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At least 145 records · Page 8

Correlations among the parameters of the spherical model for eclipsing binaries

Correlation coefficients were computed to investigate the parameters for describing the spherical model of an eclipsing binary system. Regions in parameter hyperspace were identified where strong correlations exist and, by implication, the solution determinacy is low. The results are presented in tabular form for a large number of system configurations.

Sobieski, S.↗

X-ray planetary nebulae

A study of IUE archival low-dispersion spectra was conducted in an attempt to correlate the C IV/He II and C III)/C IV emission line ratios as indicators of X-ray emission in planetary nebulae. The presence of P Cygni lines revealed a strong correlation for planetaries known to exhibit X-ray emission. Of the twelve planetaries definitely known to emit X-rays, eleven have been observed with IUE and all but one show ultraviolet lines with very strong P Cygni profiles for at least one, and sometimes all, of the N V, O V, or C IV lines which are indicative of strong stellar winds. Twenty planetary nebulae are identified as likely candidates for X-ray sources, based on their high IUE emission line flux ratios for C IV/He II as well as prevalence of P Cygni lines. Some misconceptions based on outdated IUE data are corrected.

Feibelman, Walter A.↗

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

Observations of the galactic longitude and latitude distributions of gamma = 2.6 mm CO emission are presented. Analysis of this 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 4-8 kpc. The peak at 4-8 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 HI. One important implication of this is that the interstellar magnetic field lines to which cosmic rays are confined must therefore not be excluded from these dense clouds. The width of the cloud layer perpendicular to galactic plane between half density points is 105 + or - 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.

Scoville, N. Z.↗

Evidence for chemical processing of precometary icy grains in circumstellar environments of pre-main-sequence stars

We report the detection of a broad absorption feature near 2166/cm in the spectrum of the Taurus cloud cource Elias 18. This pre-main-sequence source is the second in Taurus, the third in our survey, and the fifth known in the sky to show the broad 2166/cm absorption feature. Of equal importance, this feature is not seen toward several other embedded sources in our survey, nor is it seen toward the source Elias 16, located behind the Taurus cloud. Laboratory experiments with interstellar ice analogs show that such a feature is associated with a complex C triple bonded to N containing compound (called X(C triple bonded to N)) that results from high-energy processing (ultraviolet irradiation or ion bombardment) of simple ice components into more complex, organic components. We find a nonlinear anticorrelation between the abundance of X(C triple bonded to N) and frozen CO components in nonpolar lattices. We find no correlation between the abundance of X(C triple bonded to N) and frozen CO in polar lattices. Because the abundances of frozen CO and H2O are strongly correlated with each other and with visual extinction toward sources embedded in and located behind the Taurus molecular cloud, these ice components usually are associated with intracloud material. Our results indicate that X(C triple bonded to N) molecules result from chemical processing of dust grains dominated by nonpolar icy mantles in the local environments of pre-main-sequence stars. Such processing of icy grains in the early solar system may be an important source of organic compounds observed in minor solar system bodies. The delivery of these organic compounds to the surface of the primitive Earth through comet impacts may have provided the raw materials for prebiotic chemistry.

Tegler, Stephen C.↗

Comparison of the Variations of Sunspot Number, Number of Sunspot Groups, and Sunspot Area, 1875 -2013

Examined are the yearly variations and ratios of sunspot number, the number of sunspot groups, and the total corrected sunspot area for the interval 1875-2013. While yearly sunspot number independently correlates strongly (r = 0.98) with the yearly number of sunspot groups (y = -2 + 11.99x) and the total corrected sunspot area (y = 5 + 0.059x), the strongest correlation (Ry12 = 0.99) is the one based on the bivariate fit of sunspot number against the combined variations of the number of sunspot groups and sunspot area (y = 1 + 5.88x1 + 0.031x2, where y refers to sunspot number, x1 refers to the number of sunspot groups, and x2 refers to the sunspot area). While all cycle minima based on the bivariate fit are concurrent with the observed minimum in sunspot number, cycle maxima are sometimes found to differ. For sunspot cycles 12, 19, 20, and 23, cycle maximum is inferred to have occurred in 1884, 1958, 1970, and 2002, respectively, rather than in 1883, 1957, 1968, and 2000, based on the observed sunspot number. Also, cycle 19's maximum amplitude based on observed sunspot number seems too high in comparison to that found using the bivariate fit. During the 139-year interval 1875-2013, the difference between the observed and predicted sunspot number based on the bivariate fit is <1 standard error of estimate (se) (<6.4) for 111 years, between 1 and <2 se (6.4 to <12.8) for 28 years, and ≥2 se (≥12.8) for only 4 years, these years being 1957 (16.6), 1978 (-15.8), 1980 (23), and 1982 (-16.3). For sunspot cycle 24, the difference between observed and predicted values has been only -0.7 and 3.2 (≤0.5 se).

Wilson, Robert M.↗

Discovery and Monitoring of a New Black Hole Candidate XTE J1752-223 with RXTE: RMS Spectrum Evolution, BH Mass and the Source Distance

We report on the discovery and monitoring observations of a new galactic black hole candidate XTE J1752-223 by Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). The new source appeared on the X-ray sky on October 21 2009 and was active for almost 8 months. Phenomenologically, the source exhibited the low-hard/highsoft spectral state bi-modality and the variability evolution during the state transition that matches standard behavior expected from a stellar mass black hole binary. We model the energy spectrum throughout the outburst using a generic Comptonization model assuming that part of the input soft radiation in the form of a black body spectrum gets reprocessed in the Comptonizing medium. We follow the evolution of fractional root-mean-square (RMS) variability in the RXTE/PCA energy band with the source spectral state and conclude that broad band variability is strongly correlated with the source hardness (or Comptonized fraction). We follow changes in the energy distribution of rms variability during the low-hard state and the state transition and find further evidence that variable emission is strongly concentrated in the power-law spectral component. We discuss the implication of our results to the Comptonization regimes during different spectral states. Correlations of spectral and variability properties provide measurements of the BH mass and distance to the source. The spectral-timing correlation scaling technique applied to the RXTE observations during the hardto- soft state transition indicates a mass of the BH in XTE J1752-223 between 8 and 11 solar masses and a distance to the source about 3.5 kiloparsec.

Shaposhinikov, Nikolai↗

The inter-outburst behavior of cataclysmic variables

Existing International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) and American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) archive data was used to accomplish a large scale study of what happens to the ultraviolet flux of accretion disk systems during the quiescent intervals between outbursts and how it relates to the preceding outburst characteristics of amplitude and width. The data sample involved multiple IUE observations for 16 dwarf novae and 8 novae along with existing optical coverage. Results indicate that most systems show correlated ultraviolet (UV) flux behavior with interoutburst phase, with 60 percent of the dwarf novae and 50 percent of the novae having decreasing flux trends while 33 percent of the dwarf novae and 38 percent of the novae show rising UV flux during the quiescent interval. All of the dwarf novae with decreasing UV fluxes at 1475A have orbital periods longer than 4.4 hours, while all (except BV Cen) with flat or rising fluxes at 1475A have orbital periods less than two hours. There are not widespread correlations of the UV fluxes with the amplitude of the preceding outburst and no correlations with the width of the outburst. From a small sample (7) that have relatively large quiescent V magnitude changes between the IUE observations, most show a strong correlation between the UV and optical continuum. Interpretation of the results is complicated by not being able to determine how much the white dwarf contributes to the ultraviolet flux. However, it is now evident that noticeable changes are occurring in the hot zones in accreting systems long after the outburst, and not only for systems that are dominated by the white dwarf. Whether these differences are due to different outburst mechanisms or to changes on white dwarfs which provide varying contributions to the UV flux remains to be determined.

Szkody, Paula↗

Correlations among the parameters of the spherical model for eclipsing binaries.

Correlation coefficients have been computed to investigate the parameters used to describe the spherical model of an eclipsing binary system. Regions in parameter hyperspace have been identified where strong correlations exist and, by implication, the solution determinacy is low. The results are presented in tabular form for a large number of system configurations.

Sobieski, S.↗

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.↗

X-ray clusters of galaxies - Correlation of X-ray luminosity with galactic content

All 14 X-ray clusters of galaxies detected by the Ariel 5 satellite at high galactic latitudes with redshifts of less than 0.05 are analyzed optically for galaxy content. A strong correlation is found between cluster X-ray luminosity and galaxy type: the fraction of spiral galaxies in a cluster decreases rapidly with increasing X-ray luminosity. The observed correlation is consistent with a combined model of thermal bremsstrahlung emission from a hot intracluster gas and stripping of the spiral galaxies caused by the ram pressure of the same intracluster gas.

Bahcall, N. A.↗

Solar wind deceleration and MHD turbulence in the earth's foreshock region - ISEE 1 and 2 and IMP 8 observations

The interaction of the solar wind with ions backstreaming from the earth's bow shock is investigated using plasma and magnetic field measurements on ISEE 1 and 2 and IMP 8 at widely separated positions in the earth's foreshock. This technique separates temporal and spatial variations within the foreshock. It is found that the solar wind acceleration associated with backstreaming ions is correlated with the amplitude of the MHD turbulence, and that the largest decelerations are seen close to the bow shock. The density of the backstreaming ion beam is strongly correlated with distance from the shock, and decreases by about a factor of three in a distance of about 3R(e).

Bonifazi, C.↗

Ultraviolet spectral morphology of the O stars - The remarkable luminosity dependence of the Si IV stellar wind effect

An extensive survey of ultraviolet O type spectra, by means of high-resolution data from the International Ultraviolet Explorer archives, shows a strong correlation between both the photospheric and stellar wind features, and the optical spectral types. In particular, the stellar wind effect in the Si IV resonance doublet displays a strong luminosity dependence which has not been completely described before: there is no effect anywhere on the main sequence, but it develops gradually through the intermediate luminosity classes into a full P Cygni profile in the supergiants. This behavior is in sharp contrast to that of the C IV and N V, which have strong P Cygni profiles throughout most of the O type domain, including the main sequence. The Si IV effect simultaneously provides a sensitive classification criterion and poses an outstanding problem for detailed astrophysical interpretation. In addition, a new emission feature at 1574 A, possibly due to N III or to N IV forbidden line, is reported.

Walborn, N. R.↗

Maximum-likelihood analysis of the COBE angular correlation function

We have used maximum-likelihood estimation to determine the quadrupole amplitude Q(sub rms-PS) and the spectral index n of the density fluctuation power spectrum at recombination from the COBE DMR data. We find a strong correlation between the two parameters of the form Q(sub rms-PS) = (15.7 +/- 2.6) exp (0.46(1 - n)) microK for fixed n. Our result is slightly smaller than and has a smaller statistical uncertainty than the 1992 estimate of Smoot et al.

Seljak, Uros↗

The intermediate wavelength magnetic anomaly field of the north Pacific and possible source distributions

A technique that eliminates external field sources and the effects of strike aliasing was used to extract from marine survey data the intermediate wavelength magnetic anomaly field for (B) in the North Pacific. A strong correlation exists between this field and the MAGSAT field although a directional sensitivity in the MAGSAT field can be detected. The intermediate wavelength field is correlated to tectonic features. Island arcs appear as positive anomalies of induced origin likely due to variations in crustal thickness. Seamount chains and oceanic plateaus also are manifested by strong anomalies. The primary contribution to many of these anomalies appears to be due to a remanent magnetization. The source parameters for the remainder of these features are presently unidentified ambiguous. Results indicate that the sea surface field is a valuable source of information for secular variation analysis and the resolution of intermediate wavelength source parameters.

Labrecque, J. L.↗

Intermediate-wavelength magnetic anomaly field of the North Pacific and posible source distributions

A technique that eliminates external field sources and the effects of strike aliasing was used to extract from marine survey data the intermediate wavelength magnetic anomaly field for (B) in the North Pacific. A strong correlation exists between this field and the Magsat field although a directional sensitivity in the Magsat field can be detected. The intermediate wavelength field is correlated to tectonic features. Island arcs appear as positive anomalies of induced origin likely due to variations in crustal thickness. Seamount chains and oceanic plateaus also are manifested by strong anomalies. The primary contribution to many of these anomalies appears to be due to a remanent magnetization. The source parameters for the remainder of these features are presently unidentified ambiguous. Results indicate that the sea surface field is a valuable source of information for secular variation analysis and the resolution of intermediate wavelength source parameters.

Labrecque, J. L.↗

Quantification of Global Cloud Properties with Use of Spherical Harmonic Functions

Spherical harmonic (SH) expansion is a useful tool to study any variable that has valid values at all latitudes and longitudes. The variable can be quantified as a sum of different spherical harmonic components, which are the spherical harmonic functions multiplied by their expansion coefficients. We find that the SH components of cloud radiative effect (CRE) have correlations with El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Hadley Circulation (HC). In particular, the expansion degree 2 (l = 2) SH power spectrum component anomaly of CRE is strongly correlated with ENSO. The two dipole patterns appearing in the l = 2 SH component anomaly map can be reasonably explained by a known mechanism of ENSO’s impact on cloud properties. The l = 3 and l = 5 SH power spectrum components are correlated with HC intensity, whereas the l = 6 and l = 8 components are correlated with HC latitudinal widths. In ENSO warm and cold phases, the HC-correlated SH components have opposite anomalies, which suggests the impact of ENSO on HC. This study illustrates that the SH expansion technique provides a different perspective to study the impacts of large-scale atmospheric circulation on global cloud properties and radiative effects.

clouds↗

Correlation analysis of X-ray emission from Cygnus X-1

Normalized autocorrelation and cross-correlation coefficients have been calculated for the X-ray emission of Cygnus X-1 in two energy bins, 2.1-5.1 keV and 5.1-12 keV. The analysis shows a strong correlation between the pulsations in the two energy bins, with the low-energy pulsations lagging behind the high-energy ones, or alternatively a shorter duration of the pulse trains in the high-energy bin. The power spectral density derived from the autocorrelation functions indicates a larger contribution of the high-frequency components for the higher-energy X-rays.

Brinkman, A. C.↗

C/NOFS Satellite Electric Field and Plasma Density Observations of Plasma Instabilities Below the Equatorial F-Peak -- Evidence for Approximately 500 km-Scale Spread-F "Precursor" Waves Driven by Zonal Shear Flow and km-Scale, Narrow-Banded Irregularities

As solar activity has increased, the ionosphere F-peak has been elevated on numerous occasions above the C/NOFS satellite perigee of 400km. In particular, during the month of April, 2011, the satellite consistently journeyed below the F-peak whenever the orbit was in the region of the South Atlantic anomaly after sunset. During these passes, data from the electric field and plasma density probes on the satellite have revealed two types of instabilities which had not previously been observed in the C/NOFS data set (to our knowledge): The first is evidence for 400-500km-scale bottomside "undulations" that appear in the density and electric field data. In one case, these large scale waves are associated with a strong shear in the zonal E x B flow, as evidenced by variations in the meridional (outward) electric fields observed above and below the F-peak. These undulations are devoid of smaller scale structures in the early evening, yet appear at later local times along the same orbit associated with fully-developed spread-F with smaller scale structures. This suggests that they may be precursor waves for spread-F, driven by a collisional shear instability, following ideas advanced previously by researchers using data from the Jicamarca radar. A second new result (for C/NOFS) is the appearance of km-scale irregularities that are a common feature in the electric field and plasma density data that also appear when the satellite is below the F -peak at night. The vector electric field instrument on C/NOFS clearly shows that the electric field component of these waves is strongest in the zonal direction. These waves are strongly correlated with simultaneous observations of plasma density oscillations and appear both with, and without, evidence of larger-scale spread-F depletions. These km-scale, quasi-coherent waves strongly resemble the bottomside, sinusoidal irregularities reported in the Atmosphere Explorer satellite data set by Valladares et al. [JGR, 88, 8025, 1983]. We interpret these new observations in terms of fundamental plasma instabilities associated with the unstable, nighttime equatorial ionosphere.

Pfaff, R.↗