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At least 199 records · Page 11

Hubble space telescope Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph observation of U Geminorum during quiescence: Evidence for a slowly rotating white dwarf

We have obtained a pair of consecutive far-ultraviolet Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) exposures of the Si IV region of the dwarf nova U Geminorum in early quiescence, 8 days after its return to optical quiescence when the underlying white dwarf dominates the ultraviolet light of the system. Our GHRS observation revealed a fully resolved line profile for the resonance doublet of Si IV. If it is associated with the white dwarf photosphere, then our best synthetic fits are consistent with T (sub eff) = 35,000 K-38,000 K, log g = 8, a rotational velocity of 50 to 100 km per sec, with a modestly enhanced silicon abundance (1.3-2.3 times solar) and our results suggest that at least in U Gem and perhaps in other similar dwarf novae, the missing boundary layer cannot be explained by rapid rotation of the white dwarf. However, the gamma-velocity of the system remains uncertain. If the gamma-velocity is 43 km per sec (Friend et al. 1990), then a gravitational redshift of approximately 50-60 km per sec is implied for the white dwarf. If the gamma-velocity is 84 km per sec (Wade 1981), then a gravitational redshift of only 10-30 km per sec is indicated, which may imply that either the white dwarf has a low (0.5-0.6 of Solar Mass) mass or an extended atmosphere (corona) due to the outburst heating 8 days earlier. The implications of our line-fitting results for the structure and temperature of boundary layers in cataclysmic variables are discussed.

Sion, Edward M.↗

Mg IX emission lines in an active region spectrum obtained with the Solar EUV Rocket Telescope and Spectrograph (SERTS)

Theoretical electron-temperature-sensitive Mg IX emission line ratios are presented for R(sub 1) = I(443.96 A)/I(368.06 A), R(sub 2) = I(439.17 A)/I(368.06 A), R(sub 3) = I(443.37 A)/I(368.06 A), R(sub 4) = I(441.22 A)/I(368.06 A), and R(sub 5) = I(448.28 A)/I(368.06 A). A comparison of these with observational data for a solar active region, obtained during a rocket flight by the Solar EUV Rocket Telescope and Spectrograph (SERTS), reveals excellent agreement between theory and observation for R(sub 1) through R(sub 4), with discrepancies that average only 9%. This provides experimental support for the accuracy of the atomic data adopted in the line ratio calculations, and also resolves discrepancies found previously when the theoretical results were compared with solar data from the S082A instrument on board Skylab. However in the case of R(sub 5), the theoretical and observed ratios differ by almost a factor of 2. This may be due to the measured intensity of the 448.28 A line being seriously affected by instrumental effects, as it lies very close to the long wavelength edge of the SERTS spectral coverage (235.46-448.76 A).

Keenan, F. P.↗

Hubble Space Telescope faint object spectrograph Quasar Absorption System Snapshot Survey (AbSnap). 1: Astrometric optical positions and finding charts of 269 bright QSO

We present finding charts and optical positions accurate to less than 1 arcsec for 269 bright (V less than or = 18.5) Quasi-Stellar Objects (QSOs). These objects were selected as candidates for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Quasar Absorption System Snapshot Survey (AbSnap), a program designed to use the Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) to obtain short exposure ultraviolet (UV) spectra of bright QSOs. Many quasars were included because of their proximity to bright, low redshift galaxies and positions of these QSOs are measured accurately for the first time. Data were obtained using the digitized sky survey produced by the Space Telescope Science Institute's Guide Stars Selection System Astrometric Support Program.

Bowen, David V.↗

Observing stellar coronae with the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph. 1: The dMe star AU microscopoii

We report on an observation of AU Mic taken with the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) aboard the Hubble Space Telescope. The data consist of a rapid sequence of spectra covering the wavelength range 1345-1375 A with a spectral resolution of 10,000. The observations were originally intended to search for spectral variations during flares. No flares were detected during the 3.5 hr of monitoring. A method of reducing the noise while combining the individual spectra in the time series is described which resulted in the elimination of half of the noise while rejecting only a small fraction of the stellar signal. The resultant spectrum was of sufficient quality to allow the detection of emission lines with an integrated flux of 10(exp -15) ergs/sq cm(sec) or greater. Lines of C I, O I, O V, Cl I, and Fe XXI were detected. This is the first indisputable detection of the 1354 A Fe XXI line, formed at T approximately = 10(exp 7) K, on a star other than the Sun. The line was well resolved and displayed no significant bulk motions or profile asymmetry. From the upper limit on the observed line width, we derive an upper limit of 38 km/s for the turbulent velocity in the 10(exp 7) K plasma. An upper limit is derived for the flux of the 1349 A Fe XII line, formed at T approximately = 1.3 x 10(exp 6) K. These data are combined with contemporaneous GHRS and International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) data to derive the volume emission measure distribution of AU Mic over the temperature range 10(exp 4)-10(exp 7) K. Models of coronal loops in hydrostatic equilibrium are consistent with the observed volume emission measures of the coronal lines. The fraction of the stellar surface covered by the footprints of the loops depends upon the loop length and is less than 14% for lengths smaller than the stellar radius. From the upper limit to the estimated width of the Fe XXI line prfile we find that the we cannot rule out Alfven wave dissipation as a possible contributor to the required quiescent loop heating rate.

Maran, S. P.↗

New observations with the HST Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph of the low-redshift Lyman-Alpha clouds in the 3C 273 line of sight

We presenty spectra of 3C 273 between 1216 and 1250 A obtained in the (pre-COSTAR (Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement instrument)) configuration of the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) taken with the G160M grating with a resolution approximately = 20 km/s. The two strong Ly alpha lines at velocities of approximately 1000 and approximately 1600 km/s are well fitted with Voigt profiles and yield column densities, Doppler parameters and redshifts of log N(H I)=14.19 +/- 0.04 V(sub Dop)=40.7 +/- 3.0 km/s, V = 1012.4 +/- 2.0 km/s, and log N(H I)=14.22 +/- 0.07, V(sub Dop)=34.2 +/- 3.3 km/s and V = 1582.0 +/- 2.0 km/s, respectively. Motivated by the initial announcement by Williams and Schommer of detectable H alpha emission associated with the approximately 1600 km/s cloud, we discuss the difficulty of finding models which can account for emission of that magnitude given the observed neutral hydrogen column density, though a recent reobservation by these authors has shown the initial detection to be spurious. The C/H abundance ratio is probably less than about one-fourth of the solar abundance in these clouds, although this result is very uncertain and model dependent.

Weymann, Ray↗

A statistical equilibrium analysis of interstellar CO toward zeta Ophiuchi as recorded by the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph

High-resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio echelle observations made by the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS), aboard the Hubble Space Telescope, of molecular (12)C(16)O and (13)C(16)O in the absorbing gas toward zeta Oph are reported. A statistical equilibrium model, incorporating a different way of dealing with the radiation field in the interstellar clouds, is presented. Based upon previous observations, two velocity components of the gas at V(sub LSR) = - 0.79 and 0.39 km/s, corresponding to solar velocity = -14.6 and -13.4 km/s, together with three different sets of velocity dispersions are adopted in our models. The ratios of the computed emergent intensities (I(sub em)) resulting from the emission lines in the lowest transitions (J = 1 goes to 0, 2 goes to 1, 3 goes to 2) of ground state of CO are presented. The ratios for the two velocity components, (I(sub em)(1 goes to 0)(sub 1))/(I(sub em)(1 goes to 0)(sub 2)), and (I(sub em)(2 goes to 1)(sub 1))/I(sub em)(1 goes to 0)(sub 1)) are comparable to the observed corrected antenna temperature ratios. From the solutions to the statistical equilibrium equations including the six lowest rotational transitions of CO and from multiple Voigt profile fits, the observed (12)CO and (13)CO UV abroption features are successfully reproduced. Profile fitting and double cloud curve-of-growth analysis using the GHRS and Copernicus data indicate that the abundance of CO is (1.8 +/- 0.2) x 10(exp 15)/sq cm. The most recently measured wavelength of the (6 goes to 0) (13)CO band by Haridass & Huber (R(0) = 1370.616 A) shows that the tentative (13)CO features in the GHRS data are unquestionably identified. If there is no blending from any other unknown interstellar species, the isotope ratio of (12)CO/(13)CO is approximately 82 +/- 25. This result is close to the terrestrial value of 90 and implies that the CO is not substantially fractionated, and (12)C(16)O experiences little preferential self-shielding through the selective isotopic photodissociation process. This conclusion differs strongly with that of Sheffer et al. Other implications of the results are discussed.

Lyu, Cheng-Hsuan↗

A study of ultraviolet absorption lines through the complete Galactic halo by the analysis of HST faint object spectrograph spectra of active Galactic nuclei, 1

The ultraviolet (1150 - 2850 A) spectra of a number of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) observed with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) have been used to study the properties of the Galactic halo. The objects that served as probes are 3C 273, PKS 0454-220, Pg 1211+143, CSO 251, Ton 951, and PG 1351+640. The equivalent widths of certain interstellar ions have been measured, with special attention paid to the C IV/C II and Si IV/Si II ratios. These ratios have been intercompared, and the highest values are found in the direction of 3C 273, where C IV/C II = 1.2 and Si IV/Si II greater than 1. These high ratios may be due to a nearby supernova remnant, rather than to ionized gas higher up in the Galactic halo. Our data give some support to the notion that QSO metal-line systems may arise from intervening galaxies which contain high supernova rates, galactic fountains, and turbulent mixing layers.

Burks, Geoffrey S.↗

The faint limit of the Hubble Space Telescope faint object spectrograph and rejection of the cosmic-ray background

The faintest object which can be observed with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) is set by the detector cosmic-ray background and not by object flux. We use data from Beaver and Lyons to show that 48% of the background counts are from cosmic rays which each generate a near instantaneous burst of two or more counts. Setting the FOS threshold parameter REJLIM = 1, which rejects all frames with more than one count increases the ratio of signal-to-dark counts (S/D) by a factor of 1.94, regardless of the frame time or the object signal, because half of the dark counts which arrive in single counts (from either cosmic-ray bursts or thermal dark current photoemission) are rejected at the same rate as the object signal. But the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR proportional to S/square root of S + D) increases by at most a factor of 1.35, and for realistic parameters and taking into account dead time, we expect a gain in SNR of only 1.18. If a diode has failed and now emits noise, no data at all will be recorded. The chance of this occurring is approximately = 10% , and for this reason we do not recommend the use of REJLIM. The two-point correlation function of dark counts per pixel has strong peaks every four pixels, caused by the action of quarter-stepping on the counts from large bursts. The counts from such bursts spread over at least 80-100 diodes, and we show that such bursts can be rejected during data reduction if the data are recorded in RAPID mode with individual exposures of about 35 seconds. The SNR of the spectrum can also be improved by weighting each exposure by its SNR (a function ofthe mean dark count rate at that time), since dark varies by a factor of 2 around an orbit. These two procedures together increase the SNR by a factor of 1.1.3 (a 28% gain in exposure time) in regions of a spectrum where the object is much fainter than the background. We find that the Ly-alpha and O I sky emission lines give at most 4 (counts/array/s/sq arcsec), and typically half this number. With a small frame time and a small entrance aperture, these counts cause REJLIM = 1 to reject only a few percent of the data. We discuss only the HST FOS blue side detector, but the same ideas apply to any photon counter which records bursts of noise, and the calculations resemble those for the loss of signal due to coincidences in photon counters. In the ideal photon counter the dark counts are readily distinguished from photons. One way to do this is to add detectors which records only dark current, so that every cosmic ray produces more than one count and the instrument can be operated in an anti-coincidence mode.

Tytler, David↗

The HST quasar absorption line key project. 4: HST faint-object spectrograph and ground-based observations of the unusual low-redshift broad absorption-line quasi-stellar object PG 0043+039

Hubble Space Telescope Faint Object Spectrograph (HST FOS) observations have shown that the spectrum of the low-redshift (z(sub em) approximately equal to 0.384) QSO PG 0043+039 exhibits weak broad absorption lines (BALs). The BALs were discovered during the course of UV spectrophotometry made for the HST Quasar Absorption Line Key Project. The HST data are analyzed along with ground-based optical and IUE spectrophotometry. The object is found to have a number of atypical properties relative to normal non-BAL QSOs. The observed continuum is atypical in the sense that it is much weaker than that of a normal optically selected QSO at rest wavelengths approximately less than 2200 A. Intrinsic reddening of E(B-V) approximately equal to 0.11 mag by dust similar to that found in the SMC at the redshift of PG 0043+039 conservatively accounts for the observed continuum shape moderately well. These observed characteristics are typical of low-ionization BAL QSOs, but convincing evidence for BALs due to low-ionization transitions of Mg II, Al III, Al II, or C II does not exist. Therefore, this object may be a misaligned BAL QSO having many of the characteristics of low-ionization BAL QSOs with the sight line passing through a putative dusty region, but evidently missing clouds of high enough column density to produce observable low-ionization BALs. If the intrinsic dust-extinction model is correct, the observations suggest that the dust is not confined to the presumably higher density, low-ionization BAL clouds, but that it has drifted to nearby high-ionization BAL regions. We also consider other possible mechanisms for producing the shape of the continuous energy distribution which cannot be ruled out. We compare the Fe II emission in PG 0043+039 with that in another Key Project QSO, NGC 2841-UB 3, which has optical Fe II emission comparable in strength to that in PG 0043+039, but has anomalously weak UV Fe II emission. In addition, from an analysis of UV and optical spectrophotometric data at 5 epochs over approximately 11 yr, there is tentative evidence that PG 0043+039 has varied in brightness by as much as 1.1 mag during this time interval. Two different interpretations of PG 0043+039 and the low-ionization BAL QSOs are considered. Various model scenarios for explaining the weak narrow-line (O III) emission are considered, but there is no definitive explanation.

Turnshek, David A.↗

A search for chromospheric emission in A-type stars using the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph

We have used the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to search for chromospheric emission in the ultraviolet C II 1335 A lines of eight A-type stars. The B-V colors of these stars range from 0.12 to 0.22. We have detected emission in the spectrum of the A7 V star Altair, but in no other star. We present tentative evidence that the emission from Altair is blueshifted by approximately 60 km per sec or more with respect to the photospheric spectrum of this star. We interpret this as expansion and suggest that the base of the A star winds that we have proposed in earlier work may lie within the chromosphere. Together with International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) spectra, our observations indicate that in ordinary main-sequence stars the onset of convection zones capable of supporting detectable chromospheres occurs in the close vicinity of B-V = 0.22.

Simon, Theodore↗

The Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph: Instrument, goals, and science results

The Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS), currently in Earth orbit on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), operates in the wavelength range 1150-3200 A with spectral resolutions (lambda/delta lambda) of approximately 2 x 10(exp 3), 2 x 10(exp 4), and 1 x 10(exp 3). The instrument and its development from inception, its current status, the approach to operations, representative results in the major areas of the scientific goals, and prospects for the future are described.

Brandt, J. C.↗

The Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrograph Sounding Rocket Payload: Recent Modifications for Planetary Observations in the EUV/FUV

We report on the status of modifications to an existing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) telescope/spectrograph sounding rocket payload for planetary observations in the 800 - 1200 A wavelength band. The instrument is composed of an existing Wolter Type 2 grazing incidence telescope, a newly built 0.4-m normal incidence Rowland Circle spectrograph, and an open-structure resistive-anode microchannel plate detector. The modified payload has successfully completed three NASA sounding rocket flights within 1994-1995. Future flights are anticipated for additional studies of planetary and cometary atmospheres and interstellar absorption. A detailed description of the payload, along with the performance characteristics of the integrated instrument are presented. In addition, some preliminary flight results from the above three missions are also presented.

Slater, David C.↗

Atomic Physics with the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope: Oscillator Strengths for Neutral Sulfur - No. 1

Interstellar spectra toward zeta Oph acquired with the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph were used to obtain oscillator strengths for approximately two dozen S I lines. This analysis was possible because precisely determined experimental oscillator strengths are available for several multiplets, including one with a weak interstellar line. The self-consistent set of oscillator strengths then was obtained from a curve of growth based on line strengths spanning a range of a factor of 100. The derived f-values for a number of multiplets differ from values quoted by Morton (1991) but are generally consistent with the suite of available experimental and theoretical results.

Federman, S. R.↗

Faint Object Spectrograph Spectra of the UV Emission Lines in NGC 5558: Detection of Strong Narrow Components

Ultraviolet spectra of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548 were obtained with the Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) on the Hubble Space Telescope on 1992 July 5, when the UV continuum and broad emission lines were at their lowest ever observed level. The high resolution of the spectra, relative to previous UV observations, and the low state of NGC 5548 allow the detection and accurate measurement of strong narrow components of the emission lines of Ly alpha, C IV 1549, and C III 1909. Isolation of the UV narrow components enables a detailed comparison of narrow-line region (NLR) properties in Seyfert 1 and 2 galaxies, and removal of their contribution is important for studies of the broad-line region (BLR). Relative to the other narrow lines, C IV 1549 is much stronger in NGC 5548 than in Seyfert 2 galaxies, and Mg II 2798 is very weak or absent.

Crenshaw, D. Michael↗

Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph Observations of Procyon and HR1099

Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) observations have revealed the presence of broad wings in the transition-region lines of AU Mic and Capella. It has been proposed that these wings are signatures of microflares in the transition regions of these stars and that the solar analog for this phenomenon might be the 'transition region explosive events' discussed by Dere, Bartoe, & Brueckner. We have analyzed GHRS observations of Procyon (F5 IV-V) and HR 1099 (K1 IV + G5 IV) to search for broad wings in the UV emission lines of these stars. We find that the transition-region lines of HR 1099, which are emitted almost entirely by the K1 star, do indeed have broad wings that are even more prominent than those of AU Mic and Capella. This is consistent with the association of the broad wings with microflaring since HR 1099 is a very active binary system. In contrast, the transition-region lines of Procyon, a relatively inactive star, do not show evidence for broad wings, with the possible exception of N v lambda1239. However, Procyon's lines do appear to have excess emission in their blue wings. Linsky et al. found no evidence for broad wings in Capella's chromospheric lines, but we find that the Mg II resonance lines of HR 1099 do have broad wings. The striking resemblance between HR 1099's Mg II and C iv lines suggests that the Mg II line profiles may be regulated by turbulent processes similar to those that control the transition-region line profiles. If this is the case, microflaring may be occurring in the K1 star's chromosphere as well as in its transition region. However, radiative transfer calculations suggest that the broad wings of the Mg II lines can also result from normal chromospheric opacity effects rather than pure turbulence. The prominence of broad wings in the transition region and perhaps even chromospheric lines of active stars suggests that microflaring is very prevalent in the outer atmospheres of active stars.

Wood, Brian E.↗

Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph Observations of Variability in the RS Canum Venaticorum System V711 Tauri (HR 1099)

Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) observations of the RS CVn-type binary V711 Tau (Kl IV+G5 IV) were obtained at several phases over two consecutive stellar orbital cycles in order to study ultraviolet emission-line profile and flux variability. Spectra cover the Mg II h and k lines, C IV doublet, and Si IV region, as well as the density-sensitive lines of C III] (1909 A) and Si III] (1892 A). IUE spectra, Extreme Ultra Violet (EUV) data, and Ultraviolet, Blue, Visual (UBV) photometry were obtained contemporaneously with the GHRS data. Variable extended wings were detected in the Mg II lines. We discuss the Mg II line profile variability using various Gaussian emission profile models. No rotational modulation of the line profiles was observed, but there were several large flares. These flares produced enhanced emission in the extended line wings, radial velocity shifts, and asymmetries in some line profiles. Nearly continuous flaring for more than 24 hr, as indicated in the IUE data, represents the most energetic and long-lived chromospheric and transition region flare ever observed with a total energy much greater than 5 x 10(exp 35) ergs. The C III] to Si III] line ratio is used to estimate the plasma density during the flares.

Dempsey, Robert C.↗

A 21 Centimeter Absorber Identified with a Spiral Galaxy: Hubble Space Telescope Faint Object Spectrograph and Wide-Field Camera Observations of 3CR 196

We present imaging and spectroscopy of the quasar 3CR 196 (z(sub e) = 0.871), which has 21 cm and optical absorption at z(sub a) = 0.437. We observed the region of Ly alpha absorption in 3CR 196 at z(sub a) = 0.437 with the Faint Object Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope. This region of the spectrum is complicated because of the presence of a Lyman limit and strong lines from a z(sub a) approx. z(sub e) system. We conclude that there is Ly alpha absorption with an H I column density greater than 2.7 x 10(exp 19) cm(exp -2) and most probably 1.5 x 10(exp 20) cm(exp -2). Based on the existence of the high H I column density along both the optical and radio lines of sight, separated by more than 15 kpc, we conclude that the Ly alpha absorption must arise in a system comparable in size to the gaseous disks of spiral galaxies. A barred spiral galaxy, previously reported as a diffuse object in the recent work of Boisse and Boulade, can be seen near the quasar in an image taken at 0.1 resolution with the Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 on the HST. If this galaxy is at the absorption redshift, the luminosity is approximately L(sub *) and any H I disk should extend in front of the optical quasar and radio lobes of 3CR 196, giving rise to both the Ly alpha and 21 cm absorption. In the z(sub a) approx. z(sub e) system we detect Lyman lines and the Lyman limit, as well as high ion absorption lines of C III, N V, S VI, and O VI. This absorption probably only partially covers the emission-line region. The ionization parameter is approximately 0.1. Conditions in this region may be similar to those in broad absorption line QSOs.

Cohen, Ross D.↗

The Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph Scientific Support Contract

In 1988, Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) was selected as the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) Scientific Support Contractor (SSC). This was to have been a few months before the launch of NASA's first Great Observatory, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). As one of five scientific instruments on HST, the GHRS was designed to obtain spectra in the 1050-3300 A ultraviolet wavelength region with a resolving power, lambda/Delta(lambda) , of up to 100,000 and relative photometric accuracy to 1%. It was built by Ball AeroSpace Systems Group under the guidance of the GHRS Investigation Definition Team (IDT), comprised of 16 scientists from the US and Canada. After launch, the IDT was to perform the initial instrument calibration and execute a broad scientific program during a five-year Guaranteed Time Observation (GTO) period. After a year's delay, the launch of HST occurred in April 1990, and CSC participated in the in-orbit calibration and first four years of GTO observations with the IDT. The HST primary mirror suffered from spherical aberration, which reduced the spatial and spectral resolution of Large Science Aperture (LSA) observations and decreased the throughput of the Small Science Aperture (SSA) by a factor of two. Periodic problems with the Side 1 carrousel electronics and anomalies with the low-voltage power supply finally resulted in a suspension of the use of Side 1 less than two years after launch. At the outset, the GHRS SSC task involved work in four areas: 1) to manage and operate the GHRS Data Analysis Facility (DAF); 2) to support the second Servicing Mission Observatory Verification (SMOV) program, as well as perform system engineering analysis of the GHRS as nesessary; 3) to assist the GHRS IDT with their scientific research programs, particularly the GSFC members of the team, and 4) to provide administrative and logistic support for GHRS public information and educational activities.

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