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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

Discrete X-ray sources and the X-ray background

Since the discovery of a highly uniform X-ray background (XRB) in the 2 to 10 keV range, its nature is not yet fully explained. It appears clear from the results of Einstein medium and deep surveys that at least 50% of the XRB is due to individual extragalactic sources when their contribution is integrated to Z = 3. This includes contribution from Quasi Stellar Objects (QSOs), Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs), galaxies, and clusters of galaxies. The average spectrum of each of the individual contributing sources is softer than that of the observed XRB. Therefore, the remaining contribution must have a rather hard spectrum of alpha nearly equal to 0.0 to 0.2. It is unlikely that this spectrum can be produced by diffuse processes. Therefore, the remainder of the XRB must be due to individual sources with the appropriate spectrum. This requires either that the spectrum of the already identified sources changes at early epochs or a new class of objects. Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) observations will extend survey sensitivity to limiting fluxes of order of 3 x 10 to the minus 16 erg/sq cm/s, some 50 times fainter than any previous survey. There will be sufficient sensitivity and angular resolution to permit identification and study of these objects.

Giacconi, Riccardo↗
NASA NTRS1993

Radial velocity observations of the sun at night

The ability to detect planets orbiting stars has been evaluated through solar-spectrum Doppler shift measurements for 5 years, using the sunlit surface of the moon to furnish nighttime access to the solar spectrum integrated over the solar disk as though the sun were being observed at stellar distance. These lunar observations have indicated that the Doppler shift of the integrated solar photosphere disk in violet absorption lines has varied less that +/- 4 m/sec over the 1987-1992 interval studied.

Mcmillan, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS2001

The Ionization and Metallicity of the Intervening O VI Absorber at z=0.1212 in the Spectrum of H1821+643

We use high-resolution UV (ultraviolet) spectra of the radio-quiet QSO (quasi-stellar object) H1821+643 (z(sub em) = 0.297), obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) and the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE), to study the ionization and metallicity of an intervening O VI absorption line system at z(sub abs) = 0.1212. This absorber has the following notable properties: (1) Several galaxies are close to the sight line at the absorber redshift, including an actively star-forming galaxy at a projected distance of 144 h(sub 75)(exp -1) kpc. (2) There is a complex cluster of H I Ly(alpha) absorption lines near the O VI redshift, including at least five components spread over a velocity range of approximately 700 km s(exp -1). (3) The strongest Ly(alpha) line in the cluster appears to be composed of a mildly saturated component with a typical b-value blended with a remarkably broad component with b approximately equals 85 km s(exp -1). (4) The O VI absorption is not aligned with the strongest (saturated) H I absorption, but instead is well-aligned with the very broad component. (5) The only detected species (at the 4(sigma) level) are O VI and H I despite coverage of strong transitions of abundant elements (e.g., C II, C III, and C IV). Based on these constraints, we find that the absorption line properties can be produced in collisionally ionized gas with 10(exp 5.3) is equal to or less than T is equal to or less than 10(exp 5.6) K and -1.8 is equal to or less than [O/H] is equal to or less than -0.6. However, we find that photoionization is also viable if the pathlength l through the absorbing gas is long enough; simple photoionization models require 85 is equal to or less than l is equal to or less than 1900 kpc and -1.1 is equal to or less than [O/H] is equal to or less than -0.3. We briefly discuss how observations of X-ray absorption lines due to O VII and O VIII could be used, in principle, to break the ionization mechanism degeneracy, and we conclude with some comments regarding the nature of O VI absorbers.

Tripp, Todd M.↗
NASA NTRS2019

X-Ray Spectroscopy of Massive Stellar Winds: Previous and Ongoing Observations of the Hot Star ζ Pup

The stellar winds of hot stars have an important impact on both stellar and galactic evolution, yet their structure and internal processes are not fully understood in detail. One of the best nearby laboratories for studying such massive stellar winds is the O4I(n)fp star ζ Pup. After briefly discussing existing X-ray observations from Chandra and XMM, we present a simulation of X-ray emission line profile measurements for the upcoming 840 kilosecond Chandra HETGS observation. This simulation indicates that the increased S/N of this new observation will allow several major steps forward in the understanding of massive stellar winds. By measuring X-ray emission line strengths and profiles, we should be able to differentiate between various stellar wind models and map the entire wind structure in temperature and density. This legacy X-ray spectrum of ζ Pup will be a useful benchmark for future X-ray missions.

Early-type stars↗
DOE OSTI2021

Mode spectrum characteristics and onset of the low-shear MHD stability regime

Equilibria with extended regions of weak magnetic shear, including some tokamak scenarios and stellarators, can be susceptible to pressure-driven internal MHD instabilities even though there is no mode rational surface in the plasma. Nonresonant modes, in particular, can have properties that are unattractive for confinement, including displacing substantial volumes of the plasma and leading to more efficient pressure gradient flattening in the nonlinear regime. The onset and linear properties of the low shear stability regime are examined using the initial-value, extended-MHD code M3D-C. For monotonic q-profiles, we demonstrate a clear correlation between the convergents associated with the continued fraction representation of q 0 and the spectrum of unstable modes. Nonresonant modes are observed to be destabilized preferentially to any other resonant instability with the same toroidal mode number when n > 1. Using the observed connection between the spectrum associated with q 0 and the overall equilibrium stability properties, we suggest a technique for reducing the uncertainty on both q 0 and magnetic shear in the core region, obtained either via measurement or through the analysis and reconstruction of experimental results.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1987

The high-energy X-ray spectrum of black hole candidate GX 339-4 during a transition

The X-ray emitting system GX 339-4 contains one of the prime candidates for a stellar mass-sized black hole. Determining the observational similarities and differences between the members of this group is of value in specifying which characteristics can be used to identify systems containing a black hole, especially those for which no mass determination can be made. The first observations of the E greater than 20 keV spectrum of GX 339-4 during a transition between luminosity states are reported here. The hard spectral state is the lower luminosity state of the system. GX 339-4 has a power-low spectrum above 20 keV which pivots during transitions between distinct luminosity states. The only other X-ray sources known to exhibit this behavior, Cyg XR-1 and (probably) A0620-00, are leading candidates for systems containing a black hole component based on their measured spectrocopic mass function.

Dolan, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Sensitivity of solar g-modes to varying G cosmologies

The sensitivity of the solar g-mode oscillation spectrum to variability in the universal gravitational constant G is described. Solar models in varying G cosmologies were constructed by evolving a zero-age main-sequence stellar model to the Sun's current age, while allowing the value of G to change according to the power law G(t) proportional to t(exp -beta), where Beta approximately equals delta G/GH and H is the Hubble constant. All solar models were constrained to the observed luminosity and radius at the current age of the Sun by adjusting the helium abundance and the mixing-length parameter of the models in the usual way for standard stellar models. Low-l g-mode oscillation periods were calculated for each of the models and compared to the claimed observation of the solar g-mode oscillation spectrum by Hill & Gu (1990). If one accepts Hill & Gu's claims, then within the uncertainties of the physics of the solar model calculation, our models rule out all but (delta G/GH) less than approximately 0.05. In other words, we conclude that G could not have varied by more than 2% over the past 4.5 Gyr, the lifetime of the present-day Sun. This result lends independent support to the validity of the standard solar model.

Guenther, D. B.↗
NASA NTRS2017

VIII. New Zr IV-VII, Xe IV-V, and Xe VII Oscillator Strengths and the Al, Zr, and Xe Abundances in the Hot White Dwarfs G191-B2B and RE0503-289

Context: For the spectral analysis of high-resolution and high-signal-to-noise spectra of hot stars, state-of-the-art non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) model atmospheres are mandatory. These are strongly dependent on the reliability of the atomic data that is used for their calculation. Aims: To search for zirconium and xenon lines in the ultraviolet (UV) spectra of G191−B2B and RE 0503−289, new Zr iv-vii, Xe iv-v, and Xe vii oscillator strengths were calculated. This allows, for the first time, determination of the Zr abundance in white dwarf (WD) stars and improvement of the Xe abundance determinations.Methods: We calculated Zr iv-vii, Xe iv-v, and Xe vii oscillator strengths to consider radiative and collisional bound-bound transitions of Zr and Xe in our NLTE stellar-atmosphere models for the analysis of their lines exhibited in UV observations of the hot WDs G191−B2B and RE 0503−289. Results: We identified one new Zr iv, 14 new Zr v, and ten new Zr vi lines in the spectrum of RE 0503−289. Zr was detected for the first time in a WD. We measured a Zr abundance of −3.5 +/- 0.2 (logarithmic mass fraction, approx. 11 500 times solar). We identified five new Xe vi lines and determined a Xe abundance of −3.9 +/- 0.2 (approx. 7500 times solar). We determined a preliminary photospheric Al abundance of −4.3 +/- 0.2 (solar) in RE 0503−289. In the spectra of G191−B2B, no Zr line was identified. The strongest Zr iv line (1598.948 Å) in our model gave an upper limit of −5.6 +/- 0.3 (approx. 100 times solar). No Xe line was identified in the UV spectrum of G191−B2B and we confirmed the previously determined upper limit of −6.8 +/- 0.3 (ten times solar). Conclusions: Precise measurements and calculations of atomic data are a prerequisite for advanced NLTE stellar-atmosphere modeling. Observed Zr iv-vi and Xe vi-vii line profiles in the UV spectrum of RE 0503−289 were simultaneously well reproduced with our newly calculated oscillator strengths.

Rauch, T.↗
NASA NTRS2018

A NICER Spectrum of MAXI J1535-571: Near-Maximal Black Hole Spin and Potential Disk Warping

We report on a Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) observation of the Galactic X-ray binary and stellar-mass black hole candidate, MAXI J1535−571. The source was likely observed in an "intermediate" or "very high" state, with important contributions from both an accretion disk and hard X-ray corona. The 2.3-10 keV spectrum shows clear hallmarks of relativistic disk reflection. Fits with a suitable model strongly indicate a nearmaximal spin parameter of a = cJ/GM(exp 2) = 0.994(2) and a disk that extends close to the innermost stable circular orbit, r/r(sub ISCO) = 1.08(8) (1σ statistical errors). In addition to the relativistic spectrum from the innermost disk, a relatively narrow Fe K emission line is also required. The resolution of NICER reveals that the narrow line may be asymmetric, indicating a specific range of emission radii. Fits with a relativistic line model suggest an inner radius of r = 144 +140/-60 GM/c(exp 2) for the putative second reflection geometry; full reflection models suggest that radii a few times larger are possible. The origin of the narrow line is uncertain, but a warp likely provides the most physically plausible explanation. We discuss our results in terms of the potential for NICER to reveal new features of the inner and intermediate accretion disk around black holes.

Miller, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Observations of R Coronae Borealis stars in decline - Empirical arguments for dust formation near the stellar surface

We present new IUE observations which monitor the spectroscopic evolution of RY Sgr through a deep decline. These data, along with other IUE, visible, and infrared observations of declines in RY Sgr, R CrB, and V854 Cen, are considered in an attempt to understand the dust formation process and the source of the narrow- and broad-line emission seen during declines. Spectroscopic, photometric, and polarimetric data covering 10 declines of these stars have been analyzed. The evolution of the UV emission spectrum is similar to that found in the visible. Previous models of dust formation assume that dust forms around 20 stellar radii, where gas ejected from the star is cool enough to condense. However, the spectral evolution, and the dispersal times of dust implied by the light curve are consistent with dust forming within a few stellar radii and moving outward due to radiation pressure. The expanding dust cloud eclipses the photosphere and parts of the emission line region, causing the observed spectral evolution.

Clayton, Geoffrey C.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Line-blanketed model stellar atmospheres applied to Sirius

The primary goal of this analysis is to determine whether the effects of atomic bound-bound transitions on stellar atmospheric structure can be represented well in models. The investigation is based on an approach which is called the method of artificial absorption edges. The method is described, developed, tested, and applied to the problem of fitting a model stellar atmosphere to Sirius. It is shown that the main features of the entire observed spectrum of Sirius can be reproduced to within the observational uncertainty by a blanketed flux-constant model with T sub eff = 9700 K and Log g = 4.26. The profile of H sub gamma is reproduced completely within the standard deviations of the measurements except near line center, where non-LTE effects are expected to be significant. The equivalent width of H sub gamma, the Paschen slope, the Balmer jump, and the absolute flux at 5550 A all agree with the observed values.

Fowler, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The effect of instrument performance upon the calculated spectrum from a spaceborne IR interferometer

The data processing equations used to transform an interferometer output signal into a spectrum have been applied to the instrument noise to find the relationship between the signal to noise ratio (S/N) in the interferogram and that in the computed spectrum. Both photon and thermal noises have been taken into account. The results show that the voltage S/N in the spectrum is inversely proportional to the square root of the number of samples so that taking a larger number of samples requires a larger S/N in the interferogram to achieve the same S/N in the spectrum. Numerical examples are given relating the exposure time to design and performance parameters for stellar and atmospheric applications.

James, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The appearance of dusty H II blisters at radio and infrared wavelengths

Detailed calculations for the observational appearance of nonspherical Stromgren regions at radio and infrared wavelengths are presented. The computations are made feasible by two assumptions, namely (1) no stellar photon leaves the solid angle within which it was emitted, and (2) the radiation spectrum can be represented by three delta functions corresponding to Lyman continuum, Lyman alpha, and softer radiation. These calculations are used to develop models for the H II blisters M17 A and 30 Doradus, and also first order parameters for a sample of other well-studied galactic H II regions. It is concluded that the observations are well explained by an ionizing object in a density gradient, without the need for peculiar dust properties or distribution.

Icke, V.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The photospheric velocity field of Procyon

Balloon-borne Ultraviolet Stellar Spectrometer observations of the profiles of two well observed spectral lines in the ultraviolet spectrum of Alpha CMI (Procyon; F5IV-V) are analyzed with a Fourier transform method in order to determine values of various parameters of the velocity field of the upper photosphere. A microturbulent line-of-sight velocity component of 0.9 + or - 0.4 km/s, a macroturbulent velocity component of 5.3 + or - 0.2 km/s, and a rotational velocity component of 10.0 + or - 1.2 km/s were determined. In these calculations a single-moded sinusoidal isotropic macroturbulent velocity function was assumed. The result appears to be sensitive to the assumed shape of the macroturbulence function.

De Jager, C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Atmospheric phase measurements with the Mark III stellar interferometer

The effect of atmospheric turbulence on the measurements of stellar positions performed by the Mt. Wilson phase-coherent stellar Mark III interferometer was investigated, both for the case of a simple Kolmogorov spatial spectrum and for the case of a model incorporating a finite outer scale. Measurements of phase difference at a 12-m base line obtained with the Mark III interferometer agreed well with the predictions of a Kolmogorov spatial spectrum over the frequency range 0.001-100 Hz. From these measurements, the outer scale of turbulence for propagation through the entire atmosphere was estimated to be greater than 2 km.

Colavita, M. Mark↗
NASA NTRS1991

Dynamic effects on cyclotron scattering in pulsar accretion columns

A resonant scattering model for photon reprocessing in a pulsar accretion column is presented. The accretion column is optically thin to Thomson scattering and optically thick to resonant scattering at the cyclotron frequency. Radiation from the neutron star surface propagates freely through the column until the photon energy equals the local cyclotron frequency, at which point the radiation is scattered, much of it back toward the star. The radiation pressure in this regime is insufficient to stop the infall. Some of the scattered radiation heats the stellar surface around the base of the column, which adds a softer component to the spectrum. The partial blocking by the accretion column of X-rays from the surface produces a fan beam emission pattern. X-rays above the surface cyclotron frequency freely escape and are characterized by a pencil beam. Gravitational light bending produces a pencil beam pattern of column-scattered radiation in the antipodal direction, resulting in a strongly angle-dependent cyclotron feature.

Brainerd, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Ultraviolet and optical spectral morphology of Melnick 42 and Radcliffe 136a in 30 Doradus

HST/GHRS ultraviolet spectrograms of the individual O3 If*/WN6-A object Mk 42 in 30 Dor and the adjacent, central multiple system R136a are compared with each other and with an appropriate sequence of O3 If* and WN6-A standards from the IUE archive. The analogous spectral montages covering the blue-violet regino, based on new, homogeneous, digital observations of the same stars with the CTIO 4 m telescope, are also presented. These comparisons show clearly the intermediate O3/WN nature of the Mk 42 spectrum, in terms of both emission-line strength (increasing with envelope density) and stellar-wind velocity (decreasing with envelope density). It is also shown that R136a possesses stronger WN spectral characteristics than Mk 42, in agreement with HST narrow-band imaging by the WF/PC Team.

Walborn, Nolan R.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Hertzsprung Gap Coronae: ASCA Guest Investigator Program

The objective was a deep (40 ks) SIS/GIS pointing on the bright stellar X-ray source 31 Comae (G0 III) to record the 1-10 keV spectrum and obtain a lightcurve over the approx. 1 day duration of the observation.

Ayres, Thomas R.↗