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At least 469 records · Page 26

The N2(+) first negative system in the dayglow from Spacelab 1

Data obtained by the Spacelab 1 Imaging Spectrometric Observatory represent the first simultaneous multiband spectral measurements of the N2(+) first negative system in the dayglow, and thus the first opportunity to make a detailed comparison of the vibrational and rotational distributions over bands out to nu-prime = 4, free of potential complications. The spectral images show that the bands of the N2(+) first negative system exhibit very unusual vibrational distributions (which correspond to surprisingly high apparent temperatures) and that the intensities are significantly higher than predicted. On the basis of observations of the intensity variation with the solar zenith angle and viewing elevation, it is suggested that there exists a significant induced N2(+) component near the shuttle, which fluoresces when the shuttle is sunlit.

Torr, Marsha R.↗

NuSTAR and XMM-Newton Observations of the Hard X- Ray Spectrum of Centaurus A

We present simultaneous XMM-Newton and Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) observations spanning 3-78 keV of the nearest radio galaxy, Centaurus A (Cen A). The accretion geometry around the central engine in Cen A is still debated, and we investigate possible configurations using detailed X-ray spectral modeling. NuSTAR imaged the central region of Cen A with subarcminute resolution at X-ray energies above 10 keV for the first time, but found no evidence for an extended source or other off-nuclear point sources. The XMM-Newton and NuSTAR spectra agree well and can be described with an absorbed power law with a photon index Gamma = 1.8150 +/- 0.005 and a fluorescent Fe Kaline in good agreement with literature values. The spectrum is greater than 1 MeV. A thermal Comptonization continuum describes the data well, with parameters that agree with values measured by INTEGRAL, in particular an electron temperature kTe between approximately 100-300 keV and seed photon input temperatures between 5 and 50 eV. We do not find evidence for reflection or a broad iron line and put stringent upper limits of R is less than 0.01 on the reflection fraction and accretion disk illumination. We use archival Chandra data to estimate the contribution from diffuse emission, extra-nuclear point sources, and the outer X-ray jet to the observed NuSTAR and XMM-Newton X-ray spectra and find the contribution to be negligible. We discuss different scenarios for the physical origin of the observed hard X-ray spectrum and conclude that the inner disk is replaced by an advection-dominated accretion flow or that the X-rays are dominated by synchrotron self-Compton emission from the inner regions of the radio jet or a combination thereof.

Galaxies: active - galaxies: individual (Centaurus↗

H2O(+) ions in comets: Comet Kohoutek (1973f) and comet Bradfield (1974b)

The image tube Cassegrain slit spectra of comet Kohoutek and Bradfield calibrated and reduced to relative intensities are discussed. Monochromatic changes in the surface brightness for various neutral and ionized molecules are determined. The intensities of C2 and CN decreased approximately four times faster than the intensity change for the H2O(+) features. It is shown that the excitation mechanism for the observed H2O(+) bands is by fluorescent scattering of the incident solar radiation. The effects of solar activity on the photoionization rate of H2O in a comet are discussed. Observations of another bright comet at the time of maximum solar activity are needed to determine changes in band intensities of comet tail ions due to solar activity.

Wehinger, P.↗

A study of the optical and ultraviolet spectral characteristics and of the circumstellar material around the new luminous blue variable WRA 751

The LBV characteristics of the new LBV candidate WRA 751 suggested by Hu et al. (1990) are studied in greater detail. A comparison is made with observational characteristics of the well-known LBVs Ag Car and HR Car using photometric and spectroscopic data of Hu et al. supplemented with an IUE spectrum and direct CCD images in H-alpha, blue, and red. It is found that the spectra of WRA 751 and HR Car discussed in this paper are similar to the minimum-phase spectrum of AG Car and therefore resemble the Of/WN 9 spectral type. The characteristics of the optical, near- and far-UV (IUE) spectra of the Fe II spectrum in these wavelength regions is due to continuum fluorescence. The H, He I, Fe II and forbidden Fe II emission lines are formed in different parts of the stars' envelopes, corresponding to their expanding velocities. It is concluded that WRA 751 has properties which fit well the LBV properties at minimum-brightness phase, and possesses circumstellar material with observational properties similar to those of the known LBVs AG Car and HR Car.

De Winter, D.↗

Investigation of Strain/Vorticity and Large-Scale Flow Structure in Turbulent Nonpremixed Jet Flames

Our study will use the microgravity environment to investigate the underlying flow structure of turbulent nonpremixed round jet flames. In particular, we aim to investigate the large-scale turbulent structure using planar laser Mie scattering (PLMS), and the strain rate and vorticity fields using particle image velocimetry (PIV). This work is motivated by recent studies in our laboratory that have led to several interesting observations of nominally momentum-driven turbulent nonpremixed planar flames. First of all, the organized large-scale turbulent structures that are observed in nonreacting planar jets may be substantially modified or suppressed in nonpremixed planar jet flames. Furthermore, a recent study using PIV and planar laser-induced fluorescence of OH has shown that in transitional and turbulent nonpremixed planar jet flames the presence of the flame seems to greatly influence the underlying vorticity and strain fields, as compared to nonreacting jets. For example, the reaction zones in the jet flames are strongly correlated with regions of high vorticity. A related study has demonstrated that vorticity is not correlated in the same way with either iso-scalar surfaces or scalar dissipation layers in nonreacting planar jets. Furthermore, the relationship between strain and the reaction zone appears to be modified by the presence of high levels of heat release. In particular, the strain rate field in planar jet flames exhibits a preferred direction of principal compressive strain that apparently is related to strong shear across the reaction zone. This preferred direction of strain was not observed in nonreacting jets. One of the major problems encountered when conducting these types of studies is that it is difficult to know to what extent buoyancy influences the results. Therefore, the microgravity environment provides us with an excellent opportunity to explore these issues without the complicating effects of buoyancy. This is particularly the case when studying flames that are transitional between laminar and turbulent states. For example, the strong correlation of vorticity with the reaction zone (discussed above) was observed in both transitional and turbulent planar flames, but the effect was stronger for the transitional case. To date, the reason for the presence of the vorticity-reaction zone correlation is not known, although vorticity production via baroclinic torque is a likely cause. The microgravity environment will allow us to specifically determine whether the vorticity is produced by baroclinic torque resulting from the flame density gradient acting with the hydrostatic pressure gradient.AAdditional details of the planned experiments are provided.

Clemens, N. T.↗

Orbiter BLT Flight Experiment Wind Tunnel Simulations: Nearfield Flowfield Imaging and Surface Thermography

This paper reports a series of wind tunnel tests simulating the near-field behavior of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Boundary Layer Transition Detailed Test Objective (BLT DTO) flight experiment. Hypersonic flow over a flat plate with an attached BLT DTO-shaped trip was tested in a Mach 10 wind tunnel. The sharp-leading-edge flat plate was oriented at an angle of 20 degrees with respect to the freestream flow, resulting in post-shock edge Mach number of approximately 4. The flowfield was visualized using nitric oxide (NO) planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF). Flow visualizations were performed at 10 Hz using a wide-field of view and high-resolution NO PLIF system. A lower spatial resolution and smaller field of view NO PLIF system visualized the flow at 500 kHz, which was fast enough to resolve unsteady flow features. At the lowest Reynolds number studied, the flow was observed to be laminar and mostly steady. At the highest Reynolds number, flow visualizations showed streak instabilities generated immediately downstream of the trip. These instabilities transitioned to unsteady periodic and spatially irregular structures downstream. Quantitative surface heating imagery was obtained using the Temperature Sensitive Paint (TSP) technique. Comparisons between the PLIF flow visualizations and TSP heating measurements show a strong correlation between flow patterns and surface heating trends.

Danehy, Paul M.↗

OH PLIF Visualization of the UVa Supersonic Combustion Experiment: Configuration A

Hydroxyl radical (OH) planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) measurements were performed in the University of Virginia supersonic combustion experiment. The test section was set up in configuration A, which includes a Mach 2 nozzle, combustor, and extender section. Hydrogen fuel was injected through an unswept compression ramp at two different equivalence ratios. Through the translation of the optical system and the use of two separate camera views, the entire optically accessible range of the combustor was imaged. Single-shot, average, and standard deviation images of the OH PLIF signal are presented at several streamwise locations. The results show the development of a highly turbulent flame structure and provide an experimental database to be used for numerical model assessment.

Johansen, Craig T.↗

XRF Characterization of MMOD Impact Damage

Introduction The Hypervelocity Impact Technology (HVIT) Group at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) has performed over 150 post flight MMOD inspections on returned space-ex-posed hardware and collected over 1,600 samples. Determination of the impactor source typically requires an analysis of the projectile residue in the damage feature. At this time, about 20% of the samples have been processed. Types of Samples Samples in the HVIT group collection can be classified into two types. Indirect (non-destructive) samples are produced when a pliable material (e.g., adhesive tape or dental mold) is inserted into an impact feature. With this type of sampling technique, crater material and (hopefully) projectile residue material is embedded in the sample media and can detected using further chemical characterizing techniques. Direct (destructive) sampling involves the in-tact extraction of material from the spacecraft and is done in a manner that the entire impact feature can be excised intact. This technique provides the greatest chance of successfully determining impactor source due to the entirety of the projectile remnants being present within the collected sample. Updated Projectile Residue Detection Techniques Previous assessments of projectile provenance have involved the use of samples that are first mounted in epoxy, sectioned to expose the crater interior, imaged with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), then any observed impactor residue was then analyzed using an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). This technique, while proven, may be supplemented with other types of elemental analysis techniques that can observe major element chemistry, in order to improve throughput of sample analysis. The Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at JSC, for example, operates a Bruker M4 Tornado micro-X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer, capable of creating elemental maps of areas around these small impact features in a couple of hours, with a spot size <20 μm. The potential advantage with this technique lies in sample preparation, as no polishing or conductive coatings are needed. Early trials attempted to deter-mine impactor composition by collecting spectra from intact samples by aiming the X-Rays directly into the impact feature, but the signal:noise ratio was too low for confident material identification. Sample preparation for XRF then relies on sectioning the samples parallel to the impactor trajectory in order to expose the largest area of subsurface damage possible, thus maximizing the signal from any small impactor remnants. Complementary to the use of XRF for sample analysis, ARES also houses a Nikon XTH 320 micro-X-Ray computed tomography (XCT). This instrument can be used to create 3D visualizations of impact damage for the determination of crater volumes and dimensions, as well as for the determination of the best place to section each sample for the subsequent XRF analysis.

J L Hyde↗

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Astrobiology

The presentations in this session are: 1. A Prototype Life Detection Chip 2. The Geology of Atlantis Basin, Mars, and Its Astrobiological Interest 3. Collecting Bacteria Together with Aerosols in the Martian Atmosphere by the FOELDIX Experimental Instrument Developed with a Nutrient Detector Pattern: Model Measurements of Effectivity 4. 2D and 3D X-ray Imaging of Microorganisms in Meteorites Using Complexity Analysis to Distinguish Field Images of Stromatoloids from Surrounding Rock Matrix in 3.45 Ga Strelley Pool Chert, Western Australia 4. Characterization of Two Isolates from Andean Lakes in Bolivia Short Time Scale Evolution of Microbiolites in Rapidly Receding Altiplanic Lakes: Learning How to Recognize Changing Signatures of Life 5. The Effect of Salts on Electrospray Ionization of Amino Acids in the Negative Mode 6. Determination of Aromatic Ring Number Using Multi-Channel Deep UV Native Fluorescence 7. Microbial D/H Fractionation in Extraterrestrial Materials: Application to Micrometeorites and Mars 8. Carbon Isotope Characteristics of Spring-fed Iron-precipitating Microbial Mats 9. Amino Acid Survival Under Ambient Martian Surface UV Lighting Extraction of Organic Molecules from Terrestrial Material: Quantitative Yields from Heat and Water Extractions 10. Laboratory Detection and Analysis of Organic Compounds in Rocks Using HPLC and XRD Methods 11. Thermal Decomposition of Siderite-Pyrite Assemblages: Implications for Sulfide Mineralogy in Martian Meteorite ALH84001 Carbonate Globules 12. Determination of the Three-Dimensional Morphology of ALH84001 and Biogenic MV-1 Magnetite: Comparison of Results from Electron Tomography and Classical Transmission Electron Microscopy 13. On the Possibility of a Crypto-Biotic Crust on Mars Based on Northern and Southern Ringed Polar Dune Spots 14. Comparative Planetology of the Terrestrial Inner Planets: Implications for Astrobiology 15. A Possible Europa Exobiology 16. A Possible Biogeochemical Model for Titan

Source record↗

Solar Control on Jupiter's Equatorial X-ray Emissions: 26-29 November 2003 XMM-Newton Observation

During November 26-29,2003 XMM-Newton observed X-ray emissions from Jupiter for 69 hours. The 0.7-2.0 keV X-ray disk of Jupiter is observed to be brightest at the subsolar point, and limb darkening is seen in the 0.2-2.0 keV and 0.7-2.0 keV images. We present simultaneous lightcurves of Jovian equatorial X-rays and solar X-rays measured by the GOES, SOHO/SEM, and TIMED/SEE satellites. The solar X-ray flares occurring on the Jupiter-facing side of the Sun are matched by corresponding features in the Jovian X- rays. These results support the hypothesis that X-ray emissions from Jovian low-latitudes are solar X-rays scattered and fluoresced from the planet's upper atmosphere, and confirm that the Sun directly controls the non-auroral X-rays fiom Jupiter's disk. Our study suggest that Jovian equatorial X-rays; during certain Jupiter phase, can be used to predict the occurrence of solar flare on the hemisphere of the Sun that is invisible to space weather satellites.

Bhardwaj, Anil↗

NASA Tech Briefs, December 2010

Topics include: Coherent Frequency Reference System for the NASA Deep Space Network; Diamond Heat-Spreader for Submillimeter-Wave Frequency Multipliers; 180-GHz I-Q Second Harmonic Resistive Mixer MMIC; Ultra-Low-Noise W-Band MMIC Detector Modules; 338-GHz Semiconductor Amplifier Module; Power Amplifier Module with 734-mW Continuous Wave Output Power; Multiple Differential-Amplifier MMICs Embedded in Waveguides; Rapid Corner Detection Using FPGAs; Special Component Designs for Differential-Amplifier MMICs; Multi-Stage System for Automatic Target Recognition; Single-Receiver GPS Phase Bias Resolution; Ultra-Wideband Angle-of-Arrival Tracking Systems; Update on Waveguide-Embedded Differential MMIC Amplifiers; Automation Framework for Flight Dynamics Products Generation; Product Operations Status Summary Metrics; Mars Terrain Generation; Application-Controlled Parallel Asynchronous Input/Output Utility; Planetary Image Geometry Library; Propulsion Design With Freeform Fabrication (PDFF); Economical Fabrication of Thick-Section Ceramic Matrix Composites; Process for Making a Noble Metal on Tin Oxide Catalyst; Stacked Corrugated Horn Rings; Refinements in an Mg/MgH2/H2O-Based Hydrogen Generator; Continuous/Batch Mg/MgH2/H2O-Based Hydrogen Generator; Strain System for the Motion Base Shuttle Mission Simulator; Ko Displacement Theory for Structural Shape Predictions; Pyrotechnic Actuator for Retracting Tubes Between MSL Subsystems; Surface-Enhanced X-Ray Fluorescence; Infrared Sensor on Unmanned Aircraft Transmits Time-Critical Wildfire Data; and Slopes To Prevent Trapping of Bubbles in Microfluidic Channels.

Source record↗

In-Situ Diagnostics of Carbon Nanotube Production by Laser Ablation

This presentation involves emission and laser induced fluorescence (LIP) data obtained during carbon nanotube production by double pulse laser oven method. Recent LIP data of nickel indicate longer decay (of the order of few milliseconds) of nickel atomic vapor. This contrasts with less than a millisecond decays of C2 and C3 observed in the plume. The possible role of nickel in the kinetics of carbon nanotube formation will be discussed. Evolution of the laser ablated plume is recorded as plume images which are correlated with the transient emission and LIP data

Arepalli, Sivaram↗

The Nature of Insoluble Organic Matter in Sutter’s Mill and Murchison Carbonaceous Chondrites: Testing the Effect of X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) and Exploring Parent Body Organic Molecular Evolution

This study analyzed samples of the Murchison and Sutter’s Mill carbonaceous chondrite meteorites in support of the future analysis of samples returned from the asteroid (10155) Bennu by the OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer) mission. Focusing specifically on the insoluble organic matter (IOM), this study establishes that a total of 1.3 g of bulk sample from a single chondritic meteorite is sufficient to obtain a wide range of cosmochemical information, including light element analysis (H, C, and N), isotopic analysis (D/H, 13 C/ 12 C, and 15 N/ 14 N), and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for major elemental abundances. IOM isolated from the bulk meteorite samples was analyzed by light element and isotopic analysis as described above, 1 H and 13 C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and complete noble gas analyses (abundances and isotopes). The samples studied included a pair from Murchison (CM2), one of which had been irradiated with high-energy X-rays in the course of computed tomographic imaging. No differences between the irradiated and non-irradiated Murchison samples were observed in the many different chemical and spectroscopic analyses, indicating that any X-ray–derived sample damage is below levels of detection. Elemental, isotopic, and molecular spectroscopic data derived from IOM isolated from the Sutter’s Mill sample reveals evidence that this meteorite falls into the class of heated CM chondrites.

planetary science↗

Spectral imaging of the Orion Bar at 6.2 and 7.8 microns

We have obtained images of the Orion Bar region through narrow-band filters at 6.2 and 7.8 mu m to determine whether the emission observed at these wavelengths arises from C-C modes in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's). Morphologically, the distribution of the emissions are similar, but appear different in detail. Quantitative comparisons of these band intensities with previous data at 8.4 and 11.3 mu m indicates that they are indeed consistent with emission from fluorescently excited PAH molecules.

Bregman, Jesse↗

Discovery of Oxygen Kalpha X-ray Emission from the Rings of Saturn

Using the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS), the Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO) observed the Saturnian system for one rotation of the planet (approx.37 ks) on 20 January, 2004, and again on 26-27 January, 2004. In this letter we report the detection of X-ray emission from the rings of Saturn. The X-ray spectrum from the rings is dominated by emission in a narrow (approx.130 eV wide) energy band centered on the atomic oxygen Ka fluorescence line at 0.53 keV. The X-ray power emitted from the rings in the 0.49-0.62 keV band is about one-third of that emitted from Saturn disk in the photon energy range 0.24-2.0 keV. Our analysis also finds a clear detection of X-ray emission from the rings in the 0.49-0.62 keV band in an earlier (14-15 April, 2003) Chandra ACIS observation of Saturn. Fluorescent scattering of solar X-rays from oxygen atoms in the H20 icy ring material is the likely source mechanism for ring X-rays, consistent with the scenario of solar photo-production of a tenuous ring oxygen atmosphere and ionosphere recently discovered by Cassini.

Bhardwaj, Anil↗

EUVE survey observations of the moon

Preliminary survey images of the moon obtained by the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer and results of data analysis are presented. The preliminary results indicate that the brightness of the moon varies little from observation to observation. Early results also show that the lunar albedo closely matches the relative reflectivity of mineral found on the moon's surface. Further studies are conducted during the spectroscopy phase of the EUVE mission to confirm current results regarding the presence of X-ray fluorescence in the data.

Mcdonald, J. S.↗

Monitoring Delamination of Thermal Barrier Coatings by Near-Infrared and Upconversion Luminescence Imaging

Previous work has demonstrated that TBC delamination can be monitored by incorporating a thin luminescent sublayer that produces greatly increased luminescence intensity from delaminated regions of the TBC. Initial efforts utilized visible-wavelength luminescence from either europium or erbium doped sublayers. This approach exhibited good sensitivity to delamination of electron-beam physical-vapor-deposited (EB-PVD) TBCs, but limited sensitivity to delamination of the more highly scattering plasma-sprayed TBCs due to stronger optical scattering and to interference by luminescence from rare-earth impurities. These difficulties have now been overcome by new strategies employing near-infrared (NIR) and upconversion luminescence imaging. NIR luminescence at 1550 nm was produced in an erbium plus ytterbium co-doped yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) luminescent sublayer using 980-nm excitation. Compared to visible-wavelength luminescence, these NIR emission and excitation wavelengths are much more weakly scattered by the TBC and therefore show much improved depth-probing capabilities. In addition, two-photon upconversion luminescence excitation at 980 nm wavelength produces luminescence emission at 562 nm with near-zero fluorescence background and exceptional contrast for delamination indication. The ability to detect TBC delamination produced by Rockwell indentation and by furnace cycling is demonstrated for both EB-PVD and plasma-sprayed TBCs. The relative strengths of the NIR and upconversion luminescence methods for monitoring TBC delamination are discussed.

Eldridge, J. I.↗

Modeling and Measuring Charge-Sharing in Hard X-ray Imagers Using HEXITEC CdTe Detectors

The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory's HEXITEC ASIC has been designed to provide fine pixelated X-ray spectroscopic imaging in combination with a CdTe or CZT detector layer. Although HEXITEC's small pixels enable higher spatial resolution as well as higher spectral resolution via the small-pixel effect, they also increase the probability of charge sharing, a process which degrades spectral performance by dividing the charge induced by a single photon among multiple pixels. In this paper, we investigate the effect of this process on a continuum X-ray spectrum below the Cd and Te fluorescence energies (23 keV). This is done by comparing laboratory measurements with simulations performed with a custom designed model of the HEXITEC ASIC. We find that the simulations closely match the observations implying that we have an adequate understanding of both charge sharing and the HEXITEC ASIC itself. These results can be used to predict the distortion of a spectrum measured with HEXITEC and will help determine to what extent it can be corrected. They also show that models like this one are important tools in developing and interpreting observations from ASICs like HEXITEC.

Ryan, Daniel F.↗