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Results for “MAGNETIC STARS”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1988

Superheavy magnetic monopoles and main-sequence stars

The interactions of superheavy monopoles with stars of mass 0.6-25 solar masses are studied. It is shown that captured monopoles cluster near the stellar center, and that their contribution to the total stellar luminosity and their effects on the structure of stars will be unobservable as long as the flux is significantly below the Parker (1970, 1971) bound. It is suggested that all but the strongly magnetic stars will retain a substantial fraction of the monopoles they capture.

Frieman, Joshua A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Transition region fluxes in A-F Dwarfs: Basal fluxes and dynamo activity

The transition region spectra of 87 late A and early F dwarfs and subgiants were analyzed. The emission line fluxes are uniformly strong in the early F stars, and drop off rapidly among the late A stars. The basal flux level in the F stars is consistent with an extrapolation of that observed among the G stars, while the magnetic component displays the same flux-flux relations seen among solar-like stars. Despite the steep decrease in transition region emission flux for B-V less than 0.28, C II emission is detected in alpha Aql (B-V = 0.22). The dropoff in emission is inconsistent with models of the mechanically generated acoustic flux available. It is concluded that, although the nonmagnetic basal heating is an increasingly important source of atmospheric heating among the early F stars, magnetic heating occurs in any star which has a sufficiently thick convective zone to generate acoustic heating.

Walter, Frederick M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Postaccretion magnetic field evolution of neutron stars

We present the first calculations of magnetic field evolution following accretion-induced field reduction which demonstrate the possibility of subsequent surface magnetic field growth. Assuming the preaccretion field is pushed down or advected below the accreting material, we show that significant diffusion of the suppressed field back to the surface can occur within a Galactic age approximately 10(exp 10) yr. This produces surface fields characteristic of standard pulsars if the total mass transferred is below a critical value delta M(sub c) approximately 0.04 solar masses. We then show how this provides a natural explanation for the existence of old pulsars with high inferred surface dipole fields which are still observable. Using our results in conjunction with a model for accretion-induced field reduction we predict the evolution of a binary pulsar's spin and magnetic field through its postaccretion lifetime. This analysis also provides a qualitative explanation for a recent suggestion that the magnetic fields and spins of recycled pulsars have a bimodal distribution.

Young, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Astronomical interferometry on the Moon

Optical interferometric arrays are particularly attractive candidates for a manned lunar base. A permanent lunar can provide support for a variety of astronomical investigations. An optical interferometric array, perhaps of the general form of the VLA but designed for optical instead of radio wavelengths, would lead to a qualitative advance in the understanding of the universe. A wide variety of scientific problems could be addressed by such an instrument. The stellar analogs of the solar cycle, the behavior of sunspots on other stars, the magnetic field configurations of other stars, and the behavior of dynamic plasma phenomena such as flares and winds are examples of star related problems that ultimately would lead to both increased understanding of our Sun and fundamental knowledge of the manner in which stars form and evolve.

Burke, Bernard F.↗
NASA NTRS1991

High-energy transients

The observational characteristics of X-ray bursts are reviewed and the thermonuclear-flash model is examined to assess the suitability of the model and the sources of X- and gamma-ray bursts. The profiles of X-ray bursts from five different sources are delineated, and the global analysis of nuclear burning is discussed to review th range possible X-ray burst behavior. The analysis by Fushiki and Lamb (1987) is noted for the description of regions which lie away from the steady-state cut. The discussion of cyclotron lines in gamma-ray bursts emphasizes the source GB880205, and it is shown that Raman and cyclotron resonant scattering can explain the observed positions, strengths, and widths of the dips in the spectrum. X-ray bursts are theorized to emanate from weakly magnetic neutron stars, and gamma-ray bursts are shown to be the products of strongly magnetic neutron stars.

Lamb, D. Q.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Magnetic fields and dense chromospheres in dMe stars

The hypothesis is investigated that dense chromospheres of dMe stars are heated by dissipation of hydromagnetic waves which may be generated in active regions where the nonspot magnetic field strength can be as large as 5 to 10 kG. It is proposed that dMe stars are a set of magnetic stars on the lower main sequence which have strong fields generated by dynamo action in deep convective envelopes, while dM stars are nonmagnetic or weakly magnetic stars having no starspots on their surfaces. The combination of magnetic fields and dense chromospheres in dMe stars is shown to provide consistent evidence for several conclusions, including: (1) the dMe stars which are most likely to be flare stars are those with hydrogen emission lines and (2) propagation of flare-initiated coronal waves can trigger sympathetic stellar flares. It is suggested that grain formation occurs in starspots of dMe stars and that such grains in a circumstellar shell are responsible for the systematic IR excesses of dMe stars relative to dM stars.

Mullan, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Unveiling the Nature of Soft Gamma Repeaters and Magnetars: Scientists Measure the Most Powerful Magnet Known

This newsletter from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) announces measurements of the magnetic field of a magnetar. The magnetic field was approx. 10(exp 15) gauss, up to 10 times more powerful than previous estimates. The newsletter also describes how the star's magnetic field slows its rotation, and how starquakes emit protons, which are trapped in this neutron star's magnetic field, and make it a soft gamma repeater (SGR).

Swank, Jean↗
NASA NTRS1981

X-ray astronomy from Uhuru to HEAO-1

The nature of galactic and extragalactic X-ray sources is investigated using observations made with nine satellites and several rockets. The question of X-ray pulsars being neutron stars or white dwarfs is considered, as is the nature of Population II and low-luminosity X-ray stars, the diffuse X-ray emission from clusters of galaxies, the unidentified high-galactic-latitude (UHGL) sources, and the unresolved soft X-ray background. The types of sources examined include binary pulsars, Population II X-ray stars (both nonbursters and bursters) inside and outside globular clusters, coronal X-ray emitters, and active galactic nuclei. It is concluded that: (1) X-ray pulsars are strongly magnetized neutron stars formed in the evolution of massive close binaries; (2) all Population II X-ray stars are weakly magnetized or nonmagnetic neutron stars accreting from low-mass companions in close binary systems; (3) the diffuse emission from clusters is thermal bremsstrahlung of hot matter processed in stars and swept out by ram pressure exerted by the intergalactic gas; (4) most or all of the UHGL sources are active galactic nuclei; and (5) the soft X-ray background is emission from a hot component of the interstellar medium.

Clark, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Synchronization of the magnetic Nova V1500 Cygni

The study addresses a program of polarimetric monitoring of V1500 Cyg and a detection of spin-down of the magnetic primary star. Data on the spectral shape of polarized cyclotron flux is presented, and a lower limit to the field strength on the magnetic primary star is derived. The implications which the field strength and observed rate of period change have on locking scenarios are discussed, including the likelihood of identifying other AM Her systems in the process of formation. It is noted that two-color polarimetry of V1500 Cyg indicates a polar magnetic-field strength consistent with those measured in the synchronized AM Her variables; however, the symmetry and long-term repeatability of the polarized flux curves indicate that accretion occurs onto large regions of the white-dwarf surface.

Schmidt, Gary D.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Physical processes in the strong magnetic fields of accreting neutron stars

Analytical formulae are fitted to observational data on physical processes occurring in strong magnetic fields surrounding accreting neutron stars. The propagation of normal modes in the presence of a quantizing magnetic field is discussed in terms of a wave equation in Fourier space, quantum electrodynamic effects, polarization and mode ellipticity. The results are applied to calculating the Thomson scattering, bremsstrahlung and Compton scattering cross-sections, which are a function of the frequency, angle and polarization of the magnetic field. Numerical procedures are explored for solving the radiative transfer equations. When applied to modeling X ray pulsars, a problem arises in the necessity to couple the magnetic angle and frequency dependence of the cross-sections with the hydrodynamic equations. The use of time-dependent averaging and approximation techniques is indicated.

Meszaros, P.↗
NASA NTRS1988

On the surface magnetic fields of rapidly rotating stars with winds

The consistency of estimates of angular velocities and magnetic field strength obtained from magnetic rotator models is examined. Upper and lower bounds for the surface magnetic field are derived with constraints of interior theory using magnetohydrodynamic considerations. The formulas for the bounds are applied to rapidly rotating Be stars and Wolf-Rayet type stars using Eddington-Vogt speed relevant for the radiative diffusion zone. It is suggested that stars which have equatorially enhanced winds driven by magnetic rotator effects must have fields such that the Aflven speed is close to the speed of the Eddington-Vogt currents at the base of the stellar atmosphere.

Maheswaran, Murugesapillai↗
NASA NTRS1991

Plasma physics of accreting neutron stars

Plasma concepts and phenomena that are needed to understand X- and gamma-ray sources are discussed. The capture of material from the wind or from the atmosphere or envelope of a binary companion star is described and the resulting types of accretion flows discussed. The reasons for the formation of a magnetosphere around the neutron star are explained. The qualitative features of the magnetospheres of accreting neutron stars are then described and compared with the qualitative features of the geomagnetosphere. The conditions for stable flow and for angular and linear momentum conservation are explained in the context of accretion by magnetic neutron stars and applied to obtain rough estimates of the scale of the magnetosphere. Accretion from Keplerian disks is then considered in some detail. The radial structure of geometrically thin disk flows, the interaction of disk flows with the neutron star magnetosphere, and models of steady accretion from Keplerian disks are described. Accretion torques and the resulting changes in the spin frequencies of rotating neutron stars are considered. The predicted behavior is then compared with observations of accretion-powered pulsars. Magnetospheric processes that may accelerate particles to very high energies, producing GeV and, perhaps, TeV gamma-rays are discussed. Finally, the mechanisms that decelerate and eventually stop accreting plasma at the surfaces of strongly magnetic neutron stars are described.

Ghosh, Pranab↗
NASA NTRS1985

Magnetic Effects in the Heating and Modification of Flows in the Outer Stellar Atmospheres with Application to Early Type Star Case

Possible magnetic effects in the heating and modification of flows in early type star atmospheres are discussed by referring to the physically related phenomena dealt with for late type stars, young stars, and close binary systems. It is pointed out as the result of that the magnetic field may play important roles also in early type star atmospheres in converting the energy of the radiatively driven outflow into heat, or in modifying the outflow by nozzling or by initial modification of temperature and/or momentum by which the effect of the radiation pressure may be made the most of in accelerating the outflow.

Uchida, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Magnetic field decay in isolated neutron stars

Three mechanisms that promote the loss of magnetic flux from an isolated neutron star - Ohmic decay, ambipolar diffusion, and Hall drift - are investigated. Equations of motions are solved for charged particles in the presence of a magnetic field and a fixed background of neutrons, while allowing for the creation and destruction of particles by weak interactions. Although these equations apply to normal neutrons and protons, the present interpretations of their solutions are extended to cover cases of neutron superfluidity and proton superconductivity. The equations are manipulated to prove that, in the presence of a magnetic force, the charged particles cannot be simultaneously in magnetostatic equilibrium and chemical equilibrium with the neutrons. The application of the results to real neutron stars is discussed.

Goldreich, Peter↗
NASA NTRS1994

The incidence of magnetism among white dwarfs: The first stars below 100 kilogauss

A survey for magnetic fields among a magnitude-limited sample of DA white dwarfs has identified two stars with weak circular polarization features across the profiles of H(alpha) and H(beta) WD 1350-090 (LP 907-037) was found to have a disk-averaged longitudinal field component B(sub e) = +85 +/- 9 kG at one epoch, while WD 0009+501 (G 217-037) has been measured on several occasions at values between B(sub e) approximately 0 and nearly -100 kG. The latter results imply an oblique rotator with a period between 2 and 20 hr. Magnetism on white dwarfs has now been detected over more than four orders of magnitude in strength. Assuming flux conservation, the new discoveries imply organized field patterns near the end of the main-sequence phase of only approximately 10 G. However, the overall incidence of magnetism among white dwarfs remains low, with more than 90% of stars having fields below approximately 10 kG. There is tentative evidence from line profile analysis that WD 1350-090 is a high-mass object (M greater than 1 solar mass), but an accurate parallax and more thorough spectroscopic study are required.

Schmidt, Gary D.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Magnetic fields and diffusion processes in peculiar A stars

The detailed effects of a magnetic field on the equilibrium surface abundances of Ap stars as well as on the diffusion velocity are considered. The equivalent widths of the magnetic null lines are shown to be functions of the magnetic field strength. Furthermore, null lines can be used to help distinguish between inhomogeneities in abundance and in magnetic field strength and to determine ionization temperatures. The results of the diffusion mechanism with magnetic fields are used to interpret the phenomenon of spectrum variability. A review of the observational aspects of null lines in the magnetic Ap stars is presented.

Shore, S. N.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Physical Models for Accreting Pulsars at High Luminosity

A new window for better understanding the accretion onto strongly magnetized neutron stars in X-ray binaries is opening. In these systems the accreted material follows the magnetic field lines as it approaches the neutron star, forming accretion columns above the magnetic poles. The plasma falls toward the neutron star surface at near-relativistic speeds, losing energy by emitting X-rays. The X-ray spectral continua are commonly described using phenomenological models, i.e., power laws with different types of curved cut-offs at higher energies. Here we consider high luminosity pulsars. In these systems the mass transfer rate is high enough that the accreting plasma is thought to be decelerated in a radiation-dominated radiative shock in the accretion columns. While the theory of the emission from such shocks had already been developed by 2007, a model for direct comparison with X-ray continuum spectra in xspec or isis has only recently become available. Here we analyze the broadband X-ray spectra of the accreting pulsars Centaurus X-3 and 4U1626-67 obtained withNuSTAR. We present results from traditional empirical modeling as well as successfully apply the radiation-dominated radiative shock model. We also fit the energy-dependent pulse profiles of 4U 1626-67 using a new relativistic light bending model.

Pottschmidt, Katja↗
NASA NTRS1993

The suppression of pulsar and gamma-ray burst annihilation lines by magnetic photon splitting

Neutron stars, relativistic and compact by nature, show great potential for the copious creation of electron-positron pairs in the magnetospheres; these rapidly cool, thermalize, and then annihilate. It is therefore expected that many neutron sources might display evidence of pair annihilation lines in the 400-500 keV range. It is shown that magnetic photon splitting, which operates effectively at these energies and in the enormous neutron star magnetic fields, can destroy an annihilation feature by absorbing line photons and reprocessing them to lower energies. In so doing, photon splitting creates a soft gamma-ray bump and a broad quasi-power-law contribution to the X-ray continuum, which is too flat to conflict with the observed X-ray paucity in gamma-ray bursts. The destruction of the line occurs in neutron stars with surface fields of 5 x 10 exp 12 G or maybe even less, depending on the size of the emission region.

Baring, Matthew G.↗