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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.

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NASA NTRS1995

A new criterion for bar-forming instability in rapidly rotating gaseous and stellar systems. 2: Nonaxisymmetric form

We have previously introduced the parameter alpha as an indicator of stability to m = 2 nonaxisymmetric modes in rotating, self-gravitating, axisymmetric, gaseous (alpha less than or approximately equal to 0.34) and stellar (alpha less than or approximately equal to 0.25) systems. This parameter can be written as alpha = (ft/2)(exp 1/2), where t is defined as T/(absolute value of W), T is the total rotational kinetic energy, W is the total gravitational potential energy, and f is a function characteristic of the topology/connectedness and the geometric shape of a system. In this paper, we extend the stability criterion to nonaxisymmetric equilibrium systems by determining empirically the appropriate form of the function f for ellipsoids and elliptical disks and cylinders. We test the validity of this extension of the stability indicator alpha by considering its predictions for previously published, gaseous and stellar, nonaxisymmetric models. The formulation and critical values account accurately for the stability properties of m =2 modes in gaseous Riemann S-type ellipsoids (including the Jacobi and Dedekind ellipsoids) and elliptical Riemann disks as well as in stellar elliptical Freeman disks and cylinders: all these systems are dynamically stable except the stellar elliptical Freeman disks that exhibit a relatively small region of m = 2 dynamical instability. A partial disagreement in the case of stellar Freeman ellipsoids in maximum rotation may be due to the fact that the region of instability has not been previously determined with sufficient accuracy.

Christodoulou, Dimitris M.↗

NASA NTRS1997

On the Origin and Evolution of Stellar Chromospheres, Coronae and Winds

The final report discusses work completed on proposals to construct state-of-the-art, theoretical, two-component, chromospheric models for single stars of different spectral types and different evolutionary status. We suggested to use these models to predict the level of the "basal flux", the observed range of variation of chromospheric activity for a given spectral type, and the decrease of this activity with stellar age. In addition, for red giants and supergiants, we also proposed to construct self-consistent, purely theoretical, chromosphere-wind models, and investigate the origin of "dividing lines" in the H-R diagram. In the report, we list the following six specific goals for the first and second year of the proposed research and then describe the completed work: (1) To calculate the acoustic and magnetic wave energy fluxes for stars located in different regions of the H-R diagram; (2) To investigate the transfer of this non-radiative energy through stellar photospheres and to estimate the amount of energy that reaches the chromosphere; (3) To identify major sources of radiative losses in stellar chromospheres and calculate the amount of emitted energy; (4) To use (1) through (3) to construct purely theoretical, two-component, chromospheric models based on the local energy balance. The models will be constructed for stars of different spectral types and different evolutionary status; (5) To explain theoretically the "basal flux", the location of stellar temperature minima and the observed range of chromospheric activity for stars of the same spectral type; and (6) To construct self-consistent, time-dependent stellar wind models based on the momentum deposition by finite amplitude Alfven waves.

Musielak, Z. E.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Stellar Gyroscope for Determining Attitude of a Spacecraft

A paper introduces the concept of a stellar gyroscope, currently at an early stage of development, for determining the attitude or spin axis, and spin rate of a spacecraft. Like star trackers, which are commercially available, a stellar gyroscope would capture and process images of stars to determine the orientation of a spacecraft in celestial coordinates. Star trackers utilize chargecoupled devices as image detectors and are capable of tracking attitudes at spin rates of no more than a few degrees per second and update rates typically <5 Hz. In contrast, a stellar gyroscope would utilize an activepixel sensor as an image detector and would be capable of tracking attitude at a slew rate as high as 50 deg/s, with an update rate as high as 200 Hz. Moreover, a stellar gyroscope would be capable of measuring a slew rate up to 420 deg/s. Whereas a Sun sensor and a three-axis mechanical gyroscope are typically needed to complement a star tracker, a stellar gyroscope would function without them; consequently, the mass, power consumption, and mechanical complexity of an attitude-determination system could be reduced considerably.

Pain, Bedabrata↗

NASA NTRS2011

The Two Components of the Evolved Massive Binary LZ Cephei: Testing the Effects of Binarity on Stellar Evolution

We present an in-dep(h study of the two components of the binary system LZ Cep to constrain the effects of binarity on the evolution of massive stars. Methods. We analyzed a set of high-resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio optical spectra obtained over the orbital period of the system to perform a spectroscopic disentangling and derive an orbital solution. We subsequently determine the stellar properties of each component by means of an analysis with the CMFGEN atmosphere code. Finally, with the derived stellar parameters, we model the Hipparcos photometric light curve using the program NIGHTFALL to obtain the orbit inclination and the stellar masses. Results.LZ Cep is a O9III+ON9.7V binary. It is as a semi-detailed system in which either the primary or the secondary star almost fills up its Roche lobe. The dynamical masses are about 16.0 Stellar Mass (primary) and 6.5 Stellar Mass (secondary). The latter is lower than the typical mass of late-type O stars. The secondary component is chemically more evolved than the primary (which barely shows any sign of CNO processing), with strong helium and nitrogen enhancements as well as carbon and oxygen depletions. These properties (surface abundances and mass) are typical of Wolf-Rayet stars, although the spectral type is ON9.7V. The luminosity of the secondary is consistent with that of core He-burning objects. The preferred, tentative evolutionary scenario to explain abe observed properties involves mass transfer from the secondary - which was initially more massive- towards the primary. The secondary is now almost a core He-burning object, probably with only a thin envelope of H-rich and CNO processed material. A very inefficient mass transfer is necessary to explain the chemical appearance of the primary. Alternative scenarios are discussed but they are affected by greater uncertainties.

Mahy, L.↗

NASA NTRS2014

X-Ray Properties of K-Selected Galaxies at 0.5 Less than z Less than 2.0: Investigating Trends with Stellar Mass, Redshift and Spectral Type

We examine how the total X-ray luminosity correlates with stellar mass, stellar population, and redshift for a K-band limited sample of approximately 3500 galaxies at 0.5 < z < 2.0 from the NEWFIRM Medium Band Survey in the COSMOS field. The galaxy sample is divided into 32 different galaxy types, based on similarities between the spectral energy distributions. For each galaxy type, we further divide the sample into bins of redshift and stellar mass, and perform an X-ray stacking analysis using the Chandra COSMOS data. We find that full band X-ray luminosity is primarily increasing with stellar mass, and at similar mass and spectral type is higher at larger redshifts. When comparing at the same stellar mass, we find that the X-ray luminosity is slightly higher for younger galaxies (i.e., weaker 4000 angstrom breaks), but the scatter in this relation is large. We compare the observed X-ray luminosities to those expected from low- and high-mass X-ray binaries (XRBs). For blue galaxies, XRBs can almost fully account for the observed emission, while for older galaxies with larger 4000 angstrom breaks, active galactic nuclei (AGN) or hot gas dominate the measured X-ray flux. After correcting for XRBs, the X-ray luminosity is still slightly higher in younger galaxies, although this correlation is not significant. AGN appear to be a larger component of galaxy X-ray luminosity at earlier times, as the hardness ratio increases with redshift. Together with the slight increase in X-ray luminosity this may indicate more obscured AGNs or higher accretion rates at earlier times.

Properties↗

NASA NTRS2019

Constraining Stellar Photospheres as an Essential Step for Transmission Spectroscopy of Small Exoplanets

Transiting exoplanets offer a unique opportunity to study the atmospheres of terrestrial worlds in other systems in the coming decade. By absorbing and scattering starlight, exoplanet atmospheres produce spectroscopic transit depth variations that allow us to probe their physical structures and chemical compositions. These same variations, however, can be introduced by the photospheric heterogeneity of the host star (i.e., the transit light source effect). Recent modeling efforts and increasingly precise observations are revealing that our understanding of transmission1spectra of the smallest transiting exoplanets will likely be limited by our knowledge of host star photospheres. Here we outline promising scientific opportunities for the next decade that can provide useful constraints on stellar photospheres and inform interpretations of transmission spectra of the smallest(R < 4R) exoplanets. We identify and discuss four primary opportunities: (1) refining stellar magnetic active region properties through exoplanet crossing events; (2) spectral decomposition of active exoplanet host stars; (3) joint retrievals of stellar photospheric and planetary atmospheric properties with studies of transmission spectra; and (4) continued visual transmission spectroscopy studies to complement longer-wavelength studies from JWST. In this context, we make four recommendations to the Astro2020 Decadal Survey Committee:(1) identify the transit light source (TLS) effect as a challenge to precise exoplanet transmission spectroscopy and an opportunity ripe for scientific advancement in the coming decade; (2) include characterization of host star photospheric heterogeneity as part of a comprehensive research strategy for studying transiting exoplanets; (3) support the construction of ground-based extremely large telescopes (ELTs); (4) support multi-disciplinary research teams that bring together the heliophysics, stellar physics, and exoplanet communities to further exploit transiting exoplanets as spatial probes of stellar photospheres; and (5) support visual transmission spectroscopy efforts as complements to longer-wavelength observational campaigns with JWST.

Rackham, Benjamin V.↗

NASA NTRS2019

High Angular Resolution Astrophysics: Resolving Stellar Surface Features

We are now in an era where we can image details on the surfaces of stars. When resolving stellar surfaces, we see that every surface is uniquely complicated. Each imaged star provides insight into not only the stellar surface structures, but also the stellar interiors suggesting constraints on evolution and dynamo models. As more resources become operational in the coming years, imaging stellar surfaces should become commonplace for revealing the true nature of stars. Here, we discuss the main types of stars for which imaging surface features is currently useful and what improved observing techniques would provide for imaging stellar surface features.

Rachael M. Roettenbacher↗

NASA NTRS2019

Constraining Stellar Photospheres as an Essential Step for Transmission Spectroscopy of Small Exoplanets

Transiting exoplanets offer a unique opportunity to study the atmospheres of terrestrial worlds in other systems in the coming decade. By absorbing and scattering starlight, exoplanet atmospheres produce spectroscopic transit depth variations that allow us to probe their physical structures and chemical compositions. These same variations, however, can be introduced by the photospheric heterogeneity of the host star (i.e., the transit light source effect). Recent modeling efforts and increasingly precise observations are revealing that our understanding of transmission spectra of the smallest transiting exoplanets will likely be limited by our knowledge of host star photospheres. Here we outline promising scientific opportunities for the next decade that can provide useful constraints on stellar photospheres and inform interpretations of transmission spectra of the smallest (R < 4R ) exoplanets. We identify and discuss four primary opportunities: (1) refining stellar magnetic active region properties through exoplanet crossing events; (2) spectral decomposition of active exoplanet host stars; (3) joint retrievals of stellar photospheric and planetary atmospheric properties with studies of transmission spectra; and (4) continued visual transmission spectroscopy studies to complement longer-wavelength studies from JWST. In this context, we make four recommendations to the Astro2020 Decadal Survey Committee: (1) identify the transit light source (TLS) effect as a challenge to precise exoplanet transmission spectroscopy and an opportunity ripe for scientific advancement in the coming decade; (2) include characterization of host star photospheric heterogeneity as part of a comprehensive research strategy for studying transiting exoplanets; (3) support the construction of ground-based extremely large telescopes (ELTs); (4) support multi-disciplinary research teams that bring together the heliophysics, stellar physics, and exoplanet communities to further exploit transiting exoplanets as spatial probes of stellar photospheres; and (5) support visual transmission spectroscopy efforts as complements to longer-wavelength observational campaigns with JWST.

Benjamin V. Rackham↗

NASA NTRS2021

The M-dwarf Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Sample. I. Determining Stellar Parameters for Field Stars

Accurate stellar properties are essential for precise stellar astrophysics and exoplanetary science. In the M-dwarf regime, much effort has gone into defining empirical relations that can use readily accessible observables to assess physical stellar properties. Often, these relations for the quantity of interest are cast as a nonlinear function of available data; in Bayesian modeling, however, the reverse is needed. In this article, we introduce a new Bayesian framework to self-consistently and simultaneously apply multiple empirical calibrations to fully characterize the mass, luminosity, radius, and effective temperature of a field age M-dwarf. This framework includes a new M-dwarf mass–radius relation with a scatter of 3.1% at fixed mass. We further introduce the M-dwarf Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Sample (MUSS), and apply our methodology to provide consistent stellar parameters for these nearby low-mass stars, selected as having available spectroscopic data in the ultraviolet. These targets are of interest largely as either exoplanet hosts or benchmarks in multiwavelength stellar activity. We use the field MUSS stars to define a low-mass main sequence in the solar neighborhood through Gaussian Process (GP) regression. These results enable us to empirically measure a feature in the GP derivative at M ⊙ that indicates where the MUSS transitions from fully to partly convective interiors.

J. Sebastian Pineda↗

NASA NTRS1976

The stellar content of the nuclear regions of Sc galaxies

Stellar-population syntheses based on absolute spectral energy distributions over the wavelength range from 3300 to 10,400 A are used to determine the stellar content of the nuclear regions of seven nearby Sc galaxies (NGC 628, 1073, 1084, 1637, 2903, 4321, and 5194). A linear-programming procedure is employed to construct models of the overall stellar populations whose spectra closely match those of the seven galaxies. Absolute measurements of the emission-line spectra of the nuclear regions are also provided. It is found that: (1) intrinsic reddening is probably present in each nuclear region; (2) the upper main sequence is substantially populated in most of the models; (3) the lower main sequence contributes insignificantly to the luminosity in all optimal solutions; (4) substantial contributions are made by evolved M stars at long wavelengths in all the models; (5) the model photometric M/L ratios are low, of the order of unity; and (6) the O-B stars arising naturally in the population models are just sufficient to provide the observed nuclear ionization in all the galaxies except NGC 5194, which may be collisionally ionized. The properties of the nuclear regions are shown to be consistent with the existence of a common initial mass function for star formation and a variety of time dependences for the star-formation process. A possibly significant correlation is noted between nuclear stellar content and overall dynamical properties in four of the galaxies.

Turnrose, B. E.↗

NASA NTRS1977

The origin of stellar winds - Subatmospheric nonthermal storage modes versus radiation pressure

Most current models of matter-flux in hot stars place its origin in radiation pressure, and then model the flow explicitly to produce no chromosphere-corona. Our model of the stellar atmosphere as a transition zone between stellar interior and interstellar medium places the origin of matter-flux, chromosphere-corona, and spectral 'emission classes' in subatmospheric nonthermal kinetic energy storage, equally for all stars, hot or cold. Current observations of both hot and cold stars suggest chromospheres to be a universal phenomenon, correlated with matter-fluxes, and enhanced in 'emission-class' stars. To clarify the difference between the two kinds of models above, we reformulate the wind-tunnel analogy to stellar winds, suggesting that stars satisfy an 'imperfect,' rather than 'perfect,' such model; i.e., transonic shocks occur before the throat, corresponding to an imposed outward velocity in the storage section, or subatmosphere. We then investigate the stability of an arbitrary stellar atmosphere, hot or cold, to suggest a cause for such an outward subatmospheric velocity.

Cannon, C. J.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Semi-empirical estimates of gravitational wave generation by stellar collapse

The problems of the generation and detection of gravitational waves and the difficulty of detecting the burst of gravitational radiation produced by a stellar collapse in our Galaxy, or in neighbouring clusters of galaxies where such collapses are expected to occur frequently, have been reviewed elsewhere. As stellar collapses, explosions, or supernovae are poorly understood, the values of the strength of these sources depend on uncertain assumptions. However, it is possible to make some independent estimates on semi-empirical grounds, using observed facts concerning the remnants of stellar evolution. These estimates, reported here, have serious weaknesses. They must involve oversimplified models and very crude standard calculations of the collapse and radiation processes. Also, because they are based on observed properties of stellar remnants, they say nothing about collapses which do not produce observable remnants. Although this selection may introduce a strong bias, these estimates deserve consideration because they are tied to real data.

Katz, J. I.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Stellar chromospheres

Recent observational and theoretical work in the general problem of stellar chromospheres is summarized. The nature of a stellar chromosphere is reviewed, along with regions of the H-R diagram where chromospheres exist, trends emerging from semiempirical chromospheric models of single stars, and the ability of such models to match the observational data. Reasons why the Wilson-Bappu relation works are discussed, the existence of systematic flow patterns in stellar chromospheres is considered, and possible differences between chromospheres in close binaries and in single stars are examined. The general questions of chromospheric variability, the energy balance in stellar chromospheres, and the physics of chromospheric activity are described.

Linsky, J. L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

The stellar coronal X-ray Explorer: STCOEX

The status of the newly born field of stellar X-ray astronomy is considered. The need for further observational capability, the study of stellar surface activity and the development of design criteria for a follow-up mission, with primary emphasis on stellar observations and with general capabilities within the scope of the Explorer program are examined. The criteria which lead to the desired instrumental capabilities are reviewed; and an overview of the proposed instrument and some of its capabilities, as indicated by simulations is presented. Two versions of a trial payload the stellar coronal. Explorer (STCOEX) which meet the observational desirable are developed.

Vaiana, G. S.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Dependence of open stellar coronal regions on coronal heating

Models of open regions in hot stellar coronae are presented. For a given star these regions depend on the total amount phi sub Mo of coronal heating and on the characteristic length (L) over which this energy is dissipated. The height of the temperature maximum is mainly determined by L. The coronal temperature, the mass loss rate, and the relative fraction of wind energy losses increase strongly with L as long as L is much smaller than the stellar radius. For large L, however, these quantities are only weak functions of L, while they still increase with increasing phi sub Mo. Thus, if the heating occurs close to the stellar surface, the open coronal regions are cool, and most of the energy is used for radiation. Extended coronal heating, on the other hand, leads to hot coronal regions with small base pressure and predominating energy losses due to stellar wind (for large phi sub Mo and/or outward thermal conduction (for small phi sub Mo).

Hammer, R.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Corotating interaction regions in stellar winds

In a stellar wind, a corotating interaction region (CIR) is formed when a rotating star emits wind in a non-spherically symmetric manner. CIRs have been studied in detail in the solar wind: here, their role in stellar winds is considered. The radial distance at which CIRs form (in terms of the stellar radius) is proportional to the ratio of wind speed to the rotational speed at the stellar surface: in the sun, this ratio is approximately 200, but it may be much smaller than that in other stars. The properties of CIRs appear to be able to account for certain features of 'hybrid stars' (i.e., cool giants with cool winds plus 'warm' lines in their UV spectra), for X-ray emitting structures in hot star winds, and for the appearance of extended chromospheres in cool supergiants.

Mullan, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS1984

High Precision Measurement of Stellar Radial Velocity Variations

A prototype instrument for measurement of stellar radial velocity variations to a precision of a few meters per second is discussed. The instrument will be used to study low amplitude stellar non-radial oscillations, to search for binary systems with large mass ratios, and ultimately to search for extrasolar planetary systems. The instrument uses a stable Fabry-Perot etalon, in reflection, to impose a set of fixed reference absorption lines on the stellar spectrum before it enters the coude spectrograph of the McDonald Observatory 2.7-m telescope. The spectrum is recorded on the Octicon detector, which consists of eight Reticon arrays placed end to end. Radial velocity variations of the star are detected by measuring the shift of the stellar lines with respect the artificial Fabry-Perot lines, and correcting for the known motions in the solar system.

Cochran, W. D.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Stellar activity cycles

The variety of stellar chromospheric and coronal activity provides a framework for understanding solar and stellar magnetic activity. It is pointed out that the recognition of an 11-yr periodicity within the record of sunspot numbers is a relatively recent discovery of just over a century ago. The solar activity cycle is examined, taking into account the sunspot cycle, and solar dynamo models. Time-averaged stellar chromospheric activity levels are considered along with long-term activity fluctuations of cool stars. Attention is given to the direct measurement of stellar magnetic fields, solar luminosity variations, the RS Canum Venaticorum and BY Draconis variables, continuum variations in lower main sequence stars, chromospheric variations in lower main sequence stars, and chromospheric variations in evolved stars.

Baliunas, S. L.↗