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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
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NASA NTRS1983

Determinations of SIII, OIV and NeV abundances in planetary nebulae from IR lines

Airborne observations of the infrared forbidden lines (SIII) 18.71 microns, (NeV) 24.28 microns and (OIV) 25.87 microns were made for twelve planetary nebulae. One or more of the lines was detected in seven of these nebulae and ionic abundances were calculated. These results are insensitive to nebula temperatures, in contrast to the case for optical or UV lines. However, density estimates from optical and UV forbidden lines were required to obtain abundances. The NeV infrared line flux from NGC 7662 was combined with the 3426A flux to obtain a NeV electron temperature of 11,200 (+2000, - 1100) K, which overlaps OIII temperature measurements. Since the ionization potential of NeIV is much greater than that of OII, T sub e (NeV) would be expected to be much greater than T sub e (OIII). In fact, numerical models predict T sub e (NeV) (16-20) x 1000 K. This discrepancy may indicate inaccuracies in currently available atomic parameters for NeV.

Shure, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

IUE high dispersion spectra of luminous stars in symmetric nebulae

The objects are + 60 deg 2522 in NGC 7635, Sigma Ori AB and Sigma Ori E centered in a faint elliptical nebula, and AG Car in its nebula. Definite spectra are identified and classified according to photospheric, P Cygni, or interstellar types. Estimates of equivalent width or FWHM are included in the tables. Velocities are given and discussed. The extreme ultraviolet edges of P Cygni profiles imply terminal wind speeds that improve to extend earlier velocity data for use in the theories of energy conserving or momentum conserving modes of interaction of stellar winds with ambient interstellar media. The respective modes lead to mass loss rates of 1-10 x 10 to the -7th solar masses per yr for + 60 deg 2522 and 6-14 x 10 to the -6th solar masses per yr for AG Car. The expansion velocity for the Sigma Ori nebula is not yet known for application of the interaction theory.

Johnson, H. M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Chemical compositions of planetary nebulae

The chemical compositions of 41 planetary nebulae are established on the basis of an analysis of image tube scanner measurements, supplemented by IUE data. An attempt is made to calculate a theoretical model that gives satisfactory values of the observed intensities, as well as a number of excitation-sensitive ratios, in order to obtain ionization correction factors applicable to the ionic concentrations that will lead to total abundance values. The quality of individual nebular analyses varies, depending on the completeness and accuracy of the observational data and the complexity of the nebular structure. Quality estimates are assigned for each element in each nebula, and an overall reliability index is given to each object. It is concluded that the confidence with which one can speak of the chemical composition of a nebula varies significantly.

Aller, L. H.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Profiles and intensity ratios of the C IV lambda 1548, 1550 emission lines in planetary nebulae

The C IV resonance doublet at lambda 1548, 1550 is an important diagnostic tool in the study of planetary nebulae. The predicted theoretical intensity ratio of 2:1 is, however, rarely observed in the high dispersion IUE spectrograms. Values of 0.8-2.0 are observed for a sampling of 11 planetary nebulae of various excitation classes and for three proto-planetary nebulae. A diversity of line profiles is observed. In addition to the C IV doublet, weak subsidiary lines are seen. The spacing between these pseudo-lines happens to correspond to the separation of the C IV lines but are believed to be due to hot pixels and do not conform to the radial velocity displacement of the C IV lines.

Feibelman, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Determinations of S III, O IV, and Ne V abundances in planetary nebulae from infrared lines

Twelve planetary nebulae have been subjected to airborne observations of the S III (18.71 microns), Ne V (24.28 microns) and O IV (25.87 microns) IR forbidden lines, of which one or more lines were detected in seven of the nebulae. These results are insensitive to nebula temperatures, in contrast to optical or UV lines, although density estimates from the latter were required to obtain abundances. The Ne V electron temperature of 11,200 + 2000 or - 1100 K temperature obtained overlaps O III temperature measurements. Since the ionization potential of Ne IV is much greater than that of O II, the electron temperature of Ne V should be much greater than that of O III. This discrepancy may indicate inaccuracies in currently available atomic parameters for Ne V.

Shure, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Detection of shocked atomic gas in the Kleinmann-Low nebula

The 63 micrometer (3)p(1)-(3)P(2) fine structure line emission of neutral atomic oxygen at the center of the Orion nebula with a resolution of 30" is presented. There are three main emission peaks. One is associated with the region of strongest thermal radio continuum radiation close to the Trapezium cluster, and probably arises at the interface between the HII region and the dense Orion molecular cloud. The other two line emission peaks, associated with the Kleinmann Low nebula, are similar in both distribution and velocity to those of the 2 micrometer S(1) line of molecular hydrogen and of the high velocity wings of rotational CO emission. The OI emission from the KL nebula can be produced in the shocked gas associated with the mass outflows in this region and is an important coolant of the shocked gas.

Werner, M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The distribution of shocked gas in the bipolar nebulae CRL 2688 and CRL 618

Maps of the H2 emission from the bipolar nebulae CRL 2688 and CRL 618 are presented, along with a map of the 2.1-micron continuum emission from CRL 2688. The H2 emission is seen in the direction of the lobes of each nebula and not in between the lobes. From the distribution of the H2 and continuum emission, it is argued that the H2 is excited in shock waves produced in the lobes of the visible nebulae by fast winds from the central stars which overtake slower moving material lost in a slow wind during the red-giant phase of each object. These shocks may be similar to those seen in Herbig-Haro objects. The mass-loss rates for the fast winds in each object are estimated from the H2 data, and a brief discussion is given of the origin of these winds.

Gatley, I.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The Kleinmann-Low nebula - An infrared cavity

High resolution 20-30 micron IR continuum emission observations of the Orion-KL region, combined with the recent 3.8-micron polarization results of Werner et al. (1983), yield a self-consistent model of the central 30 arcsec of the nebula. In this model, the geometry of the KL nebula is that of a clumpy cavity rather than that of a number of isolated objects. The cavity is centered on IRc2, which is confirmed to be the source of nearly all the region's luminosity. The model which best fits all the IR and radio data implies that the other peaks in th KL nebula are irregularities in the material at the edge and surrounding the cavity, rather than individual self-luminous sources.

Becklin, E. E.↗
NASA NTRS1984

X-ray synchrotron nebulae and the origin of neutron stars

Einstein Observatory (EO) X ray data on supernova remnants (SNR) and radio pulsars are examined for evidence supporting the concept that neutron stars arise after supernova (SN) events. Recent data reviews have revealed that only 13 of the 140 known galactic SNR exhibit characteristics, e.g., radio pulsars, X ray binaries or synchrotron nebulae, that link neutron stars with SNR. An EO survey of radio pulsars 1 kyr-1 Myr old found eight objects, all embedded in X ray emitting nebulae. The data indicated that all the SNR and pulsar objects had about 1 percent of their spin down energy converted into synchrotron X rays. The majority of SNRs did not have X ray emitting nebulae. It is therefore concluded that only some SN events result in a neutron star, while the event may leave no remnant at all.

Helfand, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Photometric study of NGC 2023 in the 3500 A to 10000 A region - Confirmation of a near-IR emission process in reflection nebulae

A surface brightness study of the reflection nebula NGC 2023 covering the 3500-10,000 A wavelength region performed with uvby photoelectric photometry and BVRI imaging with a CCD detector is reported along with VRI photometry of a cluster of embedded red stars. The nebular radiation in the 3500-5500 A region is dust-scattered starlight originating in the star HD 37903. The embedded red stars are probably pre-main sequence stars. The nebular surface brightness in R and I exceeds that expected on the basis of a reasonable radiative transfer model by factors of two and more than three, respectively. The excess radiation is extended across the nebula in a manner similar to the scattered light. The extended red emission may be interpreted as the high-frequency extension of extended emission discovered by Sellgren, Werner, and Dinerstein (1983) in the 2-5 micron region in NGC 2023 and two other reflection nebulae.

Schild, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Detection of shocked atomic gas in the Kleinmann-Low nebula

The 63 micrometer (3)P(1)-(3)P(2) fine structure line emission of neutral atomic oxygen at the center of the Orion nebula with a resolution of 30'' is presented. There are three main emission peaks. One is associated with the region of strongest thermal radio continuum radiation close to the Trapezium cluster, and probably arises at the interface between the H II region and the dense Orion molecular cloud. The other two line emission peaks, associated with the Kleinmann-Low nebula, are similar in both distribution and velocity to those of the 2 micrometer S(1) line of molecular hydrogen and of the high velocity wings of rotational CO emission. The OI emission from the KL nebula can be produced in the shocked gas associated with the mass outflows in this region and is an important coolant of the shocked gas.

Werner, M. W.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Chemical evolution of the solar nebula: A new model

The common notion of a hot solar nebula from which meteoritic minerals condensed is not supported by theories of star formation. A model is developed which can give the same sequence of condensation without recourse to hot solar nebula. In this model, the solar nebula was formed from the matter ejected by the Sun during its T Tauri phase and the chemical condensation took place in this outflowing matter. Isotopic anomalies and the unique minerals found in meteorites may be explained by this model.

Trivedi, B. M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Far-infrared line observations of planetary nebulae. 1: The O 3 spectrum

Observations of the far-infrared fine structure lines of O III have been obtained for six planetary nebulae. The infrared measurements are combined with optical O III line fluxes to probe physical conditions in the gas. From the observed line intensity ratios, a simultaneous solution was obtained for electron temperature and density, as well as means of evaluating the importance of inhomogeneities. Densities determined from the far-infrared O III lines agree well density diagnostics from other ions, indicating a fairly homogeneous density in the emitting gas. Temperatures are determined separately from the O III 4363/5007 A and 5007 A/52 micron intensity ratios and compared. Systematically higher values are derived from the former ratio, which is expected from a nebula which is not isothermal. Allowance for the presence of temperature variations within these nebulae raises their derived oxygen abundances, determinations to be reconciled with the solar value.

Dinerstein, H. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The electron spectra in the synchrotron nebula of the supernova remnant G 29.7-0.3

EXOSAT results obtained with the imaging instrument (CMA) and the medium energy proportional counters (ME) are discussed. Assuming that the featureless power-law spectrum obtained in the 2 to 10 keV range is synchrotron radiation from relativistic electrons, one derives constraints on magnetic field strength and age of the nebula. The energy spectra of the electrons responsible for the emission in the radio and X-ray ranges are discussed. The great similarity of the physical properties of G 29.7-0.3 and of three synchrotron nebulae containing a compact object observed to pulse in X-rays makes G 29.7 - 0.3 a very promising candidate for further search for pulsed emission. Further observations at infrared wavelengths might reveal the break(s) in the emitted spectrum expected from the radio and X-ray power-law indices and give us more information on the production of the electron populations responsible for the emission of the nebula.

Koch-Miramond, L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Detection of submillimeter polarization in the Orion nebula

Linear polarization has been observed in the submillimeter radiation (270 microns) from two regions of Orion: one centered in the Kleinmann-Low nebula and one centered 1.5 arcmin south of the nebula. The observations were performed in September of 1983 and January of 1984 with the NASA Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO). The polarizations measured for the two regions were both 1.7 percent, plus or minus 0.4 and 0.5 percent, respectively. The angle of the outflow from both sources was 27 degrees, plus or minus seven degrees. An upper limit for polarization in the submillimeter radiation from the nebula W3(OH) was established at 1.6 percent. The observational data are compared with results from several other recent polarimetric observations of Orion, and some of their implications are discussed.

Hildebrand, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

IUE observations of the 'Butterfly' Nebula M2-9

IUE observations of the peculiar 'Butterfy' nebula M2-9 indicate that it is not a normal planetary nebula. The ultraviolet spectrum is characterized by few emission lines and a weak continuum. Mg II 2800 A is the strongest emission line present and may be indicative of a binary nucleus. Lines of N v, Q I, N III, N IV, Si III, and C III are seen, but C IV and O III are conspicuous by their absence. T(e) = 10,250 + or - 400 K was determined for the core. Nitrogen in the core is found to be overabundant by about a factor of 5 over the solar value. M2-9 may be an object in the early stages of becoming a planetary nebula.

Feibelman, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Far-infrared line observations of planetary nebulae. I - The forbidden O III spectrum

Observations of the far-infrared fine structure lines of O III have been obtained for six planetary nebulae. The infrared measurements are combined with optical O III line fluxes to probe physical conditions in the gas. From the observed line intensity ratios, a simultaneous solution was obtained for electron temperature and density, as well as means of evaluating the importance of inhomogeneities. Densities determined from the far-infrared O III lines agree well with density diagnostics from other ions, indicating a fairly homogeneous density in the emitting gas. Temperatures are determined separately from the O III 4363/5007 A and 5007 A/52 micron intensity ratios and compared. Systematically higher values are derived from the former ratio, which is expected from a nebula which is not isothermal. Allowance for the presence of temperature variations within these nebulae raises their derived oxygen abundances, determinations to be reconciled with the solar value.

Dinerstein, H. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

He2-36 - A planetary nebula with a high velocity jet?

The ultraviolet spectrum of the planetary nebula He2-36 was observed in the low-dispersion mode of the IUE. Strong emission lines of semiforbidden C III, He II, and C IV are observed, as well as some weak line and a moderately strong stellar continuum, suggesting a hot companion to the visual A2 III central star. The extinction to He2-36 was determined from the He II I (1640)/I (4686) ratio. The C IV line has an unusual split structure. If the 1545 component is due to a blueshifted component from the 'jet' emanating from the nebula, its velocity would be -600 km/s, which is unique for a planetary nebula.

Feibelman, W. A.↗