Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “spatial mapping”

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 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Photometer calibration problem for extended astronomical sources

Analysis of calibration tests for the Skylab experimental T027 photometer is used to show that if an instrument is focused at infinity, the uniform extended calibration source should be positioned at distances at least equal to the hyperfocal distance and should be large enough to fill the field of view. It is noted that the field depth can be increased by focusing the optical system at the hyperfocal distance and that this method of focusing reduces the needed diameter of the calibration source to half that of a system focused at infinity. Other calibration methods discussed includes determining the radiance responsivity distance and extrapolating the curve to larger distances as well as extensive mapping of the spatial response combined with the irradiance responsivity to obtain the radiance responsivity.

Muscari, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Nonthermal galactic emission below 10 MHz

The Radio Astronomy Explorer-2 (RAE-2) satellite has provided new measurements of the nonthermal galactic radio emission at frequencies below 10 MHz. Measurements of the emission spectra are presented for the center, anticenter, north polar, and south polar directions at 22 frequencies between 0.25 and 9.18 MHz. Survey maps of the spatial distribution of the observed low frequency galactic emission at 1.31, 2.20, 3.93, 4.70, 6.55, and 9.18 MHz are presented. The observations were obtained with the 229-meter traveling-wave V-antenna on this lunar orbiting spacecraft. The improved frequency coverage offers additional insights into structure of the local galactic neighborhood.

Novaco, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Carbon recombination-line mapping of the Orion Nebula

The distribution of the C75-alpha line in the Orion Nebula has been mapped with a spatial resolution of 1.3 arcmin over a field of view of 4 by 8 arcmin. It is found that ionized carbon is more extended than the radio continuum distribution, particularly to the northeast, and possibly also beyond the ionization front in the southeast. However, the emission falls off across the ionization front northwest of the nebula. The emission is generally consistent with a model in which the line is formed in a thin sheet in the molecular cloud immediately adjacent to the H II region. However, the spatial extent of the emission does suggest that some of the emitting gas may be cooler and less dense than has previously been assumed.

Kuiper, T. B. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Nonthermal galactic emission below 10 megahertz

The Radio Astronomy Explorer 2 (RAE 2) lunar-orbiting satellite has provided measurements of the nonthermal galactic radio emission at frequencies below 10 MHz. Measurements of the emission spectra are presented for the center, anticenter, north polar, and south polar directions at 22 frequencies between 0.25 and 9.18 MHz. Survey maps of the spatial distribution of the observed low-frequency Galactic emission at 1.31, 2.20, 3.93, 4.70, 6.55, and 9.18 MHz are presented. The observations were obtained with the 229-m traveling-wave V antenna on this lunar-orbiting spacecraft. The improved frequency coverage offers additional insights into the structure of the local Galactic neighborhood.

Milky Way↗
NASA NTRS1975

Mapping of lunar surface remanent magnetic fields by electron scattering

The electron scattering technique for measurement of lunar surface remanent magnetic fields is described and a map of the remanent field regions derived from the 14-keV electron measurements of the particle experiment aboard the Apollo 16 Subsatellite is presented. The mapping achieves a spatial resolution of about 40 km and a sensitivity of about 0.1 gamma at the lunar surface.

Lin, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Optics for future solar system exploration

The optics technology necessary for future solar system exploration is discussed. To satisfy the various mission objectives, optical components need to be of low weight, provide adequate spatial resolution and mapping coverage, provide necessary spectral resolution, provide means to perform adaptable mapping spectrometry, operate under low light levels, provide color images of high fidelity and operate under high temperatures. Future near-infrared mapping spectrometers are examined, and the use of focal-plane detectors to improve their sensitivity is discussed.

Norris, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Determination of surface albedos and aerosol extinction characteristics from satellite imagery

A procedure is developed for calculating atmospheric extinction characteristics (optical thickness, scattering height, single scattering albedo) and surface albedo from radiometric images made at satellite altitudes. The procedure - a fast, computerized method - is suitable for the high-volume processing of satellite imagery data and thus can be used to map temporal and spatial distributions of aerosol parameters. Based on an analytical approximate solution to the equation of radiative transfer in a plane parallel atmosphere, the procedure is primarily applicable to the 0.4-micron to 0.8-micron wavelength range for solar zenith angles from 10 deg to 60 deg, surface albedos between 0.03 and about 0.5, and atmospheric optical thicknesses from 0.2 to 2. With a step-like change in the surface albedo (for example, a seashore or river bank or other similar change of terrain), both surface reflectivity and atmospheric optical thickness can be derived from radiance measurements. In this case, the resultant optical thickness is not based on a known surface reflectivity and is in essence independent of the radiometer calibration.

Kaufman, Y. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Evaluation of LANDSAT-4 Thematic Mapper Data as Applied to Geologic Exploration: Summary of Results

As with any tool applied to geologic exploration, maximum value results from the innovative integration of optimally processed LANDSAT-4 data with existing pertinent information and perceptive geologic thinking. The synoptic view of the satellite images and the relatively high resolution of the data permits recognization of regional tectonic patterns and their detailed mapping. The refined spatial and spectral characteristics and digital nature surface alterations associated with hydrothermal activity and microseepage of hydrocarbons. In general, as vegetation and soil cover increase, the value of spectral components of TM data decreases with respect to the value of the spatial component of the data. This observation reinforces the experience from working with MSS data that digital processing must be optimized both for the area and for the application.

Dykstra, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Evidence for an infrared disk in the core of the extraordinary planetary nebula Abell 30

High spatial resolution infrared maps of the core of the evolved planetary nebula Abell 30, which has been shown to be composed of heavily processed material, are presented. These maps reveal an elongated, disklike structure that is not evident on optical pictures. Multicolor photometry at several positions in this disk shows that this emission is due to dust, some of which is near the evaporation temperature of graphite. Lyman-alpha trapping is shown to be inadequate as a heating source for these grains, but direct absorption of stellar photons is sufficient. In view of the unusual chemical composition, A30 represents a late stage in the evolution of a planetary nebula progenitor. The observed infrared structure may provide clues to the ejection mechanism at this stage of development.

Lester, D. F.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Executive report: Results of the IRGA-CNPq/INPE experimental project

A methodology for identifying and evaluating crop area with irrigated rice is described, using MSS-LANDSAT data. The maps of the spatial rice crop areas in the studied region are presented. The calculation of rice growing area from the LANDSAT images are included.

Deassuncao, G. V.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Initial results of the Global Thermospheric Mapping Study (GTMS)

The Global Thermospheric Mapping Study (GTMS) is a multi-technique experimental study of the thermosphere designed to map simultaneously its spatial and temporal morphology with a thoroughness and diversity of measurement techniques heretofore unachieved. The GTMS is designed around the Incoherent Scatter Radar Chain in the western hemisphere. The European incoherent scatter radars and the worldwide communities of Fabry-Perot interferometers, meteor wind radars, partial reflection drifts radars, MST radars, and satellite probes are included to extend the spatial coverage and types of measurements available. Theoretical and modeling support in the areas of thermospheric and ionospheric structure, tides, and electric fields are included to aid in program planning and data interpretation. Solar activity was low on the three observation days (F10.7 = 97, 98, 96) and magnetic conditions were unsettled to active (A = 10, 12, 20). All six incoherent scatter radar facilities collected data. Each collected F region data day and night while Saint Santin and Millstone Hill additionally collected E region data during daylight hours. Initial results from Sondrestrom and Millstone Hill are presented. Good quality Fabry Perot data were collected at Fritz Peak and San Jose dos Campos. Weather conditions produced poor results at Arequipa and Arecibo. Initial results from Fritz Peak are presented. Mesosphere/lower-thermosphere observations were conducted under the ATMAP organization. The magnetometer chains also were operational during this campaign. Initial thermospheric general circulation model predictions were made for assumed solar-geophysical conditions, and selected results are presented.

Oliver, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Structure in the nucleus of NGC 1068 at 10 microns

New 8 to 13 micron array camera images of the central kiloparsec of Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1068 resolve structure that is similar to that observed at visible and radio wavelengths. The images reveal an infrared source which is extended and asymmetric, with its long axis oriented at P.A. 33 deg. Maps of the spatial distribution of 8 to 13 micron color temperature and warm dust opacity are derived from the multiwavelength infrared images. The results suggest that there exist two pointlike luminosity sources in the central regions of NGC 1068, with the brighter source at the nucleus and the fainter one some 100 pc to the northeast. This geometry strengthens the possibility that the 10 micron emission observed from grains in the nucleus is powered by a nonthermal source. In the context of earlier visible and radio studies, these results considerably strengthen the case for jet induced star formation in NGC 1068.

Tresch-Fienberg, R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Albedo maps of Comets P/Giacobini-Zinner and P/Halley

Near-simultaneous infrared and visual maps of P/Giacobini-Zinner (P/G-Z) and P/Halley are combined to create maps of the spatial variation of geometric albedo. Giacobini-Zinner shows a minimum in albedo near 0.07 with an increase of a factor of 2 over 30 arcsec. The lowest albedos are offset from the nucleus in the antisunward direction, coincident with a dust tail observed in the IR. The P/Halley albedos are higher than those for P/G-Z and range from 0.2 to 0.4, but the trend of darker albedo in the antisunward direction (along the tail) is the same. The albedo distribution is attributed to large, dark, fluffy grains confined to the orbital plane close to the nucleus. The high albedo values in P/Halley may be due to enhanced flux in the visual image because of the comet's very small phase angle.

Hammel, H. B.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Structure in the nucleus of NGC 1068 at 10 microns

New 8-13 micron array camera images of the central kiloparsec of Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1068 resolve structure that is similar to that observed at visible and radio wavelengths. The images reveal an infrared source which is extended and asymmetric, with its long axis oriented at P.A. 33 deg. Maps of the spatial distribution of 8-13 micron color temperature and warm dust opacity are derived from the multiwavelength infrared images. The results suggest that there exist two pointlike luminosity sources in the central region of NGC 1068, with the brighter source at the nucleus and the fainter one some 100 pc to the northeast. This geometry strengthens the possibility that the 10 micron emission observed from grains in the nucleus is powered by a nonthermal source. In the context of earlier visible and radio studies, these results considerably strengthen the case for jet-induced star formation in NGC 1068.

Tresch-Fienberg, R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Atmospheric lateral and longitudinal turbulent length scales (measured at 600 to 800 meters above grade level)

NASA's Airborne Doppler Lidar System has been used to obtain a detailed 'instantaneous' mapping of horizontal spatial wind fields at 600-800 m elevations on the east side of the San Gorgonio Pass in California, in the form of checkerboard-fashion horizontal wind vectors spaced at 300 m intervals along and normal to the flight path. Spatial autocorrelations for the lateral and longitudinal components are ensemble-averaged, and integral turbulent length scales are computed for the wind fields' longitudinal and lateral directions. The flow in the region studied does not appear to be isotropic.

Cliff, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Studies of isolated neutron stars, pulsars and pulsar-driven nebulae with the advanced X-ray astrophysics facility (AXAF)

The AXAF will signal a revolution in the understanding of neutron stars, pulsars, and Crab Nebula-type supernova remnants. The mission will provide vital and detailed observational data relevant to the physics of superdense matter inside neutron stars, to the acceleration and radiation of nonthermal particles in their magnetospheres, and to the processes whereby these relativistic particles and magnetic fields fuel the surrounding synchrotron nebulosities on scales of parsecs. Highlights of the results should include (1) detection of thermal surface emission from neutron stars, (2) greatly enlarged samples of pulsars that emit magnetospheric (nonthermal) X-rays, and (3) high resolution (spatial and spectral) maps of the nebulae powered by slowing pulsars. The AXAF will extend these studies to external galaxies, being capable of detection of young pulsars and remnants in normal galaxies like M31, in starburst systems like M82, and probably even in galaxies as distant as the Virgo cluster.

Wilson, A. S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

AVIRIS performance during the 1987 flight season: An AVIRIS project assessment and summary of the NASA-sponsored performance evaluation

Results are presented of the assessment of AVIRIS performance during the 1987 flight season by the AVIRIS project and the earth scientists who were chartered by NASA to conduct an independent data quality and sensor performance evaluation. The AVIRIS evaluation program began in late June 1987 with the sensor meeting most of its design requirements except for signal-to-noise ratio in the fourth spectrometer, which was about half of the required level. Several events related to parts failures and design flaws further reduced sensor performance over the flight season. Substantial agreement was found between the assessments by the project and the independent investigators of the effects of these various factors. A summary of the engineering work that is being done to raise AVIRIS performance to its required level is given. In spite of degrading data quality over the flight season, several exciting scientific results were obtained from the data. These include the mapping of the spatial variation of atmospheric precipitable water, detection of environmentally-induced shifts in the spectral red edge of stressed vegetation, detection of spectral features related to pigment, leaf water and ligno-cellulose absorptions in plants, and the identification of many diagnostic mineral absorption features in a variety of geological settings.

Vane, Gregg↗
NASA NTRS1989

Images of the 10-micron source in the Cygnus 'Egg'

Mid-IR images of AFGL 2688, the Egg nebula, obtained with a 16 x 16 pixel array camera (field of view 12.5 x 12.5 arcsec) resolve the central source. It appears as a centrally peaked ellipsoid with major axis of symmetry parallel to the axis of the visible nebulosity. This is contrary to the expected extension perpendicular to this axis implied by proposed dust-toroid models of the IR source. Maps of the spatial distribution of 8-13 micron color temperature and warm dust opacity derived from the multiwavelength images further characterize the IR emission. The remarkable flatness of the color temperature conflicts with the radial temperature gradient expected across a thick shell of material with a single heat source at its center. The new data suggest instead that the source consists of a central star surrounded by a dust shell that is too thin to provide a detectable temperature gradient and too small to permit the resolution of limb brightening.

Jaye, D.↗