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At least 343 records · Page 19

Radio detection of formaldehyde emission from Comet Halley

The J(K-1 K1) = -1(11) -10(10) transition of H2CO was detected in emission at 4829.659 MHz from Comet Halley. The H2CO emission line had a peak intensity of 2.66 + or - 0.78 mJy/beam with a small blueshift of -0.76 + or - 0.40 km/s, which is consistent with the anisotropic outgassing of the nucleus in the solar direction found for other cometary species. Data analysis suggests that cometary H2CO was produced from an extended source in the coma as well as directly from the nucleus and that it was not refrigerated as in interstellar dark nebulae. The derived H2CO production rate of 1.5 x 10 to the 28th molecules/s is obtained which is consistent with observational and theoretical findings.

Snyder, Lewis E.↗

Detection of the He I 10830-A line in the broadline radio galaxy 3C 120

The first measurement of He I 10830 A flux in a broadline radio galaxy (BLRG), 3C 120, is reported. The flux is 2.7 x 10 to the -13th erg/sq cm/s. The relative strengths of the 10830 A line and other prominent broad emission lines are 10830 A/He I 5876 A/H-beta/H-alpha = 0.64/0.27/1.00/6.3. Reddening is ruled out as the single source of the large 5876 A/H-beta ratio, and the necessity for either an enhanced helium abundance or an extended He II is obviated. Rather, the line ratios indicate that significant collisional enhancement of 5876 A and H-beta occurs, identical to that observed in Seyfert I galaxies and quasars.

Rudy, Richard J.↗

Radioimaging for real-time tracking of high-voltage breakdown

Development of a radioimaging diagnostic for high-voltage component reliability testing and electrical breakdown computational model validation is described. Radioimaging has its roots in radio astronomy, where aperture synthesis (also known as synthesis imaging) has been utilized for decades to image radio sources far from Earth. Radioimaging as described herein, in contrast, seeks to image radio sources in close proximity to its receivers (i.e., in a laboratory environment). Here it is shown that corona discharge, a non-destructive precursor to catastrophic (thermal) arc discharge, electromagnetically radiates strongly within a 250 kHz – 2.5 GHz bandwidth, and is readily detected and located by postprocessing the received radio signals. The ability of radioimaging to detect both corona and arc discharge (grouped together herein as high voltage breakdown or HVB) makes it a valuable tool for 100% HVB detection in materials, components, and devices, and has the ability to indicate electrical weakness (via corona detection) prior to a destructive arc discharge event. Radioimaging enables HVB to be located both internal and external to dielectric components under test in near-real-time, with multiple and/or extended HVB events located simultaneously. In contrast, existing non-destructive diagnostics (at the time of this writing) either indicate electrical breakdown without resolving failure locations (e.g., current, voltage, and chemical measurements), locate external HVB (e.g., high-speed optical and ultraviolet (UV) measurements or photography), or locate both external and internal HVB but with low fidelity (e.g., a single HVB source can be located by existing time-of-arrival (TOA) UHF or acoustic emissions). Radioimaging instead creates a sequence of high-fidelity images similar to an optical high-speed camera but at radiofrequencies (RF), and is not limited to two-dimensions. Moreover, radioimaging has already served one internal and two external industry customers, the results of which are detailed in this report. The radioimaging results described herein were part of a three-year effort funded by the Sandia Lab Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program within the Radiation, Electromagnetic, High Energy Density Science (REHEDS) investment area.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

W3 North - Far-infrared and radio molecular observations

The results of far-infrared and radio molecular CO observations of the W3 North star-forming region are reported. The object shows extended dust and gas emission, which is interpreted as the result of fairly advanced disruption of a molecular cloud. This idea is supported by an estimate for the age of the embedded H II region. It is possible that W3 North is the oldest object among the W3 complex of sources.

Thronson, H. A., Jr.↗

A search for X-ray bright distant clusters of galaxies

We present the results of a search for X-ray luminous distant clusters of galaxies. We found extended X-ray emission characteristic of a cluster toward two of our candidate clusters of galaxies. They both have a luminosity in the ROSAT bandpass of approximately equals 10(exp 44) ergs/s and a redshift greater than 0.5; thus making them two of the most distant X-ray clusters ever observed. Furthermore, we show that both clusters are optically rich and have a known radio source associated with them. We compare our result with other recent searches for distant X-ray luminous clusters and present a lower limit of 1.2 x 10(exp -7)/cu Mpc for the number density of such high-redshift clusters. This limit is consistent with the expected abundance of such clusters in a standard (b = 2) cold dark matter universe. Finally, our clusters provide important high-redshift targets for further study into the origin and evolution of massive clusters of galaxies.

Nichol, R. C.↗

Additional constraints on circumstellar disks in the Trapezium Cluster

We discuss new constraints on the population of compact ionized sources in the Trapezium Cluster thought to arise from the ionization by the central OB stars of circumstellar disks around low-mass pre-main sequence stars. We present new HST Planetary Camera observations of two of these candidate disk sources, resolving extended nebulosity around them. One source shows a small-scale (greater than 100 AU) bow-shock structure, previously seen on larger scales by O'Dell et al. We show that the circumstellar disk model is the most likely one for the majority of sources, although it remains plausible that some of the larger objects could be equilibrium globules. We combine the most complete censuses of compact radio sources and stars in the core region to derive the fraction of the stellar population that may be associated with a circumstellar disk. Our estimate of 25-75 percent is comparable to that found for PMS stars in the Taurus-Auriga dark clouds, indicating that the dense cluster environment of the Trapezium has not drastically reduced the frequency of disks seen around pre-main sequence stars.

Stauffer, John R.↗

Evidence for Temporally-Extended, High-Energy Emission from Gamma Ray Burst 990104

It is well known that high-energy emission (MeV - GeV) has been observed in several gamma ray bursts and temporally-extended emission from lower-energy gamma rays through radio wavelengths is well established. Observations of extended, high-energy emission are, however, scarce. Here we present evidence for a gamma ray burst emission that is both high-energy and extended, coincident with lower energy emissions. For the very bright and long burst, GRB 990104, we show light curves and spectra that confirm emission above 50 MeV, approximately 152 seconds after the BATSE (Burst and Transient Source Experiment) trigger and initial burst emission. Between the initial output and the main peak, seen at both low and high energy, there was a period of approx. 100 s during which the burst was relatively quiet. This burst was found as part of an ongoing search for high-energy emission in gamma ray bursts.

Wren, D. N.↗

Relativistic jet meets target - The gamma-rays from 3C 273

Gamma-rays dominate the emission from quasar 3C 273, although they cannot arise in its active center. Their origin is ascribed to a relativistic beam which entrains and clumps ambient cluster gas. Secondary electrons from nuclear collisions lead to bremsstrahlung gamma-rays and ultimately to a double radio source. This model requires a great deal of clumping of jet and target matter to get sufficient reactions to occur. The clumping required is consistent with the Liouville theorem, given the high collimation of the beam, which suggests that the process, however unexpected, is at least thermodynamically permitted. The present model is experimentally distinguishable from other models through its location of the X-ray source in the extended optical jet region, and through a number of detailed spectral features.

Morrison, P.↗

The Anisotropy of the Microwave Background to l = 3500: Deep Field Observations with the Cosmic Background Imager

We report measurements of anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background radiation over the multipole range l approximately 200 (right arrow) 3500 with the Cosmic Background Imager based on deep observations of three fields. These results confirm the drop in power with increasing l first reported in earlier measurements with this instrument, and extend the observations of this decline in power out to l approximately 2000. The decline in power is consistent with the predicted damping of primary anisotropies. At larger multipoles, l = 2000-3500, the power is 3.1 sigma greater than standard models for intrinsic microwave background anisotropy in this multipole range, and 3.5 sigma greater than zero. This excess power is not consistent with expected levels of residual radio source contamination but, for sigma 8 is approximately greater than 1, is consistent with predicted levels due to a secondary Sunyaev-Zeldovich anisotropy. Further observations are necessary to confirm the level of this excess and, if confirmed, determine its origin.

Mason, B. S.↗

The Gamma-Ray Bright BL Lac Object RX J1211+2242

RX J1211+2242 is an optically faint (B approximately equal to 19.2mag) but X-ray bright (f2-10kev = 5 x l0(exp -12)erg per square centimeter per second) AGN, which has been shown to be a BL Lac object at redshift z = 0.455. The ROSAT X-ray, Calar Alto optical, and NVSS radio data suggest that the peak of the synchrotron emission of this object is at energies as high as several keV. BeppoSAX observations have been carried out simultaneously with optical observations in order to extend the coverage to higher energies. The new data indeed indicate a turn-over in the 2 - 10keV energy region. We propose that RX J1211+2242 is the counterpart of the unidentified EGRET source 3EG J1212+2304, making it a gamma-ray emitter with properties similar to, for example, Markarian 501 in its bright state, though being at a much larger distance.

Beckmann, V.↗

Overview of the X-33 Extended Flight Test Range

On July 1, 1996, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration signed a Cooperative Agreement No. NCC8-115 with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works to develop and flight test the X-33, a scaled version of a reusable launch vehicle. The development of an Extended Test Range, with range instrumentation providing continuous vehicle communications from Edwards Air Force Base Ca. to landing at Malmstrom Air Force Base Montana, was required to flight test the mach 15 vehicle over 950 nautical miles. The cooperative agreement approach makes Lockheed Martin Skunk Works responsible for the X-33 program. When additional Government help was required, Lockheed "subcontracted" to NASA Field Centers for certain work. It was through this mechanism that Dryden Flight Research Center became responsible for the Extended Test Range. The Extended Test Range Requirements come from two main sources: 1) Range Safety and 2) Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. The range safety requirements were the most challenging to define and meet. The X-33 represents a vehicle that launches like a rocket, reenters the atmosphere and lands autonomously like an aircraft. Historically, rockets have been launched over the oceans to allow failed rockets to be destroyed using explosive devices. Such approaches had to be reconsidered for the X-33 flying over land. Numerous range requirements come from Lockheed Martin Skunk Works for interface definitions with the vehicle communication subsystems and the primary ground operations center, defined the Operations Control Center. Another area of considerable interest was the reentry plasma shield that causes "blackout" of the radio frequency signals, such as the range safety commands. Significant work was spent to analyze and model the blackout problem using a cooperative team of experts from across the country. The paper describes the Extended Test Range a, an unique Government/industry team of personnel and range assets was established to resolve design issues and accomplish the X-33 requirements. The paper will also provide an overview of the technical approaches used to meet program requirements. The advances used to develop the extended test range will be discussed to show how other hypersonic and Access to Space programs can benefit from the development of the extended test range. Acknowledgment: The work described in this paper was NASA supported through cooperative agreement NCC8-115 with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.

Mackall, D.↗

Simultaneous Chandra X-ray, HST UV, and Ulysses Radio Observations of Jupiter's Aurora

Observations of Jupiter carried out by the Chandra ACIS-S instrument over 24-26 February, 2003, show that the auroral X-ray spectrum consists of line emission consistent with high-charge states of precipitating ions, and not a continuum as might be expected from remsstrahlung. The part of the spectrum due to oxygen peaks around 650 eV, which indicates a high fraction of fully-stripped oxygen in the precipitating ion flux. The OVIII emission lines at 653 eV and 774 eV, as well as the OVII emission lines at 561 eV and 666 eV, are clearly identified. There is also line emission at lower energies in the spectral region extending from 250 to 350 eV for which sulfur and carbon lines are possible candidates. The Jovian auroral spectra differ significantly from measured cometary X-ray spectra. The charge state distribution of the oxygen ion emission evident in the measured auroral spectra strongly suggests that, independent of the source of the energetic ions (magnetospheric or solar wind) the ions have undergone additional acceleration. For the magnetospheric case, acceleration to energies exceeding 10 MeV is apparently required. The ion acceleration also helps to explain the high intensities of the X-rays observed. The phase space densities of unaccelerated source populations of either solar wind or magnetospheric ions are orders of magnitude too small to explain the observed emissions. The Chandra X-ray observations were executed simultaneously with observations at ultraviolet wavelengths by the Hubble Space Telescope and at radio wavelengths by the Ulysses spacecraft. These additional data sets provide interesting hints as to the location of the source region and the acceleration characteristics of the generation mechanism. The combined observations suggest that the source of the X rays is magnetospheric in origin, and that strong field-aligned electric fields are present which simultaneously create both the several-MeV energetic ion population and the relativistic electrons believed to be responsible for the generation of approximately 40 minute quasi-periodic radio outbursts.

R. Elsner↗

The multiple infrared source GL 437

Infrared and radio continuum observations of the multiple infrared source GL 437 show that it consists of a compact H II region plus two objects which are probably early B stars undergoing rapid mass loss. The group of sources appears to be a multiple system of young stars that have recently emerged from the near side of a molecular cloud. Emission in the unidentified 3.3 micron feature is associated with, but more extended than, the emission from the compact H II region; it probably arises from hot dust grains at the interface between the H II region and the molecular cloud.

Wynn-Williams, C. G.↗

Additional constraints on circumstellar disks in the Trapezium Cluster

We discuss the new constraints on the population of compact ionized sources in the Trapezium Cluster thought to arise from the ionization by the central OB stars of circumstellar disks around low-mass pre-main sequence stars. We present new Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Planetary Camera observations of two of these candidate disk sources, resolving extended nebulosity around them. One source shows a small-scale (greater than or approximately = 100 AU) bow-shock structure, previously seen on larger scales by O'Dell et al. We show that the circumstellar disk model is the most likely one for the majority of sources, although is remains plausible that some of the larger objects could be equilibrium globules. We combine the most complete censuses of compact radio sources and stars in the core region to derive the fraction of the stellar population that may be associated with a circumstellar disk. Our estimate of 25%-75% is comparable to that found for pre-main sequence (PMS) stars in the Taurus-Auriga dark clouds, indicating that the dense cluster environment of the Trapezium has not drastically reduced the frequency of disks seen around PMS stars.

Stauffer, John R.↗

The Production of Jets From Magnetized Accretion Disks: Simulation of the Blandford-Payne Mechanism

We have used massively parallel supercomputer simulations to perform an extensive study of a plausible mechanism for producing the jets seen in extragalactic radio sources - acceleration and collimation by coronal magnetic fields in an accretion disk orbiting a central black hole. We find that such disks can propel jets for a wide range of coronal conditions. The terminal jet velocity is a strong function of the magnetic field equatorial component. Acceleration and collimation are produced by a tight azimuthal field coil generated in the corona, rather than by a stiff poloidal field extending to large distances. The jets are pressure-confined when the external medium pressure is high, but magnetically- confined when it is low.

Blandford-Payne Mechanism↗

Millimeter and Submillimeter Observations of Comet 103P/Hartley 2

The close approach (0.12 AU) of Comet 103P/Hartley 2 to the Earth only S days prior to perihelion provides a unique opportunity to probe the chemical composition of this object. We will employ the Arizona Radio Observatory's Kitt Peak 12m (KPH12M) and the Submillimeter Telescope (SMT) for observations of multiple molecular species and their isotopologs towards the comet. There will also be an attempt to monitor this object during the EPOXI (Extrasolar Planet Observation. and Deep Impact Extended Investigation) flyby mission, which will obtain high resolution infrared spectra, for a comparison of the molecular inventory and a more accurate assessment of the abundances, sources (e.g. jets or cometismals), and chemistry.

Milan, S. N.↗

Robotic Systems integration for cleanroom SRF assembly at Fermilab

Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) cryomodule assembly is a critical process that demands the highest levels of contamination control in a cleanroom to ensure product quality and reliability. Within the cleanroom environment, human-driven activities remain the major source of uncontrolled particulate. Moreover, the precise manual alignment of components often exceeds expected timeframes, increasing the risk of particulate migration into the critical inner space of the SRF resonant cavity, and causing extended discomfort for workers. Automation comes as a natural solution to address these challenges. The goal of this activity is to set up and integrate a robotic system to support cavity coupler installation in the cleanroom environment. Initially, remote control of a 6-axis collaborative robot arm will be implemented as an introductory step towards automation in the cleanroom. Subsequently, the system will be further enhanced by integrating manipulation capabilities through an appropriate end-effector, and computer vision technology to enable accurate pose estimation. This comprehensive approach aims to achieve a fully automated and adaptable assembly process in the partially structured cleanroom environment, thereby enhancing efficiency and mitigating existing challenges for better product quality and workers safety.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Ulysses observations of auroral hiss at high Jovian latitudes

During the Ulysses flyby of Jupiter, a whistler-mode emission was periodically detected by the unified Radio and Plasma wave (URAP) experiment during intervals when the spacecraft extended to high magnetic latitudes. The signal was detected between the local electron plasma frequency and lower hybrid resonance and appears as a funnel-shaped structure on frequency-versus-time spectrograms; these characteristics are very reminiscent of whistler-mode auroral hiss observed at high latitudes at Earth. Ray tracing of the emission occurrences suggests the emission source is on magnetic field lines extending out to at least 65 R(sub J). This location associates the emission with the boundary between open and closed field lines -- not the Io torus. The emission radiates about 10(exp 7) W of power. Consequently, the auroral input power derived from the solar wind to drive the emission is believed to be 10(exp 10-12) W (or about 1% of the energy associated with Io torus electrical processes).

Farrell, W. M.↗