Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRA”

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 217 records · Page 12

The partial phase of the eclipse of epsilon Aurigae

Ultraviolet spectra of the peculiar eclipsing binary Epsilon Aurigae (FO Ia + ?) were obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer at pre-eclipse and ingress partial phases. The results show a wavelength dependence of the eclipse in contrast to the grayness (non-wavelength dependence) of the eclipse observed in visible light. From the current results, incorporating previous observations, it is suggested that: (1) the obscuration of the light of the F supergiant by the disk proposed by Huang (1965) is the result of electron scattering in visible light; (2) the increase in the eclipse depths toward shorter wavelengths observed in the ultraviolet is caused by dust; and (3) the temperature of the disk is in the range from 1000 to 2000 K.

Chapman, R. D.↗

Stellar Laboratories: 3. New Ba 5, Ba 6, and Ba 7 Oscillator Strengths and the Barium Abundance in the Hot White Dwarfs G191-B2B and RE 0503-289

Context. For the spectral analysis of high-resolution and high-signal-to-noise (S/N) spectra of hot stars, state-of-the-art non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) model atmospheres are mandatory. These are strongly dependent on the reliability of the atomic data that is used for their calculation. Aims. Reliable Ba 5-7 oscillator strengths are used to identify Ba lines in the spectra of the DA-type white dwarf G191−B2B and the DO-type white dwarf RE 0503−289 and to determine their photospheric Ba abundances. Methods. We newly calculated Ba v-vii oscillator strengths to consider their radiative and collisional bound-bound transitions in detail in our NLTE stellar-atmosphere models for the analysis of Ba lines exhibited in high-resolution and high-S/N UV observations of G191−B2B and RE 0503−289. Results. For the first time, we identified highly ionized Ba in the spectra of hot white dwarfs. We detected Ba vi and Ba vii lines in the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) spectrum of RE 0503−289. The Ba vi/Ba vii ionization equilibrium is well reproduced with the previously determined effective temperature of 70 000 K and surface gravity of log g=7.5. The Ba abundance is 3.5 +/- 0.5 × 10(exp−4) (mass fraction, about 23 000 times the solar value). In the FUSE spectrum of G191−B2B, we identified the strongest Ba vii line (at 993.41 Å) only, and determined a Ba abundance of 4.0 +/- 0.5 × 10(exp−6) (about 265 times solar). Conclusions. Reliable measurements and calculations of atomic data are a pre-requisite for stellar-atmosphere modeling. Observed Ba vi-vii line profiles in two white dwarfs' (G191−B2B and RE 0503−289) far-ultraviolet spectra were well reproduced with our newly calculated oscillator strengths. This allowed to determine the photospheric Ba abundance of these two stars precisely.

New Ba V↗

Ultraviolet and optical spectra of high-ionization Seyfert galaxies with narrow lines

Ultraviolet and optical spectra are presented for three unusual Seyfert galaxies (Mrk 1239, Mrk 42, and Mrk 493) that resemble Seyfert 1 galaxies in that they have strong high-ionization lines and strong nonstellar continua, but resemble Seyfert 2 galaxies in that the widths of their permitted lines are as narrow as the widths of their forbidden lines. The He II lambda 1640 and He II lambda 4686 lines are used to determine an upper limit to the reddening experienced by the emission lines. Published optical data show that these particular high-ionization narrow-line (HINL) Seyferts have low lambda 5007 H beta ratios and strong Fe II emission, which suggest the presence of high-density regions. The low Lalpha/H-beta ratios in these objects indicate that high-density clouds are indeed present, and, like the broad-line region clouds in Seyfert 1 galaxies, these clouds have large optical depths with partially ionized zones. Overall, the line ratios and continuum fluxes of these particular HINL Seyferts are indistinguishable from those of broad-lined Seyfert 1 galaxies.

Crenshaw, D. Michael↗

Analysis of IUE Observations of Supernovae

This program supported the analysis of IUE observations of supernovae. One aspect was a Target-of-Opportunity program to observe bright supernovae which was applied to SN 1993J in M81, and another was continuing analysis of the IUE data from SN 1987A. Because of its quick response time, the IUE satellite has continued to provide useful data on the ultraviolet spectra of supernovae. Even after the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, which has much more powerful ultraviolet spectrometers, the IUE has enabled us to obtain early and frequent measurements of ultraviolet radiation: this information has been folded in with our HST data to create unique observations of supernova which can be interpreted to give powerful constraints on the physical properties of the exploding stars. Our chief result in the present grant period was the completion of a detailed reanalysis of the data on the circumstellar shell of SN 1987A. The presence of narrow high-temperature mission lines from nitrogen-rich gas close to SN 1987A has been the principal observational constraint on the evolution of the supernova's progenitor. Our new analysis shows that the onset of these lines, their rise to maximum, and their subsequent fading can be understood in the context of a model for the photoionization of circumstellar matter.

Kirshner, Robert P.↗

A Study of the Ultraviolet Absorptions in the Spectra of DA White Dwarfs

Systematic investigations of the ultraviolet spectra of the hydrogen-rich white dwarfs were conducted with the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite (IUE). This is to follow up on the work reported in Nelan and Wegner (1985) that the strong absorptions found earlier near lambda lambda 1600 and 1400 (cf. Greenstein 1980; Wegner 1982 and 1984, b) in the spectra of the cooler DA are absorptions produced by the H2 and H2(+) quasi-molecules. Observations of new DA white dwarfs obtained with the IUE are summarized.

Wegner, G. A.↗

Ultraviolet spectroscopy of pre-main-sequence accretion disks

Low-resolution, ultraviolet spectra of the pre-main-sequence objects Z Canis Majoris, V1057 Cygni, and FU Orionis are presented. Ultraviolet absorption features indicate spectral types of A5 I for FU Ori and F5 I for Z CMa. These results are in reasonable agreement with predictions of simple accretion disk models. The lack of significant veiling of ultraviolet absorption features implies that a hot boundary layer at the inner edge of the disk contributes less than 20 percent of the radiation at 2600-3200 A, which is significantly smaller than expected. It is suggested that accretion has significantly modified the structure of the underlying pre-main-sequence stars in these systems (perhaps by expanding the photosphere or by spinning up a radiative photosphere close to breakup velocity, or both), or that the boundary layer region is much more extended above the disk midplane than standard thin disk theories predict.

Kenyon, S. J.↗

The Advanced Spectral Library (ASTRAL): Reference Spectra for Evolved M Stars

The HST (Hubble Space Telescope) Treasury Program Advanced Spectral Library Project: Cool Stars was designed to collect representative, high-quality ultraviolet spectra of eight evolved F-M type cool stars. The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) echelle spectra of these objects enable investigations of a broad range of topics, including stellar and interstellar astrophysics. This paper provides a guide to the spectra of the two evolved M stars, the M2 Iab super giant alpha Ori and the M3.4 giant gamma Cru, with comparisons to the prototypical K1.5 giant alpha Boo. It includes identifications of the significant atomic and molecular emission and absorption features and discusses the character of the photospheric and chromospheric continua and line spectra. The fluorescent processes responsible for a large portion of the emission-line spectrum, the characteristics of the stellar winds, and the available diagnostics for hot and cool plasmas are also summarized. This analysis will facilitate the future study of the spectra, outer atmospheres, and winds, not only of these objects but of numerous other cool, low-gravity stars, for years to come.

M Stars↗

Ultraviolet photometry from the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory. XXII Ultraviolet light variation of Beta Lyrae

Six-color ultraviolet light curves of the complex eclipsing binary system Beta Lyr were obtained with the OAO-2 Wisconsin Experiment Package. The filters had a typical width at half maximum of 150 to 200 A and were centered at 1430, 1550, 1910, 2460, 2980, and 3320 A. The most striking characteristics of the ultraviolet light curves are that the secondary minimum deepens at shorter wavelengths. This indicates that we are not observing the eclipse effect of two stars having roughly a Planckian distribution of energy. In combination with the high-resolution far-ultraviolet spectra of Beta Lyr recently obtained with Copernicus (OAO-3) Princeton Telescope Spectrometer, it is concluded that the far-ultraviolet light curves are dominated by emission from the high-temperature gas surrounding the binary system. The ultraviolet observations of OAO-2 and Copernicus are consistent with a model in which the enigmatic secondary component involves a gravitationally collapsed object; i.e., a black hole. However, alternative models are also admissible.

Kondo, Y.↗

Measurement of temperature profiles in flames by emission-absorption spectroscopy

An investigation was conducted to explore the use of infrared and ultraviolet emission-absorption spectroscopy for determination of temperature profiles in flames. Spectral radiances and absorptances were measured in the 2.7-micron H2O band and the 3064-A OH band in H2/O2 flames for several temperature profiles which were directly measured by a sodium line-reversal technique. The temperature profiles, determined by inversion of the infrared and ultraviolet spectra, showed an average disagreement with line-reversal measurements of 50 K for the infrared and 200 K for the ultraviolet at a temperature of 2600 K. The reasons for these discrepancies are discussed in some detail.

Simmons, F. S.↗

The detection of a companion star to the Cepheid variable Eta Aquilae

Ultraviolet spectra have been obtained with IUE of the classical Cepheid Eta Aquilae at several phases in the 7.18 day period. Significant ultraviolet emission is detected at wavelengths less than 1600 A, where little flux is expected from classical Cepheids. Furthermore, the emission at wavelengths less than about 1600 A does not vary with phase. Comparison with model atmosphere flux distributions shows that the nonvariable emission is consistent with the flux expected from a main-sequence companion star with an effective temperature of about 9500 K (A0 V). The observed ultraviolet flux and spectral type are used to compute a distance of 300 pc to the system, in agreement with the distance predicted using the period luminosity relation.

Mariska, J. T.↗

An ISO and IUE Study of Planetary Nebula NGC 2440

The infrared and ultraviolet spectra of planetary nebula NGC 2440 is presented. The observations were made respectively by the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) and International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) These data, in conjunction with published optical observations have been used to derive electron temperature and density. A trend of electron temperature with ionization potential is found. In particular the electron temperature increases from 11000 to 18000 K with increasing IBM. The electron density has a constant value of 4500/cu cm in agreement with previous determination. The chemical abundance has been derived for the following elements; helium, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, neon, sulfur and argon. The ionization correction factor turns out to be very small (almost unnecessary) for all species except sulfur.

Salas, J. Bernard↗

High-resolution IUE observations of interstellar absorption lines in the Vela supernova remnant

Ultraviolet spectra of 45 stars in the vicinity of the Vela supernova remnant were recorded by the short-wavelength echelle spectrograph aboard the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE). Over one-third of the stars show interstellar absorption lines at large radial velocities (greater than 60 km/s). The mapping of these high-velocity components in the sky suggests the motions are chaotic, rather than from a coherent expansion of the remnant material. In accord with earlier conclusions from Copernicus data, the gas at high velocity exhibits higher than normal ionization and shows substantially less depletion of nonvolatile elements than normal interstellar material at low velocities. Relatively strong lines from neutral carbon in the two excited fine-structure states indicate that the neutral clouds within the remnant have had their pressures enhanced by the passage of the blast wave from the supernova. Also, the remnant seems to show a significant enhancement in the abundances of low-velocity Si IV, C IV, and N V over those found in the general interstellar medium.

Jenkins, E. B.↗

Recent results of the Goddard rocket program for observing stars.

Rockets flown by A. M. Smith have yielded spectra of Alpha Vir, Bl V, Zeta Puppis, O 5f, Zeta Ori, O9.5 Ib, Zeta Oph, O9.5 V and Zeta Per, Bl Ib, at about 0.5 A resolution. Many weak subordinate lines are visible in the range 924 to 1700 A as well as strong resonance lines, some of which have P Cygni profiles. Sharp interstellar lines from C I, C II, O I and Si II are seen. Stecher and Smith have confirmed the presence of CO in the interstellar medium from lines in the ultraviolet spectra of Zeta Oph and Zeta Per. Absolute energy calibrations of the ultraviolet energy distribution of Alpha Leo, Alpha CMa, Gamma Ori and Kappa Ori have been derived with accuracy to about plus or minus 15% over the range 1350-3100 A from rocket spectra at 10 A resolution obtained by D. C. Evans.

Underhill, A. B.↗

The detection of companion stars to the Cepheid variables ETA Aquilae and T Monocerotis

Ultraviolet spectra of the classical Cepheid variables eta Aq1 and T Mon at several phases in their periods were obtained with IUE. For eta Aq1 significant ultraviolet emission is detected at wavelengths less than 1600 A, where little flux is expected from classical Cepheids. Furthermore, the emission at wavelengths less than about 1600 A does not vary with phase. Comparison with model atmosphere flux distributions shows that the nonvariable emission is consistent with the flux expected from a main sequence companion star with an effective temperature of about 9500 K (AO V - A1 V). For T Mon a nonvarying component to the ultraviolet emission is observed for wavelengths less than 2600 A. Comparison with model atmosphere flux distributions suggests that the companion has an effective temperature of around 10,000 K (AO) and is near the main sequence.

Mariska, J. T.↗

Far-ultraviolet emission from the Taurus molecular cloud

Far-ultraviolet spectra of diffuse emission from a region in the Taurus molecular cloud are presented. These data were obtained with the Berkeley spectrometer on NASA's Ultraviolet Experiment (UVX) payload. The intensity of the continuum emission drops as the optical depth increases toward the denser part of the cloud, an effect which is the opposite of that observed for the diffuse flux at high galactic latitudes. At the center of the aperture, the optical depth is very large, and the continuum emission must be produced by backscattering. At the edges of the cloud, the continuum intensity rises by a factor of 2. The data are interpreted with a new radiative transfer model, which is significantly more sophisticated than its predecessors. If the grain scattering properties are constant across the cloud, a unique best-fit combination can be determined from the data. The best-fit albedo is 0.6 +/- 0.1 at 1600 A. The best-fit value for the phase factor g is 0.5 +/- 0.15. The intensity of the flourescence of H2, combined with an upper limit to the column density of atomic hydrogen associated with the cloud, sets a lower limit of about 130/cm to the density in the flourescence region. Our estimate of the flux incident on the cloud at 1000 A is a factor of 2 to 3 lower than the value required to produce the measured flourescence intensity. Most mechanisms which might reconcile the discrepancy reduce the derived albedo and phase factor.

Hurwitz, M.↗

The spectrum of the tropical oxygen nightglow observed at 3 A resolution with the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope

Ultraviolet spectra of the tropical oxygen nightglow in the range of 830 to 1850 A (in first order) at 3 A resolution were obtained with the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope in December 1990. The data are presented which were obtained on a setting celestial target as the zenith angle of the line-of-sight varied from 77 to 95 deg. The dominant features in the spectrum (other than geocoronal hydrogen) are O I 1304 and 1356 and the radiative recombination continuum near 911 A. The continuum is resolved and found to be consistent with an electron temperature in the range 1000-1250 K. The observed ratio of the brightness of O I 1356 to the continuum suggests that O(+)-O(-) mutual neutralization contributes about 40 percent to the 1356 A emission. The dependence of the optically thin emissions on zenith angle is consistent with a simple ionospheric model. Weak O I 989 emission is also detected, but there is no evidence for any similarly produced atomic nitrogen emissions.

Feldman, P. D.↗

Coronal Structure: Legacy of EUVE

Extreme ultraviolet spectra (lambda lambda 70-740) and light curves (lambda lambda 75-175) of the spectroscopic binary system lambda And (HD 222107), were obtained with the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer satellite (EUVE) in July and August 1997. Two flares were detected during the observations which spanned 15 days, or almost three-quarters of the orbital period of 20.5 days. The Emission Measure Distribution (EMD) of lambda And derived from a line-based analysis, shows an increasing slope with the temperature from 3.1x10(exp 6) K through 2.0x10(exp 7) K, as well as a remarkable 'bump' around T(sub e) approx. equals 10(exp 6.9) K. During the flares small changes were detected in both the general slope of the EMD and the height of the bump, but the bump remained very stable in its temperature. Electron densities of N(sub e) approx. equals 10(exp 12.7) cm(exp -3) are indicated at temperatures of 10(exp 7) K using Fe XXI and Fe XXII emission features.

Dupree, Andrea K.↗