Engineering topics

Dulk, George A.

Publications and source records attributed to Dulk, George A..

8 records

NASA NTRS1993

The spectrum and variability of radio emission from AE Aquarii

The first detections of the magnetic cataclysmic variable AE Aquarii at millimeter wavelengths are reported. AE Aqr was detected at wavelengths of 3.4 and 1.25 mm. These data are used to show that the time-averaged spectrum is generally well fitted by a power law S(nu) varies as nu exp alpha, where alpha is approximately equal to 0.35-0.60, and that the power law extends to millimeter wavelengths, i.e., the spectral turnover is at a frequency higher than 240 GHz. It is suggested that the spectrum is consistent with that expected from a superposition of flarelike events where the frequency distribution of the initial flux density is a power law f (S0) varies as S0 exp -epsilon, with index epsilon approximately equal to 1.8. Within the context of this model, the high turnover frequency of the radio spectrum implies magnetic field strengths in excess of 250 G in the source.

Abada-Simon, Meil↗

NASA NTRS1991

Radio astronomy

The following subject areas are covered: (1) scientific opportunities (millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelength astronomy; meter to hectometer astronomy; the Sun, stars, pulsars, interstellar masers, and extrasolar planets; the planets, asteroids, and comets; radio galaxies, quasars, and cosmology; and challenges for radio astronomy in the 1990's); (2) recommendations for new facilities (the millimeter arrays, medium scale instruments, and small-scale projects); (3) continuing activities and maintenance, upgrading of telescopes and instrumentation; (4) long range programs and technology development; and (5) social, political, and organizational considerations.

Kellermann, Kenneth I.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Solar astronomy

An overview is given of modern solar physics. Topics covered include the solar interior, the solar surface, the solar atmosphere, the Large Earth-based Solar Telescope (LEST), the Orbiting Solar Laboratory, the High Energy Solar Physics mission, the Space Exploration Initiative, solar-terrestrial physics, and adaptive optics. Policy and related programmatic recommendations are given for university research and education, facilitating solar research, and integrated support for solar research.

Rosner, Robert↗

NASA NTRS1990

Solar radio astronomy at low frequencies

The characteristics of solar radio emissions at decametric to kilometric wavelengths are reviewed. Special attention is given to the radiation of the quiet sun at several metric and decametric wavelengths and to nonthermal radiation from the active sun, including radio bursts of type III (electron beams), type-III bursts from behind the sun, storms of type III bursts, the flare-associated radio bursts, type II bursts (shock waves), and shock-associated bursts. It is pointed out that almost no observations have been made so far of solar radiation between about 20 MHz and about 2 MHz. Below about 2 MHz, dynamic spectra of flux densities of solar burst have been recorded in space and observations were made of the directions of centroids and characteristic sizes of the emitting sources.

Dulk, George A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Impulsive phase transport

The transport of nonthermal electrons is explored. The thick-target electron beam model, in which electrons are presumed to be accelerated in the corona and typically thermalized primarily in the chromosphere and photosphere, is supported by observations throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. At the highest energies, the anisotropy of gamma-ray emission above 10 MeV clearly indicates that these photons are emitted by anisotropically-directed particles. The timing of this high-energy gamma-radiation with respect to lower-energy hard X-radiation implies that the energetic particles have short life-times. For collisional energy loss, this means that they are stopped in the chromosphere or below. Stereoscopic (two-spacecraft) observations at hard X-ray energies (up to 350 keV) imply that these lower-energy (but certainly nonthermal) electrons are also stopped deep in the chromosphere. Hard X-ray images show that, in spatially resolved flares whose radiation consists of impulsive bursts, the impulsive phase starts with X-radiation that comes mostly from the foot-points of coronal loops whose coronal component is outlined by microwaves.

Canfield, Richard C.↗

NASA NTRS1986

A search for cyclotron maser radiation from substellar and planet-like companions of nearby stars

Several stars within 5 pc have variations in their rectilinear or Keplerian motion that suggest that they have substellar or planetlike companions. However, direct, unambiguous evidence of such companions is difficult to obtain. It is argued that such objects should commonly emit cyclotron maser radiation and that this radiation should be observable with modern radio telescopes. Its detection would confirm the presence of the companions and permit many of the properties of the stars and companions to be derived. A search was made for the cyclotron maser emission from six nearby stars with suspected companions using the VLA at frequencies of 0.33 and 1.4 GHz. None was detected. Typical observing times were 3.5 hr, and typical upper limits were 30 mJy at 0.33 GHz and 0.3 mJy at 1.4 GHz.

Winglee, Robert M.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Radio emission from binary stars

Radio emission from binary star systems; characteristics of the binary systems inferred from the radio observations; and the reasons for the activity are reviewed. Binary stars with two main sequence stars, with one normal star and a white dwarf, and those containing a neutron star or a black hole are described. Energy may be directly available as matter falls into the potential well of a compact object. Electromagnetic induction effects may occur due to relative motions of magnetic fields and matter. By enforcing rapid rotation, binaries can induce strong dynamo action and hence generate free energy in the form of intense, complex, evolving magnetic fields. Whatever the source of energy, the observations at radio and X-ray wavelengths demonstrate that electrons are accelerated to high energies (mildly relativistic and, ultrarelativistic). Observed or inferred radio brightness temperatures range up to 10 to the 15th power K or more, implying coherent emission for sources brighter than 10 billion K.

Dulk, George A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Stellar activity at radio wavelengths

Hundreds of stars have now been detected at radio wavelengths. At least four processes are believed to cause the radio emission: thermal bremsstrahlung, gyrosynchrotron, cyclotron maser, and plasma radiation. Here the characteristics of the various classes of detected stars are reviewed, along with the putative reasons for the radio emission. The classes of stars described include: single stars, binaries containing two main sequences and/or giant stars, binaries containing one white dwarf, and binaries containing one neutron star or black hole.

Dulk, George A.↗