Engineering topics

Becker, R. H.

Publications and source records attributed to Becker, R. H..

At least 55 records · Page 3

NASA NTRS1983

A two-component X-ray spectrum from SMC X-1

HEAO 1 A-2 and Einstein Solid State Spectrometer (SSS) observations of SMC X-1 are presented. An unpulsed soft component is found with a blackbody temperature of 0.16 keV and an area for the emission region of 10 to the 15th to 10 to the 17th sq cm. The hard X-ray component is pulsed; the phase-averaged spectrum is a power law with alpha of about 0.5 up to 17 keV, above which it steepens. The SSS sets an upper limit of less than 4 x 10 to the 21st H/sq cm to any absorption, and is consistent with that expected from the wind of Sk 160. Absorption dips with a timescale of several hundred seconds are seen immediately following an eclipse exit, and are probably caused by inhomogeneities in the wind of Sk 160.

Marshall, F. E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Rapid X-ray variability from the Seyfert 1 Galaxy NGC 4051

Strong variable X-ray emission from the nearby low luminosity Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4051 was discovered during observations with the imaging proportional counter of the Einstein Observatory. During one 2304 second observation, the X-ray flux more than doubled in an approximately linear fashion, and a 70% increase for 150 seconds was seen during another 968 second observation. Evidence is presented which demonstrates that the X-ray spectrum of NGC 4051 is unusually soft compared to Seyfert 1 galaxies or QSOs. The emission mechanism is probably not synchrotron or synchrotron self-Compton, but the emission can be plausibly explained by various black hole accretion models.

Marshall, F. E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

X-ray observations of Crab-like supernova remnants

Distinguishing radio and morphological characteristics of Crab Nebula-like supernova remnants (SNR) are described. Radio features comprise a flat spectrum, a filled center brightness distribution, and a centrally located pulsar. The radio signals are linearly polarized and suggest a synchrotron emission mechanism. Known objects with those characteristics include the Crab Nebula, Vela X, 3C58, G21.5 - 0.9 and G74.9 + 1.2. Only the Crab Nebula exhibits pulsations, while all have unresolved X-ray sources and nonthermal X-ray spectra. Although the Crab-like SNR are distinctly different from shell-like SNR, the SNR CTB80, G326.3 - 1.8, W28 and G29.7 0.3 display characteristics of both, particularly shell-like structures and flat spectra. X-ray spectra from compact sources have also been detected from 3C58, CTB80, W28 and MSH 15 - 52 and exhibit nonthermal power law features. The X-ray spectra could be used as a measure of the evolutionary stage of the source.

Becker, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1982

The resolution of P Cygni's stellar wind

The 6 cm radio emission from P Cygni's stellar wind has been resolved using the Very Large Array. The wind is apparently spherically symmetric, and the radial surface brightness distribution agrees with that predicted by the constant velocity, isothermal wind model. The wind temperature is directly determined from the observations to be within 2000 K of 18,000, which is consistent with an effective temperature of 20,000 K for P Cygni. The technique makes it possible to study the adiabatic cooling of the wind, which should be important for most early-type stars but which cannot be recognized through its effects on the radio spectrum. To avoid systematically underestimating fluxes, it is essential to fit models directly to the (u-v) data when observing stellar winds with the VLA.

White, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Shock-induced devolatilization of calcite

Experimental measurements of the release adiabats by Vizgirda (1981) indicate that substantial vaporization takes place upon release from shock pressures of 37 GPa for calcite and 14 GPa for aragonite. The present investigation includes the first controlled partial vaporization experiments on calcite. The experiments were conducted to test the predictions of the release adiabat experiments. The quantities of the gaseous species produced from shocked calcite and their carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions were determined, and the shock-induced effect on the Mn(2+) electron spin resonance spectrum in the shock-recovered calcite was observed. On the basis of the obtained results, it is concluded that shock stresses at the 17-18 GPa level give rise to volatilization of 0.03-0.3 (mole) percent of calcite to CO2 and CO. The devolatilization of calcite occurs at low pressure at significantly lower entropy densities than predicted on the basis of thermodynamic continuum models.

Boslough, M. B.↗

NASA NTRS1982

An X-ray image of Tycho's supernova remnant

An image of Tycho's SNR has been obtained using the imaging proportional counter aboard the Einstein Observatory, revealing a nearly circular, 8 arcmin, open shell of emission. The X-ray and radio shells are spatially coincident, although there is no correlation in intensity between the two wavelengths. Adopting a distance of 3 kpc, a 0.15-4.5 keV luminosity of 5 x 10 to the 36th ergs/sec is inferred. The mass of the X-ray emitting material is 7-15 solar masses if the SNR is in the adiabatic stage of its evolution. This is consistent with the interpretation that the SNR was the result of a Type I explosion and that the distance to Tycho's SNR is between 2.2 and 4.3 kpc.

Reid, P. B.↗

NASA NTRS1982

X-ray and optical measurements of the cataclysmic variable CH UMa

A program to identify optical counterparts of X-ray sources discovered with the Einstein Observatory has resulted in an independent identification of CH UMa as a cataclysmic variable. Spectrophotometric observations made with the Intensified Image Dissector Scanner on the 2.1-m telescope at KPNO revealed an emission line spectrum from an approximately 15 mag object similar to the spectra of cataclysmic variables. A subsequent search of the Harvard photographic plate collection revealed outbursts of 4 mag in amplitude.

Becker, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1982

A 2 component X-ray spectrum from SMC X-1

Both HEAO-1 A2 and Einstein SSS observations of SMC X-1 are presented. An unpulsed soft component is found with a blackbody temperature of 0.16 keV and an area for the emission region of 10 to the 15th power sq cm to 10 to the 17th power sq cm. The hard X-ray component is pulsed; the phase averaged spectrum is a power law with alpha approximately 0.5 keV up to 17 keV above which it steepens. The SSS sets an upper limit of 4 x 10 to the 21st power H cm/2 to any absorption and is consistent with that expected from the wind of SK160. Absorption dips with a timescale of several hundred seconds are seen immediately following an eclipse exit and are probably caused by inhomogeneities in the wind of SK160.

Marshall, F. E.↗

NASA NTRS1982

An X-ray study of two Crablike supernova remnants - 3C 58 and CTB 80

The instruments on the Einstein Observatory have been used to study the X-ray properties of two Crablike SNRs: 3C 58 and CTB 80. Images of the objects are similar, showing an extended plateau of emission surrounding a pronounced central maximum consistent with the presence of a point source. The X-ray spectrum of 3C 58 is consistent with a power law of spectral index 0.5 + 0.5 or -0.2 modified by absorption in a hydrogen column density N sub H of (2 + or - 0.5) x 10 to the 21st/sq cm. These data suggest an analogy with the Crab Nebula, where the extended X-ray emission is nonthermal and the pointlike emission emanates from a central neutron star. Quantitative comparisons of the X-ray and radio properties for six Crablike remnants indicate significant differences which may reflect an evolutionary sequence.

Becker, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen isotopes in solvent-extractable organic matter from carbonaceous chondrites

CCl4 and CH3OH solvent extractions were performed on the Murray, Murchison, Orgueil and Renazzo carbonaceous chondrites. Delta-D values of +300-+500% are found in the case of the CH3OH-soluble organic matter. The combined C, H and N isotope data makes it unlikely that the CH3OH-soluble components are derivable from, or simply related to, the insoluble organic polymer found in the same meteorites. A relation between the event that formed hydrous minerals in CI1 and CM2 meteorites and the introduction of water- and methanol-soluble organic compounds is suggested. Organic matter soluble in CCl4 has no N, and delta-C-13 values are lower than for CH3OH-soluble phases. It is concluded that there either are large isotopic fractionations for carbon and hydrogen between different soluble organic phases, or the less polar components are partially of terrestrial origin.

Becker, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Carbon isotopic ratios in some low-delta N-15 lunar breccias

Lunar soil breccias 10018, 79035 and 79135 were analyzed for carbon and nitrogen contents and isotopic compositions by vacuum pyrolysis, with a 500 C pre-combustion step in some cases. The combustion was used to remove carbon of terrestrial origin. Nitrogen isotopic ratios for the breccias are very low and are in agreement with results in the literature. Nitrogen yields in two cases were lower than literature values, a result attributable to heterogeneous mixing of implanted and implantation-free components in the breccias. Carbon isotopic ratios were found to be low in these breccias, even when reasonable account is taken of terrestrial carbon contamination. The results are consistent with the idea that low-delta N-15 values in lunar soils and breccias are accompanied by low-delta C-13 values, and imply that any secular variation which occurred in the delta N-15 of nitrogen implanted in lunar soils was accompanied by a similar but smaller variation in the delta C-13 of implanted carbon.

Becker, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Silicon and oxygen isotopes in selected Allende inclusions

Silicon and oxygen data are presented for a number of Allende samples. It is found that based on oxygen and silicon isotopes, Allende samples EGG-1, EGG-6, BG1a, and 3529Yc are typical, unfractionated Allende inclusions. Where magnesium data are available, they indicate the same thing. EGG-3 is fractionated in both oxygen and silicon, as it is in magnesium. Sample D7 melilite is fractionated in oxygen by several per mil along the C2-matrix line, away from typical Allende melilites. Inclusion BG10a is a FUN inclusion with an inferred original oxygen isotopic fractionation of 8-9 per mille/amu relative to the Allende line. Silicon data for two density fractions of inclusion 3A with different mineralogies show a difference of about 2 per mille, which indicates that silicon, like oxygen, has been added to at least some mineral phases in Allende inclusions from a reservoir other than the one in which the inclusion first began to form.

Becker, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Discovery of a Seyfert 1 galaxy with an unusually soft X-ray spectrum

A newly-discovered Seyfert 1 galaxy, E1615+061, is identified with the bright, soft X-ray source H1613+06. The object possesses a steep X-ray spectrum, an energy index lower than 2.0, and is similar to BL Lac objects' variable soft X-ray components. Such components may be present at times in all compact extragalactic X-ray emitters, and could represent high-luminosity states of the accretion disks around the supermassive black holes that are the underlying power sources. Many of the presently unidentified, bright, soft X-ray sources at high galactic latitudes may fall into the category of these compact extragalactic objects.

Pravdo, S. H.↗

NASA NTRS1981

X-ray observations of cataclysmic variables

Cataclysmic variables (CVs) as a class are defined by their optical properties, in particular the amplitudes and frequency of their outbursts. The availability of the Imaging Proportional Counter (IPC) on the Einstein Laboratory has increased significantly the number of CVs which can be studied on the basis of X-ray observations. In this connection, Becker and Marshall (1981) and Cordova et al. (1980) have surveyed 20 CVs and detected 70% of them. A description is presented of observations of an additional 12 CVs, and the properties of the combined set of 32 CVs are discussed. It is found that the CVs do not have any distinguishing X-ray characteristics. The IPC data alone cannot be used to determine to which category of CVs a particular source belongs, or even to identify an object as a CV. On the other hand, the optical observations are essential for estimating the X-ray luminosity from the IPC data.

Becker, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1981

High resolution X-ray and radio images of the Crab-like supernova remnant G21.5-0.9

The Crab-like supernova remnant G21.5-0.9 has been imaged at 6 cm wavelength with the VLA and between 0.1-4 keV with the Einstein Observatory. Both the X-ray and radio images show a centrally peaked distribution of extended emission with no indication of a pointlike component. In contrast, the linearly polarized radio emission is distributed in a ring with a distinct central minimum. The electric vectors of the polarized radio emission are oriented circumferentially. The data support a Crab-like model for G21.5-0.9, but one in which a lower percentage of the radiated flux is emitted as X-rays relative to the Crab Nebula.

Becker, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1981

A 5.57 hour modulation of the X-ray flux from 4U 1822-37

The X-ray flux of 4U 1822-37 is shown to be modulated with the 5.57 hr period of its optical counterpart. The X-ray light curve is two component, with a smooth sinusoidal-like 25% semiamplitude modulation and a 30 minute dip of approximately 0.2 in phase following the other minimum; the dip center occurs 0.04 in phase after the optical minimum. The X-ray spectrum is a relatively flat power law up to 17 keV, above which it steepens; iron emission is detected at 6.7 keV with a 4 keV FWHM and an equivalent width of 1100 eV. An excess below 2 keV is consistent with either a 0.25 keV thermal component of 350 eV equivalent width iron L emission. Modeling the eclipse for a 0.5-0.7 solar radius companion gives a system inclination of 70-79 deg and a spherical cloud radius of 0.2-0.3 solar radius. Models for the long-term modulation are considered, and a comparison of the properties of 4U 1822-37 with those of Cyg X-3 shows that they are similar systems.

White, N. E.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Two-component X-ray emission from RS Canum Venaticorum binaries

A summary is presented of results from the Solid State Spectrometer on the Einstein Observatory for seven RS CVn binaries. The spectra of all require two emission components, evidenced by line emission characteristics of plasma at 4-million to 8-million K and bremsstrahlung characteristic of 20-million to 100-million K. The data are interpreted in terms of magnetic coronal loops similar to those seen on the sun, although with different characteristic parameters. The emission regions could be defined by separate magnetic structures. For pressures less than 10 dynes/sq cm the low temperature plasma would be confined within the stellar radii, while the high temperature plasma would, for the synchronous, close binaries, fill the binary orbits. However, for loop pressures exceeding 100 dynes sq cm, the high temperature components would also be confined to within the stellar radii, in loops covering only small fractions of the stellar surfaces. While the radio properties and the occurrence of X-ray flares suggest the larger emission regions, the observations of time variations leave the ambiguity unresolved.

Swank, J. H.↗

NASA NTRS1981

An X-ray survey of nine historical novae

The Einstein Observatory Imaging Proportional Counter has been used to search for X-ray emission from nine nearby historical novae. Six of the novae have been detected with estimated X-ray intensities between 0.1 and 4 keV of 10 to the -13th to 10 to the -11th erg/sq cm-sec, comparable to the intensities of previously detected cataclysmic variables. The X-ray intensity of one of the novae, V603 Aql, varies over times of several hundred seconds. The data suggest a correlation between the decay rate of the historical outburst and the current X-ray luminosity. Alternatively, the X-ray luminosity may be related to the inclination of the binary system.

Becker, R. H.↗