Engineering topics

Opal, C. B.

Publications and source records attributed to Opal, C. B..

At least 19 records

NASA NTRS1992

The hydrogen coma of Comet P/Halley observed in Lyman-alpha using sounding rockets

Hydrogen Lyman-alpha (121.6 nm) images of Comet P/Halley were obtained using sounding rockets launched from White Sands Missile Range on 24.5 February and 13.5 March 1986. The second rocket was launched 13 hours before the fly-by of the Giotto spacecraft. An electrographic camera on both flights provided Lyman-alpha images covering a 20 field of view with 3 arcmin resolution. The data from both flights have been compared with a time-dependent model of hydrogen kinetics. To match the measured isophote contours, hydrogen sources with velocity components of 8 km/s and 20 km/s (from OH and H2O respectively) as well as a low velocity component (about 2 km/s) are required. This low velocity component is thought to result from thermalization of fast hydrogen atoms within the collision zone, providing an important diagnostic of temperature and density near the nucleus. Hydrogen production rates of 3.8 x 10 exp 30/s and 1.7 x 10 exp 30/s have been obtained for the two observations.

Mccoy, R. P.↗

NASA NTRS1990

The near ultraviolet spectra of comets P/Brorsen-Metcalf and Austin

Results are reported on spectrophotometric observations of comets P/Brorsen-Metcalf and Austin from 3000 to 3600 A at a spectral resolution of about 1.8 A. The strongest features are the OH(A-X) 0-0 and 1-1 bands, and the NH(A-X) 0-0 bands. For the first time, the OH(A-X) 0-1 band was clearly found. The existence of the CN(B-X) 2-1 and 3-2 bands were verified and measured. A feature at 3258 A that was first seen in uncalibrated spectra was detected, and was identified as the NH singlet (c-a) 0-0 transition. The CO2(+) features at 3378, 3504, and 3512 A were also firmly identified. This ion was reported as being present in the tail of Comet Bester (1984 I) by Swings and Page (1950). The identification of a weak feature at 3547 A was proposed as the fundamental transition of H2CO, which would make this the first optical cometary detection of this molecule which is very abundant in giant molecular clouds.

Cochran, William D.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Far-ultraviolet spectral images of comet Halley from sounding rockets

Far-ultraviolet images of comet Halley obtained from sounding rockets launched from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, on 24 February and 13 March, 1986, are presented. Direct electrographic images of the hydrogen coma of the comet were obtained at the Lyman-alpha wavelength along with objective spectra containing images of the coma at the oxygen, carbon, and sulfur resonance multiplets. Analysis of the Lyman-alpha images yields hydrogen atom production rates of 1.9 x 10 to the 30th/s and 1.4 x 120 to the 30th/s for the two observations. Images of oxygen, carbon, and sulfur emissions obtained with the objective grating spectrograph are presented for the first set of observations and preliminary production rates are derived for these elements.

Mccoy, R. P.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Chaotic rotation of Hyperion?

Thomas et al. (1984) analyzed 14 Voyager 2 images of Saturn's satellite Hyperion and interpreted them to be consistent with a coherent (nonchaotic) rotation period of 13.1 days. This interpretation was criticized by Peale and Wisdom (1984), who argued that the low sampling frequency of Voyager data does not allow chaotic or nonchaotic rotation to be distinguished. New observations obtained with a higher sampling frequency are reported here which conclusively show that the 13.1 day period found by Thomas et al. was not due to coherent rotation.

Binzel, R. P.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Photometric and spectrophotometric activity of P/Halley during 1984-85

Imaging and spectroscopic observations of P/Halley were performed during 1984 and 1985 using a CCD camera and an Image Dissector Scanner Spectrograph, and the results are reported. P/Halley activity appears to begin around 6.23 AU and varies as r exp -5.3 for heliocentric distances between 5.8 and 4.2 AU. The observed radial brightness distribution falls off much faster than the inverse of the projected distance from the nucleus, indicating that the particles are disappearing or evaporating within about 20,000 km of the nucleus. Weak CN emission was detected in spectra obtained during February 1985, corresponding to a column density of 3 x 10 to the 8th molecules/sq cm. The spectroscopic results indicate that the excess of the observed emission over that from the bare nucleus is dominated by scattered solar continuum from grains, rather than by molecular coma emissions.

Barker, E. S.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Microdensitometer errors: Their effect on photometric data reduction

The performance of densitometers used for photometric data reduction of high dynamic range electrographic plate material is analyzed. Densitometer repeatability is tested by comparing two scans of one plate. Internal densitometer errors are examined by constructing histograms of digitized densities and finding inoperative bits and differential nonlinearity in the analog to digital converter. Such problems appear common to the four densitometers used in this investigation and introduce systematic algorithm dependent errors in the results. Strategies to improve densitometer performance are suggested.

Bozyan, E. P.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Electron-bombarded CCD detectors for ultraviolet atmospheric remote sensing

Electronic image sensors based on charge coupled devices operated in electron-bombarded mode, yielding real-time, remote-readout, photon-limited UV imaging capability are being developed. The sensors also incorporate fast-focal-ratio Schmidt optics and opaque photocathodes, giving nearly the ultimate possible diffuse-source sensitivity. They can be used for direct imagery of atmospheric emission phenomena, and for imaging spectrography with moderate spatial and spectral resolution. The current state of instrument development, laboratory results, planned future developments and proposed applications of the sensors in space flight instrumentation is described.

Carruthers, G. R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Far ultraviolet wide field imaging with a SPARTAN /Experiment of Opportunity/ Payload

A wide-field electrographic Schmidt camera, sensitive in the far UV (1230-2000 A), has been developed and utilized in three sounding rocket flights. It is now being prepared for Shuttle flight as an Experiment of Opportunity Payload (EOP) (recently renamed as the SPARTAN program). In this paper, we discuss (1) design of the instrument and payload, particularly as influenced by our experience in rocket flights; (2) special problems of EOP in comparison to sounding rocket missions; (3) relationship of this experiment to, and special capabilities in comparison to, other space astronomy instruments such as Space Telescope; and (4) a tentative observing plan for an EOP mission.

Carruthers, G. R.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Far-ultraviolet spectra and flux distributions of some Orion stars

Far-ultraviolet (950-1800 A) spectra with about 2 A resolution were obtained of a number of stars in Orion during a sounding-rocket flight 1975 December 6. These spectra have been reduced to absolute flux distributions with the aid of preflight calibrations. The derived fluxes are in good agreement with model-atmosphere predictions and previous observations down to about 1200 A. In the 1200-1080 A range, the present results are in good agreement with model predictions but fall above the rocket measurements of Brune, Mount and Feldman. Below 1080 A, our measurements fall below the model predictions, reaching a deviation of a factor of 2 near 1010 A and a factor of 4 near 950 A. The present results are compared with those of Brune et al. via Copernicus U2 observations in this spectral range, and possible sources of discrepancies between the various observations and model-atmosphere predictions are discussed. Other aspects of the spectra, particularly with regard to spectral classification, are briefly discussed.

Carruthers, G. R.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Spatial imaging of hydrogen Lyman-alpha emission from Jupiter

A sounding rocket measurement of the H I L-alpha emission from Jupiter made on Dec. 1, 1978 shows limb darkening and an average disk brightness of 13 kR. This brightness is significantly higher than in previous measurements, and was confirmed by an IUE observation on Dec. 10, 1978. Comparison with a plane-parallel hydrogen layer model indicates that there is enhanced emission from the equatorial regions, reaching a peak near 80 deg longitude.

Clarke, J. T.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Two-dimensional ultraviolet imagery with a microchannel-plate/resistive-anode detector

An imaging ultraviolet detector has been designed for use with a precision pointed telescope flown on a sounding rocket. Resolution of better than 80 microns over a field of 5 mm has been achieved. The ultraviolet image is converted to electrons at the front surface of a CsI coated chevron microchannel-plate electron multiplier. For each photoelectron, the multiplier produces a burst of about 3,000,000 electrons, which impinges on a tellurium-coated resistive anode with four evaporated hyperbolic readout electrodes. The sizes of the four resulting output pulses are digitized to 10 bit accuracy and telemetered to the ground, where they are divided in pairs to give the x and y coordinates of the photoelectron event. The coordinates are used to generate a picture in real time, and are recorded for computer processing later. The detector was successfully flown in December 1978. Good images of Jupiter and Capella in hydrogen Lyman alpha emission were obtained.

Opal, C. B.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Rocket ultraviolet imagery of the Andromeda galaxy

Far-UV electrographic imagery of M31 is presented which was obtained during a sounding-rocket flight with an electrographic Schmidt camera sensitive in the wavelength range from 1230 to 2000 A. The resolution in the imagery is such that 50% of the energy from a point source is confined within a circle 40 arcsec in radius. Two conspicuous features are observed in the UV image of M31: one corresponding to a bright association (NGC 206) in the SW region of the disk and one centered on the galactic nucleus. Indications of the general spiral-arm structure are also evident. Absolute photometry and brightness distributions are obtained for the observed features, and both the central region and NGC 206 are shown to be diffuse sources. It is found that the brightness distribution of the central region is a flat ellipse with its major axis closely aligned with the major axis of the galaxy, which favors a source model consisting of young early-type stars close to the galactic plane and constitutes strong evidence against a nonthermal point source at the galactic center.

Carruthers, G. R.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Far-ultraviolet imagery of the Orion Nebula

Two electrographic cameras carried on a sounding rocket have yielded useful-resolution far-ultraviolet (1000-2000 A) imagery of the Orion Nebula. The brightness distribution in the images is consistent with a primary source which is due to scattering of starlight by dust grains, although an emission-line contribution, particularly in the fainter outer regions, is not ruled out. The results are consistent with an albedo of the dust grains that is high in the far-ultraviolet and which increases toward shorter wavelengths below 1230 A.

Carruthers, G. R.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Lyman-alpha observations of Comet West /1975n/

The rate of hydrogen production of Comet West is studied through rocket observation of solar Lyman-alpha radiation resonantly scattered by the escaping hydrogen atoms. Two sets of Lyman-alpha exposure sequences are used to obtain computer-smoothed brightness contour (isophote) maps covering a density range of 100:1. A simple radial outflow model is applied to the contour maps to determine the rate of hydrogen production (3.2 by 10 to the 30th power atoms/sec.) Discrepancies between the observed shape of the outer isophotes and predicted models may be explained by optical depth effects, or by the presence of small pieces of the comet's nucleus distributed along the orbit. Hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen production for Comet West and Comet Kohoutek are compared; differences may be accounted for by variations in the composition or evolution of the two comets.

Opal, C. B.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Far-ultraviolet imagery of the Barnard Loop Nebula

An electrographic Schmidt camera carried on a sounding rocket has yielded far-ultraviolet (1050-2000 A and 1230-2000 A) images of the Barnard Loop Nebula and of the general background in the Orion region due to scattering of ultraviolet starlight by interstellar dust particles. The total intensity in the Barnard Loop region agrees well with OAO-2 measurements, but the discrete Loop structure contributes only some 15% of the total. The measurements are consistent with a relatively high albedo for the dust grains in the far-ultraviolet.

Carruthers, G. R.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Far ultraviolet excitation processes in comets

Recent observations of atomic oxygen and carbon in the far ultraviolet spectrum of comet Kohoutek have demonstrated the existence of these atomic species in the cometary coma. However, in order to identify the source of their origin, it is necessary to relate the observed ultraviolet flux to the atomic production rate. Analyses of observed OI wavelength 1304 and CI wavelength 1657 A multiplets have been carried out using high resolution solar spectra. Also examined is the possibility of observing ultraviolet fluorescence from molecules such as CO and H2, as well as resonance scattering either from atomic ions for which there are strong corresponding solar lines (CII) or from atoms for which there is an accidental wavelength coincidence (SI).

Feldman, P. D.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Remote sensing of the ionospheric F layer by use of O I 6300-A and O I 1356-A observations

The possibility of using airglow techniques for estimating the electron density and height of the F layer is studied on the basis of a simple relationship between the height of the F2 peak and the column emission rates of the O I 6300 A and O I 1356 A lines. The feasibility of this approach is confirmed by a numerical calculation of F2 peak heights and electron densities from simultaneous measurements of O I 6300 A and O I 1356 A obtained with earth-facing photometers carried by the Ogo 4 satellite. Good agreement is established with the F2 peak heights estimates from top-side and bottom-side ionospheric sounding.

Chandra, S.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Lyman-alpha imagery of Comet Kohoutek

Electrographic imagery of Comet Kohoutek in the 1100-1500 A wavelength range was obtained from a sounding rocket on Jan. 8, 1974, and from the Skylab space station on 13 occasions between Nov. 26, 1973 and Feb. 2, 1974. These images are predominantly due to Lyman-alpha (1216 A) emission from the hydrogen coma of the comet. The rocket pictures have been calibrated for absolute sensitivity and a hydrogen production rate has been determined. However, the Skylab camera suffered degradation of its sensitivity during the mission, and its absolute sensitivity for each observation can only be estimated by comparison of the comet images with those taken by the rocket camera, with imagery of the geocoronal Lyman-alpha glow, of the moon in reflected Lyman-alpha, and of ultraviolet-bright stars. The rocket and geocoronal comparisons are used to derive a preliminary, qualitative history of the development of the cometary hydrogen coma and the associated hydrogen production rate.

Carruthers, G. R.↗