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NASA NTRS1989

The relationship between infrared, optical, and ultraviolet extinction

The parameterized extinction data of Fitzpatrick and Massa (1986, 1988) for the ultraviolet and various sources for the optical and near-infrared are used to derive a meaningful average extinction law over the 3.5 micron to 0.125 wavelength range which is applicable to both diffuse and dense regions of the interstellar medium. The law depends on only one parameter R(V) = A(V)/E(B-V). An analytic formula is given for the mean extinction law which can be used to calculate color excesses or to deredden observations. The validity of the law over a large wavelength interval suggests that the processes which modify the sizes and compositions of grains are stochastic in nature and very efficient.

Cardelli, Jason A.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Grain ultraviolet extinction properties of recently discovered post asymptotic giant branch stars

The circumstellar grains of two hot evolved postasymptotic giant branch stars, HD 89353 and HD 213985, are examined, deriving the extinction around 2175 A. An unsuccessful attempt to detect 6614 A diffuse band absorption arising from the grains implies that the carrier of this diffuse band is not the carrier of the unidentified IR features reported by other investigators nor of the 2175 A bump. It is found that the linear UV extinction of the carbon-rich star HD 89353 continues across the 2175 A region with no sign of the bump; for HD 213985 the reverse is found: a strong, wide bump in the mid-UV. A wavelength of 2300 A is derived for the HD 213985 bump, which lies longward of its unusual position in the interstellar medium. Since HD 89353 is metal-poor yet rich in hydrogen and carbon, the linear extinction arises from hydrocarbon grains of radius less than 300 A.

Buss, Richard H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Far-ultraviolet extinction determined from Voyager data

Data from the Voyager UV spectrometers are used to derive FUV extinction curves for 19 stars, using the pair-comparison method after the removal of the effects of line absorption due to H I and H2. It is shown that the FUV extinction rise continues to the limit of the data at about 925 A, supporting the theoretical prediction by Longo et al. (1989) that the FUV extinction continues to rise toward short wavelengths all the way to the Lyman limit at 912 A.

Snow, Theodore P.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Reddening and extinction towards H II regions

The light emitted by the gas in H II regions is attenuated by dust. This extinction can be measured by comparing H alpha, H beta, and radio continuum fluxes, since the intrinsic ratios of the Balmer line and thermal radio continuum emissivities are nearly constant for reasonable conditions in H II regions. In the case of giant extragalactic H II regions, the extinction was found to be considerably greater than expected. The dust between the Earth and the emitting gas may have an optical thickness which varies. The dust may be close enough to the source that scattered light contributes to the flux, or the dust may be actually mixed with the emitting gas. It is difficult to decide which configuration is correct. A rediscussion of this question in light of recent observations, with the Fabry-Perot spectrophotometers, of the large Galactic H II region is presented. The color excesses are compared for stars embedded in these H II regions with those derived (assuming the standard law) from the nebular extinction and reddening.

Caplan, James↗

NASA NTRS1989

Grain mantles: The impact on grain evolution and selective extinction

Depletion studies are used to infer the presence of mantles and to constrain grain evolutionary models in the diffuse interstellar medium. The presence of these mantles appears to be important in the evolution of the grains inside diffuse as well as dense clouds. In dense clouds where the element-to-element abundances sometimes differ from those found in diffuse clouds, empirical relationships are starting to emerge between gas abundances and various types of peculiar selective extinction. These peculiar extinction curves may be the results of nonvolatile mantle formation on grain cores or may reflect chemical differences due to variations in the intrinsic metalicity from one cloud to another. A simple model of the time evolution of a parcel of gas and dust as observed by the depletion of two elements is presented. Different studies of grain evolution and selective extinction are discussed and compared.

Joseph, Charles L.↗

NASA NTRS1989

On the origin of extinction in the Coma cluster of galaxies

Visual extinction of distant clusters seen through the Coma cluster seem to suggest that dust may be present in the hot x ray emitting intracluster gas. However, the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) failed to detect any infrared emission from the cluster at the level expected from the extinction measurements. Researchers carried out a detailed analysis of the properties of intracluster dust in the context of a model which includes continuous injection of dust by the cluster galaxies, grain destruction by sputtering, and transient grain heating by the hot plasma. Computed infrared fluxes are in agreement with the upper limit obtained from the IRAS. The calculations, and the constraint implied by the IRAS observations, suggest that the intracluster dust must be significantly depleted compared to interstellar abundances. Researchers discuss possible explanations for the discrepancy between the observed visual extinction and the IRAS upper limit.

Rephaeli, Y.↗

NASA NTRS1990

The fossil record of evolution: Data on diversification and extinction

The two principle efforts include: (1) a compilation of a synoptic, mesoscale data base on times of origination and extinction of animal genera in the oceans over the last 600 million years of geologic time; and (2) an analysis of statistical patterns in these data that relate to the diversification of complex life and to the occurrence of mass extinctions, especially those that might be associated with extraterrestrial phenomena. The data base is unique in its taxonomic scope and detail and in its temporal resolution. It is a valuable resource for investigating evolutionary expansions and extinctions of complex life.

Sepkoski, J. John, Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Galactic survey of interstellar abundances and selective extinction with IUE and IRAS

A progress report on the results of a survey of UV selective extinction curves using the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite is presented. From IUE high resolution spectra, UV selective extinction curves are derived. These are fitted to six parameters characterizing the grey extinction, the 2175 angstrom bump, and the far ultraviolet curvature. These parameters are compared to the results of previous surveys of interstellar metals and infrared Cirrus intensities. With IUE high resolution spectra, equivalent widths of 18 ultraviolet resonance transitions toward 273 early type stars are measured and column densities are derived. Using the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) all sky survey, infrared Cirrus intensities at 12, 25, 60, and 100 microns are measured.

Vansteenberg, Michael E.↗

NASA NTRS1991

The effects of sulfate and soot in smoke on atmospheric extinction

There was a big forest fire in Northeastern China in May, 1987. An apparently new aerosol layer was detected at the base of the stratosphere. The fire burned from about 6 to 28 May 1987 and produced extensive clouds of smoke that were tracked for thousands of kilometers using NOAA weather satellite imagery. It was found that during and just after this fire, the concentration of particles in the upper tropopause and lower stratosphere above the Pacific Ocean and North America increased as much as 10 times normal concentrations. The increase of the atmospheric extinction coefficient was contributed mostly by sulfates and soot resulting from biomass burning and coal combustion. It was shown that their contributions can reach 80 to 90 percent of the whole extinction coefficient. The forest fire can inject smoke high into the atmosphere, resulting in an increase in atmospheric extinction that might lead to a climate perturbation.

Su, Weihan↗

NASA NTRS1991

Observations that link infrared cirrus and ultraviolet extinction

Results are presented of UV extinction measurements of 17 stars in the open cluster IC 4665 and of four stars in the open cluster NGC 1647, showing that the UV extinctions of the two clusters stars have different properties. Whereas the stars in NGC 1647 cluster are typical of general interstellar space, the stars in IC 4665 have a small 'linear' term which is typical of stars found near regions of active star formation. Using data from the IRAS satellite to study the emission by the 'infrared cirrus' for each of the regions and to measure the I(60-micron)/I(100-micron) ratio for the two regions, it was found that, when the linear term component is present, it dominates the 100-micron cirrus emission. When it is absent, the 100-micron emission is from the relatively hot particles that are responsible for the 60-micron emission. It is suggested that the 60-micron emitters are small carbonaceous grains that are major contributors to all parts of the UV extinction except the linear term.

Hackwell, John A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Determining Extinction Ratio Of A Laser Diode

Improved technique to determine extinction ratio of pulsed laser diode based partly on definition of extinction ratio applicable to nonideal laser pulses. Heretofore, determinations involved assumption of ideal laser pulses, and neglected optical power from background light. Because power fluctuates during real pulse, more realistic to define extinction ratio in terms of energy obtained.

Unger, Glenn L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Stratospheric Backscatter, Extinction, and Lidar Ratio Profiling After the Mt. Pinatubo Eruptions

Since August 1991 the stratospheric aerosol layer is continuously monitored with a combination Raman elastic-backscatter lidar, groundbased systems. XeCl excimer laser is used as the radiation source. Signals elastically backscattered from air molecules and particles and inelastically Raman backscattered from nitrogen molecules are detected. The measurements of these two signal profiles up to 35 km height allows the separate and independent determination of aerosol extinction and backscatter properties in the perturbed lower stratosphere. The extinction coefficient is derived from the nitrogen Raman signal profile, while the backscatter coefficient is obtained from the elastic-to-inelastic backscatter signal ratio. In this way, also the extinction-to-backscatter, or lidar, ratio profile is determined. For the first time, lidar ratios are determined in the perturbed stratospheric layer by the use of remote sensing only. The lidar ratio contains information about the size range of the stratospheric particles which are assumed to be sulfuric acid droplets, and it is needed in the calculation of aerosol optical properties from data taken with a typical backscatter lidar.

Ansmann, Albert↗

NASA NTRS1992

Measurements of Stratospheric Pinatubo Aerosol Extinction Profiles by a Raman Lidar

The Raman lidar has been used for remote measurements of water vapor, ozone and atmospheric temperature in the lower troposphere because the Raman cross section is three orders smaller than the Rayleigh cross section. We estimated the extinction coefficients of the Pinatubo volcanic aerosol in the stratosphere using a Raman lidar. If the precise aerosol extinction coefficients are derived, the backscatter coefficient of a Mie scattering lidar will be more accurately estimated. The Raman lidar has performed to measure density profiles of some species using Raman scattering. Here we used a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser for transmitter and received nitrogen vibrational Q-branch Raman scattering signal. Ansmann et al. (1990) derived tropospherical aerosol extinction profiles with a Raman lidar. We think that this method can apply to dense stratospheric aerosols such as Pinatubo volcanic aerosols. As dense aerosols are now accumulated in the stratosphere by Pinatubo volcanic eruption, the error of Ramen lidar signal regarding the fluctuation of air density can be ignored.

Abo, Makoto↗

NASA NTRS1992

Aerosol extinction measurements with CO2-lidar

With the aim to develop a model for infrared extinction due to aerosols in slant paths in the lower atmosphere we perform measurements with a CO2-lidar. Earlier measurements with a transmissometer along horizontal paths have been used to develop relations between aerosol extinction and meteorological parameters. With the lidar measurements we hope to develop corresponding relations for altitude profiles of the aerosol extinction in the infrared. An important application is prediction of detection range for infrared imaging systems.

Hagard, Arne↗

NASA NTRS1992

Strain-induced extinction of hydrogen-air counterflow diffusion flames - Effects of steam, CO2, N2, and O2 additives to air

A fundamental study was performed using axisymmetric nozzle and tubular opposed jet burners to measure the effects of laminar plug flow and parabolic input velocity profiles on the extinction limits of H2-air counterflow diffusion flames. Extinction limits were quantified by 'flame strength', (average axial air jet velocity) at blowoff of the central flame. The effects of key air contaminants, on the extinction limits, are characterized and analyzed relative to utilization of combustion contaminated vitiated air in high enthalpy supersonic test facilities.

Pellett, G. L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

A late Devonian impact event and its association with a possible extinction event on Eastern Gondwana

Evidence from South China and Western Australia for a 365-Ma impact event in the Lower crepida conodont zone of the Famennian stage of the Late Devonian (about 1.5 Ma after the Frasnian/Famennian extinction event) includes microtektitelike glassy microspherules, geochemical anomalies (including a weak Ir), a probable impact crater (greater than 70 k) at Taihu in South China, and an Ir anomaly in Western Australia. A brachiopod faunal turnover in South China, and the 'strangelove ocean'-like c-delta 13 excursions in both Chinese and Australian sections indicate that at least a regional-scale extinction might have occurred at the time of the impact. A paleoreconstruction shows that South China was very close to and facing Western Australia in the Late Devonian. The carbon isotopic excursions, which occur at the same stratigraphic level in both South China and Western Australia cannot be explained as being coincidental. The c-delta 13 excursions and the brachiopod faunal turnover in South China indicate that there might have been at least a regional (possibly global) extinction in the Lower crepida zone. The impact-derived microspherules and geochemical anomalies (especially the Ir) indicate a Lower crepida zone impact event on eastern Gondwana. The location, type of target rocks, and possibly age of the Taihu Lake crater qualify as the probable site of this Late Devonian impact.

Wang, K.↗

NASA NTRS1992

The anomalous extinction curve in the direction of Rho Ophiuchi from 950 to 1180 A

We report the interstellar extinction from 950 to 1180 A in the direction of Rho Oph. These data were obtained with a moderate-resolution sounding rocket observation of Ro Oph, and two lightly reddened B stars of identical spectral type. Unlike Voyager observations in this wavelength region, our spectral resolution is sufficient to directly measure the contribution of molecular hydrogen along the line of sight and unambiguously identify the dust contribution. The derived curves compare favorably with the extrapolation of functional fits to the Rho Oph derived from longer wavelengths. In addition, we have fitted a model of dust extinction to the derived curve and find that the best fits indicate that the line of sight exhibits a larger than average grain size and a preferential concentration of graphite relative to silicates. The sharp rise seen at the shortest wavelengths (below 1000 A) cannot be explained by standard silicate-graphite dust models and may be indicative of a nonstandard grain shape or a missing component in the extinction models.

Green, James C.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Observations of a new SAGE II aerosol extinction mode following the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo

In the aftermath of the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, multiwavelength stratospheric aerosol extinction measurements by the satellite-borne Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE II) revealed the presence of a previously unobserved mode of aerosol that exhibited high extinction but a small inferred particle size. This mode may represent a transitional phase between the very small aerosol created by gas-to-particle conversion and a quasi-steady state, post-volcanic aerosol that exhibits both large extinction and large particle size. The presence of a transitional small aerosol mode may have a significant impact on chemical and radiative processes in the stratosphere.

Thomason, Larry W.↗