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At least 415 records · Page 23

Tidbinbilla two-element interferometer

A phase-stable two-element interferometer has been formed by linking the 64- and 34-m antennas of the Deep Space Network at Tidbinbilla, Australia. Utilizing the existing first-stage maser receivers at 2.3 GHz to yield a system temperature of approximately 20 K, the system has a 5 sigma detection sensitivity of 50 mJy in 1 s, with a rms confusion of approximately 6 mJy. The 195-m north-south baseline permits positional measurements to approximately 2 arcsec of sources stronger than approximately 100 mJy over the declination range -80 to +30 deg. Such measurements are ideally suited for the optical identification of weak radio sources. It is planned to extend the frequency of operation of the instrument to 8.4 GHz in the near future.

Batty, M. J.↗

Improved Bayesian regularization of inverse problems in vibrations and acoustics using noise-only measurements

Here, this paper studies Tikhonov regularization (ridge regression) parameter selection for problems in vibrations and acoustics. The selection method is based on a popular Bayesian method, but it incorporates measurements of sensor noise. The regularization parameter is closely related to the ratio of system input energy to noise energy, so noise measurements inform the inference procedure and improve parameter identification. In cases where standard Bayesian regularization identifies zero as the optimal regularization parameter, noise measurements guarantee a unique nonzero optimum. Sufficient theoretical criteria are developed for this guarantee. The method is verified in even-determined and under-determined configurations in an acoustic source localization simulation and a vibration load identification experiment. It is shown to yield significant improvements over existing empirical Bayesian regularization. Improvements are larger in the even-determined case and smaller in the under-determined case, wherein the inverse solution is less sensitive to the regularization parameter.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Observations of the Geminga optical candidate

The present spectroscopy and photometry for the proposed optical counterpart of the X-ray source IE 0630 + 178, which is also a candidate for identification with the gamma-ray source 'Geminga', yields a spectrum that is featureless at the current S/N ratio and resists classification. The properties of the X-ray and optical objects, and the statistical circumstances of the identification process, do not support the association of optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray sources. The uniqueness of the X-ray source nevertheless suggests that its X-rays are thermal emission from the surface of a neutron star whose optical counterpart is an undetected blue star of B magnitude approximately 26.

Halpern, J. P.↗

Identification of Gas Phase PAHs in Absorption Towards Protostellar Sources

The infrared emission bands (also known as the UIR bands.) have recently been observed in absorption at 3.25 micrometers in the ices surrounding a few proto-stellar objects at 11.2 micrometers in MonR2, and at 6.2 micrometers towards two sources near the galactic center. The UIR bands have been observed in emission for many years, but identifying these bands has proven to be both difficult and contentious as no one has yet found a single material that provides a good match to the features. However, most investigators agree that some form of carbon-based material with aromatic bonds is the most likely candidate, and many arguments favor free molecules (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs) as the carriers of at least the narrow emission bands. Since the emission arises not from a single molecule but from a family of molecules, identifying which PAHs are contributing to the infrared emission bands is difficult. The identification is further complicated by the fact that the emission at short wavelengths is dominated by small molecules while at long wavelengths it is dominated by large molecules. Thus, for example, the emission at 3.3 micrometers is from a different mix of molecules than those which produce the 11.2 micrometer band. To complicate matters further, the molecular mix includes both neutral and ionic species. In absorption, the same mixture of molecules contributes at all wavelengths and the molecules should be neutral, potentially simplifying comparisons with lab data. Also, absorption strengths measured in the lab are directly applicable to interstellar absorption bands without the need to model an emission spectrum of an unknown mixture of ionized and neutral PAHs. In this paper we show that a mixture of argon matrix isolated PAH molecules can reproduce the 3.25 micrometers absorption band seen in the ISO SWS spectra of four embedded Infrared sources, S140 IRS1, AFGL 2591, Elias 29, and AFGL 989. In section 2 we describe the ISO SWS data analysis and in section 3 discuss the results.

Bregman, Jesse D.↗

Detection of X-ray emission from the vicinity of two short-period RS CVn-like binaries

Two new soft X-ray sources H0118 + 067 and H0630 + 82 have been detected with a low energy detector of the HEAO A-2 experiment. Short-period RS CVn-like binaries UVPsc and SV Cam lie within the error boxes of these sources and are proposed as the optical identifications for the two X-ray sources. The light curve of H0118 + 067, identified with UV Psc, indicates an X-ray flare event which commenced on 1978 January 11.6 and persisted until at least January 12.7. It is suggested that H0118 + 067 and the flaring X-ray source H0123 + 075, detected by the medium and high energy detectors of the HEAO A-2 experiment, may be the same object. The observed X-ray luminosity of the sources are in the same range as observed for other RS CVn binaries. The X-ray emission is probably of coronal origin.

Agrawal, P. C.↗

On the optical identification of Cygnus X-1

Bright star at radio source and X ray observations evaluation from optical identification of Cygnus X-1, taking into account spectrum and energy distribution characteristics

Brucato, R.↗

Detection of forbidden Fe XIV emission in HD 153919 /3U 1700-37/

Spectra of HD 153919 show a previously unreported broad emission line near 5293 A that is present at phases 0.2 and 0.8 and is absent or weaker at other phases, including the time of eclipse of the X-ray source. Approximate calculations suggest identification of this feature with the forbidden Fe XIV transition at 5303 A. This line may arise in the extended atmosphere of the primary ionized by the compact X-ray source or may occur in a high-temperature corona. Further monitoring is needed.

Dupree, A. K.↗

SOLAR SOURCES OF {sup 3}He-RICH SOLAR ENERGETIC PARTICLE EVENTS IN SOLAR CYCLE 24

Using high-cadence EUV images obtained by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory, we investigate the solar sources of 26 {sup 3}He-rich solar energetic particle events at ≲1 MeV nucleon{sup −1} that were well-observed by the Advanced Composition Explorer during solar cycle 24. Identification of the solar sources is based on the association of {sup 3}He-rich events with type III radio bursts and electron events as observed by Wind. The source locations are further verified in EUV images from the Solar and Terrestrial Relations Observatory, which provides information on solar activities in the regions not visible from the Earth. Based on AIA observations, {sup 3}He-rich events are not only associated with coronal jets as emphasized in solar cycle 23 studies, but also with more spatially extended eruptions. The properties of the {sup 3}He-rich events do not appear to be strongly correlated with those of the source regions. As in the previous studies, the magnetic connection between the source region and the observer is not always reproduced adequately by the simple potential field source surface model combined with the Parker spiral. Instead, we find a broad longitudinal distribution of the source regions extending well beyond the west limb, with the longitude deviating significantly from that expected from the observed solar wind speed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Future short baseline neutrino searches with nuclear decays

Several anomalies coming from neutrino experiments may be pointing towards new physics: these hints suggest the existence of one (or more) sterile neutrinos. We discuss some of the experiments proposed to verify (or disproof) this hypothesis by using an intense radioactive source in proximity of large neutrino detectors.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Acoustic Analogy and Alternative Theories for Jet Noise Prediction

Several methods for the prediction of jet noise are described. All but one of the noise prediction schemes are based on Lighthill's or Lilley's acoustic analogy, whereas the other is the jet noise generation model recently proposed by Tam and Auriault. In all of the approaches, some assumptions must be made concerning the statistical properties of the turbulent sources. In each case the characteristic scales of the turbulence are obtained from a solution of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equation using a kappa-sigma turbulence model. It is shown that, for the same level of empiricism, Tam and Auriault's model yields better agreement with experimental noise measurements than the acoustic analogy. It is then shown that this result is not because of some fundamental flaw in the acoustic analogy approach, but instead is associated with the assumptions made in the approximation of the turbulent source statistics. If consistent assumptions are made, both the acoustic analogy and Tam and Auriault's model yield identical noise predictions. In conclusion, a proposal is presented for an acoustic analogy that provides a clearer identification of the equivalent source mechanisms, as is a discussion of noise prediction issues that remain to be resolved.

Morris, Philip J.↗

The Acoustic Analogy and Alternative Theories for Jet Noise Prediction

This paper describes several methods for the prediction of jet noise. All but one of the noise prediction schemes are based on Lighthill's or Lilley's acoustic analogy while the other is the jet noise generation model recently proposed by Tam and Auriault. In all the approaches some assumptions must be made concerning the statistical properties of the turbulent sources. In each case the characteristic scales of the turbulence are obtained from a solution of the Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes equation using a k - epsilon turbulence model. It is shown that, for the same level of empiricism, Tam and Auriault's model yields better agreement with experimental noise measurements than the acoustic analogy. It is then shown that this result is not because of some fundamental flaw in the acoustic analogy approach: but, is associated with the assumptions made in the approximation of the turbulent source statistics. If consistent assumptions are made, both the acoustic analogy and Tam and Auriault's model yield identical noise predictions. The paper concludes with a proposal for an acoustic analogy that provides a clearer identification of the equivalent source mechanisms and a discussion of noise prediction issues that remain to be resolved.

Morris, Philip J.↗

The Acoustic Analogy and Alternative Theories for Jet Noise Prediction

This paper describes several methods for the prediction of jet noise. All but one of the noise prediction schemes are based on Lighthill's or Lilley's acoustic analogy while the other is the jet noise generation model recently proposed by Tam and Auriault. In all the approaches some assumptions must be made concerning the statistical properties of the turbulent sources. In each case the characteristic scales of the turbulence are obtained from a solution of the Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes equation using a k-epsilon turbulence model. It is shown that, for the same level of empiricism, Tam and Auriault's model yields better agreement with experimental noise measurements than the acoustic analogy. It is then shown that this result is not because of some fundamental flaw in the acoustic analogy approach: but, is associated with the assumptions made in the approximation of the turbulent source statistics. If consistent assumptions are made, both the acoustic analogy and Tam and Auriault's model yield identical noise predictions. The paper concludes with a proposal for an acoustic analogy that provides a clearer identification of the equivalent source mechanisms and a discussion of noise prediction issues that remain to be resolved.

Morris, Philip J.↗

Development of a Convolutional Neural Network Classifier for Data Starved Spectra - 20199

The Institute for Clean Energy Technology (ICET) at Mississippi State University is exploring the utility of machine learning in augmenting its mobile radiation surveying platforms, which are currently being developed as means to survey depleted uranium contaminated areas in support of remediation and decommissioning efforts. Mobile survey platforms provide a means to efficiently scan large areas of interest while reducing human exposure to radiation and other hazards. The survey platforms can also be used for scanning for any gamma emitting isotope in addition to depleted uranium. The spectral data that the platforms collect may be data starved with relatively low counts and poorly defined spectral features depending on the speed of the platforms and scintillation detector selection. Such data-starved spectra are difficult to use for isotope identification, requiring advanced knowledge of the possible radionuclides that could be present and environmental factors that could attenuate signals or introduce background noise. These factors in combination with the volume of survey data increases the time it takes to perform analysis of survey data when the source type is unknown. There are a number of algorithms in the field of machine learning that can be used to classify data that would be challenging and time-consuming for a human to identify. Supervised machine learning algorithms train models based on extensive amounts of human-labeled training data. Once sufficiently trained, these models can be used to quickly make high-fidelity predictions on new data. Convolutional neural networks are machine learning algorithms that excel in learning representations of 'shapes'. They do this by taking numerical input data and convolving them with spatial feature detectors referred to as filters. These filters are incrementally adjusted to reduce the prediction error on the data during the backpropagation step of training. Discussed in this paper is the development of a convolutional neural network classifier (CNNC) that can utilize spectral survey data for source discrimination and isotope identification. Bench-top laboratory experiments data using LaBr{sub 3}(Ce) scintillation detectors were used to train and evaluate the performance of the developed CNNC. The CNNC is capable of discriminating a variety of gamma emitting source types, differentiating different forms of uranium (depleted vs. natural), and estimating the amount of uranium for a known geometry. The discussed CNNC may be useful in scenarios where survey systems are deployed in situations where hazardous radioactive material maybe present, but the type is unknown. When used in remediation applications the CNNC can be used to screen-out false positives, helping reduce remediation costs. (authors)

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Radio observations of Abell clusters and a comparison with certain Einstein observations

Areas around 70 clusters have been observed at the Arecibo Observatory primarily for coordination with about 60 Einstein X-ray sources. Arecibo source coordinates and flux density are tabulated, and some identifications are made with cataloged radio sources. Statistical estimates are made of the percentage of cluster sources among all sources in certain areas and to limits on the flux density of 430 MHz. Arecibo and other radio data are compared with the available Einstein data of seven clusters. Not every Einstein source has a radio counterpart, and the counterparts may variously be bilobed, tailed, or single. A parameter which is proportional to source continuum power at 430 MHz ranges over fewer orders of magnitude than the associated source X-ray luminosity, with no certain correlation between these parameters. NRAO Green Bank interferometer observations of A401 and A2142 are reported.

Johnson, H. M.↗

Martian parent craters for the SNC meteorites

Information on the petrology and ages of the SNC meteorites, together with geological data derived from Viking Orbiter images, are used to identify 25 candidate impact craters in the Tharsis region of Mars that could possibly be the source craters for these meteorites. The craters chosen as candidate source craters had diameters greater than 10 km, morphologies indicative of young craters, and satisfied both the petrological criteria of the SNCs and the proposed 1.3 Ga crystallization ages. On the basis of the constraints implied by the identification of the candidate source craters, interpretations of the absolute chronology of Mars are proposed.

Mouginis-Mark, P. J.↗

The Herschel Multi-Tiered Extragalactic Survey: SPIRE-mm Photometric Redshifts

We investigate the potential of submm-mm and submm-mm-radio photometric red-shifts using a sample of mm-selected sources as seen at 250, 350 and 500 micrometers by the SPIRE instrument on Herschel. From a sample of 63 previously identified mm-sources with reliable radio identifications in the GOODS-N and Lockman Hole North fields 46 (73 per cent) are found to have detections in at least one SPIRE band. We explore the observed submm/mm colour evolution with redshift, finding that the colours of mm-sources are adequately described by a modified blackbody with constant optical depth Tau = (nu/nu(0))beta where beta = +1.8 and nu(0) = c/100 micrometers. We find a tight correlation between dust temperature and IR luminosity. Using a single model of the dust temperature and IR luminosity relation we derive photometric redshift estimates for the 46 SPIRE detected mm-sources. Testing against the 22 sources with known spectroscopic, or good quality optical/near-IR photometric, redshifts we find submm/mm photometric redshifts offer a redshift accuracy of |delta z|/(1+z) = 0.16 (less than |delta z| greater than = 0.51). Including constraints from the radio-far IR correlation the accuracy is improved to |delta z|/(1 + z) = 0.15 (less than |delta z| greater than = 0.45). We estimate the redshift distribution of mm-selected sources finding a significant excess at z greater than 3 when compared to 850 micrometer selected samples.

Roseboom, I. G.↗

A Deep Chandra X-Ray Study of Neutron Star Coalescence GW170817

We report Chandra observations of GW170817, the first neutron star–neutron star merger discovered by the joint LIGO-Virgo Collaboration, and the first direct detection of gravitational radiation associated with an electromagnetic counterpart, Fermi short γ-ray burst GRB 170817A. The event occurred on 2017 August 17 and subsequent observations identified an optical counterpart, SSS17a, coincident with NGC 4993 (∼10″ separation). Early Chandra (Δt∼2 days) and Swift (Δt∼1--3 days) observations yielded non-detections at the optical position, but ∼9 days post-trigger Chandra monitoring revealed an X-ray point source coincident with SSS17a. We present two deep Chandra observations totaling ∼95 ks, collected on 2017 September 01–02 (Δt∼15--16 days). We detect X-ray emission from SSS17a with L{sub 0.3--10keV}=2.6{sub −0.4}{sup +0.5}×10{sup 38} erg s{sup −1}, and a power law spectrum of Γ=2.4±0.8. We find that the X-ray light curve from a binary NS coalescence associated with this source is consistent with the afterglow from an off-axis short γ-ray burst, with a jet angled ≳23° from the line of sight. This event marks both the first electromagnetic counterpart to a LIGO-Virgo gravitational-wave source and the first identification of an off-axis short GRB. We also confirm extended X-ray emission from NGC 4993 (L{sub 0.3--10keV}∼9×10{sup 38} erg s{sup −1}) consistent with its E/S0 galaxy classification, and report two new Chandra point sources in this field, CXOU J130948 and CXOU J130946.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗