operation; → -ism.

An imperfection in the imaging properties of a lens or mirror. The main aberrations are → chromatic aberration, → spherical aberration, → coma, → astigmatism, → field curvature, → distortion.

→ optical; → aberration.

Theoretical prediction according to which a → giant planet, formed in the outer regions of a → protoplanetary disk, could migrate inward by losing → energy and → angular momentum as the result of → gravitational interactions with the remnants of the disk. This orbital migration could explain the presence of giant gaseous Jupiter-like planets (→ hot Jupiters) very close to their host stars.

→ orbital; → migration.

The ratio of the → concentration of a → solute in a single definite form in the stationary phase to its concentration in the same form in the other phase at equilibrium.

→ partition; → ratio.

1) Depreciation; a lessening in worth, quality, etc.
2) Semantic change in a word to a lower, less approved, or less respectable meaning.

Verbal noun of → pejorate.

The process by which atomic nuclei are broken apart into their constituent protons and neutrons by the impact of high energy gamma photons. Photodisintegration takes place during the core collapse phase of a → Type II supernova explosion.

→ photo- + → disintegration.

A process going on in a molecular cloud surface whereby the surface material ionized by ultraviolet photons of neighboring stars is dissipated.

→ photo- + → evaporation.

A calibration which converts the measured relative magnitudes into an absolute photometry.

→ photometric + → calibration.

A real periodic variation in the rotation rate of a celestial object, as distinct from a → geometrical libration. In particular, slight oscillations in the → Moon's rotation caused by the → gravitational attraction of the Earth on the → equatorial bulge of the Moon's near side. The Moon's physical libration is about 0.03° in longitude and about 0.04° in latitude.

→ physical; → libration.

In a → linearly polarized light, a plane perpendicular to the → plane of polarization and containing the direction of propagation of light. It is also the plane containing the direction of propagation and the electric vector (E) of the electromagnetic light wave.

→ plane; → polarization.

The difference between the true position of a planet and its apparent position, due to the time required for light to travel the distance from the planet to Earth. Correction for planetary aberration is necessary in determining orbits.

→ planetary; → aberration.

The constant 2.512, which is the 5th → root of 100 (2.512⁵ = 100); the ratio between two successive stellar → magnitudes.

→ Pogson's relation; → ratio.

The process whereby a → disk star changes its → galactocentric distance. Radial migration involves → angular momentum transfer, resulting from → resonances created by transient → density waves such as → bars or → spiral arms in → galactic disks. According to → galactic dynamics models, → churning is the main cause of radial migration. Radial migration of stars plays an important role in shaping the properties of galactic disks.

→ radial; → migration.

The acceleration imparted to matter by → radiation pressure.

→ radiative; → acceleration.

Same as → Larmor radius.

→ radius; → gyration.

Math.: The quotient of two quantities arrived at by dividing one by the other.

From L. ratio "reckoning, calculation," also "reason," from rat-, p.p. stem of reri "to reckon, calculate," also "think," → reason.
Fr. rapport, back-formation from rapporter "bring back," from → re- "back, again" + apporter "to bring," from L. apportare "to bring," from → ad- "to" + portare "to carry."

Vâbar, on the model of Fr. rapport "bringing back," as above, from vâ- prefix meaning "back to the original place, again," → re-, + bar present stem of bordan "to carry, lead" (Mid.Pers. burdan, O.Pers./Av. bar- "to bear, carry," barəθre "to bear (infinitive)," Skt. bharati "he carries," Gk. pherein, L. fero "to carry;" PIE base *bher- "to carry").

1) Having or exercising the ability to → reason.
2) Consistent with or based on reason; logical; in accordance with sound reasoning.
3) Math.: Capable of being expressed as a quotient of integers.

M.E. racional, from O.Fr. racionel, from L. rationalis "of or belonging to reason, reasonable," from ratio (genitive rationis) "reckoning, calculation, reason," from rat-, pp. stem of reri "to reckon, calculate; consider, think."

1) Râyani, of or pertaining to râyan, → reason.
2) Xeradâné, xeradmandâné, of or pertaining to xerad "understanding, judgement, intellect, wisdom;" Mid.Pers. xrad "reason, intellect, intelligence, wisdom, understanding;" O.Pers. xraθu- "wisdom;" Av. xratu- "intelligence, undestanding, wisdom; will, purpose, council;" cf. Skt. krátu- "power, will-power;" Gk. kratos "power, strength."
3) vâbari, of or pertaining to vâbar, → ratio.

Any number that can be expressed as a ratio of two integers, providing the second number is not zero.

→ rational; → number.

1) The fundamental reason or reasons serving to account for something.
2) A statement of reasons.
3) A reasoned exposition of principles (Dictionary.com).

L. neuter of rationalis.

Râyanâl, from râyan, → reason, + -âl, → -al.