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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
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NASA NTRS1985

On reflecting boundary behind the Earth's orbit at propagation of fast particles from solar flares

The flares of solar cosmic rays (SCR) associated with the presence of shocks in interplanetary magnetic field and with their propagation at significant heliocentric distances were always of great interest. Some events and problems concerning the peculiarities of propagation of flare CR in the interplanetary medium are considered. The distinguishing feature of such events is the presence of shock front behind the Earth's orbit having formed either directly in the process of shock generation on the Sun or at large heliocentric distances as a result of the interaction of fast and slow quasistationary recurrent solar wind (SW) streams. Based on the experimental material it is shown that the significant nonlinear disturbances in IMF behind the Earth's orbit can yield the occurrence of the additional SCR flux from shock front region as a result of the interaction of flare flux with shock and a partial reflection from it.

Nishkovskikh, A. S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The cosmic ray interplanetary radial gradient from 1972 - 1985

It is now established that the solar modulation of cosmic rays is produced by turbulent magnetic fields propagated outward by the solar wind. Changes in cosmic ray intensity are not simultaneous throughout the modulation region, thus requiring time dependent theories for the cosmic ray modulation. Fundamental to an overall understanding of this observed time dependent cosmic ray modulation is the behavior of the radial intensity gradient with time and heliocentric distance over the course of a solar modulation cycle. The period from 1977 to 1985 when data are available from the cosmic ray telescopes on Pioneer (P) 10, Voyager (V) 1 and 2, and IMP 8 spacecraft is studied. Additional data from P10 and other IMP satellites for 1972 to 1977 can be used to determine the gradient at the minimum in the solar modulation cycle and as a function of heliocentric distance. All of these telescopes have thresholds for protons and helium nuclei of E 60 MeV/nucleon.

Webber, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Distant heliospheric results on interplanetary shock propagation

Solar wind plasma data from Pioneers 10 and 11 and the Pioneer Venus Orbiter for 1978 to mid-1981 have been examined for forward shock signatures, and associations have been made with solar flares. (IMP 8 shocks from early 1978 have similarly been included for completeness). The numbers of flare-associated shocks observed at the various heliocentric distances of the spacecraft (ranging from 0.7 to 24 AU) are deduced, and the shock strengths and energies are given. Significantly fewer shocks associated with flares are observed at the greater distances, presumably because more cases have decreased below the threshold for inclusion. Three cases in which the same shock was probably detected by spacecraft at different heliocentric distances indicate deceleration and weakening at the greater distances.

Mihalov, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Photometric properties of zodiacal light particles

A number of optical and physical parameters are derived on the basis of ground-based, spacecraft, and rocket photometry and polarimetry, under the assumption that number density, mean particle size, and albedo, vary with heliocentric distance. It is noted that average individual interplanetary particles have a small but definite opposition effect, involving a single scattering albedo in the V-band and a zero-phase geometric albedo; modeled by a power law, both decrease with increasing heliocentric distance as r to the -0.54 power. The color of dust particles and the color's variation with solar phase angle, closely resemble those of C asteroids. These findings are consistent with the zodiacal cloud's origin in collisions among asteroids.

Lumme, K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Cometary atmospheres: Modeling the spatial distribution of observed neutral radicals

The analysis of observed brightness profiles for the C2 radical in comets with Haser's model implies that the parent scale length varies as the square of the heliocentric distance. The use of new Haser scale lengths for C2 and CN determined under this project appears to explain the apparent drop in the C2-to-CN ratio with increasing heliocentric distance.

Combi, M. R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Calculations of cosmogenic nuclide production rates in the Earth's atmosphere and their inventories

The production rates of cosmogenic isotopes in the Earth's atmosphere and their resulting terrestrial abundances have been calculated, taking into account both geomagnetic and solar-modulatory effects. The local interstellar flux was assumed to be that of Garcia-Munoz, et al. Solar modulation was accounted for using the heliocentric potential model and expressed in terms of the Deep River neutron monitor count rates. The geomagnetic field was presented by vertical cutoffs calculated by Shea and Smart and the non-vertical cutoffs calculated using ANGRI. The local interstellar particle flux was first modulated using the heliocentric potential field. The modulated cosmic-ray fluxes reaching the earth's orbit then interacted with the geomagnetic field as though it were a high-pass filter. The interaction of the cosmic radiation with the Earth's atmosphere was calculated utilizing the Bolztmann transport equation. Spallation cross sections for isotope production were calculated using the formalism of Silberberg and Tsao and other cross sections were taken from standard sources. Inventories were calculated by accounting from the variation in solar modulation and geomagnetic field strength with time. Results for many isotope, including C-14, Be-7 and Be-10 are in generally good agreement with existing data. The C-14 inventory, for instance, amounts to 1.75/sq cm(e)/s, in excellent agreement with direct estimates.

Obrien, K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Shock evolution in the outer heliosphere - Voyager and Pioneer observations

Observations are reported of 35 interplanetary shocks detected at heliocentric distances between 6.5 and 9.4 AU in mid-1980 by the Voyager 1, Voyager 2, and Pioneer 11 spacecraft. These shocks were all evidently generated by the interaction of corotating streams. Measurements of the pre- and postshock plasma parameters are used to determine the shock normals and speeds for each shock. Twelve of these 35 events are observed at all three spacecraft. The shock parameters at each spacecraft are compared to determine the time history for the 12 shocks. The single-spacecraft determinations of shock normal and speed are compared wih the results of several techniques for determining shock velocities using all three spacecraft. It is found that shocks undergo significant evolution as they travel past the three spacecraft. Every shock seen by both end spacecraft was also seen by the middle spacecraft. Shock formation possibly may be occurring at a heliocentric distance as great as 7 AU. It appears that the shock surfaces have a complex three-dimensional structure with 'ripples' on a scale of 0.001-1.0 AU.

Gazis, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Ultraviolet albedo of cometary grains

Several dusty comets, including two at heliocentric distances greater than 3 AU (Bowell 1982 I and Cernis 1983l), have been observed with the International Ultraviolet Explorer. Ultraviolet albedos have been determined for the wavelength range 2600-3050 A by comparison of the IUE data with both recent solar flux measurements and with IUE observations of solar analog stars. All of the comets show a similar reddening within this spectral range as well as with respect to the visible and infrared. No spectral signatures of possible ices are evident in the data. The ratio of gas to dust production rates, evaluated for 15 comets observed by IUE, shows a well-defined dependence on heliocentric distance.

Feldman, P. D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Early photometry of comet p/Halley - Development of the coma

The observation of comets over a large range of heliocentric distances can provide important information, taking into account, for instance, the appearance of true cometary characteristics. Photometric evidence is provided regarding coma formation at approximately 5.9 AU, giving attention to aspects of water-ice sublimation. New photometry of p/Halley was obtained when the comet was at 5.9 and 5.1 AU, during 1984 October and 1985 January, respectively. The new observations are compared with data obtained at larger heliocentric distances. It is argued that sustained mass loss from the nucleus began at about 5.9 AU, at a rate which is consistent with production by sublimation from a predominantly water-ice nucleus.

Meech, K. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Spectroscopy of comets

Comets constitute the most accessible samples of the outer solar system in its most primitive state. The physical and chemical properties of comet nuclei were determined to infer the conditions and processes related to the origin and evolution of the outer solar system. The procedure is to acquire and analyze digital spectra of a sample of comets covering a large range in heliocentric distance. During 1984 to 1986 the emphasis has been on Comet P/Halley (1982i). Large ground-based telescopes and state-of-the-art detectors were used to observe Comet P/Halley pre- and post-perihelion, covering a heliocentric distance range, 0.9 to 6.1 AU.

Wyckoff, S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Cometary atmospheres: Modeling the spatial distribution of observed neutral radicals

Progress during the second year of a program of research on the modeling of the spatial distributions of cometary radicals is discussed herein in several major areas. New scale length laws for cometary C2 and CN were determined which explain that the previously-held apparent drop of the C2/CN ratio for large heliocentric distances does not exist and that there is no systematic variation. Monte Carlo particle trajectory model (MCPTM) analysis of sunward and anti-sunward brightness profiles of cometary C2 was completed. This analysis implies a lifetime of 31,000 seconds for the C2 parent and an ejection speed for C2 of approximately 0.5 km/sec upon dissociation from the parent. A systematic reanalysis of published C3 and OH data was begun. Preliminary results find a heliocentric distance dependence for C3 scale lengths with a much larger variation than for C2 and CN. Scale lengths for OH are generally somewhat larger than currently accepted values. The MCPTM was updated to include the coma temperature. Finally, the collaborative effort with the University of Arizona programs has yielded some preliminary CCD images of Comet P/Halley.

Combi, Michael R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

HCN production from Comet Halley

Observations of the HCN J=1-0 rotational transition at 3.4 mm wavelength in comet P/Halley with a 14m antenna were obtained during 56 individual observing sessions between Nov. 1985 and May 1986. The HCN production rate is well correlated with the total visual magnitude of the comet, indicating that HCN follows the overall gas and dust production. However, comparison of HCN production to the total gas production of the comet indicates that it is a relatively minor consitiuent with 0.1% of the abundance of H2O. Spectra obtained by binning the HCN data with heliocentric distance show that the HCN line width, and thus the parent outflow velocity, increases with decreasing heliocentric distance, and that there is a tendency for the lines to be blue shifted as expected from the observed anisotropic outgassing from the nucleus. There is evidence of day-to-day time variability in the total HCN emission and variations in the HCN hyperfine ratios from their LTE values.

Schloerb, F. Peter↗
NASA NTRS1986

Pre-perihelion observations of Comet Halley at 2-13 microns

Between Nov. 8, 1985 and Jan. 13, 1986 comet Halley brightness was obtained as a function of time at 2.3, 3.6, 4.6, and 10.3 microns. Brightness outbursts were noted, an especially significant one beginning Jan. 10, 1986 and persisting for several days during which the IR brightness more than doubled. The heliocentric brightness indices for 2.3, 3.6, 4.6, and 10.3 microns are -5.7, -7.1, -8.5, and -6.2, respectively. Comet Halley's absolute magnitudes at these wavelengths are 7.3, 4.4, 2.8, and -1.8. The 4.6 to 10.3 micron color temperature dependence on heliocentric distance (R) is slightly less steep than the Rsup -1/2 expected theoretically. The albedo of the comet is 8% to 9%. Based on spectral differences between outbursts on Nov. 8, 1985 and Jan. 10 to 13, 1986, it is concluded that the comet displays composition inhomogeneities.

Lynch, David K.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Evolution of turbulence and waves in the solar wind in radius and latitude

The current state of knowledge of the variations of the Alfvenic fluctuations with heliocentric disturbance is reviewed, and results are considered in the context of the waves-turbulence dialogue. Direct information with regard to the outer corona has been limited, and most available data has been limited to near the ecliptic plane. Determination of the possible variation of intensity and the nature of the interplanetary fluctuations with heliocentric latitude, to characterize the role of fluctuations in accelerating the solar wind, may be provided by the Ulysses mission. It is noted that application of the results of incompressible turbulence theory to the Alfvenic fluctuation problem will be problematic due to the neglect of compressibility.

Barnes, A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Formation and evolution of a circumterrestrial disk Constraints on the origin of the moon in geocentric orbit

A data base of about 25,000 numerically integrated trajectories of earth-encountering planetesimals is used to study the angular momentum problem of forming the moon out of material captured into a circumterrestrial disk from heliocentric orbits. Mass-orbital element distributions of incoming planetesimals are combined with this data base to calculate, as a function of distance from earth, the net geocentric specific angular momentum of disk-encountering material on heliocentric orbits. Results suggest that a permanent disk population is not possible.

Herbert, Floyd↗
NASA NTRS1987

An analysis of solar wind fluctuations between 1 and 10 AU

A cross-correlation analysis between different parameters of the solar wind plasma based on Voyager 1 and 2 data from 1 to 9.5 AU evidences a persistent presence of time periods characterized by high anitcorrelation between the magnetic field magnitude and the proton density. These events are present at least 25 percent of the total time, and their frequency of occurrence progressively increases with increasing heliocentric distance. These results have been satisfactorily interpreted as being due to the presence of nonpropagating structures with internal pressure balance and characteristic time scale of less than about 10 hours. Alfvenic fluctuations are confirmed to dominate the microscale at 1-2 AU, but they seem to become less important at larger heliocentric distances.

Vellante, M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Observations of HCN in Comet Halley

Observations of the HCN J = 1-0 rotational transition at 3.4 mm wavelength in comet P/Halley are discussed. The data were obtained during a total of 56 individual observing sessions between Nov. 18, 1985 and May 11, 1986, and represent the first time that a cometary parent molecule has been so extensively monitored. The HCN production rate is well correlated with the total visual magnitude of the comet, indicating that HCN follows the overall gas production. There is also evidence of time variability and variations in the HCN hyperfine ratios from their LTE values. Spectra obtained by binning the HCN data with heliocentric distance show that the HCN line width, and thus the parent outflow velocity, increases with decreasing heliocentric distance.

Schloerb, F. Peter↗
NASA NTRS1988

Interplanetary protons (Ep of about 1 MeV) 1973-1986 and out to 22.4 AU

This paper uses annual mean counting rate data from detectors on two long-lived spacecraft, Pioneer 11 and IMP 8, to study the temporal and heliocentric radial distance variations of the intensity of interplanetary protons (Ep of about 1 MeV) over solar activity cycle 21. The Pioneer 11 data cover the time period April 1973 through 1986 and the heliocentric radial distance range r of between 1.0 and 2.4 AU. IMP 8, in an approximately circular geocentric orbit of semimajor axis 35 earth radii, provides comparable data at 1 AU over the time period 1974-1986. The combination of the two bodies of data shows that the annual mean intensity of such protons varies as the inverse square of the distance from the sun, irrespective of solar activity as measured by the annual mean sunspot number S. Also it is found that the annual intensity at 1 AU is approximately proportional to S, except for anomalously low values in 1979 and 1980, and that the product of the annual mean intensity at Pioneer 11 by r-squared is also approximately proportional to S, except for anomalously low values in 1979, 1980 (in particular), and 1981. The common 1980 'anomaly' is attributed to gross changes in interplanetary conditions associated with the reversal of the polarity of the sun's polar magnetic field.

Van Allen, J. A.↗