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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 271 records · Page 15
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NASA NTRS1977

Global seismic effects of basin-forming impacts

A Lagrangian computer program is used to study the effects of large impacts on planetary surfaces. More specifically, the global seismic effects for cratering energies of 10 to the 24th and 10 to the 25th J between the Copernicus and Imbrium lunar events are investigated. The phenomenologies for assumed solid and molten planetary interiors are compared. The main results of this investigation are: (1) far-field effects are found to be largely independent of cratering mechanisms, (2) antipodal seismic effects, which are of substantial magnitude, are greatly enhanced by focusing, (3) the most violent activity takes place at significant depth, (4) seismic effects are more pronounced for a molten planet than for a solid one, and (5) tensile failure may occur at depths of tens of kilometers beneath the antipode, or over the entire surface at shallower depths. These results suggest that the unusual terrains antipodal to large planetary basins may have been greatly modified by seismicity generated by the basin-forming impacts, and that the impacts may have brecciated the entire lithospheres of the terrestrial planets as the lithospheres formed and thickened

Hughes, H. G.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Gas stream in Algol

Additional absorption features in the red wings of the Mg II resonance lines near 2800 A are found in observations of Algol made from the Copernicus satellite. The absorption features were clearly seen only during a part of the primary eclipse, in the phase interval 0.90-0.03. The observations are interpreted as being produced by a stream of matter flowing from Algol B in the direction of Algol A. The measured Doppler shifts of the features give the value of 150 km/s as the characteristic velocity of matter in the stream. The mass transfer connected with the stream is estimated to be of the order of 10 to the -13th power solar mass per year.

Cugier, H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Heavy element abundances in Ap stars from ultraviolet data. I - The bright reference stars Alpha Lyrae and Alpha Canis Majoris A

Curve-of-growth analysis is used to derive chemical abundances in Alpha Lyr and Alpha CMa, based on ultraviolet spectra obtained with Copernicus. This analysis is part of a program to study the abundances of the heavy elements mercury and platinum and the short-lived element technetium in the atmospheres of Ap and Am stars. Ultraviolet Fe II lines are used to establish the curves of growth for Alpha Lyr and Alpha CMa A; abundances of a variety of elements, along with upper limits on Hg, Pt, and Tc, are derived. In cases where previous studies based on visual spectra have included elements in common with the present analysis, the agreement is good within the known uncertainties. One new element, cadmium, is observed for these two stars. The upper limits on Pt and Hg, as well as Tc, show that these elements are probably not enhanced in Alpha CMa A by more than about one order of magnitude.

Boiarchuk, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Coronal gas in the Galaxy. I - A new survey of interstellar O VI

Ultraviolet spectra of 40 O- and B-type stars have been intensively scanned in the vicinity of the O VI transitions at 1032 and 1038 A with the Copernicus satellite. This survey of the high-temperature (log T about 5.5) phase of interstellar gas is an extension of the earlier observations of interstellar O VI by Jenkins and Meloy (1974), bringing the total coverage up to 72 stars. Except for a few distant stars, the overall quality of the present data surpasses that of the earlier work. Plots of absorption optical depths versus radial velocity are presented for both transitions in each star. Total column densities (or their upper limits), velocity centroids, and velocity widths have been extracted from the profiles and tabulated, with the results of Jenkins and Meloy (1974) included. Qualitatively, the highly variable O VI densities and velocities seem to exhibit no systematic patterns or regional trends; there is no recognizable correlation in the behavior of coronal gas with pronounced features of galactic structure.

Jenkins, E. B.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Observations of interstellar chlorine and phosphorus

Copernicus observations of interstellar Cl I, Cl II, and P II UV lines toward 10 stars are reported. Column densities are estimated for each species, and upper limits are computed for HCl column densities. Derivation of the gas-phase abundances of chlorine and phosphorus indicates that the averages of both the chlorine and the phosphorus logarithmic abundances relative to hydrogen are between 5.0 and 5.1. It is suggested that interstellar chlorine may be depleted by about a factor of 3 relative to the solar abundance and that interstellar phosphorus is depleted by a factor of 2 to 3. The results are shown to support the prediction that chlorine is ionized in regions containing primarily atomic oxygen and is neutral in regions where there is a significant amount of molecular hydrogen. The photoionization rate of neutral chlorine toward 15 Mon is estimated, and it is concluded that most chlorine is contained within the gas phase.

Jura, M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

O VI gas - Circumstellar or interstellar

Observations in the UV spectra from the Copernicus satellite have revealed absorption lines from five-times ionized oxygen atoms. To explain this abundance, two explanations have been advanced to supplant the traditional model of steady loss from nearby stars. One, ionization from circumstellar bubbles, is said to result from rapidly rotating stars. The other, examined in more detail, suggests a mechanism whereby shock waves from explosive disturbances in nearby supernovae preferentially channel coronal-type O VI regions in the interstellar medium into areas of high temperature (above 100,000 K). An examination of column densities with increasing distribution is proposed to examine the hypotheses, although the results are as yet inconclusive.

Jenkins, E. B.↗
NASA NTRS1978

X-ray and radio observations of GX 17+2 and GX 13+1

X-ray data on the sources 3U 1813-14 (GX 17+2) and 3U 1811-17 (GX 13+1), obtained by Copernicus between 1975 and 1977, are examined. These reveal correlated intensity and spectral-slope variations in GX 17+2 similar to those seen in Sco X-1 and four other galactic sources, 3U 0614+09, 3U 1702-36, 3U 1728-16, and 3U 1758-25. The data on GX 17+2 have been unsuccessfully searched for further evidence of a shallow 31.9-minute modulation. In the case of GX 13+1 no significant variability was seen in either intensity or spectrum. A simultaneous search made from the NRAO simultaneously with some of the X-ray observations revealed no significant radio emission from either source.

White, N. E.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Mg II h and k emission from luminous M stars

Mg II h and k emission lines of the M2 giant beta Peg and the M5 supergiant alpha Her were detected in Copernicus observations. In the alpha Her profiles, similar to alpha Ori and alpha Sco profiles, the k line is asymmetric and the h line is symmetric. The possibility that the k line asymmetry is produced by overlying absorption is discussed. In beta Peg, both h and k lines are asymmetric, and line formation in an expanding chromosphere is indicated. The observations are in accord with one formulation of the Wilson-Bappu relation but deviate from another form of the Wilson-Bappu relation.

Bernat, A. P.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Nebular observations and stellar coronae

Copernicus UV observations of O VI in early-type stars are used to infer the existence of coronae or hot stellar winds. Attention is given to the optical doublet of O VI at wavelengths 3811 and 3834, which is seen in the spectra of some central stars in planetary nebulae, and taken to be evidence of a coronal wind. It is noted (from observations of NGC 6751) that hot gas in the coronal model produces radiation at energies above 54 eV, which can affect He II Zanstra temperatures. He(+) ionizing radiation in population I early-type stars is also taken as an indication of hot winds.

Hartmann, L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Formation of lunar basin rings

The outer rings of impact basins are interpreted as the bounding rings of the excavated basin cavities analogous to Copernicus-type crater rim crests. It is suggested that the inner rings are strata from depth uplifted during excavation of the transient cavity. Spacing relations and morphology appear to indicate a transition from central peaks to rings but not from terraces to rings. Evidence related to terrestrial craters with rings or peaks produced by meteorite impacts suggests that one or more crater rims may form inside the main, outer crater rim, resulting in nested craters. There is some evidence that peaks grade into inner rings as material is ejected from their cores in progressively larger impacts. Multiply layered materials may produce multiple rings by differential excavation of the layers.

Hodges, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Interstellar absorption lines in the spectrum of Zeta Puppis

The far-UV spectrum of Zeta Pup is surveyed as obtained from scans by Copernicus satellite detectors. Equivalent widths are tabulated for 147 lines from 35 different ions or isotopes of 19 elements in the direction of Zeta Pup. In addition, 52 unidentified absorption lines are listed whose narrow widths indicate an interstellar origin. An attempt is made to report on the relative velocities of the lines, curves of growth and column densities, and interstellar abundances. Suggestions are made for future investigations. Apparently, it is found that: (1) O, P, S, Cl, and Zn are within a factor of 2 of their solar abundances toward Zeta Pup; (2) Mg, Al, Si, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Cu are depleted by factors of 4 or more; and (3) the depletion generally increases with increasing condensation temperature.

Morton, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The expanding envelope of Tau Sco /B0 V/

Results are reported for an analysis of the UV spectrum of Tau Sco as observed by Copernicus. It is found that the spectrum exhibits a number of resonance lines of C III, C IV, N III, N V, O VI, Si IV, and P V, all of which have extended violet absorption wings that reach several different velocities. The UV lines of Tau Sco are compared with those of Zeta Pup, the line profiles are studied by a comparison with predicted profiles, and the optical depth of the lines is derived as a function of velocity in the envelope by means of line fitting. The velocity-height relation is examined, the mass-loss rate is derived, and the ionization equilibrium in the envelope is investigated. The data are then evaluated in light of three proposed mass-loss mechanisms. The mass-loss rate is estimated to be about 7 billionths of a solar mass per year, and the observed rapid acceleration of the stellar wind is attributed to radiation pressure in the envelope. It is shown that an imperfect-flow model for the stellar wind gives qualitative agreement with the observations.

Lamers, H. J. G. L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Nearly pure Apollo 12 KREEP - Soil sample 12023

It is suggested that soil sample 12023, which was collected during the Apollo 12 mission from a 20 cm trench on the east rim of Sharp Crater, matured on a KREEP regolith surface, since its major element chemistry and FMR linewidth are indistinguishable from those of the Fra Mauro (Apollo 14) soils. Attention is given to the distribution of the sample's major mineral components. It is suggested that the origin of 12023 may either be ejecta from Fra Mauro material, or ray material from the Copernicus crater.

Morris, R. V.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Hyper-ballistic transport models of Copernican ejecta

As the ejecta curtain sweeps outward from the crater which forms after meteorite impact, fine particles may receive a hyperballistic boost from the expanding gas cloud created by vaporization. In modeling the phenomenon, this paper considers both spatial and frequency variations of the particle size parameter. Two models which preserve spatial homogeneity within the elliptical transient crater serve to test the effects of different particle-frequency distributions. Three models which feature identical spatial nonhomogeneity of particle sizes serve to test different crater-formation rates. From 1 to 6% of the total ejected mass is sent beyond the maximum ballistic range of 437 km, according to the five models, each of which is a possible simulation of the lunar crater Copernicus.

Rehfuss, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Ultraviolet observations of cool stars. VI - L alpha and Mg II emission line profiles /and a search for flux variability/ in Arcturus

High-precision, high-resolution profiles of the L alpha and Mg II k chromospheric emission lines from Arcturus (alpha Boo) obtained with the Princeton Experimental Package aboard the Copernicus satellite are presented. Asymmetries seen in the profiles of these lines are probably intrinsic to the star, rather than the result of interstellar absorption. In contrast to previous observations of the Ca II K emission line, no evidence is found during a three-year period for variability in the profiles or in the total fluxes from these lines on time scales ranging from hours to months. Also presented is a flux profile of the O I 1302 line and flux upper limits for L beta, O VI 1032, Si III 1206, and O V 1218.

Mcclintock, W.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The far-ultraviolet flux from Lambda Orionis A

Digicon observations of emission-line intensities in the H II region around Lambda Ori are used to determine the effective UV ionizing flux from Lambda Ori A. It appears that the flux shortward of 353 A (and perhaps shortward of 504 A) is significantly less than predicted from calculations of static stellar atmospheres. The discrepancy between theory and observation may be a consequence of the existence of an extended atmosphere due to radiation-pressure-driven mass loss. The results are consistent with those obtained from UV absorption-line studies made with the Copernicus satellite and with radio recombination-line data for compact H II regions.

Harms, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

XUV spectra of the 1973 June 15 solar flare observed from Skylab. III - A list of spectral lines from 1000 to 1940 A

A wavelength list of spectral lines between 1000 and 1940 A is presented for the solar flare that occurred on June 15, 1973. The spectra were recorded by the NRL spectrograph on Skylab. The spectral resolution is 0.06 A. Intensities, identifications, and estimates of line widths are given. The intensity of the continuum is also given at 50-A intervals between 1400 and 1900 A. The wavelength list includes about 1400 lines; about 30% of these lines are not indentified. Because of the high wavelength resolution, this line list will be useful as a source of identification for some stellar as well as solar spectra. In particular, the list should be a useful aid in the identification of lines in the spectra of stars with classifications close to that of the sun. Spectra of such stars may be obtained from the recently launched IUE spacecraft. It is also interesting to compare the list with some of the spectra of early-type stars recorded by Copernicus.

Cohen, L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Seismically induced modification of lunar surface features

The formation of large impact craters and basins produced not only large volumes of ejecta but also catastrophic seismic waves. Theoretical models, extrapolation of terrestrial explosion data, and extrapolation of lunar impact data suggest surface displacements of 1-10 m at four crater radii from a Copernicus-size impact (4 x 10 to the 30th power ergs). Independent estimates of impact-generated stresses indicate that regions within 4 crater radii of an impact will receive shock waves with pressures exceeding 1 kbar. Greater areas also may receive shock effects as elastic waves following deep ray paths transform into shock waves near the surface. Additional seismic energy will be generated by impacts from secondary ejecta. The resulting large and long-lasting surface movement may contribute to the subdued appearance of the continuous ejecta blanket and secondary craters around large impact craters and to the degradation of small craters outside these zones.

Schultz, P. H.↗