Engineering topics

Weistrop, D.

Publications and source records attributed to Weistrop, D..

At least 19 records

NASA NTRS2004

Looking Closely at "Medusa": Star Forming Regions in NGC 4194

The "Medusa" (NGC 4194, Mrk 201) is a blue compact galaxy, with strong far infrared and radio emission. Ground-based observations exhibit a distorted image with a tidal tail and regions of strong star formation. A population of massive O and early B stars is evident from the IUE spectra HST survey of Seyfert and starburst galaxies notes NCG 4194 is an HII galaxy with lumpy HII regions and knots. The central starburst is apparently produced by a galaxy merger. As part of an investigation of star formation in interacting galaxies, we have obtained ultraviolet and visible images of the central regions of NGC 4194 with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on HST. Imaging was obtained in two ultraviolet (FUV-MAMA+F25QTZ, NUV-MAMA+F25CN182) and one visible (CCD+F28X50LP) band. Individual star forming knots (at HST resolution) have been identified. We present sized and luminosities for the individual knots, and the knot luminosity function. We compare our data to current starburst models to constrain stellar ages and populations. Knot characteristics as a function of location in the galaxy will also be discussed.

Weistrop, D.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Long-Slit Spectroscopy of the Narrow-Line Region of NGC 4151: Kinematics and Emission-Line Ratios - 1

Long-slit spectra of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151 from the UV to the near-infrared have been obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) to study the kinematics and physical conditions in the narrow-line region (NLR). The kinematics shows evidence for three components, a low-velocity system in normal disk rotation, a high-velocity system in radial outflow at a few hundred kilometers per second relative to the systemic velocity, and an additional high-velocity system also in outflow with velocities up to 1400 km s(-l), in agreement with results from STIS slitless spectroscopy. We have explored two simple kinematic models and suggest that radial outflow in the form of a wind is the most likely explanation. We also present evidence indicating that the wind may be decelerating with distance from the nucleus. We find that the emission-line ratios along our slits are all entirely consistent with photoionization from the nuclear continuum source. A decrease in the ratios [O III] lambda 5007/H beta and [O III] lambda 5007/[O II] lambda 3727 suggests that the density decreases with distance from the nucleus. This trend is borne out by the [S II] ratios as well. We find no strong evidence for interaction between the radio jet and the NLR gas in either the kinematics or the emission-line ratios, in agreement with the recent results of Kaiser et al., who found no spatial coincidence of NLR clouds and knots in the radio jet. These results are in contrast to other recent studies of nearby active galactic nuclei that find evidence for significant interaction between the radio source and the NLR gas.

Nelson, C. H.↗

NASA NTRS2001

HST Observations of Star Formation in Interacting Galaxies: NGC 4194, the "Medusa"

Ultraviolet and visible imaging of the blue compact galaxy NGC4194 was obtained to survey the star-forming knots in the center of this galaxy. Photometry and image analysis were performed on these regions. Comparison with evolutionary tracks indicates many of the knots are reddened with a typical E(B-V)approx.0.3. The knot ages range from 10(exp 6-10(exp 8)years. Some of the knots may have masses 3-5x10(exp 5) solar mass. The FUV fluxes correspond to the flux from 60-3.8x10(exp 3) O5V stars.

Weistrop, D.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Spatially Resolved Spectra of 3C Galaxy Nuclei

We present and discuss visible-wavelength long-slit spectra of four low-redshift 3C galaxies obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The slit was aligned with near-nuclear jet-like structure seen in HST images of the galaxies, to give unprecedented spatial resolution of their inner regions. In 3C 135 and 3C 171, the spectra reveal clumpy emission-line structures that indicate outward motions of a few hundred kilometers per second within a centrally illuminated and ionized biconical region. There may also be some low-ionization, high-velocity material associated with 3C 135. In 3C 264 and 3C 78, the jets have blue featureless spectra consistent with their proposed synchrotron origin. There is weak associated line emission in the innermost part of the jets with mild outflow velocity. These jets are bright and highly collimated only within a circumnuclear region of lower galaxy luminosity, which is not dusty. We discuss the origins of these central regions and their connection with relativistic jets.

Hutchings, J. B.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Astro-1 and ground-based observations of Markarian 335: Evidence for an accretion disk

Simultaneous UV and optical observations of the Seyfert galaxy Markarian 335 (z = 0.026) during the Astro-1 mission yield a spectrum spanning the wavelength range of 912-8410 A. In the sub-Ly alpha region a prominent blended emission feature of O VI lambda lambda 1032, 1038, and Ly beta is nearly as strong as C IV wavelength 1549. The continuum flux extends beyond the redshifted Luman limit without a noticeable discontinuity, but a siginificant change in slope exists near the redhsifted Lyman edge. We suggest that such a change may be the signature of a Lyman edge in an accretion disk seen at a small inclination angle. Using a disk model including such an edge, we fit the spectrum with a central black hole mass of 5 x 10(exp 7) solar mass, an accretion rate of 0.07 solar mass/yr, and an optical depth at the Lyman edge of 0.4. To account for the strong O VI emission as well as the soft X-ray excess, we consider the effects of Comptonization on the disk spectrum, which can produce a high-energy tail for the UV bump and also smooth the Lyman edge feature.

Zheng, W.↗

NASA NTRS1995

H-alpha imaging of galaxies in the Bootes void

We report H-alpha and continuum imaging of 12 galaxies in the Bootes void. The H-alpha emission in ten galaxies is due to star formation; one galaxy is probably a narrow emission line Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), and one a Seyfert 1. Star formation rates range from 3-55 solar mass/yr, with the most active galaxies producing stars at almost three times the rate found in normal field disk systems. Eleven galaxies have strong H-alpha emission in the nucleus. The morphology of several of the galaxies is disturbed. There are at least five spirals, three of which are probably one-armed spirals, and three edge-on disk systems. Three galaxies not identifiable as spirals have H-alpha emission from regions outside the nuclear point source. 1510+4727, which has the highest rate of star formation in our sample, does not have the strong far-infrared emission expected from a galaxy experiencing significant star formation. The galaxies are quite luminous M(sub B) = -21 to -23 mag), and are not the type predicted to be found in voids.

Weistrop, D.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Luminosities of H alpha emitting regions in a pair of interacting galaxies in the Bootes void

Luminosities of H alpha emission from a pair of interacting galaxies in the low density environment of the Bootes void are presented. CG 692 (IRAS 1519+5050) has an H alpha luminosity of 2 x 10(exp 42) ergs s(exp -1), indicating a star formation rate of 18.4 solar mass yr(exp -1). Individual extranuclear H alpha regions have luminosities of approximately 10(exp 40) ergs s(exp -1). These luminosities are similar to those found for H II regions in bright, late-type galaxies in more densely populated parts of the Universe.

Weistrop, D.↗

NASA NTRS1992

An interacting galaxy pair in the Bootes void

The first identified pair of interacting galaxies in the Bootes void is reported. The galaxies, CG 692 (IRAS 1519 + 5050) and CG 693, have redshifts 0.0572 and 0.0575, respectively, and a mutual separation of about 34 kpc. CG 692 is experiencing widespread star formation, at a rate estimated to be 18.4 solar masses/yr. CG 693 is a Seyfert 1, the third AGN found in the Bootes void, with a small amount of extranuclear star formation. The pair is another example of interacting galaxies displaying starburst and Seyfert activity apparently triggered by the interaction.

Weistrop, D.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Optical and radio observations for the BL Lacertae objects 1219 + 28, 0851 + 202, and 1400 + 162

Radio- and visible-wavelength observations for the BL Lac object 1219 + 28 (ON 231, W Com) are reported along with optical observations of 0851 + 202 (OJ 287), and radio data for 1400 + 162 (4C 16.39, OQ 100). The obtained data consist of imaging and surface photometry for both 1219 + 28 and 0851 + 202, as well as spectra for 1219 + 28, and Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations for 1219 + 28 and 1400 + 162. Two emission features have been observed in the spectrum of 1219 + 28. Radio observations of 1219 + 28 in three frequencies reveal the presence of a radio jet with at least three components. The obtained results for 1219 + 28 support previous conclusions that at least some BL Lac objects are located at the center of elliptical galaxies.

Weistrop, D.↗

NASA NTRS1985

The prototype MOSAIC detector

The prototype of the MOSAIC (Mosaicked Optical Self-scanned Array Imaging Camera) system, a photon-counting detector designed for use in the far ultraviolet, is described. MOSAIC has a two-dimensional format of 2400 x 2400 pixels, and is easily expandable. Readout is accomplished electronically via charge-coupled devices, making possible remote observations. Preliminary results of computer simulations of the system are presented.

Weistrop, D.↗

NASA NTRS1984

MOSAIC

The Mosaicked Optical Self-scanned Array Imaging Camera (MOSAIC), is a 50 sq cm active area detector system encompassing 5.76 million picture elements. This camera is being developed for use in astronomical instrumentation requiring the use of large area imaging detectors with high resolution photon counting capability in the space ultraviolet. This paper gives a descriptive outline of the MOSAIC camera system including: the 100 mm diameter microchannel plate intensifier, the 3 x 3 array of 800 x 800 pixel charge coupled devices, the signal processing and buffer storage subsystem, the electronic support and control subsystem, and the data processing subsystem. Performance characteristics of the camera and its subsystems are presented, based on system analysis.

Williams, J. T.↗

NASA NTRS1983

CCD photometry of the BL Lacertae object 1400+162 and the associated group of galaxies

Surface photometry of the BL Lacertae object 1400+162 and an apparently associated group of galaxies has been obtained using a CCD camera. Observations were made in V, broad bandpasses centered on 0.75 micron and 1.0 micron and with no filter. The colors of all but two of the galaxies suggest they are ellipticals, with the colors of the remaining two considerably bluer. Analysis using a method described by Schechter and Press (1976) suggests the group is a small one. The group may be similar to the one associated with the quasar 3C 273. The spectral index of the BL Lac object is 1.49 + or 0.21. This value allows, but does not require, the presence of an underlying elliptical galaxy. The radio-optical and optical-X-ray indices for 1400+162 are similar to values found for quasars.

Weistrop, D.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Images of the future - Two decades in astronomy

Future instruments for the 100-10,000 A UV-wavelength region will require detectors with greater quantum efficiency, smaller picture elements, a greater wavelength range, and greater active area than those currently available. After assessing the development status and performance characteristics of vidicons, image tubes, electronographic cameras, digicons, silicon arrays and microchannel plate intensifiers presently employed by astronomical spacecraft, attention is given to such next-generation detectors as the Mosaicked Optical Self-scanned Array Imaging Camera, which consists of a photocathode deposited on the input side of a microchannel plate intensifier. The problems posed by the signal processing and data analysis requirements of the devices foreseen for the 21st century are noted.

Weistrop, D.↗

NASA NTRS1982

BL Lac objects and their associated galaxies

CCD photometry of five BL Lac objects indicates that at least three, and possibly four, are located at the centers of giant elliptical galaxies. The redshift for one of these objects, 1218+304, is estimated. A lower limit is placed on the redshift of 1219+28, for which no associated galaxy has been detected. Separation of the galaxy emission from the total observed flux makes possible comparison of the optical - far red flux from the point source alone with radio and X-ray data. This comparison suggests the emission from 1727+50 and 1218+304 can be interpreted as due to direct synchrotron emission. Observations of a small group of galaxies associated with the BL Lac object 1400+162 are also discussed.

Weistrop, D.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Summary of the workshop on active galaxies and quasars

The paper reports highlights of discussions carried out at the Tenth Texas Symposium on Relativistic Astrophysics concerning BL Lacertae objects and quasars and their relationship to active galactic nuclei. The discussions considered X-ray, optical and radio observations of active galaxies and quasars showing features which may be interpreted as jets or beams, and X-ray and VLBI observations of core-jet structures exhibiting apparent supraluminal expansion. Attention was also given to the properties of the energy source in the center of the active galaxies and quasars, the nature of quasar emission line regions, the production of the continuum in quasars and active galactic nuclei, and evidence for the association of quasars and BL Lac objects with galaxies.

Weistrop, D.↗

NASA NTRS1981

CCD photometry of the BL Lacertae objects 1218+304, 1219+28, and 1727+50 - Point sources, associated nebulosity, and broad-band spectra

Visual and far-red surface photometry has been obtained for the X-ray emitting BL Lacertae objects 1218+304 and 1727+50, and the highly variable object 1219+28. The intensity distribution for 1727+50 can be modeled by means of a central point source and a de Vaucouleurs intensity law for an underlying galaxy. The spectral index of the point source of 1727+50 is found to be 0.97, while the indices for 1218+304 and 1219+28 are 0.91 and 1.7, respectively. Comparison of the results presented with X-ray and radio-frequency observations suggests that all emission from 1727+50 and 1218+304 is due to direct synchrotron emission. If this is the case, the relativistic motion effects and continuous particle injection are also implied by the data.

Weistrop, D.↗

NASA NTRS1981

CCD photometry of 1218+304 1219+28 and 1727+50: Point sources, associated nebulosity and broadband spectra

Visual and far red surface photometry were obtained of two X-ray emitting BL Lacertae objects, 1218+304 (2A1219+305) and 1727+50 (Izw 187), as well as the highly variable object 1219+28 (ON 231, W Com). The intensity distribution for 1727+50 can be modeled using a central point source plus a de Vaucouleurs intensity law for an underlying galaxy. The broad band spectral energy distribution so derived is consistent with what is expected for an elliptical galaxy. The spectral index of the point source is alpha = 0.97. Additional VLBI and X-ray data are also reported for 1727+50. There is nebulosity associated with the recently discovered object 1218+304. No nebulosity is found associated with 1219+28. A comparison of the results with observations at X-ray and radio frequencies suggests that all the emission from 1727+50 and 1218+304 can be interpreted as due solely to direct synchrotron emission. If this is the case, the data further imply the existence of relativistic motion effects and continuous particle injection.

Weistrop, D.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Photometry of Southern Hemisphere red dwarf stars

Results are presented for a photometric investigation of a spectroscopically selected sample of red dwarf stars in the Southern Hemisphere. Absolute magnitudes and distances for the stars are estimated from broadband red colors. Three stars which may be subluminous are identified, as are several stars which may be within 25 pc. The tangential velocity and velocity dispersion of the sample are similar to values found in other studies of nearby late-type stars.

Weistrop, D.↗