ar X iv : a st ro - p h / 99 04 13 5 v 1 1 2 A pr 1 99 9 The Planck Low Frequency Instrument

ar X iv : a st ro - p h / 99 04 06 2 v 1 5 A pr 1 99 9 CBR Polarization Experiments

A handful of new experiments aimed at measuring the asyet-undetected polarization of the cosmic background radiation (CBR) are described, with somewhat more detail given for three experiments with which the authors are associated.

ar X iv : a st ro - p h / 99 04 24 4 v 1 1 9 A pr 1 99 9 Is SGR 1900 + 14 a Magnetar ?

We present RXTE observations of the soft gamma–ray repeater SGR

ar X iv : a st ro - p h / 99 04 40 5 v 1 2 9 A pr 1 99 9 Observations of TeV gamma rays from Markarian 501 at large zenith angles

TeV gamma rays from the blazar Markarian 501 have been detected with the University of Durham Mark 6 atmospherič Cerenkov telescope using the imaging technique at large zenith angles. Observations were made at zenith angles in the range 70 • − 73 • during 1997 July and August when Markarian 501 was undergoing a prolonged and strong flare.

ar X iv : a st ro - p h / 98 04 15 2 v 1 1 6 A pr 1 99 8 New aspects in the theory of magnetic winds from massive hot stars

ar X iv : a st ro - p h / 99 04 18 5 v 1 1 4 A pr 1 99 9 Cosmology with a time - varying speed of light 1

Cosmic inflation is the only known mechanism with the potential to explain the very special initial conditions which are required at the early stages of the evolution of our universe. This article outlines my work with Joao Magueijo which attempts to construct an alternative mechanism based on a time-varying speed of light.