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At least 253 records · Page 14
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NASA NTRS1994

Relationship between magnetic field evolution and flaring sites in AR 6659 in June 1991

During the international campaign of June 1991, the active region AR 6659 produced six very large, long-duration flares (X10/12) during its passage across the solar disk. We present the characteristics of four of them (June 4, 6, 9, 15). Precise measurements of the spot motions from Debrecen and Tokyo white-light pictures are used to understand the fragmentation of the main sunspot group with time. This fragmentation leads to a continuous restructuring of the magnetic field pattern while rapid changes are evidenced due to fast new flux emergence (magnetograms of Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Huairou). The first process leads to a shearing of the field lines along which there is energy storage; the second one is the trigger which causes the release of energy by creating a complex topology. We conjecture that these two processes with different time scales are relevant to the production of flares.

Schmieder, B.↗
NASA NTRS1994

1ES 1113+432: Luminous, soft X-ray outburst from a nearby cataclysmic variable (AR Ursae Majoris)

A remarkable X-ray transient from the Einstein Slew Survey, 1 ES 1113+432, is identified with a nearby, short-period cataclysmic variable. Wenzel (1993) has confirmed that the optical counterpart is the variable star, AR UMa (cataloged as 'semiregular'), erroneously reported 5.7 min southeast of the true position. One of the Einstein slew observations recorded a flux of 43 IPC counts/s, which is an order of magnitude above the flux observed from the brightest cataclysmic variables in other X-ray surveys. The outburst spectrum is extremely 'soft,' with an implied blackbody temperature of approximately 22 eV. The optical counterpart (V = 16.5) exhibits a strong UV component, TiO bands from an M star, and broadened Balmer emission lines. Optical states as bright as V approx. 13 were found on photographs from the Harvard Plate Library, confirming outburst behavior in the optical counterpart. The historical photographic record suggests that 1ES 1113+432 remains in a low-accretion state most of the time. Both of the soft X-ray spectrum and the transitions between high and low-accretion states are suggestive of the AM Her (magnetic) subclass. Photometric observations in the I band show 0.18 mag modulations at a period of 0.966 hr. These are interpreted as ellipsiodal variations in the secondary star for a binary period of 1.932 hr, which is near the lower boundary of the 'period gap' in the histogram, of orbital periods of accreting white dwarfs. Thus 1ES 1113+432 provides the rare opportunity to study a secondary star in a cataclysmic binary that has evolved through the period gap. The optical spectral features from the secondary imply a spectral type of approximately M6 and a distance of approximately 88 pc. The peak luminosity in the soft X-ray component (unabsorbed) is then estimated to be 3 X 10(exp 33) ergs/s, assuming emission from a blackbody slab with a temperature of 22 eV. While this luminosity is higher than previous measures of the soft X-ray component, it does not exceed the amount of radiation that could be emitted from the accretion-heated surface of a white dwarf.

Remillard, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Atomic data from the iron project. 3: Rate coefficients for electron impact excitation of boron-like ions: Ne VI, Mg VIII, Al IX, Si X, S XII, Ar XIV, Ca XVI and Fe XXII

Collison strengths and maxwellian averaged rate coefficients have been calculated for the 105 transitions among all 15 fine structure levels of the 8 LS terms 2s(sup 2) 2 P(P-2(sup 0 sub 1/, 3/2)), 2s2p(sup 2)(P-4(sub 1/2,3/2,5/2), D-2(sub 3/2, 5/2), S-2(sub 1/2), P-2(sub 1/2, 3/2)), 2p(sup 3)(S-4(sup 0)(sub 3/2), D-2(sup 0 sub 3/2, 5/2), P-2(sup 0 sub 1/2, 3/2)) in highly- charged B-like Ne, Mg, Al, Si, S, Ar, Ca and Fe. Rate coefficients have been tabulated at a wide range of temperatures, depending on the ion charge and abundance in plasma sources. Earlier work for O IV has also been extended to include the high temperature range. A brief discussion of the calculations, sample results, and comparison with earlier works is also given. While much of the new data should be applicable to UV spectral diagnostics, the new rates for the important ground state fine structure transition P-2(sup 0 sub 1/2)-P-2(sup 0 sub 3/2) should result in significant revision of the IR cooling rates in plasmas where B-like ions are prominent constituents, since the new rate coefficients are generally higher by several factors compared with the older data.

Zhang, Hong Lin↗
NASA NTRS1994

Increasing the yield of Ar((sup 3)P(sub 2, 0)) and Ne((sub 3)P(sub 2, 0)) effusing from a glow discharge by using a longitudinal magnetic field

It is demonstrated that a longitudinal magnetic field applied to a low-pressure, low-voltage, hot cathode glow discharge will substantially increase the intensity of metastable atoms effusing from a central anode slit. For an argon discharge there is a fourfold increase in the effusing Ar((sup 3)P(sub 2, 0)) atom intensity and for neon there is a 14-fold increase in Ne((sup 3)P(sub 2, 0)) intensity.

Barrios, A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Preferential heating of light ions during an ionospheric AR(+) injection experiment

The ARCS 4 sounding rocket was launched northward into high altitude from Poker Flat Research Range on February 23, 1990. The vehicle crossed geomagnetic field lines containing discrete auroral activity. An instrumented subpayload released 100 ev and 200 ev Ar(+) ion beams sequentially, in a direction largely perpendicular to both the local geomagnetic field and the subpayload spin axis. The instrumented main payload was separated along field lines from the beam emitting subpayload by a distance which increased at a steady rate of approx. 2.4 m/s. Three-dimensional mass spectrometric ion observations of ambient H(+) and O(+) ions, obtained onboard the main payload, are presented. Main payload electric field observations in the frequency range 0-16 kHz, are also presented. These observations are presented to demonstrate the operation of transverse ion acceleration, that was differential with respect to ion mass, primarily during 100-ev beam operations. The preferential transverse acceleration of ambient H(+) ions, as compared with ambient O(+) ions during the second, third, fourth, and fifth 100-ev beam operations, is attributed to a resonance at the injected the beam drift velocity among the thermal H(+) ions and plasma waves generated by the injected beam and propagating at the beam drift speed. This work provides experimental support of processes predicted by previously published theory and simulations.

Pollock, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The magnetic evolution of AR 6555 which lead to two impulsive, readily compact, X-type flares

We study the evolution of the vector magnetic field and the sunspot motions observed in AR 6555 during 23-26 Mar. 1991. This region displays two locations of large magnetic shear that were also sites of flare activity. The first location produced two large (X-class) flares during the period covered by our observations. The second location had larger magnetic shear than the first, but produced only small (M- and C-class) flares during our observations. We study the evolution of the photospheric magnetic field in relation to the large flares in the first location. These flares occurred around the same included polarity, and have very similar characteristics (soft X-ray light curves, energies, etc.). However, the whole active region has changed substantially in the period between them. We found several characteristics of the region that appear related to the occurrence of these flares. (1) The flares occurred near regions of large magnetic 'shear,' but not at the locations of maximum shear or maximum field. (2) Potential field extrapolations of the observed field suggest that the topology changed, prior to the first of the two flares, in such a way that a null appeared in the coarse magnetic field. (3) This null was located close to both X-class flares, and remained in that location for a few days while the two flares were observed. (4) The flaring region has a pattern of vector field and sunspot motions in which material is 'squeezed' along the polarity inversion line. This pattern is very different from that usually associated with shearing arcades, but it is similar to that suggested previously by Fontenla and Davis. The vertical electric currents, inferred from the transverse field, are consistent with this pattern. (5) A major reconfiguration of the longitudinal field and the vertical electric currents occurred just prior to the first of the two flares. Both changes imply substantial variations of the magnetic structure of the region. On the basis of the available data we suggest that these changes made the flaring possible, and we develop a scenario that can explain the origin of the magnetic free energy that was released in these flares.

Ambastha, A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The Magnetic Evolution of AR 6555 which led to Two Impulsive, Relatively Compact, X-Type Flares

We study the evolution of the vector magnetic field and the sunspot motions observed in AR 6555 during 1991 March 23-26. This region displays two locations of large magnetic shear that were also sites of flare activity. The first location produced two large (X-class) flares during the period covered by our observations. The second location had larger magnetic shear than the first but produced only small (M- and C-class) flares during our observations. We study the evolution of the photospheric magnetic field in relation to the large flares in the first location. These flares occurred around the same included polarity and have very similar characteristics (soft X-ray light curves, energies, etc,). However, the whole active region has changed substantially in the period between them. We found several characteristics of the region that appear related to the occurrence of these flares: (1) The flares occurred near regions of large magnetic 'shear' but not at the locations of maximum shear or maximum field. (2) Potential field extrapolations of the observed field suggest that the topology changed, prior to the first of the two flares, in such a way that a null appeared in the coarse magnetic field. (3) This null was located close to both X-class flares and remained in that location for a few days while the two flares were observed. (4) The flaring region has a pattern of vector field and sunspot motions in which material is 'squeezed' along the polarity inversion line. This pattern is very different from that usually associated with shearing arcades, but it is similar to that suggested previously by Fontenia and Davis. The vertical electric currents, inferred from the transverse field, are consistent with this pattern. (5) A major reconfiguration of the longitudinal field and the vertical electric currents occurred just prior to the first of the two flares. Both changes imply substantial variations of the magnetic structure of the region. On the basis of the available data we suggest that these changes made the flaring possible, and we develop a scenario that can explain the origin of the magnetic free-energy that was released in these flares.

Fontenla, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Collision Strengths for Electron Impact Excitation of Inelastic Transitions in Ar II

We have calculated collision strengths for electron impact excitation of inelastic transitions in Ar II using the R-matrix method in two independent nine- and 19-state close-coupling approximations. In the nine-state calculation the 3s(sup 2)3p(sup 5)2p(sup 0), 3S(sup 3)p(sup 6)S-2, 3p(sup 4)(P-3)4s(sup 2)P, 3p(sup 4)(P-3)3d(sup 2)P, 3p(sup 4)(D-1)4s(sup 2)D, 3p(sup 4)(P-3)3d(sup 2)D, 3p(sup 4)(S-1)4s(sup 2)S, 3p(sup 4)(D-1)3d(sup 2)S and 3p(sup 4)(D-1)4d(sup 2)S states are included, while in the 19-state calculation these states plus an additional ten states 3p(sup 4)(P-3)3d(sup 2)F, 3p(sup 4)(P-3)4p(sup 2)D(sup 0), 2p(sup 0), 2S(sup 0), 3p(sup 4)(D-1)4p(sup 2)P(sup 0), 2D(sup O), 2F(sup 0), 3p(sup 4)(D-1)3d(sup 2)D, p-2 and 3p(sup 4)(S-1)4p(sup 2)P(sup 0) are considered. These target states are represented by fairly extensive configuration-interaction wavefunctions which yield excitation energies and oscillator strengths that are generally in good agreement with the available most accurate calculations and the experimental values. Rydberg series of resonances converging to the excited state thresholds are included in the calculation. The effective collision strengths are obtained assuming a Maxwellian distribution of electron energies which are tabulated over the temperature range (0.5-20) x 10(exp 4) K.

Tayal, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS1998

A Search for Vector Magnetic Field Variations Associated with the M-Class Flares of 1991 June 10 in AR 6659

A careful analysis of a 6-hour time sequence of vector magnetograms of AR 6659, observed on 1991 June 10 with the MSFC vector magnetograph, has revealed only minor changes in the vector magnetic field azimuths in the vicinity of two M-class flares, and the association of these changes with the flares is not unambiguous. In this paper we present our analysis of the data which includes comparison of vector magnetograms prior to and during the flares, calculation of distributions of the rms variation of the azimuth at each pixel in the field of view of the active region, and examination of the variation with time of the azimuths at every pixel covered by the main flare emissions as observed with the H-alpha telescope coaligned with the vector magnetograph. We also present results of an analysis of evolutionary changes in the azimuth over the field of view of the active region.

Hagyard, Mona J.↗
NASA NTRS1998

A Search for Vector Magnetic Field Variations Associated with the M-Class Flares of 1991 June 10 in AR 6659

A careful analysis of a 6-hour time sequence of vector magnetograms of AR 6659, observed on 1991 June 10 with the MSFC vector magnetograph, has revealed only minor changes in the vector magnetic field azimuths in the vicinity of two M-class flares, and the association of these changes with the flares is not unambiguous. In this paper we present our analysis of the data which includes comparison of vector magnetograms prior to and during the flares, calculation of distributions of the rms variation of the azimuth at each pixel in the field of view of the active region, and examination of the variation with time of the azimuths at every pixel covered by the main flare emissions as observed with the H-alpha telescope coaligned with the vector magnetograph. We also present results of an analysis of evolutionary changes in the azimuth over the field of view of the active region.

Hagyard, Mona J.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Neutron-Capture Kr-80 and Ar-36 in the Martian Atmosphere and Regolith

We calculate that approximately 10% of martian atmospheric Kr-80 formed by neutron capture on Mars in approx. 0.5 Ga. The regolith contains even larger amounts of n-capture Kr-80 and Ar-36, which may provide clues to the evolution of the martian regolith and atmosphere. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Rao, M. N.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Effect of a Silicone Contaminant Film on the Transmittance Properties of AR-coated Fused Silica

We present the results of a laboratory test to determine the effects of bulk deposited, DC-704 silicone contaminant film on the transmittance properties of an anti-reflective (AR) coated fused silica optical substrate. Testing and optical measurements were performed in vacuum in the Boeing Combined Effects Test Facility (CETF). The test and measurement procedures are described herein. Measurement results are presented showing the change in transmittance characteristics as a function of contaminant deposit thickness and vacuum ultra-violet (vuv) exposure levels. Measurement results show an initial degradation in the transmittance of the contaminated sample. This is followed by a partial recovery in sample transmittance as the sample is exposed to additional VUV radiation. Transmittance results also show a loss of transmission in the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum and an increase in transmission in the infrared portion of the spectrum. These transmittance results are characteristic of thin-film interference effects. Thin-film analyses indicate that some of the observed transmittance results can be successfully modeled, but only if the contaminant film is assumed to be SiO2 rather than DC-704 silicone. Post-test Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) scans of the test sample indicate the formation of contaminant islands and the presence of a thin uniform coating of contaminant deposit on the sample

Boeder, Paul A.↗
NASA NTRS2007

AVGS, AR and D for Satellites, ISS, the Moon, Mars and Beyond

With the continuous need to rotate crew and re-supply the International Space Station (ISS) and the desire to return humans to the Moon and for the first time, place humans on Mars, NASA must develop a more robust and highly reliable capability to perform Autonomous Rendezvous and Capture (AR&C) because, unlike the Apollo missions, NASA plans to send the entire crew to the Lunar or Martian surface and must be able to dock with the Orion spacecraft upon return. In 1997, NASA developed the Video Guidance Sensor (VGS) which was flown and tested on STS-87 and STS-95. In 2001, NASA designed and built a more enhanced version of the VGS, called the Advanced Video Guidance Sensor (AVGS). The AVGS offered significant technology improvements to the precursor VGS design. This paper will describe the AVGS as it was in the DART mission of 2005 and the Orbital Express mission of 2007. The paper will describe the capabilities and design concepts of the AVGS as it was flown on the DART 2005 Mission and the DARPA Orbital Express Mission slated to fly in 2007. The paper will cover the Flight Software, problems encountered, testing for Orbital Express and where NASA is going in the future.

Hintze, Geoffrey C.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Noble Gas Analysis for Mars Robotic Missions: Evaluating K-Ar Age Dating for Mars Rock Analogs and Martian Shergottites

The purpose of this noble gas investigation was to evaluate the possibility of measuring noble gases in martian rocks and air by future robotic missions such as the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL). The MSL mission has, as part of its payload, the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument, which consists of a pyrolysis oven integrated with a GCMS. The MSL SAM instrument has the capability to measure noble gas compositions of martian rocks and atmosphere. Here we suggest the possibility of K-Ar age dating based on noble gas release of martian rocks by conducting laboratory simulation experiments on terrestrial basalts and martian meteorites. We provide requirements for the SAM instrument to obtain adequate noble gas abundances and compositions within the current SAM instrumental operating conditions, especially, a power limit that prevents heating the furnace above approx.1100 C. In addition, Martian meteorite analyses from NASA-JSC will be used as ground truth to evaluate the feasibility of robotic experiments to constrain the ages of martian surface rocks.

Park, J.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Liquid Water on Enceladus from Observations of Ammonia and Ar-40 in the Plume

Jets of water ice from surface fractures near the south pole of Saturn's icy moon Enceladus produce a plume of gas and particles. The source of the jets may be a liquid water region under the ice shell-as suggested most recently by the discovery of salts in E-ring particles derived from the plume-or warm ice that is heated, causing dissociation of clathrate hydrates. Here we report that ammonia is present in the plume, along with various organic compounds, deuterium and, very probably, Ar-40. The presence of ammonia provides strong evidence for the existence of at least some liquid water, given that temperatures in excess of 180 K have been measured near the fractures from which the jets emanate. We conclude, from the overall composition of the material, that the plume derives from both a liquid reservoir (or from ice that in recent geological time has been in contact with such a reservoir) as well as from degassing, volatile-charged ice. As part of a general comprehensive review of the midsize saturnian satellites at the conclusion of the prime Cassini mission, PI McKinnon and co-I Barr contributed to three review chapters.

Waite, J. H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2010

K-shell Photoionization of Na-like to Cl-like Ions of Mg, Si, S, Ar, and Ca

We present R-matrix calculations of photoabsorption and photoionization cross sections across the K edge of Mg, Si, S, Ar, and Ca ions with more than 10 electrons. The calculations include the effects of radiative and Auger damping by means of an optical potential. The wave functions are constructed from single-electron. orbital bases obtained using a Thomas-Fermi-Dirac statistical model potential. Configuration interaction is considered among all states up to n = 3. The damping processes affect the resonances converging to the K-thresholds causing them to display symmetric profiles of constant width that smear the otherwise sharp edge at the photoionization threshold. These data are important for the modeling of features found in photoionized plasmas.

Witthoeft, M. C.↗