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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

The Feinheit method: A phase-independent formulation of the period-luminosity relation for Cephids

The tight correlation between color and luminosity during the cyclical variation of a Cepheid is calibrated and shown to be a direct means by which most of the phase-dependent temperature-induced amplitude of the variable can be transformed away. The resulting Feinheit function, F = V - alpha (B-V) gives rise to a random-phase period-luminosity relation with an rms scatter of less than 0.20 mag. A comparison shows that the blue Feinheit method for distance determinations method from single-phase observations is as accurate as near-infrared photometry but has the added advantage of being able to use panoramic detectors for the data acquisition. The Feinheit function is identified as the surface area variation of the Cepheid during its cycle.

Madore, B. F.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Galaxy distances and deviations from universal expansion; Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Kona, HI, Jan. 13-17, 1986

A collection of papers on galaxy distances and deviations from universal expansion is presented. Individual topics addressed include: new results on the distance scale and the Hubble constant, Magellanic Clouds and the distance scale, CCD observations of Cepheids in nearby galaxies, distances using A supergiant stars, infrared calibration of the Cepheid distance scale, two stepping stones to the Hubble constant, physical models of supernovae and the distance scale, 21 cm line widths and distances of spiral galaxies, infrared color-luminosity relations for field galaxies, minimizing the scatter in the Tully-Fisher relation, photometry of galaxies and the local peculiar motion, elliptical galaxies and nonuniformities in the Hubble flow, and large-scale anisotropy in the Hubble flow. Also discussed are: improved distance indicator for elliptical galaxies, anisotropy of galaxies detected by IRAS, the local gravitational field, measurements of the CBR, measure of cosmological times, ages from nuclear cosmochronology, extragalactic gas at high redshift, supercluster infall models, Virgo infall and the mass density of the universe, dynamics of superclusters and Omega(0), distribution of galaxies versus dark matter, peculiar velocities and galaxy formation, cosmological shells and blast waves.

Madore, Barry F.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A search for the binary companion of Polaris

Polaris has a spectroscopic orbit determined from an extensive series of observations as well as a more uncertain astrometric orbit. The determination of its mass and evolutionary state is of considerable interest because it is a low-amplitude classical Cepheid with unusual period and amplitude variations. In this study, IUE spectra are investigated to search for light from the companion. The spectra of Polaris from 1600 A to 3200 A are a good match for nonvariable supergiants of similar spectral type. The lack of any excess flux at the shortest wavelengths implies that a main-sequence companion must be later than A8 V. Although this is the most likely companion, the ultraviolet observations cannot rule out a white dwarf 15,000 K or cooler. Both these companions are consistent with either an evolutionary mass or a smaller pulsation mass for the Cepheid.

Evans, Nancy Remage↗
NASA NTRS1994

Comparative pulsation calculations with OP and OPAL opacities

Comparative linear nonadiabatic pulsation calculations are presented using the OPAL and Opacity Project opacities. The two sets of opacities include effects due to intermediate coupling and fine structure as well as new abundances. We used two mass luminosity (M-L) relations, one standard (BIT), and one employing substantial convective core overshoot (COV). The two sets of opacities cannot be differentiated on the basis of the stellar pulsation calculations presented here. The BIT relation can model the beat and bump Cepheids with masses between 4 and 7 solar mass, while if the overshoot relation is used, masses between 2 and 6 solar mass are required. In the RR Lyrae regime, we find the inferred masses of globular cluster RRd stars to be little influenced by the choice of OPAL or OP. Finally, the limited modeling we have done is not able to constrain the Cepheid M-L relation based upon period ratios observed in the beat and bump stars.

Kanbur, Shashi M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

S Mus B revisited

IUE high dispersion spectra have been used to investigate the spectral type of the companion of the classical Cepheid S Mus, using Si II and III lines near 1300 A. In addition, the energy distribution from 1200 to 3200 A from IUE low resolution spectra has also been compared with standard stars. The resulting spectral type is B3.5 V (with a reddening of E(B-V) = 0.21 mag). Using the magnitude difference between the two stars and the Cepheid luminosity, the binary components are compared with evolutionary tracks computed by four groups. A mass between 5.5 and 6.0 solar masses results from all tracks. On the other hand, the relatively small luminosity difference between the two stars is only consistent with tracks with minimal convective overshoot and a companion nearing the end of the main sequence phase.

Evans, Nancy Remage↗
NASA NTRS1995

Variable stars in the dwarf galaxy GR 8 (DDO 155)

Observations of the resolved stars in dwarf galaxy GR 8, obtained over the period 1980 February to 1994 March, are presented. Thirty-four separate epochs were searched for variable stars, and a total of six were found, of which one has Cepheid characteristics. After correction for Galactic extinction this single Cepheid yields a distance modulus of m - M = 26.75 +/- 0.35. This corresponds to a distance of 2.24 Mpc, placing GR 8 near the Local Group (LG) zero-velocity surface. The other five variable stars are very red, and possibly have long periods of order 100 days or more.

Tolstoy, Eline↗
NASA NTRS2002

Variable Stars In the Unusual, Metal-Rich Globular Cluster

We have undertaken a search for variable stars in the metal-rich globular cluster NGC 6388 using time-series BV photometry. Twenty-eight new variables were found in this survey, increasing the total number of variables found near NGC 6388 to approx. 57. A significant number of the variables are RR Lyrae (approx. 14), most of which are probable cluster members. The periods of the fundamental mode RR Lyrae are shown to be unusually long compared to metal-rich field stars. The existence of these long period RRab stars suggests that the horizontal branch of NGC 6388 is unusually bright. This implies that the metallicity-luminosity relationship for RR Lyrae stars is not universal if the RR Lyrae in NGC 6388 are indeed metal-rich. We consider the alternative possibility that the stars in NGC 6388 may span a range in [Fe/H]. Four candidate Population II Cepheids were also found. If they are members of the cluster, NGC 6388 would be the most metal-rich globular cluster to contain Population II Cepheids. The mean V magnitude of the RR Lyrae is found to be 16.85 +/- 0.05 resulting in a distance of 9.0 to 10.3 kpc, for a range of assumed values of (M(sub V)) for RR Lyrae. We determine the reddening of the cluster to be E(B - V) = 0.40 +/- 0.03 mag, with differential reddening across the face of the cluster. We discuss the difficulty in determining the Oosterhoff classification of NGC 6388 and NGC 6441 due to the unusual nature of their RR Lyrae, and address evolutionary constraints on a recent suggestion that they are of Oosterhoff type II.

Pritzl, Barton J.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Image-Subtraction Photometry of Variable Stars in the Globular Clusters NGC 6388 and NGC 6441

We have applied Alard's image subtraction method (ISIS v2.1) to the observations of the globular clusters NGC 6388 and NGC 6441 previously analyzed using standard photometric techniques (DAOPHOT, ALLFRAME). In this reanalysis of observations obtained at CTIO, besides recovering the variables previously detected on the basis of our ground-based images, we have also been able to recover most of the RR Lyrae variables previously detected only in the analysis of Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 observations of the inner region of NGC 6441. In addition, we report five possible new variables not found in the analysis of the EST observations of NGC 6441. This dramatically illustrates the capabilities of image subtraction techniques applied to ground-based data to recover variables in extremely crowded fields. We have also detected twelve new variables and six possible variables in NGC 6388 not found in our previous groundbased studies. Revised mean periods for RRab stars in NGC 6388 and NGC 6441 are 0.676 day and 0.756 day, respectively. These values are among the largest known for any galactic globular cluster. Additional probable type II Cepheids were identified in NGC 6388, confirming its status as a metal-rich globular cluster rich in Cepheids.

Corwin, Michael T.↗
NASA NTRS2013

The Carnegie Hubble Program: The Infrared Leavitt Law in IC 1613

We have observed the dwarf galaxy IC 1613 at multiple epochs in the midinfrared using Spitzer and the in the near-infrared using the new FourStar near-IR camera on Magellan. We have constructed Cepheid period luminosity relations in the J, H, Ks, [3.6] and [4.5] bands and have used the run of their apparent distance moduli as a function of wavelength to derive the line of sight reddening and distance to IC 1613. Using a nineband fit, we find E(BV ) = 0.050.01 mag and an extinction corrected distance modulus of 0 = 24.29 0.03statistical 0.03systematic mag. By comparing our multiband and [3.6] distance moduli to results from the tip of the red giant branch and red clump distance indicators, we find that metallicity has no measurable effect on Cepheid distances at 3.6 m in the metallicity range 1.0 [Fe/H] 0.2, hence derivations of the Hubble constant at this wavelength require no correction for metallicity.

Scowcroft, Victoria↗
NASA NTRS2013

Development Status of the WetLab-2 Project: New Tools for On-orbit Real-time Quantitative Gene Expression.

The primary objective of NASA Ames Research Centers WetLab-2 Project is to place on the ISS a research platform to facilitate gene expression analysis via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) of biological specimens grown or cultured on orbit. The WetLab-2 equipment will be capable of processing multiple sample types ranging from microbial cultures to animal tissues dissected on-orbit. In addition to the logistical benefits of in-situ sample processing and analysis, conducting qRT-PCR on-orbit eliminates the confounding effects on gene expression of reentry stresses and shock acting on live cells and organisms. The system can also validate terrestrial analyses of samples returned from ISS by providing quantitative on-orbit gene expression benchmarking prior to sample return. The ability to get on orbit data will provide investigators with the opportunity to adjust experimental parameters for subsequent trials based on the real-time data analysis without need for sample return and re-flight. Finally, WetLab-2 can be used for analysis of air, surface, water, and clinical samples to monitor environmental contaminants and crew health. The verification flight of the instrument is scheduled to launch on SpaceX-5 in Aug. 2014.Progress to date: The WetLab-2 project completed a thorough study of commercially available qRT-PCR systems and performed a downselect based on both scientific and engineering requirements. The selected instrument, the Cepheid SmartCycler, has advantages including modular design (16 independent PCR modules), low power consumption, and rapid ramp times. The SmartCycler has multiplex capabilities, assaying up to four genes of interest in each of the 16 modules. The WetLab-2 team is currently working with Cepheid to modify the unit for housing within an EXPRESS rack locker on the ISS. This will enable the downlink of data to the ground and provide uplink capabilities for programming, commanding, monitoring, and instrument maintenance. The project is currently designing a module that will lyse the cells and extract RNA of sufficient quality for use in qRT-PCR reactions while using a housekeeping gene to normalize RNA concentration and integrity. Current testing focuses on two promising commercial products and chemistries that allow for RNA extraction with minimal complexity and crew time.

quantitative PCR↗
NASA NTRS2014

WetLab-2: Tools for Conducting On-Orbit Quantitative Real-Time Gene Expression Analysis on ISS

The objective of NASA Ames Research Centers WetLab-2 Project is to place on the ISS a research platform capable of conducting gene expression analysis via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) of biological specimens sampled or cultured on orbit. The project has selected a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) qRT-PCR system, the Cepheid SmartCycler and will fly it in its COTS configuration. The SmartCycler has a number of advantages including modular design (16 independent PCR modules), low power consumption, rapid ramp times and the ability to detect up to four separate fluorescent channels at one time enabling multiplex assays that can be used for normalization and to study multiple genes of interest in each module. The team is currently working with Cepheid to enable the downlink of data from the ISS to the ground and provide uplink capabilities for programming, commanding, monitoring, and instrument maintenance. The project has adapted commercial technology to design a module that can lyse cells and extract RNA of sufficient quality and quantity for use in qRT-PCR reactions while using a housekeeping gene to normalize RNA concentration and integrity. The WetLab-2 system is capable of processing multiple sample types ranging from microbial cultures to animal tissues dissected on-orbit. The ability to conduct qRT-PCR on-orbit eliminates the confounding effects on gene expression of reentry stresses and shock acting on live cells and organisms or the concern of RNA degradation of fixed samples. The system can be used to validate terrestrial analyses of samples returned from ISS by providing on-orbit gene expression benchmarking prior to sample return. The ability to get on orbit data will provide investigators with the opportunity to adjust experiment parameters for subsequent trials based on the real-time data analysis without need for sample return and re-flight. Researchers will also be able to sample multigenerational changes in organisms. Finally, the system can be used for analysis of air, surface, water, and clinical samples to monitor environmental contaminants and crew health. The verification flight of the instrument is scheduled to launch on SpaceX-7 in June 2015.

quantitative PCR↗
DOE OSTI2020

Using the Baryonic Tully–Fisher Relation to Measure H{sub o}

We explore the use of the baryonic Tully–Fisher relation (bTFR) as a new distance indicator. Advances in near-IR imaging and stellar population models, plus precise rotation curves, have reduced the scatter in the bTFR such that distance is the dominant source of uncertainty. Using 50 galaxies with accurate distances from Cepheids or the tip magnitude of the red giant branch, we calibrate the bTFR on a scale independent of H {sub o}. We then apply this calibrated bTFR to 95 independent galaxies from the SPARC sample, using CosmicFlows-3 velocities, to deduce the local value of H {sub o}. We find H {sub o} = 75.1 ± 2.3 (stat) ±1.5 (sys) km s{sup −1} Mpc{sup −1}.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Tidally Excited Modes and δ Scuti Pulsations in the Eclipsing Triple Star IM Persei

IM Per is a triple star system whose eclipsing pair masses and radii are accurate to within 1%. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) light curve of the program target exhibits partial eclipses and multiple oscillations with millimagnitude-level amplitudes. It is found that the oscillations affect eclipse timing measurements. Binary modeling of the high-quality TESS data indicates that the eclipsing components of the triple system are twin dwarfs with parameters of M {sub 2}/M {sub 1} = 0.995, R {sub 2}/R {sub 1} = 0.901, and Δ(T{sub eff,1}–T{sub eff,2}) = 12 K in an eccentric (e = 0.049), detached configuration. The third light of l {sub 3} = 0.054 may mostly come from a G-type tertiary companion. Our predicted parallax of 1.52 ± 0.09 mas is concurrent with the Gaia measurement of 1.52 ± 0.05 mas. Multifrequency analysis of the outside-eclipse residuals reveals 22 significant pulsation signals: 4 in the gravity-mode region (0.03−2.22 day{sup −1}) and 18 in the pressure-mode region (9.19−25.12 day{sup −1}). Of the low frequencies, f {sub 11} and f {sub 14} are orbital harmonics that can be identified as tidally excited modes. The pulsation periods and constants for the high frequencies, and the position in the Cepheid instability strip demonstrate that the pulsating component of IM Per is a δ Sct variable.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2021

New Blue and Red Variable Stars in NGC 247

Images recorded with the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) on Gemini South are combined with archival images from other facilities to search for variable stars in the southern half of the nearby disk galaxy NGC 247. Fifteen new periodic and nonperiodic variables are identified. These include three Cepheids with periods <25 days, four semiregular variables, one of which shows light variations similar to those of R CrB stars, five variables with intrinsic visible/red brightnesses and colors that are similar to those of luminous blue variables (LBVs), and three fainter blue variables, one of which may be a noneclipsing close binary system. The S Doradus instability strip defines the upper envelope of a distinct sequence of objects on the (i, g-i) color–magnitude diagram (CMD) of NGC 247. The frequency of variability of an amplitude ≥0.1 magnitude in the part of the CMD that contains LBVs over the seven-month period when the GMOS images were recorded is ~0.2. The light curve of the B[e] supergiant J004702.18–204739.9, which is among the brightest stars in NGC 247, is also examined. Low-amplitude variations on day-to-day timescales are found, coupled with a systematic trend in mean brightness over a six-month time interval.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1966

Pulsation models of Delta Cephei and Eta Aquilae.

Computation method used in pulsation of Lyrae models extended to models of Cepheid variables, noting instability of appropriate period, mass size, luminosity and velocity curves

MATHEMATICAL MODEL↗
NASA NTRS1966

Pulsation theory.

Pulsation in cepheid instability strip in H-R DIAGRAM, giving equations for spherically symmetric motion

BINARY STAR↗