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NASA NTRS1995

Ultraviolet observations of the structure and dynamics of an active region at the limb

The structure and dynamics of active region NOAA 7260 at the limb have been studied using ultraviolet spectra and spectroheliograms obtained during the eighth rocket flight of the Naval Research Laboratory's High Resolution Telescope an Spectrograph (HRTS). The instrument configuration included a narrow-bandpass spectroheliograph to observe the Sun in the lines of C IV lambda 550 and a tandem-Wadsworth mount spectrograph to record the profiles of chromospheric transition region and coronal lines in the 1850-2670 A region. The combination of high spatial resolution and high spectral purity C IV slit jaw images with ultraviolet emission-line spectra corresponding allows examination of a variety of active region phenomena. A time series of spectroheliograms shows large-scale loop systems composed of fine-scale threads with some extending up to 100 Mm above the limb. The proper motion of several supersonic features, including a surge were measured. The accelerated plasmas appear in several different geometries and environments. Spectrograph exposures were taken with the slit positioned at a range of altitudes above the limb and provide a direct comparison between coronal, transition region and chromospheric emission line profiles. The spectral profiles of chromospheric and transition region emission lines show line-of-sight velocities up to 70 km/s. These lower temperature, emission-line spectra show small-scale spatial and velocity variations which are correlated with the threadlike structures seen in C IV. Coronal lines of Fe XII show much lower velocities and no fine structure.

Korendyke, C. M.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Deep ROSAT HRI observations of the Orion nebula region

We present results from three deep ROSAT high-resolution imager observations of the Orion Nebula star-forming region. The X-ray images contain over 1500 cataloged stars in a roughly 0.8 sq deg region centered on the Trapezium. In all, 389 distinct X-ray sources have been detected, at least two-thirds of which are associated with a single proper-motion cluster member. X-ray emission is detected from stars of all spectral types, from massive O- and B-type components of the Trapezium to the coolest, low-mass pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars. In this paper we focus primarily on X-ray emission from the late-type PMS stars. Of the approximately 100 late-type cluster members with measured spectral types, approximately three-fourths have been detected; we have derived X-ray luminosity upper limits for the remaining stars. We found coronal X-ray emission turns on around spectral type F6, with the upper envelope of activity increasing with deceasing effective temperature. When plotted in an X-ray luminosity versus bolometric luminosity diagram, late-type PMS stars lie below a 'saturation' line corresponding to L(sub x)/L(sub bol) approximately 10(exp -3). For approximately solar-mass PMS stars, we find a median X-ray luminosity approximately 1 x 10(exp 30) ergs/s. The late G, K, and M stars exhibit nearly a two order of magnitude spread in X-ray luminosity and in L(sub x)/L(sub bol) at a given effective temperature. Plots of X-ray activity versus v sin i rotational velocity and rotational period appear to show no clear dependence of activity on rotation. However, because only a small fraction of late-type PMS stars in the Orion Nebula have measured v sin i or P(sub rot) and because of uncertainties in L(sub x) and L(sub x)/L(sub bol), we believe the data are not conclusive on this point. Light curves of the detected X-ray sources have revealed at least 10 strong X-ray flares with characteristic rise times greater than or approximately equal to 1 hr and decay times ranging from approximately 2 to 12 hr. All the flares have X-ray energies in excess of 3 x 10(exp 35) ergs. Many of the X-ray sources associated with late-type cluster members have been observed in more than one ROSAT HRI exposure, allowing us to look for variability on the approximately 1 yr timescale between HRI observations. A statistical analysis of the resulting count rate ratios suggests that at least one-fourth of the late-type cluster stars are significantly variable on this timescale.

Gagne, Marc↗

NASA NTRS1995

Potential applications of GSC-2 for GAIA operations

The second guide star catalog (GSC-2) is a project that aims to create a complete catalog of stars and galaxies to about the 18th magnitude, and would contain colors, magnitudes, positions and proper motions. The catalog would provide an object list for the construction of an input catalog for possible future astrometric satellites, such as the global astrometric interferometer for astrophysics (GAIA) satellite. With a schedule that is compatible with the projected timeframe of GAIA, the GSC-2 could be available in time to support the preparatory astrophysical observations for an input catalog. The availability of the digitalized images for the preparation of finding charts would improve the efficiency of this task.

Lasker, Barry M.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Timing the Geminga pulsar with EGRET data

The pulsation of Geminga has been detected to date only at high energies (E greater than 0.1 keV). Since x-ray exposures are short and Geminga is at best only marginally detected in gamma-rays at E less than 30 MeV, the primary means of timing Geminga is with high-energy gamma-rays. The EGRET observations of Geminga now span 4 years. These data are analyzed to determine the 1995 ephemeris for Geminga which is provided here. We continue to count every revolution of Geminga during the GRO mission with a rotational phase resolution which improves with additional exposure. Proper motion is now apparent in gamma-ray timing, consistent with the optical measurement of Bignami et al. With improved statistics, two additional peaks are tentatively detected in the 'minor bridge' region. More exposure is required to confirm them. If found to be real, they are difficult to understand with polar cap models, but are expected for the outer gap model, and provide sorely needed constraints.

Mattox, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Modeling of micro thrusters for gravity probe B

The concept of testing Einstein's general theory of relativity by means of orbiting gyroscopes was first proposed in 1959, which lead to the development of the Gravity Probe B experiment. Einstein's theory concerns the predictions of the relativistic precession of a gyroscope in orbit around earth. According to his theory, there will be two precessions due to the warping of space-time by the earth's gravitational field: the geodetic precession in the plane of the orbit, and the frame-dragging effect, in the direction of earth rotation. For a polar orbit, these components are orthogonal. In order to simplify the measurement of the precessions, Gravity Probe B (GP-B) will be placed in a circular polar orbit at 650 km, for which the predicted precessions will be 6.6 arcsec/year (geodetic) and 42 milli-arcsec/year (frame-dragging). As the gyroscope precesses, the orientation of its spin-axis will be measured with respect to the line-of-sight to Rigel, a star whose proper motion is known to be within the required accuracy. The line-of-sight to Rigel will be established using a telescope, and the orientation of the gyroscope spin axis will be measured using very sensitive SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) magnetometers. The four gyroscopes will be coated with niobium. Below 2K, the niobium becomes superconducting and a dipole field will be generated which is precisely aligned with the gyroscope spin-axis. The change in orientation of these fields, as well as the spin-axis, is sensed by the SQUID magnetometers. In order to attain the superconducting temperatures for the gyroscopes and the SQUID's, the experiment package will be housed in a dewar filled with liquid helium. The helium flow through a GP-B micro thruster and into a vacuum is investigated using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method.

Jones, Kenneth M.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Timing the Geminga Pulsar with High-Energy Gamma-Rays

This is a continuing program to extend and refine the ephemeris of the Geminga pulsar with annual observations for the remaining lifetime of EGRET. The data show that every revolution of Geminga is accounted for during the EGRET epoch, and that a coherent timing solution linking the phase between EGRET, COS-B, amd SAS-2, observations has now been achieved. The accuracy of the gamma-ray timing is such that the proper motion of the pulsar can now be detected, consistent with the optical determination. The measured braking index over the 24.2 yr baseline is 17 +/- 1. Further observation is required to ascertain whether this very large braking index truly represents the energy loss mechanism, perhaps related to the theory in which Geminga is near its gamma-ray death line, or whether it is a manifestation of timing noise. Statistically significant timing residuals are detected in the EGRET data; they depart from the cubic ephemeris at a level of 23 milliperiods. The residuals appear to have a sinusoidal modulation with a period of about 5.1 yr. This could simply be a manifestation of timing noise, or it could be consistent with a planet of mass 1.7/sin i solar mass orbiting Geminga at a radius of 3.3/sin i AU.

Halpern, Jules P.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Kinematics and M(sub v) calibration of K and M dwarf stars using Hipparcos data

The luminosities and kinematics of lower main sequence stars in a spectroscopically selected sample covering spectral types K 3 to M 5 are determined using Hipparcos parallaxes and proper motions. The stars separate into two kinematically distinct components, called young disk and old disk components. The young component has velocity dispersion (30, 17, 12) km/s in the U, V and W directions, respectively, and features an asymmetric drift of 8 km/s, a vertex deviation of 10 +/- 3 deg and an absolute magnitude of 10.48 mag at color (R - I)(sub Kron) = 1.0 mag. The respective features of the old component are: (56, 34, 31) km/s, 28 km/s and 0.6 mag at the same color. The slope and intrinsic width of the magnitude calibration of each component are determined. The analysis is used to investigate the possible presence of residual systematic discrepancies of the model with Hipparcos data. There are indications of a possible underestimation of the parallax errors.

Upgren, A. R.↗

NASA NTRS1997

A search for stars passing close to the sun

Hipparcos proper motion and parallax data are combined for nearby stars with ground-based radial velocity measurements in order to identify stars which may have passed, or will pass, close enough to the sun to perturb the Oort cloud. Close stellar encounters could deflect large numbers of comets into the inner solar system, with possible serious consequences for impact hazards on the earth. Only one star, Gliese 710 is found with a predicted closest approach of less than 0.5 pc, although several stars come within 1 pc during a 8.5 M year interval. In most cases, the uncertainty in closest approach distance is dominated by uncertainties in the barycenter motion of binary systems. A program to obtain new radial velocities for stars in the sample with no previously published values is underway.

Garcia-Sanchez, J.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Lateral Shock of the R Aquarii Jet

The R Aqr jet was observed with the VLA B-configuration at two epochs separated by approximately 13.2 yr. Comparison of the resulting 6 cm continuum images show that the radio jet has undergone a lateral counterclockwise rotation of approximately 6 deg-12 deg on the plane of the sky. The model of jet parcels on independent trajectories is difficult to reconcile with these observations and leads us to consider a path-oriented jet (i.e., younger parcels follow the same path as older parcels). Comparison of the most recent radio image with a nearly contemporaneous HST/FOC ultraviolet image at approximately 2330 Angstroms suggests that the ultraviolet emission lies along the leading side of the rotating radio jet. In conjunction with a proper motion analysis of the jet material that yields empirical space-velocity and resulting acceleration-magnitude relationships as a function of distance from the central source, we evaluate the observational results in terms of a schematic model in which the jet emission consists of plane-parallel isothermal shocks along the leading edge of rotation. In such a radiating shock, the ultraviolet-emitting region is consistent with the adiabatic region in the form of a high-temperature, low-density sheath that surrounds the cooled postshock radio-emitting region. Within the context of the schematic model, we obtain the temperatures, densities, and pressures within the preshock, adiabatic, and postshock regions as a function of distance from the central source; the physical parameters so derived compare favorably to previously published estimates. We obtain a total jet mass of 3.1 x 10(exp -5) solar mass and an age of approximately 115 yr. We evaluate the model in the context of its density-boundary condition, its applicability to an episodic or quasi-continuous jet, and angular momentum considerations.

Hollis, J. M.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Improved instrumental magnitude prediction expected from version 2 of the NASA SKY2000 master star catalog

The SKY2000 Master Star Catalog (MC), Version 2 and its predecessors have been designed to provide the basic astronomical input data needed for satellite acquisition and attitude determination on NASA spacecraft. Stellar positions and proper motions are the primary MC data required for operations support followed closely by the stellar brightness observed in various standard astronomical passbands. The instrumental red-magnitude prediction subsystem (REDMAG) in the MMSCAT software package computes the expected instrumental color index (CI) [sensor color correction] from an observed astronomical stellar magnitude in the MC and the characteristics of the stellar spectrum, astronomical passband, and sensor sensitivity curve. The computation is more error prone the greater the mismatch of the sensor sensitivity curve characteristics and those of the observed astronomical passbands. This paper presents the preliminary performance analysis of a typical red-sensitive CCDST during acquisition of sensor data from the two Ball CT-601 ST's onboard the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). A comparison is made of relative star positions measured in the ST FOV coordinate system with the expected results computed from the recently released Tycho Catalogue. The comparison is repeated for a group of observed stars with nearby, bright neighbors in order to determine the tracker behavior in the presence of an interfering, near neighbor (NN). The results of this analysis will be used to help define a new photoelectric photometric instrumental sensor magnitude system (S) that is based on several thousand bright star magnitudes observed with the PXTE ST's. This new system will be implemented in Version 2 of the SKY2000 MC to provide improved predicted magnitudes in the mission run catalogs.

Sande, C. B.↗

NASA NTRS1998

NGST: Exploring the Fossil Record of Galaxy Formation

During this grant period the investigator has accomplished the following: developed and researched the science case for high resolution optical imaging with NGST (Next Generation Space Telescope); presented to the ASWG (Ad-Hoc Science Working Group) on the use of NGST to image and measure the proper motions of white dwarf stars that could account for the MACHO events toward the LMC (Large Magellanic Cloud); wrote proposals for the Design Reference Mission. Three proposals have been written on the following topics: Measuring the faint end of the white dwarf luminosity function to get an independent measure of the age of the oldest stars, measurement of the stellar luminosity function over the full range of age, abundance, and population type, and deep imaging of Local Group halos to measure the relative ages of the oldest stars in the Milky Way and other galaxies; he has introduced simulations of crowded field stellar photometry on a hypothetical population in the M31 halo. Using a physically correct luminosity function and a surface brightness of 24.5 mag/sq. arcsec, NGST imaging in 10 hours easily measures the turnoff and reaches 3 mags down the main sequence in the halo of M31; and has delivered talks at the NGST workshop in Liege, and at the meeting in Paris entitled "Connecting the Distant Universe with the Local Fossil Record".

Rich, R. Michael↗

NASA NTRS1999

Ionized Outflows in 3-D Insights from Herbig-Haro Objects and Applications to Nearby AGN

HST shows that the gas distributions of these objects are complex and clump at the limit of resolution. HST spectra have lumpy emission-line profiles, indicating unresolved sub-structure. The advantages of 3D over slits on gas so distributed are: robust flux estimates of various dynamical systems projected along lines of sight, sensitivity to fainter spectral lines that are physical diagnostics (reddening-gas density, T, excitation mechanisms, abundances), and improved prospects for recovery of unobserved dimensions of phase-space. These advantages al- low more confident modeling for more profound inquiry into underlying dynamics. The main complication is the effort required to link multi- frequency datasets that optimally track the energy flow through various phases of the ISM. This tedium has limited the number of objects that have been thoroughly analyzed to the a priori most spectacular systems. For HHO'S, proper-motions constrain the ambient B-field, shock velocity, gas abundances, mass-loss rates, source duty-cycle, and tie-ins with molecular flows. If the shock speed, hence ionization fraction, is indeed small then the ionized gas is a significant part of the flow energetics. For AGN'S, nuclear beaming is a source of ionization ambiguity. Establishing the energetics of the outflow is critical to determining how the accretion disk loses its energy. CXO will provide new constraints (especially spectral) on AGN outflows, and STIS UV-spectroscopy is also constraining cloud properties (although limited by extinction). HHO's show some of the things that we will find around AGN'S. I illustrate these points with results from ground-based and HST programs being pursued with collaborators.

Cecil, Gerald↗

NASA NTRS1997

The First Few Parsecs of the Jets in NGC-4261

We have imaged the nucleus of the nearby radio galaxy NGC 4261 (3C270) with the VLBA at 1.6, 8.4, 22, and 43 GHz. At 8.4 GHz our image reveals a narrow gap in emission just east of the core, which we interpret as absorption by an inner accretion disk seen nearly edge-on. If correct, this interpretation implies that the radio jets are almost perpendicular to our line of sight. Thus, NGC 4261 provides an unusually good opportunity to measure component proper motions in both jet and counterjet, free from most relativistic beaming effects. Observations to do this are underway. This is one of the very few sources in which both jet and counterjet are detectable on parsec scales, and it is also one of the closest "classical" double-lobed radio galaxies. Consequently, NGC 4261 is a good laboratory for testing models of jets in low luminosity radio galaxies.

Jones, Dayton↗

NASA NTRS2001

STIS Observations of the Ly\Alpha Bright Jet Associated with the Herbig Ae Star HD163296

We present follow-up HST/Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) observations of the Ly-alpha bright jet associated with the near-ZAMS Herbig Ae star HD163296. The proper motions and radial velocities of the knots in the flow are consistent with a collimated outflow inclined by 40 deg relative to the plane of the sky with a flow velocity that varies from 350 to 500 km/s along the jet. A new knot is visible in the jet at a projected distance of 0.33 arcsec (40 AU) from the central star. The knot has a dynamical age of only seven months, making it the youngest HH knot ever observed. We did not detect any emission from the counterjet within 2.5 arcsec of the source, which is consistent with absorption due to a uniform 450 AU radius disk tilted at 50 deg relative to the line of sight. We also present observations made with the Goddard Fabry-Perot Imager which show additional, more distant knots along the blue and red shifted outflow lobes, and discuss the collimation of the jet and implications for a magnetosphere associated with HD 163296. Support for this study was provided by HST STIS GTO funding through support to the NOAO, in response to the NASA A/O OSSA-4-84 through the Hubble Space Telescope Project at GSFC, as well as NASA grant NRA-98-03-UVG-O11. NOAO is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), Inc., under cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. Data analysis facilities were provided by the Laboratory for Astronomy & Solar Physics, NASA/GSFC.

Devine, David↗

NASA NTRS2000

The Disk and Environment of HD 100546

We present coronagraphic imaging of the nearest Herbig Be star with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on board HST, K-short imaging with ADONIS from the 3.6m telescope at La Silla, and mid-IR imaging with OSCIR using the 4m telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO). We confirm the disk detection reported by Pantin et al. The brightest material associated with the disk is located within 3.5 sec (365 AU) of the star, but disk material can be traced to 5 sec. (515 AU) based on the surface brightness distribution. Spiral dark lanes are seen beyond 200 AU. HD 100546 is accompanied by a diffuse envelope which is more highly flared than the disk and which extends 10 sec (1000 AU) from the star. Far from the star, a band of nebulosity running from NNW to SSE is seen, compatible with the orientation of filaments in DC 292.6-7.9. Closer to the star, the bands are bowed out to the W and WSW, in the direction of HD 100546's proper motion. The OSCIR images show that the source is slightly extended at 11.7 microns, but unresolved at 10 and 18 microns. The mid-IR color temperatures are consistent with central clearing of the disk, supporting the inference of Pantin et al. This study is based on observations made with HST, and at ESO.

Gull, Theodore R.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Timing the Geminga Pulsar with EGRET Data

The pulsation of Geminga has been detected to date only at high energies (E greater than 0.1 keV). Since X-ray exposures are short and Geminga is at best only marginally detected in gamma-rays at E less than 30 MeV, the primary means of timing Geminga is with high-energy gamma-rays. The EGRET observations of Geminga now span 4 years. These data are analyzed to determine the 1995 ephemeris for Geminga which is provided here. We continue to count every revolution of Geminga during the GRO mission with a rotational phase resolution which improves with additional exposure. Proper motion is now apparent in the gamma-ray timing, consistent with the optical measurement of Bignami et al. With improved statistics, two addition peaks are tentatively detected in the "minor bridge" region. More exposure is required to confirm them. If found to be real, they are difficult to understand with polar cap models, but are expected for the outer gap model, and provide sorely needed constraints.

Mattox, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Timing the Geminga Pulsar with Gamma-Ray Observations

We present the COS-B/EGRET 1997 ephemeris for the rotation of the Geminga pulsar. This ephemeris is derived from high-energy gamma-ray observations that span 24 yr. The recently obtained accurate position and proper motion are assumed. A cubic ephemeris predicts the rotational phase of Geminga with errors smaller than 50 milliperiods for all existing high-energy gamma-ray observations that span a 24.2 yr timing baseline. The braking index obtained is 17 +/- 1. Further observation is required to ascertain whether this high value truly reflects the rotational energy loss mechanism, or whether it is a manifestation of timing noise. The ephemeris parameters are sufficiently constrained so that timing noise will be the limitation on forward extrapolation. If Geminga continues to rotate without a glitch, as it has for at least 23 yr, we expect this ephemeris to continue to describe the phase, with an error of less than 100 milliperiods, until 2008. Statistically significant timing residuals are detected in the EGRET data that depart from the cubic ephemeris at a level of 30 milliperiods. Although this could simply be an additional manifestation of timing noise, the EGRET timing residuals appear to have a sinusoidal modulation that is consistent with a planet of mass 1.7/sin i solar mass, orbiting Geminga at a radius of 3.3 AU.

Mattox, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS2001

A Deep X-Ray Survey of Low Mass PMS Stars in NGC 2264

We have proposed to make a deep X-ray survey of a rotation- and proper-motion selected sample of young (3-15 Myr old), low-mass, pre-main sequence (PMS) stars in the populous star-forming region NGC 2264. These X-ray Multimirror Mission (XMM) data will be combined with an extensive set of rotation data for members of this cluster to allow us, for the first time, to probe the early evolution of magnetic dynamo activity for both fully convective stars and those stars found lower on their Hayashi tracks, which are developing radiative cores. We will use these data to study the interrelationship between rotation, interior structure, and coronal activity as a function of mass and age in the PMS and to define empirical constraints for theoretical models of angular momentum/dynamo evolution.

Patten, Brian M.↗