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At least 325 records · Page 18

Localizing the non-thermal X-ray emission of PSR J2229+6114 from its multi-wavelength pulse profiles

Context.Pulsars are detected over the whole electromagnetic spectrum, from radio wavelengths up to very high energies, in the GeV-TeV range. While the radio emission site for young pulsars is well constrained to occur at altitudes about several percent of the light-cylinder radius andγ-ray emission is believed to be produced in the striped wind, outside the light cylinder, the non-thermal X-ray production site remains unknown. Aims.The aim of this Letter is to localize the non-thermal X-ray emission region based on a multi-wavelength pulse profile fitting for PSR J2229+6114, which stands as a particularly good candidate given its high X-ray brightness. Methods.Based on the geometry deduced from the joint radio andγ-ray pulse profiles, we fixed the magnetic axis inclination angle and the line-of-sight (LoS) inclination angle. However, we left the region of X-ray emission unlocalized, setting it somewhere between the surface and the light cylinder. We localized this region and its extension by fitting the X-ray pulse profile as observed by the NICER,NuSTAR, and RXTE telescopes in the ranges of 2–7 keV, 3–10 keV, and 9.4–22.4 keV, respectively. Results.We constrained the non-thermal X-ray emission to arise from altitudes between 0.2 r L and 0.55 r L wherer L is the light-cylinder radius. The magnetic obliquity is approximatelyα ≈ 45° −50° and the LoS inclination angle isζ ≈ 32° −48°. Conclusions.This Letter is among the first works to offer a tight constraint on the location of non-thermal X-ray emission from pulsars. We plan to apply this procedure to several other promising candidates to confirm this new result.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

Current Sheet Alignment in Oblique Black Hole Magnetospheres: A Black Hole Pulsar?

Abstract We study the magnetospheric evolution of a nonaccreting spinning black hole (BH) with an initially inclined split monopole magnetic field by means of 3D general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations. This serves as a model for a neutron star (NS) collapse or a BH–NS merger remnant after the inherited magnetosphere has settled into a split monopole field creating a striped wind. We show that the initially inclined split monopolar current sheet aligns over time with the BH equatorial plane. The inclination angle evolves exponentially toward alignment, with an alignment timescale that is inversely proportional to the square of the BH angular velocity, where higher spin results in faster alignment. Furthermore, magnetic reconnection in the current sheet leads to exponential decay of event-horizon-penetrating magnetic flux with nearly the same timescale for all considered BH spins. In addition, we present relations for the BH mass and spin in terms of the period and alignment timescale of the striped wind. The explored scenario of a rotating, aligning, and reconnecting current sheet can potentially lead to multimessenger electromagnetic counterparts to a gravitational-wave event due to the acceleration of particles powering high-energy radiation, plasmoid mergers resulting in coherent radio signals, and pulsating emission due to the initial misalignment of the BH magnetosphere.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

Techniques for the analysis of geodynamic effects using laser data

New orbit computation techniques have been developed to realize the full precision of laser ranging measurements from a single tracking station used to accurately determine the orbital inclination of a satellite. In order to evaluate earth and ocean tidal effects on the satellite and polar motion effects on the station latitude, improved computational techniques are described for perturbations significantly influencing the satellite's inclination, such as solar radiation pressure and geopotential resonance. By using the time independent value of maximum latitude reached by the satellite as the experimental variable, orbit tracking errors caused by imprecise modelling of the gravity field and atmospheric drag have been largely overcome and made possible long term analysis of osculating elements. With these techniques, quarter day spans of laser data have been employed to monitor the inclination of the satellite to the order 0.01 arcseconds precision over a period of seventeen months.

Dunn, P. J.↗

The 15th order resonance on the decaying orbit of TETR-3

The orbit of TETR-3 (1971-83B), inclination: 33 deg, passed through resonance with 15th order geopotential terms in February 1972. The resonance caused the orbit inclination to increase by 0.015 deg. Analysis of 48 sets of mean Kepler elements for this satellite in 1971-1972 (across the resonance) has established strong constraints for high degree, 15th order gravitational terms (normalized). This result combined with previous results on high inclination 15th order and other resonant orbits suggests that the coefficients of the gravity field beyond the 16th degree are significantly smaller than Kaula's rule.

Wagner, C. A.↗

Orbit analysis for coastal zone oceanography observations.

A study has been performed to define the orbital characteristics of a satellite dedicated to monitoring the coastal zones of the United States. The primary area of coverage is the east coast with secondary coverage of the west coast. Since no one orbital inclination fits both coasts, the inclination was determined by the east coast to be 63 deg. This inclination was found to give better coverage of the east coast than either its retrograde counterpart or a sun synchronous orbit. The two coasts require quite different orbits to maximize the coverage. The use of a small propulsive maneuver could be used to compromise the coverage between the two coastlines and change from one type orbit to the other.

Harrison, E. F.↗

Precise calculation of the magnetosphere surface for a tilted dipole.

The shape of the magnetosphere has been calculated self-consistently for inclinations of the earth's magnetic dipole from perpendicular to the solar wind. Inclination angles of 0-35 deg have been chosen in steps of 5 deg and various smooth trends in the surface characteristics with increasing inclination angle noted. The surface points and the complete field at the surface points have been calculated for the entire surfaces. The neutral point region has been given precise study in one degree steps and is found to be tangent to the solar wind velocity and to have a smooth continuous curvature.

Choe, J. Y.↗

The 13th order resonance from Navy tracking on a diademe 2 fragment

A strong constraint on 13th order (odd degree) terms in the geopotential has been derived from Navy tracking on a DIADEME 2 fragment (1967-14F). This object (perigee height: 580 km, orbit inclination: 38.9 deg) is presently decaying slowly through perfect commensurability with these terms. The resonance forces will increase its inclination by 0.02 deg when the passage is complete by late 1974. The constraint (lumped harmonics), derived by adjustment of a pair of harmonic coefficients to the Navy inclination data (principally) is: 10 to the 9th power (14.8 + or - 0.8, 48.3 + or - 0.7) = 0.023(C,S)13,13 -0.172(C,S)15,13 0.505(C,S)17,13 - 0.884(C,S)19,13 + (C,S)21,13 0.673(C,S)23,13 0.099(C,S)25,13 0.295(C,S)27,13 -0.279(C,S)29,13 0.018(C,S)31,13 + There should be a significant contribution to this result from terms as high as 29th degree. But current geopotential solutions (for 13th order terms) to this degree are about 20% in error when judged by this independent data.

Wagner, C. A.↗

Techniques for the analysis of geodynamic effects using laser data

A technique is described by which laser measurements may be used in an explicit definition of geodetic parameters at the one-meter level of resolution. Observations made by a tracking station at the Goddard Space Flight Center of the Beacon Explorer C satellite are analyzed with this technique to yield highly precise measures of perturbations in the satellite's inclination, including the effect of earth and ocean tides and variations in the station's latitude due to polar motion. The tracking configuration is described, and the basic technique is outlined (analysis of six-hour observations with a weighted least squares orbit determination method). Techniques for analyzing orbital errors and inclination perturbations are described, and it is shown that quarter-day spans of laser data can be employed to monitor the inclination of the satellite to the order of 0.01 arcseconds precision over a period of 17 months.

Dunn, P. J.↗

Face-seal lubrication: 1: Proposed and published models

The numerous published theories on the mechanism of hydrodynamic lubrication of face seals were reviewed. These theories employ either an inclined-slider-bearing macrogeometry or an inclined-slider-bearing microgeometry to produce hydrodynamic pressure that separates the surfaces of the primary seal. Secondary seal friction and primary ring inertia effects are not considered. Hypothetical seal operating models were devised to include secondary seal friction and primary ring inertia effects. It was hypothesized that these effects induce relative angular misalinement of the primary seal faces and that this misalinement is, in effect, an inclined slider macrogeometry. Stable running was postulated for some of these hypothetical operating models. In others, periodic loss of hydrodynamic lubrication was postulated to be possible with certain combinations of waviness and angular misalinement. Application of restrictions that apply to seal operation led to a hydrodynamic governing equation for the new model that is a two-dimensional, time-dependent Reynolds equation with the short-bearing approximation.

Ludwig, L. P.↗

Lunar and solar perturbations on the orbit of a geosynchronous satellite

The luni-solar effects cause a large amplitude, long-period perturbation of the orbital plane. Canonical differential equations associated with this motion contain a singular point, and are expanded about this point to third order. A solution is given that is valid for long times and is not restricted to small inclinations. Higher order terms are investigated. Expressions are given for the inclination (I) and node as a function of time. Comparisons with a numerically integrated solution show a disagreement in inclination of only .03 deg after 11 years.

Graf, O. F., Jr.↗

Secular resonance, solar spin down, and the orbit of Mercury

A mechanism is investigated which may provide an evolutionary explanation for the large mean eccentricity and inclination of Mercury. It is proposed that if the gravitational field of the rapidly rotating early sun had a larger second-degree harmonic, the decreasing value of this harmonic during the subsequent solar spindown would drive Mercury through two secular resonances with Venus, one involving a commensurability in the apsidal motion of the two planets and the other involving their nodal rates. An analysis is performed, showing that these resonances could increase both the inclination and eccentricity of Mercury at nearly the same time, that an initial solar rotational period of 5.5 hr or less would guarantee passage through the resonances, and that a spindown time of about 1 million years could have produced the observed inclination and eccentricity.

Ward, W. R.↗

Charged particle radiation environment for the Spacelab and other missions in low earth orbit, revision A

The physical charged particle dose to be encountered in low earth orbit Spacelab missions is estimated for orbits of inclinations from e8.5 to 90 deg and altitudes from 200 to 800 km. The dose encountered is strongly altitude dependent, with a weaker dependence on inclination. Doses range from 0.007 rads/day at 28.5 deg and 200 km to 1.57 rads/day at 28.5 deg and 800 km behind a 5.0 g/sq cm shield. Geomagnetically trapped protons were the primary source of damage over most of the range of altitudes and inclinations, with galactic cosmic rays making a significant contribution at the lowest altitudes.

Watts, J. W., Jr.↗

Hingeless helicopter rotor with improved stability

Improved stability was provided in a hingeless helicopter rotor by inclining the principal elastic flexural axes and coupling pitching of the rotor blade with the lead-lag bending of the blade. The primary elastic flex axes were inclined by constructing the blade of materials that display non-uniform stiffness, and the specification described various cross section distributions and the resulting inclined flex axes. Arrangements for varying the pitch of the rotor blade in a predetermined relationship with lead-lag bending of the blade, i.e., bending of the blade in a plane parallel to its plane of rotation were constructed.

Ormiston, R. A.↗

Ballistic trajectories

The only ballistic trajectory mode feasible for a close solar probe or for an orbit inclined approximately 90 degrees to the ecliptic is the Jupiter gravity assisted mode. A comparison of the trajectories of the Solar Polar and the Solar Probe Mission for 1983 launches is shown. The geometry of the solar encounter phase is practically the same for the 4.3 year orbit achieved by a Jupiter gravity assist and for a one year orbit. Data describing the geometry of an orbit with perihelion at 4 solar radii and aphelion at Jupiter are listed. The range of apparent directions of the solar wind if it is flowing radially outward from the Sun with a speed of either 150 or 300 km/sec is shown. The minimum sun-earth-probe angle during the solar encounter as a function of the earth-node angle and the orbital inclination is also shown. If the inclination is 60 degrees or more, the minimum SEP angle is not greatly different from the 90 degree value.

Bender, D. F.↗

Nutations of sunflower seedlings on tilted clinostats

The kinetics of hypocotyl nutations in Helianthus annuus L. were measured on plants which were rotated on clinostats with axes of rotation inclined at various angles, alpha, away from the vertical. The g-force component acting in the direction of the plant axis was taken as g cos alpha. The average period and average amplitude of nutation were constant for all such axially directed g-forces between 1.0 and 0.2 g (vertical to about 80 inclination). On the horizontal clinostat (90 inclination) nutation was neither initiated nor sustained. The g-force just sufficient fully to activate nutational oscillations should be sought for g-force parameter values ranging from 0 to 0.2.

Brown, A. H.↗

Sampling analysis for the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite System mission based on orbital coverage and cloud variability

The reported study represents an extension of an investigation by Harrison et al. (1976). Based on the results of sampling studies, two 98 deg inclined orbits coupled with a 56 deg inclination orbit appear to satisfy the science requirements on both regional and zonal scales. The NOAA sun-synchronous satellites in the TIROS-N series could adequately cover the high latitudes and a satellite having an inclination of 56 deg could provide sampling in the mid and low latitude areas where variations in radiation energetics are most dynamic. Attention is given to studies of time and space coverage, zonal evaluations, a regional analysis, and statistics describing the regional variations of cloud cover. A table is presented with data concerning the uncertainty of monthly mean reflected irradiance due to cloud variability for selected northern hemisphere regions.

Harrison, E. F.↗

Mission analysis for earth atmospheric measurements using solar occultation experiments on Shuttle Spacelabs

The maximum geographical coverage of solar occultation experiments for various Shuttle-Spacelab mission concepts is defined and an analysis that includes trade-offs between parameters such as launch time, season, orbital inclination and altitude is presented as well as the mission design data for the Spacelab-3 flight. The effects of orbital ranges from 220 to 600 km on geographical coverage are examined with inclinations up to 97 deg for sun-synchronous orbit. Results show that the widest band of latitude coverage in the tropics and the temperate zones can be achieved with a mid-inclined (i.e., 57 deg) orbit and a mid-morning or late-night launch time.

Harrison, E. F.↗

Correlations between neutral meridional winds and ion densities observed on AE-E

The southward directed neutral meridional wind and the nighttime ion density simultaneously measured on AE-E for altitudes from 250 to 290 km are compared and found to correlate when the magnetic field inclination is negative and anticorrelate when the inclination is positive. This effect is attributed to neutral winds transporting the ions up or down a field line depending upon the sign of the field-aligned wind and the inclination. Model calculations for the ion density in the presence of a field-aligned wind and ambipolar diffusion are presented. Six examples of this ionospheric response are analyzed and found to be in qualitative and approximate quantitative agreement with the theoretical results.

Wharton, L. E.↗