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At least 55 records · Page 3

Solar Flare Termination Shock and the Synthetic Fe XXI 1354.08 Å Line

Solar flares are one of the most energetic phenomena occurred in the solar system. In the standard solar flare model, a fast mode shock, which is often referred to as the flare termination shock (TS), can exist above the loop-top source of hard X-ray emissions. The existence of the termination shock has been recently related to spectral hardening of flare hard X-ray spectrum at energies > 300 keV. Observations of the Fe XXI 1354.08 Å line during solar flares by the IRIS spacecraft have found significant redshift with >100 km/s, which is consistent with a reconnection downflow. The ability to identify such a redshift by IRIS is made possible by IRIS's high time resolution, high spatial resolution, high sensitivity and cadence spectral observations. The ability to identify such a redshift by IRIS suggests that one may be able to use IRIS observations to identify flare termination shocks. Using a MHD simulation to model magnetic reconnection of a solar flare and assuming the existence of a TS in the downflow of the reconnection plasma, we model the synthetic emission of the Fe XXI 1354.08 Å line in this work. We show that the existence of the TS in the solar flare may manifest itself from the Fe XXI 1354.08 Å line.Plain Language SummaryA solar flare is a brief eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface, associated with sunspots and causing electromagnetic disturbances on the earth, as with radio frequency communications and power line transmissions. The standard solar flare model proposes that magnetic reconnection drives solar flares and fast mode shock, which is often referred to as the flare termination shock (TS), can exist at the reconnection outflows. The existence of the termination shock has been recently related to spectral hardening of flare hard X-ray spectrum.

Guo, Lijia↗

High spatial resolution IR observations of young stellar objects - A possible disk surrounding HL Tauri

High spatial resolution images of the T Tauri star HL Tau were obtained at 1.6 microns and 2.2 microns. The original images as well as maximum entropy image reconstructions reveal a circumstellar envelope structure, similar at both wavelenghts, and extended along P.A. = 112 deg; the 10 percent width of the structure is 1.9 sec (300 AU at 160 pc). The extended structure is interpreted as light scattered toward earth by dust in a disk surrounding this young stellar object. Polarization measurements made at 2.2 microns support this hypothesis. The total solid particle mass is, at minimum, 5 x 10 to the -7th solar mass.

Grasdalen, G. L.↗

Developing high-resolution spatial data of migration corridors for avian species of concern in regions of high potential wind development

The future of the US economy, our national security, and our environmental quality all depend on decreasing our reliance on foreign oil and on fossil fuels. An essential component of decreasing this reliance is the development of alternative energy sources. Wind power is among the most important alternative energy sources currently available, and the mid-Atlantic region is a primary focus for wind power development. In addition to being important to the development of wind power, the mid-Atlantic region holds a special responsibility for the conservation of the eastern North America's golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). This small population breeds in northeastern Canada, winters in the southern Appalachians, and nearly all of these birds pass through the mid-Atlantic region twice each year. Movement of these birds is not random and, particularly during spring and autumn, migrating golden eagles concentrate in a narrow 30-50 mile wide corridor in central Pennsylvania. Thus, because the fate of these rare birds may depend on responsible management of the habitat they use it is critical to use research to identify ways to mitigate prospective impacts on this and similar raptor species. The goal of this project was to develop high-resolution spatial risk maps showing migration corridors of and habitat use by eastern golden eagles in regions of high potential for wind development. To accomplish this, we first expanded existing models of raptor migration for the eastern USA to identify broad-scale migration patterns. We then used data from novel high-resolution tracking devices to discover routes of passage and detailed flight behavior of individual golden eagles throughout the eastern USA. Finally, we integrated these data and models to predict population-level migration patterns and individual eagle flight behavior on migration. We then used this information to build spatially explicit, probabilistic maps showing relative risk to birds from wind development. This project has numerous benefits to people and to wildlife, primarily because it will provide a framework for safer and less controversial development of wind power. Because golden eagles are an important "umbrella" for other raptors, this project benefits a suite of species that may be impacted by wind turbines. Finally this work is a recognized priority for central Appalachian states and it is explicitly called for in, and meets the goals of, numerous state wildlife conservation plans. The final product we created, a region-wide map of relative risk to eagles of development of wind power, has allowed us to make specific recommendations regarding siting and operation of and mitigation at wind facilities. This approach also serves as a model for other projects to protect eagles in other places and to conserve suites of species beyond raptors.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

High Spatial Resolution Airborne Multispectral Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing Data for Analysis of Urban Landscape Characteristics

We have used airborne multispectral thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing data collected at a high spatial resolution (i.e., 10m) over several cities in the United States to study thermal energy characteristics of the urban landscape. These TIR data provide a unique opportunity to quantify thermal responses from discrete surfaces typical of the urban landscape and to identify both the spatial arrangement and patterns of thermal processes across the city. The information obtained from these data is critical to understanding how urban surfaces drive or force development of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, which exists as a dome of elevated air temperatures that presides over cities in contrast to surrounding non-urbanized areas. The UHI is most pronounced in the summertime where urban surfaces, such as rooftops and pavement, store solar radiation throughout the day, and release this stored energy slowly after sunset creating air temperatures over the city that are in excess of 2-4'C warmer in contrast with non-urban or rural air temperatures. The UHI can also exist as a daytime phenomenon with surface temperatures in downtown areas of cities exceeding 38'C. The implications of the UHI are significant, particularly as an additive source of thermal energy input that exacerbates the overall production of ground level ozone over cities. We have used the Airborne Thermal and Land Applications Sensor (ATLAS), flown onboard a Lear 23 jet aircraft from the NASA Stennis Space Center, to acquire high spatial resolution multispectral TIR data (i.e., 6 bandwidths between 8.2-12.2 (um) over Huntsville, Alabama, Atlanta, Georgia, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Sacramento, California. These TIR data have been used to produce maps and other products, showing the spatial distribution of heating and cooling patterns over these cities to better understand how the morphology of the urban landscape affects development of the UHI. In turn, these data have been used by government officials, urban planners, and other decision-makers, to make more informed decisions on how to mitigate the UHI and its subsequent impacts.

Quattrochi, Dale A.↗

Feasibility study of a high-spatial resolution x-ray computed tomography using sub-pixel shift method

A high-spatial resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) adopting a sub-pixel shift method has been developed. By calculating sectional images, using plural CT datasets obtained by scanning the X-ray imager, the spatial resolution can be reduced relative to the sub-pixel size of an X-ray imager. Feasibility observations of a biomedical sample were performed using 12-keV monochromatic synchrotron radiation and a photon-counting X-ray imager 174-μm pixels in size. Four CT measurements were performed to obtain datasets at different positions of the X-ray imager. Fine sectional images were obtained successfully, and the spatial resolution was estimated as 80-μm, which corresponds to just under half the pixel size of the imager. In addition, a fine 3D image was also obtained by scanning the imager two-dimensionally.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

High-Spatial-Resolution OH and CH2O PLIF Visualization in a Dual-Mode Scramjet Combustor

A high-spatial-resolution planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) imaging system was constructed and used to image a cavity-stabilized, premixed ethylene-air flame. The flame was created within a continuous flow, electrically-heated supersonic combustion facility consisting of a Mach 2 nozzle, an isolator with flush-wall fuel injectors, a combustor with a cavity flameholder of height 9 mm and optical access, and an extender. Tests were conducted at total temperature 1200 K, total pressure 300 kPa, equivalence ratio near 0.4 in the combustor, and Mach number near 0.6 in the combustor. A frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser pumped a dye laser, which produced light at 283.55 nm. The beam was shaped into a light sheet with full width half-maximum 25 microns, which illuminated a streamwise plane that bisected the cavity. An intensified camera system imaged OH in this plane with a square 6.67 mm field of view and in-plane resolution 39 microns. Images were taken between the backward-facing step and 120 mm downstream of the step. OH structures as small as 110 microns were observed. CH2O was excited using 352.48 nm light; the smallest observed CH2O structures were approximately 200 microns wide. Approximately 15,000 images per species were processed and used to compute composite images.

Geipel, Clayton M.↗

High-Spatial-Resolution OH PLIF Visualization in a Cavity-Stabilized Ethylene-Air Turbulent Flame

High-spatial-resolution OH planar laser-induced fluorescence was measured for a premixed ethylene-air turbulent flame in an electrically-heated Mach 2 continuous-flow facility (University of Virginia Supersonic Combustion Facility, Configuration E.) The facility comprised a Mach 2 nozzle, an isolator with flush-wall fuel injectors, a combustor with optical access, and an extender. The flame was anchored at a cavity flameholder with a backward-facing step of height 9 mm. The temperature-insensitive Q1(8) transition of OH was excited using laser light of wavelength 283.55 nm. A spatial filter was used to create a laser sheet approximately 25 microns thick based on full-width at half maximum (FWHM). Extension tubes increased the magnification of an intensified camera system, achieving in-plane resolution of 40 microns based on a 50% modulation transfer function (MTF). The facility was tested with total temperature 1200 K, total pressure 300 kPa, local fuel/air equivalence ratios of approximately 0.4, and local Mach number of approximately 0.73 in the combustor. A test case with reduced total temperature and another with reduced equivalence ratio were also tested. PLIF images were acquired along a streamwise plane bisecting the cavity flameholder, from the backward facing step to 120 mm downstream of the step. The smallest observed features in the flow had width of approximately 110 microns. Flame surface density was calculated for OH PLIF images.

Geipel, Clayton M.↗

Measurement Sets and Sites Commonly Used for High Spatial Resolution Image Product Characterization

Scientists within NASA's Applied Sciences Directorate have developed a well-characterized remote sensing Verification & Validation (V&V) site at the John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC). This site has enabled the in-flight characterization of satellite high spatial resolution remote sensing system products form Space Imaging IKONOS, Digital Globe QuickBird, and ORBIMAGE OrbView, as well as advanced multispectral airborne digital camera products. SSC utilizes engineered geodetic targets, edge targets, radiometric tarps, atmospheric monitoring equipment and their Instrument Validation Laboratory to characterize high spatial resolution remote sensing data products. This presentation describes the SSC characterization capabilities and techniques in the visible through near infrared spectrum and examples of calibration results.

Pagnutti, Mary↗

High-spatial-resolution mapping of catalytic reactions on single particles

We report the critical role in surface reactions and heterogeneous catalysis of metal atoms with low coordination numbers, such as found at atomic steps and surface defects, is firmly established. But despite the growing availability of tools that enable detailed in situ characterization, so far it has not been possible to document this role directly. Surface properties can be mapped with high spatial resolution, and catalytic conversion can be tracked with a clear chemical signature; however, the combination of the two, which would enable high-spatial-resolution detection of reactions on catalytic surfaces, has rarely been achieved. Single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy has been used to image and characterize single turnover sites at catalytic surfaces, but is restricted to reactions that generate highly fluorescing product molecules. Herein the chemical conversion of N-heterocyclic carbene molecules attached to catalytic particles is mapped using synchrotron-radiation-based infrared nanospectroscopy with a spatial resolution of 25 nanometres, which enabled particle regions that differ in reactivity to be distinguished. Lastly, these observations demonstrate that, compared to the flat regions on top of the particles, the peripheries of the particles-which contain metal atoms with low coordination numbers-are more active in catalysing oxidation and reduction of chemically active groups in surface-anchored N-heterocyclic carbene molecules.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

High Spatial Resolution Mid-IR Imaging of V838 Monocerotis: Evidence of New Circumstellar Dust Creation

We report high spatial resolution 11.2 and 18.1 mm imaging of V838 Monocerotis obtained with Gemini Observatory's Michelle instrument in 2007 March. Strong emission is observed from the unresolved stellar core of V838 Mon in our Gemini imagery and is confirmed by Spitzer MIPS 24 micron imaging obtained in 2007 April. The 2007 flux density of the unresolved mid-infrared emission component is approx.2 times brighter than that observed in 2004. No clear change in the net amount of 24 mm extended emission is observed between the 2004 and 2007 epoch Spitzer imagery. We interpret these data as evidence that V838 Mon has experienced a new circumstellar dust creation event. We suggest that this newly created dust has condensed from the expanding ejecta produced from V838 Mon's 2002 outburst events and is most likely clumpy. We speculate that one (or more) of these clumps might have passed through the line of sight in late 2006, producing the brief multiwavelength photometric event reported by H. Bond in 2006 and U. Munari et al. in 2007b. We detect no evidence of extended emission above a level of approx.1 mJy at 11.2 microns and approx.7 mJy at 18.1 microns over radial distances of 1860-93,000 AU (0.3" - 15.0") from the central source. Using the simple assumption that ejecta material expands at a constant velocity of 300-500 km/s, this gap of thermal emission suggests that no significant prior circumstellar dust production events have occurred within the past approx.900-1500 yr.

Wisniewski, John P.↗

High Spatial Resolution MRI of Cystic Adventitial Disease of the Iliofemoral Vein Communicating with the Hip Joint

Venous cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is an extremely rare entity, and so far less than 20 cases have been described in the literature. Herein, we describe the imaging findings of CAD of iliofemoral vein in a 51-year-old woman who presented with leg swelling with special emphasis on high spatial resolution MRI, which demonstrated communication of the cyst with the hip joint. To our knowledge, this is the first description of high spatial resolution MRI findings in venous CAD supporting a new theory about the pathogenesis of venous CAD.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

COMPLEX ORGANIC MOLECULES AT HIGH SPATIAL RESOLUTION TOWARD ORION-KL. II. KINEMATICS

It has recently been suggested that chemical processing can shape the spatial distributions of complex molecules in the Orion-KL region and leads to the nitrogen-oxygen 'chemical differentiation' seen in previous observations of this source. Orion-KL is a very dynamic region, and it is therefore also possible that physical conditions can shape the molecular distributions in this source. Only high spatial resolution observations can provide the information needed to disentangle these effects. Here, we present millimeter imaging studies of Orion-KL at various beam sizes using the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy. We compare molecular images with high spatial resolution images that trace the temperature, density, and kinematics of the source in order to investigate the effects of physical conditions on molecular distributions. These observations were conducted at {lambda} = 3 mm and included transitions of ethyl cyanide [C{sub 2}H{sub 5}CN], methyl formate [HCOOCH{sub 3}], formic acid [HCOOH], acetone [(CH{sub 3}){sub 2}CO], SiO, and methanol [CH{sub 3}OH]. We find differences in the molecular distributions as a function of each of the aforementioned physical factors. These results indicate that acetone may be produced by chemical processing and is robust to large changes in physical conditions, while formic acid is readily destroyed by gas-phase processing in warm and dense regions. We also find that while the spatial distributions of ethyl cyanide and methyl formate are not distinct as is suggested by the concept of 'chemical differentiation', local physical conditions shape the small-scale emission structure for these species.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Science with High Spatial Resolution Far-Infrared Data

The goal of this workshop was to discuss new science and techniques relevant to high spatial resolution processing of far-infrared data, with particular focus on high resolution processing of IRAS data. Users of the maximum correlation method, maximum entropy, and other resolution enhancement algorithms applicable to far-infrared data gathered at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC) for two days in June 1993 to compare techniques and discuss new results. During a special session on the third day, interested astronomers were introduced to IRAS HIRES processing, which is IPAC's implementation of the maximum correlation method to the IRAS data. Topics discussed during the workshop included: (1) image reconstruction; (2) random noise; (3) imagery; (4) interacting galaxies; (5) spiral galaxies; (6) galactic dust and elliptical galaxies; (7) star formation in Seyfert galaxies; (8) wavelet analysis; and (9) supernova remnants.

Terebey, Susan↗

Seismic Study of the Subsurface Structure and Dynamics of the Solar Interior from High Spatial Resolution Observations

We have carried out the data reduction and analysis of Mt. Wilson 60' solar tower high spatial resolution observations. The reduction of the 100-day-long summer of 1990 observation campaign in terms of rotational splittings was completed leading to an excess of 600,000 splittings. The analysis of these splittings lead to a new inference of the solar internal rotation rate as a function of depth and latitude.

Korzennik, Sylvain G.↗

The NanoSIMS-HR: The Next Generation of High Spatial Resolution Dynamic SIMS

The high lateral resolution and sensitivity of the NanoSIMS 50 and 50L series of dynamic SIMS instruments have enabled numerous scientific advances over the past 25 years. Here, in this study, we report on the NanoSIMS-HR, the first major upgrade to the series, and analytical tests in a suite of sample types, including an aluminum sample containing silicon crystals, microalgae, and plant roots colonized with a symbiotic fungus. Significant improvements have been made in the Cs + ion source, high voltage (HV) control, stage reproducibility, and other aspects of the instrument that affect performance. The modified design of the NanoSIMS-HR thermal-ionization Cs + source enables a 5 pA primary ion beam to be focused into a 100 nm spot, a ~2.5-fold increase compared to Cs + sources on previous instruments (~2 pA at 100 nm). The brightness of the new Cs + source enables an ultimate lateral resolution as high as 30 nm and improved detection limits for a given analysis area. Sample stage movement accuracy is higher than 500 nm, enabling many-fold higher throughput automated analyses. With the new HV control, the primary ion beam impact energy can be reduced from 16 to 2 keV, which enables higher depth resolution during depth profiling (a 2-fold improvement), albeit with a 5-fold decrease in lateral resolution. In the NanoSIMS-HR, the secondary ion column and detection system are identical to those used in the previous series, and the isotopic analysis performance is as precise as in previous NanoSIMS instruments.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

High spatial resolution Fe xii observations of solar active regions

We use UV spectral observations of active regions with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) to investigate the properties of the coronal Fe xii 1349.4 Å emission at unprecedented high spatial resolution (∼0.33″). We find that by using appropriate observational strategies (i.e., long exposures, lossless compression), Fe xii emission can be studied with IRIS at high spatial and spectral resolution, at least for high-density plasma (e.g., post-flare loops and active region moss). We find that upper transition region (TR; moss) Fe xii emission shows very small average Doppler redshifts (v{sub D} ∼ 3 km s{sup −1}) as well as modest non-thermal velocities (with an average of ∼24 km s{sup −1} and the peak of the distribution at ∼15 km s{sup −1}). The observed distribution of Doppler shifts appears to be compatible with advanced three-dimensional radiative MHD simulations in which impulsive heating is concentrated at the TR footpoints of a hot corona. While the non-thermal broadening of Fe xii 1349.4 Å peaks at similar values as lower resolution simultaneous Hinode Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) measurements of Fe xii 195 Å, IRIS observations show a previously undetected tail of increased non-thermal broadening that might be suggestive of the presence of subarcsecond heating events. We find that IRIS and EIS non-thermal line broadening measurements are affected by instrumental effects that can only be removed through careful analysis. Our results also reveal an unexplained discrepancy between observed 195.1/1349.4 Å Fe xii intensity ratios and those predicted by the CHIANTI atomic database.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Determination of total column water vapor in the atmosphere at high spatial resolution from AVIRIS data using spectral curve fitting and band ratioing techniques

Techniques are developed for quantitative retrievals of high spatial resolution column atmospheric water vapor that is largely contained in the lower portion of the troposphere. One method consists of curve fitting observed spectra with simulated spectra in the 1.14 microns or the 0.94 micron water vapor band absorption region. The other method is a simple band ratioing technique, which requires less computer time than the curve fitting method. The advantage of the technique over humidity sounding by IR emission measurements is that the retrieved column water vapor amounts over land surfaces have significantly higher precision.

Gao, Bo-Cai↗