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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 NTRS1976

The physical properties of coronal holes

Coronal hole data obtained by Skylab during the period May 1973 to February 1974 are reviewed for the region from the photosphere out through the low corona. Coronal holes have a significantly lower density and temperature than the typical background corona, possess an open divergent magnetic field structure, and are the source of the high-speed solar wind stream which give rise to recurrent geomagnetic storms. The photospheric, chromospheric, and coronal signatures of coronal holes are described, and the evolution of coronal holes is examined, with attention to the lifetimes, the differential rotation, and the areas covered by the holes. The association of coronal holes to large-scale magnetic fields and to disk activity is considered.

Bohlin, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Large-scale electric fields in the earth's magnetosphere

Studies of the earth's magnetosphere have indicated that a large-scale electric field E plays a central role in its electrodynamics and in the flow and acceleration of charged particles there; while many observations relevant to E have accumulated, quite a few basic problems involving the origin and structure of this field remain unsolved. The ultimate source of E is presumably the flow of the solar wind past the earth, but the mechanism by which E arises is still unclear, and several independent sources may contribute to it, some of them being of a rather transient nature. This review attempts to sum up the main observed facts and theoretical concepts related to E.

Stern, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Optical radiation from the Crab pulsar

Possible mechanisms for producing the optical radiation from the Crab pulsar are proposed and discussed. There are severe difficulties in interpreting the radiation as being produced by an incoherent process, whether it be synchrotron radiation, inverse-Compton radiation, or curvature radiation. It is proposed, therefore, that radiation in the optical part of the spectrum is coherent. In the polar cap model, a small bunch of electrons and positrons forms near each primary electron as a result of the pair-production cascade process. Turbulent electric field components associated with large-scale bunching may lead to separation of the electrons and positrons in space and in energy, with the result that coherent radiation may be produced by the electrons, the positrons, or both. Calculations, which involve a number of simplifying assumptions, indicate that the optical radiation from the Crab pulsar can be understood in this way if the mass of the star is approximately 0.3 solar mass. Various consequences of this model, which may be subjected to observational test, are discussed.

Sturrock, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The effect of large-scale eddies on climatic change.

A parameterization for the fluxes of sensible heat by large-scale eddies developed in an earlier paper is incorporated into a model for the mean temperature structure of an atmosphere including only these fluxes and the radiative fluxes. The climatic changes in this simple model are then studied in order to assess the strength of the dynamical feedback and to gain insight into how dynamical parameters may change in more sophisticated climatic models. The model shows the following qualitative changes: (1) an increase in the solar constant leads to increased static stability, decreased dynamic stability, and stronger horizontal and vertical winds; (2) an increase in the amount of atmospheric absorption leads to decreased static and dynamic stability, and stronger horizontal and vertical winds; and (3) an increase in rotation rate leads to greater static and dynamic stability, weaker horizontal winds, and stronger vertical winds.

Stone, P. H.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Modulation of Jovian electron intensity in interplanetary space by corotating interaction regions

Large-scale intensity variations of Jovian electrons in the energy range from 3 to 6 MeV persisting for several days were observed with instrumentation on the Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 spacecraft out to several AU from Jupiter along the pre- and post-planetary encounter trajectories. The corotating interaction regions (CIRs), found by Smith and Wolfe (1976) on these missions to be approximately 25-day recurring regions of enhanced magnetic fields bounded by jumps in solar-wind velocity and frequently shocks, are shown to be impenetrable 'barriers' for the Jovian electrons propagating in the interplanetary medium. Thus, the principal electron-intensity variations are due to the modulating effects of CIRs and are not due to either variations in escape rate of electrons from the magnetosphere or interplanetary electron acceleration. The implications for electron observations at the orbit of earth are discussed.

Conlon, T. F.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Periodic variations in stratospheric-mesospheric temperature from 20-65 km at 80 N to 30 S

Results on large-scale periodic variations of the stratospheric-mesospheric temperature field based on Meteorological Rocket Network (MRN) measurements are reported for a long-term (12-year) mean, the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), and the first three harmonics of the annual wave (annual wave, semi-annual wave, and terannual wave or 4-month variation). Station-to-station comparisons are tabulated and charted for amplitude and phase of periodic variations in the temperature field. Masking and biasing factors, such as diurnal tides, solar radiation variations, mean monthly variations, instrument lag, aerodynamic heating, are singled out for attention. Models of the stratosphere will have to account for these oscillations of different periods in the thermal field and related properties of the wind fields, with multilayered horizontal stratification with height taken into account.-

Nastrom, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Studies of solar magnetic fields. II - The magnetic fluxes

Magnetic flux data from the Mount Wilson magnetograph are examined over the interval 1967-1973. The total flux in the north is greater than that in the south by about 7% over this interval, reflecting a higher level of activity in the northern hemisphere. Close to 95% of the total flux is confined to latitudes equatorward of 40 degrees, which means that close to 95% of the flux cancels with flux of opposite polarity before it can migrate poleward of 40 degrees. It is pointed out that a consequence of this flux distribution is that ephemeral regions must make a negligible contribution to the long-term large-scale magnetic flux distribution. A broad peak in the total flux may be seen centered about one year after activity maximum in the north below 40 degrees. In the south there is a very sharp increase in flux about the same time. In the north, several poleward migrations of flux may be seen.

Howard, R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Acceleration of nucleons in interplanetary space and modulation of Jovian electrons at distances of 1 to 10 AU by corotating regions of solar origin

Corotating interaction regions (CIRs) are formed in interplanetary space when a fast solar-plasma flow overtakes a slow solar-wind stream. This paper shows that CIRs are closely related to two unusual phenomena observed during the flights of Pioneers 10 and 11. These include corotating periodic nucleon fluxes with energies of several MeV and variations in the intensity of relativistic Jovian electrons. Observational evidence is presented in favor of the idea that the nucleons are accelerated in CIRs located in interplanetary space at heliocentric distances of 1 to at least 10 AU, and a model is analyzed in which the acceleration takes place at the leading edge of a CIR. Pioneer data are cited which demonstrate that modulation by recurrent CIRs can explain the large-scale variations in Jovian electron intensity observed in interplanetary space.

Barnes, C. W.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Assessment of the technology required to develop photovoltaic power system for large scale national energy applications

A technical assessment of a program to develop photovoltaic power system technology for large-scale national energy applications was made by analyzing and judging the alternative candidate photovoltaic systems and development tasks. A program plan was constructed based on achieving the 10 year objective of a program to establish the practicability of large-scale terrestrial power installations using photovoltaic conversion arrays costing less than $0.50/peak W. Guidelines for the tasks of a 5 year program were derived from a set of 5 year objectives deduced from the 10 year objective. This report indicates the need for an early emphasis on the development of the single-crystal Si photovoltaic system for commercial utilization; a production goal of 5 x 10 to the 8th power peak W/year of $0.50 cells was projected for the year 1985. The developments of other photovoltaic conversion systems were assigned to longer range development roles. The status of the technology developments and the applicability of solar arrays in particular power installations, ranging from houses to central power plants, was scheduled to be verified in a series of demonstration projects. The budget recommended for the first 5 year phase of the program is $268.5M.

Lutwack, R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Interplanetary field and plasma during initial phase of geomagnetic storms

Twenty-three geomagnetic storm events during 1966 to 1970 were studied by using simultaneous interplanetary magnetic field and plasma parameters. Explorer 33 and 35 field and plasma data were analyzed on large-scale (hourly) and small-scale (3 min.) during the time interval coincident with the initial phase of the geomagnetic storms. The solar-ecliptic Bz component turns southward at the end of the initial phase, thus triggering the main phase decrease in Dst geomagnetic field. The By component also shows large fluctuations along with Bz. When there are no clear changes in the Bz component, the By shows abrupt changes at the main phase onset. On the small-scale, behavior of the magnetic field and electric field were studied in detail for the three events; it is found that the field fluctuations in By, Bz and Ey and Ez are present in the initial phase. In the large-scale, the behavior field remains quiet because the small-scale variations are averaged out. It appears that large as well as small time scale fluctuations in the interplanetary field and plasma help to alter the internal electromagnetic state of the magnetosphere so that a ring current could causing a geomagnetic storm decrease.

Patel, V. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The galactic distribution (in radius and Z) of interstellar molecular hydrogen

Observations of the galactic longitude and latitude distributions of lambda = 2.6 mm CO emission are presented. Analysis of these spectral-line data yields the large-scale distribution of molecular clouds in the galactic disk and their z-distribution out of the disk. Strong maxima in the number of molecular clouds occur in the galactic nucleus and at galactic radii 4 to 8 kpc. The peak at 4 to 8 kpc correlates well with a region of enhanced 100-MeV gamma-ray emissivity. This correlation strongly supports the conclusion that the gamma-rays are produced as a result of cosmic ray interactions in molecular H2 clouds rather than in H(I). The width of the cloud layer perpendicular to the galactic plane between half-density points is 105 plus or minus 15 pc near the 5.5-kpc peak. The total mass of molecular gas in the interior of the galaxy exceeds that of atomic hydrogen and is 30 to the 9th power solar mass based on these observations.

Scoville, N. Z.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Synthesis of data obtained at Jicamarca, Peru, during the September 11, 1969, eclipse.

Results of continuous measurements of electron temperatures, electron concentrations, and vertical plasma drift made at Jicamarca during the Sept. 11, 1969, solar eclipse and of control measurements made on Sept. 13, 1969. Synthesis of the observed electron concentrations was made, using a model that solved the time-dependent electron-ion continuity equations. Ions O(-), NO(+), O2(+), and N2(+) were treated. Physical and chemical processes pertinent to the F region were considered in a realistic way. At noon, 300 km above Jicamarca, the values q = 290 per cu cm per sec for the O(+) production rate, beta = 1.94 x 0.0001 per sec for the loss coefficient, and H = 59 km for the atomic oxygen scale height were obtained. All large-scale features observed in the F2 region were synthesized by the model. This synthesis was not sensitive to a simultaneous 30% reduction of q and beta.

Sterling, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Topological dissipation and the small-scale fields in turbulent gases.

It is shown that a large-scale magnetic field possesses a hydrostatic equilibrium only if the pattern of small-scale variations is uniform along the large-scale field. Thus equilibrium obtains only if the variations in the field consist of simple twisting of the lines, with the twists extending uniformly the full length of the field. Any more complicated topology, such as two or more flux tubes wrapped around each other to form a rope, or braided or knotted flux tubes, is without equilibrium, no matter what fluid pressures are applied along the individual lines of force. The result is rapid dissipation and field-line merging, which quickly reduces the topology to the simple equilibrium form. The effect explains the absence of strong small-scale fields in the solar photosphere and in interstellar space in spite of the vigorous turbulence.

Parker, E. N.↗
NASA NTRS1975

A study of geomagnetic storms

Twenty-one geomagnetic storm events during 1966 and 1970 were studied by using simultaneous interplanetary magnetic field and plasma parameters. Explorer 33 and 35 field and plasma data were analyzed on large-scale (hourly) and small-scale (3 min.) during the time interval coincident with initial phase of the geomagnetic storms. The solar-ecliptic Bz component turns southward at the end of the initial phase, thus triggering the main phase decrease in Dst geomagnetic field. When the Bz is already negative, its value becomes further negative. The By component also shows large fluctuations along with Bz. When there are no clear changes in the Bz component, the By shows abrupt changes at the main phase onet. On the small-scale behavior of the magnetic field and electric field (E=-VxB) studied in details for the three events, it is found that the field fluctuations in By, Bz and Ey and Ez are present in the initial phase. These fluctuations become larger just before the main phase of the storm begins. In the largescale behavior field remains quiet because the small scale variations are averaged out.

Patel, V. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

In situ observations of the scale-size of plasma turbulence in the asteroid belt /1.6-3 astronomical units/

Pioneer 10 observations from the Ames Research Center Plasma Analyzer experiment between 1 and 3 AU in 1972 have been used to estimate the power spectra of the streaming speed of solar wind protons. A power-law spectrum is obtained in the 10,000 to 0.001 Hz frequency range which is similar to that obtained for the solar wind proton number density and streaming speed at 1 AU in 1965 December and 1966 January. The power spectra indicate that significant turbulence on the scale of about 1,000,000 km or more is present throughout this range of heliocentric distances, implying the importance of the role of large-scale turbulence between 1 and 3 AU. The power spectra also present qualitatively information concerning the cosmic-ray diffusion tensor at these extended distances.

Intriligator, D. S.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Interplanetary field and plasma during initial phase of geomagnetic storms

A study has been conducted of a large number of geomagnetic storms occurring during the period from 1966 to 1970. Questions of data selection are discussed and the large-scale interplanetary magnetic field during the initial phase is examined. Small-scale interplanetary fields during the initial phase are also considered, taking into account important features of small-scale variations in the interplanetary field and plasma for three storms. Details concerning 23 geomagnetic storms and the interplanetary magnetic field are presented in a table. A study of the initial phase of these storms indicates that in most of these events, the solar-ecliptic Z component of the interplanetary magnetic field turns southward when the main phase decrease begins.

Patel, V. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Solar modulation and a galactic origin for the anomalous component observed in low-energy cosmic rays

The current theory of solar modulation can be used to argue that the cosmic-ray component at low energies, which is observed to have an anomalous composition, is not of galactic origin, i.e., it is not a component of the galactic cosmic-ray flux. The current theory predicts, from quite general considerations, that an unreasonably large intensity of cosmic rays, by many orders of magnitude, would be required in the interstellar medium to account for the observed fluxes. Conceivably, the current modulation theory could be modified so that only reasonable interstellar fluxes are predicted. One such modification involves an unusual scheme for particle diffusion in the interplanetary medium. Particles are assumed to diffuse not as a result of their own motion among small-scale irregularities in the magnetic field, but rather in a process in which they are trapped between time-varying constrictions in the large-scale field.

Fisk, L. A.↗