Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Radio”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 199 records · Page 11

An Unlikely Radio Halo in the Low X-Ray Luminosity Galaxy Cluster RXCJ1514.9-1523

Aims: We report the discovery of a giant radio halo in the galaxy cluster RXCJ1514,9-1523 at z=0.22 with a relatively low X-ray luminosity, L(sub X) (0.1-2.4kev) approx. 7 x 10(exp 44) ergs/s. Methods: This faint, diffuse radio source is detected with the Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope at 327 MHz. The source is barely detected at 1.4 GHz in a NVSS pointing that we have reanalyzed. Results: The integrated radio spectrum of the halo is quite steep, with a slope alpha = 1.6 between 327 MHz and 1.4 GHz. While giant radio halos are common in more X-ray luminous cluster mergers, there is a less than 10% probability to detect a halo in systems with L(sub X) < 8 x 10(exp 44) ergs/s. The detection of a new giant halo in this borderline luminosity regime can be particularly useful for discriminating between the competing theories for the origin of ultrarelativistic electrons in clusters. Furthermore, if our steep radio spectral index is confirmed by future deeper radio observations, this cluster would provide another example of the very rare, new class of ultra-steep spectrum radio halos, predicted by the model in which the cluster cosmic ray electrons are produced by turbulent reacceleration.

Marketvitch, M.↗

Radio Detection of the Fermi-LAT Blind Search Millisecond Pulsar J1311-3430

We report the detection of radio emission from PSR J1311.3430, the first millisecond pulsar (MSP) discovered in a blind search of Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) gamma-ray data. We detected radio pulsations at 2 GHz, visible for less than 10% of approximately 4.5 hr of observations using the Green Bank Telescope (GBT). Observations at 5 GHz with the GBT and at several lower frequencies with Parkes, Nan cay, and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope resulted in non-detections. We also report the faint detection of a steep spectrum continuum radio source (0.1 mJy at 5 GHz) in interferometric imaging observations with the Jansky Very Large Array. These detections demonstrate that PSR J1311.3430 is not radio quiet and provide additional evidence that radio-quiet MSPs are rare. The radio dispersion measure of 37.8 pc cm(exp -3) provides a distance estimate of 1.4 kpc for the system, yielding a gamma-ray efficiency of 30%, typical of LAT-detected MSPs. We see apparent excess delay in the radio pulses as the pulsar appears from eclipse and we speculate on possible mechanisms for the non-detections of the pulse at other orbital phases and observing frequencies.

Ray, P. S.↗

Discovery of a Giant Radio Halo in a New Planck Galaxy Cluster PLCKG171.9-40.7

We report the discovery of a giant radio halo in a new, hot, X-ray luminous galaxy cluster recently found by Planck, PLCKG171.9-40.7. The radio halo was found using Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope observations at 235 MHz and 610 MHz, and in the 1.4 GHz data from a NRAO Very Large Array Sky Survey pointing that we have reanalyzed. The diffuse radio emission is coincident with the cluster X-ray emission, has an extent of approx.1 Mpc and a radio power of approx. 5×10(exp 24)W/Hz at 1.4 GHz. Its integrated radio spectrum has a slope of alpha approx. = 1.8 between 235 MHz and 1.4 GHz, steeper than that of a typical giant halo. The analysis of the archival XMMNewton X-ray data shows that the cluster is hot (approx. 10 keV) and disturbed, consistent with X-ray selected clusters hosting radio halos. This is the first giant radio halo discovered in one of the new clusters found by Planck.

Giacintucci, Simona↗

VHF Radio Response of the near Earth Space During Solar Activity Growth in October, 2003

The analysis of observations of very high frequency radio noise intensity at the middle latitude on a frequency f = 500 MHz from 14th till 26th of October, 2003 is presented. These data are compared with the solar radio bursts in the range of frequencies 1-14 MHz registered by RAD2 receiver of the WAVES device installed on board the WIND spacecraft. The sporadic enhancement of near Earth very high frequency radio noise were observed with the help of ground radio telescope preferably either in pre mid night hours or at daytime. In many cases between October 17 and 22 short-term increases of the fluxes of low energy electrons, protons and ions in the interplanetary space by hundreds of times, corresponded to VHF radio bursts. At the same time slow increasing of solar cosmic rays streams at Lagrange point L1 and on geostationary orbit during October, 21 and 22, did not affect the usual radio noise level. A strong solar flare of 1B/X5.5 class on October 23 contributed to a prolonged rise of the intensity level of spectral radio emission, including the night sector of magnetosphere. It is assumed that very high frequency radio bursts in the near Earth space may appear when the processes of penetration of interplanetary low energy charge particles into Earth plasmasphere take place.

Dudnik, O. V.↗

Bow Shock in Merging Cluster A520: The Edge of the Radio Halo and the Electron-Proton Equilibration Timescale

We studied the prominent bow shock in the merging galaxy cluster A520 using a deep Chandra X-ray observation and archival VLA radio data. This shock is a useful diagnostic tool, owing to its clear geometry and relatively high Mach number. At the "nose" of the shock, we measure a Mach number of M=2.4(sup 0.4, sub -0.2). The shock becomes oblique away from the merger axis, with the Mach number falling to approx. 1.6 around 30 deg from the nose. The electron temperature immediately behind the shock nose is consistent with that from the Rankine-Hugoniot adiabat, and is higher (at a 95% confidence) than expected for adiabatic compression of electrons followed by Coulomb electron-proton equilibration, indicating the presence of equilibration mechanisms faster than Coulomb collisions. This is similar to an earlier finding for the Bullet cluster. We also combined four archival VLA data sets to obtain a better image of the cluster's giant radio halo at 1.4 GHz. An abrupt edge of the radio halo traces the shock front, and no emission is detected in the pre-shock region. If the radio edge were due only to adiabatic compression of relativistic electrons in pre-shock plasma, we would expect a pre-shock radio emission detectable in this radio data set; however, an interferometric artifact dominates the uncertainty, so we cannot rule this model out. Other interesting features of the radio halo include a peak at the remnant of the cool core, suggesting that the core used to have a radio minihalo, and a peak marking a possible region of high turbulence.

Wang, Qian H. S.↗

Direction-Finding Analysis of the 2012 July 6 Type II Solar Radio Burst at Low Frequencies

The 2012 July 6 X1.1 are at S13W59 and a halo coronal mass ejection (CME) with a space speed of 1900 km s1 were associated with type III and type II radio bursts. The metric-to-decametric type II radio burst extended down to 5 MHz. Simultaneously a slowly drifting feature with a harmonic structure was observed by Wind and STEREO radio receivers around and below 1 MHz, above the strong type III radio burst at lower frequencies. The radio direction finding analysis of this lower-frequency interplanetary (IP) type II radio burst indicates that the radio source was located near the nose and possibly towards the southern flank of the CME-driven shock. These results provide an independent confirmation of the previous suggestions that when the metric and IP type II bursts are overlapping, the lower-frequency IP type II radio burst originates near the shock nose, whereas the source of the higher-frequency metric type II burst is closer to the Sun in the shock flank region. These results further support the idea that the coronal and IP type II bursts are produced by the same CME-driven shock.

Makela, Pertti↗

Confirmation of a radio-selected galaxy overdensity at z = 1.11¹

We report the discovery of a galaxy overdensity at z = 1.11 associated with the z = 1.110 high-redshift radio galaxy MG1 J04426+0202 (hereafterMG0442+0202). The group, Cl 0442+0202, was found in a near-infrared survey of z > 1 radio galaxies undertaken to identify spatially coincident regions with a high density of objects red in I-K' color, typical of z > 1 elliptical galaxies. Spectroscopic observations from the Keck I telescope reveal five galaxies within 3500 of MG 0442+0202 at 1.10 < z < 1.11. These member galaxies have broadband colors and optical spectra consistent with passively evolving elliptical galaxies formed at high redshift. Archival ROSAT observations reveal a 3 detection of soft X-ray emission coincident with Cl 0442+0202 at a level 5 times greater than expected for the radio galaxy. These data suggest a rich galaxy cluster and inspired a 45 ks Chandra X-Ray Observatory observation. As expected, the radio galaxy is unresolved by Chandra but is responsible for approximately half the observed X-ray flux. The remaining ROSAT flux is resolved into four point sources within 1500 of the radio galaxy, corresponding to a surface density 2 orders of magnitude higher than average for X-ray sources at these flux levels [S(0.5–2 keV) > 5 X 10¯16 ergs cm¯² s¯¹]. One of these point sources is identified with a radio-quiet type II quasar at z = 1.863, akin to sources recently reported in deep Chandra surveys. The limit on an extended hot intracluster medium in the Chandra data is S(1–6 keV) < 1.9 X 10¯15 ergs cm¯² s¯¹ (3 σ, 30˝ radius aperture). Though the X-ray observations do not confirm the existence of a massive bound cluster at z > 1, the success of the optical=near-infrared targeting of early-type systems near the radio galaxy validates searches using radio galaxies as beacons for highredshift large-scale structure.We interpret Cl 0442+0202 as a massive cluster in the process of formation.

Spinard, Hyron↗

Radio Follow-up of a Candidate γ-Ray Transient in the Sky Localization Area of GW170608

After the identification of a candidate γ-ray transient in the error region of the binary black hole (BBH) merger GW150914 by the Fermi satellite, the question of whether BBH mergers can be associated with electromagnetic counterparts remains highly debated. Here, we present radio follow-up observations of GW170608, a BBH merger that occurred during the second observing run (O2) of the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). Our radio follow-up focused on a specific field contained in the GW170608 sky localization area, where a candidate high-energy transient was detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT). We make use of data collected at 1.4 GHz with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), as well as with the VLA Lowband Ionosphere and Transient Experiment (VLITE). Our analysis is sensitive to potential radio afterglows with luminosity densities L(1.4GHz) ≳ 6 x 10^(28) erg/sHz. In the most optimistic theoretical models, ≈20% of BBH events occurring in massive hosts could be associated with outflows as radio luminous as this. Although we find no evidence for the presence of a radio counterpart associated with the LAT candidate in the GW170608 error region, our analysis demonstrates the feasibility of future radio follow-up observations of well-localized BBHs. Comparing our radio upper limits with theoretical expectations for the radio afterglows potentially associated with jets launched in BBH mergers, we find that for jets of energy ≈10^(49) erg seen on-axis, only jet angles θ(jet)≳40° are compatible with the observations.

Kyle Artkop↗

Proof of CMB-driven X-ray brightening of high-z radio galaxies

We present a definitive assessment of the role of inverse Compton scattering of cosmic microwave background photons (IC/CMB) in the context of radio galaxies. Owing to the steep increase of the CMB radiation energy density, IC/CMB is supposed to become progressively more important with respect to radio synchrotron cooling as the redshift increases. For typical energies at play, this process will up-scatter the CMB photons into the X-ray band, and is thus expected to yield a redshift-dependent, concurrent X-ray brightening and radio dimming of the jet-powered structures. Here, we show how a conclusive proof of this effect hinges on high-resolution imaging data in which the extended lobes can be distinguished from the compact hotspots where synchrotron self-Compton dominates the X-ray emission regardless of redshift. We analyse Chandra and Very Large Array data of 11 radio galaxies between 1.3 ≲ z8 ≲ 4.3⁠, and demonstrate that the emission from their lobes is fully consistent with the expectations from IC/CMB in equipartition. Once the dependence on size and radio luminosity are properly accounted for, the measured lobe X-ray luminosities bear the characteristic ∝(1 + z)4 proportionality expected of a CMB seed radiation field. Whereas this effect can effectively quench the (rest-frame) GHz radio emission from z ≳ 3 radio galaxies below ≲ 1 mJy, IC/CMB alone cannot be responsible for a deficit in high-z, radio-loud active galactic nuclei (AGNs) if – as we argue – such AGNs typically have bright, compact hotspots.

Edmund Hodges-Kluck↗

The Population of Galactic Centre Filaments – III. Candidate Radio and Stellar Sources

Recent MeerKAT radio continuum observations of the Galactic Centre at 20 cm show a large population of non-thermal radio filaments (NRFs) in the inner few hundred pc of the Galaxy. We have selected a sample of 57 radio sources, mainly compact objects, in the MeerKAT mosaic image that appear to be associated with NRFs. The selected sources are about four times the number of radio point sources associated with filaments than would be expected by random chance. Furthermore, an apparent correlation between bright IR stars and NRFs is inferred from their similar latitude distributions, suggesting that they both co-exist within the same region. To examine if compact radio sources are related to compact IR sources, we have used archival 2MASS, and Spitzer data to make spectral energy distribution of individual stellar sources coincident or close to radio sources. We provide a catalogue of radio and IR sources for future detailed observations to investigate a potential three-way physical association between NRFs, compact radio and IR stellar sources. This association is suggested by models in which NRFs are cometary tails produced by the interaction of a large-scale nuclear outflow with stellar wind bubbles in the Galactic Centre.

plasmas↗

Comparative Analysis of Type III Radio Bursts and Solar Flares: Spatial Localization and Correlation with Solar Flare Intensity

We present a comprehensive study of type III radio bursts and their association with solar flares of magnitude M1.0 and larger, as observed by four widely separated spacecraft (Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, STEREO-A, and Wind). Our main focus is the introduction and validation of two methods for localizing radio bursts using the available multispacecraft data. The first method utilizes intensity fitting with a circular Gaussian distribution, while the second method is based on the time arrival of radio bursts. We demonstrate the effectiveness of these methods through the analysis of a single type III burst event and compare their results with the traditional radio triangulation technique. Furthermore, we conduct a statistical study of 17 type III bursts associated with M- and X-class solar flares in years 2020–2022. Our findings suggest a possible correlation between solar flare intensities and longitudes, with east limb flares tending to be weaker than west limb flares. We also observe a systematic drift of radio burst longitudes toward the east, potentially explained by a poleward component of the local density gradient. Our results suggest a strong correlation between solar flare intensities and radio burst properties, enhancing our understanding of the relationship between solar flares and type III radio bursts.

Radio astronomy↗

Powerful quasars with young jets in multi-epoch radio surveys

Energetic feedback driven by the large-scale (100’s of kpc) lobes of classical radio galaxies is known to play an important role in shaping galaxy evolution. However, the prevalence of young and compact jets – and their impact on the interstellar medium – remains an open question. Multi-epoch radio surveys with cadences of years to decades offer a promising means of identifying even faint (mJy-level) jets that are compact and potentially young on the basis of variability. Recently, a comparison of images from the Very Large Array Sky Survey (VLASS) and the Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty Centimeters (FIRST) survey has revealed a population of distant (0.2 < z < 3.2) quasars that have brightened dramatically in the past 1–2 decades. These quasars appear to have transitioned from “radio-quiet” nondetections in FIRST to “radio-loud” detections in VLASS. Extensive multiband follow-up observations with the VLA from 1 to 18GHz have revealed compact (sub-kpc) radio sources that are consistent with young jets that were recently triggered. Here, we summarize the status of our on-going study of quasars with newborn jets identified in the radio time domain.

galaxies↗

Simultaneous radio and optical observations of UV Ceti-type flare stars

The UV Ceti-type stars, YZ Canis Minoris, AD Leonis, and Wolf 424 AB, were monitored for 57.8 hours from January 15 to February 22, 1974, using the 1000-foot (305-m) radio telescope at Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and the 91-cm or 76-cm reflector at McDonald Observatory. Radio observations were made at frequencies of 430, 318, and 196 MHz, and optical monitoring was done in the Johnson U or B band, the Stromgren u band, or white light. During the period of simultaneous observations, 62 optical flares were detected. A total of 13 RF flares were independently identified, of which 10 reached maximum flux within 10 min of the peak time of an optical flare. Using times of optical-flare events as reference data, an additional 15 cases of radio enhancements associated with optical flares are identified. The most probable delay interval between the optical-flare maximum and 318-MHz radio peak was found to be 0 to 5 min, with the optical flare occurring first. Aside from this statistical delay of peak occurrence and a general tendency for radio and optical flares to be associated, no systematic correlations of optical and radio amplitudes or morphology were found. The possible consequences of the radio emission's being due to a coherent process are discussed.

Spangler, S. R.↗

Technique to determine location of radio sources from measurements taken on spinning spacecraft

The procedure developed to extract average source direction and average source size from spin-modulated radio astronomy data measured on the IMP-6 spacecraft is described. Because all measurements are used, rather than just finding maxima or minima in the data, the method is very sensitive, even in the presence of large amounts of noise. The technique is applicable to all experiments with directivity characteristics. It is suitable for onboard processing on satellites to reduce the data flow to Earth. The application to spin-modulated nonpolarized radio astronomy data is made and includes the effects of noise, background, and second source interference. The analysis was tested with computer simulated data and the results agree with analytic predictions. Applications of this method with IMP-6 radio data have led to: (1) determination of source positions of traveling solar radio bursts at large distances from the Sun; (2) mapping of magnetospheric radio emissions by radio triangulation; and (3) detection of low frequency radio emissions from Jupiter and Saturn.

Fainberg, J.↗

The curvature of radio jets and tails in the intracluster media of Abell 1446 and 2220

X-ray observations are reported for two rich clusters which contain prominent tailed radio galaxies. These X-ray data are used as probes of the cluster gas to explore mechanisms which may distort radio jets and tails. A nonrelativistic hydrodynamic flow model is invoked to examine the plasma beam parameters needed to bend the radio streams in a manner consistent with the radio and X-ray data. Within the context of this model, the wide-angle tailed radio structure of 1159 + 583 in A1446 is explained by a combination of a buoyancy pressure gradient in the cluster gas and dynamic pressure arising from slow galaxy motion (200 km/sec). The second cluster observed, A2220, contains a clumped X-ray structure with peaks near two dominant galaxies. The strongly bent radio jets of 1638 + 538 (associated with one of the bright galaxies) are consistent with about 1000 km/sec motion, possibly in a binary orbit, through the X-ray emitting cluster gas; a curved feature in the northern tail, however, may be attributable to buoyancy forces. These X-ray data also suggest that the radio jets and tails are thermally confined by the hot intracluster media.

Burns, J. O.↗

X-ray observations of 20 3CR radio galaxies and their environs

X-ray observations of 20 3CR radio galaxies using the Imaging Proportional Counter on the Einstein Observatory are reported. Fourteen of the 18 galaxies, plus two sources without optical identification, are detected with soft X-ray luminosities (Lx) ranging from 10 to the 40.9th to 10 to the 44.4th ergs/s. In four of the galaxies there is evidence for extended X-ray structure. Lx is statistically correlated with the radio power of the core, the lobe radio power (especially below 1 GHz), and the steepness of the lobe radio spectrum at high frequencies. The complex interrelations between X-ray luminosities and radio core, radio lobe, optical nuclei, and galaxy clustering are examined; and it is found that a cluster origin of the X-rays provides the best explanation of these effects. Constraints on synchrotron and inverse Compton production of X-rays in radio lobes and on mechanisms of lobe confinement are also discussed.

Feigelson, E. D.↗

The X-ray features of a single-lobed radio galaxy in Abell 754

New radio, optical and X-ray observations of a galaxy with one-sided radio structure located 2.2 Mpc from the center of Abell 754 are reported. From the optical spectra, the cluster membership of the galaxy is confirmed and it is noted that no emission lines are found. An X-ray source with Lx of approximately 2 x 10 to the 43rd erg/s (0.5-3.0 keV) is located in the nucleus (diameter, less than 4 kpc). There is also a weak X-ray extension to the southeast. The central radio source has a luminosity of about 10 to the 41st ergs/s with a diameter of less than 1.5 kpc. A straight radio feature of low surface brightness (a 'jet' or 'tail') extends 170 kpc to the southeast, ending in a diffuse lobe which is oriented in PA of about 45 deg. Consideration is given to pressure balance between the various radio components and the cluster gas, and also to four processes for the origin of the nuclear X-ray emission. Alternative interpretations of the data are given for a classical tailed radio galaxy and for a truly one-sided radio source.

Harris, D. E.↗

X-ray emission possibly coincident with the radio tail of PKS 0301 - 123

X-ray, radio, and optical observations are reported for a very poor cluster of galaxies containing the radio source PKS 0301 - 123. A long, 100,000 second X-ray observation using the Einstein Observatory's IPC resulted in the serendipitous discovery of a peculiar extended X-ray morphology associated with the poor cluster. The X-ray emission is extended in the same direction and is approximately the same length as the radio-tailed source, PKS 0301 - 123, which was mapped at 6 and 20 cm with the VLA. Optical redshift observations with the KPNO IIDS on the 2.1 m telescope confirm the identification of the X-ray and radio emission with the poor cluster at z = 0.1. It is argued that the X-ray extension is unlikely to be a chance coincidence of a background source projected onto the foreground cluster. Therefore, four possible mechanisms which might physically link the X-ray and radio emission are considered: thermal bremsstrahlung from a cluster with a flattened potential well; inverse Compton scattering of the relativistic electrons in the radio source, X-ray synchrotron radiation; and heating the cluster gas by the turbulent wake of the radio galaxy. The prospects for future observations of such X-ray/radio coincidences are briefly discussed.

Burns, J. O.↗