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At least 199 records · Page 11

Nucleosynthesis of Li-7 in flares on UV Ceti stars

The possible production of Li-7 by nuclear reactions in UV Ceti flares has been considered. By utilizing solar observations and theory, a relationship is derived between flare energy and production rates for Li-7; approximately 100 erg of total flare energy is found to denote the formation of a Li-7 atom. Based on this value and best estimates of UV Ceti-type flare rates, it is concluded that less than 10% of the Li-7 observed in the intestellar medium may have been produced by this mechanism. Formation of significant amounts of interstellar deuterium by this method is ruled out.

Karpen, J. T.↗

Ultraviolet photometry from the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory. XXXII - An atlas of ultraviolet stellar spectra

Ultraviolet stellar fluxes are presented in graphs and tables for 164 bright stars in the spectral region from 1200 to 3600 A. The spectra represent a subset of OAO 2 spectrometer data on file at the National Space Science Data Center. The monochromatic flux is given in units of erg per (sq cm-s-A) with a spectral resolution of about 22 A in the region from 3600 to 1850 A and of approximately 12 A in the region from 1850 to 1160 A.

Code, A. D.↗

The discovery of optical emission from the SNR G 126.2 + 1.6

Interference filter photographs were used to identify an arc of nebulosity that is coincident with the radio contours of the galactic supernova remnant G 126.2 + 1.6. Spectrophotometry of the filament shows that the emission line spectrum matches the spectra of other galactic supernova remnants. In particular, the arc shows the usual strong SII, and NII emission lines seen in other remnants and unusually strong OII emission as seen in a few remnants. The spectrum can be adequately matched by a shock of velocity near 100 km/s in an interstellar cloud of density 3. If the SNR is at a distance of 4.5 kpc as indicated by the radio signal-D relation, then the observed pressure in the filament requires an initial energy near 4 x 10 to the 51st power (d/4.5 kpc) to the 3rd power ergs.

Blair, W. P.↗

The 1979 X-ray outburst of Cen X-4

X-ray observations of the first major outburst (since its initial discovery in 1969) of the "classical" transient X-ray source Cen X-4 were obtained with the Ariel 5 All-Sky Monitor. The flare light curve exhibits a double-peaked maximum at a level of approximately 4 times the Crab nebula, and its duration and characteristic decay time scale are the shortest yet observed from the class of "soft" X-ray transients. A total X-ray output of approximately 3 x 10 to the 43rd power ergs, a factor of approximately 20 less than that of the 1969 outburst is estimated. In addition, evidence is found for a regular modulation of the flux during the decline phase at a period of 8.2 plus or minus 0.2 hours. The existing data are consistent with a source model involving episodic mass exchange from a late-type dwarf onto a neutron star comparison in a relatively close binary system.

Kaluzienski, L. J.↗

Gravitational potential energy of the earth - A spherical harmonic approach

A spherical harmonic equation for the gravitational potential energy of the earth is derived for an arbitrary density distribution by conceptually bringing in mass-elements from infinity and building up the earth shell upon spherical shell. The zeroth degree term in the spherical harmonic expansion agrees with the usual expression for the energy of a radial density distribution. The second degree terms give a maximum nonhydrostatic energy in the crust and mantle of -2.77 x 10 to the 29th ergs, an order of magnitude below McKenzie's (1966) estimate. McKenzie's result stems from mathematical error. Our figure is almost identical with Kaula's (1963) estimate of the minimum shear strain energy in the mantle, a not unexpected result on the basis of the virial theorem. If the earth is assumed to be a homogeneous viscous oblate spheroid relaxing to an equilibrium shape, then a lower limit to the mantle viscosity of 1.3 x 10 to the 20th P is found by assuming that the total geothermal flux is due to viscous dissipation of energy. This number is almost six orders of magnitude below MacDonald's (1966) estimate of the viscosity and removes his objection to convection. If the nonequilibrium figure is dynamically maintained by the earth acting as a heat engine at 1% efficiency, then the viscosity is 10 to the 22nd P, a number preferred by Cathles (1975) and Peltier and Andrew (1976) as the viscosity of the mantle.

Rubincam, D. P.↗

Residence lifetimes of 1.79- to 2.15-MeV protons in the equatorial region of the Jovian magnetosphere

The magnitude of the strong flow of 1.79-2.15 MeV protons away from the Jovian magnetic equator is used to estimate the residence lifetimes of these protons in the equatorial source region. The lifetime is approximately 1.2 x 10 to the 5th/(R - 5.8)-squared sec, where R is distance in Jovian radii from Jupiter's center to the equatorial region of interest. At Europa and Ganymede (but not at Io) this lifetime is 1-2 orders of magnitude shorter than sweepup lifetimes by the moons. The fluxes of these protons, integrated over the observed range from 6 to 40 Jovian radii, amount to 3 x 10 to the 23rd particles per second, per degree of longitude and carry away about 9 x 10 to the 17th ergs per second per degree.

Northrop, T. G.↗

Mars - The north polar sand sea and related wind patterns

Viking Orbiter 2 images of the north polar region reveal an enormous sand sea (erg) covering an area of greater than 500,000 sq km around the perennial ice cap. All dunes are either transverse or barchan. The various dune morphologies and modifications of primary dune types reflect a wind regime having more than one wind direction. In the summer, two major wind directions prevail: (1) off-pole winds that become easterly due to coriolis forces and (2) on-pole winds that become westerly. During the winter and/or spring, only the on-pole winds exist. Strong winds greater than 75 m/s are required for sand accumulation to form the thick transverse dunes. The strongest winds in the north polar region are thought to exist during summer over the transverse dune field between 110 deg and 220 deg W; this area is a relatively warm belt (temperature greater than 230 K) between two ice zones (temperature less than 220 K). The lack of well-developed longitudinal dunes implies that the dune field is young. The relationship of the present dune field to the perennial ice indicates that the dunes began to form after the formation of the present ice cap.

Tsoar, H.↗

Remote sensing of the ozone profile in the lower stratosphere using UV and IR measurements from Nimbus 4

With a three-parameter analytical model, the ozone profile below 10 mbar to the surface is derived from the Nimbus 4 satellite backscattered ultraviolet and infrared measurements. Comparison of the derived profiles with those observed by ozonesondes shows that gross features are satisfactorily reproduced. Meridional cross section of the ozone partial pressure derived from the satellite data reveal the significant equator-to-pole features, as well as seasonal variability. An examination of the sensitivity of the method shows that an error in infrared radiance of approximately 1 erg leads to an error of about 10 mbar in the weighted mean pressure of the ozone layer in the tropics.

Prabhakara, C.↗

HEAO 1 observations of gamma-ray lines from a solar flare

HEAO 1 observed gamma radiation, including the 2.223 MeV line of deuterium and the 4.43 MeV line of C-12, from a white-light solar flare of 1978 July 11. Line strengths over a 4 minute integration were 1.00 + or - 0.29 and 0.18 + or - 0.07 photons/sq cm s, respectively, and the continuum in the 1-5 MeV range fitted a spectrum 10 E to the -3rd photons/sq cm s keV. The 2.2 MeV line lagged 94 + or - 30 s behind the gamma-ray continuum, which itself was delayed about 20 s from the hard X-ray (not less than 40 keV) and microwave fluxes. This is the second flare for which both MeV-range lines and continuum have been observed, and the first for which simultaneous white-light observations exist. The prompt gamma-ray line (4.43 MeV) can be directly interpreted as an energy deposition of not greater than 7 x 10 to the 26th ergs per sec by energetic protons at photospheric depths. This is insufficient to maintain the white-light continuum by normal photospheric emission mechanisms.

Hudson, H. S.↗

Location of the gamma-ray transient event of 1979 March 5

The paper discusses the gamma event of Mar. 5, 1979, the most intense burst of nonsolar high-energy photons ever recorded, which was observed by 12 gamma burst instruments on nine spacecraft. The fast rise time of the event and ephemeris and absolute time information from the spacecraft are considered, and a unique and redundantly determined 1 x 2 arcmin error box centered at R.A. = 5h 25.95m, decl. = -66 deg 07.1 arcmin (equinox 1950.0) is found. Statistical arguments favor identification with the SNR N49, located within the box. It is suggested that if N49 was the source of the transient, then peak gamma-ray and hard X-5ay luminosity was between 10 to the 44th and 10 to the 45th ergs/s, and the total radiated energy was between 10 to the 43rd and 10 to the 44th ergs.

Evans, W. D.↗

Radiative energy output of the 5 September 1973 flare

Measurements of the radiative energy output of the solar flare of Sept. 5, 1973, over a wavelength range of more than ten decades, from below 1 A to above 1 m are presented. Observations of soft X-rays (0.5-20 A), XUV and EUV lines (171-1863 A) and EUV continua (1400-1960 A), H alpha radiation, visible lines and continua (3700-8700 A) and radio emission (centimeter to meter wavelengths) were obtained concurrently by Skylab and ground-based instruments. Estimates of power output at flare maximum are obtained for the observed wavelengths with uncertainty of at least half an order of magnitude, due to corresponding uncertainties in EUV and visible fluxes. Taking into account energy radiated at unobserved wavelengths and the characteristic time of the best-reduced data (the soft X-ray), calculations indicate a total radiated flare energy of approximately 4 x 10 to the 29th erg.

Canfield, R. C.↗

Mechanical energy output of the 5 September 1973 flare

The mechanical energy flux of observed macroscopic mass plasma motions in the solar flare of Sept. 5, 1973, is estimated. Consideration is given to the cool eruptive material in the eruptive filament and large surge as revealed by H alpha observations, the moving emission front seen in Ca II as well as H alpha, the piston-driven shock and mass ejection coronal transient observed in radio spectra and flare core motions, and mechanical energy estimates of 5.6 x 10 to the 29th to 8.9 x 10 to the 30th, 9.0 x 10 to the 29th, 2 x 10 to the 30th (thermal) and 10 to the 31st (magnetic), and 9 x 10 to the 24th erg are obtained, respectively, in agreement with previous estimates. It is concluded that the mechanical energy of large-scale mass motions dominates the radiative output of the flare by more than two orders of magnitude, and that a significant portion of the mechanical energy is in the form of magnetic flux delivered to interplanetary space.

Webb, D. F.↗

The Galaxy as the origin of gamma-ray bursts

The gamma-ray burst spectrum N(greater than S) versus S is reviewed and found to be inconsistent with a completely isotropic distribution. Extragalactic distributions are considered but rejected in favor of a galactic origin. Spherical halo models, particularly those with central concentration, are found to be unacceptable. Noncentrally concentrated disk models are acceptable, especially those with larger scale height (beta) distributions. Spiral structure effects prevent the total rejection of small beta distributions but impose space density requirements which exclude many extreme Population I candidates. Integrated burst luminosities range from about 10 to the 38th to 2 x 10 to the 39th ergs while burst rate densities vary between about 10 to the -6th and 10 to the -8th/cu pc yr; both are uniquely determined by the distribution scale height. It is shown that galactic burst sources must be repetitive with repetition rates between about 10 to the -5th/yr and about 10 to the 6th/yr depending on the source space density and the importance of beaming. Bursts are unimportant in the galactic energy balance and, on average, in the energy history of their sources. They may, however, dominate specific events.

Jennings, M. C.↗

Documentation for the machine-readable version of an atlas of ultraviolet stellar spectra and a second atlas of ultraviolet stellar spectra from OAO 2 observations

The magnetic tape version of the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory 2 atlases of ultraviolet stellar spectra is described. The first file of the tape contains ultraviolet stellar fluxes for 164 bright stars in lambda the spectral region 1200 to 1300 A with resolutions of 22 A in the region from 3600 to 1850 A and 12 A in the region from 1850 to 1160 A. Files two and three contain spectra for 132 stars in the region lamba 1200 to 1850 A and 34 stars in the lambda region 1800 to 3600 A, respectively, with resolutions as stated above. The monochromatic flux is given in units of ergs cm(-2)s(-1) (-1) for all data.

Warren, W. H., Jr.↗

X-ray observations of the OAO1653-40 field

The region of sky containing OAO1653-40 have been observed simultaneously with the Einstein and Copernicus satellites in 1979 August. A best position of RA = 254.318 degrees, Dec = -41.577 degrees (1950) and a period of 38.019 + or - 0.009 sec were obtained for the X-ray pulsar discovered by White and Pravdo. The X-ray spectrum shows considerable photoelectric absorption with an equivalent hydrogen column density of 2.3 x 10 to the 23rd atom per sq cm. An upper limit to any 0.5-3.0 keV flux from V861 Sco of (4 + or - 1) x 10 to the -13th erg /sq cm/sec was also obtained.

Parmar, A. N.↗

The 1979 X-ray outburst of Centaurus X-4

X-ray observations of the first major outburst of the classical transient X-ray source Centaurus X-4 since its discovery in 1969 are presented. The observations were obtained in May, 1979, with the all-sky monitor on board Ariel 5. The flare light curve is shown to exhibit many of the characteristics of other transients, including a double-peaked maximum, as well as significant, apparently random, variations and a lower peak flux and shorter duration than the 1969 event. Application of a standard epoch-folding technique to data corrected for linear decay trends indicates a possible source modulation at 0.3415 days (8.2 hours). Comparison of the results with previous other data on Cen X-4 and the characteristics of the soft X-ray transients allows a total X-ray output of approximately 3 x 10 to the 43rd ergs to be estimated, and reveals the duration and decay time of the 1979 Cen X-4 outburst to be the shortest yet observed from soft X-ray transients. The observations are explained in terms of episodic mass exchange from a late-type dwarf onto a neutron star companion in a relatively close binary system.

Kaluzienski, L. J.↗

Short time-scale variability of chromospheric Ca II in late-type stars

The short time-scale variability of singly ionized calcium chromospheric emission has been investigated in a few late-type stars. Emission-line variations with time scales of a few minutes to hours are seen in Alpha Tau (K5 III), Lambda And (G8 III-IV), and Epsilon Eri (K2 V). The existence of substantial chromospheric flux changes (10 to the 30th to 10 to the 32nd ergs) over short periods of time suggests that the calcium emission arises from a few small, coherent regions. Frequencies present in the data are discussed in the context of acoustic wave predictions and estimated acoustic cutoff frequencies for giants and dwarfs.

Baliunas, S. L.↗

Extended adiabatic blast waves and a model of the soft X-ray background

An analytical approximation is generated which follows the development of an adiabatic spherical blast wave in a homogeneous ambient medium of finite pressure. An analytical approximation is also presented for the electron temperature distribution resulting from coulomb collisional heating. The dynamical, thermal, ionization, and spectral structures are calculated for blast waves of energy E sub 0 = 5 x 10 to the 50th power ergs in a hot low-density interstellar environment. A formula is presented for estimating the luminosity evolution of such explosions. The B and C bands of the soft X-ray background, it is shown, are reproduced by such a model explosion if the ambient density is about .000004 cm, the blast radius is roughly 100 pc, and the solar system is located inside the shocked region. Evolution in a pre-existing cavity with a strong density gradient may, it is suggested, remove both the M band and OVI discrepancies.

Cox, D. P.↗