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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 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1988

The scattered solar X-ray background in low earth orbit

In order to interpret X-ray observations of the sun-lit earth obtained with the IPC, a detailed model is developed that treats the radiative transfer of solar X-rays in single scattering approximation and employs the relevant scattering processes (elastic Thomson scattering and inelastic fluorescent scattering). The X-ray-bright earth, one of the strongest soft X-ray sources seen by the IPC, can then be understood in terms of solar X-rays scattered in the upper atmosphere. Using the CIRA 1972 Reference Atmosphere, it is possible to account for the observed 'bright earth' X-ray light curves under a variety of different viewing geometries. It is argued that the observed changes in hardness ratio of the scattered radiation can be interpreted as an indication of a change in the ratio of Thomson and fluorescently scattered photons as a function of zenith angle. The relevance of bright earth X-ray observations is further discussed in the context of operating X-ray telescopes in low-earth orbit, as well as in a broader astrophysical context.

Fink, H. H.↗
NASA NTRS1995

ORFEUS observations of AM Herculis

The Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme UV Spectrometer (ORFEUS) telescope has observed AM Her in its high optical state at high spectral resolution in the 912-1176 A band. Spectra at two phases show O VI emission lines with a broad and narrow component structure similar to that of the optical emission lines. We find that the O VI lines are optically thick, and that the densities in the broad- and narrow-component regions differ by a factor of 100. The most puzzling aspect of the observations is the continuum, which is softer than expected, but does not show definite Lyman absorption lines. We discuss the implications for the 'soft X-ray excess' of AM Her stars.

Raymond, John C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Interstellar absorption lines toward gamma Arae

The available data on interstellar absorption lines in the spectrum of gamma Ara observed from the ground and with the Copernicus telescope have been analyzed to give column densities of various ion stages of H, C, N, O, Na, Mg, Si, P, S, Ar, Ca, Mn, and Fe. The element abundances with respect to H nuclei in H I regions are similar to the values for zeta Oph, with depletions relative to the sun tending to increase with increasing condensation temperature. For example, toward gamma Ara, Fe is depleted by a factor of 50; Mg, Si, and Mn by about 10; and S, P, and N little or none. Interstellar Si IV and probably S IV appear stronger than in most other stars, but still their low ratios to Si III and S III suggest that soft X-rays and low-energy cosmic rays are not important sources of ionization. The width of the O VI lines and the absence of N V have been interpreted as evidence for a collisionally ionized region with a temperature between 300,000 and 700,000 K containing at least 0.0004 of the total interstellar column density.

Morton, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The Einstein Observatory and future X-ray telescopes

A history of the events leading to the development and flight of the Einstein Observatory is given. The advantages of using grazing-incidence telescopes for solar and extrasolar X-ray astronomy is first discussed and followed by a description of the HEAO program. The Einstein Observatory marks a departure from the manner in which X-ray investigations are carried out, from individual experiments to the shared use of large facilities. The Observatory has achieved a sensitivity to point sources of 10 to the -14th erg/sq cm-sec in the 1-3 keV band, a flux 500 times smaller than previously detected and about 10 million times smaller than that of the first extrasolar source detected in 1962. The design philosophy of the Observatory entails three principles: (1) the unified scientific approach, (2) the establishment of spacecraft requirements at lowest acceptable levels that still allow operating flexibility, and (3) the idea of 'soft' rather than 'hard' failure. The mirror design, including the high resolution imager, the imaging proportional counter, and the solid-state and focal plane crystal spectrometers, is also given. An account of the struggle to gain acceptance by the scientific community and the funding agencies of the need for the Einstein Observatory mission is discussed. Finally, results of observations made by the Observatory are presented in detail, along with plans for future observation experiments.

Giacconi, R.↗
NASA NTRS1998

New Mission Concept Study: Energetic X-Ray Imaging Survey Telescope (EXIST)

This Report summarizes the activity carried out under the New Mission Concept (NMC) study for a mission to conduct a sensitive all-sky imaging survey in the hard x-ray (HX) band (approximately 10-600 keV). The Energetic X-ray Imaging Survey Telescope (EXIST) mission was originally proposed for this NMC study and was then subsequently proposed for a MIDEX mission as part of this study effort. Development of the EXIST (and related) concepts continues for a future flight proposal. The hard x-ray band (approximately 10-600 keV) is nearly the final band of the astronomical spectrum still without a sensitive imaging all-sky survey. This is despite the enormous potential of this band to address a wide range of fundamental and timely objectives - from the origin and physical mechanisms of cosmological gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) to the processes on strongly magnetic neutron stars that produce soft gamma-repeaters and bursting pulsars; from the study of active galactic nuclei (AGN) and quasars to the origin and evolution of the hard x-ray diffuse background; from the nature and number of black holes and neutron stars and the accretion processes onto them to the extreme non-thermal flares of normal stars; and from searches for expected diffuse (but relatively compact) nuclear line (Ti-44) emission in uncatalogued supernova remnants to diffuse non-thermal inverse Compton emission from galaxy clusters. A high sensitivity all-sky survey mission in the hard x-ray band, with imaging to both address source confusion and time-variable background radiations, is very much needed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1999

Multiple Velocity Components in the C IV Absorption Line of NGC 5548

We have observed the much-studied Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548 with the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Our 14 ks observation covers the C IV emission line at a resolution of greater than 20,000. Our purpose was to study the absorption line found at lower resolution by IUE and the HST Faint Object Spectrograph. We found that the C IV absorption line resolves into six separate doublets with equivalent widths of 0.07-0.38 Angstrom. The absorption lines have blueshifts relative to the systemic velocity of the galaxy of 380-1250 km s(exp -1), except for one, which has a redshift of 250 km s(exp -1), suggesting both inflow and outflow. The inflowing component may be related to the accretion flow into the nuclear black hole. All the doublet lines are resolved by the GHRS. Three doublets are narrow, with FWHM greater than or approximately 100 km s(exp -1), and three are broad, FWHM approximately 160-290 km s(exp -1). We find evidence of partial covering by the narrow absorption lines. Either (but not both) of the two strongest broad doublets could be from the same material that produces the X-ray ionized absorber seen in soft X-rays. The remaining five systems must be at least 10 times less ionized (and so of lower total column density) to remain consistent with the X-ray spectra.

Mathur, Smita↗
DOE OSTI2025

Delving into the depths of NGC 3783 with XRISM

The 2024 X-ray/UV observation campaign of NGC 3783, led by XRISM, revealed the launch of an ultrafast outflow (UFO) with a radial velocity of 0.19c (57 000 km s −1 ). This event is synchronized with the sharp decay, within less than half a day, of a prominent soft X-ray/UV flare. Accounting for the look-elsewhere effect, the XRISM Resolve data alone indicate a low probability of 2 × 10 −5 that this UFO detection is due to random chance. The UFO features narrow H-like and He-like Fe lines with a velocity dispersion of ∼1000 km s −1 , suggesting that it originates from a dense clump. Beyond this primary detection, there are hints of weaker outflow signatures throughout the rise and fall phases of the soft flare. Their velocities increase from 0.05c to 0.3c over approximately three days, and they may be associated with a larger stream in which the clump is embedded. The radiation pressure is insufficient to drive the acceleration of this rapidly evolving outflow. The observed evolution of the outflow kinematics instead closely resembles that of solar coronal mass ejections, implying magnetic driving and, conceivably, reconnection near the accretion disk as the likely mechanisms behind both the UFO launch and the associated soft flare.

Astronomy and AstroPhysics↗
NASA NTRS1997

Investigation of Teflon FEP Embrittlement on Spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit

Teflon(registered trademark) FEP (fluorinated ethylene-propylene) is commonly used on exterior spacecraft surfaces in the low Earth orbit (LEO) environment for thermal control. Silverized or aluminized FEP is used for the outer layer of thermal control blankets because of its low solar absorptance and high thermal emittance. FEP is also preferred over other spacecraft polymers because of its relatively high resistance to atomic oxygen erosion. Because of its low atomic oxygen erosion yield, FEP has not been protected in the space environment. Recent, long term space exposures such as on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF, 5.8 years in space), and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST, after 3.6 years in space) have provided evidence of LEO environmental degradation of FEP. These exposures provide unique opportunities for studying environmental degradation because of the long durations and the different conditions (such as differences in altitude) of the exposures. Samples of FEP from LDEF and from HST (retrieved during its first servicing mission) have been evaluated for solar induced embrittlement and for synergistic effects of solar degradation and atomic oxygen. Micro-indenter results indicate that the surface hardness increased as the ratio of atomic oxygen fluence to solar fluence decreased for the LDEF samples. FEP multilayer insulation (MLI) retrieved from HST provided evidence of severe embrittlement on solar facing surfaces. Micro-indenter measurements indicated higher surface hardness values for these samples than LDEF samples, but the solar exposures were higher. Cracks induced during bend testing were significantly deeper for the HST samples with the highest solar exposure than for LDEF samples with similar atomic oxygen fluence to solar fluence ratios. If solar fluences are compared, the LDEF samples appear as damaged as HST samples, except that HST had deeper induced cracks. The results illustrate difficulties in comparing LEO exposed materials from different missions. Because the HST FEP appears more damaged than LDEF FEP based on depth of embrittlement, other causes for FEP embrittlement in addition to atomic oxygen and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as thermal effects and the possible role of soft x-ray radiation, need to be considered. FEP that was exposed to soft x-rays in a ground test facility, showed embrittlement similar to that witnessed in LEO, which indicates that the observed differences between LDEF and HST FEP might be attributed to the different soft x-ray fluences during these two missions.

deGroh, Kim K.↗
NASA NTRS1998

The Coronae of Moderate-Mass Giants in the Hertzsprung Gap and the Clump

We have used the Roentgensatellit (ROSAT), the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE), and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to measure X-ray and ultraviolet emissions of moderate-mass (APPROX. 2-3 solar mass) giants in the Hertzsprung gap (spectral types early F to mid-G) and the post-helium flash "clump" (approx. G8-K0). Our motivation was to document the evolution of hot coronae (T greater than 10(exp 6)K) along the post-main-sequence trajectories traveled by such stars in order to gain insight concerning the "X-ray deficiency" of the F-GO giants and the strong braking of stellar rotation at the red edge of the Hertzsprung gap. With few exceptions, Hertzsprung gap and clump giants observed by ROSAT PSPC show hot (T approx. 10(exp 7)K) coronal energy distributions, regardless of any X-ray deficiency, EUVE spectra of gap star 31 Com (G0 111) indicate a broad coronal emission measure hump at approx. 10(exp 7.2)K, while the active clump giant beta Ceti (K0 III) displays a sharp peak at approx. 10(exp 6.8)K, as seen previously in the mixed clump/gap binary Capella (alpha Aur: G8 III + G0 III). The gap giants upsilon Peg (F8 III) and 24 UMa (G4 III) have EUV emissions of intermediate temperature (approx. 10(exp 7.0)K). The stars 31 Com, psi(sup 3) Psc (G0 III), and beta Cet exhibit redshifted transition zone (TZ: approx. 10(exp 5)K) lines in HST GHRS spectra, as reported earlier in Procyon (alpha CMi: F5 IV-V) and Capella G0. Such redshifts on the Sun are thought to signify flows in magnetic loops. beta Cas (F2 III)-a rare soft coronal source among the gap stars-displays blueshifts of C iv and 0 iv], although emissions at cooler and hotter temperatures are near the photospheric velocity. The remarkably broad line profiles of the fastest rotating gap giants suggest that the 10(exp 5) K "subcoronal " emission zones extend to h approx. R(sub *) above the photosphere, about 50 scale heights. In contrast to the TZ line redshifts, the upper chromospheric emissions (e.g., Mg II and Si III) of 31 Com and upsilon(sup 3) Psc have blueshifted cores. Blue-asymmetric peaks in the solar Mg a lines are thought to indicate dynamical heating in the chromosphere. Observations of the H(sub I) Ly(alpha) feature of 31 Com taken 9 months apart reveal striking profile changes, reminiscent of those noted previously in the Ly(alpha) blue peak of the Capella G0 star. We used the far-ultraviolet diagnostics, in combination with ROSAT X-ray photometry and EUVE high-excitation line strengths, to constrain physical models of the stellar outer atmospheres. Quasi-static magnetic loops can simulate the empirical coronal emission measures of the giant stars, but the inferred pressures for sensible loop lengths conflict with direct measurements of subcoronal densities. Furthermore, the high rate of emission at approx. 10(exp 5) K cannot be explained by thermal conduction down the legs of hot quasi-static loops. On the other hand, the possible existence of elongated (l - R(sub *) emission structures on the gap giants leads to a speculative scenario to explain the X-ray deficiency. It is based on the increased importance of the dynamical filling phase ("explosive evaporation") of the loop life cycle; conductive cooling, yielding TZ emissions at the footpoints, when the heating is interrupted; and the possibility for transitions between " hot " and " cool " energy balance solutions owing to dynamical suspension and centrifugal trapping of the cooling gas. The long loops might represent a vestigial global " magnetosphere " inherited from the main-sequence phase, which ultimately is disrupted near approx. G0 by the deepening convective envelope and growth of a more solar-like dynamo. Coronal emissions might be boosted temporarily as the X-ray deficiency is removed but soon would be quenched by wind braking previously inhibited by the magnetospheric "dead zone."

Ayres, Thomas R.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Energetic particles and coronal mass ejections in the high latitude heliosphere: Ulysses-LET observations

The COSPIN Low Energy Telescope (LET) onboard the Ulysses spacecraft measures protons, alphas and heavier ions at energies of approximately 1 to 50 MeV/n. Ulysses measurements offer favorable opportunities to study the effects of solar activity in the out-of-ecliptic regions of the heliosphere. Using LET data, we have investigated the properties of transient energetic ions at high heliographic latitudes when Ulysses was permanently immersed in high speed solar wind and magnetically connected to the Sun on open magnetic field lines. Recurrent increases in the fluxes of energetic ions at high heliographic latitudes at frequencies related to the solar rotation period were found to occur in association with co-rotating interaction regions (CIRs). Here we investigate fluxes of energetic particles that showed no relationship to ClRs. From the investigation of plasma and magnetic held data it is found that all of the transient high latitude particle events were associated with the passage of a coronal mass ejection (CME) over Ulysses. Enhancements in particle fluxes several days prior to the arrival of a CME, but with a significant time delay with respect to the estimated CME-onset at the Sun, were most probably associated with interplanetary shocks driven by fast CMEs. These particle events exhibit unusually high rho/alpha-ratios and are not observed for CMEs not driving a shock. However, not all CMEs that passed Ulysses were associated with a particle event. We find evidence that at high solar latitudes, solar flare particles cannot reach Ulysses on open magnetic field lines, but can reach the spacecraft if particles are injected into magnetic flux-ropes (CMEs) at the Sun. These findings are supported by soft X-ray observations from the Japanese Yohkoh-satellite.

Bothmer, V.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Initial in-orbit operation of the soft X-ray spectrometer Resolve onboard the X-ray imaging and spectroscopy mission satellite

The X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission satellite was launched on September 6, 2023 (UT). Its Resolve instrument is a high-resolution X-ray spectrometer enabled by a microcalorimeter array thermally anchored to a 50-mK heat sink. Many sensitive, critical sub-systems comprise Resolve, including a multistage cryogenic cooling system, thin-film aperture filters, low-noise electronics, on-board signal processing, and several sources of X-rays for calibration. We summarize the initial on-orbit power-on and checkout of Resolve that commenced immediately after launch. Soon after launch, the cryocoolers were activated, and their operation was successfully established. On October 9, 2023, the first cycle of the adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator was carried out, bringing the sensors to their steady-state operational temperatures. Following this, the energy resolution at 5.9 keV was successfully measured. The energy scale of the system is highly sensitive to the thermal environment surrounding both the sensors and their analog electronics. Gain correction was performed using reference X-ray lines from onboard calibration sources. To optimize cooler frequency settings, noise spectra were collected across a range of frequencies, and the most suitable frequency pair was selected based on the in-orbit environment. During the final phase of the checkout, an attempt was made to open the gate valve, which is designed to protect the Dewar’s interior from external pressure during ground operations and launch. Unfortunately, this attempt was unsuccessful. As a result, the checkout process was temporarily paused, and a stable operational strategy was subsequently developed to enable Resolve to function effectively with the gate valve remaining closed.

X-ray micro-calorimeter↗
DOE OSTI2025

GRB 221009A: The B.O.A.T. Burst that Shines in Gamma Rays

We present a complete analysis of Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) data of GRB 221009A, the brightest gamma-ray burst (GRB) ever detected. The burst emission above 30 MeV detected by the LAT preceded, by 1 s, the low-energy (<10 MeV) pulse that triggered the Fermi Gamma-Ray Burst Monitor (GBM), as has been observed in other GRBs. The prompt phase of GRB 221009A lasted a few hundred seconds. It was so bright that we identify a bad time interval of 64 s caused by the extremely high flux of hard X-rays and soft gamma rays, during which the event reconstruction efficiency was poor and the dead time fraction quite high. The late-time emission decayed as a power law, but the extrapolation of the late-time emission during the first 450 s suggests that the afterglow started during the prompt emission. We also found that high-energy events observed by the LAT are incompatible with synchrotron origin, and, during the prompt emission, are more likely related to an extra component identified as synchrotron self-Compton (SSC). A remarkable 400 GeV photon, detected by the LAT 33 ks after the GBM trigger and directionally consistent with the location of GRB 221009A, is hard to explain as a product of SSC or TeV electromagnetic cascades, and the process responsible for its origin is uncertain. Because of its proximity and energetic nature, GRB 221009A is an extremely rare event.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1985

Rocket spectrogram of a solar flare in the 10-100 A region

The soft (10-100 A) X-ray spectrum of an M-class solar flare was observed with a high-resolution (0.02 A) rocket-borne spectrograph on 1982 July 13. The spectrum samples an area of 600/sq arcsec on the sun, centered on or near the brightest X-ray feature of the flare. Several hundred emission lines characteristic of temperatures from about 0.5 to 7 x 10 to the 6th K have been photographically recorded. All but three of the stronger lines have been identified. It is argued that previous identification of the line at 17.62 A as iron Ly-alpha is incorrect. Spectral lines from nickel, iron, chromium, calcium, sulphur, silicon, aluminium, magnesium, neon, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon are tabulated and discussed with extensive reference to earlier work. Absolute line intensities are given and the calibration of the telescope-spectrograph is discussed.

Acton, L. W.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Soft X-ray/extreme ultraviolet images of the solar atmosphere with normal incidence multilayer optics

High-resolution images of the sun in the soft-X-ray/XUV range have been obtained with normal-incidence multilayer coated optics (MCOs) during a sounding-rocket flight on October 23, 1987 from White Sands. MCOs were used in two Cassegrain telescopes, as off-axis primary mirrors, and as tertiary mirrors operating with a Wolter-Schwarzschild (WS) grazing-incidence mirror. The inherent energy-selective property of MCOs allowed distinct groups of emission lines to be isolated in the solar corona and the transition region. Images were recorded at 173 and 256 A with the Cassegrain telescopes, at 256 A with a Herschelian telescope, and at 44, 173, and 256 A with the WS hybrid telescope. In addition, soft-X-ray images in the 8-18-A bandpass were obtained at the prime focus of the WS optics. The images show many features of the solar corona and transition region, including magnetically confined loops of hot solar plasma, coronal plumes, polar coronal holes, supergranulation, and features associated with overlying cool prominences.

Lindblom, Joakim F.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Telescope Would Image X And Gamma Rays

Proposed telescope forms images of sources of gamma rays, hard x rays, and soft x rays. Contains reflecting, grazing-incidence reflectors. Multiple coaxial nested pairs used to form images simultaneously at multiple gamma-ray or hard x-ray energies or enhance collection area at single photon energy. Conceived for use in astrophysical studies in outer space. With modifications, used in terrestrial laboratory vaccum systems to image x or gamma rays from pulsed plasmas.

Hoover, Richard B.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy and photometry of VV Puppis during a high accretion state

We determine the physical properties of the accretion region of the AM Her-type binary VV Puppis using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) medium-resolution spectroscopy and photometry obtained with the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) observatory. The EUV continuum from VV Pup was detected in the wavelength range from 75 to 135 A and was simultaneously recorded with the Deep Survey/Spectrometer (DS/S) imaging telescope, allowing for the extraction of an accurate light curve. VV Pup appeared to have entered a high-accretion state just prior to the pointed EUVE observations. We use the EUV light curve to infer the diameter of the accretion region (d = 220 km) assuming a hemispherical geometry and a radius of 9000 km for the white dwarf. We perform a model atmosphere analysis and, based on the light curve properties and assuming a distance of 145 pc, we derive an effective temperature of the accretion region in the range 270,000 is less than T(sub eff) is less than 360,000 K and a neutral hydrogen column density in the local interstellar medium of n(sub H) = 1.9 - 3.7 x 10(exp 19)/sq cm. The total EUV/soft X-ray energy radiated by the accretion region is approximately 3.5 x 10(exp 32) ergs/s. Our results provide a first verification of past suggestions that deep heating of the white dwarf surface produces the soft X-ray flux from the polars. We present a possible detection of O VI absortion features, and we suggest that extensive EUVE observations targeting high-accretion events may result in oxygen and heavier element abundance determination in the accretion region.

Vennes, Stephane↗