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At least 217 records · Page 12

BM Scorpii and a possible cluster of infrared sources

BM Sco and six other infrared sources near the cluster M6 were observed at infrared wavelengths. BM Sco has the flat free-free spectrum between 1.5 and 8 microns with a small silicate emission feature typical of the NML Tauri-type objects. IRC-30308 is also an infrared star of the NML Tauri type, and IRC-30312 has long wavelength radiation characteristic of the luminous M supergiants. The remaining four sources resemble reddened long-period variables. The presence of these infrared sources near M6 is not statistically significant and is not sufficient to associate them with the cluster.

Ney, E. P.↗

Ionization mechanisms of the intercloud medium

A generalized treatment of the ionization equilibrium of the intercloud medium is developed, which is model-independent in the steady-state approximation, and which is suited to an interpretation of ultraviolet absorption data. It is found that the most satisfactory models require the presence of density inhomogeneities along the line of sight. In all models considered for lambda Sco, 2-MeV cosmic rays and X rays are found to lead to large disagreements with the observations, and data on upsilon Sco, alpha Leo, and other stars seem to support this conclusion. Therefore, it would seem that these cannot be the physical agents responsible for the bulk of the ionization of the gas. An alternative model is developed, in which the ionization below 24.58 eV is provided by ultraviolet photons. This model appears to satisfy theoretical requirements, and leads to good agreement with the data.

Meszaros, P.↗

Temporal X-ray astronomy with a pinhole camera

Preliminary results from the Ariel-5 all-sky X-ray monitor are presented, along with sufficient experiment details to define the experiment sensitivity. Periodic modulation of the X-ray emission was investigated from three sources with which specific periods were associated, with the results that the 4.8 hour variation from Cyg X-3 was confirmed, a long-term average 5.6 day variation from Cyg X-1 was discovered, and no detectable 0.787 day modulation of Sco X-1 was observed. Consistency of the long-term Sco X-1 emission with a shot-noise model is discussed, wherein the source behavior is shown to be interpretable as approximately 100 flares per day, each with a duration of several hours. A sudden increase in the Cyg X-1 intensity by almost a factor of three on 22 April 1975 is reported, after 5 months of relative source constancy. The light curve of a bright nova-like transient source in Triangulum is presented, and compared with previously observed transient sources. Preliminary evidence for the existence of X-ray bursts with duration less than 1 hour is offered.

Holt, S. S.↗

Research study of Beta Cephei variable stars using data from OAO-2

Photometric data from the Wisconsin Experiment package on OAO-2 were obtained for six Beta Cephei variable stars. The data were reduced in accordance with the OAO 2/Wisconsin Experiment Package Photometer Users Guide. For delta Cet and gamma Peg, there were enough data points to form reliable composite light curves at seven or eight ultraviolet wavelengths. The light curves are well represented by sine waves in phase with the blue light curve for each star. The amplitude of the light variation increases with shorter wavelengths. For theta Oph, epsilon Cen, eta Sco, and Lambda Sco, mean magnitudes and light ranges were obtained at several ultraviolet wavelengths. No significant differences were found between the mean, de-reddened ultraviolet colors of the observed stars, and the mean values for standard stars computed by Bottemiller. An attempt to derive a temperature scale from a comparison of the observed ultraviolet colors with Kurucz models was unsuccessful.

Lesh, J. R.↗

Occultation of beta Scorpii by Jupiter. V - The emersion of beta Scorpii C

Use of multicolor photometry to remove planetary limb contamination from occultation light curves is demonstrated. This color restoration procedure is shown to be more advantageous than limb scanning techniques since it allows continuous observation of the occultation. Sharp spikes appearing in the light curve of beta Sco C are compared with those observed during the occultation of beta Sco AB, and a model is developed for estimating the effects of all factors affecting the observed shape of a spike. The widths of the narrowest spikes are shown to correspond closely to the angular diameters of the occulted stars, suggesting that occultation spikes can be used to determine stellar diameters.

Elliot, J. L.↗

Continuous observations of long-term variations in cosmic X-ray sources

Results are reported for the Charged Particle Measurements Experiment which was conducted on board IMP-7 to detect X-ray fluxes from the sun, the galactic center, Tau X-1, and Sco X-1 over a nine-month period. Autocorrelation analysis of the data indicates a probable 80-day periodicity in the flux from Sco X-1, a 110-day periodicity in the flux from the galactic center, no periodicities in the flux from Tau X-1, and a strong 27-day periodicity in the solar X-ray flux. A transient event detected within the cluster of sources constituting the galactic center is reported which lasted about two months and had a flux roughly equal to the regular flux from this area. It is noted that this was the only transient event detected in the whole area under continuous observation for the duration of the experiment.

Wende, C. D.↗

On the nature of the intercloud medium

Previous analyses of Copernicus observations of interstellar absorption in the spectra of unreddened stars are reviewed in the framework of steady-state ionization models for the intercloud (low-density) component of the interstellar medium. A simple homogeneous model is described which accounts for the H, C, N, S, and Si interstellar lines in the spectrum of lambda Sco in terms of an extensive low-density medium photoionized by Lyman continuum radiation from the II Sco OB association. Quantitative constraints are placed on the maximum permissible flux of diffuse soft X-rays, and the model is generalized to interpret the observed ion, electron, and hydrogen column densities in the low-density medium. Severe constraints are found to be imposed on ionization models by the ratios Si III/Si, Si IV/Si, and S IV/S. It is concluded that the observations may be explained if 10 to 30% of a representative line of sight passes through a photoionized medium of density 0.1 to 0.2/cu cm, if H I constitutes the bulk of the gas along the line of site, and if the gas is at a similar density or is in the form of shielded clumps or clouds.

Hill, J. K.↗

A large-area lithium-fluoride Bragg spectrometer for stellar X-ray astronomy

A large-area Bragg spectrometer used to search for the Fe XXV X-ray emission lines of Sco X-1 is described. The device has 3400 sq cm of LiF on nine crystal panels aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rocket. X rays satisfying the Bragg condition reflect into an array of nine companion proportional counters. A pointing system incorporating a free gyroscope with 2 degrees of freedom assures that target X rays are reflected at the required angle and produces repeated spectral scans of the X-ray continuum, which are later superimposed to correct temporal effects. The instrument is capable of detecting a narrow line flux from Sco X-1 of about .01 photons/sq cm/sec.

Stockman, H. S., Jr.↗

Temporal X-ray astronomy with a pinhole camera

Preliminary results from the Ariel-5 All-Sky X-Ray Monitor are presented, along with sufficient experiment details to define the experiment sensitivity. Periodic modulation of the X-ray emission is investigated from three sources with which specific periods have been associated, with the results that the 4.8 h variation from Cyg X-3 is confirmed, a long-term average 5.6 day variation from Cyg X-1 is discovered, and no detectable 0.787 day modulation of Sco X-1 is observed. Consistency of the long-term Sco X-1 emission with a 'shot-noise' model is discussed, wherein the source behavior is shown to be interpretable as about 100 'flares' per day, each with a duration of several hours. A sudden increase in the Cyg X-1 intensity by almost a factor of three on 22 April 1975 is reported, after 5 months of relative source constancy. The light curve of a bright nova-like transient source in Triangulum is presented, and compared with previously observed transient sources. Preliminary evidence for the existence of X-ray 'bursts' with duration less than 1 h is offered, with the caveat that there is not yet any supporting evidence to guarantee that the effect is truly astronomical.

Holt, S. S.↗

Results from the Ariel 5 All-Sky Monitor

Results are summarized for the first year of operation of the Ariel 5 All-Sky Monitor. The monitor is described in detail, and representative observations of the transient sources A1524-62, Cen X-mas, A0535+26, and A0620-00 are discussed. It is shown that the transients are largely confined to the galactic plane and that about 100 such sources per year can be expected in the Galaxy. Long-term observations of Sco X-1, Cyg X-3, and Cyg X-1 are reported which illustrate that the large intensity variations in Sco X-1 appear to correlate on time scales greater than one Ariel 5 orbit, that Cyg X-3 has a widely varying intensity, and that the predominant feature of the intensity variation in Cyg X-1 is a minimum near superior conjunction.

Holt, S. S.↗

X-ray signatures: New time scales and spectral features

The millisecond bursts from Cyg X-1 are investigated and the overall chaotic variability for the bulk of the Cyg X-1 emission is compared to that of Sco X-1, showing that the essential character is remarkably similar (i.e. shot noise) although the fundamental time scales involved differ widely, from a fraction of a second (for Cyg X-1) to a fraction of a day (for Sco X-1). Recent OSO-8 observations of spectra features attributable to iron are reviewed. In particular, line emission is discussed within the context of a model for thermal radiation by a hot evolved gas in systems as different as supernova remnants and clusters of galaxies. Newly observed spectral structure in the emission from the X-ray pulsar Her X-1 is reported.

Boldt, E. A.↗

The C-12/C-13 ratio in stellar atmospheres. VI - Five luminous cool stars

A simple curve-of-growth technique is described for extracting the C-12/C-13 ratio for M stars from high-resolution spectra of CO infrared vibration-rotation lines. The technique is applied to the CO lines at 1.6 and 2.3 microns in spectra of two M supergiants (Alpha Ori and Alpha Sco), two M giants (Alpha Her and Beta Peg), and a Mira-type variable (Chi Cyg). As a check on the CO analysis, the C-12/C-13 ratio is derived from the red CN system at 8000 A for Alpha Sco, Alpha Ori, and Beta Peg. The CO analysis is also applied to the K giant Alpha Boo as a check. The CN and CO results are found to be in general agreement, and the C-12/C-13 ratio in all the examined stars is shown to be considerably lower than the solar-system value. It is suggested that these stars were formed from clouds with a C-12/C-13 ratio of 40 to 89 and that their atmospheres now exhibit an enhancement of C-13 abundance due to internal production and mixing to the surface.

Hinkle, K. H.↗

On the temperature and the interstellar nature of coronal gas observed by Copernicus

More detailed scans of ions expected in interstellar absorption at temperatures of 100,000 to 1 million K have been made with Copernicus in five stars: Alpha Vir, Beta Cen, Lambda Sco, Mu Col, and HD 28497. Preliminary data show that the absorption due to O VI is stationary compared with the velocities of stellar absorption in the spectrum of the spectroscopic binary Lambda Sco, thus demonstrating its nonstellar nature. Ionization temperatures interpreted using steady-state or time-dependent assumptions yield values of 280,000 to 700,000 K. There is some evidence that a range of temperatures consistent with this spread may in fact exist in Alpha Vir. For this limited sample of data, there is no clear evidence for a generic association of low-column-density H2 and the O VI absorption. It is concluded that the O VI absorption refers to regions with temperatures exceeding 250,000 K. The only UV diagnostic for the gas appears to be the O VI features, though C IV may be useful in some cases.

York, D. G.↗

A search for interstellar NaH in diffuse clouds

The paper reports on a search for the (8, 0) R(0) line of the A-X transition of NaH at 3990.88 A toward Zeta Oph and Sigma Sco, which was performed using a spectroscopic photoelectric imaging Fabry-Perot interferometer at the coude focus of a 2.2-m telescope. One-sigma upper limits on the NaH equivalent width are derived (0.26 mA for Zeta Oph and 0.69 mA for Sigma Sco), and two-sigma upper limits on the NaH column densities are obtained which imply that the formation rate for NaH cannot be large. It is noted that the latter upper limits are only about one order of magnitude higher than the most optimistic expectation of the NaH column density for formation of this molecule on grains.

Snow, T. P., Jr.↗

The locations of Alpha-2 Herculis and Alpha-2 Scorpii along the line of sight

The theory of line formation along the line of sight to the visual companions of M stars undergoing spherically symmetric mass loss is developed. The theory is then used to determine the position of the companions relative to the primary. It is found that Alpha-2 Her is 1470 AU further along the line of sight than Alpha-1 Her for an adopted distance of 150 pc; Alpha-2 Sco is 420 AU closer than Alpha-1 Sco for an adopted distance of 185 pc.

Bernat, A. P.↗

Extreme-ultraviolet observations of nearby B stars - Constraints on hot circumstellar plasma

The extreme-ultraviolet telescope on the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project Mission observed several nearby stars of spectral type earlier than B3 in search of thermal emission from possible hot circumstellar plasma. The stars studied in the 45-185 and 114-185 A passbands of the instrument included Lambda Sco, Nu Sco, Beta CMa, Beta Cen, Sigma Sgr, and Alpha Pav. Diffuse emission around these stars in excess of about 1 billionth erg/sq cm/sec per sr/eV in the 45-185 A band and about 1 hundred-millionth erg/sq cm/sec per sr/eV in the 114-185 A band was not detected. The experimental data have been used to place upper limits on the emission measure of the plasma and the stellar-wind luminosity, using standard models. The data rule out the existence of sizable bubbles of hot plasma around any of the stars surveyed. In all cases the electron density in these regions, if they exist, may not exceed about 0.2 electron/cu cm.

Paresce, F.↗

Interstellar extinction and ultraviolet flux distribution of Scorpius X-1

Measurements of absorption at 2200 A for Sco X-1 indicate an E(B-V) of approximately 0.28. The distance to Sco X-1 is estimated to be 350 pc while the X-ray luminosity is thought to be 5 times 10 to the 36th ergs/sec. It is found that the de-reddened ultraviolet flux distribution closely resembles a blackbody at 26,000 K. Brightness variations and their relation to flickering phenomena are considered.

Wu, C.-C.↗

X-ray polarimetry

The method by which the Bragg-crystal X-ray polarimeters aboard Ariel 5 and OSO 8 operate is briefly described, and some results obtained with these instruments for six Galactic X-ray sources are summarized. A precision measurement of the linear polarization in the Crab Nebula at energies of 2.6 and 5.2 keV is presented. Evidence is given for polarization in Sco X-1, Cyg X-2, Cen X-3, and the X-ray transient A0620-00. The determined or estimated polarizations are approximately 19.2% at 2.6 keV and 19.5% at 5.2 keV for the Crab Nebula, 1.1% at 2.6 keV and 2.4% at 5.2 keV for Sco X-1, 2.5% at 2.6 keV and 9.8% at 5.2 keV for Cyg X-1, an upper limit of 13.5% for A0620-00, an upper limit of 13.5% to the time-averaged polarization of Cen X-3, and an apparent value of about 5% for Cyg X-2.

Long, K. S.↗