Engineering topics

Savage, B. D.

Publications and source records attributed to Savage, B. D..

At least 37 records · Page 2

NASA NTRS1983

A survey of ultraviolet interstellar absorption lines

A telescope-spectrometer on the Copernicus spacecraft made possible the measurement of many ultraviolet absorption lines produced by the interstellar gas. The present survey provides data on ultraviolet absorption lines in the spectra of 88 early-type stars. The stars observed are divided into four classes, including reddened stars, unreddened bright stars, moderately reddened bright stars, and unreddened and moderately reddened faint stars. Data are presented for equivalent width, W, radial velocity V, and rms line width, D, taking into account some 10 to 20 lines of N I, O I, Si II, P II, S II, Cl I, Cl II, Mn II, Fe II, Ni II, Cu II, and H2. The data are based on multiple scans for each line. Attention is given to details of observations, the data reduction procedure, and the computation of equivalent width, mean velocity, and velocity dispersion.

Bohlin, R. C.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Interstellar abundances of oxygen and nitrogen

Neutral nitrogen and oxygen column densities or limits are derived for 53 path lengths through the diffuse interstellar medium and compared with column densities of neutral hydrogen. For neither N nor O is a systematic increase of depletion found as reddening increases. The value found for forbidden O/N is 8, and the abundances of N and O are both between 40% and 70% of the solar values. Implications of these results for models of interstellar grains are briefly discussed.

York, D. G.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Absorption by halo gas in the direction of M13

A high velocity cloud in the direction 1 = 59 degrees, b = 41 degrees is detected in absorption at approximately -80 km/s in high dispersion IUE spectra of the blue star Barnard 29 in the globular cluster M13. The cloud is also seen in the H I 21 cm emission data of Kerr and Knapp (1972). Its radial velocity agrees with Giovanelli's data (1980, 1981) for high velocity clouds seen in this general direction of the sky. The cloud's motion is incompatible with the suggestions that neutral halo gas corotates with disk gas. The motion could be explained if neutral halo gas rotates more slowly than disk gas with increasing distance from the galactic plane. Because of our very limited understanding of the actual motions of halo gas, the scale height of this gas is best derived from plots of N sin b versus z for galactic and extragalactic stars.

De Boer, K. S.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Analysis of the ultraviolet spectrum of RWT 152 - A subluminous O star with a main-sequence visual spectrum

Observations of luminous early-type stars provide one of the most sensitive ways to detect the low density gas of the interstellar medium. As part of an ongoing program studying the gas in the galactic halo, stars believed to be outside the plane of the Milky Way have been observed. In the interest of studying the halo gas in additional directions, a search has been conducted for candidate stars which are bright enough to be observable with the International Ultraviolet Explorer Satellite (IUE) high dispersion mode and far enough from the galactic plane to provide a long line of sight through the halo gas. One such star is star 152 in the catalog of Rubin, Westpfahl, and Tuve (1974), which is called RWT 152 in the investigation. The IUE spectra of RWT 152 were obtained and analyzed. It appears that RWT 152 is not a young massive star, but rather a low mass object in an advanced stage of evolution.

Ebbets, D. C.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Ultraviolet, visual, and infrared observations of the WC7 variable HD 193793

Low-resolution IUE data are used to explore the ultraviolet extinction toward the Wolf-Rayet star HD 193793 and to search for ultraviolet variability that might relate to the infrared variability. High-dispersion IUE observations are used to investigate the nature of the stellar wind of the star and to search for anomalies in the interstellar line spectrum that might be expected to be found toward a star that has recently formed a dust shell. Finally, the ultraviolet and new visual and infrared data are combined to investigate the full energy distribution of this unusual source. The energy distribution is found to extend from 0.12 to 12.5 microns, and the ultraviolet data suggest a normal WC-7 type star. A wind terminal speed of about 3000 km/s is implied by the data, as well as an E(B-V) value of 0.85. The dereddened ultraviolet to visual energy distribution is consistent with a star having effective temperature of about 43,000 K.

Fitzpatrick, E. L.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Ultraviolet absorption by highly ionized atoms in the Orion Nebula

The International Ultraviolet Explorer was used to obtain high-resolution, far-UV spectra of theta 1 A, theta 1 C, theta 1 D, and theta 2 A Orionis. The interstellar absorption lines in these spectra are discussed with an emphasis on the high-ionization lines of C IV and Si IV. Theta 2 A Ori has interstellar C IV and Si IV absorption of moderate strength at the velocity found for normal H II region ions. Theta 1 C Ori has very strong interstellar C IV and Si IV absorption at velocities blueshifted by about 25 km/s from that found for the normal H II region ions. The possible origin of the high-ionization lines by three processes is considered: X-ray ionization, collisional ionization, and UV photoionization. It is concluded that the C IV and Si IV ions toward theta 2 A and theta 1 C Ori are likely produced by UV photoionization of surrounding nebular gas. In the case of theta 1 C Ori, the velocity shift of the high-ionization lines may be produced through the acceleration of high-density globules in the core of the nebula by the stellar wind of theta 1 C Ori.

Franco, J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Copernicus observations of the N v resonance doublet in 53 early-type stars

UV spectra in the wavelength interval 1170-1270 A are presented for 53 early-type stars ranging in spectral type from O6.5 V to B2.5 IV. The sample includes four Wolf-Rayet stars, seven known Oe-Be stars, and six galactic halo OB stars. A qualitative analysis of the stellar N v doublet reveals that: (1) N v is present in all stars hotter and more luminous than type B0 for the main sequence, B1 for giants, and B2 for supergiants; (2) shell components of N v and an unidentified absorption feature at 1230 A are present in about half of the stars; (3) the column density of N v is well correlated with bolometric luminosity over the spectral range O6 to B2; and (4) the ratio of emission to absorption equivalent width is a factor of 2 smaller in the main sequence stars than in supergiants, which suggests that the wind structure changes as a star evolves. For several stars, this ratio is too small to be explained by traditional wind models.

Abbott, D. C.↗

NASA NTRS1982

IUE observations of lines of sight with peculiar ultraviolet extinction

Low resolution IUE data were used to derive UV extinction curves for a group of stars known to have peculiar extinction parameters from ANS data. The resulting curves have a wide range of appearances. Although the ratio E(BUMP)/E(B-V) differs by a factor of three in the extreme cases, the wavelength of maximum absorption does not appear to change. No evidence for new fine structure in UV extinction was found. The structure near 62 micrometers in the existing mean extinction curves appears to be the result of luminosity mismatch errors. The new extinction curves have shapes that separate into two distinct classes; those associated with clear field extinction and those associated with extinction in dense nebular environments. The range of variation in the curves is so large, the common practice of ironing out the bump can produce enormous errors in the resultant UV energy distributions when E(B-V) 0.3.

Massa, D.↗

NASA NTRS1982

The High Resolution Spectrograph for the Space Telescope

The High Resoltuion Spectrograph (HRS) in conjunction with the Space Telescope (ST), extends ultraviolet astronomical spectroscopy to higher spectra, spatial, and time resolutions than previously achieved, as well as to fainter and more distant celestial objects. Other significant advances inherent in the instrument are high photometric accuracy and efficient operation via exposure meter control and real time rejection of bad data. These capabilities are provided to accomplish the scientific programs of the HRS investigation definition team, which concern the interstellar medium, stellar winds, and evolutionary aspects of stellar atmosphere studies; the determination of chemical abundances relevant to stellar evolution; the investigation of quasars and Seyfert galaxy nuclei; and the analysis of the atmospheres of solar system objects, including comets.

Brandt, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Ultraviolet interstellar extinction toward stars in the Orion Nebula and toward HD 147889

The International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) was used to obtain low resolution absolute ultraviolet energy distributions for the four Trapezium stars Theta(1) Orionis A, B, C, and D, Theta(2) Orionis A and B, HD 147889, and several unreddened standard stars. The observations for Theta(1) Orionis B reveal a peculiar extended object. The measurements for the rest of the stars were used to derive UV extinction curves. The derived curves are very different from the average galactic curve. The curves for the Orion stars all exhibit smaller than normal middle and far-UV extinctions. Although a 2175 A feature is present, its strength, when normalized to E(B-V), is smaller than in the average galactic curve. In contrast, the curve for HD 147889 has a pronounced 2175 A feature followed by smaller than normal extinction for an inverse wavelength between 5 and 7 per micron.

Bohlin, R. C.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Ultraviolet interstellar extinction toward 1367 stars observed by ANS

Five-band UV photometry is used to investigate the character of interstellar extinction toward 1367 stars of spectral type B3 and earlier, with observations producing a galactic average of 5.11, 4.78, 6.52, 4.10 and 1.95 at 1550, 1800, 2200, 2500, and 3300 A, respectively. Differences in the strengths of the UV extinction features of these stars appear to be independent, since objects with either strong or weak 2200 A extinction can have strong, normal or weak far-UV extinction. Further investigation reveals that some of the deviant stars are embedded in localized regions whose average extinction curves diverge dramatically from the galactic mean. The anomalous extinction of these regions attests to localized inhomogeneities in the UV characteristics of interstellar dust. Because the evaluation of UV extinction toward a particular star would be more accurate if based on the average curve of the region immediately surrounding that star rather than that of the entire Galaxy, it is recommended that the galactic average presented be used with caution to correct astronomical data of individual objects.

Meyer, D. M.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Central object of the 30 Doradus Nebula, a supermassive star

Observations by the International Ultraviolet Explorer of R136(HD 38268), the central object of the 30 Doradus Nebula, at high and low spectral resolutions show a peculiar hot object with a massive stellar wind; spectra indicating an outflow speed of 3500 kilometers/sec and a temperature of 60,000 K. The peculiar object R136a, providing most of the ionizations, is interpreted as being dominated by a single superluminous object with the following, approximate properties: a radius 100 times that of the sun, a mass 2500 times that of the sun, and a loss rate of 10 to the -3.5 solar masses per year. The instability expected to be typical of such stars may account for the massive stellar wind.

Cassinelli, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Ultraviolet observations of hot stars with circumstellar dust shells

Absolute fluxes over the wavelength range 1200-3200 A are presented for 13 normal early-type stars and 12 early-type stars known to have large IR excess; the data were obtained to study the UV spectral modifications produced by absorbing circumstellar dust particles. It is found that all the Be/shell stars whose spectral types are later than B6 exhibit greatly enhanced line absorption due to circumstellar Fe II. The circumstellar gaseous line absorption in stars cooler than B6 severely complicates the study of circumstellar dust absorption. However, those B and A stars that exhibit the circumstellar 9.7-micron emission feature have a very large increase in circumstellar absorption for 1800 A; such absorption is expected from circumstellar silicate particles.

Sitko, M. L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

A comparison of quasar absorption line systems with absorption by the galactic halo

Milky Way halo and quasar absorption spectra contain a number of remarkable similarities which include mixed ion absorption, a general absence of excited fine structure levels with the possible exception of excited C II, similar column densities, and similar multicomponent line profiles. The extreme sensitivity of UV lines to small amounts of gas is well illustrated in a comparison of 21-cm H I emission with UV absorption toward the Large Magellanic Cloud. This sensitivity shows that galaxies are likely to appear significantly larger in UV absorption than in 21-cm emission and that the size problem for galactic halos is probably not a serious one. It is concluded that many of the absorption line systems seen in the spectra of quasars are probably produced in the gaseous halos of intervening galaxies.

Savage, B. D.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Ultraviolet absorption by interstellar gas at large distances from the galactic plane

Eighteen high-dispersion IUE spectra of six stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud, three stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud, and two foreground stars were analyzed. Fourteen spectra cover the wavelengths 1150-2000 A, and four cover 1900-3200 A; the velocity resolution is about 25 km/s. All the Magellanic Cloud spectra exhibit very strong interstellar absorption lines due to a wide range of ionization stages at galactic velocities and at velocities associated with the IMC or SMC. The observational results are related to current theoretical ideas about the origin and physical state of gaseous galactic halos; the analysis is restricted to the Milky Way absorption features.

Savage, B. D.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Ultraviolet absorption by interstellar gas at large distances from the galactic plane

Eighteen high dispersion International Ultraviolet Exploration spectra of 6 stars in the large magellanic cloud (LMC) 3 stars in the small magellanic cloud (SMC) and 2 foreground stars were studied. Fourteen spectra cover the wavelengths lambda 1150-2000 A and 4 cover lambda 1900-3200 A. All the Magellanic Cloud star spectra exhibit exceedingly strong interstellar absorption lines due to a wide range of ionization stages at galactic velocities and at velocities associated with the LMC or SMC. The analysis is restricted to the Milky Way absorption features. Toward the LMC stars, the strong interstellar lines have a positive velocity extension, which exceeds the extension recorded toward the SMC stars. The most straightforward interpretation of these velocity extensions is obtained by assuming that gas at large distances away from the plane of the galaxy participates in the rotation of the galaxy as found in the galactic disk.

Savage, B. D.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Progress report on the high resolution spectrograph for the Space Telescope

The instrument design is complete and many components and subsystems have been manufactured and tested. Solar-blind, multichannel, pulse counting detectors for two ultraviolet spectral bands have been developed and satisfactory flight units have been chosen. A large, lightweight graphite-epoxy optical bench, utilizing fingerplate joints with no metallic parts in order to minimize thermal expansion, has been built. Tests of the engineering model torque-motor-driven grating carrousel indicate that this critical system exceeds tight specifications for accurate and repeatable angular positioning. A complement of large, high-frequency gratings and an echelle is being completed in several laboratories. Software resident in a computer on the spacecraft will control the spectrograph with the capability to alter procedures in response to real-time evaluation of the data.

Brandt, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Evidence for hot gaseous coronae around the Magellanic Clouds

High-dispersion IUE far-UV spectra were obtained for five stars in the LMC and two stars in the SMC. At Magellanic Cloud velocities, all the spectra exhibit very strong interstellar lines of Al III, Si IV, and C IV, in addition to the usual lower ionization stage lines associated with H I region absorption. In two stars interstellar N V is also detected at the 50 mA level. From a consideration of the strength, width, and radial velocity of these high ionization stage lines, it is argued that regions of hot halo gas have probably been detected in front of the Magellanic Clouds. The regions detected exhibit absorption characteristics very similar to that of the Milky Way corona described previously by Savage and de Boer (1979). A cloud detected in the line of sight to HD 5980 in the SMC at a radial velocity of 300 km/s is of unknown origin.

De Boer, K. S.↗