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At least 1,081 records · Page 60
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2002

Spectroscopy of Low Mass X-Ray Binaries: New Insights into Accretion

This project is to observe two low mass X-ray binaries, chosen for their X-ray brightness, low column density, and diversity of accretion behavior. The high spectral resolution of the RGS, the broad energy range and tremendous collecting power of EPIC, and simultaneous optical monitoring with the OM are particularly well-suited to these studies. The second of two objects was not observed until September of 2002. Data analysis for the new observation is underway. over the next year we will: investigate the physical conditions of the emitting gas using emission and recombination line diagnostics to determine temperatures, densities, elemental abundances, and ionization structure; study the behavior of emission features as a function of binary orbit; and test and improve models of X-ray line emission developed by us over the past decade. We will gain insight on both the geometry of the accretion flow and on the evolutionary history of LMXBs.

Vrtilek, Saeqa Dil↗
NASA NTRS2022

Updated Orbital Monitoring and Dynamical Masses for Nearby M-dwarf Binaries

Young M-type binaries are particularly useful for precise isochronal dating by taking advantage of their extended pre-main sequence evolution. Orbital monitoring of these low-mass objects becomes essential in constraining their fundamental properties, as dynamical masses can be extracted from their Keplerian motion. Here, we present the combined efforts of the AstraLux Large Multiplicity Survey, together with a filler sub-programme from the SpHere INfrared Exoplanet (SHINE) project and previously unpublished data from the FastCam lucky imaging camera at the Nordical Optical Telescope (NOT) and the NaCo instrument at the Very Large Telescope (VLT). Building on previous work, we use archival and new astrometric data to constrain orbital parameters for 20 M-type binaries. We identify that eight of the binaries have strong Bayesian probabilities and belong to known young moving groups (YMGs). We provide a first attempt at constraining orbital parameters for 14 of the binaries in our sample, with the remaining six having previously fitted orbits for which we provide additional astrometric data and updated Gaia parallaxes. The substantial orbital information built up here for four of the binaries allows for direct comparison between individual dynamical masses and theoretical masses from stellar evolutionary model isochrones, with an additional three binary systems with tentative individual dynamical mass estimates likely to be improved in the near future. We attained an overall agreement between the dynamical masses and the theoretical masses from the isochrones based on the assumed YMG age of the respective binary pair. The two systems with the best orbital constrains for which we obtained individual dynamical masses, J0728 and J2317, display higher dynamical masses than predicted by evolutionary models.

Astrometry / binaries↗
NASA NTRS1986

Binary collision rates of relativistic thermal plasmas. II - Spectra

Spectra of importance for the analysis of relativistic thermal plasmas are numerically calculated assuming a thermal form for the particle distribution functions. Complete sets of optically thin thermal electron-proton, electron-electron, and electron-positron bremsstrahlung spectra are calculated throughout the transrelativistic regime of electron temperatures and compared with approximate expressions for the spectra in the nonrelativistic and extreme relativistic regimes of temperature. A method for calculating accurate secondary particle production spectra in proton-proton collisions from threshold to the highest energies is presented based on an isobaric model near threshold and scaling representations at high energies. The production spectra of charged and neutral pions resulting from proton-proton collisions in relativistic proton plasmas are calculated, and the resultant electron, positron, and gamma-ray spectra from the decay of secondary pions are presented.

Dermer, C. D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Implications of the light curve of the A-type W UMa binary V566 Ophiuchi

Broadband (2585-3200-A) IUE photometric observations of V566 Oph obtained in three 8-h shifts on July 17-19, 1984 are reported and solved simultaneously with the ground-based optical observations of Bookmyer (1976). The observed light curves are fit to theoretical Roche-model light curves using the computer program described by Eaton (1986). The data and solutions are presented in tables and graphs, and the modifications required to match the solutions to data for 1965 (Bookmyer, 1969) and 1957 (Binnendjik, 1959) are considered. The lower-than-expected darkening observed is attributed to a reduced common-radiative-envelope temperature gradient, probably a result of circulation related to energy transfer between the components of V566 Oph.

Eaton, Joel A.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Designing Glass and Crystalline Phases of Metal–Bis(acetamide) Networks to Promote High Optical Contrast

Owing to their high tunability and predictable structures, metal–organic materials offer a powerful platform to study glass formation and crystallization processes and to design glasses with unique properties. In this work, we report a novel series of glass-forming metal–ethylenebis(acetamide) networks that undergo reversible glass and crystallization transitions below 200 °C. The glass-transition temperatures, crystallization kinetics, and glass stability of these materials are readily tunable, either by synthetic modification or by liquid-phase blending, to form binary glasses. Pair distribution function (PDF) analysis reveals extended structural correlations in both single and binary metal–bis(acetamide) glasses and highlights the important role of metal–metal correlations during structural evolution across glass–crystal transitions. Notably, the glass and crystalline phases of a Co–ethylenebis(acetamide) binary network feature a large reflectivity contrast ratio of 4.8 that results from changes in the local coordination environment around Co centers. These results provide new insights into glass–crystal transitions in metal–organic materials and have exciting implications for optical switching, rewritable data storage, and functional glass ceramics.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Enhanced ODR range using exponentially graded refractive index profile of 1D binary photonic crystal

A simple design of broadband one dimensional dielectric/semiconductor multilayer structure having refractive index profile of exponentially graded material has been proposed. The theoretical analysis shows that the proposed structure works as a perfect mirror within a certain wavelength range (1550 nm). In order to calculate the reflection properties a transfer matrix method (TMM) has been used. This property shows that binary graded photonic crystal structures have widened omnidirectional reflector (ODR) bandgap. Hence a exponentially graded photonic crystal structure can be used as a broadband optical reflector and the range of reflection can be tuned to any wavelength region by varying the refractive index profile of exponentially graded photonic crystal structure.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2011

MEASURING THE STELLAR ACCRETION RATES OF HERBIG Ae/Be STARS

The accretion rate of young stars is a fundamental characteristic of these systems. While accretion onto T Tauri stars has been studied extensively, little work has been done on measuring the accretion rate of their intermediate-mass analogs, the Herbig Ae/Be stars. Measuring the stellar accretion rate of Herbig Ae/Bes is not straightforward both because of the dearth of metal absorption lines available for veiling measurements and the intrinsic brightness of Herbig Ae/Be stars at ultraviolet wavelengths where the brightness of the accretion shock peaks. Alternative approaches to measuring the accretion rate of young stars by measuring the luminosity of proxies such as the Br {gamma} emission line have not been calibrated. A promising approach is the measurement of the veiling of the Balmer discontinuity. We present measurements of this veiling as well as the luminosity of Br {gamma}. We show that the relationship between the luminosity of Br {gamma} and the stellar accretion rate for classical T Tauri stars is consistent with Herbig Ae stars but not Herbig Be stars. We discuss the implications of this finding for understanding the interaction of the star and disk for Herbig Ae/Be stars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

THE SOLAR NEIGHBORHOOD. XXVIII. THE MULTIPLICITY FRACTION OF NEARBY STARS FROM 5 TO 70 AU AND THE BROWN DWARF DESERT AROUND M DWARFS

We report on our analysis of Hubble Space Telescope/NICMOS snapshot high-resolution images of 255 stars in 201 systems within {approx}10 pc of the Sun. Photometry was obtained through filters F110W, F180M, F207M, and F222M using NICMOS Camera 2. These filters were selected to permit clear identification of cool brown dwarfs through methane contrast imaging. With a plate scale of 76 mas pixel{sup -1}, NICMOS can easily resolve binaries with subarcsecond separations in the 19.''5 Multiplication-Sign 19.''5 field of view. We previously reported five companions to nearby M and L dwarfs from this search. No new companions were discovered during the second phase of data analysis presented here, confirming that stellar/substellar binaries are rare. We establish magnitude and separation limits for which companions can be ruled out for each star in the sample, and then perform a comprehensive sensitivity and completeness analysis for the subsample of 138 M dwarfs in 126 systems. We calculate a multiplicity fraction of 0.0{sup +3.5}{sub -0.0}% for L companions to M dwarfs in the separation range of 5-70 AU, and 2.3{sup +5.0}{sub -0.7}% for L and T companions to M dwarfs in the separation range of 10-70 AU. We also discuss trends in the color-magnitude diagrams using various color combinations and present astrometry for 19 multiple systems in our sample. Considering these results and results from several other studies, we argue that the so-called brown dwarf desert extends to binary systems with low-mass primaries and is largely independent of primary mass, mass ratio, and separations. While focusing on companion properties, we discuss how the qualitative agreement between observed companion mass functions and initial mass functions suggests that the paucity of brown dwarfs in either population may be due to a common cause and not due to binary formation mechanisms.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

The Chandra local volume survey. I. The X-ray point source populations of NGC 55, NGC 2403, and NGC 4214

We present comprehensive X-ray point source catalogs of NGC 55, NGC 2403, and NGC 4214 as part of the Chandra Local Volume Survey. The combined archival observations have effective exposure times of 56.5 ks, 190 ks, and 79 ks for NGC 55, NGC 2403, and NGC 4214, respectively. When combined with our published catalogs for NGC 300 and NGC 404, our survey contains 629 X-ray sources total down to a limiting unabsorbed luminosity of ∼5×10{sup 35} erg s{sup −1} in the 0.35–8 keV band in each of the five galaxies. We present X-ray hardness ratios, spectral analysis, radial source distributions, and an analysis of the temporal variability for the X-ray sources detected at high significance. To constrain the nature of each X-ray source, we carried out cross-correlations with multi-wavelength data sets. We searched overlapping Hubble Space Telescope observations for optical counterparts to our X-ray detections to provide preliminary classifications for each X-ray source as a likely X-ray binary, background active galactic nucleus, supernova remnant, or foreground star.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2010

THE TYPE Ia SUPERNOVA RATE IN REDSHIFT 0.5-0.9 GALAXY CLUSTERS

Supernova (SN) rates are potentially powerful diagnostics of metal enrichment and SN physics, particularly in galaxy clusters with their deep, metal-retaining potentials and relatively simple star formation histories. We have carried out a survey for SNe in galaxy clusters, at a redshift range of 0.5 < z < 0.9, using the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) on the Hubble Space Telescope. We reimaged a sample of 15 clusters that were previously imaged by ACS, thus obtaining two to three epochs per cluster in which we discovered five likely cluster SNe, six possible cluster Type Ia supernovae, two hostless SN candidates, and several background and foreground events. Keck spectra of the host galaxies were obtained to establish cluster membership. We conducted detailed efficiency simulations, and measured the stellar luminosities of the clusters using Subaru images. We derive a cluster SN rate of 0.35SNu {sub B} {sup +0.17} {sub -0.12}(statistical) {+-}0.13(classification) {+-}0.01(systematic) (where SNu {sub B} = SNe (100 yr 10{sup 10} L {sub B,sun}){sup -1}) and 0.112SNu {sub M} {sup +0.055} {sub -0.039}(statistical) {+-}0.042(classification) {+-}0.005(systematic) (where SNu {sub M} = SNe (100 yr 10{sup 10} M {sub sun}){sup -1}). As in previous measurements of cluster SN rates, the uncertainties are dominated by small-number statistics. The SN rate in this redshift bin is consistent with the SN rate in clusters at lower redshifts (to within the uncertainties), and shows that there is, at most, only a slight increase of cluster SN rate with increasing redshift. The low and fairly constant SN Ia rate out to z {approx} 1 implies that the bulk of the iron mass in clusters was already in place by z {approx} 1. The recently observed doubling of iron abundances in the intracluster medium between z = 1 and 0, if real, is likely to be the result of redistribution of existing iron, rather than new production of iron.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

THE GEMINI NICI PLANET-FINDING CAMPAIGN: DISCOVERY OF A MULTIPLE SYSTEM ORBITING THE YOUNG A STAR HD 1160

We report the discovery of two low-mass companions to the young A0V star HD 1160 at projected separations of 81 {+-} 5 AU (HD 1160 B) and 533 {+-} 25 AU (HD 1160 C) by the Gemini NICI Planet-Finding Campaign. Very Large Telescope images of the system taken over a decade for the purpose of using HD 1160 A as a photometric calibrator confirm that both companions are physically associated. By comparing the system to members of young moving groups and open clusters with well-established ages, we estimate an age of 50{sup +50}{sub -40} Myr for HD 1160 ABC. While the UVW motion of the system does not match any known moving group, the small magnitude of the space velocity is consistent with youth. Near-IR spectroscopy shows HD 1160 C to be an M3.5 {+-} 0.5 star with an estimated mass of 0.22{sup +0.03}{sub -0.04} M{sub Sun }, while NIR photometry of HD 1160 B suggests a brown dwarf with a mass of 33{sup +12}{sub -9} M{sub Jup}. The very small mass ratio (0.014) between the A and B components of the system is rare for A star binaries, and would represent a planetary-mass companion were HD 1160 A to be slightly less massive than the Sun.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

A spectroscopic census in young stellar regions: the σ Orionis cluster

We present a spectroscopic survey of the stellar population of the σ Orionis cluster. We have obtained spectral types for 340 stars. Spectroscopic data for spectral typing come from several spectrographs with similar spectroscopic coverage and resolution. More than half of the stars in our sample are members confirmed by the presence of lithium in absorption, strong Hα in emission or weak gravity-sensitive features. In addition, we have obtained high-resolution (R ∼ 34,000) spectra in the Hα region for 169 stars in the region. Radial velocities were calculated from this data set. The radial velocity distribution for members of the cluster is in agreement with previous work. Analysis of the profile of the Hα line and infrared observations reveals two binary systems or fast rotators that mimic the Hα width expected in stars with accretion disks. On the other hand, there are stars with optically thick disks and narrow Hα profiles not expected in stars with accretion disks. This contribution constitutes the largest homogeneous spectroscopic data set of the σ Orionis cluster to date.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

GRB 130427A AND SN 2013cq: A MULTI-WAVELENGTH ANALYSIS OF AN INDUCED GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE EVENT

We performed a data analysis of the observations by the Swift, NuStar, and Fermi satellites in order to probe the induced gravitational collapse (IGC) paradigm for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) associated with supernovae (SNe) in the terra incognita of GRB 130427A. We compare our data analysis with those in the literature. We have verified that GRB 130427A conforms to the IGC paradigm by examining the power law behavior of the luminosity in the early 10{sup 4} s of the XRT observations. This has led to the identification of the four different episodes of the binary driven hypernovae (BdHNe) and to the prediction, on 2013 May 2, of the occurrence of SN 2013cq, which was also observed in the optical band on 2013 May 13. The exceptional quality of the data has allowed the identification of novel features in Episode 3 including: (1) the confirmation and the extension of the existence of the recently discovered nested structure in the late X-ray luminosity in GRB 130427A, as well as the identification of a spiky structure at 10{sup 2} s in the cosmological rest-frame of the source; (2) a power law emission of the GeV luminosity light curve and its onset at the end of Episode 2; and (3) different Lorentz Γ factors for the emitting regions of the X-ray and GeV emissions in this Episode 3. These results make it possible to test the details of the physical and astrophysical regimes at work in the BdHNe: (1) a newly born neutron star and the supernova ejecta, originating in Episode 1; (2) a newly formed black hole originating in Episode 2; and (3) the possible interaction among these components, observable in the standard features of Episode 3.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

MID-INFRARED HIGH-CONTRAST IMAGING OF HD 114174 B: AN APPARENT AGE DISCREPANCY IN A ''SIRIUS-LIKE'' BINARY SYSTEM

We present new observations of the faint ''Sirius-like'' companion discovered to orbit HD 114174. Previous attempts to image HD 114174 B at mid-infrared wavelengths using NIRC2 at Keck have resulted in a non-detection. Our new L'-band observations taken with the Large Binocular Telescope and L/M-band InfraRed Camera recover the companion (ΔL = 10.15 ± 0.15 mag, ρ = 0.''675 ± 0.''016) with a high signal-to-noise ratio (10σ). This measurement represents the deepest L' high-contrast imaging detection at subarcsecond separations to date, including extrasolar planets. We confirm that HD 114174 B has near-infrared colors consistent with the interpretation of a cool white dwarf (WD; J – L' = 0.76 ± 0.19 mag, K – L' = 0.64 ± 0.20). New model fits to the object's spectral energy distribution indicate a temperature T {sub eff} = 4260 ± 360 K, surface gravity log g = 7.94 ± 0.03, a cooling age t{sub c} ≈ 7.8 Gyr, and mass M = 0.54 ± 0.01 M {sub ☉}. We find that the cooling ages given by theoretical atmospheric models do not agree with the age of HD 114174 A derived from both isochronological and gyrochronological analyses. We speculate on possible scenarios to explain the apparent age discrepancy between the primary and secondary. HD 114174 B is a nearby benchmark WD that will ultimately enable a dynamical mass estimate through continued Doppler and astrometric monitoring. Efforts to characterize its physical properties in detail will test theoretical atmospheric models and improve our understanding of WD evolution, cooling, and progenitor masses.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Time-series Spectroscopy of the Oscillating Eclipsing Algol System V392 Orionis

We present the results from a detailed analysis of our high-resolution spectra and historical photometric observations of the semidetached eclipsing binary V392 Ori with a δ Scuti (δ Sct) pulsating component. A total of 31 spectroscopic observations were carried out at both the Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory in Korea and the Thai National Observatory in Thailand during the 2016 and 2017 observing seasons. The radial velocities (RVs) of the primary and the faint secondary components were determined, and the effective temperature and projected rotational velocity of the former star were measured as T {sub eff,1} = 8500 ± 160 K and v {sub 1} sin i = 148 ± 13 km s{sup −1}, respectively, through a comparison of the observed spectra and stellar atmosphere models. The physical properties of V392 Ori were determined by analysis of our RVs together with the existing multiband light curves. The results are the following: masses of M {sub 1} = 2.28 ± 0.30 M {sub ⊙} and M {sub 2} = 0.49 ± 0.10 M {sub ⊙}, and radii of R {sub 1} = 2.08 ± 0.09 R {sub ⊙} and R {sub 2} = 1.15 ± 0.05 R {sub ⊙}. The primary star located inside the main-sequence band exhibits a δ Sct-type pulsation. On the contrary, the less massive secondary component is significantly oversized and overluminous for its mass and temperature.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Possible Tidal Disruption Event Candidate in the Black Hole Binary System of OJ 287

The BL Lacertae OJ 287 is a supermassive black hole binary system with complex physics of its irregular flares. During 2016 October–2017 April, a surprising outburst in the X-ray, UV, and optical bands was detected, while no variability was seen in the γ-ray light curve. During the outburst, the X-ray light curves were dominated by the soft X-rays, whose peak in luminosity was ~10 46 erg s -1 —more than 10 times higher than the mean level before the outburst—and a "softer-when-brighter" phenomenon was exhibited. These above phenomena have been reported by some previous works. The hardness ratio showed negligible evolution with flare time and soft X-ray luminosity. Critically, the luminosity of the soft X-rays decayed following a power law of $t$ -5/3 , which occurs in most tidal disruption events (TDEs), and a similar trend can be seen in the UV and optical bands during the soft X-ray declining period. Helium and oxygen narrow emission lines are strengthened prominently in the optical spectra of post outburst epochs, that could be attributed to the surrounding gas caused by TDE. In conclusion, we discuss three possible origins of the event, including the jet's precession, the aftereffects of the black hole–disk impaction, and the TDE. Our results show that the TDE is the more likely scenario to explain the outburst.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1981

X-ray observations of selected cataclysmic variable stars using the Einstein Observatory

X-ray observations of 12 cataclysmic variable stars using the Einstein Observatory are reported. Nine of these stars, representing all subclasses of cataclysmic variables, were detected. Their fluxes range from 2 x 10 to the -13th to 1 x 10 to the -11th ergs/sq cm-s in the energy interval 0.16-4.5 keV. The spectra of all the sources detected are relatively hard (kT not less than 5 keV). There is no evidence for an ultrasoft emission component (kT of about 50 eV) such as has been observed from the dwarf novae SS Cyg and U Gem during optical outburst. The X-ray and optical fluxes of the objects observed can be understood in terms of differences in mass accretion rate if the accreting stars in these close binary systems possess a weak magnetic field.

Cordova, F. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

User manual of the CATSS system (version 1.0) communication analysis tool for space station

The Communication Analysis Tool for the Space Station (CATSS) is a FORTRAN language software package capable of predicting the communications links performance for the Space Station (SS) communication and tracking (C & T) system. An interactive software package was currently developed to run on the DEC/VAX computers. The CATSS models and evaluates the various C & T links of the SS, which includes the modulation schemes such as Binary-Phase-Shift-Keying (BPSK), BPSK with Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (PN/BPSK), and M-ary Frequency-Shift-Keying with Frequency Hopping (FH/MFSK). Optical Space Communication link is also included. CATSS is a C & T system engineering tool used to predict and analyze the system performance for different link environment. Identification of system weaknesses is achieved through evaluation of performance with varying system parameters. System tradeoff for different values of system parameters are made based on the performance prediction.

Tsang, C. S.↗