Astronomy and Astrophysics Abstracts, which has appeared in semi-annual volumes since 1969, is devoted to the recording, summarizing and indexing of astronomical publications throughout the world. It is prepared under the auspices of the International Astronomical Union (according to a resolution adopted at the 14th General Assembly in 1970). Astronomy and Astrophysics Abstracts aims to present a comprehensive documenta tion of literature in all fields of astronomy and astrophysics. Every effort will be made to ensure that the average time interval between the date of receipt of the original literature and publication of the abstracts will not exceed eight months. This time interval is near to that achieved by monthly abstracting journals, compared to which our system of accumu lating abstracts for about six months offers the advantage of greater convenience for the user. Volume 31 contains literature published in 1982 and received before July 15, 1982; some older literature which was received late and which is not recorded in earlier volumes is also included. We acknowledge with thanks contributions to this volume by Dr. J. Bouska, Prague, who surveyed journals and publications in Czech and supplied us with abstracts in English .

This book provides overviews of the new reduction as well as on the use of the Hipparcos data in a variety of astrophysical implementations. A range of new results are included. The Hipparcos data provide a unique opportunity for the study of satellite dynamics as the orbit covered a wide range of altitudes, showing in detail the different torques acting on the satellite.

An authoritative account of the contributions to science made by the Hipparcos satellite, for astronomers, astrophysicists and cosmologists.

Proceedings of the 109th Symposium of the International Astronomical Union, held in Gainesville, Florida, USA, January 9-12, 1984

A text intended for scientists and engineers involved in the definition and development of space science missions.

volume XIX A of IAU Transactions contains the reports by Presidents of Commissions, covering the period July 1981 - June 1984. The topics of IAU Commissions deal with all of contemporary astronomy and the present volume therefore constitutes an exhaustive and unique record of astronomical research during this interval. It is particularly useful for astronomers and other scientists who want to gain an overview of a certain field, not necessarily near their own research area. Each Commission President was requested, by early 1984, to begin prep arations for the compilation of his/her Commission report. All members of Commissions were asked to supply details about their individual research pro grammes. The ensuing, very substantial task of concatenating was undertaken in late 1984 by the Presidents, often supported by a team of authors, all recog nized authorities in their fields. In order to preserve some measure of uni formity - which is in any case very difficult with so many authors - editorial guidelines were sent to Presidents, including the number of pages allotted to each Commission.