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At least 217 records · Page 12

Binary Source Microlensing Event OGLE-2016-BLG-0733: Interpretation of a Long-Term Asymmetric Perturbation

In the process of analyzing an observed light curve, one often confronts various scenarios that can mimic the planetary signals causing difficulties in the accurate interpretation of the lens system. In this paper, we present the analysis of the microlensing event OGLE-2016-BLG-0733. The light curve of the event shows a long-term asymmetric perturbation that would appear to be due to a planet. From the detailed modeling of the lensing light curve, however, we find that the perturbation originates from the binarity of the source rather than the lens. This result demonstrates that binary sources with roughly equal-luminosity components can mimic long-term perturbations induced by planets with projected separations near the Einstein ring. The result also represents the importance of the consideration of various interpretations in planet-like perturbations and of high-cadence observations for ensuring the unambiguous detection of the planet.

microlensing event OGLE-2016-BLG-0733↗

Image of Fomalhaut Dust Ring at 350 Microns: The Relative Column Density Map Shows Pericenter-Apocenter Asymmetry

We have imaged the circumstellar disk of Fomalhaut at 350 mm wavelength, using SHARC II (Submillimeter High Angular Resolution Camera II) at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory. The spatial resolution of the raw images (9") has been enhanced by a factor of 3 using the HiRes deconvolution procedure. We find that at this wavelength and signal-to-noise ratio (approx.12), the observed morphology is that of a simple inclined ring (i approx. 70 deg), with little or no other apparent structure--this is the first observation that shows clearly the ring morphology of the disk. We have combined our 350 mm data with Spitzer Space Telescope images at 24, 70, and 160 mm in order to estimate the two-dimensional spatial variation of relative column density ("tau map") using our DISKFIT procedure. The tau map is based on the following physical assumptions: (1) the wavelength variation of opacity is the same throughout the disk, (2) the radial variation of dust temperature is dictated by the energy balance of individual grains in the stellar radiation field, and (3) the vertical scale height of the disk follows a power-law radial variation. The results confirm the ringlike morphology but also show that the geometric center is displaced from the star by about 8 AU and that the ring has an apocentric enhancement of approximately 14% in integrated column density. If we interpret the displacement in terms of elliptical orbital motion due to gravitational perturbation by an unseen planet, then the implied forced eccentricity is ~0.06; dynamical modeling then predicts an apocentric density enhancement consistent with that inferred from the tau map.

Fomalhaut↗

Jet Propulsion Laboratory: Annual Report 2004

Once or twice in an age, a year comes along that the historians proclaim as an Annus Mirabilis - a year of wonders. For the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 2004 was just that sort of time. From beginning to end, it was a nonstop experience of wondrous events in space. Imagine that two robot rovers embark on cross-country rambles across Mars, scrutinizing rocks for signs of past water on the now-arid world. A flagship spacecraft brakes into orbit at Saturn to begin longterm surveillance of the ringed world, preparing to drop a sophisticated probe to the surface of its haze-shrouded largest moon. Another craft makes the closest-ever pass by the nucleus of a comet, collecting sample particles as it goes. Two new space telescopes peer into the depths of the universe far beyond our solar system, viewing stars, nebulas and galaxies in invisible light beyond the spectrum our eyes can see. A pair of instruments is lofted on a NASA Earth-orbiting satellite to monitor air quality and the protective layer of ozone blanketing our home planet. A small probe brings samples of the solar wind to Earth for in-depth study. While JPL was absorbed with all of these ventures on other worlds, NASA and the White House unveiled an ambitious new plan of space exploration. The Vision for Space Exploration announced in January foresees a program of robotic and astronaut missions leading to a human return to the Moon by 2020, and eventual crewed expeditions to Mars. The vision also calls for more robotic missions to the moons of the outer planets; spaceborne observatories that will search for Earth-like planets around other stars and explore the formation and evolution of the universe; and continued study of our home planet. In order to accomplish all of this, NASA must perfect many as-yet-uninvented technologies and space transportation capabilities. JPL has a great deal to bring to this vision. Robotic exploration of Mars will lead the way for missions that will carry women and men to the red planet. Our engineers and scientists are formulating spacecraft that could use nuclear power to enable exploration missions of the future. And even now we are designing formations of space telescopes that will capture family portraits of the planets around neighboring stars. Those are only some of the ways that the Laboratory is contributing to NASA's broader goals. During 2004, JPL made a distinctive contribution to agencywide initiatives in areas such as safety, NASA transformation, the agency's Internet portal and NASA's Explorer Schools programs. Years like 2004 pose a special challenge for us. It would be easy to say that this was a once-in-a-decade high point of mission activities, but I believe that this would miss an opportunity. We are fortunate to have many space projects in the works that have the promise of being just as exhilarating as the great mission successes that we celebrated this year. The challenge and opportunity for us now is to make every year like this one.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NAS↗

TPSAS-NF1676L-35670-DND

We demonstrate that a low-cost spacecraft bus based on the Propulsive ESPA architecture, launched as a directed facility alongside a mission to the outer solar system, enables innovative and viable SIMPLEx-class missions to the outer solar system and achieve high-value science objectives. As a case study, we present a Propulsive ESPA bus that could be launched with the Dragonfly mission toward the Saturn System and carry two small spacecraft weighing up to 130 kg each. We advocate a mission architecture that enables delivering multiple small missions to the Saturn System on a stand-alone Carrier-Relay Spacecraft (CRSC) that flies independently, and poses zero impact on the Dragonfly Mission. To accommodate this architecture, the launch vehicle will require an upgrade from Dragonfly's notional Atlas V 411 to Atlas V 541. Raising the SIMPLEx cost cap from the current $55M, and excluding Phase E costs will also make outer-planet missions viable in the SIMPLEx program. We have identified multiple high-value mission concepts that fit within the 130 kg limit. As examples, we present concepts for Saturn Probe, Saturn Ring In-Situ Explorer, Magnetospheric Explorer, and Enceladus Plume Sampler.

Kunio M Sayanagi↗

What determines the location of satellites and planets?

The discrete structural pattern in the distribution of the satellites and planets around their primaries has since its discovery been thought to hold the key to the origin and evolution of the solar system. Different attempts to rationalize this distribution are reviewed with emphasis on theories with foundation in verifiable physical processes. Foremost among these is the band structure theory, which relates the emplacement of interstellar dust and gas source material around the magnetized primarily to the critical velocity for ionization of the four major interstellar gas components. The uncertainties, that are inevitable in all reconstructions, are in this theory compensated by the support from precise manifestations of the 2/3 effect in the Saturnian ring system and in the asteroid belt, and by the reproduction of related phenomena in laboratory and space experiments.

Arrhenius, G.↗

Maps of the rings of Uranus at a wavelength of 2.2 microns

Maps of the ring system of Uranus, as seen in reflected sunlight at a wavelength of 2.2 microns, are presented for May 1978 and July 1979. Large azimuthal brightness variations revealed by these maps are consistent with the variable width established for the epsilon ring from occultation studies and support the existing elliptical model for this ring. An upper limit of approximately 0.010 is placed on the normal optical depth of any broad (approximately 5000 km wide) axisymmetric ring component. There exists, however, an unexplained east-west asymmetry in the May 1978 map. In addition, multiaperture broadband infrared photometry of Uranus is reported, from which the geometric albedo of the planet at wavelengths of 1.25, 1.65, and 2.2 microns and the geometric albedo of the rings at 2.2 microns are derived.

Matthews, K.↗

Studies of the Gas Tori of Titan and Triton

A model for the spatial distribution of hydrogen in the Saturn system including a Titan source, an interior source for the rings and inner icy satellites, and a Saturn source has been applied to the best available Voyager 1 and 2 UVS Lyman-alpha observations presented by Shemansky and Hall. Although the model-data comparison is limited by the quality of the observational data, source rates for a Titan source of 3.3 - 4.8 x 10(exp 27) H atoms/s and, for the first time, source rates larger by about a factor of four for the interior source of 1.4 - 1.9 x 10(exp 27) H atoms/s were determined. Outside the immediate location of the planet, the Saturn source is only a minor contribution of hydrogen. A paper describing this research in more detail has been submitted to The Astrophysical Journal for publication and is included in the Appendix. Limited progress in the development of a model for the collisional gas tori of Triton is also discussed.

Smyth, William H.↗

Preparation for Cassini Grand Finale - Validation of Saturn Ring Heating in TSS

Thermal analysis of spacecraft at Saturn have previously been restricted to three environmental heat fluxes: solar, Saturn planet IR, and Saturn planet albedo. Heat flux from Saturn’s rings were not available in any commercially available thermal analysis tools. While preparing for the Cassini Grand Finale, during which Cassini will travel extremely close to the rings of Saturn, it was determined the existing thermal model required updating to accurately predict heat fluxes from the rings. This is particularly important for Cassini’s Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer infrared spectrometer (VIMS-IR), as it is cooled by a passive radiator which operates below the temperature of Saturn’s rings. This paper discusses the validation of the heat flux from solar, Saturn, and Saturn’s rings in Spacedesign’s Thermal Synthesizer System (TSS). The incorporation of heating from Saturn’s rings also led to the use of SPICE geometry to ensure accurate spacecraft positioning and pointing. Thermal model results are compared against historical heating events as well as predictive Grand Finale sequences.

Swanson, Kirsten S.↗

Neptune's inner magnetosphere and aurora: Energetic particle constraints

A dramatic and peculiar dropout of greater than 500-keV ions (but not electrons) was observed within Neptune's inner magnetosphere near 2 R(sub N) as the Voyager 2 spacecraft approached the planet. Unlike a number of other energetic particle features this feature could not be accounted for by known material bodies in the context of the most utilized magnetic field models (neither the offset tilted dipole models nor the spehrical harmonic model 'O8'). However, the configuration of Neptune's inner magnetosphere is highly uncertain. By applying a novel technique, utilizing energetic particle measurements, to constrain the magnetic field configuration of the inner regions, we show that appeals to unobserved materials within Neptune's system are unnecessary, and that the ion dropout feature was, in all likelihood, the result of ion interactions with maximum L excursions of the ring 1989N1R. The constraints also favor the se of the M2 magnetic field model (Selesnick, 1992) over the previous models. An electron feature was probably absent because the electron interactions with the ring occurred substantially before the ion interactions (about 2 hours for the electrons versus a few minutes for the ions). Pitch-angle scattering apparently eliminated the electron signature. Minimum scattering rates determined based on this premise yield enough electron precipitation power to explain the brightest component of Neptune's aurora. We propose that this bright component is analogous to the Earth's diffuse aurora.

Mauk, B. H.↗

Observing Planetary Rings and Small Satellites with the James Webb Space Telescope: Science Justification and Observation Requirements

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will provide unprecedented opportunities to observe the rings and small satellites in our Solar System, accomplishing three primary objectives: (1) discovering new rings and moons, (2) unprecedented spectroscopy, and (3) time-domain observations. We give details on these science objectives and describe requirements that JWST must fulfill in order to accomplish the science objectives.

observational - planets and satellites↗

Jupiter's ring system - New results on structure and particle properties

Jupiter's diffuse ring system is upon reexamination of Voyager images noted to be composed of a relatively bright narrow ring and an inner toroidal halo as well as the 'gossamer' exterior ring, while the previously suspected inner disk is missing. Several narrow, bright features are visible in the main ring, and are suggested to be related in some way to Adrastea and Metis. The smallest ring particles and the dark, rough, red largest bodies both have total optical depths of 1-6 x 10 to the -6th. After arising at the bright ring's inner boundary, the halo rapidly expands inward to a 20,000-km thickness, and disappears at a radius of 90,000 km halfway between the main ring and the planet's cloudtops.

Showalter, Mark R.↗

Contingency Operations during Failure of Inertial Attitude Acquisition Due to Star Tracker Blinding for Three-Axes-Stabilized Interplanetary Spacecraft

The three interplanetary ESA missions Mars-Express, Rosetta and Venus-Express (launched 2003, 2004 and 2005 resp.) are three-axes stabilized spacecraft (s/c) that estimate their inertial attitude (i.e. the attitude of the s/c w.r.t. the inertial frame) using measurements from a redundant set of star trackers (STR). Each s/c is equipped with four reaction wheels, a reaction control system based on thrusters and a redundant set of ring laser gyroscopes (gyros). The STR h/w layout of the three s/c is identical whereas there is a difference in the star pattern recognition algorithm of Rosetta which uses five neighbouring stars around a central star instead of star triads. The Rosetta algorithm has been implemented to cope with the presence of false stars which are expected to be seen during operations around the comet. The attitude acquisition capability from lost in space is different also in terms of AOCMS: The survival mode of Rosetta which is entered upon STR failure is presented. The AOCMS of Mars- and Venus-Express manages temporary STR outages during sky occultation by the planet not even by using redundancy. Though, a blinding of both STR during cruise lasting for the order of days confronts the ground operators with the limits of the AOCMS design. The operations and analyses that have been planned and partially been performed to compensate for the outage of the STR are demonstrated for Mars-Express. The caution measures taken before Venus orbit insertion of Venus-Express are detailed.

Keil, Joachim↗

Direct Multipixel Imaging and Spectroscopy of an Exoplant with a Solar Gravity Lens Mission

We report here on the results of our initial study of a mission to the deep outer regions of our solar system, with the primary mission objective of conducting direct megapixel high-resolution imag- ing and spectroscopy of a potentially habitable exoplanet by exploiting the remarkable optical properties of the SGL. Our main goal was not to study how to get there (although this was also addressed), but rather, to investigate what it takes to operate spacecraft at such enormous distances with the needed precision. Specifically, we studied i) how a space mission to the focal region of the SGL may be used to obtain high-resolution direct imaging and spectroscopy of an exoplanet by detecting, tracking, and studying the Einstein ring around the Sun, and ii) how such information could be used to detect signs of life on another planet.

Astrophysics↗

Determination of cosmic bodies size-velocity distribution by observation of current impacts on Mars

Collisions of cosmic bodies with terrestrial planets involve many physical processes such as deceleration and ablation during their flight through an atmosphere, the impact at a surface accompanied by cratering, melting and evaporation of surface material, generation of shock waves, etc. If body velocity is high enough then a thermal radiation is very important. All these processes on Mars proceed differently than on the other planets because of the low density of its atmosphere. In particular, this leads to the fact that smaller bodies of sizes of the order of 0.1-10 m strike the planet surface without being decelerated and perform some effects which may be detected by equipment placed on a board of artificial satellites, by a network of stations at the surface of Mars and even from the Earth. These observations can be used to determine size-velocity distribution of such bodies in the Solar System. Numerical simulation of the impacts at the surface of Mars have been carried out using two-dimensional gas dynamic code with detailed consideration of the thermal radiative transfer. This work is an extension of our previous paper. We have expanded a range of projectile sizes up to r sub 0 = 100 m. For such a large-scale body, the initial stage of the impact, involving crate ring and ejection of surface material, is very important. Thus, these effects have been taken into account.

Nemchinov, I. V.↗

The Chemistry of Pluto and its Satellites

Pluto's bulk composition and the composition of the surface layers hold clues to the origin and evolution of a number of other Solar System bodies of comparable size in the region beyond Neptune. The July 14, 2015 flyby of the Pluto system with the New Horizons spacecraft afforded the opportunity to corroborate and greatly improve discoveries about the planet and its satellites derived Earth-based studies. It also revealed extraordinary details of the surface and atmosphere of Pluto, as well as the geology and composition of Charon and two smaller satellites. With a mean density of 1.86 g/sq cm, the bulk composition of Pluto is about two-thirds anhydrous solar composition rocky material and one-third volatiles (primarily H2O in liquid and solid states) by mass, the surface is a veneer of ices dominated by N2, with smaller amounts of CH4 and CO, as well as limited exposures of H2O ice (considered to be "bedrock"). N2, CH4, and CO occur as solid solutions at temperature-dependent mutual concentrations, each component being soluble in the others. Frozen C2H6 as a minor component has also been identified. Sublimation and recondensation of N2, CH4, and CO over seasonal (248 y) and Milankovich-type megaseasons (approx. 3 My) result in the redistribution of these ices over time and with latitude control. Solid N2 is found in glaciers originating in higher elevations and flowing at the present time into a basin structure larger than the State of Texas, forming a convecting lens of N2 that overturns on a timescale of order 10 My. The varied colors of Pluto's landscape arise from the energetic processing of the surface ices in processes that break the simple molecules and reassemble complex organic structures consisting of groups of aromatic rings connected by aliphatic chains. When synthesized in the laboratory by UV or electron irradiation of a Pluto mix of ice, this material, called tholin, has colors closely similar to Pluto. The Pluto ice tholin analog contains carboxylic acids, urea, ketones, aldehydes, amines, and some nitriles. The largest satellite, Charon has density 1.70 g/sq cm and it is about 3/5 anhydrous solar composition rock, with the remainder in H2O ice. The surface H2O ice is infused in some way with NH3, probably as a hydrate, distributed nonuniformly, but to some degree related to geological structures. Pluto's atmosphere is N2, CH4, with CO, C2-hydrocarbons, HCN, and other molecules in trace but detectable amounts. The atmosphere supports a complex haze structure with about 20 discrete layers, and suspected clouds. The haze is presumed to be made of aggregates of complex hydrocarbons (tholins) produced by photolysis of the atmospheric gases, and with similar composition to the ice tholins made on the planet's surface. Urea and a suite of carboxylic acids are of interest for prebiotic and biological chemistries.

SOLAR SYSTEMS↗

The Cassini/Huygens Mission to the Saturnian System

Cassini/Huygens will carry out an in-depth exploration of the Saturnian system. On October 15, 1996 the spacecraft was launched on its interplanetary journey. On the way to Saturn, Cassini/Huygens, will flyby Venus, twice (April 26, 1998; June 24, 1999), the Earth once (August 18, 1999), and Jupiter (December 30, 2000). On approach to Saturn, the small satellite Phoebe will be encountered on June 11, 2004. Upon arrival at Saturn on July 1, 2004, Cassini/Huygens will fire its main engine and go into orbit about the planet. Huygens will be delivered to Titan on November 27, 2004. After deceleration in the upper atmosphere, Huygens will deploy a parachute system and its six instruments will make scientific measurements and observations as it descends to the surface. These data then will be transmitted to the Orbiter which, in turn, will relay them to the Earth. The Orbiter will then commence a four year long tour of the Saturnian system. With its complement of 12 instruments, Cassini is capable of making a wide range of in situ and remote sensing observations. There will be repeated close flybys of Titan both to make measurements and for gravity-assisted orbit changes that will enable Cassini to visit other satellites, various parts of the magnetosphere, and obtain occultations of the rings and atmospheres of Saturn and Titan. During the span of the mission, Cassini will also record temporal changes in many of the properties that it can observe. The presentation will emphasize current status and plans for the mission. (The Cassini mission is a joint undertaking by NASA and ESA. This work was carried out at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under contract to NASA.)

Matson, D. L.↗

Imaging Science Requirements for a Uranus Flagship Mission

Introduction: Our presentation will summarize the requirements for UV/Visible/Near-IR remote-sensing imaging science instruments (including mapping spectrometers) envisioned for the Uranus Orbiter and Probe (UOP) mission recommended by the recent planetary decadal survey. The Uranus system offers many targets for imaging investigations. Imaging science investigations are crucial to answering fundamental questions about various physical processes that shape the Uranian system and drive its evolution. Each science objective addressed through imaging has requirements for observation and illumination geometries as well as coverage and resolution in the spatial, spectral and temporal dimensions. By combining the requirements for the diverse science targets in the Uranian system, we present a set of overarching imaging science requirements for UOP. Atmospheric Science: The study of Uranus’ atmosphere is crucial in understanding the planet's energy balance and interior heat flux. Imaging observations map how the atmosphere scatters incident solar radiation. Imaging is key to characterizing planetary-scale energy/material transport though global atmospheric dynamics and local meteorology. Hyperspectral mapping combined with radiative transfer analysis reveals the vertical distribution of clouds and hazes. Chronicling temporal variabilities of atmospheric features is key to understanding the various processes that operate within the dynamic Uranian atmosphere. A comprehensive understanding of Uranus' atmosphere is essential in deciphering the planet's origins and evolution as well as providing insight into the broader field of planetary and exoplanetary science. Magnetospheric Interactions: Imaging science is critical to understand the elusive Uranian aurorae. Mapping the aurorae and their temporal dynamics will reveal the interaction of Uranus’ complex magnetosphere with the solar wind. The apparent decades-long cooling of Uranus’ upper atmosphere is thought to be due to changes in energy input from the overlying magnetosphere, and so mapping and quantifying the auroral evidence for this energy flux is particularly relevant for upper atmospheric science In addition, Uranus’ large moons may generate auroral footprints, which can be used to constrain the planet’s unusual magnetic field structure. Satellite Interiors: Imaging science can address the potential habitability of the larger moons of Uranus by measuring their shapes and rotational states (including librations), which combined with gravity data are crucial to understanding their internal density structure. Satellite Origins: Origin markers such as organics and volatiles may be preserved on the satellite surfaces, which may be sensed by UV/IR mapping. Imaging combined with the moons’ densities may reveal whether the moons formed in Uranus’ circumplanetary disk, rings, or from ejecta of a giant impact on Uranus. Satellite Geology: Imaging investigations, including stereo imaging to obtain topography, will enable constraining each satellite’s geologic history by investigating the distributions and morphologies of impact craters, tectonic and potential cryovolcanic features, and regolith and mass wasting deposits. These records will help unravel the past complex history of orbital resonances that occurred between Uranian satellites, which may have driven geologic activity. Analyses of these features will also point to resurfacing styles and modification processes important for understanding each moon’s thermal evolution, and any present-day geological activity, including potential subsurface deep oceans or possible current activity. Additionally, hyperspectral imaging will enable mapping the surface composition and identifying the potential presence of material that may point to a subsurface ocean, such as ammonia-bearing species. Rings and Small Moons: Imaging observations elucidate the physical processes that contribute to the complex ring-moon system’s inferred unstable state. Imaging surveys will seek smaller moons and other debris that could provide evidence of past collisions, while precise astrometric data of moons will determine the current dynamical state of the system. Many of Uranus' rings are exceptionally narrow, and images of the rings covering a broad range of longitudes, and high-resolution images of features within the rings will reveal how these rings are confined and maintained, as well as illustrating the rings' internal structure and dynamics. Images of the rings and moons obtained at a variety of wavelengths and lighting conditions are also needed to quantify the composition and the size distribution of the small satellites and ring particles.

K M Sayanagi↗

Asteroid Belts in Debris Disk Twins: Vega and Fomalhaut

Vega and Fomalhaut are similar in terms of mass, ages, and global debris disk properties; therefore, they are often referred to as debris disk twins. We present Spitzer 10-35 micrometers spectroscopic data centered at both stars and identify warm, unresolved excess emission in the close vicinity of Vega for the first time. The properties of the warm excess in Vega are further characterized with ancillary photometry in the mid-infrared and resolved images in the far-infrared and submillimeter wavelengths. The Vega warm excess shares many similar properties with the one found around Fomalhaut. The emission shortward of approximately 30 micrometers from both warm components is well described as a blackbody emission of approximately 170 K. Interestingly, two other systems, Eri and HR 8799, also show such an unresolved warm dust using the same approach. These warm components may be analogous to the solar system s zodiacal dust cloud, but of far greater mass (fractional luminosity of approximately 10(exp-5) to 10(exp-6) compared to 10(exp-8) to 10(exp-7). The dust temperature and tentative detections in the submillimeter suggest that the warm excess arises from dust associated with a planetesimal ring located near the water-frost line and presumably created by processes occurring at similar locations in other debris systems as well. We also review the properties of the 2 micrometers hot excess around Vega and Fomalhaut, showing that the dust responsible for the hot excess is not spatially associated with the dust we detected in the warm belt.We suggest it may arise from hot nano grains trapped in the magnetic field of the star. Finally, the separation between the warm and cold belt is rather large with an orbital ratio greater than or approximately 10 in all four systems. In light of the current upper limits on the masses of planetary objects and the large gap, we discuss the possible implications for their underlying planetary architecture and suggest that multiple, low-mass planets likely reside between the two belts in Vega and Fomalhaut.

Su, Kate Y. L.↗