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At least 127 records · Page 7

Comparison of Surface Ground Temperature from Satellite Observations and the Off-Line Land Surface GEOS Assimilation System

The surface ground temperature (Tg) is an important meteorological variable, because it represents an integrated thermal state of the land surface determined by a complex surface energy budget. Furthermore, Tg affects both the surface sensible and latent heat fluxes. Through these fluxes. the surface budget is coupled with the atmosphere above. Accurate Tg data are useful for estimating the surface radiation budget and fluxes, as well as soil moisture. Tg is not included in conventional synoptical weather station reports. Currently, satellites provide Tg estimates globally. It is necessary to carefully consider appropriate methods of using these satellite data in a data assimilation system. Recently, an Off-line Land surface GEOS Assimilation (OLGA) system was implemented at the Data Assimilation Office at NASA-GSFC. One of the goals of OLGA is to assimilate satellite-derived Tg data. Prior to the Tg assimilation, a thorough investigation of satellite- and model-derived Tg, including error estimates, is required. In this study we examine the Tg from the n Project (ISCCP DI) data and the OLGA simulations. The ISCCP data used here are 3-hourly DI data (2.5x2.5 degree resolution) for 1992 summer months (June, July, and August) and winter months (January and February). The model Tg for the same periods were generated by OLGA. The forcing data for this OLGA 1992 simulation were generated from the GEOS-1 Data Assimilation System (DAS) at Data Assimilation Office NASA-GSFC. We examine the discrepancies between ISCCP and OLGA Tg with a focus on its spatial and temporal characteristics, particularly on the diurnal cycle. The error statistics in both data sets, including bias, will be estimated. The impact of surface properties, including vegetation cover and type, topography, etc, on the discrepancies will be addressed.

Yang, R.↗

The ground state far infrared spectrum of NH3

The NH3 far infrared spectrum is particularly useful for the study of planetary composition and atmospheric dynamics. Studies of this spectrum were conducted by Dowling (1969), Helminger et al. (1971), and Urban et al. (1981). Sattler et al. (1981) have reported measurements of a few nu2 lines with tunable diode lasers. By using simple sum rules, these lines and accurate ground state inversion lines considered by Poynter and Kakar (1975) have been employed in the present investigation to deduce a few of the far infrared ground state transitions. An extensive set of high signal/noise, high resolution (0.0048 per cm) scans of the nu2 bands of NH3 from about 600 per cm through about 1300 per cm ait a series of low pressures have been made in order to accurately determine both the line positions and strengths. The obtained data provide line positions with an absolute accuracy of about 0.0001 per cm in the more favorable cases.

Poynter, R. L.↗

Response of a grounded dielectric slab to an impulse line source using leaky modes

This paper describes how expansions in leaky (or improper) modes may be used to represent the continuous spectrum in an open radiating waveguide. The technique requires a thorough knowledge of the life history of the improper modes as they migrate from improper to proper Riemann surfaces. The method is illustrated by finding the electric field resulting from an impulsively forced current located in the free space above a grounded dielectric slab.

DIELECTRIC SLABS↗

Ground-based studies of emission-line variability: Recent results for NGC 5548 and future plans

Ever since emission-line variability was first detected in AGNs, it has been clearly understood that light-travel time effects in the broadline region (BLR) afford a tool for studying the structure of these spatially unresolved regions. However, only within the last few years has the observational problem become well defined in terms of the sampling rates and quality of data necessary to address the problem correctly. The amount of data required to extract structural information about the BLR from the continuum and emission-line light curves is so considerable that the most promising approach seemed to be to combine the observational efforts. The goal was to work together to produce a large, high-quality database which would then be released to individual investigators for more complete analysis. The cornerstone of this effort, was a joint NASA/ESA/SERC program to monitor the spectrum of NGC 5548 every four days with IUE from December 1988 through August 1988. A concurrent ground-based program was organized in an effort to enhance the scientific return on the project by extending the wavelength coverage and providing higher spectral resolution and signal to noise ratios than would be possible with IUE. It also turned out that the temporal resolution of the ground-based program was somewhat better than the temporal resolution of the IUE program, and the temporal baseline is longer and continues to grow. The database and initial results are presented by Peterson et al., (1991). The important results of the ground-based program are summarized, some additional applications of the existing data are described, and a few comments are made on what can be done in the future to expand on this work.

Peterson, Bradley M.↗

The evolution of cloud-to-ground lightning within a portion of the 10-11 June 1985 squall line

The character of cloud-to-ground lightning is examined during the life cycle of a distinct mesoscale segment of the 10-11 June 1985 mesoscale convective system (MCS). Three phases of lightning activity are identified and related to both the radar-observed structure of the convection and to the severe weather produced by the MCS. Positive strikes to ground are dominant when the MCS is first developing. Negative strikes then dominate during a period of intense leading-line convective activity with high storm tops. Finally, a period of relatively frequent positive strikes within the trailing stratiform region occurs during the demise of the MCS. This last phase begins after the vertical extent of the leading convective line decreases rapidly and markedly, with moderate intensity echoes (i.e., 30-40 dBZ) occurring mostly below the freezing level. The first period of frequent positive flashes results from the lightning associated with a single severe thunderstorm in southwest Kansas; however, a second severe storm occurs nearby and produces mainly negative strikes. An extended period of strong surface winds does not appear to have any direct relationship with the observed character of the lightning activity.

Nielsen, K. E.↗

Precise Laboratory Measurement of Line Frequencies Useful to Studies of Star and Planet Formation

In March 2002, we began a program in laboratory spectroscopy to provide accurate molecular line frequencies essential to studies of the motions and abundance in star-forming dense cores and planet-forming circumstellar disks. Summarized here is the progress that has been made in Year 3 of this grant. Work included measurement of 10 successive rotational lines in the ground vibrational state of SiO between 86 and 500 GHz, and two lines near 800 GHz to an accuracy of a few kHz; conducting pilot experiments on molecular ions in collision-free supersonic beams, including HCO+, N2H+, and H2D+; measurement of 22 lines of CN between 113 and 340 GHz; and setting up an experiment that would allow us to refine earlier measurements of the neutral species such as C3H2, CCS, H2CS, and SO by observing the very narrow sub-Doppler (Lamb dip) features in the millimeter-wave spectra of these species.

Myers, Philip C.↗

Characterization of the Coupling Between Adjacent Finite Ground Coplanar (FGC) Waveguides

Coupling between adjacent Finite Ground Coplanar (FGC) waveguides as a function of the line geometry is presented for the first time. A two Dimension-Finite Difference Time Domain (2D-FDTD) analysis and measurements are used to show that the coupling decreases as the line to line separation and the grOUnd plane width increases. Furthermore, it is shown that for a given spacing between the center lines of two FGC lines, the coupling is lower if the ground plane width is smaller Lastly, electric field plots generated from the 2D-FDTD technique are presented which demonstrate a strong slotline mode is established in the coupled FGC line.

Ponchak, George E.↗

Hubble Space Telescope Faint Object Spectrograph and ground-based observations of the broad absorption line quasar 0226-1024

Faint Object Spectrograph data from the Hubble Space Telescope of the broad absorption line quasar 0226-1024 have revealed the presence of 8-10 absorbing ions between 680 and 1000 A (restframe): C III, N III, N IV, O III, O IV, O VI, S V, S VI, possibly Ne VIII, and possibly O V* arising from a metastable excited state. We also present ground-based optical observations of the broad line troughs for the following ions: H I, C IV, N V, Si IV, and possibly Fe III, S IV, P V, and C III* (also arising from a metastable excited state). The results of this fit are used to estimate the absorbing ionic column densities. There is evidence that the broad absorption line clouds are optically thick and either do not completely cover the continuum source or narrow unresolved lines are present.

Korista, Kirk T.↗

Thin conformal antenna array for microwave power conversions

A structure of a circularly polarized, thin conformal, antenna array which may be mounted integrally with the skin of an aircraft employs microstrip elliptical elements and interconnecting feed lines spaced from a circuit ground plane by a thin dielectric layer. The feed lines are impedance matched to the elliptical antenna elements by selecting a proper feedpoint inside the periphery of the elliptical antenna elements. Diodes connected between the feed lines and the ground plane rectify the microwave power, and microstrip filters (low pass) connected in series with the feed lines provide dc current to a microstrip bus. Low impedance matching strips are included between the elliptical elements and the rectifying and filtering elements.

Dickinson, R. M.↗

Requirements for a geosynchronous information services platform

The requirements projected to the year 2000 for space-based communications facilities, including both personal communications and innovative services, are developed based upon anticipated demographic and economic growth for the seven major regions of the world. Projected growth requirements, when considered in light of operational factors such as orbit/spectrum crowding and the high investment costs of ground-based systems, suggest the need for new system concepts for communications. The concept of complexity inversion (placing high-cost systems in space and providing low-cost ground terminals to users) is examined and compared with the more conventional approach utiliizing land lines and extensive ground installations. The recommendation is made to develop the technology and capability to construct platforms in space, and the applicability of the Shuttle/Spacelab system in constructing large antenna systems in space is briefly considered.

Ness, H. C.↗

Finite Ground Coplanar (FGC) Waveguide: It's Characteristics and Advantages for Use in RF and Wireless Communication Circuits

To solve many of the problems encountered when using conventional coplanar waveguide (CPW) with its semi-infinite ground planes, a new version of coplanar waveguide with electrically narrow ground planes has been developed. This new transmission line which we call Finite Ground Coplanar (FGC) waveguide has several advantages which make it a better transmission line for RF and wireless circuits. Since the ground planes are electrically narrow, spurious resonances created by the CPW ground planes and the metal carrier or package base are eliminated. In addition, lumped and distributed circuit elements may now be integrated into the ground strips in the same way as they traditionally have been integrated into the center conductor to realize novel circuit layouts that are smaller and have less parasitic reactance. Lastly, FGC is shown to have lower coupling between adjacent transmission lines than conventional CPW.

Ponchak, George E.↗

The millimeter and submillimeter laboratory spectrum of methyl formate in its ground symmetric torsional state

Over 200 rotational lines of methyl formate in its ground (v sub t = 0), symmetric (A) torsional state have been measured in the frequency range 140-550 GHz. Analysis of these and lower frequency transitions permits accurate prediction (below 0.1 MHz) of over 10,000 transitions at frequencies below 600 GHz with angular momentum J lower than 50. The measured spectral lines have permitted identification of over 100 new methyl formate lines in Orion.

Plummer, G. M.↗

Finite Ground Coplanar Waveguide Shunt MEMS Switches for Switched Line Phase Shifters

Switches with low insertion loss and high isolation are required for switched line phase shifters and the transmit/receive switch at the front end of communication systems. A Finite Ground Coplanar (FGC) waveguide capacitive, shunt MEMS switch has been implemented on high resistivity Si. The switch has demonstrated an insertion loss of less than 0.3 dB and a return loss greater than 15 dB from 10 to 20, GHz. The switch design, fabrication, and characteristics are presented.

Ponchak, George E.↗

Advancements in Remote Ground Control Station Operator Pilot in Command Training Program for Beyond Visual Line of Sight Flight Operations

The training program for a Remote Ground Control Station Operator Pilot in Command (R-GCSO PIC) at NASA Langley Research Center marks a pivotal evolution in preparing operators for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. This program, developed within the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project High Density Vertiplex (HDV) subproject, was crafted to bridge the gap between traditional Ground Control Station Operators (GCSO) and R-GCSO PICs, focusing on uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). It encompassed extensive theoretical and practical training, including hands-on experience with advanced simulators and live flight operations, while ensuring a deep understanding of BVLOS complexities. The training leveraged NASA technologies like the MPATH (Measuring Performance for Autonomy Teaming with Humans) ground control station software and incorporated human factors principles to enhance operational readiness. This paper details the program's development, execution, and the critical insights gained, emphasizing the necessity of continuous adaptation in training methodologies to meet the evolving demands of UAS operations in the National Airspace System.

Ground control station operator↗

Simultaneous measurements of sunspot umbral oscillations in the photosphere, chromosphere, and transition region

Measurements of umbral oscillations in a sunspot were made simultaneously from space (with the SMM/UVSP instrument) in the C IV transition-region line and from the ground (with the tower telescope at NSO/sunspot) in spectral lines formed in the photosphere and chromosphere. The power spectra of velocity and intensity variations show multiple peaks in the 3 min band (4.5-10 mHz). A strong oscillation at 5.5 mHz is coherent between the chromosphere and transition region. Another strong oscillation mode at 7.5 mHz is coherent between the photosphere and transition region and appears to have a node in the chromosphere. The rms velocity in the 3 min band is a little over 12 km/sec in both the chromosphere and transition region, but the kinetic energy density is lower in the transition region (by a factor of 10 or more) due to the lower mass density there. These measurements of amplitude and phase of the waves at different heights provided a new, independent method of testing or fitting models of the vertical temperature distribution in the umbral chromosphere and transition regions.

Thomas, John H.↗

Oscillator strengths of neutral titanium from hook method measurements in a furnace. I - Lines from the a 3F2, 3 and 4 levels at 0, 0.021, and 0.048 eV

Oscillator strengths for 134 lines from the ground term of neutral titanium have been measured by the hook method. The data, which are normalized to those of Bell, Kalman and Tubbs, agree well with most previously measured data but indicate that there is a line strength dependent error in the National Bureau of Standards compilation of TiIf-values by Wiese and Fuhr.

Smith, P. L.↗

Theoretical helium I emission-line intensities for quiescent prominences

Self-consistent solutions of the combined statistical equilibrium and transfer equations have been carried out for a rather complete multilevel, multi-ion model helium atom in model quiescent prominences. The excitation and ionization of both He I and He II were considered simultaneously, and detailed calculations of the radiative transfer in the resonance lines and ground-state continua of both these ions were made, allowing for the effects of overlapping hydrogen transitions. A large number of excited states have been included in the computation, so that a fairly comprehensive set of predicted subordinate line intensities are now available for comparison with observation. A preliminary comparison of the predicted values with published singlet/triplet ratio observations shows good agreement for all the pairs of lines considered.

Heasley, J. N.↗