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At least 307 records · Page 17

Investigation of vehicle glow in the far ultraviolet

To data, all vehicle glow observations have been conducted in the visible and near infrared wavelength regions. As the Space Telescope's wavelength coverage extends to the far ultraviolet range and current plasma theory of the spacecraft glow phenomena predicts bright glow intensities, a study of the ram glow effects in the 800-1400 angstrom region was undertaken. The data were collected between March 21-28, 1979, from 600 km altitude near local midnight by the University of California, Berkeley's extreme ultraviolet spectrometer on board the polar orbiting STP78-1 satellite. Data from several nighttime orbits obtained outside the South Atlantic Anomaly region and within + or - 30 deg magnetic latitude range were separated into forward (south viewing) and backward (north viewing) bins. Each of these binds was subdivided into three directional categories: (1) up (zenith angles 30-80 deg), (2) side (zenith angles 80-100 deg), and (3) down (zenith angles 120-150 deg). The maximum ram glow effects are expected in the side viewing directions. Our data include possible effects of ram glow signatures in the 800-1400 angstrom wavelength region.

Chakrabarti, S.↗

Extended atmospheres of outer planet satellites and comets

The new cometary hydrogen particle-trajectory model, completed last year, has been used successfully to analyze observations of Comet P/Giacobini-Zinner. The Pioneer Venus Orbiter Ultraviolet Spectrometer observed the comet at 1216 A (hydrogen Lyman-a) on 11 September 1985 when the comet was 1.03 AU from the Sun and 1.09 AU from Venus. The analysis implies a production rate at 1.03 AU 2.3 x 10 to the 28th power/sec of the water molecules which photodissociate to produce the observed hydrogen. An upper limit for the H2O production rate of Comet P/Halley of 5 x 10 to the 28th power/sec at 2.60 AU was also obtained from the Pioneer Venus instrument.

Smyth, W. H.↗

Report on opportunities and/or techniques for high-caliber experimental research (other) proposals for SSPEX

Brief discriptions of the following 13 experiments are included: ultrahigh vacuum petrology facility; artificial comet free flyer; artificial comet (tethered); cosmic dust detector; cosmic dust collector; dust collection using tethered satellites; artificial magnetosphere; microgravity petrological studies; slitless ultraviolet spectrometer; orbital determination and capture experiment (ODACE); high velocity sputtering of amorphous silicates; particle release experiments; and calibration of gamma and X-ray remote sensingprobes.

Nuth, J. A., III↗

Magnetic canopies and models of the solar chromosphere

Magnetic canopies are the topologies formed by magnetic field lines as they spread from compact, nearly vertical concentrations of flux in the low photosphere into the large-scale organization of the corona and heliosphere. Analytical techniques for inferring the base-heights of canopies from magnetographic data are reviewed together with observational evidence that much of the sun is covered by canopies which lie two or more pressure scale heights below the level which is traditionally inferred from thin flux tube models. Implications of these results for modeling the structure and energetics of the chromosphere are discussed, and it is argued that future models should be based upon both spectroscopic and polarimetric data. Recent improvements in magnetostatic model atmospheres are reviewed, and new observational data, including C IV Doppler-grams from the Ultraviolet Spectrometer and Polarimeter on the Solar Maximum Mission, are considered. Directions for future research in MHD modeling of canopies, in simulating spectrographic and polarimetric data from such models, and in observational programs are discussed.

Jones, H. P.↗

Extended atmospheres of outer planet satellites and comets

An analysis of the extended atmospheres of outer planet satellites and comets is made. Primary emphasis is placed on cometary atmospheres because of the return of Comet P/Halley. As part of a collaborative effort with A.I.F. Stewart, observations of the hydrogen coma of Comet P/Giacobini-Zinner obtained from the Pioneer Venus Orbiter ultraviolet spectrometer (PVOUVS) were successfully analyzed at AER and are reported. In addition, significant pre-modeling and post-modeling activities to support and analyze the PVOUVS observations of Comet P/Halley successfully acquired in late 1985 and early 1986 are also discussed. Progress in model preparation for third-year analysis of the Voyager UVS Lyman-alpha brightness distribution emitted by hydrogen atoms in the Saturn system is also summarized.

Smyth, W. H.↗

Searching the UVSP database and a list of experiments showing mass motions

Since the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) satellite was launched, a large database has been built up of experiments using the Ultraviolet Spectrometer and Polarimeter (UVSP) instrument. Access to this database can be gained through the SMM Vax 750 computer at Goddard Space Flight Center. One useful way to do this is with a program called USEARCH. This program allows one to make a listing of different types of UVSP experiments. It is evident that this program is useful to those who would wish to make use of UVSP data, but who don't know what data is available. Therefore it was decided to include a short description of how to make use of the USEARCH program. Also described, but not included, is a listing of all UVSP experiments showing mass motions in prominences and filaments. This list was made with the aid of the USEARCH program.

Thompson, William↗

Comparison of solar hard X-ray and UV line and continuum bursts with high time resolution

The close temporal correlation between the ultraviolet line emission from OV (lambda 1371A) and hard X-rays above 30 keV has been previously established from a comparison of data sets from the Ultraviolet Spectrometer and Polarimeter (UVSP) and Hard X-Ray Burst Spectrometer (HXRBS) instruments on Solar Maximum Mission (SMM). Corresponding features were found to be coincident to within 1 s. Following the SMM repair, similar measurements were made for a flare occurring on May 20, 1984, at 0259 UT, this time with UVSP observing in the continuum near 1600A with much higher time resolution (75ms). The simultaneity of several features in this flare were established to better than 0.1 s, thus reinforcing the close relationship between hard X-ray and UV emission. Following the repair of the UVSP wavelength drive, similar measurements were repeated for a flare occurring at 0148 UT on April 24, 1985. This event was observed simultaneously in the OV line, the UV continuum and in hard X-rays by the same SMM instruments. Temporal comparisons of the three data sets show that, for a few selected features, simultaneity of the hard X-ray and UV emissions does exist. However, cross-correlation analyses of the entire data sets indicate that there is a trend for the fastest OV emission features to be delayed with respect to the hard X-rays by approx. 260 ms. On the other hand the fast OV and UV continuum features are simultaneous to within the instrumental uncertainty. The combined results have established the close relationship of the impulsive phase hard X-ray and UV continuum and OV line emissions. They lend support to the argument that both the hard X-ray and UV radiations originate low in the solar atmosphere.

Orwig, L. E.↗

The Venus ultraviolet aurora - Observations at 130.4 nm

Continuous and highly variable emissions at 130.4 nm are observed on the night-side of Venus by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter ultraviolet spectrometer. The emissions have a typical intensity of 10-20 R, occasionally exceed 100 R, and have a dawn-dusk symmetry in brightness during periods of unusual intensity. Possible energy source for this 'aurora' is the precipitation of suprathermal electrons. Field and particle observations suggest an additional source for the brightest emissions which is associated with solar flares and/or interplanetary shocks.

Phillips, J. L.↗

Some observations on the role of planetary waves in determining the spring time ozone distribution in the Antarctic

Ozone measurements from 1970 to 1984 from the Nimbus 4 backscattered ultraviolet and the Nimbus 7 solar backscattered ultraviolet spectrometers show significant decrease in total ozone only after 1979. The downward trend is most apparent in October south of 70 deg S in the longitude zone 0 to 30 deg W where planetary wave activity is weak. Outside this longitude region, the trend in total ozone is much smaller due to strong interannual variability of wave activity. This paper gives a phenomenological description of ozone depletion in the Antarctic region based on vertical advection and transient planetary waves.

Chandra, S.↗

The intercomparison of ozone measured from the SME and Nimbus-7 satellites on short and long time scales

The spatial and temporal characteristics of ozone density measured from the SBUV (Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet) spectrometer on Nimbus-7 and the UV and the UV and the IR spectrometers on SME (Solar Mesosphere Explorer) are compared in the altitude region near 50 km where the three data sets overlap. Their temporal characteristics, when averaged over the same longitude range, are remarkably similar with respect to seasonal variations and short term fluctuations induced by transient planetary waves. The long term trends in the three data sets, however, differ significantly with each other. Over the three year period after 1982 ozone mixing ratio at 1 mb decreased by about 10 percent based on SEUV measurements but increased by 12 and 30 percent respectively based on SME-IR and SME-UV measurements. None of these estimates are consistent with the predicted decrease of about 2 percent based on solar UV flux and temperature changes during this period.

Chandra, S.↗

Dynamics of solar filaments. V - Oscillations in the H-alpha and 1548 A C IV lines

The Multichannel Subtractive Double Pass (MSDP) Spectrograph operating in the Meudon solar tower and the Ultraviolet Spectrometer and Polarimeter (UVSP) aboard the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) satellite are used to analyze, by Fourier transform technique, time sequence observations of filaments in both the H-alpha line and in the 1548 A C IV line. The H-alpha data confirm previous findings that there are no oscillations at the location of the filament in the observed range 1-10 mHz. In the C IV line, power is observed in some parts of the filament where a steady velocity gradient is present, e.g. in the footpoints. The energy is probably due to convection motions rather than pressure oscillations.

Malherbe, J. M.↗

EUV and FUV observations of cataclysmic variables

Recent results from a continuing investigation of cataclysmic variables in the 500 to 1700 A region with the Voyager ultraviolet spectrometers are presented. Observations of outbursts show a substantial delay (of about 0.5 day) in the rise to maximum in the FUV (912-1200 A) with respect to optical wavelengths. Both FUV and optical light decline simultaneously. Flux distributions show a significant flattening in the FUV and with the possible exception of CPD-48 1577 no EUV flux has been observed in any cataclysmic variable. CPD-48 1577 shows a marginal, 2 sigma, EUV flux.

Polidan, R. S.↗

Analysis of Raman scattered Ly-alpha emissions from the atmosphere of Uranus

A line at 1280 A, due to Raman scattering of solar Lyman alpha (Ly-alpha) in the atmosphere of Uranus, has been detected by the Voyager Ultraviolet Spectrometer. The measured intensity of 40 + or - 20 R implies that 200 R to 500 R of the measured 1500 R Ly-alpha intensity at the subsolar point is due to Rayleigh scattering of the solar line. The presence of Rayleigh and Raman scattering at 1216 A suggests that the Uranian atmosphere is largely devoid of absorbing hydrocarbons above the 0.5 mbar level. The most natural explanation of this depletion is very weak vertical mixing equivalent to an eddy coefficient on the order of 200 sq cm/sec between 0.5 mbar and 100 mbar.

Yelle, R. V.↗

Sunspot umbral oscillations in Mg II k

Time series observations of the profile of the Mg II k line 2795.52 A have been obtained in five sunspots with the Ultraviolet Spectrometer and Polarimeter on the Solar Maximum Mission. The three sunspots with umbrae larger than the 3 x 3 arcsec pixel size show significant oscillations in integrated line intensity and line centroid, with frequencies in the range 5.29-7.55 mHz (periods of 132-190 s). The frequencies of significant peaks in average umbral power spectra agree well with the frequencies of the three lowest-frequency transmission peaks predicted by a model of resonant transmission of acoustic waves. If radiative delays are unimportant, and the line centroid can be interpreted straightforwardly as a Doppler shift, the measured velocity-intensity phase differences indicate the superposition of upward-propagating and downward-propagating waves in the umbral chromosphere; this is further evidence for the resonant transmission model. A single, quiet sun time series of k core profiles yields power spectra and a phase difference consistent with the existence of a chromospheric p-mode.

Gurman, Joseph B.↗

Practical aspects of achieving accurate radiometric field measurements

This paper provides practical advice for investigators new to the field of high accuracy radiometric experiments. Sources typically used for calibrating land reflectance measurement instruments are identified, and some special considerations for their use are highlighted. The physical nature of the processes determining the output of these sources is emphasized, and an estimate of the typical calibration accuracies achieved with these sources is described. Several techniques for the validation and verification of instrument characterization are reviewed. Experiment design of the Backscattered Ultraviolet Spectrometer (BUV) and the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) are introduced as successful mission designs for accomplishing high accuracy radiation measurements from space. The goal of this paper is to introduce reasoning developed in other missions to experiments devoted to sensing the earth's surface and near surface.

Guenther, B.↗

Lyman alpha SMM/UVSP absolute calibration and geocoronal correction

Lyman alpha observations from the Ultraviolet Spectrometer Polarimeter (UVSP) instrument of the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) spacecraft were analyzed and provide instrumental calibration details. Specific values of the instrument quantum efficiency, Lyman alpha absolute intensity, and correction for geocoronal absorption are presented.

Fontenla, Juan M.↗

Limits on the extent of Saturn's hydrogen cloud

The 30-day reports from the Voyager Ultraviolet Spectrometer team characterize the atomic hydrogen observed near Saturn as a torus with a half width of 7 Saturnian radii. The atomic processes occurring in the inner magnetosphere are modelled, including sputtering, ionization, charge exchange, ion-atom interchange, recombination, and transport, and a neutral hydrogen source is added to test the proposal that a hydrogen cloud exists in this region. Plasma observations in the inner magnetosphere are found to be inconsistent with the presence of a dense atomic hydrogen cloud. Thus, it is concluded that the hydrogen cloud must be a torus as originally reported, and that the cloud does not extend inward to the orbits of the inner satellites of Saturn.

Richardson, John D.↗

Cometesimals in the inner solar system

Spectra obtained by the ultraviolet spectrometer on the Voyager 2 spacecraft between 1 and 2.5 AU are shown to provide evidence for a very large number of 'cometesimals' with radii between a few meters and a few tens of meters in the neighborhood of the earth. The evidence consists of a component in the interplanetary Lyman-alpha radiation that decreases rapidly with heliocentric distance. It is proposed that the source consists of cometesimals which are ice-coated, porous, low-density refractory boulders that may be the building blocks of ordinary comet nuclei. It is shown that the cometesimals required to produce the observed Lyman-alpha emission can also account for all the lunar craters with diameters between 200 m and 1500 m produced during the phase 3200 million years at sites such as Mare Tranquillitatis.

Donahue, T. M.↗