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At least 73 records · Page 4

Space Astronomy Update: Stars Under Construction

A discussion of the images obtained by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is featured on this video. The discussion panel consists of Dr. Jeff Hester (Arizona State Univ.), Dr. Jon Morse (Space Telescope Science Inst.), Dr. Chris Burrows (European Space Agency), Dr. Bruce Margon (Univ. of Washington), and host Don Savage (Goddard Space Flight Center). A variety of graphics and explanations are provided for the images of star formations and other astronomical features that were viewed by the HST.

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Atomic and molecular data for space astronomy - Needs, analysis, and availability; 21st IAU General Assembly, Buenos Aires, Argentina, July 23-Aug. 1, 1991, Selected Papers

The present volume on atomic and molecular spectroscopic data for space astrophysics discusses scientific problems and laboratory data needs associated with the Hubble Space Telescope, atomic data needed for far ultraviolet astronomy with HUT and FUSE and for analysis of EUV and X-ray spectra, and data for observations of interstellar medium with the Hubble Space Telescope. Attention is also given to atomic and molecular data for analysis of IR spectra from ISO and SIRTF, atomic data from the opacity project, sources of atomic spectroscopic data for astrophysics, and summary of current molecular data bases.

Smith, Peter L.↗

Large area CCD image sensors for space astronomy

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has a substantial program to develop a 2200 x 2200 pixel CCD (Charge Coupled Device) mosaic array made up of 400 individual CCD's, 110 x 110 pixels square. This type of image sensor appeared to have application in space and ground-based astronomy. Under this grant a CCD television camera system was built which was capable of operating an array of 4 CCD's to explore the suitability of the CCD's to explore the suitability of the CCD for astronomical applications. Two individual packaged CCD's were received and evaluated. Evaluation of the basic characteristics of the best individual chips was encouraging, but the manufacturer found that their yield in manufacturing this design is two low to supply sufficient CDD's for the DARPA mosaic array. The potential utility of large mosaic arrays in astronomy is still substantial and continued monitoring of the manufacturers progress in the coming year is recommended.

Schwarzschild, M.↗

Exploration an the Search for Origins: A Vision for Ultraviolet-Optical-Infrared Space Astronomy

Public support and enthusiasm for astronomy have been strong in the final decades of the twentieth century. Nowhere is this better demonstrated than with the Hubble Space Telescope (HCT), a grand endeavor, which is enabling astronomers to make giant strides in understanding our universe, our place in it, and our relation to it. The NASAs first infrared observatory, the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF), promises to take the crucial next steps towards understanding the formation of stars and galaxies. Toward their completion, the HST and Beyond Committee identifies major goals, whose accomplishment will justify a commitment well into the next century: (1) the detailed study of the birth and evolution of normal galaxies such as the Milky Way; (2) the detection of Earth-like planets around other stars and the search for evidence of life on them; (3) NASA should develop a space observatory of aperture 4m or larger, optimized for imaging and spectroscopy over the wavelength range 1-5 microns; and (4) NASA should develop the capability for space interferometry.

Dressler, Alan↗

Electronographic cameras for space astronomy.

Magnetically-focused electronographic cameras have been under development at the Naval Research Laboratory for use in far-ultraviolet imagery and spectrography, primarily in astronomical and optical-geophysical observations from sounding rockets and space vehicles. Most of this work has been with cameras incorporating internal optics of the Schmidt or wide-field all-reflecting types. More recently, we have begun development of electronographic spectrographs incorporating an internal concave grating, operating at normal or grazing incidence. We also are developing electronographic image tubes of the conventional end-window-photo-cathode type, for far-ultraviolet imagery at the focus of a large space telescope, with image formats up to 120 mm in diameter.

Carruthers, G. R.↗

Spinoff from Space Astronomy

American Science and Engineering (AS&E) built NASA's first x-ray telescope, flown on OSO-4 (Orbiting Solar Observatory), and developed the x-ray detectors that operated flawlessly for four years aboard SAS-1 (Small Astronomy Satellite). The experience AS&E acquired in detecting and processing cosmic x-rays gave the company a broad technology base for commercial applications. Among the commercial products that stemmed from AS&E's space technology are: Micro Dose x-ray scanner for medical use; a digital radiography diagnosis, a system for nondestructive testing of manufactured products; a system of load management for electric utilities; and additional specialized instruments.

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Advanced pointing systems for space astronomy

It is noted that the requirements on image stability are increasing, often at the same time that instrument external disturbances are increasing. A prime example of this is the pointing of large diameter optics from the Shuttle bay. To achieve cost-effective advanced pointing systems in the face of these problems, a system approach must be followed, one that encompasses a realistic assessment of requirements, the best possible detector technology, and a broad look at space vehicles and pointing systems that are available. By way of example, a rocket instrument for making measurements of the interstellar gas that uses a standard pointing system to achieve a spectral resolution of 2 x 10 to the 5th is described. It is noted that the use of a free-flying instrument avoids the high-frequency components that degrade the instrument resolution.

Delamere, W. A.↗

Space astronomy

Astronomical observations through X-ray, ultraviolet, and radio astronomy

RADIO ASTRONOMY↗

Glancing incidence telescopes for space astronomy

Design optimization is reported for glancing telescopes of increased collecting areas. Considered are nested geometries for X-ray and extreme ultraviolet telescopes, each of which generates only one singular principal surface. In the case of the X-ray telescope, the field curvature of the outer telescope serves as a standard and the focus of each of the inner telescopes is made coplanar by a slight descrease in the collecting area of each of the inner telescopes. In the case of the EUV telescope, a slight change in the maximum slope angle of the inner telescope makes the field curvatures coincide. Five concentric X-ray telescopes form a collecting area of approximately 900 sq cm, and a nested EUV telescope consisting of two concentric telescopes produces a collecting area of about 45 sq cm.

Mangus, J. D.↗

New astronomy space experiments with television scanning.

Application of data from the Celescope Catalog of Ultraviolet Observations to various problems of stellar and interstellar astrophysics. These include refinements in the incorporation of line blanketing in theoretical stellar-atmosphere models, variations in the law of interstellar extinction from one region of the sky to another, and selection and identification of various types of peculiar stars for further investigation. In addition, the data were analyzed to determine the photometric and astrometric accuracy of the Celescope equipment.

Davis, R. J.↗

Glancing incidence telescopes for space astronomy

A technique for determining the state of polarization of a light source by evaluating its image at the focus of a glancing telescope is reported. An analysis of the central disc of the diffraction image reveals if the light source is polarized, the plane of polarization, and the degree of polarization. When polarized light is incident at the aperture of a diffraction limited glancing telescope, the central disc of the diffraction pattern takes on an elliptical configuration. This ellipticity is caused by the tendency of the electric vector component in the plane of incidence to be absorbed by the reflecting material. As the state of polarization goes from plane polarized to decreasing degrees of elliptically polarized light, the ellipticity of the central disc goes from a maximum at plane polarization to zero at circular polarization. These curves give a direct relationship between the degree of polarization of a light source and the ellipticity of the central disc for this particular telescope, independent of the light source wavelength.

Alonso, J., Jr.↗

Review of results in infrared space astronomy.

Some stars, in particular, T Tauri stars, have substantial IR excesses at 10 microns. It is now understood that the long wavelength radiation comes from a shell of dust which surrounds the star and absorbs the stellar radiation. Part of the mass which is lost from supergiants is condensed into solid particles which remain in the stellar environment and provide the excess IR radiation. The most intense far-infrared object outside the solar system is the galactic center. Diffuse galactic IR objects include extended regions of gas and dust surrounding very hot young stars and regions of gas and dust surrounding cooler stars. Other subjects considered include IR galaxies and cosmic radiation.

Hoffmann, W. F.↗

Development and evaluation of infrared sensitive image sensors for space astronomy

The experimental development and evaluation of infrared vidicons for use in solving high precision high flux broadband astronomical problems are discussed. Data cover the EOS, silicon, and doped germanium vidicons. Results are graphed and problems encountered using the vidicons in electrical cameras are reported.

Morton, D. C.↗