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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
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NASA NTRS1996

The Three-Dimensional Spatial Structure of Cirrus Clouds Determined from Lidar Satellite Observations

Simultaneous imagery from the University of Wisconsin Volume Imaging Lidar (VIL) and meteorological satellites were used to quantify the spatial structure of cirrus clouds with 60 m resolution. This data was used to determine the spatial distributions of cloud base altitude, cloud top altitude, and mid-cloud altitude. Two dimensional auto-correlation functions describing the mean shape of cirrus clouds were computed. Because cirrus clouds seldom have distinct edges, these correlation functions are derived as a function of a threshold value which defines the cloud edge.

Eloranta, E. W.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Simultaneous ultraviolet, optical, and X-ray observations of the X-ray source Vela X-1 /HD 77581/

UV spectra (obtained by the IUE) of HD 77581, associated with the binary X-ray source Vela X-1, show a spectrum typical of an early B-type supergiant. However, the P Cygni profiles of strong resonance lines show substantial variations with orbital phase. These variations can be ascribed to the changing ionization state in the stellar wind caused by the X-ray emitting companion. X-ray and spectroscopic and photometric optical observations, simultaneous with the IUE observations, indicate behavior consistent with previous epochs.

Dupree, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Simultaneous X-ray and optical observations of GX 339-4 in an X-ray high state

Optical emission, soft X-rays, and hard X-rays have been observed simultaneously from the black hole candidate GX 3339-4 in a typical high state. Each of these components is interpreted as arising from a characteristic region of the accretion disk. Considered as a black hole, GX 339-4 lacks the variable 2 keV blackbody component that would be emitted from the 'solid' surface of a neutron star in the low-mass neutron star binaries. The X-ray emission in the high state is therefore extremely soft and stable in time. The intermediate disk region is optically thick and geometrically thin. The observed soft X-ray component with a 'disk blackbody' spectrum comes from this region. The innermost disk region is dynamically unstable due to the effect of general relativity and possibly due to radiation pressure. This region is responsible for the generation of the hard X-ray tail through Comptonization.

Makishima, K.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Acceleration of H, He, and CNO ions and electrons observed in the earth's magnetospheric environment

The probability of simultaneous observation of ion pulses on the IMP 7 and 8 satellites in the earth's magnetotail was analyzed. It was found that the simultaneous observation was rather infrequent unless the two satellites were separated by a distance less than about 5 earth radii. It is suggested that this separation is a measure of the linear dimension of the regions where magnetic field line annihilation took place at a rapid rate and the observed ions with energy equal to or greater than 100 keV ions were accelerated. The annihilation rate was estimated to be equal to the Alfven velocity of the local plasma medium.

Fan, C. Y.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Simultaneous multifrequency observations of BL Lac objects and violently variable quasars

Ultraviolet spectra simultaneous with radio, infrared, optical, and X-ray measurements were obtained for three BL Lac objects and one violently variable quasar during several epochs (0735+178, BL Lac, IZw-187, and 3C446). A feature common to these objects is that the radio-mm continuum must steepen in the far-infrared region in order to connect smoothly to the IR-UV continuum. This indicates that synchrotron emission becomes optically thick in the mm or far-infrared region. The continuum of 3C446 and BL Lac steepen quite rapidly between the IR and UV spectra with slopes near unity. The X-ray emission in BL Lac, 3C446, and 0735+178 has a different origin from the IR-UV radiation, probably from the inverse Compton process. However, the synchrotron radiation is the probable source of X-ray emission in the X-ray bright BL Lac object IZw-187. In IZw-187, most of the energy emerges in the UV - X-ray region, while for the other sources, most of the energy emerges in the far infrared region.

Bregman, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Considerations on formation flying separations for earth observing satellite missions

We assume that scientific requirements (or other mission requirements) call for simultaneous observations from sensors located on different formation-flying spacecraft, and assess how well various kinds of formations of two and three spacecraft can meet these simultaneity requirements. We simulate two types of formation, one where the slave spacecraft moves with respect to the reference spacecraft, and the other where the two spacecraft are kept at a constant time separation. For each type of formation we consider two attitudes: a perfect local vertical local horizontal (LVLH) and an attitude which represents the maximum allowable mission tolerance offset from the mission requirements for attitude determination. We simulate formations of multiple spacecraft and determine how well they can perform simultaneous observations. For each spacecraft we compute the instantaneous ground projection of the center of the imager's fieId of view and plot the movement of the instantaneous ground projection of one spacecraft in the formation relative to the other. The size and shape of this effective ground target parametrize the size and shape of the actual ground target as well as the size and shape of the imager's field of view and the percentage of overlap required.

Folta, David↗
NASA NTRS1985

Whistler-triggered VLF noise bursts observed on the DE-1 satellite and simultaneously at Antarctic ground stations

Simultaneous observations of whistler-triggered very low-frequency noise bursts on the ground at Anarctic stations, Halley and Siple, and on the high-altitude satellite DE-1 are reported. Results of a case study from June 25, 1982 in which the satellite data were recorded near 25 deg south magnetic latitude and the L = 4.7 magnetic shell, are presented. Analysis indicates that the chorus bursts that are triggered in whistler ducts travel downwards in the ducts to low altitudes in the ionosphere, and that propagation to DE-1 is by upward reflection into a nonducted mode. A means of estimating the propagation characteristics of the wave bursts is provided by comparisons of nonducted signals from the Siple transmitter and discrete periodic emissions. The ducted-nonducted mode conversion process is a mechanism for the large-scale spreading into the magnetosphere of coherent whistler-mode wave energy which is generated, amplified, or triggered in small localized ducts. The DE-1 data show that a strong interaction exists between whistler-triggered noise bursts and prevailing hiss levels.

Smith, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Simultaneous NuSTAR/Chandra Observations of the Bursting Pulsar GRO J1744-28 During its Third Reactivation

We report on a 10 ks simultaneous Chandra/High Energy Transmission Grating (HETG)-Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) observation of the Bursting Pulsar, GRO J1744-28, during its third detected outburst since discovery and after nearly 18 yr of quiescence. The source is detected up to 60 keV with an Eddington persistent flux level. Seven bursts, followed by dips, are seen with Chandra, three of which are also detected with NuSTAR. Timing analysis reveals a slight increase in the persistent emission pulsed fraction with energy (from 10% to 15%) up to 10 keV, above which it remains constant. The 0.5-70 keV spectra of the persistent and dip emission are the same within errors and well described by a blackbody (BB), a power-law (PL) with an exponential rolloff, a 10 keV feature, and a 6.7 keV emission feature, all modified by neutral absorption. Assuming that the BB emission originates in an accretion disk, we estimate its inner (magnetospheric) radius to be about 4 x 10(exp 7) cm, which translates to a surface dipole field B approximately 9 x 10(exp 10) G. The Chandra/HETG spectrum resolves the 6.7 keV feature into (quasi-)neutral and highly ionized Fe XXV and Fe XXVI emission lines. XSTAR modeling shows these lines to also emanate from a truncated accretion disk. The burst spectra, with a peak flux more than an order of magnitude higher than Eddington, are well fit with a PL with an exponential rolloff and a 10 keV feature, with similar fit values compared to the persistent and dip spectra. The burst spectra lack a thermal component and any Fe features. Anisotropic (beamed) burst emission would explain both the lack of the BB and any Fe components.

pulsars: general aEuro" stars: individual (GRO J17↗
NASA NTRS1972

Multispectral imaging radar

A side-looking radar, installed in a C-46 aircraft, was modified to provide it with an initial multispectral imaging capability. The radar is capable of radiating at either of two wavelengths, these being approximately 3 cm and 30 cm, with either horizontal or vertical polarization on each wavelength. Both the horizontally- and vertically-polarized components of the reflected signal can be observed for each wavelength/polarization transmitter configuration. At present, two-wavelength observation of a terrain region can be accomplished within the same day, but not with truly simultaneous observation on both wavelengths. A multiplex circuit to permit this simultaneous observation has been designed. A brief description of the modified radar system and its operating parameters is presented. Emphasis is then placed on initial flight test data and preliminary interpretation. Some considerations pertinent to the calibration of such radars are presented in passing.

Porcello, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Simultaneous energetic particle observations at geostationary orbit and in the upstream solar wind - Evidence for leakage during the magnetospheric compression event of November 1, 1984

The issue of accelertion and transport of particles in the upstream solar wind was investigated using the energetic ion and electron observations obtained simultaneously by three fortuitously positioned geostationary spececraft during a strong magnetospheric compression event of November 1, 1984. This compression event brought the subsolar magnetopause inward of the synchronous orbit. Data obtained indicate that, in the November 1 event, the process of magnetospheric ion escape was a very likely source for energetic particles both in the magnetosheath and the upstream solar wind.

Baker, D. N.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Simultaneous optical/gamma-ray observations of GRBs

Details on the project to search for serendipitous time correlated optical photographic observations of Gamma Ray Bursters (GRB's) are presented. The ongoing photographic observations at nine observatories are used to look for plates which were exposed simultaneously with a gamma ray burst detected by the gamma ray instrument team (BATSE) and contain the burst position. The results for the first two years of the gamma ray instrument team operation are presented.

Greiner, J.↗
NASA NTRS2012

NPP VIIRS and Aqua MODIS RSB Comparison Using Observations from Simultaneous Nadir Overpasses (SNO)

Suomi NPP (National Polar-orbiting Partnership) satellite (http://npp.gsfc.nasa.gov/viirs.html) began to daily collect global data following its successful launch on October 28, 2011. The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) is a key NPP sensor. Similar to the design of the OLS, SeaWiFS and MODIS instruments, VIIRS has on-board calibration components including a solar diffuser (SD) and a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM) for the reflective solar bands (RSB), a V-groove blackbody for the thermal emissive bands (TEB), and a space view (SV) port for background subtraction. Immediately after the VIIRS nadir door s opening on November 21, 2011, anomalously large degradation in the SD response was identified in the near-IR wavelength region, which was unexpected as decreases in the SD reflectance usually occur gradually in the blue (~0.4 m) wavelength region based on past experience. In this study, we use a well-calibrated Aqua MODIS as reference to track and evaluate VIIRS RSB stability and performance. Reflectances observed by both sensors from simultaneous nadir overpasses (SNO) are used to determine VIIRS to MODIS reflectance ratios for their spectral matching bands. Results of this study provide an immediate post-launch assessment, independent validation of the anomalous degradation observed in SD measurements at near-IR wavelengths and initial analysis of calibration stability and consistency.

Xiong, X.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Dependence of marine stratocumulus reflectivities on liquid water paths

Simple parameterizations that relate cloud liquid water content to cloud reflectivity are often used in general circulation climate models to calculate the effect of clouds in the earth's energy budget. Such parameterizations have been developed by Stephens (1978) and by Slingo and Schrecker (1982) and others. Here researchers seek to verify the parametric relationship through the use of simultaneous observations of cloud liquid water content and cloud reflectivity. The column amount of cloud liquid was measured using a microwave radiometer on San Nicolas Island following techniques described by Hogg et al., (1983). Cloud reflectivity was obtained through spatial coherence analysis of Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) imagery data (Coakley and Beckner, 1988). They present the dependence of the observed reflectivity on the observed liquid water path. They also compare this empirical relationship with that proposed by Stephens (1978). Researchers found that by taking clouds to be isotropic reflectors, the observed reflectivities and observed column amounts of cloud liquid water are related in a manner that is consistent with simple parameterizations often used in general circulation climate models to determine the effect of clouds on the earth's radiation budget. Attempts to use the results of radiative transfer calculations to correct for the anisotropy of the AVHRR derived reflectivities resulted in a greater scatter of the points about the relationship expected between liquid water path and reflectivity. The anisotropy of the observed reflectivities proved to be small, much smaller than indicated by theory. To critically assess parameterizations, more simultaneous observations of cloud liquid water and cloud reflectivities and better calibration of the AVHRR sensors are needed.

Coakley, James A., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Multifrequency observations of the BL Lacertae object PKS 0537 - 441

PKS 0537 - 441 was repeatedly observed in the UV band with the International Ultraviolet Explorer and in the X-ray with the Einstein Observatory. On September 27, 1980, simultaneous observations in the two bands were obtained. Near-infrared photometry preceding and following the simultaneous observations by about one month is available from the literature, as is radio monitoring at 408 and 5000 MHz. Comparison of the observed X-ray flux with that predicted by the standard synchrotron self-Compton formalism, with a source dimension deduced from radio variability at 5 GHz, indicates that this component of the radio emission must be moving at relativistic speed with an effective projected Doppler beaming factor of about 10.

Maraschi, L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Coordinated ATS 5 electron flux and simultaneous auroral observations

An attempt is made to correlate ATS 5 plasma data with all-sky photographic data taken at Thompson and Gillam, Manitoba. The fields of view of the Canadian stations cover the projected field line position of the satellite. Trapped electron fluxes at the satellite and the simultaneously measured auroral activity near the projected foot of the satellite field line were compared for several days of varying substorm activity with all-sky camera data, which was in the form of time-varying luminosity plots. The observed auroral intensification coincident with plasma injection shows that on a broad scale the auroras are correlated well with the magnetospheric trapped plasma; however, there is a lack of detailed correlation between the fine structure of the trapped plasma fluxes and the small scale auroral features.

Mende, S. B.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Satellite and ground-based observations of a red arc.

Simultaneous observations carried out during the red-arc period of Aug. 8-9, 1970 at Richland, Washington and by the Ogo 6 satellite are examined in the light of the present-day theoretical knowledge. The observed formation of the arc at the electron temperature peak and density trough supports the thermal-conduction theory of red-arc formation. The lack of dc electric fields in the red-arc region rules out these fields as an excitation mechanism. Particle precipitation as a direct source of red-line emission can also be ruled out by the observations presented. The formation of the arc in the plasmapause region and the detection of low-frequency ac fields are consistent with a theory that predicts wave-particle interaction at the plasmapause as a mechanism for supplying thermal energy to the plasmasphere electrons.

Nagy, A. F.↗