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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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At least 397 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Unusual magnetotransport in twisted bilayer graphene from strain-induced open Fermi surfaces

Anisotropic hopping in a toy Hofstadter model was recently invoked to explain a rich and surprising Landau spectrum measured in twisted bilayer graphene away from the magic angle. Suspecting that such anisotropy could arise from unintended uniaxial strain, we extend the Bistritzer–MacDonald model to include uniaxial heterostrain and present a detailed analysis of its impact on band structure and magnetotransport. We find that such strain strongly influences band structure, shifting the three otherwise-degenerate van Hove points to different energies. Coupled to a Boltzmann magnetotransport calculation, this reproduces previously unexplained nonsaturating B 2 magnetoresistance over broad ranges of density near filling ν = ± 2 and predicts subtler features that had not been noticed in the experimental data. In contrast to these distinctive signatures in longitudinal resistivity, the Hall coefficient is barely influenced by strain, to the extent that it still shows a single sign change on each side of the charge neutrality point—surprisingly, this sign change no longer occurs at a van Hove point. The theory also predicts a marked rotation of the electrical transport principal axes as a function of filling even for fixed strain and for rigid bands. More careful examination of interaction-induced nematic order versus strain effects in twisted bilayer graphene could thus be in order.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Validation Studies of RELAP5-3D for High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Analysis Using a Refined RELAP5-3D Model of the High Temperature Test Facility

RELAP5-3D has been used extensively for high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) analysis, but such analysis lies outside the validation basis for the code. Oregon State University (OSU) and the United States Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART) – Gas-cooled reactor campaign worked together to design and operate the High Temperature Test Facility (HTTF) at OSU to provide validation data for prismatic HTGR thermal hydraulics analysis. Work using a previous RELAP5-3D model of HTTF demonstrated the ability to reproduce trends in HTTF data but an inability to reproduce the values measured in multiple experiments within the uncertainty. It was hypothesized that a new model with a finer radial nodalization would perform better for HTTF analysis. In this paper, we present the development of that more refined model and analyze HTTF experiments PG-27 and PG-29, a pressurized (PCC) and depressurized conduction cooldown (DCC) transient. Comparing PG-27 results to experimental data shows a better prediction of steady state and transient temperatures; however, a deeper dive reveals that better transient temperature predictions are a result of better initial conditions. The transient temperature rise in the core is comparable between the two models, but the legacy model predicts temperatures in the reflectors better. The new model demonstrates the ability to predict unique temperatures in each sector of the core during PG-29, capturing the azimuthal asymmetry; however, the temperature predictions still differ from measured temperatures. One hypothesis is that differences between the assumed and actual power distribution leads to the underprediction of the individual block temperatures. These results suggest that gaps and uncertainties in the measured boundary conditions for the HTTF tests do not allow to fully validate RELAP5-3D for prismatic HTGR analyses. The authors suspect that some of the differences between predicted and measured temperatures may be a result of uncertainties associated with HTTF itself rather than RELAP5-3D. We demonstrated improved validation for steady-state analysis, but significantly improved transient performance has yet to be recognized.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Comparison of One- and Two-Variable Linear Regression Models and Classic Energy Intensity for Energy Performance Tracking of Two Manufacturing Sectors

We report manufacturing facilities consumed about 32% of total domestic energy in the United States in 2016. To evaluate the energy savings achieved through the implementation of energy conservation projects and to establish powerful arguments for future projects, accurate energy performance tracking methods are necessary. The classic energy intensity method (i.e., the ratio of annual total energy over annual total production) is the means most widely used to measure savings because it can be understood and calculated easily. This method considers the variation in production rates to some extent; however, it fundamentally assumes facilities' base energy consumption (energy consumption at zero production) to be zero, which rarely holds true. Furthermore, this method does not consider variations in other relevant parameters, such as weather conditions. Therefore, the regression models approach is commonly recommended to track energy performance improvements. However, because it requires more data and statistical expertise, the regression models approach has been adopted by only a few facilities, and many others suspect it is not worth the effort for their specific cases. For this reason, the improved accuracy this approach offers needs to be demonstrated. By analyzing 477 monthly energy (electricity and natural gas) data sets, this study quantitatively compared the accuracy of classic energy intensity, one-variable (production only) linear regression models, and two-variable (i.e., production and weather) linear regression models for two manufacturing sectors (primary metal and transportation equipment manufacturing). Results showed that significant improvements in accuracy were achieved with one-variable regression models when compared with the classic energy intensity method and with two-variable regression models when compared with one-variable regression models. These improvements were demonstrated using the p values of intercept, cooling degree days, and heating degree days. Based on these results, to achieve a good balance between accuracy improvements and resources requirements, one-variable (production only) linear regression models for electricity consumption and two-variable (production and heating degree days) linear regression models for natural gas consumption are recommended for both sectors in the case of limited resources. Lastly, facilities can also use the results to decide which approaches fit better in their cases.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2011

KPNO LUNAR OCCULTATION SUMMARY. III

The results for 251 lunar occultation events recorded at Kitt Peak National Observatory are presented, including 20 observations of known or suspected double stars and five measurements of stars with resolved angular diameters.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

A FIVE-YEAR SPECTROSCOPIC AND PHOTOMETRIC CAMPAIGN ON THE PROTOTYPICAL {alpha} CYGNI VARIABLE AND A-TYPE SUPERGIANT STAR DENEB

Deneb is often considered the prototypical A-type supergiant and is one of the visually most luminous stars in the Galaxy. A-type supergiants are potential extragalactic distance indicators, but the variability of these stars needs to be better characterized before this technique can be considered reliable. We analyzed 339 high-resolution echelle spectra of Deneb obtained over the five-year span of 1997 through 2001 as well as 370 Stroemgren photometric measurements obtained during the same time frame. Our spectroscopic analysis included dynamical spectra of the H{alpha} profile, H{alpha} equivalent widths, and radial velocities measured from Si II {lambda}{lambda} 6347, 6371. Time-series analysis reveals no obvious cyclic behavior that proceeds through multiple observing seasons, although we found a suspected 40 day period in two, non-consecutive observing seasons. Some correlations are found between photometric and radial velocity data sets and suggest radial pulsations at two epochs. No correlation is found between the variability of the H{alpha} profiles and that of the radial velocities or the photometry. Lucy found evidence that Deneb was a long-period single-lined spectroscopic binary star, but our data set shows no evidence for radial velocity variations caused by a binary companion.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

PERIOD CHANGES AND FOUR-COLOR LIGHT CURVES OF THE ACTIVE OVERCONTACT BINARY V396 MONOCEROTIS

This paper analyzes the first obtained four-color light curves of V396 Mon using the 2003 version of the W-D code. It is confirmed that V396 Mon is a shallow W-type contact binary system with a mass ratio q = 2.554({+-}0.004) and a degree of contact factor f = 18.9%({+-}1.2%). A period investigation based on all available data shows that the period of the system includes a long-term decrease (dP/dt = -8.57 x 10{sup -8} days yr{sup -1}) and an oscillation (A{sub 3} = 0.0160 day, T{sub 3} = 42.4 yr). They are caused by angular momentum loss and light-time effect, respectively. The suspect third body is possibly a small M-type star (about 0.31 solar mass). Though some observations indicate that this system has strong magnetic activity, by our analysis we found that the Applegate mechanism cannot explain the periodic changes. This binary is an especially important system according to Qian's statistics of contact binaries as its mass ratio lies near the proposed pivot point about which the physical structure of contact binaries supposedly oscillates.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE IMAGING AND SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF TWO BROWN DWARF BINARIES AT THE L DWARF/T DWARF TRANSITION

We present a detailed examination of the brown dwarf multiples 2MASS J08503593+1057156 and 2MASS J17281150+3948593, both suspected of harboring components that straddle the L dwarf/T dwarf transition. Resolved photometry from Hubble Space Telescope/NICMOS shows opposite trends in the relative colors of the components, with the secondary of 2MASS J0850+1057 being redder than its primary, while that of 2MASS J1728+3948 is bluer. We determine near-infrared component types by matching combined-light, near-infrared spectral data to binary templates, with component spectra scaled to resolved NICMOS and K{sub p} photometry. Combinations of L7 + L6 for 2MASS J0850+1057 and L5 + L6.5 for 2MASS J1728+3948 are inferred. Remarkably, the primary of 2MASS J0850+1057 appears to have a later-type classification compared to its secondary, despite being 0.8-1.2 mag brighter in the near-infrared, while the primary of 2MASS J1728+3948 is unusually early for its combined-light optical classification. Comparison to absolute magnitude/spectral type trends also distinguishes these components, with 2MASS J0850+1057A being {approx}1 mag brighter and 2MASS J1728+3948A {approx} 0.5 mag fainter than equivalently classified field counterparts. We deduce that thick condensate clouds are likely responsible for the unusual properties of 2MASS J1728+3948A, while 2MASS J0850+1057A is either an inflated young brown dwarf or a tight unresolved binary, making it potentially part of a wide, low-mass, hierarchical quintuple system.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

KEPLER INPUT CATALOG: PHOTOMETRIC CALIBRATION AND STELLAR CLASSIFICATION

We describe the photometric calibration and stellar classification methods used by the Stellar Classification Project to produce the Kepler Input Catalog (KIC). The KIC is a catalog containing photometric and physical data for sources in the Kepler mission field of view; it is used by the mission to select optimal targets. Four of the visible-light (g, r, i, z) magnitudes used in the KIC are tied to Sloan Digital Sky Survey magnitudes; the fifth (D51) is an AB magnitude calibrated to be consistent with Castelli and Kurucz (CK) model atmosphere fluxes. We derived atmospheric extinction corrections from hourly observations of secondary standard fields within the Kepler field of view. For these filters and extinction estimates, repeatability of absolute photometry for stars brighter than magnitude 15 is typically 2%. We estimated stellar parameters {l_brace}T{sub eff}, log (g), log (Z), E{sub B-V}{r_brace} using Bayesian posterior probability maximization to match observed colors to CK stellar atmosphere models. We applied Bayesian priors describing the distribution of solar-neighborhood stars in the color-magnitude diagram, in log (Z), and in height above the galactic plane. Several comparisons with samples of stars classified by other means indicate that for 4500 K {<=}T{sub eff} {<=} 6500 K, our classifications are reliable within about {+-}200 K and 0.4 dex in log (g) for dwarfs, with somewhat larger log (g) uncertainties for giants. It is difficult to assess the reliability of our log (Z) estimates, but there is reason to suspect that it is poor, particularly at extreme T{sub eff}. Comparisons between the CK models and observed colors are generally satisfactory with some exceptions, notably for stars cooler than 4500 K. Of great importance for the Kepler mission, for T{sub eff} {<=} 5400 K, comparison with asteroseismic results shows that the distinction between main-sequence stars and giants is reliable with about 98% confidence. Larger errors in log (g) occur for warmer stars, for which our filter set provides inadequate gravity diagnostics. The KIC is available through the MAST data archive.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

THE YOUNG CLUSTER IN IC 1274

IC 1274 is a faintly luminous nebula lying on the near surface of the Lynds 227 (L227) molecular cloud. Its cavity-like morphology is reminiscent of a blistered star-forming region. Four luminous, early-type (B0-B5) stars are located within a spherical volume {approx}5' in diameter that appears to be clear of heavy obscuration. Approximately centered in the cleared region is the B0 V star HD 166033, which is thought to be largely responsible for the cavity's excavation. Over 80 H{alpha} emission sources brighter than V {approx} 21 have been identified in the region. More than half of these are concentrated in IC 1274 and are presumably members of a faint T Tauri star population. Chandra Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer imaging of a nearby suspected pulsar and time-variable {gamma}-ray source (GeV J1809-2327) detected 21 X-ray sources in the cluster vicinity, some of which are coincident with the early-type stars and H{alpha} emitters in IC 1274. Deep (V {approx} 22) optical BVRI photometry has been obtained for the cluster region. A distance of 1.82 {+-} 0.3 kpc and a mean extinction of A{sub V} {approx} 1.21 {+-} 0.2 mag follow from photometry of the early-type stars. Using pre-main-sequence evolutionary models, we derive a median age for the H{alpha} emitters and X-ray sources of {approx}1 Myr; however, a significant dispersion is present. Our interpretation of the structure of IC 1274 and the spatial distribution of H{alpha} emitters is that the early-type stars formed recently and are in the process of ionizing and dispersing the molecular gas on the near surface of L227. The displaced material was driven against what remains of the molecular cloud to the east, enabling the formation of the substantial number of T Tauri stars found there. A dispersed population of H{alpha} emitters is also found along the periphery of L227, IC 1275, and IC 4684. These sources, if pre-main-sequence stars, appear to have formed in relative isolation compared to the dense cluster environment of IC 1274 or, alternatively, may be older and have drifted further from their formation sites. We identify a V {approx} 21.5 star very near the position of X-ray source 5, the assumed {gamma}-ray source and young pulsar candidate. However, the lack of distinctive characteristics for this source, coupled with the density of faint stars in this region, suggest that this may be a random superposition.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

PLANETARY CONSTRUCTION ZONES IN OCCULTATION: DISCOVERY OF AN EXTRASOLAR RING SYSTEM TRANSITING A YOUNG SUN-LIKE STAR AND FUTURE PROSPECTS FOR DETECTING ECLIPSES BY CIRCUMSECONDARY AND CIRCUMPLANETARY DISKS

The large relative sizes of circumstellar and circumplanetary disks imply that they might be seen in eclipse in stellar light curves. We estimate that a survey of {approx}10{sup 4} young ({approx}10 million year old) post-accretion pre-main-sequence stars monitored for {approx}10 years should yield at least a few deep eclipses from circumplanetary disks and disks surrounding low-mass companion stars. We present photometric and spectroscopic data for a pre-main-sequence K5 star (1SWASP J140747.93-394542.6 = ASAS J140748-3945.7), a newly discovered {approx}0.9 M{sub Sun} member of the {approx}16 Myr old Upper Centaurus-Lupus subgroup of Sco-Cen at a kinematic distance of 128 {+-} 13 pc. This star exhibited a remarkably long, deep, and complex eclipse event centered on 2007 April 29 (as discovered in Super Wide Angle Search for Planets (SuperWASP) photometry, and with portions of the dimming confirmed by All Sky Automated Survey (ASAS) data). At least five multi-day dimming events of >0.5 mag are identified, with a >3.3 mag deep eclipse bracketed by two pairs of {approx}1 mag eclipses symmetrically occurring {+-}12 days and {+-}26 days before and after. Hence, significant dimming of the star was taking place on and off over at least a {approx}54 day period in 2007, and a strong >1 mag dimming event occurring over a {approx}12 day span. We place a firm lower limit on the period of 850 days (i.e., the orbital radius of the eclipser must be >1.7 AU and orbital velocity must be <22 km s{sup -1}). The shape of the light curve is similar to the lopsided eclipses of the Be star EE Cep. We suspect that this new star is being eclipsed by a low-mass object orbited by a dense inner disk, further girded by at least three dusty rings of optical depths near unity. Between these rings are at least two annuli of near-zero optical depth (i.e., gaps), possibly cleared out by planets or moons, depending on the nature of the secondary. For possible periods in the range 2.33-200 yr, the estimated total ring mass is {approx}8-0.4 M{sub Moon} (if the rings have optical opacity similar to Saturn's rings), and the edge of the outermost detected ring has orbital radius {approx}0.4-0.09 AU. In the new era of time-domain astronomy opened by surveys like SuperWASP, ASAS, etc., and soon to be revolutionized by Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, discovering and characterizing eclipses by circumplanetary and circumsecondary disks will provide us with observational constraints on the conditions that spawn satellite systems around gas giant planets and planetary systems around stars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

THE SPECTROSCOPIC DIVERSITY OF TYPE Ia SUPERNOVAE

We present 2603 spectra of 462 nearby Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia), including 2065 previously unpublished spectra, obtained during 1993-2008 through the Center for Astrophysics Supernova Program. There are on average eight spectra for each of the 313 SNe Ia with at least two spectra. Most of the spectra were obtained with the FAST spectrograph at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory 1.5 m telescope and reduced in a consistent manner, making this data set well suited for studies of SN Ia spectroscopic diversity. Using additional data from the literature, we study the spectroscopic and photometric properties of SNe Ia as a function of spectroscopic class using the classification schemes of Branch et al. and Wang et al. The width-luminosity relation appears to be steeper for SNe Ia with broader lines, although the result is not statistically significant with the present sample. Based on the evolution of the characteristic Si II {lambda}6355 line, we propose improved methods for measuring velocity gradients, revealing a larger range than previously suspected, from {approx}0 to {approx}400 km s{sup -1} day{sup -1} considering the instantaneous velocity decline rate at maximum light. We find a weaker and less significant correlation between Si II velocity and intrinsic B - V color at maximum light than reported by Foley et al., owing to a more comprehensive treatment of uncertainties and host galaxy dust. We study the extent of nuclear burning and the presence of unburnt carbon in the outermost layers of the ejecta and report new detections of C II {lambda}6580 in 23 early-time SN Ia spectra. The frequency of C II detections is not higher in SNe Ia with bluer colors or narrower light curves, in conflict with the recent results of Thomas et al. Based on nebular spectra of 27 SNe Ia, we find no relation between the FWHM of the iron emission feature at {approx}4700 A and {Delta}m{sub 15}(B) after removing the two low-luminosity SN 1986G and SN 1991bg, suggesting that the peak luminosity is not strongly dependent on the kinetic energy of the explosion for most SNe Ia. Finally, we confirm the correlation of velocity shifts in some nebular lines with the intrinsic B - V color of SNe Ia at maximum light, although several outliers suggest a possible non-monotonic behavior for the largest blueshifts.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

THE SIZES OF THE NEAREST YOUNG STARS

We present moderate resolution (R {approx} 3575) optical spectra of 19 known or suspected members of the AB Doradus and {beta} Pictoris Moving Groups, obtained with the DeVeny Spectrograph on the 72 inch Perkins telescope at Lowell Observatory. For four of five recently proposed members, signatures of youth such as Li I 6708 A absorption and H{alpha} emission further strengthen the case for youth and membership. The lack of detected lithium in the proposed {beta} Pic member TYC 2211-1309-1 implies that it is older than all other K-type members and weakens the case for membership. Effective temperatures are determined via line ratio analyses for the 11 F, G, and early-K stars observed, and via spectral comparisons for the eight late-K and M stars observed. We assemble updated candidate membership lists for these moving groups that account for known binarity. Currently, the AB Dor Moving Group contains 127 proposed members and the {beta} Pic Moving Group holds 77 proposed members. We then use temperature, luminosity, and distance estimates to predict angular diameters for these stars; the motivation is to identify stars that can be spatially resolved with long-baseline optical/infrared interferometers in order to improve age estimates for these groups and to constrain evolutionary models at young ages. Considering the portion of the sky accessible to northern hemisphere facilities (decl. > - 30), six stars have diameters large enough to be spatially resolved ({theta} > 0.4 mas) with the CHARA Array, which currently has the world's longest baseline of 331 m; this subsample includes the low-mass M2.5 member of AB Dor, GJ 393, which is likely to still be pre-main sequence. For southern hemisphere facilities (decl. < + 30), 18 stars have diameters larger than this limiting size, including the low-mass debris disk star AU Mic (0.72 mas). However, the longest baselines of southern hemisphere interferometers (160 m) are only able to resolve the largest of these, the B6 star {alpha} Gru (1.17 mas); proposed long-baseline stations may alleviate the current limitations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

IMPROVED VARIABLE STAR SEARCH IN LARGE PHOTOMETRIC DATA SETS: NEW VARIABLES IN CoRoT FIELD LRa02 DETECTED BY BEST II

The CoRoT field LRa02 has been observed with the Berlin Exoplanet Search Telescope II (BEST II) during the southern summer 2007/2008. A first analysis of stellar variability led to the publication of 345 newly discovered variable stars. Now, a deeper analysis of this data set was used to optimize the variability search procedure. Several methods and parameters have been tested in order to improve the selection process compared to the widely used J index for variability ranking. This paper describes an empirical approach to treat systematic trends in photometric data based upon the analysis of variance statistics that can significantly decrease the rate of false detections. Finally, the process of reanalysis and method improvement has virtually doubled the number of variable stars compared to the first analysis by Kabath et al. A supplementary catalog of 272 previously unknown periodic variables plus 52 stars with suspected variability is presented. Improved ephemerides are given for 19 known variables in the field. In addition, the BEST II results are compared with CoRoT data and its automatic variability classification.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

A CCD PHOTOMETRIC STUDY OF THE CONTACT BINARY STAR GSC 03526-01995

We present the first two sets of complete light curves in the R and I bands observed in 2011 and 2012 photometrically for the contact binary GSC 03526-01995. The asymmetric light curves are analyzed with spot models using the Wilson-Devinney code. It is discovered that GSC 03526-01995 is a spotted marginal W-type W UMa contact binary system with a mass ratio of q 2.845({+-} 0.006) and a degree of contact factor f = 18.2%({+-} 1.5%). Combining new determined times of light minimum together with the others published in the literature, the period change of the system is investigated. A cyclic variation, with a period of 7.39 yr and a semiamplitude of 0.00896 days, is discovered. It is plausibly caused by the light-time effect via a third body. The photometric analysis indicates that the suspected third companion might itself be a binary consisting of two stars of 0.285 solar masses, suggesting that GSC 03526-01995 is a quadruple system containing four late-type stars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

RADIAL VELOCITIES OF GALACTIC O-TYPE STARS. II. SINGLE-LINED SPECTROSCOPIC BINARIES

We report on new radial velocity measurements of massive stars that are either suspected binaries or lacking prior observations. This is part of a survey to identify and characterize spectroscopic binaries among O-type stars with the goal of comparing the binary fraction of field and runaway stars with those in clusters and associations. We present orbits for HDE 308813, HD 152147, HD 164536, BD-16 Degree-Sign 4826, and HDE 229232, Galactic O-type stars exhibiting single-lined spectroscopic variation. By fitting model spectra to our observed spectra, we obtain estimates for effective temperature, surface gravity, and rotational velocity. We compute orbital periods and velocity semiamplitudes for each system and note the lack of photometric variation for any system. These binaries probably appear single-lined because the companions are faint and because their orbital Doppler shifts are small compared to the width of the rotationally broadened lines of the primary.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

XMM-NEWTON OBSERVATIONS OF LUMINOUS SOURCES IN NEARBY GALAXIES NGC 4395, NGC 4736, AND NGC 4258

We present the results of a study of non-nuclear discrete sources in a sample of three nearby spiral galaxies (NGC 4395, NGC 4736, and NGC 4258) based on XMM-Newton archival data supplemented with Chandra data for spectral and timing analyses. A total of 75 X-ray sources have been detected within the D{sub 25} regions of the target galaxies. The large collecting area of XMM-Newton makes the statistics sufficient to obtain spectral fitting for 16 (about 20%) of these sources. Compiling the extensive archival exposures available, we were able to obtain the detailed spectral shapes of diverse classes of point sources. We have also studied temporal properties of these luminous sources. Eleven of them are found to show short-term (less than 80 ks) variation while eight of them show long-term variation within factors of {approx}2-5 during a time interval of {approx}2-12 years. Timing analysis provides strong evidence that most of these sources are accreting X-ray binary systems. One source that has properties different from others was suspected to be a supernova remnant, and our follow-up optical observation confirmed this. Our results indicate that sources within the three nearby galaxies are showing a variety of source populations, including several ultraluminous X-ray sources, X-ray binaries, transients together with a super soft source, and a background active galactic nucleus candidate.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

A SEARCH FOR PHOTOMETRIC VARIABILITY IN L- AND T-TYPE BROWN DWARF ATMOSPHERES

Using the Gemini infrared camera on the 3 m Shane telescope at Lick Observatory, we have searched for broadband J and K' photometric variability for a sample of 15 L- and T-type brown dwarfs, including 7 suspected spectral binaries. Four of the dwarfs-2MASS J0939-2448, 2MASS J1416+1348A, 2MASS J1711+2232, and 2MASS J2139+0220-exhibit statistically significant variations over timescales ranging from {approx}0.5 hr to 6 days. Our detection of variability in 2MASS J2139+0220 confirms that reported by Radigan et al., and periodogram and phase dispersion minimization analysis also confirms a variability period of approximately 7.6 {+-} 0.2 hr. Remarkably, two of the four variables are known or candidate binary systems, including 2MASS J2139+0220, for which we find only marginal evidence of radial velocity variation over the course of a year. This result suggests that some spectral binary candidates may appear as such due to the blending of cloudy and non-cloudy regions in a single ''patchy'' atmosphere. Our results are consistent with an overall variability fraction of 35% {+-} 5%, with no clear evidence of greater variability among brown dwarfs at the L dwarf/T dwarf transition.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

RECURRENT PERIHELION ACTIVITY IN (3200) PHAETHON

We present a study of planet-crossing asteroid (3200) Phaethon at three successive perihelia in 2009, 2010, and 2012, using the NASA STEREO spacecraft. Phaethon is clearly detected in 2009 and 2012, but not in 2010. In both former years, Phaethon brightened unexpectedly by {approx}1 mag at large phase angles, inconsistent with the {approx}1 mag of steady fading expected from a discrete, macroscopic body over the same phase angle range. With a perihelion distance of 0.14 AU and surface temperatures up to {approx}1000 K, a thermal origin of this anomalous brightening is strongly suspected. However, simple thermal emission from Phaethon is too weak, by a factor >10{sup 3}, to explain the brightening. Nor can ice survive on this body, ruling out comet-like sublimation. Our preferred explanation is that brightening occurs as a result of dust produced and ejected from Phaethon, perhaps by thermal fracture and/or thermal decomposition of surface minerals when near perihelion. A contribution from prompt emission by oxygen released by desiccation of surface minerals cannot be excluded. We infer an ejected mass of order 4 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 8} a{sub mm} kg per outburst, where a{sub mm} is the mean dust radius in millimeters. For plausible dust radii, this mass is small compared to the estimated mass of Phaethon ({approx}2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 14} kg) and to the mass of the Geminid stream (10{sup 12}-10{sup 13} kg) with which Phaethon is dynamically associated. Perihelion mass-loss events like those observed in 2009 and 2012 contribute to, but do not necessarily account for the Geminids stream mass.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗