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NASA NTRS1994

Radio continuum and far-infrared observations of low surface brightness galaxies

We present Very Large Array (VLA) radio continuum and Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) far-infrared (FIR) observations of 16 low luminosity galaxies of mostly low surface brightness. All galaxies had previously claimed single dish radio continuum detections. However, at the frequencies of our observations (1.49 and 8.48 GHz), we find significant radio emission for two objects only. We show that the other previously claimed detections are due to confusion with physically unrelated background sources. This implies a low radio continuum detection rate for these galaxies. Re-reduced IRAS scans yield significant far-infrared flux densities in at least one IRAS band for 6 of the 16 galaxies. These, together with the FIR and radio continuum upper limits, are consistent with the well established radio/FIR relation, where most of our galaxies populate the low-luminosity end. From the radio continuum and FIR flux densities and their upper limits we estimate the current star formation rates and demonstrate that the galaxies are currently passive in forming stars, in agreement with previous optical investigations. There is an indication that the galaxies were forming stars more intensively averaged over their lifetime than they are presently.

Hoeppe, G.↗
NASA NTRS1994

The enigmatic T Tauri radio source

We have analyzed eight high angular resolution images of the prototype low mass pre-main-sequence star T Tauri obtained with the Very Large Array between 1987 and 1990. Our objectives were to confirm a recent report that the radio emission is both variable and circularly polarized, to determine whether this behavior originates in the optical star or in the infrared source lying 0.6 sec to its south, and to identify possible emission mechanisms. No variability or circular polarization was detected in the weak (approximately equals 1 mJy) radio emission associated with the visible star, down to levels of approximately equals 10%. The observed flux can be accounted for by free-free emission from an ionized wind with a mass-loss rate M = 3.7 x 10(exp -8) solar mass yr(exp -1), but a more accurate determination of the spectral index is needed to test the validity of sperical wind models. In sharp contrast, the 3.6 cm emission of the infrared source is variable (approximately equals 4-7 mJy) on time scales less than or equal to 3 days and circularly polarized at low levels of approximately equals 3% - 5%. The polarization was left circular when detected during periods of low radio activity but changed to right circular during a radio outburst, similar to the reversals that have been seen in some RS CVn binary systems. The spectral index is negative during 'quiescence,'and we argue that the emission is nonthermal gyrosynchrotron radiation. The detection of magnetic radio activity in this optically invisible infrared source sparks new interest in clarifying its evolutionary status. Sensitive 3.6 cm images reveal weak emission extending approximately equals 1 sec west of the T Tau system that is probably associated with high-velocity shock-excited gas flowing toward HH-1555. We find no radio evidence for a putative third component north of the visible star.

Skinner, Stephen L.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Clumped X-ray emission around radio galaxies in Abell clusters

We have made a comparison of the X-ray and radio morphologies for a sample of 41 rich cluster fields using Einstein Observatory Imaging Proportional Counter (IPC) and Very Large Array (VLA) 20 cm images. Surprisingly, we find that 75% of the radio galaxies have a statistically significant X-ray peak or subclump within 5 min of the radio galaxy position. The X-ray luminosity and the generally extended nature of the X-ray subclumps suggest that these subclumps are overdense regions emitting free-free radiation, although there is also evidence for Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) X-ray emission coming from some of the more compact, high surface brightness X-ray peaks. Some interesting correlations with radio morphology were also discovered. For clusters which contain wide-angle-tailed radio sources associated with centrally dominant galaxies, there are significant elongations or clumps in the central X-ray emission which are unusual for this type of cluster. We suggest that cluster radio galaxies are pointers to particular clusters or regions within clusters that have recently undergone mergers between cluster subsystems.

Burns, Jack O.↗
NASA NTRS1994

A search for the radio counterpart to the 1994 March 1 gamma-ray burst

We report on the results of a search for the radio counterpart to the bright gamma-ray burst of 1994 March 1. Using the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory Synthesis Telescope sensitive, wide-field radio images at 1.4 GHz and 0.4 GHz were made of a region around GRB 940301. A total of 15 separate radio images were obtained at each frequency, sampling a near-continuous range of post-burst timescales between 3 and 15 days, as well as 26, 47, and 99 days. We place an upper limit of 3.5 mJy on a fading/flaring radio counterpart at 1.4 GHz and 55 mJy at 0.4 GHz. Unlike past efforts our counterpart search maintains high sensitivity over two decades of post-burst time durations. Time-variable radio emission after the initial gamma-ray burst is a prediction of all fireball models, currently the most popular model for gamma-ray bursts. Our observations allow us to put significant constraints on the fireball parameters for cosmological models of gamma-ray bursts.

Frail, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

A search for radio emission from the 'nonmagnetic' chemically peculiar stars

We have observed 23 members of the Am and HgMn subclasses of chemically peculiar (CP) stars with the Very Large Array (VLA) to search for nonthermal radio emission at levels comparable to those found for the Si and He peculiar subclasses of the CP stars by Linsky et al. (1992). This study was motivated by recent claims that magnetic fields of kilogauss strength are present in at least some of the Am and HgMn stars, contrary to previous beliefs, which would indicate that radio-emitting magnetospheres could be present in these stars. We detected none of the Am and HgMn stars as radio emitters with upper limits typically less than 0.20 mJy. Applying a correlation between radio luminosity, surface magnetic field, and effective temperature derived from previous radio studies of the Si and He peculiar CP stars, we find that the predicted radio luminosities of alpha And (an HgMn star) and Sirius (a hot Am star) are more than an order of magnitude larger than the observed upper limits, indicating that these stars lack magnetospheres, and, by inference, surface magnetic fields.

Drake, S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Nonthermal radio emission from hot star winds: Its origin and physical implications

Nonthermal radio emission has been observed from some of the most luminous hot star winds. It is understood to be synchrotron radiation of the relativistic electrons in the winds. To understand how the electrons are accelerated to such high energies and to correctly explain the observed radio flux and spectra require an exhaustive investigation of all the relevant physical processes involved and possibly point to a complex wind structure. In this paper we discuss the logical path toward a comprehensive model of the nonthermal radio emission from hot star winds. Based on the available observational data and fundamental theoretical considerations, we found that the only physically viable and self-consistent scenario is: the nonthermal radio emission is synchrotron radiation of relativistic electrons the electrons are accelerated by shocks via the first-order Fermi mechanism the acceleration has to be in situ in the radio emitting region and the shocks formed at the base of the winds have to propagate to beyond the radio photosphere.

Chen, Wan↗
NASA NTRS1993

Determination of radio-frame position for Earth and Jupiter from Ulysses encounter tracking

Radio metric tracking data acquired from the Ulysses spacecraft about its encounter with Jupiter in February 1992 allow an accurate measurement of some components of the orbital elements describing the positions of the Earth and Jupiter with respect to extragalactic radio sources. Range and Doppler data acquired from the Earth while the spacecraft is far from any planet provide an estimate of the spacecraft trajectory relative to the orbit of the Earth. Doppler data near Jupiter provide an accurate position determination of the spacecraft with respect to Jupiter. Very Long Baseline Interferometry observations of the spacecraft with respect to the distant radio sources provide a direct measure of the spacecraft position in the radio reference frame. Combining these measurements provides a means to estimate the locations of the Earth and Jupiter in the radio reference frame. One of the three Euler angles describing the orientation of the Earth's orbit in the radio frame has been determined to an accuracy of 50 nanoradians; the result agrees with other recent determinations of this orientation. The position of Jupiter at the time of Ulysses encounter has been determined to 15 nanoradians in ecliptic latitude and longitude.

Folkner, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Interplanetary type 3 radio bursts that approach the plasma frequency: Ulysses observations

We study a set of solar type 3 radio bursts where the emission is visible from the high-frequency limit of the radio astronomy receiver of the Ulysses Unified Radio and Plasma wave (URAP) experiment down to low frequencies, sometimes near the plasma frequency, and where Langmuir wave spikes are recorded by the radio and/or plasma receivers. Our results pose questions regarding radio emission by Langmuir waves. When Langmuir waves are observed, why is it only sometimes that radio radiation is emitted at the fundamental? Put another way, why is there often a gap or a cutoff in the radiation at a frequency well above the plasma frequency? In the few cases where the radiation at times of Langmuir wave spikes is at the harmonic, why is there no fundamental?

Hoang, S.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The spatial variation of the infrared-to-radio ratio in spiral galaxies

We have produced two-dimensional maps of the intensity ratio, Q(sub 60), of 60 micron infrared to 20 cm radio continuum emission, for a set of 25 nearby galaxies, mostly spirals. The ratio maps were obtained from infrared images made using IRAS data with the maximum correlation method, and radio images made using VLA data. Before taking the ratio, the radio images were processed so as to have the same resolution properties as the infrared images; the final spatial resolution in all cases is approximately 1 min, corresponding to 1 - 2 kpc for most galaxies. This resolution represents a significant improvement over previous studies. Our new high-resolution maps confirm the slow decrease of Q(sub 60) with increasing radial distance from the nucleus, but show additional structure which is probably associated with separate sites of active star formation in the spiral arms. The maps show Q(sub 60) to be more closely related to infrared surface brightness than to the radial distance r in the galaxy disk. We note also that the Q(sub 60) gradients are absent (or at least reduced) for the edge-on galaxies, a property which can be attributed to the dilution of contrast due to the averaging of the additional structure along the line of sight. The results are all in qualitative agreement with the suggestion that the radio image represents a smeared version of the infrared image, as would be expected on the basis of current models in which the infrared-radio correlation is driven by the formation of massive stars, and the intensity distribution of radio emission is smeared as a result of the propagation of energetic electrons accelerated during the supernova phase.

Marsh, K. A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Neptune radio emission in dipole and multipole magnetic fields

We study Neptune's smooth radio emission in two ways: we simulate the observations and we then consider the radio effects of Neptune's magnetic multipoles. A procedure to deduce the characteristics of radio sources observed by the Planetary Radio Astronomy experiment minimizes limiting assumptions and maximizes use of the data, including quantitative measurement of circular polarization. Study of specific sources simulates time variation of intensity and apparent polarization of their integrated emission over an extended time period. The method is applied to Neptune smooth recurrent emission (SRE). Time series are modeled with both broad and beamed emission patterns, and at two frequencies which exhibit different time variation of polarization. These dipole-based results are overturned by consideration of more complex models of Neptune's magnetic field. Any smooth emission from the anticipated auroral radio source is weak and briefly observed. Dominant SRE originates complex fields at midlatitude. Possible SRE source locations overlap that of 'high-latitude' emission (HLE) between +(out) and -(in) quadrupoles. This is the first identification of multipolar magnetic structure with a major source of planetary radio emission.

Sawyer, C. B.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Instrument technology for magnetosphere plasma imaging from high Earth orbit. Design of a radio plasma sounder

The use of radio sounding techniques for the study of the ionospheric plasma dates back to G. Briet and M. A. Tuve in 1926. Ground based swept frequency sounders can monitor the electron number density (N(sub e)) as a function of height (the N(sub e) profile). These early instruments evolved into a global network that produced high-resolution displays of echo time delay vs frequency on 35-mm film. These instruments provided the foundation for the success of the International Geophysical Year (1958). The Alouette and International Satellites for Ionospheric Studies (ISIS) programs pioneered the used of spaceborne, swept frequency sounders to obtain N(sub e) profiles of the topside of the ionosphere, from a position above the electron density maximum. Repeated measurements during the orbit produced an orbital plane contour which routinely provided density measurements to within 10%. The Alouette/ISIS experience also showed that even with a high powered transmitter (compared to the low power sounder possible today) a radio sounder can be compatible with other imaging instruments on the same satellite. Digital technology was used on later spacecraft developed by the Japanese (the EXOS C and D) and the Soviets (Intercosmos 19 and Cosmos 1809). However, a full coherent pulse compression and spectral integrating capability, such as exist today for ground-based sounders (Reinisch et al., 1992), has never been put into space. NASA's 1990 Space Physics Strategy Implementation Study "The NASA Space Physics Program from 1995 to 2010" suggested using radio sounders to study the plasmasphere and the magnetopause and its boundary layers (Green and Fung, 1993). Both the magnetopause and plasmasphere, as well as the cusp and boundary layers, can be observed by a radio sounder in a high-inclination polar orbit with an apogee greater than 6 R(sub e) (Reiff et al., 1994; Calvert et al., 1995). Magnetospheric radio sounding from space will provide remote density measurements of unprecedented precision and coverage in the plasmasphere, inner magnetosphere and magnetopause, from which the structure, inter-relationship, and variations of different plasma regions can be determined (Armstrong Johnson, 1995). A space-borne Radio Plasma Imager (RPI) could provide a unique global view of the magnetosphere revealing the underlying structure of remote plasma regions, thereby providing a framework for the interpretation of images obtained by other techniques as identified in the technical areas TA1 to TA4 in the MSFC NRA8-8.

Haines, D. Mark↗
NASA NTRS1995

Plasma Density and Radio Echoes in the Magnetosphere

This project provided a opportunity to study a variety of interesting topics related to radio sounding in the magnetosphere. The results of this study are reported in two papers which have been submitted for publication in the Journal of Geophysical Research and Radio Science, and various aspects of this study were also reported at meetings of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) at Baltimore, Maryland and the International Scientific Radio Union (URSI) at Boulder, Colorado. The major results of this study were also summarized during a one-day symposium on this topic sponsored by Marshall Space Flight Center in December 1994. The purpose of the study was to examine the density structure of the plasmasphere and determine the relevant mechanisms for producing radio echoes which can be detected by a radio sounder in the magnetosphere. Under this study we have examined density irregularities, biteouts, and outliers of the plasmasphere, studied focusing, specular reflection, ducting, and scattering by the density structures expected to occur in the magnetosphere, and predicted the echoes which can be detected by a magnetospheric radio sounder.

Calvert, W.↗
NASA NTRS1998

A Radio-Jet-Galaxy Interaction in 3C441

Multi-wavelength imaging and spectroscopy of the zeta = 0.708 radio galaxy 3C441 and a red aligned optical/infrared component are used to show that the most striking aspect of the radio-optical "alignment effect" in this object is due to the interaction of the radio jet with a companion galaxy in the same group or cluster. The stellar population of the red aligned continuum component is predominately old, but with a small post-starburst population superposed, and it is surrounded by a low surface- brightness halo, possibly a face-on spiral disc. The [OIII]500.7/[OII]372.7 emission line ratio changes dramatically from one side of the component to the other, with the low-ionisation material apparently having passed through the bow shock of the radio source and been compressed. A simple model for the interaction is used to explain the velocity shifts in the emission line gas, and to predict that the ISM of the interacting galaxy is likely to escape once the radio source bow shock has passed though. We also discuss another, much fainter, aligned component, and the sub-arcsecond scale alignment of the radio source host galaxy. Finally we comment on the implications of our explanation of 3C441 for theories of the alignment effect.

Lacy, Mark↗
NASA NTRS1998

Cross Correlation of the 2-10 keV X-Ray Background with Radio Sources: Constraining the Large Scale Structure of the X-Ray Background

We present cross-correlation analyses of the HEAO 2-10 keV diffuse X-ray map with both the combined GB6/Parkes-MIT-NRAO (GB6-PMN) 5 GHz and the FIRST 1.4 GHz radio surveys. The cross-correlation functions (CCFs) of both radio surveys with the unresolved X-ray background were detected at the 5 u level. While the large angular resolution (3 deg) of the X-ray map makes it difficult to separate the contributions of clustering from those of Poisson fluctuations, the amplitude of the CCF provides important constraints on the X-ray emissivity of the radio sources, as well as on the clustering properties of radio and X-ray sources. These constraints are subject to a number of modeling parameters, e.g., X-ray luminosity evolution, clustering evolution, the radio luminosity function, cosmological model, etc. For reasonable choices of parameters the X-ray/FIRST CCF is consistent with a correlation scale length of 6/h Mpc. This is somewhat smaller than the scale length inferred from the autocorrelation function of the FIRST survey and implies that X-ray sources are less strongly clustered than strong radio sources, a result that is consistent with previous constraints on X-ray clustering. The X-ray/GB6-PMN CCF is several times larger and is likely to be dominated by Poisson fluctuations. This implies that approx. 2% of the diffuse X-ray background arises from the GB6-PMN sources.

Boughn, Stephen P.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Radio Sources in Galaxy Clusters at 28.5 GHz

We present serendipitous observations of radio sources at 28.5 GHz (1 cm), which resulted from our program to image thermal Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) effect in 56 galaxy clusters. In a total area of about 0.8 degrees sq., we find 64 radio sources with fluxes down to - 0.4 mJy (> 4sigma,), and within 250" from the pointing centers. The spectral indices (S varies as v(sup -alpha) of 54 sources with published low frequency flux densities range from -0.6 approximately < alpha and alpha approximately < 2 with a mean of 0.77 +/- 0.06, and a median of 0.84. Extending low frequency surveys of radio sources towards galaxy clusters CL 0016+16, Abell 665, and Abell 2218 to 28.5 GHz, and selecting sources with S(sub l.4GHz) >/= 7 mJy to form an unbiased sample, we find a mean spectral index of 0.71 +/- 0.08 and a median of 0.71. We find 4 to 7 times more sources predicted from a low frequency survey in areas without galaxy clusters. This excess cannot be accounted for by gravitational lensing of a background radio population by cluster potentials, indicating most of the detected sources are associated with galaxy clusters. The differential source count slope, gamma is approximately 1.96 (dN/dS varies as S(exp -gamma)), is flatter than what is expected for a nonevolving Euclidean population (gamma = 2.5). For the cluster Abell 2218, the presence of unsubtracted radio sources with S(sub 28.5GHz) is approximately < 0.5 mJy (- 5 sigma), can only contribute to temperature fluctuations at a level of DeltaT is approximately 10 to 25 microK. The corresponding error due to radio point source contamination in the Hubble constant derived through a combined analysis of 28.5 GHz SZ images and X-ray emission observations ranges from 1% to 6%.

Cooray, Asantha R.↗
NASA NTRS1999

A Study of Nonthermal X-Ray and Radio Emission from the O Star 9 Sgr

The observed X-ray and highly variable nonthermal radio emission from OB stars has eluded explanation for more than 18 years. The most favorable model of X-ray production in these stars (shocks) predicts both nonthermal radio and X-ray emission. The nonthermal X-ray emission should occur above 2 keV and the variability of this X-ray component should also be comparable to the observed radio variability. To test this scenario, we proposed an ASC/VLA monitoring program to observe the OB star, 9 Sgr, a well known nonthermal, variable radio source and a strong X-ray source. We requested 625 ks ASCA observations with a temporal spacing of approximately 4 days which corresponds to the time required for a density disturbance to propagate to the 6 cm radio free-free photosphere. The X-ray observations were coordinated with 5 multi-wavelength VLA observations. These observations represent the first systematic attempt to investigate the relationship between the X-ray and radio emission in OB stars.

Waldron, Wayne L.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Beamed and Unbeamed X-Ray Emission in FR1 Radio Galaxies

The research exploited ROSAT's sensitivity, together with its spatial and spectral resolution, to separate X-ray emission components in the sources. Prior to ROSAT, the dominant X-ray emission mechanism in radio galaxies as a class was unclear, with correlations between the X-ray and radio emission used on one hand to argue for a nuclear origin for the X-rays, and on the other hand for a thermal origin. Our observations (normally between 10 and 25 ks in length) routinely detected the target sources, and demonstrated that both resolved (thermal) and unresolved X-ray emission are typically present. Highlights of our work included two of the first detections of high-power radio galaxies at high redshift, 3C 280 and 3C 220.1. When combined with the work of two other groups, we find that of the 38 radio galaxies at z > 0.6 in the 3CRR sample, 12 were observed in ROSAT pointed observations and 9 were detected with the four most significant detections exhibiting source extent, including 3C 280 and 3C 220.1. Moreover, we discovered extended emission around five 3CRR quasars at redshift greater than about 0.4, one of which is at z > 0.6. Unification predicts that the X-ray environments of powerful radio galaxies and quasars should be similar, and our results show that powerful radio sources are finding some of the highest-redshift X-ray clusters known to date, pointing to deep gravitational potential wells early in the Universe.

Worrall, Diana M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Nonthermal Radio Emission from Hot Star Winds: Its Origin and Physical Implications

Nonthermal radio emission has been observed from some of the most luminous hot star winds. It is understood to be synchrotron radiation of the relativistic electrons in the winds. To understand how the electrons are accelerated to such high energies and to correctly explain the observed radio flux and spectra require an exhaustive investigation of all the relevant physical processes involved and possibly point to a complex wind structure. In this paper we discuss the logical path toward a comprehensive model of the nonthermal radio emission from hot star winds. Based on the available observational data and fundamental theoretical considerations, we found that the only physically viable and self-consistent scenario is: the nonthermal radio emission is synchrotron radiation of relativistic electrons (left right harpoon) the electrons are accelerated by shocks via the first-order Fermi mechanism (left right harpoon) the acceleration has to be in situ in the radio emitting region (left right harpoon) the shocks formed at the base of the winds have to propagate to beyond the radio photosphere.

Chen, Wan↗