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At least 127 records · Page 7

Characterization of New Hard X-ray Cataclysmic Variables

Aims. We aim at characterizing a sample of nine new hard X-ray selected Cataclysmic Variable (CVs), to unambiguously identify them as magnetic systems of the Intermediate Polar (IP) type. Methods. We performed detailed timing and spectral analysis by using X-ray, and simultaneous UV and optical data collected by XMM−Newton, complemented with hard X-ray data provided by INTEGRAL and Swift. The pulse arrival time were used to estimate the orbital periods. The broad band X-ray spectra were fitted using composite models consisting of different absorbing columns and emission components. Results. Strong X-ray pulses at the White Dwarf (WD) spin period are detected and found to decrease with energy. Most sources are spin-dominated systems in the X-rays, though four are beat dominated at optical wavelengths. We estimated the orbital period in all system (except for IGR J16500-3307), providing the first estimate for IGRJ08390-4833, IGRJ18308-1232, and IGR J18173-2509. All X-ray spectra are multi-temperature. V2069 Cyg and RX J0636+3535 poses a soft X-ray optically thick component at kT approx. 80 eV. An intense K (sub alpha) Fe line at 6.4 keV is detected in all sources. An absorption edge at 0.76 keV from OVII is detected in IGR J08390-4833. The WD masses and lower limits to the accretion rates are also estimated. Conclusions. We found all sources to be IPs. IGR J08390-4833, V2069 Cyg, and IGR J16500-3307 are pure disc accretors, while IGR J18308-1232, IGR J1509-6649, IGR J17195-4100, and RX J0636+3535 display a disc-overflow accretion mode. All sources show a temperature gradient in the post-shock regions and a highly absorbed emission from material located in the pre-shock flow which is also responsible for the X-ray pulsations. Reflection at the WD surface is likely the origin of the fluorescent iron line. There is an increasing evidence for the presence of a warm absorber in IPs, a feature that needs future exploration. The addition of two systems to the subgroup of soft X-ray IPs confirms a relatively large (∼ 30%) incidence.

hard X-ray↗

Prompt Acceleration of Magnetospheric Electrons to Ultrarelativistic Energies by the 17 March 2015 Interplanetary Shock

Trapped electrons in Earth's outer Van Allen radiation belt are influenced profoundly by solar phenomena such as high-speed solar wind streams, coronal mass ejections (CME), and interplanetary (IP) shocks. In particular, strong IP shocks compress the magnetosphere suddenly and result in rapid energization of electrons within minutes. It is believed that the electric fields induced by the rapid change in the geomagnetic field are responsible for the energization. During the latter part of March 2015, a CME impact led to the most powerful geomagnetic storm (minimum Dst = −223 nT at 17 March, 23 UT) observed not only during the Van Allen Probe era but also the entire preceding decade. Magnetospheric response in the outer radiation belt eventually resulted in elevated levels of energized electrons. The CME itself was preceded by a strong IP shock whose immediate effects vis-a-vis electron energization were observed by sensors on board the Van Allen Probes. The comprehensive and high-quality data from the Van Allen Probes enable the determination of the location of the electron injection, timescales, and spectral aspects of the energized electrons. The observations clearly show that ultrarelativistic electrons with energies E greater than 6 MeV were injected deep into the magnetosphere at L approximately equals 3 within about 2 min of the shock impact. However, electrons in the energy range of approximately equals 250 keV to approximately equals 900 keV showed no immediate response to the IP shock. Electric and magnetic fields resulting from the shock-driven compression complete the comprehensive set of observations that provide a full description of the near-instantaneous electron energization.

radiation belts↗

Prompt Injections of Highly Relativistic Electrons Induced by Interplanetary Shocks: A Statistical Study of Van Allen Probes Observations

We conduct a statistical study on the sudden response of outer radiation belt electrons due to interplanetary (IP) shocks during the Van Allen Probes era, i.e., 2012 to 2015. Data from the Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope instrument on board Van Allen Probes are used to investigate the highly relativistic electron response (E greater than 1.8 MeV) within the first few minutes after shock impact. We investigate the relationship of IP shock parameters, such as Mach number, with the highly relativistic electron response, including spectral properties and radial location of the shock-induced injection. We find that the driving solar wind structure of the shock does not affect occurrence for enhancement events, 25% of IP shocks are associated with prompt energization, and 14% are associated with MeV electron depletion. Parameters that represent IP shock strength are found to correlate best with highest levels of energization, suggesting that shock strength may play a key role in the severity of the enhancements. However, not every shock results in an enhancement, indicating that magnetospheric preconditioning may be required.

Schiller, Q.↗

Direction-Finding Analysis of the 2012 July 6 Type II Solar Radio Burst at Low Frequencies

The 2012 July 6 X1.1 are at S13W59 and a halo coronal mass ejection (CME) with a space speed of 1900 km s1 were associated with type III and type II radio bursts. The metric-to-decametric type II radio burst extended down to 5 MHz. Simultaneously a slowly drifting feature with a harmonic structure was observed by Wind and STEREO radio receivers around and below 1 MHz, above the strong type III radio burst at lower frequencies. The radio direction finding analysis of this lower-frequency interplanetary (IP) type II radio burst indicates that the radio source was located near the nose and possibly towards the southern flank of the CME-driven shock. These results provide an independent confirmation of the previous suggestions that when the metric and IP type II bursts are overlapping, the lower-frequency IP type II radio burst originates near the shock nose, whereas the source of the higher-frequency metric type II burst is closer to the Sun in the shock flank region. These results further support the idea that the coronal and IP type II bursts are produced by the same CME-driven shock.

Makela, Pertti↗

Application of a new X-ray reflection model to V1223 Sagittarii

In intermediate polars (IPs), the intrinsic thermal emissions from white dwarfs (WDs) have typically been studied. Few reports have analysed X-ray reflections from WDs. We recently developed an elaborate IP-reflection spectral model. Herein, we report the first application of a reflection model with an IP thermal model to the spectra of the brightest typical IP V1223 Sagittarii observed by the Suzaku and Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array satellites. The model reasonably reproduces the spectra within the range of 5–78 keV and estimates the WD mass as 0.92 ± 0.02 Mꙩ. The WD mass estimated by the proposed model is consistent with that measured using an active galactic nucleus reflection model and a partial covering absorption model. However, the choice of incorrect parameter values, such as an unsuitable fitting energy band and an incorrect metal abundance, was found to introduce systematic errors (e.g. ≲0.2 Mꙩ in the WD mass) in the WD mass measurement. Our spin-phase-resolved analysis resulted in discoveries regarding the modulations of the equivalent width of the fluorescent iron K α line and the angle between the post-shock accretion column and the line of sight (viewing angle). The viewing angle anticorrelates approximately with the X-ray flux and has average and semi-amplitude values of 55° and 7°, respectively, which points towards two WD spin axis angles from the line of sight of 55° and 7°, respectively. Both estimated spin axis angles are different from the reported system inclination of 24°.

Takayuki Hayashi↗

Multi-Spacecraft Observations of Shocklets at an Interplanetary Shock

Interplanetary (IP) shocks are fundamental building blocks of the heliosphere, and the possibility to observe them in situ is crucial to address important aspects of energy conversion for a variety of astrophysical systems. Steepened waves known as shocklets are known to be important structures of planetary bow shocks, but they are very rarely observed related to IP shocks. We present here the first multi-spacecraft observations of shocklets observed by upstream of an unusually strong IP shock observed on 3 No v ember 2021 by several spacecraft at L1 and near-Earth solar wind. The same shock was detected also by radially aligned Solar Orbiter at 0.8 AU from the Sun, but no shocklets were identified from its data, introducing the possibility to study the environment in which shocklets developed. The Wind spacecraft has been used to characterize the shocklets, associated with pre-conditioning of the shock upstream by decelerating incoming plasma in the shock normal direction. Finally, using the Wind observations together with ACE and DSCOVR spacecraft at L1, as well as THEMIS B and THEMIS C in the near-Earth solar wind, the portion of interplanetary space filled with shocklets is addressed, and a lower limit for its extent is estimated to be of about 110 R E in the shock normal direction and 25 R E in the directions transverse to the shock normal. Using multiple spacecraft also reveals that for this strong IP shock, shocklets are observed for a large range of local obliquity estimates (9° –64°).

plasmas↗

High latitude electric fields an the modulations related to interplanetary magnetic field parameters

The meaning and characteristics of basic and average convection (i.e., electric field) patterns are described. The continuous existence of the basic convection pattern argues against treating magnetic field merging mechanisms as the fundamental cause of magnetospheric convection. However, whether related to merging or some other mechanism, interplanetary (IP) magnetic field conditions significantly modulate the distribution, magnitudes, and boundaries of the convection pattern. A previous correlation between azimuthal angles of the IP magnetic field and asymmetries in polar cap electric field distributions as seen by OGO-6 was reviewed. A new approach was taken to reveal correlations with the north-south angle and magnitude of the IP field as well as additional features which correlate with the azimuthal angle. Both significant correlations and conditions which show a lack of correlation were found. Several aspects of the correlations appear to be particularly important.

Heppner, J. P.↗

A correlative study of ssc's, interplanetary shocks, and solar activity

Ninety-three ssc's during the 4-year period from 1968 to 1971 at and near the peak of the solar activity cycle were examined. Of the 93 ssc's, 81 could be associated with solar activity such as solar flares and type 2 and type 4 radio bursts. Disturbances associated with 48 of the ssc's have been studied in detail by using the corresponding interplanetary (IP) magnetic field and plasma data when they were available. It was found that 41 of the 48 disturbances corresponded to IP shock waves, and the remaining 7 events were tangential discontinuities. Thirty per cent of the IP shocks had thick structure (i.e., the magnetic field jump across the shock occurred over a distance much greater than 50 proton Larmor radii). By considering the orientations of 22 well-determined shock normals in relation to the positions of the parent flares on the solar disk, it is suggested that a typical shock front propagating out from the sun at 1 AU has a radius of curvature of the order of 1 AU.

Chao, J. K.↗

A miniaturized pointing mount for Spacelab missions

A Miniaturized Pointing Mount (MPM) for Spacelab missions is defined and simulation results are described. This mount is proposed to complement the Spacelab Instrument Pointing System (IPS). It uses the same mount isolator concept as the Spacelab IPS but is much more efficient and economical for the accommodation of small shuttle payloads. The MPM is built from star tracker assemblies left over from the Apollo Telescope Mount program thereby assuring low cost and development risk. Simulation results indicate a high level of instrument stability can be expected. The short development time of the MPM would permit it to serve as a precursor to the Spacelab IPS for verifying critical new concepts such as the mount isolation and hold down mechanisms.

Fritz, C. G.↗

Analytical study of the inside-out Gimbal dynamics. Volume 1: Analytical study of inside-out/coincident Gimbal dynamics

The performance capabilities and limitations of the instrument pointing system (IPS) are described. Suggestions of design modifications that result in overall improved IPS performance are included. Since the design and configuration of the IPS was modified a portion of the study was performed with the inside-out Gimbal configuration which was updated to the present coincident Gimbal system configuration. Due to the similarity of the two systems, the results obtained for the inside-out Gimbal also apply to the coincident Gimbal system.

Rybak, S. C.↗

Comparison of 74-MHz interplanetary scintillation and IMP 7 observations of the solar wind during 1973

Solar wind velocities measured by earth-orbiting spacecraft are compared with velocities determined from interplanetary scintillation (IPS) observations for 1973, a period when high-velocity streams were prevalent. The spacecraft and IPS velocities agree well in the mean and are highly correlated. No simple model for the distribution of enhanced turbulence within streams is sufficient to explain the velocity comparison results for the entire year. Although a simple proportionality between density fluctuation level and bulk density is consistent with IPS velocities for some periods, some streams appear to have enhanced turbulence in the high-velocity region, where the density is low.

Coles, W. A.↗

Application of Model Reference Adaptive Control System to Instrument Pointing System /IPS/

A Model Reference Adaptive Controller (MRAC) is derived for a Shuttle payload called the Instrument Pointing System (IPS). The unique features of this MRAC design are that total state feedback is not required, that the internal structure of the model is independent of the internal structure of the IPS, and that the model input is of bounded variation and not required a priori. An application of Liapunov's stability theorems is used to synthesize a control signal which assures MRAC asymptotic stability. Exponential observers are used to obtain the necessary state information to implement the control synthesis. Results are presented which show how effectively the MRAC can maneuver the IPS.

Waites, H. B.↗

Notch sensitivity of space shuttle tile materials

Tests were conducted at room temperature to determine the notch sensitivity of the thermal protection tile for the space shuttle. Two types of RSI tile were studied: LI-900 and LI-2200. Three point bend specimens were cut from discarded tiles in the in-plane (ip) and through-the-thickness (ttt) directions. They were tested with or without a sharp notch. The LI-900 (ip and ttt) specimens were not very notch sensitive, but the LI-2200 (ip and ttt) specimens were. The LI-2200 material showed about a 35 percent reduction in strength due to the presence of the notch. This reduction in strength should be considered in the design of mechanically fastened tile concepts.

Newman, J. C., Jr.↗

Internal image motion compensation system for the Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility

The Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) is being designed as a 1-m, cryogenically cooled telescope capable of a thirty-fold improvement over currently available infrared instruments. The SIRTF, mounted in the Orbiter bay on the Instrument Pointing System (IPS), requires that the image at the focal plane be stabilized to better than 0.1 arcsec with an absolute accuracy of 1 arcsec in order to attain this goal. Current estimates of IPS performance for both stability and accuracy indicate that additional stabilization will be necessary to meet the SIRTF requirements. An Image Motion Compensation (IMC) system, utilizing a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) star tracker located at the focal plane and a steerable mirror in the SIRTF optical path, has been designed to work in conjunction with the IPS.

Lorell, K. R.↗

Image motion compensation on the Spacelab 2 Solar Optical Universal Polarimeter /SL2 SOUP/

The SOUP experiment on Spacelab 2 includes a 30 cm visible light telescope and focal plane package mounted on the Instrument Pointing System (IPS). Scientific goals of the experiment dictate pointing stability requirements of less than 0.05 arcsecond jitter over periods of 5-20 seconds. Quantitative derivations of these requirements from two different aspects are presented: (1) avoidance of motion blurring of diffraction-limited images; (2) precise coalignment of consecutive frames to allow measurement of small image differences. To achieve this stability, a fine guider system capable of removing residual jitter of the IPS and image motions generated on the IPS cruciform instrument support structure has been constructed. This system uses solar limb detectors in the prime focal plane to derive an error signal. Image motion due to pointing errors is compensated by the agile secondary mirror mounted on piezoelectric transducers, controlled by a closed-loop servo system.

Tarbell, T. D.↗

The effectiveness of an oculometer training tape on pilot and copilot trainees in a commercial flight training program

A study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a video tape detailing the various aspects of instrument scanning by experienced pilots on performance by pilots and copilots undergoing flight training in a Boeing 737 flight simulator. The performance ratings by instructor pilots (IP's) and self-reported instrument scan behavior by trainees were compared with those of a control group. The results indicated that the training tape had little or no effect on performance by trainees in the experimental group. Feedback from the IP's and trainees suggested that a feedback strategy providing each trainee's individual instrument scan behavior might be more beneficial in flight training than the general instructional strategy of the oculometer training tape. Flight training personnel and trainees' reports of performance decrements on or around the third day of flight simulator training were investigated. The IP's performance ratings of 27 pilot and copilot trainees failed to reveal a systematic performance decrement; however, feedback from the trainees revealed that their own attribution of performance decrements was associated with the order in which their training occurred within a session. Further research was suggested.

Jones, D. H.↗

Velocity profiles of interplanetary shocks

The type 2 radio burst was identified as a shock propagating through solar corona. Radio emission from shocks travelling through the interplanetary (IP) medium was observed. Using the drift rates of IP type II bursts the velocity characteristics of eleven shocks were investigated. It is indicated that shocks in the IP medium undergo acceleration before decelerating and that the slower shocks take longer to attain their maximum velocity.

Cane, H. V.↗

Energetic interplanetary shocks, radio emission, and coronal mass ejections

The interplanetary shocks which generate detectable low-frequency radio emission, represent as a group, the most energetic shocks produced by the sun. For all interplanetary (IP) shocks which generated so-called IP type II events, the associated solar events involved fast coronal mass ejections (CMEs). In comparison with the set of all CMEs detected by the Solwind coronagraph, the CMEs associated with IP type II events are the most massive and energetic. The majority belong to the structural classes described by the Solwind researchers as 'curved front' or 'halo'.

Cane, H. V.↗