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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 253 records · Page 14
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NASA NTRS1974

Angular diameter of IRC+10011 at 2.2, 10, and 20 microns

The extent of the long-period variable infrared-emitting object IRC+10011 has been measured at 2.2, 10, and 20 microns, taking advantage of two lunar occultation this object has recently undergone. At 10 and 20 microns, the bulk of the radiation is found to come from an optically thick dust region about 0.1 sec in diameter. At 2.2 microns, the dominant source of radiation is the central Mira star, but the inner part of the dust shell is also visible.

Zappala, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

20 to 40 micron spectroscopy of the Orion Nebula

Attention is given to a moderate-resolution spectra of the Orion Nebula. Observational data are presented between 20 and 40 microns. Several models are shown that attempt to account for all of the observations from 20 microns to 1 mm. A model in which the dust within the molecular cloud has a clumpy distribution is given. Data show that the individual clumps have effective grain temperatures of 100 deg K and they are optically thick for wavelengths shorter than 400 microns.-

Houck, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Estimation of sea surface temperature from remote sensing in the 11to 13-micron window region

The Nimbus 3 and 4 Iris spectral data in the 11- to 13-micron water vapor window region are analyzed to determine the sea surface temperature (SST). The high spectral resolution data of Iris are averaged over approximately 1-micron-wide intervals to simulate channels of a radiometer to measure the SST. In the present exploratory study, three such channels in the 775- to 960-per cm (12.9-10.5 micron) region are utilized to measure the SST over cloud-free oceans. However, two of these channels are sufficient in routine SST determination. The differential absorption properties of water vapor in the two channels make it possible to determine the water vapor absorption correction without detailed knowledge of the vertical profiles of temperature and water vapor. The feasibility of determining the SST is demonstrated globally with Nimbus 3 data, where cloud-free areas can be selected with the help of albedo data from the medium-resolution infrared radiometer experiment on board the same satellite. The SST derived from this technique agrees with the measurements made by ships to about 1 C.-

Prabhakara, C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Degree of interdependence among atmospheric optical thicknesses in spectral bands between 0.36-2.4 micron

The degree of dependence among the atmospheric optical thicknesses that are measured in nonselective absorption bands is studied. The observations were made previously in many spectral bands within the range 0.36-2.4 micron from near sea level in two continents where urban and industrial pollutions were weak. The sample covariance matrices and corresponding eigenvalues and eigenvectors are computed. The two highest eigenvalues account for 90% of the total variance in 10 spectral bands within the range 0.4-1.6 micron. The linear regression of the optical thickness on the total precipitable water vapor is computed to determine the attenuation coefficient that is associated with water vapor. This coefficient shows a rapid power-law decrease with wavelength in the visible spectrum and indicates that numerous water particles of radius 0.03-0.06 micron cause the attenuation.

Fraser, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1976

One arc-minute resolution maps of the Orion Nebula at 20, 50, and 100 microns

The paper presents maps of the central regions of the Orion Nebula which are based on observations made at wavelengths of 20, 50, and 100 microns with a resolution of 1 arcmin. The 50- and 100-micron observations were made with the NASA 91-cm Airborne Infrared Telescope. The principal far-IR features observed include a sharp emission peak near the position of the IR cluster, about 1 arcmin northwest of the Trapezium; a ridge of emission that is elongated north-south about this peak; and a barlike feature running northeast to southwest about 2 arcmin southeast of the Trapezium. The following conclusions are reached about the nature of the far-IR emission: (1) the total luminosity (between 10 and 1000 microns) of the IR cluster exceeds the solar luminosity by a factor of at least 120,000; (2) heating by both the IR cluster and the Trapezium stars is important in producing the central emission ridge; (3) the IR cluster is located within the molecular cloud; (4) the Trapezium stars are no more than 0.1 pc from that cloud; and (5) the bar of emission southeast of the Trapezium can be identified with an optically visible ionization front.

Werner, M. W.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The 1.4-2.7 micron spectrum of the point source at the galactic center

The spectrum of the 2-micron point source at the galactic center is presented over the range from 1.4 to 2.7 microns. The two-level-transition CO band heads are seen near 2.3 microns, confirming that the radiation from this source is due to a cool supergiant star. The heliocentric radial velocity is found to be - 173 (+ or -90) km/s and is consistent with the star being in orbit about a dense galactic nucleus. No evidence is found for Brackett-gamma emission, and no interstellar absorption features are seen. Upper limits for the column densities of interstellar H2, CH4, CO, and NH3 are derived.

Treffers, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Airborne photometric observations between 1.25 and 3.25 microns of late-type stars

The stars Alpha Aur (G5 III + G0 III), Alpha Boo (K2 IIIp), Alpha Ori (M1-M2 Ia-Ib), Alpha Sco (M1.5 Iab), Mu Gem (M3 III), and Alpha Her (M5 Ib-II) have been observed using interference filters in five photometric bands between 1.25 and 3.25 microns during seven flights with NASA's Lear Jet Infrared Observatory. The filters were designed to measure molecular features, primarily from CN and CO, and continuum fluxes. By calibrating the photometer in the laboratory against a stabilized blackbody source, relative flux curves have been derived. The energy distributions and the strength of molecular features are discussed. The most interesting result obtained is that the fluxes from Mu Gem and Alpha Her in the filter centered at 3.25 microns seem to be depressed by at least some tenths of a magnitude. Tentatively this depression is proposed to be due to the wings of the two vibration-rotation bands (about 2.7 microns) of hot water vapor. Since water vapor is an important opacity source and its abundance is a sensitive C/O indicator, the proposed interpretation makes renewed efforts to detect water bands in early M stars highly desirable.

Nordh, H. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Variations in the spatial distribution of 11 micron radiation from Omicron Ceti

The spatial distribution of 11-micron radiation from Omicron Ceti has been observed at various phases of its light cycle by using a stellar interferometer. Variations have been seen in the strength of thermal emission from circumstellar dust relative to the stellar continuum at 11 microns. These variations are shown to be correlated with the changes in luminosity of Omicron Ceti in such a way that dust-grain emission at 11 microns was increased more than the continuum during the period of maximum luminosity. The degree of the change in dust-grain emission implies that the maximum dust temperature is in the range of 500 to 700 K during minimum stellar luminosity.

Sutton, E. C.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Observation of the 63 micron (0 1) emission line in the Orion and Omega Nebulae

The 63 micron fine structure transition P4 : 3Pl yields 3P2 for neutral atomic oxygen was obtained during a series of flights at an altitude of approximately 13.7 km. In the Orion Nebula (M42), the observed line strength was 8 x 10 to the minus 15 power watt cm/2 which is estimated to be approximately 0.3 o/o of the energy radiated at all wavelengths. For the Omega Nebulae (M17), the line strength was 2.4 x 10 to the minus 15 power watt cm/2, and the fraction of the total radiated power was slightly higher. These figures refer to a 4' x 6' field of view centered on the peak for infrared emission from each source. The uncertainty in the line strength is approximately 50% and is caused by variable water vapor absorption along the flight path of the airplane. The line position estimate is 63.2 micron (+0.1, -0.2) micron. The prime uncertainty is due to the uncertain position of the (0 I) emitting regions in the field of view.

Melnick, G.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The 51.8 micron (0 3) line emission observed in four galactic H 2 regions

The (0 III) 51.8 microns line from four H II regions, M42, M17, W51 and NGC 6375A was detected. Respective line strengths are 7 x 10 to the minus 15 power, 1.0 x 10 to the minus 14 power, 2.1 x 10 to the minus 15 power and 2.6 x 10 to the minus 15 power watt cm/2. Observations are consistent with previously reported line position and place the line at 51.80 + or 0.05 micron. When combined with the 88.35 microns (0 III) reported earlier, clumping seems to be an important factor in NGC 6375A and M42 and to a lesser extent in W51 and M17. The combined data also suggest an (0 III) abundance of approximately 3 x 0.0001 sub n e' a factor of 2 greater than previously assumed.

Melnick, G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

51.8 micron forbidden O III line emission observed in four galatic H II regions

The 51.8-micron forbidden O III line has been detected in four H II regions: M42, M17, W51, and NGC 6357A. The respective line strengths are 7 x 10 to the -15th, 1.0 x 10 to the -14th, 2.1 x 10 to the -15th, and 2.6 x 10 to the -15th W/sq cm. The observations are consistent with a previously reported line position and place the line at 51.80 + or - 0.05-micron. When combined with the 88.35-micron forbidden O III observations reported earlier, clumpiness is found to be an important factor in NGC 6357A and M42 and nonnegligible in W51 and M17. The combined data also suggest an O III abundance of about 0.0003 times the electron density, which is a factor of 2 greater than a number of investigators have reported.

Melnick, G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Thermal infrared properties of the Martian atmosphere. I - Global behavior at 7, 9, 11, and 20 microns

Infrared observations of Mars by the Viking infrared thermal mapper (IRTM) are presented for conditions of both a relatively clear and a dust-laden atmosphere. The 7-, 9-, 11-, and 20-micron bands of the IRTM respond differently to radiation emitted through and by a dusty atmosphere, permitting characterization of the global atmospheric state, monitoring of secular changes, and derivation of optical depth information. Surface temperature behavior is found to be greatly modified by the diminution of insolation and thermal blanketing resulting from global dust storms. Brightness temperature at 7 microns is employed to estimate surface temperatures in the presence of dust absorption. The difference (T7) is indicative of airborne dust when thermal contrast exists between the surface and atmosphere. The diurnal behavior of T7-T9 reveals changes in the contrast; the sign of the differential reverses as the surface, warmer than the atmosphere in daytime, becomes cooler than the atmosphere at night. IRTM observations of local areas at varying emission angle yield optical depths indicative of global trends. Two global dust storms in 1977 produced large optical depth changes: at 9 microns the optical depth became as large as 2.0.

Martin, T. Z.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The relative reflectance of Iapetus at 1.6 and 2.2 microns

Iapetus was observed at 0.56, 1.6, and 2.2 microns near seven elongations. The infrared reflectance at 2.2 microns relative to 0.56 microns varies from 0.6 to 1.6 (plus or minus 0.1). The low infrared reflectance of the trailing hemisphere of Iapetus is consistent with the previous identification of water ice as the composition of the bright surface. The high infrared reflectance of the leading hemisphere indicates a dark material that is too red to be consistent with a carbonaceous chondritic or 'C'-type surface composition.

Veeder, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Visible spectral reflectance measurements /0.33-1.1 microns/ of the Galilean satellites at many orbital phase angles

One hundred eighty-seven reflectance spectra (0.33-1.10 microns) of the Galilean satellites have been obtained. Solar phase angle color correction coefficients were derived and the spectra corrected to a solar phase of 6 deg. Solar phase angle coefficients beyond 0.55 micron are presented for the first time. The spectra as a function of orbital phase angle are presented in the form of images to display hemispheric spectral variations. Io and Europa are redder on their trailing hemispheres while Callisto is redder on its leading hemisphere. Ganymede shows small longitudinal color variations despite the complex albedo structure visible in Voyager images. Comparisons of these data with previous measurements reveal that most differences can be attributed to the solar calibration. Reflectance measurements of Io at 0.73 micron observed 8.5 years apart show a 6% global reflectance decrease. However, it is difficult to unambiguously attribute this particular decrease in reflectance to a change in Io's surface composition.

Mcfadden, L. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Observations of Saturn in the 5- to 8-micron spectral region

A spectrum of Saturn obtained from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory exhibits an emission peak at 6.8 microns attributed to ethane, but is otherwise dominated by absorption from 5.3 to 7.2 microns. While the large absorption in this spectral region is consistent with the presence of ammonia gas or ammonia ice, or both, such an explanation is inconsistent with the lack of a major absorption near 3.0 microns.

Witteborn, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The relationship of the lunar regolith less than 10-microns fraction and agglutinates. II - Chemical composition of agglutinate glass as a test of the 'fusion of the finest fraction' /F3/ model

Agglutinate glasses from nine Apollo soils have been studied using an automated electron microprobe technique in order to test the fusion of the finest fraction model proposed by Papike (1981). The nine average agglutinate glass compositions are compared with the calculated fused-soil-free compositions, the bulk compositions and the 90-20 micron fraction compositions of the soils in which they are found. It is found that the agglutinate glass data are consistent with the composition of most of the fractions finer than 10 microns, allowing for the volatile loss of K2O and Na2O; some inconsistencies that do arise may result from the degree of soil maturity and the amount of material finer than 10 microns. It is concluded that the fusion of the finest fraction model is a good first approximation of mechanisms affecting the formation of agglutinate glass.

Walker, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The remarkable 400 micron source NGC 6334/I/North/

Observations at 400 microns of the NGC 6334 complex have confirmed the discovery of an unusual 1000-solar mass object, NGC 6334/I(North), which was not detected by broad-band 100-micron survey observations. The results suggest that this cool source (T = 19 + or - 5 K) is an active star formation region in a very early stage of evolution. The observed infrared luminosity of the source, 7000 solar luminosities, requires the presence of one or more embedded B stars or the formation of a dense protostellar core. Derived dust and gas densities agree well with results from molecular line observations of the complex. Nearby 100 micron peaks I and V were also observed.

Gezari, D. Y.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Transmission of CO2 in the atmosphere of Venus for the spectral region near 7 microns

The transmission in the 7-micron 'window' of Venus was calculated for a 7-layer model atmosphere. The synthetic spectra show that radiation from the layer 20-30 km above the surface would reach the top of the atmosphere between 6.2 and 7.0 microns if there were no absorption besides the isotopic CO2 bands; for the 7.0- to 8.2-micron region, the radiating level would be located 40-50 km above the surface of Venus. The brightness temperature for the entire region is 430 K; for the above two regions it is 494 and 341 K, respectively.

Young, L. G.↗