Signal-to-noise ratios in magnetic recording
Recording telemetry signals from scientific satellites - signal to noise ratio in magnetic recording
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International solar polar mission
The key configurations and characteristics of the two International Solar Polar Mission (ISPM) spacecraft are described. The primary mission objectives of the ISPM are to investigate, as a function of solar latitude, the properties of the solar corona, the solar wind, the sun/wind interface, the heliospheric magnetic field, solar and nonsolar cosmic rays, and the interstellar/interplanetary neutral gas and dust. In addition, instrumentation is included to detect the gamma ray bursts; it is hoped to pinpoint the sources of these bursts by using triangulation from each spacecraft and the Earth.
Miller, R. B.↗
Cryogenic systems for spacecraft
It is noted that the use of cryogenic components on spacecraft, already quite common, will likely increase in the future. Attention is given to a number of applications including earth observation, atmospheric measurements, infrared astronomy and magnetic field measurements. These applications are discussed with regard to their cryogenic requirements. Further, four cryogenic instruments provided by the United States to be launched on spacecraft in the near future are described. Finally, other missions being planned that will use cryogenic instrumentation are also considered.
Vorreiter, J. W.↗
High intensity surge and seasonal effects in the dark current of the Nimbus-4 BUV experiment
Seasonal global maps of the dark current produced by corpuscular radiation contributing to the background level of the Nimbus-4 Backscattered Ultraviolet (BUV) instrument were developed, using BUV monochrometer nighttime data in the pulse counting mode during solar and magnetically quiet periods. The existence of high intensity surges has been discovered which occur on a sporadic basis and which cause sufficient enhancements of dark current within the subauroral regions to produce background levels similar to those within the South Atlantic anomaly. Examples are provided of the nominal quiet dark current intensity maps, and the variability and implications of the surge data are discussed.
Stassinopoulos, E. G.↗
Development of cosmic ray techniques
It is pointed out that most advances of cosmic-ray physics have been directly related to the development of observational techniques. A review is presented of the history of the evolution of the techniques and equipment for the study of cosmic-ray physics, taking into account the new scientific advances accompanying each new development related to experimental technology. All of the early observations were performed by means of ionization chambers. These chambers had already been in use for a number of years, when they were first applied to the study of cosmic rays in the early years of this century. However, an application to the low-intensity cosmic radiation required special refinements. Attention is given to the design of suitable electrometers, the development of self-recording instruments, the 'tube counter', the development of the coincidence method, a cosmic-ray 'telescope', a magnetic lens for cosmic rays, an arrangement of Geiger-Mueller counters for the demonstration of secondary radiation, cloud chambers, scintillation counters, and air shower experiments.
Rossi, B.↗
Evidence of high densities and ion outflows in the polar cap during the recovery phase
The composition and characteristics of the polar cap plasma for an Oct. 14, 1981 outflow of polar wind ions are examined using data from the DE 1 satellite. The on-board instruments included a plasma wave instrument, a retarding ion mass spectrometer (RIMS) and a high altitude plasma instrument (HAPI). The outflow took place at an altitude of about 19,000 km at a magnetic local time of about midnight. The total plasma density measured was about 50/cu cm, which was an order of magnitude higher than normally recorded at that location and altitude. The background hydrogen plasma was disturbed by highly collimated flows of hydrogen and oxygen ions. The H(+) ions had a mean energy of 0.15 eV and a density of 6-10/cu cm. The O(+) ions had an average density of 20/cu cm and a temperature of 0.26 eV. The total flux of outflowing H(+) and O(+) was about 10 million/sq cm per sec. The HAPI data indicated that the O(+) ions appeared in the dayside ionosphere and the H(+) ions detected by the RIMS originated in the nightside polar cap.
Gallagher, D. L.↗
Polarization of low-frequency electromagnetic radiation in the lobes of Jupiter's magnetotail
The plasma wave instruments on the Voyager spacecraft have detected intense electromagnetic radiation within the lobes of Jupiter's magnetic tail down to the lowest frequency of the detector (10 Hz). During a yaw maneuver performed by Voyager 1 in the lobe of the Jovian magnetotail, a modulation appeared in the amplitudes of waves detected in the 10-, 17.8- and 31.1-Hz channels of the plasma wave analyzer, well below the local electron cyclotron frequency of 260 Hz. The lowest amplitudes occurred when the antenna axis was most nearly parallel to the magnetic field. Wave amplitudes in the 56.2-Hz and higher frequency channels remained nearly constant during the maneuver. From the cold-plasma theory of electromagnetic waves, it is concluded that the plasma frequency was between the 56.2- and 31.1-Hz channels where the parallel-polarized component of the spectrum cuts off. This implies a tail-lobe density between 0.000032 and 0.000015/cu cm. The left-hand cutoff frequency would then be below 10 Hz, consistent with either the Z-mode (L, X) or whistlers (R-mode) in the modulated channels.
Moses, S. L.↗
Electromagnetic fields from pulsed electron beam experiments in space - Spacelab-2 results
During the Spacelab-2 mission a small satellite carrying various plasma diagnostic instruments was released from the Shuttle to coorbit at distances up to 300 m. During a magnetic conjunction of the Shuttle and the satellite an electron beam modulated at 1.22 kHz was emitted from the Shuttle during a 7 min period. The spatial structure of the electromagnetic fields generated by the beam was observed from the satellite out to a distance of 153 m perpendicular to the beam. The magnetic field amplitude of the strongest harmonics were comparable to the amplitude of simultaneously observed whistlers, while the electric field amplitudes were estimated to 1-10 mV/m.
Bush, R. I.↗
Average low-latitude meridional electric fields from DE 2 during solar maximum
The average meridional electric field (zonal ion flow) patterns in the region between +/- 30 deg magnetic latitude were obtained by analyzing the electric field data taken by the Vector Electric Field Instrument aboard the DE 2 spacecraft during solar maximum conditions. The average data set displayed a rapid increase of the downward meridional electric field with local time near 1800 MLT; there was a secondary nighttime maximum of this electric field component, observed post midnight, with the crossover to upward electric fields (westward ion flow) occurring between 0400 and 0500 MLT. A sharp return to near zero was observed between 1200 and 1300. The zonal ion drift was found to be approximately symmetric with respect to the geomagnetic equator. These results are compared with results of the DE-2 neutral wind measurements and with results obtained from radar measurements.
Maynard, N. C.↗
Astronomical interferometry on the Moon
Optical interferometric arrays are particularly attractive candidates for a manned lunar base. A permanent lunar can provide support for a variety of astronomical investigations. An optical interferometric array, perhaps of the general form of the VLA but designed for optical instead of radio wavelengths, would lead to a qualitative advance in the understanding of the universe. A wide variety of scientific problems could be addressed by such an instrument. The stellar analogs of the solar cycle, the behavior of sunspots on other stars, the magnetic field configurations of other stars, and the behavior of dynamic plasma phenomena such as flares and winds are examples of star related problems that ultimately would lead to both increased understanding of our Sun and fundamental knowledge of the manner in which stars form and evolve.
Burke, Bernard F.↗
Focus drive mechanism for the International Ultraviolet Explorer
The mechanical design of the compact and robust focus drive apparatus developed for the IUE's scientific instrumentation is based on a novel planetary drive that converts the angular increments of a permanent magnet stepping motor into simultaneous linear displacements of three ball screws supporting the secondary mirror. Significant torque margins are thus produced while yielding exceptionally smooth and reliable operation. Attention is given to mechanical drive materials-selection criteria.
Schuster, Ludwig E.↗
100-micron array polarimetry from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory - Instrumentation, techniques, and first results
The University of Chicago far-infrared array polarimeter, 'STOKES', is the first multiple-beam polarimeter for far-infrared astronomy. Observations are made from the NASA Kuiper Airborne Observatory. Two orthogonal components of linear polarization are detected simultaneously by corresponding pairs of bolometers in two 32-detector arrays. Novel observing and data-analysis techniques are used to overcome the inherent difficulties of array polarimetry. Results from the first observing flights with the new instrument are reported for the molecular clouds W3 and W51. The measurements show that the magnetic-field structure in both clouds is nonuniform on the scale of 0.5-1.5 pc. This is consistent with molecular line and Zeeman observations that indicate the presence of turbulent velocities and significant small-scale structure. Preliminary results from the second flight series have yielded approximately 40 new measurements in the Sgr A complex. These results indicate that modifications made since the first flights have significantly improved the performance of STOKES.
Platt, S. R.↗
Magnetic Fluctuations in the Martian Ionosphere
The Martian ionosphere is influenced by both the solar wind and the regional magnetic fields present in the Martian crust. Both influences ought to cause time variable changes in the magnetic fields present in the ionosphere. I report observations of these magnetic field fluctuations in the Martian ionosphere. I use data from the Mars Global Surveyor magnetometer instrument. By using data from the aerobraking low altitude passes (approx. 200 km) I find that there are numerous fluctuations both near and far from the strong crustal sources. Using data from the 400 km altitude mapping phase (which is near the topside of the primary ionosphere), I look at the comparative strength of the fluctuations relative to the solar wind and temporal variations. I discuss which wave modes and instabilities could be contributing to these fluctuations. I also discuss the implications of these fluctuations for understanding energy transfer in the Martian system and the effects on atmospheric escape.
Espley, Jared↗
Analysis on H Spectral Shape During the Early 2012 SEPs with the PAMELA Experiment
The satellite-borne PAMELA experiment has been continuously collecting data since 2006.This apparatus is designed to study charged particles in the cosmic radiation. The combination of a permanent magnet, a silicon strip tracker and a silicon-tungsten imaging calorimeter, and the redundancy of instrumentation allow very precise studies on the physics of cosmic rays in a wide energy range and with high statistics. This makes PAMELA a very suitable instrument for Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) observations. Not only does its pan the energy range between the ground-based neutron monitor data and the observations of SEPs from space,but PAMELA also carries out the first direct measurements of the composition for the highest energy SEP events, including those causing Ground Level Enhancements (GLEs).In particular, PAMELA has registered many SEP events during solar cycle 24,offering unique opportunities to address the question of high-energy SEP origin. A preliminary analysis on proton spectra behaviour during this event is presented in this work.
Protons↗
Coordinated ionospheric and magnetospheric observations from the ISIS 2 satellite by the ISIS 2 experimenters. Volume 3: High-latitude charged particle, magnetic field and ionospheric plasma observations during northern summer
A list of ISIS 2 experiments and a description of the satellite are presented. Instrumentation of the satellite included an auroral scanning photometer, a red line photometer, a swept frequency sounder, an ion mass spectrometer, and triaxial fluxgate magnetometer. Data format descriptions are provided. Included with the geophysical data set is a list of all passes.
Source record↗
Delta WIND Mission Science Briefing
The science objectives of the WIND mission are to: 1) provide complete plasma, energetic particle, and magnetic field input for magnetospheric and ionospheric studies; 2) Determine the magnetospheric output to interplanetary space in the up-stream region; 3) Investigate basic plasma processes occurring in the near-Earth solar wind; and 4) Provide baseline ecliptic plane observations to be used in heliospheric latitudes from ULYSSES. The WIND science briefing is presented by George Diller, NASA public affairs; Dr. Robert L. Carovillano, Project Scientist for the Global Geospace Science Initiative, NASA Headquarters; Dr. Mario H. Acuna, Project Scientist for the WIND Project, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC); Dr. Keith W. Ogilvie, Principle Investigator, Solar Wind Experiment at GSFC; Dr. Jean Louis Bougeret, Principle Investigator, Radio/Plasma Wave Experiment, Paris; and Dr. Eugeny Mazets, Co-Principle Investigator, Russian Gamma Ray Spectrometer Instrument, St. Pertersburg, Russia. Dr. Carovillano presents a cartoon slide of the Solar Terrestrial System and describes the Sun and the Magnetic field of the Earth. Dr. Acuna also presents a cartoon slide describing GEOTAIL, POLAR, WIND, SOHO, ULYSSES and Cluster which are the various tools used to study the complex solar terrestrial system. Dr. Ogilvie explains four particle and wave instruments on WIND. These instruments will be used to study the contributions and characteristics of plasma and plasma waves that occur in the solar wind. Dr. Bougeret explains the European participation in the WIND mission. He also shows a slide presentation of SOHO and the CLUSTER spacecraft. Dr. Mazets explains the main objective of the Transient Gamma Ray Spectrometer (TGRS) aboard the WIND spacecraft, which is to perform high resolution measurements of Gamma Ray Burst spectra and time histories, with emphasis on the search for line features in the energy spectra. The briefing ends with a question and answer period. See NONP-NASA-VT-2000078325 for additional question and answer footage.
Source record↗
Plasma Waves Observed During CUSP Energetic Particle Events and Their Correlation With Polar and Akebono Satellite and Ground Data
We present Polar plasma wave data during cusp energetic particle (CEP) events at 6-9 R(sub E). These data suggest the presence of coherent electrostatic structures that are highly localized and that have typical velocities on the order of hundreds to thousands of kilometers per second along the ambient magnetic field. Some of the wave signatures are solitary waves and some are wave packets. The Polar wave instrument also provides evidence that some of the bursts of electromagnetic waves (with frequencies of a few hundred Hz and just below the electron cyclotron frequency around 800 Hz to 1-2 kHz) that are observed are coher&nt and propagating both up and down the field lines. Electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves are often detected but their duration is usually short (less than 1 second). Low Frequency (less than 1 kHz), broadband, bursty electromagnetic waves are also present. The Polar wave data results are used to obtain a better understanding of the macro/microphysics during a CEP event that takes place on September 11, 1996, by correlating various Polar (approximately 7.0 R(sub E)) and Akebono (approximately 1.4 R(sub E)) data while both spacecraft are in or near the cusp/cleft region and nearly on the same field line, and magnetometer data from the Canadian Intermagnet and Canopus ground stations, which lie near the base of the magnetic footprint passing through Polar. Solar wind and magnetic field data from the interplanetary medium and magnetosheath are provided by the Geotail and IMP-8 satellites, respectively. Some of the cusp waves may be indicators of the reconnection process taking place through the cusp, the result of mixing of magnetosheath with magnetospheric plasma, and the consequence of an anisotropic electron population in a depressed magnetic field. The low frequency electromagnetic waves are still under study to determine their role, if any, in the heating and acceleration of the MeV He ions during CEP events.
Pickett, J. S.↗
Atmospheric methane measurement instrument using a Zeeman-split He-Ne laser
The construction of an atmospheric methane measurement instrument based on a Zeeman-split IR He-Ne laser is reported. The laser has a tranverse magnetic field over about 2/3 of its gain length and can oscillate at an (unsplit) frequency (2947.91/cm) centered on a methane absorption line, or on either of two frequencies split by + or - 0.055/cm from the center, with low CH4 absorption. The laser is tuned to dwell sequentially at each frequency, giving two differential absorption measurements in each 46-ms tuning cycle. Atmospheric measurements are made using two multiple pass absorption cells, one with fast (0.75-s) and one with slow (5-s) flow response times. Fluctuations in ambient CH4 of about 20-ppb (rms, 1-s averaging) are detected, with interference fringe effects the dominant noise source. The instrument has operated in a field experiment (NASA GTE/ABLE-3A) in Alaska.
Mcmanus, J. Barry↗