Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “spectral localizer”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

Fermi-GBM GRBs with Characteristics Similar to GRB 170817A

We present a search for gamma-ray bursts in the Fermi-GBM (Gamma Burst Monitor) 10-year catalog that show similar characteristics to GRB170817A, the first electromagnetic counterpart to a GRB (Gamma-Ray Burst) identified as a binary neutron star (BNS) merger via gravitational wave observations. Our search is focused on a nonthermal pulse, followed by a thermal component,as observed for GRB 170817A. We employ search methods based on the measured catalog parameters and Bayesian Block analysis. Our multipronged approach, which includes examination of the localization and spectral properties of the thermal component, yields a total of 13 candidates, including GRB170817A and the previously reported similar burst, GRB 150101B. The similarity of the candidates is likely caused by the same processes that shaped the gamma-ray signal of GRB170817A, thus providing evidence of a nearby sample of short GRBs resulting from BNS merger events. Some of the newly identified counterparts were observed by other space telescopes and ground observatories, but none of them have a measured redshift. We present an analysis of this subsample, and we discuss two models. From uncovering 13 candidates during a time period of 10 years we predict that Fermi-GBM will trigger on-board on about one burst similar to GRB170817A per year.

von Kienlin, A.↗

Fermi Large Area Telescope Fourth Source Catalog

We present the fourth Fermi Large Area Telescope catalog (4FGL) of gamma-ray sources. Based on the first eight years of science data from the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope mission in the energy range from 50 MeV to 1 TeV, it is the deepest yet in this energy range. Relative to the 3FGL catalog, the 4FGL catalog has twice as much exposure as well as a number of analysis improvements, including an updated model for the Galactic diffuse gamma-ray emission, and two sets of light curves (one-year and two-month intervals). The 4FGL catalog includes 5064 sources above 4 sigma significance, for which we provide localization and spectral properties. Seventy-five sources are modeled explicitly as spatially extended, and overall, 358 sources are considered as identified based on angular extent, periodicity, or correlated variability observed at other wavelengths. For 1336 sources, we have not found plausible counterparts at other wavelengths. More than 3130 of the identified or associated sources are active galaxies of the blazar class, and 239 are pulsars.

S. Abdollahi↗

HRDI Observations of Inertia-Gravity Waves in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere

Vertical profiles of High-resolution Doppler imager (HRDI) mesospheric winds have small-scale structure (vertical wavelengths between 10 and 20 km) that is virtually always present. Fourier analysis of HRDI zonal and meridional wind profiles have been carried out, and the spectral characteristics are sorted by latitude, month and local time. Power spectral density (PSD) exhibits a universal exp(-km) structure in the 10-20km wavelength regime, with K lying between 2 and 3. The observed PSD for wavelengths between 10 and 20 km is a factor of 3 higher than a null spectrum constructed from HRDI reported error bars multiplied by randomly varying numbers between -1 and +1. Stokes parameters were consolidated by month into Northern and Southern hemisphere middle and high latitudes belts (40-72 degrees), tidal belts (32-16 degrees) and a tropical belt (8S-8N). Vertical waves between 10 and 15 km in wavelength are about 10-15% polarized everywhere. The inferred propagation direction in the middle and high latitude Southern hemisphere is predominantly meridional during solstice, and significantly more zonal during equinoxes. In the tropical belt, the wave orientations are nearly North-South during solstices, with a slightly higher east-west component during equinox. In the tidal belts where the background wind includes a strong meridional tidal wind, the preferred wave orientation has a significant zonal component during equinox. These findings are consistent with the interpretation of wave filtering by the background wind.

Lieberman, Ruth S.↗

Evidence for active hotspots on Venus from analysis of Magellan gravity data

The 500-Myr average crater retention age for Venus has raised questions about the present-day level of tectonic activity. In this study we examine the relationship between the gravity and topography of four large volcanic swells, Beta, Atla, Bell, and Western Eistla Regiones, for clues about their stage evolution. The Magellan line-of-sight gravity data are inverted using a point mass model of the anomalous mass to solve for the local vertical gravity field. Spectral admittance calculated from both the local gravity inversions and a spherical harmonic model is compared to three models of compensation: local compensation, a 'flexural' model with local and regional compensation of surface and subsurface loads, and a 'hotspot' model of compensation that includes top loading by volcanoes and subsurface loading due to a deep, low density mass anomaly. The coherence is also calculated in each region, but yields an elastic thickness estimate only at Bell Regio. In all models, the long wavelengths are compensated locally. Our results may indicate a relatively old, possibly inactive plume.

Smrekar, Suzanne E.↗

Radiative Energetics of Mineral Dust Aerosols from Ground-Based Measurements

Airborne dust aerosols worldwide contribute a significant part to air quality problems and, to some extent, regional climatic issues (e.g., radiative forcing, hydrological cycle, and primary biological productivity in oceans). Evaluating the direct solar radiative effect of dust aerosols is relatively straightforward due in part to the relatively large SIN ratio in broadband irradiance measurements. The longwave (LW) impact, on the other hand, is rather difficult to ascertain since the measured dust signal level (approx.10 W/sq m) is on the same order as the instrumental uncertainties. Although the magnitude of the LW impact is much smaller than that of the shortwave (SW), it can still have a noticeable influence on the energy distribution of Earth-atmosphere system, particularly due to the strong light-absorptive properties commonly found in many terrestrial minerals. The current effort is part of an ongoing research study to perform a global assessment of dust direct aerosol radiative effects (DARE) during major field deployments of key dust source regions worldwide. In this work we present results stemming from two previous field deployments: the 2006 NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Activities and the 2008 Asian Monsoon Years, both utilizing NASA Goddard's mobile ground-based facility. The former study focused on transported Saharan dust at Sal (16.73degN, 22.93degW), Cape Verde along the west coast of Africa while the latter focused on Asian dust at Zhangye (39.082degN, 100.276degE), China near the source between the Taklimakan and Gobi deserts. Due to the compelling variability in spatial and temporal scale of dust properties during field experiments, a deterministic I-D radiative transfer model constrained by local measurements (i.e., spectral photometry/interferometry and lidar for physical/microphysical, mineralogy, and single-scattering properties) is employed to evaluate dust's local instantaneous SW/LW DARE both at the surface and at the top of the atmosphere along with heating rate profiles for cloud-free atmospheres. In both dust cases the efficiency in the L W DARE is investigated and its significance is compared relative to that of diurnally SW.

Tsay, Si-Chee↗

Exploring the Longwave Radiative Effects of Dust Aerosols

Dust aerosols not only affect air quality and visibility where they pose a significant health and safety risk, but they can also play a role in modulating the energy balance of the Earth-atmosphere system by directly interacting with local radiative fields. Consequently, dust aerosols can impact regional climate patterns such as changes in precipitation and the evolution of the hydrological cycle. Assessing the direct effect of dust aerosols at the solar wavelengths is fairly straightforward due in part to the relatively large signal-to-noise ratio in broadband irradiance measurements. The longwave (LW) impacts, on the other hand, are rather difficult to ascertain since the measured dust signal level (10 Wm-2) is on the same order as the instrumental uncertainties. Moreover, compared to the shortwave (SW), limited experimental data on the LW optical properties of dust makes it a difficult challenge for constraining the LW impacts. Owing to the strong absorption features found in many terrestrial minerals (e.g., silicates and clays), the LW effects, although much smaller in magnitude compared to the SW, can still have a sizeable impact on the energetics of the Earth-atmosphere system, which can potentially trigger changes in the heat and moisture surface budgets, and dynamics of the atmosphere. The current endeavor is an integral part of an on-going research study to perform detailed assessments of dust direct aerosol radiative effects (DARE) using comprehensive global datasets from NASA Goddards mobile ground-based facility (cf. http://smartlabs.gsfc.nasa.gov/) during previous field experiments near key dust source regions. Here we examine and compare the results from two of these studies: the 2006 NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Activities and the 2008 Asian Monsoon Years. The former study focused on transported Saharan dust at Sal Island (16.73N, 22.93W), Cape Verde along the west coast of Africa while the latter focused on Asian dust at Zhangye China (39.082N, 100.276E), a semi-arid region between the Taklimakan and Gobi deserts. NASA Goddards Giovanni system is used to help map out the spatial distribution of retrieved aerosol optical depths across the latter desert regions. 1-D radiative transfer model constrained by local measurements, including spectral photometry/interferometry and lidar for characterizing the spatiotemporal variability in dust properties and atmospheric conditions, is employed to evaluate the local instantaneous LW DARE of dust both at the surface and at the top of the atmosphere along with heating rate profiles for cloud-free atmospheres. The efficiency in LW DARE and its significance relative to the diurnally averaged SW effects are explored and compared in both studies. Found to be non-negligible, LW DARE is an important component in the study of regional climate variation with important implications for more detailed global assessments.

Hansell, Richard A., Jr.↗

A statistical study of Pc 1-2 magnetic pulsations in the equatorial magnetosphere. I - Equatorial occurrence distributions. II - Wave properties

AMPTE CCE magnetic field data from a period spanning a complete local time revolution of the satellite orbit major axis are used to examine the occurrence distribution of transverse narrowband Pc 1-2 emissions in the equatorial magnetosphere from L = 3.5 to L = 9 at all local times. Three examples are presented to illustrate the properties of events occurring at dawn, noon, and dusk. The early afternoon outer magnetosphere is found to be the dominant site for electromagnetic ion cyclotron wave occurrence. Pc 1-2 exhibited a radial structure with a gap between high- and low-L events. The example intervals indicate that a significant local time variation of wave properties may exist. Distributions are presented of narrowband Pc 1-2 frequency, ellipticity, normalized frequency and spectral power vs local time, L, and magnetic latitude, using the data base of more than 9000 events obtained from AMPTE CCE magnetometer data. Events occurring in the region 0300-0900 MLT, L greater than 7 are distinctly different from the remainder of Pc 1-2. The unique features of this population are linear polarization at all latitudes and high normalized frequency, 0.4 to 0.5 on average.

Anderson, B. J.↗

Phase Coupling Between Spectral Components of Collapsing Langmuir Solitons in Solar Type III Radio Bursts

We present the high time resolution observations of one of the Langmuir wave packets obtained in the source region of a solar type III radio burst. This wave packet satisfies the threshold condition of the supersonic modulational instability, as well as the criterion of a collapsing Langmuir soliton, i.e., the spatial scale derived from its peak intensity is less than that derived from its short time scale. The spectrum of t his wave packet contains an intense spectral peak at local electron plasma frequency, f(sub pe) and relatively weaker peaks at 2f(sub pe) and 3f(sub pe). We apply the wavelet based bispectral analysis technique on this wave packet and compute the bicoherence between its spectral components. It is found that the bicoherence exhibits two peaks at (approximately f(sub pe), approximately f(sub pe)) and (approximately f(sub pe) approximately 2f(sub pe)), which strongly suggest that the spectral peak at 2f(sub pe) probably corresponds to the second harmonic radio emission, generated as a result of the merging of antiparallel propagating Langmuir waves trapped in the collapsing Langmuir soliton, and, the spectral peak at 3f(sub pe) probably corresponds to the third harmonic radio emission, generated as a result of merging of a trapped Langmuir wave and a second harmonic electromagnetic wave.

Thejappa, G.↗

SORCE and TSIS-1 SIM Comparison: Absolute Irradiance Scale Reconciliation

The Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) and Total and Spectral Irradiance Sensor (TSIS-1) conducted an intercomparison for the two Spectral Irradiance Monitors (SIM) spanning 704 days from 23 March 2018 to 25 February 2020 and permitted 554 time-matched pairs of observations. This comparison was conducted during the extremely quiescent Solar Cycle 24 minimum, so all observed differences and drifts between the two sensors are instrumental in nature. The TSIS-1 SIM benefitted from advanced calibration capabilities based on SI standards that were not available during the preflight calibration time period of SORCE. For this reason, a revision of the SORCE SIM absolute scale is appropriate. As expected, wavelength dependent differences in absolute agreement are a function of detector sensitivity and local changes in spectral slope. At the time of the comparison SORCE SIM has been on-orbit for 17 years while TSIS-1 observations commenced immediately after a 100-day outgassing and commissioning period. Peak-to-peak absolute scale differences are about 12% with a mean fractional difference of 0.7% ± 2.9%. The greatest scale differences occur at the change-over between the UV and visible photodiodes in the 310 nm region, and a systematic disagreement is present in the 850–1,600 nm range. A multiplicative scale correction factor has been developed to reconcile the TSIS-1 and SORCE difference with a wavelength dependent error on the mean typically less than 0.01% derived from every matched pair of observations.

Jerald Harder↗

Distributions and motions of nearby stars defined by objective prism surveys and Hipparcos data

Material and objective prism spectral classification work is used to determine the space density distribution of nearby common stars to the limits of objective prism spectral surveys. The aim is to extend the knowledge of the local densities of specific spectral types from a radius of 25 pc from the sun, as limited in the Gliese catalog of nearby stars, to 50 pc or more. Future plans for the application of these results to studies of the kinematic and dynamical properties of stars in the solar neighborhood as a function of their physical properties and ages are described.

Hemenway, P. D.↗

Arc research, section III

Spectroscopic methods to measure ion and electron temperatures of thermally thin plasma in local thermal equilibrium, spectral distribution of zirconium lamp, and vortex stabilized arc

SPECTRAL ENERGY DISTRIBUTION↗

Combining human and computer interpretation capabilities to analyze ERTS imagery

The human photointerpreter and the computer have complementary capabilities that are exploited in a computer-based data analysis system developed at the Forestry Remote Sensing Laboratory, University of California. This system is designed to optimize the process of extracting resource information from ERTS images. The human has the ability to quickly delineate gross differences in land classes, such as wildland, urban, and agriculture on appropriate ERTS images, and to further break these gross classes into meaningful subclasses. The computer, however, can more efficiently analyze point-by-point spectral information and localized textural information which can result in a much more detailed agricultural or wildland classification based on species composition and/or plant association. These human and computer capabilities have been integrated through the use of an inexpensive small scale computer dedicated to the interactive preprocessing of the human inputs and the display of raw ERTS images and computer classified images. The small computer is linked to a large scale computer system wherein the bulk of the statistical work and the automatic point-by-point classification is done.

Nichols, J. D.↗

Effects of Hole Length, Supply Plenum Geometry, and Freestream Turbulence on Film Cooling Performance

Experimental measurements are presented in this report to document the sensitivity of film cooling performance to the hole length and coolant delivery plenum geometry. Measurements with hot-wire anemometry detail velocity, local turbulence, and spectral distributions over the exit plane of film cooling holes and downstream of injection in the coolant-freestream interaction zone. Measurements of discharge coefficients and adiabatic effectiveness are also provided. Coolant is supplied to the film cooling holes by means of a large, open plenum and through plenums which force the coolant to approach the holes either co-current or counter-current to the freestream. A single row of film cooling holes with 35 degree-inclined streamwise at two coolant-to-freestream velocity ratios, 0.5 and 1.0, is investigated. The coolant-to-freestream density ratio is maintained in the range 0.96 to 1.0. Measurements were taken under high-freestream (FSTI = 12%) and low-freestream turbulence intensity (FSTI = 0.5%) conditions. The results document the effects of the hole L/D, coolant supply plenum geometry, velocity ratio, and FSTI. In general, hole L/D and the supply plenum geometry play influential roles in the film cooling performance. Hole L/D effects, however, are more pronounced. Film cooling performance is also dependent upon the velocity ratio and FSTI.

Burd, Steven W.↗

The Synergy of Gamma-Ray Burst Detectors in the GLAST Era

Simultaneous observations by the large number of gamma-ray burst detectors that will operate in the GLAST era will provide the spectra, lightcurves and locations necessary for studying burst physics and testing the putative relations between intrinsic burst properties. I review the burst detection sensitivities, spectral bands, and localization capabilities of the GLAST (GBM and LAT), Swift (BAT), INTEGRAL (ISGRI), Suzaku (wAM), AGILE (Super-AGILE) and wind (Konus) detectors; the detectors' energy band and the accumulation timescale of their trigger system affect their sensitivity to hard vs. soft and long vs. short bursts. In addition, I estimate the rate of simultaneous burst observations. In particular, coordination of the Swift observing plan consistent with Swift's other science objectives could increase the rate of GLAST bursts with redshifts

Band, David↗

The Synergy of Gamma-Ray Burst Detectors in the GLAST Era

Simultaneous observations by the large number of gamma-ray burst detectors operating in the GLAST era will provide the spectra, lightcurves and locations necessary for studying burst physics and testing the putative relations between intrinsic burst properties. 1 will review the burst detection sensitivities, spectral bands, and localization capabilities of the GLAST (GBM and LAT), Swift (BAT), INTEGRAL (ISGRI), Suzaku (WAM), AGILE (Super-AGILE) and Wind (Konus) detectors; the detectors' energy band and the accumulation timescale of their trigger system affect their sensitivity to hard vs. soft and long vs. short bursts. In addition, I estimate the rate of simultaneous burst observations. In particular, coordination of the Swift observing plan consistent with Swift's other science objectives could increase the rate of GLAST bursts with redshifts.

Band, David L.↗

Application of the Hilbert-Huang Transform to Financial Data

A paper discusses the application of the Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) method to time-series financial-market data. The method was described, variously without and with the HHT name, in several prior NASA Tech Briefs articles and supporting documents. To recapitulate: The method is especially suitable for analyzing time-series data that represent nonstationary and nonlinear phenomena including physical phenomena and, in the present case, financial-market processes. The method involves the empirical mode decomposition (EMD), in which a complicated signal is decomposed into a finite number of functions, called "intrinsic mode functions" (IMFs), that admit well-behaved Hilbert transforms. The HHT consists of the combination of EMD and Hilbert spectral analysis. The local energies and the instantaneous frequencies derived from the IMFs through Hilbert transforms can be used to construct an energy-frequency-time distribution, denoted a Hilbert spectrum. The instant paper begins with a discussion of prior approaches to quantification of market volatility, summarizes the HHT method, then describes the application of the method in performing time-frequency analysis of mortgage-market data from the years 1972 through 2000. Filtering by use of the EMD is shown to be useful for quantifying market volatility.

Huang, Norden↗

X-ray sensor development for magnetospheric research

The ARPA-301 data on the P78-1 satellite provide information on the long-term X-ray environment; specifically, the distributions in total X-ray intensities and energy spectral parameters and the spatial extents of the X-ray sources. The average X-ray intensity near noontime was found to decrease with increasing local time whereas the opposite trend occurs around midnight. At both of these local times, the average flux increases with increasing level of geomagnetic activity. The distributions in flux are also considered for given local time intervals and these span a large dynamic range. The temporal correlation between the X-ray flux in different local time sectors is found to decrease with increasing difference in local time. The average spectral shapes do not depend significantly upon local time or geomagnetic activity.

Imhof, W. L.↗

Remote Sensing Analyses of Localized Lunar Dark Mantle Deposits

Near-infrared spectral reflectance data were obtained for 12 localized lunar dark mantle deposits. The dominant feature in these data is the Fe(+2) absorption band in the 1.0 micron wavelength region. In order to emphasize differences in the characteristics of this absorption band, a straight-line continuum was removed from these spectra. On the basis of the depth and shape of this 1.0 micron absorption band, these spectra can be separated into three groups. Group 1 includes spectra from Grimaldi pyroclastics, Franklin floor, Atlas dhc 1, and Archimedes south rim. Absorption band centers in this group are located near 0.93 to 0.95 microns, and depths are approximately 4 to 5%. The shape of the 1.0 micron band in these spectra can be described as check-like, with a straight, steep short-wavelength edge and a straight longer-wavelength edge with a shallower slope. Group 2 is comprised of spectra from Aristoteles East 1 and 2, Rima Fresnel and Atlas dhc 2. These 1.0 micron bands are centered near 0.96 micron, and are deeper (7%) and more symmetrical than those in Group 1. Spectra in group 3 are represented by that of J. Herschel; which have a moderately deep (7%), broad absorption band in the 1.0 micron wavelength region.

Gaddis, L. R.↗