Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Absorption lines”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 559 records · Page 31
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

Atomic Data Revisions for Transitions Relevant to Observations of Interstellar, Circumgalactic, and Intergalactic Matter

Measurements of element abundances in galaxies from astrophysical spectroscopy depend sensitively on the atomic data used. With the goal of making the latest atomic data accessible to the community, we present a compilation of selected atomic data for resonant absorption lines at wavelengths longward of 911.753 Å (the H i Lyman limit), for key heavy elements (heavier than atomic number 5) of astrophysical interest. In particular, we focus on the transitions of those ions that have been observed in the Milky Way interstellar medium (ISM), the circumgalactic medium (CGM) of the Milky Way and/or other galaxies, and the intergalactic medium (IGM). We provide wavelengths, oscillator strengths, associated accuracy grades, and references to the oscillator strength determinations. We also attempt to compare and assess the recent oscillator strength determinations. For about 22% of the lines that have updated oscillator strength values, the differences between the former values and the updated ones are ≳0.1 dex. Our compilation will be a useful resource for absorption line studies of the ISM, as well as studies of the CGM and IGM traced by sight lines to quasars and gamma-ray bursts. Studies (including those enabled by future generations of extremely large telescopes) of absorption by galaxies against the light of background galaxies will also benefit from our compilation.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Measurement of the small-scale structure of the intergalactic medium using close quasar pairs

Using quasar pairs to measure smoothness Space between galaxies is filled with a tenuous gas known as the intergalactic medium (IGM). The presence of hydrogen atoms in the IGM at different redshifts imprints a series of absorption lines in the spectra of background quasars. Rorai et al. studied pairs of closely spaced quasars and quantified how similar their absorption lines are as a function of transverse separation and redshift. They thus assessed the smoothness of the IGM on relatively small scales—several times the size of a galaxy. The results constrain interactions between galaxies and the IGM, such as heating by ultraviolet photons. Science , this issue p. 418

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

AN ULTRA-FAST X-RAY DISK WIND IN THE NEUTRON STAR BINARY GX 340+0

We present a spectral analysis of a brief Chandra /HETG observation of the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary GX 340+0. The high-resolution spectrum reveals evidence of ionized absorption in the Fe K band. The strongest feature, an absorption line at approximately 6.9 keV, is required at the 5 σ level of confidence via an F -test. Photoionization modeling with XSTAR grids suggests that the line is the most prominent part of a disk wind with an apparent outflow speed of v = 0.04 c . This interpretation is preferred at the 4 σ level over a scenario in which the line is H-like Fe xxvi at a modest redshift. The wind may achieve this speed owing to its relatively low ionization, enabling driving by radiation pressure on lines; in this sense, the wind in GX 340+0 may be the stellar-mass equivalent of the flows in broad absorption line quasars. If the gas has a unity volume filling factor, the mass ouflow rate in the wind is over 10{sup −5} M {sub ⊙} yr{sup −1}, and the kinetic power is nearly 10{sup 39} erg s{sup −1} (or, 5–6 times the radiative Eddington limit for a neutron star). However, geometrical considerations—including a small volume filling factor and low covering factor—likely greatly reduce these values.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

High-resolution X-Ray Spectroscopy of the Seyfert 1 Galaxy Mrk 1040. Revealing the Failed Nuclear Wind with Chandra

High-resolution X-ray spectroscopy of the warm absorber in the nearby X-ray bright Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 1040 is presented. The observations were carried out in the 2013–2014 timeframe using the Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating with a total exposure of 200 ks. A multitude of absorption lines from Ne, Mg, and Si are detected from a wide variety of ionization states. In particular, the detection of inner K-shell absorption lines from Ne, Mg, and Si, from charge states ranging from F-like to Li-like ions, suggests the presence of a substantial amount of low-ionization absorbing gas, illuminated by a steep soft X-ray continuum. The observations reveal at least three warm absorbing components ranging in ionization parameter from log(ξ/erg cm s{sup −1})=0--2 and with column densities of N{sub H}=1.5--4.0×10{sup 21} cm{sup −2}. The velocity profiles imply that the outflow velocities of the absorbing gas are low and within ±100 km s{sup −1} of the systemic velocity of Mrk 1040, which suggests that any outflowing gas may have stalled in this AGN on large enough scales. The warm absorber is likely located far from the black hole, within 300 pc of the nucleus, and is spatially coincident with emission from an extended narrow-line region as seen in the Hubble Space Telescope images. The iron K-band spectrum reveals only narrow emission lines, with Fe Kα at 6.4 keV consistent with originating from reflection off Compton-thick pc-scale reprocessing gas.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1969

Some aspects of remote atmospheric sensing by laser radar

An analysis has been made of some aspects of atmospheric sensing by laser radar spectroscopy. A discussion of the laser radar equation is presented which leads to methods for obtaining atmospheric information by spectroscopic means. Calculations are presented which investigate the potential of Doppler, Raman and differential absorption techniques. It is concluded that atmospheric measurements based upon Doppler and Raman approaches are restricted to qualitative studies at the present time primarily because of the limitations imposed by existing laser sources and detectors. It is probable that these limitations will be removed in the near future and it is recommended that exploratory experiments be continued. The differential absorption method for obtaining the spatial distribution of atmospheric gases is well developed for such gases as water vapor and oxygen where the basic laser frequency lies close to the center of the particular absorption line. Further investigation is recommended in the field of laser frequency shifting. Additional information is also required on the shape of the absorption line, particular in the region where the line reflects both pressure and Doppler broadening.

Schotland, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

The spectrum of the quasi-stellar object PHL 957.

Spectra of the radio-quiet quasar PHL 957 were obtained at a 200-in. telescope with a Cassegrain image tube, a Cassegrain multichannel spectrometer, and an integrating television camera on the spectrograph. The image-tube spectra revealed 64 absorption lines between 3200 and 6800 A. The absolute energy distribution indicates that this quasar is one of the most luminous known. The absorption line redshifts and line profiles observed are discussed.

Lowrance, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Evidence of large-scale structures in the atmosphere of the active K-dwarf component of V471 Tauri

Contemporaneous IUE ultraviolet spectra and visible photoelectric data of the eclipsing binary V471 Tauri (K2V + DA) between 1979 and 1985 was analyzed. The combined data detail the three-dimensional structure of atmospheric loops and their associated starspots on the K dwarf. The distribution of starspot regions on the surface of the K star was inferred from the visible photometry. When spots are located near the limb of the K dwarf prior to and shortly after the total eclipse of the white dwarf, absorption lines such as C II, C III, c IV, and Si IV appear superimposed on the continuum of the white dwarf. These absorption lines are likely caused by cool coronal loops overlying the spots in the atmosphere of the K dwarf. The loops can extend nearly one stellar radius above the surface of the K2V star.

Guinan, E. F.↗
NASA NTRS1987

X-ray spectra and atmospheric structures of bursting neutron stars

Atmospheric structures and emitted X-ray spectra of bursting neutron stars are investigated. Theoretical curves are fitted to observational ones on the color temperature vs. luminosity diagram and two relations among mass, radius, and distance of the bursters are obtained. The fit of the theoretical curve to observations is statistically acceptable. Two possible sets of mass, radius, and distance to the X-ray bursts source MXB 1636-536 are derived, taking into account absorption lines at 4.1 keV, theoretical mass-radius relations of neutron star models, and the distance to the Galactic center. If the absorption line is due to Cr XX III, then M = 1.7-2.0 solar masses, R = 11-12 km, and d = 6.3-6.7 kpc, and if it is due to Fe XXV, then M = 1.8-2.1 solar masses, R = 8-10 km, and d = 5.8-6,4 kpc. The distance to the Galactic center is almost the same as that to MXB 1636-536.

Ebisuzaki, Toshikazu↗
NASA NTRS1989

Long-slit optical spectroscopy of powerful far-infrared galaxies - The nature of the nuclear energy source

Optical spectroscopic data are presented for a sample of 47 powerful far-IR galaxies chosen for IR spectral shape, and for six other IR-bright galaxies. The stellar absorption lines expected from a population of old stars are generally very weak in the nuclei of the galaxies. Very weak Mg I absorption is found in regions well off the nucleus, implying that the visible spectrum is dominated by young stars and not by an AGN. At least one, and probably five, of the galaxies have detectable WR emission features, providing additional evidence for a young stellar population. About 20 percent of the galaxies have strong Balmer absorption lines, indicating the presence of a substantial intermediate-age stellar population. The equivalent width of the H-alpha emission line can be modeled as arising from a mixture of a large young population and an intermediate-age population of stars.

Armus, Lee↗
NASA NTRS1993

Constraints on chemical evolution models from QSOALS abundances

Models of the formation and early chemical evolution of our Galaxy are guided and constrained by our knowledge of abundances in globular cluster stars and halo field stars. The abundance patterns identified in halo and disk stars should be discernible in absorption lines of gas clouds in forming galaxies which are accidentally lying in front of background QSO's. Conversely, the ensemble of QSO absorption line systems (QSOALS) at each redshift may suggest a detailed model for the formation of our Galaxy that is testable using abundance patterns in halo stars.

Lauroesch, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Continuum Fitting HST QSO Spectra

The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method which we are using to fit and describe QSO spectra relies upon the fact that QSO continuum are generally very smooth and simple except for emission and absorption lines. To see this we need high signal-to-noise (S/N) spectra of QSOs at low redshift which have relatively few absorption lines in the Lyman-a forest. We need a large number of such spectra to use as the basis set for the PCA analysis which will find the set of principal component spectra which describe the QSO family as a whole. We have found that too few HST spectra have the required S/N and hence we need to supplement them with ground based spectra of QSOs at higher redshift. We have many such spectra and we have been working to make them suitable for this analysis. We have concentrated on this topic since 12/15/01.

Tytler, David↗
DOE OSTI2013

OUTFLOW VERSUS INFALL IN SPIRAL GALAXIES: METAL ABSORPTION IN THE HALO OF NGC 891

Gas accreting onto a galaxy will be of low metallicity while halo gas due to a galactic fountain will be of near-solar metallicity. We test these predictions by measuring the metal absorption line properties of halo gas 5 kpc above the plane of the edge-on galaxy NGC 891, using observations taken with HST/STIS toward a bright background quasar. Metal absorption lines of Fe II, Mg II, and Mg I in the halo of NGC 891 are clearly seen, and when combined with recent deep H I observations, we are able to place constraints on the metallicity of the halo gas for the first time. The H I line width defines the line broadening, from which we model opacity effects in these metal lines, assuming that the absorbing gas is continuously distributed in the halo. The gas-phase metallicities are [Fe/H] = -1.18 {+-} 0.07 and [Mg/H] = -0.23 + 0.36/ - 0.27 (statistical errors) and this difference is probably due to differential depletion onto grains. When corrected for such depletion using Galactic gas as a guide, both elements have approximately solar or even supersolar abundances. This suggests that the gas is from the galaxy disk, probably expelled into the halo by a galactic fountain, rather than from accretion of intergalactic gas, which would have a low metallicity. The abundances would be raised by significant amounts if the absorbing gas lies in a few clouds with thermal widths smaller than the rotational velocity of the halo. If this is the case, both the abundances and [Mg/Fe] would be supersolar.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

The effect of interstellar absorption on measurements of the baryon acoustic peak in the Lyman α forest

In recent years, the autocorrelation of the hydrogen Lyman α forest has been used to observe the baryon acoustic peak at redshift 2 < z < 3.5 using tens of thousands of QSO spectra from the BOSS survey. However, the interstellar medium of the Milky Way introduces absorption lines into the spectrum of any extragalactic source. These lines, while weak and undetectable in a single BOSS spectrum, could potentially bias the cosmological signal. In order to examine this, we generate absorption line maps by stacking over a million spectra of galaxies and QSOs. Here, we find that the systematics introduced are too small to affect the current accuracy of the baryon acoustic peak, but might be relevant to future surveys such as the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). We outline a method to account for this with future data sets.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1999

Remote Sensing of Volcanic Clouds: Sulfur Gases and Plume Top Topography

New absorption line parameters for H2S were published and submitted to the Gestion et Etude des Informations Spectroscopiques Atmospheriques (GEISA) and high resolution transmission molecular absorption (HITRAN) databases. These new absorption line parameters will make it possible to use observations from the future Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) instrument [Earth Observing System (EOS) Chemistry Mission (CHEM) platform] to make more accurate H2S measurements if it observes an H2S-rich volcanic cloud. H2S is the second most abundant volcanic sulfur gas, and like SO2, it also converts to H2SO4 aerosols and can have a climate impact. A paper on the Moderate-resolution Imaging-Spectroradiometer (MODIS) SO2 alert is being revised. New aspects in the revision include verification of the SO2 alert during the EOS mission; factors affecting SO2 detection at thermal infrared, ultraviolet, and microwave wavelengths; radiative transfer tests; more description of satellite instruments; and thermal surface alert installed for MODIS. Her research involves the use of remote sensing to generate maps of plume top altitude. This parameter is important for models of volcanic eruption, aircraft hazards, and climate impact. The topographic shape of the top surface of a volcanic plume can provide information necessary to understand the physics controlling the injection and dispersal of a volcanic plume in the atmosphere. Glaze et al. describe the application of a photoclinometric technique to volcanic plumes. The software algorithm has been improved to account for more general plume and illumination geometries and for easily extracting position information directly from Advanced Very High-Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) level 1B data. Testing of the algorithm has focused on acquiring AVHRR data for a variety of volcanic plumes in an effort to identify problems with the software as well as model sensitivities. The plumes chosen were erupted from volcanoes at a variety of latitudes, at different times of day, and in different seasons. Another important issue that is being investigated is the importance of plume opacity. A diagram illustrates the method for deriving phi, the angle a wind-blown plume makes with the horizontal, in the direction perpendicular to the remote sensing scan. A figure shows a sample output of the algorithm, a wire mesh map of plume top topography. Additional information is contained in the original.

Crisp, Joy A.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Airborne Lidar Measurements of Atmospheric Pressure Made Using the Oxygen A-Band

We report on airborne measurements of atmospheric pressure using a fiber-laser based lidar operating in the oxygen A-band near 765 nm and the integrated path differential absorption measurement technique. Our lidar uses fiber optic technology and non-linear optics to generate tunable laser radiation at 765 nm, which overlaps an absorption line pair in the Oxygen A-band. We use a pulsed time resolved technique, which rapidly steps the laser wavelength across the absorption line pair, a 20 cm telescope and photon counting detector to measure Oxygen concentrations.

Riris, Haris↗
NASA NTRS1990

Collecting, analyzing and archiving of ground based infrared solar spectra obtained from several locations

The infrared solar spectrum as observed from the ground under high resolution contains thousands of absorption lines. The majority of these lines are due to compounds that are present in the Earth's atmosphere. Ground based infrared solar spectra contain information concerning the composition of the atmosphere at the time the spectra were obtained. The objective of this program is to record solar spectra from various ground locations, and to analyze and archive these spectra. The analysis consists of determining, for as many of the absorption lines as possible, the molecular species responsible for the absorption, and to verify that current models of infrared transmission match the observed spectra. Archiving is an important part of the program, since a number of the features in the spectra have not been identified. At some later time, when the features are identified, it will be possible to determine the amount of that compound that was present in the atmosphere at the time the spectrum was taken.

Murcray, David G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Observations of gaseous circumstellar disks. III

Echelle spectra obtained at the Ca II K line and the Na I D lines are reported for seven stars which show excess fluxes in at least one of the IRAS bands at 25, 60, and 100 microns. Detectable circumstellar absorption lines arising from the gaseous components of the presumed circumstellar dust disks are found in none of these cases, in contrast to the previously reported case of Beta Pic. Conversely, six A or F stars which were known before the launch of IRAS to show gaseous circumstellar disks do not show excess fluxes in any of the IRAS bands. Similar echelle spectra of these stars show Ca II circumstellar absorption lines comparable in four cases to that of Beta Pic.

Hobbs, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Radiative amplification of sound waves in the winds of O and B stars

The velocity perturbation associated with an outwardly propagating sound wave in a radiation-driven stellar wind gives rise to a periodic Doppler shifting of absorption lines formed in the flow. A linearized theory applicable to optically thin waves is used to show that the resulting fluctuation in the absorption-line force can cause the wave amplitude to grow. Detailed calculations of the acceleration due to a large number of lines indicate that significant amplification can occur throughout the high-velocity portion of winds in which the dominant force-producing lines have appreciable optical depths. In the particular case of the wind of Zeta Pup (O4f), it is found that the e-folding distance for wave growth is considerably shorter than the scale lengths over which the physical properties of the flow vary. A qualitative estimate of the rate at which mechanical energy due to nonlinear waves can be dissipated suggests that this mechanism may be important in heating the supersonic portion of winds of early-type stars.

Macgregor, K. B.↗