Aims.We conduct an intensive study of the rich, X-ray luminous, and hot galaxy cluster Abell 697 (at z=0.282), likely containing a diffuse radio-emission, to determine its dynamical status. Methods: .Our analysis is based on new spectroscopic data obtained at the TNG telescope for 93 galaxies and on new photometric data obtained at the INT

Beginning in 2001, the Gemini Observatory began the development of an innovative and aggressive education and outreach program at its Southern Hemisphere site in northern Chile. A principal focus of this effort is centered on local education and outreach to communities surrounding the observatory and its base facility in La Serena Chile. Programs

We carried out optical and Hα photometry of two contact binaries (V861 Herculis, EQ Tauri). The light curve modeling revealed stellar spots in both contact systems and strong Hα excess in the position of the observed stellar spots. A correlation was found between the V-R and R-Hα colour indices of V861 Her.

We analyze the broad, low intensity, high velocity components that are seen in the Hα line profiles for a sample of HII regions. These HII regions are chosen from among the brightest and most isolated in a sample of spiral galaxies for which we have photometric and spectroscopic data: NGC 157, NGC 3631, NGC 6764, NGC 3344, NGC 4321, NGC 5364, NGC

We present an analysis of the Hα emission line profiles of a sample of giant extragalactic HII regions, selected from among the brightest and most isolated in a group of spiral galaxies for which we have photometric and spectroscopic data: NGC 157, NGC 3631, NGC 6764, NGC 3344, NGC 4321, NGC 5364, NGC 5055, NGC 5985, NGC 7479. Our study confirms

Bellazzini et al. (2006b) claim that Lopez-Corredoira et al.'s (2002) warp model is totally unable to reproduce the Canis Major structure in the red clump stars. However, slight variations in the azimuth of the Lopez-Corredoira et al. (2002) warp model, justified by the uncertainties in the parameter as well as the local irregularities with respect