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Edwards, B.

Publications and source records attributed to Edwards, B..

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

A possible misaligned orbit for the young planet AU Mic c

ABSTRACT The AU Microscopii planetary system is only 24 Myr old, and its geometry may provide clues about the early dynamical history of planetary systems. Here, we present the first measurement of the Rossiter–McLaughlin effect for the warm sub-Neptune AU Mic c, using two transits observed simultaneously with the European Southern Observatory's (ESO's) Very Large Telescope (VLT)/Echelle SPectrograph for Rocky Exoplanets and Stable Spectroscopic Observations (ESPRESSO), CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite (CHEOPS), and Next-Generation Transit Survey (NGTS). After correcting for flares and for the magnetic activity of the host star, and accounting for transit-timing variations, we find the sky-projected spin–orbit angle of planet c to be in the range $\lambda _{\mathrm{c}}=67.8_{-49.0}^{+31.7}$ degrees (1$\sigma$). We examine the possibility that planet c is misaligned with respect to the orbit of the inner planet b ($\lambda _{\mathrm{b}}=-2.96_{-10.30}^{+10.44}$), and the equatorial plane of the host star, and discuss scenarios that could explain both this and the planet’s high density, including secular interactions with other bodies in the system or a giant impact. We note that a significantly misaligned orbit for planet c is in some degree of tension with the dynamical stability of the system, and with the fact that we see both planets in transit, though these arguments alone do not preclude such an orbit. Further observations would be highly desirable to constrain the spin–orbit angle of planet c more precisely.

Yu, H. (ORCID:0000000209716078)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Architecture of TOI-561 planetary system

ABSTRACT We present new observations from CHEOPS (CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite) and TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) to clarify the architecture of the planetary system hosted by the old Galactic thick disc star TOI-561. Our global analysis, which also includes previously published photometric and radial velocity data, incontrovertibly proves that TOI-561 is hosting at least four transiting planets with periods of 0.44 d (TOI-561 b), 10.8 d (TOI-561 c), 25.7 d (TOI-561 d), and 77.1 d (TOI-561 e) and a fifth non-transiting candidate, TOI-561f with a period of 433 d. The precise characterization of TOI-561’s orbital architecture is interesting since old and metal-poor thick disc stars are less likely to host ultrashort-period super-Earths like TOI-561 b. The new period of planet -e is consistent with the value obtained using radial velocity alone and is now known to be $77.14399\pm 0.00025$ d, thanks to the new CHEOPS and TESS transits. The new data allowed us to improve its radius ($R_p = 2.517 \pm 0.045\,\mathrm{ R}_{\rm{\oplus }}$ from 5 per cent to 2 per cent precision) and mass ($M_p = 12.4 \pm 1.4\, \mathrm{ M}_{\rm{\oplus }}$) estimates, implying a density of $\rho _p = 0.778 \pm 0.097\, \rho _{\rm{\oplus }}$. Thanks to recent TESS observations and the focused CHEOPS visit of the transit of TOI-561 e, a good candidate for exomoon searches, the planet’s period is finally constrained, allowing us to predict transit times through 2030 with 20-min accuracy. We present an updated version of the internal structure of the four transiting planets. We finally performed a detailed stability analysis, which confirmed the long-term stability of the outer planet TOI-561 f.

Piotto, G. (ORCID:0000000299376387)↗
DOE OSTI2024

TOI–757 b: an eccentric transiting mini–Neptune on a 17.5–d orbit

ABSTRACT We report the spectroscopic confirmation and fundamental properties of TOI$-$757 b, a mini$-$Neptune on a 17.5$-$d orbit transiting a bright star ($V\, =\, 9.7$ mag) discovered by the TESS mission. We acquired high$-$precision radial velocity measurements with the HARPS, ESPRESSO, and PFS spectrographs to confirm the planet detection and determine its mass. We also acquired space$-$borne transit photometry with the CHEOPS space telescope to place stronger constraints on the planet radius, supported with ground$-$based LCOGT photometry. WASP and KELT photometry were used to help constrain the stellar rotation period. We also determined the fundamental parameters of the host star. We find that TOI$-$757 b has a radius of $R_{\mathrm{p}} = 2.5 \pm 0.1 R_{\oplus }$ and a mass of $M_{\mathrm{p}} = 10.5^{+2.2}_{-2.1} M_{\oplus }$, implying a bulk density of $\rho _{\text{p}} = 3.6 \pm 0.8$ g cm$^{-3}$. Our internal composition modelling was unable to constrain the composition of TOI$-$757 b, highlighting the importance of atmospheric observations for the system. We also find the planet to be highly eccentric with e = 0.39$^{+0.08}_{-0.07}$, making it one of the very few highly eccentric planets among precisely characterized mini$-$Neptunes. Based on comparisons to other similar eccentric systems, we find a likely scenario for TOI$-$757 b’s formation to be high eccentricity migration due to a distant outer companion. We additionally propose the possibility of a more intrinsic explanation for the high eccentricity due to star$-$star interactions during the earlier epoch of the Galactic disc formation, given the low metallicity and older age of TOI$-$757.

Alqasim, A. (ORCID:0000000151025505)↗
DOE OSTI2020

KELT-11 b: Abundances of Water and Constraints on Carbon-bearing Molecules from the Hubble Transmission Spectrum

In the past decade, the analysis of exoplanet atmospheric spectra has revealed the presence of water vapor in almost all the planets observed, with the exception of a fraction of overcast planets. Indeed, water vapor presents a large absorption signature in the wavelength coverage of the Hubble Space Telescope’s (HST) Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), which is the main space-based observatory for atmospheric studies of exoplanets, making its detection very robust. However, while carbon-bearing species such as methane, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide are also predicted from current chemical models, their direct detection and abundance characterization has remained a challenge. Here we analyze the transmission spectrum of the puffy, clear hot-Jupiter KELT-11 b from the HST WFC3 camera. We find that the spectrum is consistent with the presence of water vapor and an additional absorption at longer wavelengths than 1.5 μm, which could well be explained by a mix of carbon bearing molecules. CO{sub 2}, when included is systematically detected. One of the main difficulties to constrain the abundance of those molecules is their weak signatures across the HST WFC3 wavelength coverage, particularly when compared to those of water. Through a comprehensive retrieval analysis, we attempt to explain the main degeneracies present in this data set and explore some of the recurrent challenges that are occurring in retrieval studies (e.g., the impact of model selection, the use of free versus self-consistent chemistry, and the combination of instrument observations). Our results make this planet an exceptional example of a chemical laboratory to test current physical and chemical models of the atmospheres of hot Jupiters.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

First Results of the LUX Dark Matter Experiment

LUX (Large Underground Xenon) is a dark matter direct detection experiment deployed at the 4850' level of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, SD, operating a 370 kg dual-phase xenon TPC. Results of the first WIMP search run were presented in late 2013, for the analysis of 85.3 live-days with a fiducial volume of 118 kg, taken during the period of April to August 2013. The experiment exhibited a sensitivity to spin-independent WIMP-nucleon elastic scattering with a minimum upper limit on the cross section of 7.6×10 -46 cm 2 at a WIMP mass of 33 GeV/c 2 , thus becoming the world's leading WIMP search result, in conflict with several previous claimed hints of discovery.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2016

Overview and Status of the Laser Communication Relay Demonstration

NASA is presently developing first all optical high data rate satellite relay system, LCRD. To be flown on commercial geosynchronous satellite, it will communicate at DPSK and PPM modulation formats up to 1.244 Gbps. LCRD flight payload is being developed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The two ground stations, one on Table Mountain in CA, developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and another on Hawaiian island will enable bi-directional relay operation and ground sites diversity experiments. In this paper we will report on the current state of LCRD system development, planned operational scenarios and expected system performance.

free space optical communication↗
DOE OSTI2015

Results from the LUX dark matter experiment

© 2014 Elsevier B.V. The LUX (Large Underground Xenon) experiment aims at the direct detection of dark matter particles via their collisions with xenon nuclei. The 370. kg two-phase liquid xenon time projection chamber measures simultaneously the scintillation and ionization from interactions in the target. The ratio of these two signals provides very good discrimination between potential nuclear recoil and electronic recoil signals to search for WIMP-nucleon scattering. The LUX detector operates at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (Lead, South Dakota, USA) since February 2013. First results were presented in late 2013 setting the world's most stringent limits on WIMP-nucleon scattering cross-sections over a wide range of WIMP masses. A 300 day run beginning in 2014 will further improve the sensitivity and new calibration techniques will reduce systematics for the WIMP signal search.

Horn, Markus↗
DOE OSTI2015

The LUX experiment

We present the status and prospects of the LUX experiment, which employs approximately 300 kg of two-phase xenon to search for WIMP dark matter interactions. The LUX detector was commissioned at the surface laboratory of the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, SD, between December 2011 and February 2012 and the detector has been operating underground since January, 2013. These proceedings review the results of the commissioning run as well as the status of underground data-taking.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Radon-related backgrounds in the LUX dark matter search

The LUX detector is currently in operation at the Davis Campus at the 4850’ level of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, SD to directly search for WIMP dark matter. Knowing the type and rate of backgrounds is critical in a rare, low energy event search, and LUX was designed, constructed, and deployed to mitigate backgrounds, both internal and external. An important internal background are decays of radon and its daughters. These consist of alpha decays, which are easily tagged and are a tracer of certain backgrounds, and beta decays, some of which are not as readily tagged and present a background for the WIMP search. We report on studies of alpha decay and discuss implications for the WIMP search.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2014

Radiogenic and muon-induced backgrounds in the LUX dark matter detector

The Large Underground Xenon (LUX) dark matter experiment aims to detect rare low-energy interactions from Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs). The radiogenic backgrounds in the LUX detector have been measured and compared with Monte Carlo simulation. Measurements of LUX high-energy data have provided direct constraints on all background sources contributing to the background model. The expected background rate from the background model for the 85.3 day WIMP search run is (2.6±0.2 stat ±0.4 sys ) ×10 -3 events keV$ ee\atop{-1}$ kg -1 day -1 in a 118 kg fiducial volume. The observed background rate is (3.6±0.4 stat )×10 -3 events keV$ ee\atop{-1}$ kg -1 day -1 , consistent with model projections. The expectation for the radiogenic background in a subsequent one-year run is presented.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2014

First Results from the LUX Dark Matter Experiment at the Sanford Underground Research Facility

The Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment is a dual-phase xenon time-projection chamber operating at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (Lead, South Dakota). The LUX cryostat was filled for the first time in the underground laboratory in February 2013. We report here results of the first WIMP search data set, taken during the period from April to August 2013, presenting the analysis of 85.3 live days of data with a fiducial volume of 118 kg. A profile-likelihood analysis technique shows our data to be consistent with the background-only hypothesis, allowing 90% confidence limits to be set on spin-independent WIMP-nucleon elastic scattering with a minimum upper limit on the cross section of 7.6 × 1 0 - 46 cm 2 at a WIMP mass of 33 GeV / c 2 . We find that the LUX data are in disagreement with low-mass WIMP signal interpretations of the results from several recent direct detection experiments.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
NASA NTRS1993

A Team Approach to the Development of Gamma Ray and x Ray Remote Sensing and in Situ Spectroscopy for Planetary Exploration Missions

An important part of the investigation of planetary origin and evolution is the determination of the surface composition of planets, comets, and asteroids. Measurements of discrete line X-ray and gamma ray emissions from condensed bodies in space can be used to obtain both qualitative and quantitative elemental composition information. The Planetary Instrumentation Definition and Development Program (PIDDP) X-Ray/Gamma Ray Team has been established to develop remote sensing and in situ technologies for future planetary exploration missions.

Trombka, J. I.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Handbook for MAP, volume 32. Part 1: MAP summary. Part 2: MAPSC minutes, reading, August 1989. MAP summaries from nations. Part 3: MAP data catalogue

Extended abstracts from the fourth workshop on the technical and scientific aspects of mesosphere stratosphere troposphere (MST) radar are presented. Individual sessions addressed the following topics: meteorological applications of MST and ST radars, networks, and campaigns; the dynamics of the equatorial middle atmosphere; interpretation of radar returns from clear air; techniques for studying gravity waves and turbulence, intercomparison and calibration of wind and wave measurements at various frequencies; progress in existing and planned MST and ST radars; hardware design for MST and ST radars and boundary layer/lower troposphere profilers; signal processing; and data management.

Vincent, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Thermal detection of X-rays

The development of calorimeters is described in terms of their proposed application to sounding-rocket investigations of cosmic X-ray sources. The fundamental theory of the energy resolution of the devices is given, and general discussions are presented regarding the limitations associated with the materials used and available thermometer types. Also given are data describing electrical nonlinearity as a function of temperature, thermistor sensitivity, and heat capacity, as well as data regarding the excess noise that aids in the conduction process. Cryogenic calorimeters based on doped semiconductor thermistors are found to be limited, although thermal detectors have important applications to high-resolution laboratory spectroscopy. Electrical nonlinearity and the excess noise are found to be important for obtaining optimum heat capacity in the thermistor.

Mccammon, D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Observing soft X-ray line emission from the interstellar medium with X-ray calorimeter on a sounding rocket

For an X-ray calorimeter working at 0.1 K, the energy resolution ideally can be as good as one eV for a practical detector. A detector with a resolution of 17 eV FWHM at 6 keV has been constructed. It is expected that this can be improved by a factor of two or more. With X-ray calorimeters flown on a sounding rocket, it should be possible to observe soft X-ray line emission from the interstellar medium over the energy range 0.07 to 1 keV. Here, a preliminary design for an X-ray calorimeter rocket experiment and the spectrum which might be observed from an equilibrium plasma are presented. For later X-ray calorimeter sounding rocket experiments, it is planned to add an aluminum foil mirror with collecting area of about 400 sq cm to observe line features from bright supernova remnants.

Zhang, J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A monochromator based on W/C multilayers of 40 A layer spacing

The design and preliminary performance data are presented for a monochromator based on two multilayer X-ray mirrors. The monochromator is based on mirrors with a d-spacing of 40 A and is designed to operate in the 5-75 A wavelength regime which can be varied by interchanging the mirrors with ones of different d-spacing. The multilayer mirrors are fabricated using sputter deposition and typically consist of 40 layer pairs of W and C. Except for W/Si, which shows 1-2 percent better reflectivities over the 7-40 A range but 4-10 percent poorer reflectivities for wavelengths longer than 40 A and shorter than 7 A, calculations performed using other combinations of materials generally show poorer reflectivities over the wavelength range of interest. Plans for a four-mirror version of the monochromator that will have increased resolution are also presented.

Smith, A.↗