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At least 523 records · Page 29

Magnetohydrodynamics of atmospheric transients. I - Basic results of two-dimensional plane analyses

The dynamic behavior of transients in a stratified atmosphere in the presence of a magnetic field is investigated with the two-dimensional plane formulation, i.e., the formulation in which variations of the flow and magnetic field are confined within a plane. It is pointed out that, in the plane formulation, the noncompressible transverse waves (often called the Alfven waves) are excluded. The compressible responses of the atmosphere are then examined with a temperature perturbation (simulating a sudden local release of energy by a flare) as functions of the configuration of magnetic field and field strength. It is shown that (1) in the open (mostly radial) magnetic field, the propagation of 'bubble-like' density enhancements, the coronal transients, result; while (2) in the closed (mostly azimuthal) field, the density enhancement forms a pair of 'horns' near the foot points of field lines similar to that often observed by coronagraphs after flares. Discussions in interpreting the results in terms of the anisotropic propagation of the fast and slow waves (or shocks) are presented together with consideration of possible consequences with the inclusion of the transverse waves.

Nakagawa, Y.↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of the calcaneus: preliminary assessment of trabecular bone-dependent regional variations in marrow relaxation time compared with dual X-ray absorptiometry

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Marrow transverse relaxation time (T2*) in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may be related to the density and structure of the surrounding trabecular network. We investigated regional variations of T2* in the human calcaneus and compared the findings with bone mineral density (BMD), as measured by dual X-ray absorpiometry (DXA). Short- and long-term precisions were evaluated first to determine whether MR imaging would be useful for the clinical assessment of disease status and progression in osteoporosis. METHODS: Gradient-recalled echo MR images of the calcaneus were acquired at 1.5 T from six volunteers. Measurements of T2* were compared with BMD and (for one volunteer) conventional radiography. RESULTS: T2* values showed significant regional variation; they typically were shortest in the superior region of the calcaneus. There was a linear correlation between MR and DXA measurements (r = .66 for 1/T2* versus BMD). Differences in T2* attributable to variations in analysis region-of-interest placement were not significant for five of the six volunteers. Sagittal MR images had short- and long-term precision errors of 4.2% and 3.3%, respectively. For DXA, the precision was 1.3% (coefficient of variation). CONCLUSION: MR imaging may be useful for trabecular bone assessment in the calcaneus. However, given the large regional variations in bone density and structure, the choice of an ROI is likely to play a major role in the accuracy, precision, and overall clinical efficacy of T2* measurements.

Non-NASA Center↗

Earth's magnetic field

Dipole field, magnetosphere, quiet day geomagnetic variations, dynamo theory for ionosphere origin, and other topics related to earth magnetic field

MAGNETOSPHERE↗

Whole Earth Telescope observations of V471 Tauri - The nature of the white dwarf variations

Time-series photometric observations of the binary star V471 Tauri were conducted using the Whole Earth Telescope observing network. The purpose was to determine the mechanism responsible for causing the 555 and 277 s periodic luminosity variations exhibited by the white dwarf in this binary. Previous observers have proposed that either g-mode pulsations or rotation of an accreting magnetic white dwarf could cause the variations, but were unable to decide which was the correct model. The present observations have answered this question. Learning the cause of the white dwarf variations has been possible because of the discovery of a periodic signal at 562 s in the Johnson U-band flux of the binary. By identifying this signal as reprocessed radiation and using its phase to infer the phase of the shorter wavelength radiation which produces it, made it possible to compare the phase of the 555 s U-band variations to the phase of the X-ray variations. It was found that U-band maximum coincides with X-ray minimum. From this result it was concluded that the magnetic rotator model accurately describes the variations observed, but that models involving g-mode pulsations do not.

Clemens, J. C.↗

A Time-Distance Helioseismology Method for Quasi-Linear Geometries

Helioseismology is the study of the solar interior, through which we extract flow and wave-speed information from Doppler velocity observations at the surface. Local helioseismology involves the study of small regions on the solar disk and is used to create a detailed picture of the interior in that particular region. Perturbations in the flow and wave-speed results indicate, e.g. magnetic-flux or temperature variations. There are multiple methods used in local-helioseismic research, but all current local-helioseismic techniques assume a point-source perturbation. For this study, we develop a new time-distance (TD) helioseismic methodology that can exploit the quasi-linear geometry of an elongated feature, allowing us to i) improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the TD results, and ii) greatly decrease the number of calculations required and therefore the computing time of the TD analysis. Ultimately, the new method will allow us to investigate solar features with magnetic-field configurations previously unexplored. We validate our new technique using a simple F-mode wave simulation, comparing results of point-source and linear perturbations. Results indicate that local-helioseismic analysis is dependent on the geometry of the system and can be improved by taking the magnetic-field configuration into account.

Hess Webber, Shea A.↗

The Effect of Magnetic Fields on Gamma-Ray Bursts Inferred from Multi-Wavelength Observations of the Bursts of 23 January 1999

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are thought to arise when an extremely relativistic outflow of particles from a massive explosion (the nature at which is still unclear) interacts with material surrounding the site of the explosion. Observations of the evolving changes in emission at many wavelengths allow us to investigate the origin of the photons, and so potentially determine the nature of the explosion. Here we report the results of gamma-ray, optical, infrared, submillimeter, millimeter and radio observations of the burst ORB990123 and its afterglow. Our interpretation of the data indicates that the initial and afterglow emissions are associated with three distinct regions in the fireball. The peak flux of the afterglow, one day after the burst, has a lower frequency than observed for other bursts; this explains the short-lived radio emission. We suggest that the differences between bursts reflect variations in the magnetic-field strength in the afterglow-emitting regions.

Galama, T. J.↗

The Substorm Cycle as Reproduced by Global MHD Models

Recently, Gordeev et al. (2015) suggested a method to test global MHD models against statistical empirical data. They showed that four community-available global MHD models supported by the Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC) produce a reasonable agreement with reality for those key parameters (the magnetospheric size, magnetic field, and pressure) that are directly related to the large-scale equilibria in the outer magnetosphere. Based on the same set of simulation runs, here we investigate how the models reproduce the global loading-unloading cycle. We found that in terms of global magnetic flux transport, three examined CCMC models display systematically different response to idealized2 h north then 2 h south interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz variation. The LFM model shows a depressed return convection and high loading rate during the growth phase as well as enhanced return convection and high unloading rate during the expansion phase, with the amount of loaded unloaded magnetotail flux and the growth phase duration being the closest to their observed empirical values during isolated substorms. Two other models exhibit drastically different behavior. In the BATS-R-US model the plasma sheet convection shows a smooth transition to the steady convection regime after the IMF southward turning. In the Open GGCM a weak plasma sheet convection has comparable intensities during both the growth phase and the following slow unloading phase. We also demonstrate potential technical problem in the publicly available simulations which is related to post processing interpolation and could affect the accuracy of magnetic field tracing and of other related procedures.

Gordeev, E.↗

Accretion shock geometries in the magnetic variables

The first self consistent shock models for the AM Herculis-type systems successfully identified the dominant physical processes and their signatures. These homogenous shock models predict unpolarized, Rayleigh-Jeans optical spectra with sharp cutoffs and rising polarizations as the shocks become optically thin in the ultraviolet. However, the observed energy distributions are generally flat with intermediate polarizations over a broad optical band. These and other observational evidence support a non-homogenous accretion profile which may extend over a considerable fraction of the stellar surface. Both the fundamental assumptions underlying the canonical 1-D shock model and the extension of this model to inhomogenous accretion shocks were identified, for both radial and linear structures. The observational evidence was also examined for tall shocks and little evidence was found for relative shock heights in excess of h/R(1) greater than or equal to 0.1. For several systems, upper limits to the shock height can be obtained from either x ray or optical data. These lie in the region h/R(1) is approximately 0.01 and are in general agreement with the current physical picture for these systems. The quasi-periodic optical variations observed in several magnetic variables may eventually prove to be a major aid in further understanding their accretion shock geometries.

Stockman, H. S.↗

Global exospheric temperatures and densities under active solar conditions

Temperatures measured by the OGO-6 satellite using the 6300 A airglow spectrum are compared with temperatures derived from total densities and N2 densities. It is shown that while the variation of the total densities with latitude and magnetic activity agree well with values used for CIRA (1972), the temperature behavior is very different. While the temperatures derived from the N2 density were in much better agreement there were several important differences which radically affect the pressure gradients. The variation of temperature with magnetic activity indicated a seasonal and local time effect and also a latitude and delay time variation different from previous density derived temperatures. A new magnetic index is proposed that is better correlated with the observed temperatures. The temperature variations at high latitudes were examined for three levels of magnetic activity for both solstices and equinox conditions. A temperature maximum in the pre-midnight sector and a minimum in the noon sector were noted and seasonal and geomagnetic time and latitude effects discussed. Neutral temperature, density, pressure and boundary oxygen variations for the great storm of March 8, 1970 are presented.

Wydra, B. J.↗

Analysis of the Variation of Energetic Electron Flux with Respect to Longitude and Distance Normal to the Magnetic Equatorial Plane for Galileo Energetic Particle Detector Data

In this study we examine ten-minute omni-directional averages of energetic electron data measured by the Galileo spacecraft Energetic Particle Detector (EPD). Count rates from electron channels B1, DC2, and DC3 are evaluated using a power law model to yield estimates of the differential electron fluxes from 1 MeV to 11 MeV at distances between 8 and 51 Jupiter radii. Whereas the orbit of the Galileo spacecraft remained close to the rotational equatorial plane of Jupiter, the approximately 11 degree tilt of the magnetic axis of Jupiter relative to its rotational axis allowed the EPD instrument to sample high energy electrons at limited distances normal to the magnetic equatorial plane. We present a Fourier analysis of the semi-diurnal variation of electron fluxes with longitude.

synchrotron radiation↗

Magnetic connection for Saturn's rings and atmosphere

Latitudinal variations in images of Saturn's disk, upper atmospheric temperatures, and ionospheric electron densities are found in magnetic conjugacy with features in Saturn's ring plane. It is proposed that these latitudinal variations are the result of a variable influx of water transported along magnetic field lines from sources in Saturn's ring plane. These features are thus the surface expression of an electromagnetic erosion mechanism which transports water (in the form of high charge-to-mass ratio particles) from the rings to the atmosphere.

Connerney, J. E. P.↗

IUE observations of magnetically controlled stellar winds in the helium peculiar stars

Dramatic periodic variations in the C IV resonance lines of magnetic helium-weak sn stars HD 5737 = alpha Scl, HD 21699 = HR 1063, and HD 79158 = 36 Lyn are discussed. In all three cases, the 1548,50 doublet is the only non-negligibly variable UV spectral feature. The line profiles are consistent with outflow in a jet-like structure. In HD 21699 this outflow arises from one of the magnetic polar regions. Observations of two additional He-wk sn stars do not reveal strong C IV absorption, implying that the UV characteristics of these stars are less uniform than the optical phenomenology.

Shore, Steven N.↗

A three-dimensional time-dependent model of the plasmasphere

A three-dimensional, time-dependent, nonlinear, hydrodynamic model of the plasmasphere has been developed which includes the self-consistent coupling of conjugate hemispheres within the plasmasphere as well as the effects of cross-L drifts due to convection electric fields. The inner region of the plasmasphere was modeled from an L of 1.5 to an L of 3.5 to 4.5, depending on local time. In this first study of the global plasmasphere, the model was run for solar minimum conditions until diurnally reproducible results were obtained, indicating that the plasmasphere was fully filled. The results of the model were then compared with applicable measurements of the plasmasphere. It was found that the model tends to overestimate densities somewhat, although it is within a factor of 2 of an average of June and December whistler observations. The model predicts densities within a factor of 2 of most of the satellite observations as well. As anticipated, the diurnal variation of the plasmasphere was found to depend on magnetic latitude. At low latitudes the diurnal variation in density was relatively small, with the largest densities occurring in the afternoon time sector. However, near the plasmapause, the effects of changes in volume of drifting tubes of plasma due to cross-L drifts led to a factor of 3 variation in equatorial density, with the highest densities occurring near local midnight where the volume was lowest. Various limitations of the current model and suggested improvements are also discussed.

Rasmussen, C. E.↗

Continental and oceanic magnetic anomalies: Enhancement through GRM

In contrast to the POGO and MAGSAT satellites, the Geopotential Research Mission (GRM) satellite system will orbit at a minimum elevation to provide significantly better resolved lithospheric magnetic anomalies for more detailed and improved geologic analysis. In addition, GRM will measure corresponding gravity anomalies to enhance our understanding of the gravity field for vast regions of the Earth which are largely inaccessible to more conventional surface mapping. Crustal studies will greatly benefit from the dual data sets as modeling has shown that lithospheric sources of long-wavelength magnetic anomalies frequently involve density variations which may produce detectable gravity anomalies at satellite elevations. Furthermore, GRM will provide an important replication of lithospheric magnetic anomalies as an aid to identifying and extracting these anomalies from satellite magnetic measurements. The potential benefits to the study of the origin and characterization of the continents and oceans, that may result from the increased GRM resolution are examined.

Vonfrese, R. R. B.↗

Continental and oceanic magnetic anomalies: Enhancement through GRM

In contrast to the POGO and MAGSAT satellites, the Geopotential Research Mission (GRM) satellite system will orbit at a minimum elevation to provide significantly better resolved lithospheric magnetic anomalies for more detailed and improved geologic analysis. In addition, GRM will measure corresponding gravity anomalies to enhance our understanding of the gravity field for vast regions of the Earth which are largely inaccessible to more conventional surface mapping. Crustal studies will greatly benefit from the dual data sets as modeling has shown that lithospheric sources of long wavelength magnetic anomalies frequently involve density variations which may produce detectable gravity anomalies at satellite elevations. Furthermore, GRM will provide an important replication of lithospheric magnetic anomalies as an aid to identifying and extracting these anomalies from satellite magnetic measurements. The potential benefits to the study of the origin and characterization of the continents and oceans, that may result from the increased GRM resolution are examined.

Vonfrese, R. R. B.↗

Magnetic field mapper

Magnetic field mapper locates imperfections in cadmium sulphide solar cells by detecting and displaying the variations of the normal component of the magnetic field resulting from current density variations. It can also inspect for nonuniformities in other electrically conductive materials.

Masters, R. M.↗