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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 NTRS1990

Lunar low-frequency radio array

A simple, inexpensive experiment is proposed for the early lunar mission to make high angular resolution observations in one of the last unexplored parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. An array of nineteen simple crossed-dipole antennas will make images at frequencies below the earth's ionospheric cut-off - from about 100 kHz to 10 MHz. It would serve as a precursor to a major low-frequency telescope which would eventually be built on the back of the moon, away from terrestrial interference.

Kuiper, T. B. H.↗
NASA NTRS1992

VLA mapping of 1.35 cm water emission from the Mars atmospheric limb

We report preliminary results of 1.35 cm spectral line observations, in which we employed the NRAO Very Large Array (VLA) interferometer to map the horizontal and vertical distributions of water vapor around the Mars atmospheric limb in early Dec. of 1990. The increased atmospheric pathlengths presented near the limb of Mars and the high angular resolution afforded by the VLA at centimeter wavelengths lead to a remarkably sensitive, remote measurement of water in the atmosphere of Mars. We achieve approximately 300 km horizontal resolution on Mars, operating in the C configuration of the VLA, when Mars was 17.3 inches in diameter. This allows us to resolve the latitudinal and diurnal variations in atmospheric water emission around the limb of Mars. We derive the vertical distribution of atmospheric water from observed pressure broadening in the spectrally resolved lineshapes. These observations, which consist of two eight-hour integrations obtained on Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 6-7, correspond to late winter in the Northern Hemisphere of Mars (L sub s = 344 degrees).

Clancy, R. T.↗
NASA NTRS1990

EXOSS - A hard X-ray and soft gamma-ray astronomy mission

The Energetic X-ray Observatory on Space Station (EXOSS) is a mission concept for high-sensitivity coded-aperture sky surveys and studies of the spectral and temporal behavior of astrophysical sources from approximately 3 keV to 1 MeV. The scientific motivation for the mission and the instrument requirements, including the need for high angular resolution to resolve and identify numerous detectable sources, are summarized. Two baseline telescopes are described: one employing a 1.4-sq-m array of Xe gas imaging proportional counters to cover the 3 to 100 keV range with 1 arcmin resolution; the second using a 2.8-sq-m array of NaI/CsI imaging phoswich detectors to span the 20 keV to MeV range with 12 arcmin resolution.

Cook, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The origin of the far-infrared luminosity within the spiral galaxy M51

High angular resolution 170 micron and H-alpha maps have been recombined in order to elucidate the origin of the far-IR luminosity within the late-type spiral galaxy M51. New quantitative evidence is presented supporting a common origin for the far-IR and H-alpha luminosities is the striking correspondence, at all locations measured within M51, between the luminosity in the far IR and that expected from the O and B stars which are required to ionize the hydrogen gas. The warm 33 K dust temperature measured for M51 is similar to that measured for galactic and extragalactic star formation regions. It is concluded that O and B stars can easily generate both the far-IR luminosity and the warm dust temperature at all locations within M51. The dust mass required to radiate the IRAS 60 and 100 micron emission measured for M51 represents only a small percentage of the total dust content of M51. Constraints are placed on the mass and temperature of the cold dust.

Devereux, Nicholas A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Study of the quiet corona with the SOHO/SUMER spectrometer

The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)/Solar Ultraviolet Measurement of Emitted Radiations (SUMER) spectrometer is developed to study the low corona and chromosphere-corona transition zone. The main scientific objectives are oriented towards the search of mechanisms producing the coronal heating and driving the first impulse of the solar wind. The main contribution will be given by an accurate measurement of line profiles, intensities and shifts combined with high angular resolution on the solar disk and above the limb. In this paper, we recall the scientific objectives, we describe the corresponding instrument capabilities and we show how the observations can be performed and the kind of data expected. The complementary role of the SOHO coronal instruments in coordinating observations to optimize the quality of the data is emphasized.

Lemaire, P.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Hubble Space Telescope Fine Guidance Sensor interferometric observations of the core of 30 doradus

We present the results of the first high angular resolution observations taken with a Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS) aboard the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) of a star cluster embedded in very bright background. The strong and complex background around the R136 cluster in the 30 Dor nebula does not prevent the FGS from achieving performance close to its angular resolution limit of approximately 0.015 sec per axis with reliable photometry. These FGS observations establish that the central object in R136a is a triple star with the third component delta V = 1.1 mag fainter than the primary star al approximately 0.08 sec way. We estimate from the grid of models of Maeder (1990) that the present mass of al is between 30 and 80 solar masses, with the main-sequence progenitor between 60 and 120 solar masses.

Lattanzi, M. G.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Stellar photometry including saturated images: Results on M67 with WFPC2

The Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) on Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is providing unsurpassed imaging capabilities and supporting accurate stellar photometry over large fields of view at high angular resolution. I discuss a feature of the WFPC2 CCD systems that nominally limits the dynamic range attainable with single exposures: a 12 bit analog to digital converter that does not allow sampling of the CCD full-well depth even at the low gain (14e(sup -)/DN) setting. I demonstrate that accurate stellar photometry can be performed on stellar images that are strongly saturated. Two 40 s exposures in V and I bands on the old open cluster M67 are analyzed to demonstrate photometric capabilities with a dynamic range of over 12 mag from single exposures. New photometric results for both bright and faint objects in M67 are derived from the WFPC2 data.

Gilliland, Ronald L.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Infrared photometry of the black hole candidate Sagittarius A*

An infrared source has been imaged within 0.2 +/- 0.3 arcseconds of the unique Galactic center radio source Sgr A* High angular resolution (averaged value of the Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) approximately 0.55 arcseconds) was achieved by rapid (approximately 50 Hz) real-time images motion compensation. The source's near-infrared magnitudes (K = 12.1 +/- 0.3, H = 13.7 +/- 0.3, and J = 16.6 +/- 0.4) are consistent with a hot object reddened by the local extinction A(sub v) approximately 27). At the 3 sigma level of confidence, a time series of 80 images limits the source variability to less than 50% on timescales from 3 to 30 minutes. The photometry is consistent with the emission from a simple accretion disk model for a approximately 1 x 10(exp 6) solar mass black hole. However, the fluxes are also consistent with a hot luminous (L approximately 10(exp 3.5) to 10(exp 4-6) solar luminosity) central cluster star positionally coincident with Sgr A*.

Close, Laird M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The distribution of warm dust in the star forming region Cepheus A: Infrared constraints

We have obtained new, high angular resolution far-infrared (FIR) maps (at 50 and 100 microns) of the star forming region Cepheus A and polarimetric images (1.65 and 2.2 microns) of the reflection nebulosity, IRS6, associated with this young stellar object. Our results are consistent with current star formation theories: a young stellar object surrounded by an infalling envelope with a characteristic density distribution of n(sub d)(r) proportional to r(exp -1.5), a circumstellar disk, and a cavity (R(sub i) approx. 0.07 pc) in which n(sub d) is constant, created by the dispersal of the initial dust cloud by a strong stellar wind.

Colome, Cecilia↗
NASA NTRS1996

Planetesimals Around V536 AQL

The pre-main sequence star V536 Aql, classified as a K7 classical T Tauri star by Cohen & Kuhi has been resolved, by high angular resolution near-infrared speckle observations, as a close binary (0.52 sec separation at 17 deg) surrounded by extended structures. These structures seen, both in the July 1993 and April 1994 observations, are not at the same position in the reconstructed image and do not present exactly the same shape at both times. Although it is unlikely that the presence of these structures is due to seeing calibration problems, the exact shape might be affected by it. We cannot presently make a final interpretation of the observations but can formulate different possibilities: the 'circumstellar' material seen in our images can be an independent cloud, or simply gas or dust, in front of the system on our line of sight, but close enough to still be illuminated by the binary; this material may be 'by chance' there or be a remnant of the material in which the star was born. We propose a model to explain the position variation of the extended structures. New observations are under reduction and should help to determine the exact value of this motion. At their distance from the star, motions of the extended matter would correspond to velocities much higher than the Kepler velocities. To explain this, we have developed a model based on a 'torch-light' effect. The possibility that the observed elongated structures belong to a circumstellar or circumbinary disk are discussed.

Ageorges, N.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Study of Magnetic Structure in the Solar Photosphere and Chromosphere

This grant funded an observational and theoretical program to study the structure and dynamics of the solar photosphere and low chromosphere, and the spectral signatures that result. The overall goal is to learn about mechanisms that cause heating of the overlying atmosphere, and produce variability of solar emission in spectral regions important for astrophysics and space physics. The program exploited two new ground-based observational capabilities: one using the Swedish Solar Telescope on La Palma for very high angular resolution observations of the photospheric intensity field (granulation) and proxies of the magnetic field (G-band images); and the other using the Near Infrared Magnetograph at the McMath-Pierce Solar Facility to map the spatial variation and dynamic behavior of the solar temperature minimum region using infrared CO lines. We have interpreted these data using a variety of theoretical and modelling approaches, some developed especially for this project. Previous annual reports cover the work done up to 31 May 1997. This final report summarizes our work for the entire period, including the period of no-cost extension from 1 June 1997 through September 30 1997. In Section 2 we discuss observations and modelling of the photospheric flowfields and their consequences for heating of the overlying atmosphere, and in Section 3 we discuss imaging spectroscopy of the CO lines at 4.67 mu.

Noyes, Robert W.↗
NASA NTRS1997

HST observations of the gravitational lens systems HE 1104-1805 and J03.13

High angular resolution Principle Component Image (PC1) images of the gravitational lens systems HE 1104-1805 and J03.13 are presented. Using a method described in Remy et al. (1997a), optimal TinyTim Point Spread Function (PSFs) are constructed to fit at best the lensed point-like components. The derived photometry of the GL components and the detection of the lens galaxy for HE 1104-1805 are discussed. Textbook case Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) spectra of J03.13 A and B clearly show that this double QSO is a cosmic mirage.

Remy, M.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Grazing Incidence Nickel Replicated Optics for Hard X-ray Telescopes

The requirements for future hard x-ray (up to 50 keV) telescopes are lightweight, high angular resolution optics with large collecting areas. Grazing incidence replicated optics are an excellent candidate for this, type of mission, providing better angular resolution, comparable area/unit mass, and simpler fabrication than multilayer-coated foils. Most importantly, the technology to fabricate the required optics currently exists. A comparison of several hard x-ray telescope designs will be presented.

Peturzzo, J. J., III↗
NASA NTRS1998

Radio/X-Ray Luminosity Relation for Advection Dominated Accretion: Implications for Emission-Line Galaxies and the X-Ray Background

Recent studies of the cosmic X-ray background (XRB) have suggested the possible existence of a population of relatively faint sources with hard X-ray spectra; however, the emission mechanism remains unclear. If the hard X-ray emission is from the radiatively inefficient, advection-dominated accretion flows (ADAFs) around massive black holes in galactic nuclei, X-ray luminosity and radio luminosity satisfy the approximate relation L(sub R) approx. 7 x 10(exp 35)(upsilon/15 GHz)(sup 7/5(M/10(exp 7)solar mass)(L(sub X) ergs/s)(sup 1/10 ergs/s, where L(sub R) = (upsilon)L(sub upsilon) is the radio luminosity at frequency upsilon, M is the mass of the accreting black hole, and 10(exp 40) less than or equal to L(sub X) less than or equal to 10(exp 42) ergs/s is the 2-10 keV X-ray luminosity. These sources are characterized by inverted radio spectra I(sub upsilon) varies as upsilon(exp 2/5). For example, an ADAF X-ray source with luminosity L(sub X) approx. 10(exp 41) ergs/s has a nuclear radio luminosity of approx. 4 x 10(M/3 x 10(exp 7) solar mass) ergs/s at approx. 20 GHz, and if it is at a distance of approx. 10(M/3 x 10(exp 7) solar mass) Mpc, it would be detected as a approx. 1 mJy point radio source. High-frequency (approx. 20 GHz), high angular resolution radio observations provide an important test of the ADAF emission mechanism. Since L,, depends strongly on black hole mass and only weakly on X-ray luminosity, the successful measurement of nuclear radio emission could provide an estimate of black hole mass. Because the X-ray spectra produced by ADAFs are relatively hard, sources of this emission are natural candidates for contributing to the hard (greater than 2 keV) background.

Yi, Insu↗
NASA NTRS1997

Protostars and Disks

The research concentrated on high angular resolution (arc-second scale) studies of molecular cloud cores associated with very young star formation. New ways to study disks and protoplanetary systems were explored. Findings from the areas studied are briefly summarized: (1) molecular clouds; (2) gravitational contraction; (3) jets, winds, and outflows; (4) Circumstellar Disks (5) Extrasolar Planetary Systems. A bibliography of publications and submitted papers produced during the grant period is included.

Ho, Paul↗
NASA NTRS1998

Externally Illuminated Proto-Planetary Disks

We used the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to obtain high angular resolution images and the first UV spectra of young stars and their circumstellar environments embedded within the Orion Nebula. The observations consists of: Direct imaging of young stars, their disks, and the surrounding environments with the Planetary Camera (PC) portion of Wide Field and Planetary Camera (WFPC2) using narrow band interference filters; The first UV imaging of these objects with the Faint Object Camera (FOC); and The first UV spectroscopy of these objects using the Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS).

Bally, John↗
NASA NTRS1999

Airborne Spectral Measurements of Surface-Atmosphere Anisotropy for Arctic Sea Ice and Tundra

Angular distributions of spectral reflectance for four common arctic surfaces: snow-covered sea ice, melt-season sea ice, snow-covered tundra, and tundra shortly after snowmelt were measured using an aircraft based, high angular resolution (1-degree) multispectral radiometer. Results indicate bidirectional reflectance is higher for snow-covered sea ice than melt-season sea ice at all wavelengths between 0.47 and 2.3 pm, with the difference increasing with wavelength. Bidirectional reflectance of snow-covered tundra is higher than for snow-free tundra for measurements less than 1.64 pm, with the difference decreasing with wavelength. Bidirectional reflectance patterns of all measured surfaces show maximum reflectance in the forward scattering direction of the principal plane, with identifiable specular reflection for the melt-season sea ice and snow-free tundra cases. The snow-free tundra had the most significant backscatter, and the melt-season sea ice the least. For sea ice, bidirectional reflectance changes due to snowmelt were more significant than differences among the different types of melt-season sea ice. Also the spectral-hemispherical (plane) albedo of each measured arctic surface was computed. Comparing measured nadir reflectance to albedo for sea ice and snow-covered tundra shows albedo underestimated 5-40%, with the largest bias at wavelengths beyond 1 pm. For snow-free tundra, nadir reflectance underestimates plane albedo by about 30-50%.

Arnold, G. Thomas↗
NASA NTRS2000

Results of a Deep Chandra Observation of the Crab Nebula and Pulsar

The Crab Nebula and pulsar were observed for a total of 150 ksec with the LETG/HRC-S combination aboard the Chandra X-Ray Observatory in 2000, January. One of the principal aims of the experiment was to study the emission of from the pulsar as a function of pulse phase. Neutron stars are believed to be formed with core temperatures of 10(exp 11). As the pulsar is the youngest known neutron star with an age of only 940 yrs, it should be possible to observe thermal emission from the hot stellar surface which in turn constrains equations of state. The pulsar, on the other hand, is a powerful non-thermal emitter, powering an X-ray bright synchrotron nebula which, in Einstein and ROSAT observations, overshadowed the fainter thermal surface emission. Making use of the high angular resolution provided by Chandra we were able to detect X-rays from the Crab-pulsar at all pulse phases. We discuss whether this detection is indeed of thermal emission or of a faint synchrotron component of the pulsed emission from the magnetosphere. We further report on dynamical effects observed in the pulsar-wind outflow and the analysis of the LETG spectral data, especially near the oxygen edge. The results of the spectral analysis has interesting implications for the composition of the interstellar medium.

Weisskopf, M. C.↗