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At least 127 records · Page 7

Theoretical colours for F and G dwarf stars.

Synthetic spectra have been computed for F and G dwarf stars, using a number of values of chemical abundance, Doppler broadening velocity, and damping constant. Metal abundances for a number of such stars have been obtained using computed and observed m(sub 1) and 40-52 colors. These abundances are in good agreement with spectroscopically determined ones. The c(sub 1) colors of such stars with exactly known trigonometric parallaxes have been used in order to determine how accurately absolute magnitudes can be predicted from the colors. Generally reasonable agreement can be obtained between observed and predicted absolute magnitudes for certain of these stars. The effects of interstellar reddening on the colors of the models are examined.

Bell, R. A.

Analysis of a water table simulation of a transpirationally cooled nozzle

Two flow models were formulated: for a no-mixing and a complete-mixing boundary layer. The approach taken assumes inviscid flow and constant pressure in the transverse direction. The models are simple enough so that extending them to apply to a gas nozzle, including heat transfer and density differences, should be possible. Both models predict experimental photographic data with similar results; but inherent two dimensional and parallax errors preclude choice of the best model. In general, the boundary layer thickens rapidly near the start of injection because of low acceleration forces; it thins near the throat because of high acceleration forces. The transpiration fluid increases the radius of curvature near the throat and decreases the divergence angle of the free flow downstream of the throat.

Kascak, A. F.

Infrared photography of OH airglow structures.

Results of high-angular-resolution photography of the complex airglow structures present in the infrared sky. The photographs obtained all show bright cloud-like structures which moved on the sky and varied in brightness. It is concluded that these structures are due to varying airglow emission and not to any type of modulation of a uniform background by atmospheric clouds, dust, or haze. It is also concluded that observations of a bright spot from two widely separated sites will yield parallax determinations of the height of the OH emitting layer, so that it is no longer necessary to rely on infrequent rocket measurements at a few places.

Peterson, A. W.

The occultation of beta Scorpii by Jupiter. VI - The masses of beta Scorpii A1 and A2

From images of the spectroscopic binary beta Sco A, formed by the Jovian atmosphere during its 1971 May 13 occultation by Jupiter, the angular separation of the binary components was found to be 0.001496 plus of minus 0.000018 arcsec. The combination of this measurement, the elements of the spectroscopic orbit, and the parallax determination of Bertiau (1958) yields masses of 21.1 plus or minus 3.2 solar masses for the primary (B0.5 V) and 12.7 plus or minus 1.9 solar masses for the secondary. New observations are suggested for improving the accuracy of the mass determinations.

Elliot, J. L.

Photography and photometry of the near infrared OH airglow

The instruments employed in the investigation were modified for aircraft use primarily by automating the repetitive measurements and incorporating image intensifier tubes to reduce exposure times. The instruments include a 35-mm camera, an absolutely calibrated photometer, and a 16-mm movie camera. The data obtained will be used in a study of the variation of parallax emission heights with geographical location, and the relationship of OH patch or stripe size to emission height.

Peterson, A. W.

Digital image centering. I

A series of parallax plates have been measured on a PDS microdensitometer to assess the possibility of using the PDS for precision relative astrometry and to investigate centering algorithms that might be used to analyze digital images obtained with the Large Space Telescope. The basic repeatability of the PDS is found to be plus or minus 0.6 micron, with the potential for reaching plus or minus 0.2 micron. A very efficient centering algorithm has been developed which fits the marginal density distributions of the image with a Gaussian profile and a sloping background. The accuracy is comparable with the best results obtained with a photoelectric image bisector.

Van Altena, W. F.

Space telescope optical telescope assembly/scientific instruments. Phase B: Preliminary design and program definition study. Volume 2A(3): Astrometry

Wide field measurements, namely, measurements of relative angular separations between stars over a relatively wide field for parallax and proper motion determinations, were made with the third fine guidance sensor. Narrow field measurements, i.e., double star measurements, are accomplished primarily with the area photometer or faint object camera at f/96. The wavelength range required can be met by the fine guidance sensor which has a spectral coverage from 3000 to 7500 A. The field of view of the fine guidance sensor also exceeds that required for the wide field astrometric instrument. Requirements require a filter wheel for the wide field astrometer, and so one was incorporated into the design of the fine guidance sensor. The filter wheel probably would contain two neutral density filters to extend the dynamic range of the sensor and three spectral filters for narrowing effective double star magnitude difference.

Source record

An extrasolar extreme-ultraviolet object. II - The nature of HZ 43

A variety of data are presented concerning the spectrum, distance, temperature, and evolutionary state of the hot white dwarf HZ 43, the first extrasolar object to be detected in the EUV band. The data include spectrophotometry of the star and its red dwarf companion (HZ 43B), a trigonometric parallax for the star, its tangential velocity, and results of soft X-ray and EUV observations. The main conclusions are that: (1) the spectrum of HZ 43A is that of a hot DAwk star, (2) HZ 43B is a dM3.5e star, (3) the distance of the system is about 65 pc, (4) the tangential velocity is not atypical of white dwarfs, and (5) the stellar energy distribution of HZ 43A is well fitted by a black body with an effective temperature of approximately 110,000 K. Evolutionary implications of the existence of an object as hot as HZ 43A are briefly considered, and it is suggested that the progenitors of hot DA stars must include objects hotter than spectral type sdB, with logical possibilities being nuclei of planetary nebulae and sdO stars.

Margon, B.

To perform a gyro test of general relativity in a satellite and develop associated control technology

A satellite configuration having two gyroscopes with axes parallel to the boresight of a telescope and two at right angles to the telescope and approximately parallel and perpendicular to the earth's axis is proposed for measuring geodetic precessions due to the earth's motion about the sun, higher order geodetic terms calculated from the earth's quadrapole mass moment (0.010 arc-sec/year in a 400 nautical mile polar orbit), and deflection by the sun of the starlight signal for the reference telescope. Data from the experiment also contain large periodic signals due to the annual and orbital aberrations of starlight which are useful in providing a built in reference signal of known amplitude for scaling the relativity signals, and should yield a singularly precise measurement of the parallax of the reference star. The development of the gyroscope and its readout system are discussed, as well as signal integration, drag-free control, and attitude control.

Fairbank, W. M.

An interstellar precursor mission

A mission out of the planetary system, with launch about the year 2000, could provide valuable scientific data as well as test some of the technology for a later mission to another star. Primary scientific objectives for the precursor mission concern characteristics of the heliopause, the interstellar medium, stellar distances (by parallax measurements), low energy cosmic rays, interplanetary gas distribution, and mass of the solar system. Secondary objectives include investigation of Pluto. Candidate science instruments are suggested. Individual spacecraft systems for the mission were considered, technology requirements and problem areas noted, and a number of recommendations made for technology study and advanced development. The most critical technology needs include attainment of 50-yr spacecraft lifetime and development of a long-life NEP system.

Jaffe, L. D.

On the timing of an interstellar communication

By considering prominent events that are observable from both earth and nearby stellar systems it is possible to establish common clocks that may be useful in estimating arrival times for signals of intelligent extraterrestrial origin. The geometry and statistics of a timing strategy are developed together with quantitative estimates of its effectiveness and limits on its application. Effectiveness is measured by comparing the timing strategy with one randomized in time. Limitations arise from inaccuracies inherent in the determination of stellar parallaxes and result in standard deviations of the order of weeks to months for time estimates. The problem can be alleviated by choosing clocks close to Sender in angular distance. Signal opportunities for several nearby sun-like stars are calculated using the bright Nova Cygni 1975 as a clock.

Mclaughlin, W. I.

Digital image centering. II

Digital image centering algorithms were compared in a test involving microdensitometer raster scans of a refractor parallax series consisting of 22 stars on 26 plates. The highest accuracy in determining stellar image positions was provided by an algorithm which involved fitting of a symmetric Gaussian curve and a flat background to the image marginal density distributions. Algorithms involving transmission marginals instead of density marginals were found to be less accurate. The repeatability and computational efficiency of the digital image centering technique were also studied.

Auer, L. H.

Influence of ground scattering on satellite auroral observations

Satellite observations of the optical emission features in the aurora and nighttime airglow are usually contaminated by scattering from clouds and snow. It is shown here that this contamination can easily be removed when the emission layer is viewed against a surface of known albedo. The effect of the earth's curvature, parallax, and varying image angle are found to be significant but can be removed from the observation.

Hays, P. B.

Application of multispectral color photography to flame flow visualization

For flames of short duration and low intensity of radiation a spectroscopical flame diagnostics is difficult. In order to find some other means of extracting information about the flame structure from its radiation, the feasibility of using multispectral color photography was successfully evaluated. Since the flame photographs are close-ups, there is a considerable parallax between the single images, when several cameras are used, and additive color viewing is not possible. Each image must be analyzed individually, it is advisable to use color film in all cameras. One can either use color films of different spectral sensitivities or color films of the same type with different color filters. Sharp cutting filters are recommended.

Stoffers, G.

Statistical and computational uncertainties in atmospheric profiles from radio occultation - Mariner 10 at Venus

Statistical error in Mariner 10 occultation profiles is traced from initial observations to reduced temperature, pressure, and absorption profiles. It is shown that for the Mariner 10 profile with a height of resolution of 0.1 km, statistical measurement errors lead to uncertainties in temperature that are less than 2 K at all altitudes considered and are typically less than 0.5 K. Attention is also given to uncertainties in pressure and atmospheric absorption. In addition it is found that there is also a systematic error in the reduction of two-way data that arises from the parallax between the uplink and downlink ray paths. Finally, it is concluded that if the systematic error can be reduced to the level of the statistical noise in Mariner 10, then long term studies of thick atmospheres by occultation techniques will be feasible in the future at good levels of accuracy.

Lipa, B.

Science aspects of a mission beyond the planets

A mission out of the planetary system, launched about the year 2000, could provide valuable data concerning characteristics of the heliopause, the interstellar medium, stellar distances (by parallax measurements), low-energy cosmic rays, interplanetary gas distribution, and mass of the solar system. Secondary objectives include investigation of Pluto. Candidate science measurements, instruments, and instrument development needs are discussed. The mission should extend from 400 to 1000 AU from the sun. A heliocentric hyperbolic escape velocity of 50-100 km/sec or more is needed to attain this distance within a reasonable mission duration (20-50 years). The trajectory should be toward the incoming interstellar gas. For a year 2000 launch, a Pluto encounter and orbiter can be included. A second mission targeted parallel to the solar axis would also be worthwhile.

Jaffe, L. D.

Differential radio astronomy of galactic objects

A differential astrometry technique is discussed. An improved proper motion and a parallax limit for pulsar 1929 + 10 is presented as well as a limit on the space velocity of the enigmatic object in SgrA.

Backer, D. C.

Documentation for the machine-readable version of the Perth 70: A catalogue of positions of 24900 stars tape B, mean values of the observation

The Perth 70 catalog contains accurate positions of 24978 stars, plus other useful data such as approximate proper motions, radial velocities, and parallaxes. The Perth 70 is a result of meridian circle observations made by the Hamburg observatory expedition to Perth as part of the international effort of Southern References Stars (SRS). Tape B, which contains mean values of the observations and corresponds to the printed catalog is described.

Warren, W. H., Jr.