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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 289 records · Page 16
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NASA NTRS1993

The nature of faint emission-line galaxies

One of the results of faint galaxy redshift surveys is the increased fraction of galaxies which have strong emission-line spectra. These faint surveys find that roughly 50 percent of the galaxies have an equivalent width of (OII), W sub 3727, greater than 20 A while this fraction is less than 20 percent in the DARS survey. This has been interpreted as evidence for strong evolution in the galaxy population at redshifts less than 0.5. In order to further investigate the properties of the galaxies in faint redshift surveys, two important factors must be addressed. The first is the observed correlation between color, luminosity, and W sub 3727. There is a correlation between color and the strength of emission lines, bluer galaxies having stronger emission features, as evident for Markarian galaxies and for galaxies in Kennicutt's spectrophotometric atlas. This correlation also applies galaxies in faint redshift surveys. In addition, low luminosity galaxies have a larger average W sub 3727 (and bluer colors) than higher luminosity galaxies. This is illustrated for Kennicutt's low z late-type galaxies, for the Durham Faint Surveys, and for galaxies in SA68. The second factor which must be incorporated into any interpretation of the faint emission galaxies is the different luminosity functions for galaxies depending on color. This is usually modeled by varying M* for different color classes (or morphological types); however, the shape of the luminosity function is different for galaxies with different colors. Low luminosity, blue galaxies have a much larger number density than low luminosity, red galaxies. Furthermore, the low luminosity end of the blue galaxy luminosity function is not well fit by a Schechter function. These two factors have been included in a very simple, no-evolution, model for the galaxy population. This model uses the luminosity functions from Shanks (1990) and spectral energy distributions (SED's) from Bruzual (1988). W sub 3727 is predicted using the correlation (including dispersion) with color.

Smetanka, John J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Extremely red objects in the fields of high redshift radio galaxies

We are engaged in a program of infrared imaging photometry of high redshift radio galaxies. The observations are being done using NICMOS2 and NICMOS3 arrays on the DuPont 100-inch telescope at Las Campanas Observatory. In addition, Persson and Matthews are measuring the spectral energy distributions of normal cluster galaxies in the redshift range 0 to 1. These measurements are being done with a 58 x 62 InSb array on the Palomar 5-m telescope. During the course of these observations we have imaged roughly 20 square arcminutes of sky to limiting magnitudes greater than 20 in the J, H, and K passbands (3 sigma in 3 square arcseconds). We have detected several relatively bright, extremely red, extended objects during the course of this work. Because the radio galaxy program requires Thuan-Gunn gri photometry, we are able to construct rough photometric energy distributions for many of the objects. A sample of the galaxy magnitudes within 4 arcseconds diameter is given. All the detections are real; either the objects show up at several wavelengths, or in subsets of the data. The reddest object in the table, 9ab'B' was found in a field of galaxies in a rich cluster at z = 0.4; 9ab'A' lies 8 arcseconds from it.

Persson, S. E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Multi-filter spectrophotometry of quasar environments

A many-filter photometric technique for determining redshifts and morphological types, by fitting spectral templates to spectral energy distributions, has good potential for application in surveys. Despite success in studies performed on simulated data, the results have not been fully reliable when applied to real, low signal-to-noise data. We are investigating techniques to improve the fitting process.

Craven, Sally E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

IUEAGN: A database of ultraviolet spectra of active galactic nuclei

In 13 years of operation, IUE has gathered approximately 5000 spectra of almost 600 Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). In order to undertake AGN studies which require large amounts of data, we are consistently reducing this entire archive and creating a homogeneous, easy-to-use database. First, the spectra are extracted using the Optimal extraction algorithm. Continuum fluxes are then measured across predefined bands, and line fluxes are measured with a multi-component fit. These results, along with source information such as redshifts and positions, are placed in the IUEAGN relational database. Analysis algorithms, statistical tests, and plotting packages run within the structure, and this flexible database can accommodate future data when they are released. This archival approach has already been used to survey line and continuum variability in six bright Seyfert 1s and rapid continuum variability in 14 blazars. Among the results that could only be obtained using a large archival study is evidence that blazars show a positive correlation between degree of variability and apparent luminosity, while Seyfert 1s show an anti-correlation. This suggests that beaming dominates the ultraviolet properties for blazars, while thermal emission from an accretion disk dominates for Seyfert 1s. Our future plans include a survey of line ratios in Seyfert 1s, to be fitted with photoionization models to test the models and determine the range of temperatures, densities and ionization parameters. We will also include data from IRAS, Einstein, EXOSAT, and ground-based telescopes to measure multi-wavelength correlations and broadband spectral energy distributions.

Pike, G.↗
NASA NTRS1992

IRAS observations of young stellar objects in the Corona Australis dark cloud

The young stellar object (YSO) population associated with the dark cloud complex in Corona Australis is studied by synthesizing IRAS data with newly obtained near-IR and mid-IR photometry and previously published optical/IR data. Twenty-four YSOs in the Cr A complex are identified. The observed range of spectral energy distribution shapes and bolometric luminosities are consistent with those observed in other dark clouds. The duration and efficiency of star formation are found to be similar to the Rho Ophiuchi IR cluster. The low number of YSOs compared to other dark clouds is understood by a reevaluation of the molecular mass of the R Cr A cloud which shows it to be much less massive than previously assumed.

Wilking, Bruce A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Herbig Ae/Be stars - Intermediate-mass stars surrounded by massive circumstellar accretion disks

The proposition that Herbig Ae/Be stars are young intermediate mass stars surrounded by optically thick accretion disks is explored. From a study of 47 such objects, a subset of 30 stars is identified whose spectral energy distributions can be interpreted convincingly in terms of pre-main sequence stars surrounded by massive optically thick circumstellar accretion disks. Constraints on the physical properties of the disks, such as size, mass, accretion rate, lifetime, and radial structure are derived from the photometric data.

Hillenbrand, Lynne A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

An IUE search for star formation in ellipticals with gaseous disks

The UV spectral energy distribution presently derived from IUE observations for NGC 5077 is presently compared with those of the bulges of two galaxies, M31 and NGC 3115, which exhibit a similar Mg2 absorption-liner strengths and are known to lack gaseous disks. The lack of significant UV spectrum differences imply that there is no star formation activity more recent than 3 million years old in NGC 5077.

Bertola, Francesco↗
NASA NTRS1993

Far-ultraviolet radiation from disk globular clusters

IUE spectra obtained in a survey of the metal-rich disk system of globular clusters are presented. Significant FUV fluxes were detected in the 1200-2000-A short-wavelength (SWP) range of the IUE Observatory in several disk globular clusters. These clusters are the most metal-rich known to have an FUV flux. Three clusters show spectral energy distrbutions (SEDs) clearly rising at shorter wavelengths, not unlike the upturns observed in the bulges of metal-rich elliptical galaxies. Several others with weak SWP detections appear to have flat or uncertain spectral energy distributions. Blue stragglers provide a possible explanation for flux redder than 2000 A in clusters showing weaker flux in the SWP region, and with flat or declining SEDs.

Rich, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Infrared and optical imaging of IRAS sources with CO outflow - A snapshot of early star formation

We present multiband imaging of three IRAS sources associated with CO molecular outflows. We find stellar density enhancements around all three IRAS sources. Optical and near-IR photometry indicates that at least 60 percent of the near-IR sources in the vicinity of the IRAS sources are pre-main-sequence stars. Using the photometric data at nbL and M, we are able to identify candidates for the near-IR counterparts of the IRAS sources. We also find that (1) the spectral energy distribution of the deeply embedded sources could be complicated by source confusion and scattered light from the young stellar objects; (2) star formation in the vicinity of the IRAS sources is a continuous process with an age span of 0.5-3 Myr; and (3) stellar density enhancement is probably a phenomenon found at the earliest stage of star formation.

Chen, H.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The hot stellar component in elliptical galaxies and spiral bulges. I - The far-ultraviolet spectrum of the bulge of M31

An analysis of the M31 spectrum is presented and compared to the spectrum of NGC 1399. There are significant differences between the two spectra that cannot easily be explained by uncertainties in extinction. The M31 spectrum requires a contribution from stars hotter than those that dominate the NGC 1399 spectral energy distribution. It is found that an acceptable fit to the M31 spectrum can be produced by assuming that it consists of stars like those in NGC 1399, combined with a much higher proportion of classical post-asymptotic giant branch stars. This result is not completely conclusive because of uncertainties in extinction, but it agrees with the idea that as metallicity increases, so does the contribution from extreme horizontal branch stars, post-early-AGB stars, and AGB-Manque stars.

Ferguson, Henry C.↗
NASA NTRS1993

An atlas of ultraviolet spectra of star-forming galaxies

A systematic study is presented of the UV spectra of star-forming galaxies of different morphological type and activity class using a sample drawn from a uniformly reduced IUE data set. The spectra for a wide variety of galaxies, including normal spiral, LINER, starburst, blue compact, blue compact dwarf, and Seyfert 2 galaxies, are presented in the form of spectral energy distributions to demonstrate the overall characteristics according to morphology and activity class and in the form of absolute flux distributions to better show the absorption and emission features of individual objects. The data support the picture based on UV spectra of the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory and of the Astronautical Netherlands Satellite that spiral galaxies of later Hubble class have more flux at the shortest UV wavelengths than do spiral galaxies of earlier Hubble class.

Kinney, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Photometry and imaging of the peculiar planetary nebula IRAS 21282 + 5050

We report visible, near-infrared, and mid-infrared photometry of the IRAS planetary nebula 21282+ 5050. Narrow-band photometry at 10 microns confirms the presence of the 11.3-micron PAH feature. IRAS 21282+5050 belongs to a small group of planetary nebulae with WC11 nuclei and PAH emission. The spectral energy distribution shows that majority of the flux is emitted in the infrared, and the object has one of the highest infrared excesses among all planetary nebulae. Optical imaging (after subtraction of the central star) reveals a nebula of size of about 7 x 5 arcsec which is elongated along the N-S direction.

Kwok, Sun↗
NASA NTRS1993

An infrared study of the remarkable dusty M star HR 3126

HR 3126 is a unique M giant star embedded in the bipolar reflection nebula IC 2220. In this paper we present new photometric and spectroscopic observations of HR 3126 and combine them with existing data from the literature in an extensive reappraisal of the star's properties at infrared wavelengths. The spectral energy distribution is consistent with an optical classification of M0-3 II with infrared excess. The dust shell cannot be fitted by a single-temperature blackbody: at least three components are required, with temperatures in the range 35-1300 K. On the basis of spectroscopy at 1-4 and 7-25 microns, combined with an assessment of various color-color diagrams, we are able to reject the hypothesis that HR 3126 is carbon-rich. Weak silicate emission features are detected at 10 and 19 microns, and a previous report of silicon carbide emission at 11.2 microns is not substantiated. It seems likely that HR 2136 is in a phase of advanced and rapid postmain-sequence evolution, possibly beginning its ascent of the asymptotic giant branch.

Chiar, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Deep imaging of high redshift QSO fields below the Lyman limit. II - Number counts and colors of field galaxies

We present an analysis of the number counts and colors of faint galaxies to about 26.5 mag in the fields of two high Galactic latitude, very-high-redshift QSOs. We concentrate on the general properties of the field galaxies at faint magnitudes. In particular, we readdress the faint galaxy number counts and colors as a function of apparent magnitude and we reexamine the possible contribution of very-high-redshift galaxies to the faint samples. We find that the number counts to R = 26 are well fitted by the relation log N(m) = 0.31R + C. The G-band counts for the same galaxies are consistent with the same slope fainter than G about 23.5, but exhibit a much steeper slope at brighter magnitudes. At R = 25.5, the differential number counts have reached about 1.2 x 10 exp 5/sq deg; the same surface density of galaxies is reached at G = 26.5. We confirm the existence of a gradual 'blueing' trend of the field galaxies toward fainter apparent magnitude; however, the blueing trend appears to extend only as faint as G about 24, fainter than which both the (G-R) and (U sub n-G) colors appear to level off. The mean colors of faint galaxies are considerably redder than flat spectrum. There are essentially no objects to R = 26 which have spectral energy distributions which are bluer than flat spectrum. The potential contribution of very-high-redshift galaxies may have been underestimated in previous analyses; the current data are consistent with the same population of relatively luminous galaxies at z about 3 as exist at z about 0.7.

Steidel, Charles C.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The initial stellar population

Current theories for the origin of stellar masses and the initial mass function are surveyed, with emphasis on the formation of stars in clusters, and the possibility that several different formation mechanisms are at work in the Galaxy. Models are presented for the evolution of the 2.2-micron premain-sequence luminosity function of a young coeval star cluster, and the implications the results have for the conversion of an observed luminosity function into the underlying mass function are discussed. A description of theories which allow spectral energy distributions of young stellar objects to be used as diagnostics of their evolutionary states is given. The question of the existence of substellar objects (brown dwarfs) in nearby young clusters and regions of star formation is addressed.

Zinnecker, Hans↗
NASA NTRS1993

IRAS 21391 + 5802 - A study in intermediate mass star formation

We present infrared and millimeter wavelength observations of the cold IRAS source 21391 + 5802 and its associated molecular core. Infrared observations at lambda = 3.5 microns reveal a heavily obscured, central point source which is coincident with a compact lambda = 2.7 mm continuum and C18O emission region. The source radiates about 310 solar luminosities, primarily at FIR wavelengths, suggesting that it is a young stellar object of intermediate mass. The steeply rising spectral energy distribution and the large fraction of the system mass residing in circumstellar material imply that IRAS 21391 + 5802 is in an early stage of evolution. The inferred dust temperature indicates a temperature gradient in the core. A comprehensive model for the surrounding core of dust and gas is devised to match the observed dust continuum emission and multitransition CS emission from this and previous studies. We find a r exp -1.5 +/- 0.2 density gradient consistent with that of a gravitationally evolved core and a total core mass of 380 solar masses. The observed dust emission is most consistent with a lambda exp -1.5 - lambda exp -2 dust emissivity law; for a lambda exp -2 law, the data are best fit by a mass opacity coefficient of 3.6 x 10 exp -3 sq cm/g at lambda = 1.25 mm.

Wilking, Bruce↗
NASA NTRS1994

Investigations of the dynamical evolution of protoplanetary nebulae

The spectral energy distributions (SED's) of all the known Class I (protostellar) sources in the Taurus molecular cloud were modelled. The Tereby, Shu, & Cassen (1984, TSC) density distribution for a rotating, infalling envelope was adopted. The radiative equilibrium temperature distribution from the spherical average of the TSC density distribution was calculated. The resulting spherically-symmetric temperature distribution then provides the source function to obtain the emergent spectrum at a given inclination angle i from the formal solution of the transfer equation, using the exact density (opacity) distribution. Results showed that the SED's of the protostar candidates in Taurus can be reproduced with TSC models having infall rates close to the values predicted by the theory of isothermal cloud collapse. Flat Spectrum T Tauri Stars were studied. The mid- to far-infrared fluxes of 'flat spectrum' T Tauri stars can be explained by radiative equilibrium emission from infalling dusty envelopes. This explanation indicated that models employing 'active' disks, in which the temperature distribution is a parameterized power law, should be invoked with caution. Infall also naturally explains the scattered light nebulae detected around many flat-spectrum sources. Results showed that the SED's of the protostar candidates in Taurus can be reproduced with TSC models having infall rates close to the values predicted by the theory of isothermal cloud collapse. Flattened infalling envelope models are also being studied.

Hartmann, Lee W.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Multiwavelength search for protoplanetary disks

Infrared emission of circumstellar dust was observed for almost one hundred T Tauri stars. This dust is interpreted to be part of a protoplanetary disk orbiting the central star. T Tauri stars are young stellar objects and evolve into solar type stars. Planets are believed to form in these disks. The spectral energy distribution of a disk depends on its temperature profile. Different disk regions emit at different wavelengths. The disk-star boundary layer is hot and emits H(alpha) radiation. Inner disk regions at around 1 AU with a temperature of a few hundred Kelvin can be probed in near infrared wavelength regimes. Outer disk regions at around 100 AU distance from the star are colder and emit far infrared and sub-millimeter radiation. Also, X-ray emission from the stellar surface can reveal information on disk properties. Emission from the stellar surface and the boundary layer may be shielded by circumstellar gas and dust. T Tauri stars with low H(alpha) emission, i.e. no boundary layer, show stronger X-ray emission than classical T Tauri stars, because the inner disk regions of weak emission-line T Tauri stars may be clear of material. In this paper, first ROSAT all sky survey results on the X-ray emission of T Tauri stars and correlations between X-ray luminosity and properties of T Tauri disks are presented. Due to atmospheric absorption, X-ray and most infrared observations cannot be carried out on Earth, but from Earth orbiting satellites (e.g. IRAS, ROSAT, ISO) or from lunar based observatories, which would have special advantages such as a stable environment.

Neuhaeuser, Ralph↗