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At least 307 records · Page 17

Massive Star Formation in NGC4038/4039: HII Regions and Supernova Remnants in "The Antennae"

The nearest merger, NGC4038/4039 ("The Antennae, Arp244), is undergoing a starburst apparently triggered and driven by the ongoing interaction. The system provides an excellent laboratory to study star formation processes because well-studied and nearby (21 Mpc assumed here). Models of the interaction suggest that the interaction's first periapse occurred 200 Myr ago, and that final coalescence will occur in another 100 Myr. Blue and H alpha images show a continuous loop of bright knots around the NGC4038 (northern) nucleus, continuing down through the NGC4039 (southern) nucleus. Recent HST V and I images resolve the star-forming knots into several thousand blue compact clusters, with ages 5Myr for the youngest clusters. Far Ultraviolet (lambda 1500A) observations directly detect O and B stars in regions of low extinction; the total mass of young stars so observed is approximately 8 x 10 (exp 5) solar mass. FIR observations imply a star formation rate of approximately 5 M (sub 0) dot yr (sup -1) or greater. We used the VLA at 6 and 4 cm to obtain high resolution radio images of the star-formation regions in NGC4038/4038. We used high resolution imaging to identify compact radio emitting regions and spectral indices of the compact regions to differentiate between thermal sources such as HII regions (flat spectra) and supernova, remnants (steep spectra). We found that compact radio sources produce approximately 12% and/sim 25 strongest radio emission occurs between the galaxies, at an optically unremarkable location near but not coincident with an extremely red cluster. The radio peak is at a location of intense star formation (as detected in the mid-IR, reference?) and of dense molecular gas. We identify 115 individual compact 6cm radio sources and 63 individual 4 cm sources in the system, to a limiting luminosity of approximately 2 x 10 (exp 1) 8 W Hz (sup -1) (or /sim4x the luminosity of Cas A). Of the strongest sources, for which the h flux densities are large enough to measure spectral indices with reasonable errors, we find that one third have nominally flat radio spectra (presumeable dominated by thermal emission from HII regions) and two thirds have nominally steep spectra (presumeably dominated by synchrotron emission from supernova, remnants). For the thermal sources, we derive typical masses of 10 (exp 4) to 10 (exp 5) solar mass in massive young stars and ionized gas masses of 10 (exp 3) - 10 (exp 4) solar mass. From the steep-spectrum sources, we derive a total system supernova rate of 0.2-0.3 yr (sup -1), about an order of magnitude larger than that expected from the currently observed O-star population. Taken together, these suggest that that a large number of O stars may have formed in the system in a short-lived burst, less than 10 (exp 6) yr in duration and about 3-4 Myr ago.

Neff, S. G.↗

The Coronae of Moderate-Mass Giants in the Hertzsprung Gap and the Clump

We have used the Roentgensatellit (ROSAT), the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE), and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to measure X-ray and ultraviolet emissions of moderate-mass (APPROX. 2-3 solar mass) giants in the Hertzsprung gap (spectral types early F to mid-G) and the post-helium flash "clump" (approx. G8-K0). Our motivation was to document the evolution of hot coronae (T greater than 10(exp 6)K) along the post-main-sequence trajectories traveled by such stars in order to gain insight concerning the "X-ray deficiency" of the F-GO giants and the strong braking of stellar rotation at the red edge of the Hertzsprung gap. With few exceptions, Hertzsprung gap and clump giants observed by ROSAT PSPC show hot (T approx. 10(exp 7)K) coronal energy distributions, regardless of any X-ray deficiency, EUVE spectra of gap star 31 Com (G0 111) indicate a broad coronal emission measure hump at approx. 10(exp 7.2)K, while the active clump giant beta Ceti (K0 III) displays a sharp peak at approx. 10(exp 6.8)K, as seen previously in the mixed clump/gap binary Capella (alpha Aur: G8 III + G0 III). The gap giants upsilon Peg (F8 III) and 24 UMa (G4 III) have EUV emissions of intermediate temperature (approx. 10(exp 7.0)K). The stars 31 Com, psi(sup 3) Psc (G0 III), and beta Cet exhibit redshifted transition zone (TZ: approx. 10(exp 5)K) lines in HST GHRS spectra, as reported earlier in Procyon (alpha CMi: F5 IV-V) and Capella G0. Such redshifts on the Sun are thought to signify flows in magnetic loops. beta Cas (F2 III)-a rare soft coronal source among the gap stars-displays blueshifts of C iv and 0 iv], although emissions at cooler and hotter temperatures are near the photospheric velocity. The remarkably broad line profiles of the fastest rotating gap giants suggest that the 10(exp 5) K "subcoronal " emission zones extend to h approx. R(sub *) above the photosphere, about 50 scale heights. In contrast to the TZ line redshifts, the upper chromospheric emissions (e.g., Mg II and Si III) of 31 Com and upsilon(sup 3) Psc have blueshifted cores. Blue-asymmetric peaks in the solar Mg a lines are thought to indicate dynamical heating in the chromosphere. Observations of the H(sub I) Ly(alpha) feature of 31 Com taken 9 months apart reveal striking profile changes, reminiscent of those noted previously in the Ly(alpha) blue peak of the Capella G0 star. We used the far-ultraviolet diagnostics, in combination with ROSAT X-ray photometry and EUVE high-excitation line strengths, to constrain physical models of the stellar outer atmospheres. Quasi-static magnetic loops can simulate the empirical coronal emission measures of the giant stars, but the inferred pressures for sensible loop lengths conflict with direct measurements of subcoronal densities. Furthermore, the high rate of emission at approx. 10(exp 5) K cannot be explained by thermal conduction down the legs of hot quasi-static loops. On the other hand, the possible existence of elongated (l - R(sub *) emission structures on the gap giants leads to a speculative scenario to explain the X-ray deficiency. It is based on the increased importance of the dynamical filling phase ("explosive evaporation") of the loop life cycle; conductive cooling, yielding TZ emissions at the footpoints, when the heating is interrupted; and the possibility for transitions between " hot " and " cool " energy balance solutions owing to dynamical suspension and centrifugal trapping of the cooling gas. The long loops might represent a vestigial global " magnetosphere " inherited from the main-sequence phase, which ultimately is disrupted near approx. G0 by the deepening convective envelope and growth of a more solar-like dynamo. Coronal emissions might be boosted temporarily as the X-ray deficiency is removed but soon would be quenched by wind braking previously inhibited by the magnetospheric "dead zone."

Ayres, Thomas R.↗

Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics at NASA Ames Research Center

The field of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has advanced to the point where it can now be used for many applications in fluid mechanics research and aerospace vehicle design. A few applications being explored at NASA Ames Research Center will be presented and discussed. The examples presented will range in speed from hypersonic to low speed incompressible flow applications. Most of the results will be from numerical solutions of the Navier-Stokes or Euler equations in three space dimensions for general geometry applications. Computational results will be used to highlight the presentation as appropriate. Advances in computational facilities including those associated with NASA's CAS (Computational Aerosciences) Project of the Federal HPCC (High Performance Computing and Communications) Program will be discussed. Finally, opportunities for future research will be presented and discussed. All material will be taken from non-sensitive, previously-published and widely-disseminated work.

Holst, Terry L.↗

High Resolution Radio Imaging of the Merging Galaxies NGC3256 and NGC4194

We present new 6cm and 4cm radio continuum images of the central regions of the merging galaxy systems NGC3256 and NGC4194. NGC3256 is imaged with a resolution of approx. 1 in. or approx. 190pc; NGC4194 is imaged with a resolution of approx. 0.3 in. or approx. 50pc. In both systems, we detect numerous compact radio sources embedded in more diffuse radio emission. We detect 65 compact sources in NGC3256 at 6cm and we detect 46 compact sources in NGC4194, both to a limiting luminosity of approx. 5 x 10(exp 18) W/ Hz or approx. 5 times the luminosity of Cas A. Most of the compact radio sources are loosely associated with active star forming regions but not with specific optical emission sources. Several compact radio sources in NGC3256 are near positions of compact X-ray sources detected by Lira et al.. In both NGC3256 and NGC4194, we are able to measure reliable spectral indices for the stronger sources. We find in NGC3256 approx. 20% have nominally flat radio spectral indices (indicating they are dominated by thermal radio emission from HII regions) while approx. 80% have nominally steep spectral indices (indicating they are dominated by nonthermal emission from supernova remnants). In NGC4194, half the compact radio sources have flat spectral indices and half have steep indices. For the flat-spectrum sources, we estimate the number of young massive stars and the associated ionized gas masses. For the steep-spectrum sources, we estimate supernova rates. We compare these results with those from other well-studied merging galaxy systems. We gratefully acknowledge use of the NRAO Very Large Array (VLA) and the VLA Archive. NRAO is a facility of the National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Neff, S. G.↗

A Study of the Non-Thermal X-Ray Emission of Shell-Type Supernova Remnants

The term of the second year of the award is the period from March 15, 2001 to March 14, 2002. As was the specified goal of the second year, we analyzed the spatial and spectral X-ray data for several young supernova remnants. I published a paper about an analysis of the ROSAT, ASCA, and RXTE data for the supernova remnant SN 1006. A copy of this paper is enclosed. As described in the paper, we believe that we accurately modeled the nonthermal X-ray emission from the remnant. The results of this analysis are used to infer properties about the cosmic rays accelerated in the remnant and to argue that the strength of the magnetic field in the remnant is considerably larger than the value of about 10 micro G reported elsewhere. The results were presented at the August 2001 International Cosmic Ray Conference in Hamburg, German),. I began analyzing new Chandra X-ray data for SN 1006. This analysis will yield the first measure of the strength of the magnetic field in the remnant for the first time. Preliminary results support our previous conclusion that the magnetic field strength in the remnant is much larger than 10 micro G. The field strength seems to be about the strength expected based on an equipartition calculation. The result supports recent models that describe the how the shock structure is influenced by the efficient acceleration of cosmic rays. This work will be presented at the April 2002 High Energy Astrophysics Division meeting in Albuquerque and published this summer. A copy of the abstract for the talk is enclosed. I began studying new Chandra X-ray data for the supernova remnant Cas A. The results of this work show that the forward shock is a region where cosmic-ray electrons are accelerated, which is consistent with theoretical expectations. The work was presented at the September 2001 Two Years of Science with Chandra symposium in Washington, DC. A copy of the poster paper is enclosed. Dr. Thomas Pannuti, whose research work is supported by the award, analyzed ROSAT, ASCA, and RXTE data for the supernova remnant G347.3-0.5. The results show for the first time that thermal X-ray emission is produced in the remnant. As expected, the thermal emission is consistent with a model in which the remnant is expanding into a very low density environment. The results also provide an accurate description of the nonthermal emission from the remnant. Dr. Pannuti presented this work at several conferences. A copy of the paper for the proceedings of the August 2001 Neutron Stars in Supernova Remnants symposium in enclosed. The work will be submitted to the Astrophysical Journal in the next few months.

Allen, Glenn E.↗

Radio Sources Associated with Intermediate X-ray Luminosity Objects in Merging Galaxy Systems

We present new, high-resolution 6, 3.6, and 2 cm radio images of a time-ordered sequence of merging galaxy systems. The new data have a resolution of less than 100pc and a sensitivity comparable to a few x Cas A. We detect compact radio sources in all systems, generally embedded in more diffuse radio emission at the longer wavelengths. Several of the compact radio sources are coincident with compact Intermediate-luminosity X-ray Objects (IXOs) in these systems, and many more are within the 3$/sigma$ Chandra position errors for other IXOs. The fraction of radio identifications and the nature of the radio sources changes as a function of merger stage. These data suggest that the IXOs are associated with complexes of supernova remnants, and therefore with star formation that has occurred within the last $/sim$10$circumflex7$ yr, but are not located in HII regions where copious star formation is occurring currently.

Neff, S. G.↗

The Anatomy of the Perseus Spiral ARM: (sup 12)CO and IRAS Imaging Observations of the W3-W4-W5 Cloud Complex

Panoramic images of (sup l2)CO J = 1-0 and thermal dust emissions from the W3-W4-W5 region of the outer Galaxy are presented. These data and recently published H (sub I) 21 cm line emission images provide an approx. 1 min resolution perspective to the dynamics and thermal energy content of the interstellar gas and dust components contained within a 9 deg arc of the Perseus spiral arm. We tabulate the molecular properties of 1560 clouds identified as closed surfaces within the l-b-v CO data cube at a threshold of 0.9 K T(sup *)(sub R). Relative surface densities of the molecular (28:1) and atomic (2.5: 1) gas components determined within the arm and interarm velocity intervals demonstrate that the gas component that enters the spiral arm is predominantly atomic. Molecular clouds must necessarily condense from the compressed atomic material that enters the spiral arm and are likely short lived within the interarm regions. From the distribution of centroid velocities of clouds, we determine a random cloud-to-cloud velocity dispersion of 4 km/s over the width of the spiral arm but find no clear evidence within the molecular gas for streaming motions induced by the spiral potential. The far-infrared images are analyzed with the CO J = 1-0 and H (sub I) 21 cm line emission. The enhanced UV radiation field from members of the Cas OB6 association and embedded newborn stars provide a significant source of heating to the extended dust component within the Perseus arm relative to the quiescent cirrus regions. Much of the measured far-infrared flux (69% at 60 microns and 47% at 100 microns) originates from regions associated with star formation rather than the extended, infrared cirrus component.

Heyer, Mark H.↗

Uncovering The Properties of Young Neutron Stars and Their Surrounding Supernova A Remnants

In the third year of this program, the following studies have been undertaken in support of this effort: G292.0+1.8: In our previous work on this SNR, we discovered a young neutron star and its associated pulsar wind nebula. Radio observations by Camilo et al. (2002) have identified a young 136 ms pulsar in the direction of G292.0+1.8. We have used Chandra HRC observations of the central source to identify X-ray pulsations at the same period, thus establishing the neutron star as the radio pulsar counterpart. We have also set limits on the cooling of this young neutron star based on the unpulsed component of the X-ray emission. We find that the limit falls slightly below standard cooling models in which the modified Urca process is responsible for the bulk of the interior neutrino emission. A paper summarizing these results is currently being circulated amongst co-authors for review prior to publication. 3c 58: Our Chandra observations of this Crab-like SNR revealed the presence of a young, rapidly rotating pulsar as well as a central compact nebula which we interpret as a toroidal structure associated with the pulsar wind termination shock. Our modeling of this structure has allowed us to establish a temperature upper limit for the neutron star which falls well below predictions from standard cooling models, and implies the presence of exotic particles (such as pion condensates) or other processes that increase the neutrino production rate in the interior. A paper summarizing this work has been published in the Astrophysical Journal (Slane, Helfand, & Murray 2002, ApJ, 571, L45), and the results were the subject of a NASA Space Science Update (4/10/2002) which led to extensive media coverage. Based upon our initial observations, we submitted a successful Chandra Large Project proposal for a 350 ks observation of this young neutron star and its wind nebula. Kes 79: Our Chandra observations of this SNR reveal a compact central source which appears to be the neutron star formed in the explosion that produced the remnant. There is no evidence for a surrounding pulsar wind nebula. The source properties are similar to the central source in Cas A even though the Kes 79 remnant is considerably older. The results have been published in the Astrophysical Journal (Seward, Slane, Smith, and Sun 2003, ApJ, 584,414). Chandra Survey for Compact Objects in Supernova Remnants: We have formed a collaboration to carry out an extensive search for young neutron stars in nearby supernova remnants. Using X-ray observations from an approved Chandra Large Project, as well as from additional approved XMM observations, we are investigating a volume-limited sample of SNRs for which there is currently no evidence of associated neutron stars. We have obtained extensive optical and 1R data to complement the project, and analysis of these data is currently underway.

Slane, Patrick O.↗

B-MINE: The Balloon-Borne Microcalorimeter Nuclear Line Explorer

B-MINE is a concept for a balloon mission designed to probe the deepest regions of a supernova explosion by detecting 44Ti emission at 68 keV with spatial and spectral resolutions that are sufficient to determine the extent and velocity distribution of the 44Ti emitting region. The payload introduces the concept of focusing optics and microcalorimeter spectroscopy to nuclear line emission astrophysics. B-MINE has a thin, plastic foil telescope multilayered to maximize the reflectivity in a 20 keV band centered at 68 keV and a microcalorimeter array optimized for the same energy band. This combination provides a reduced background, an energy resolution of 50 eV and a 3 sigma sensitivity in 10 (exp 6) s of 3.3 x 10(exp -7) ph cm(exp -2) s(exp -1) at 68 keV. During the course of a long duration balloon flight, B-MINE could carry out a detailed study of the 44Ti emission line centroid and width in CAS A.

Silver, E.↗

Obscured Star-Formation in Merging Galaxies: High Resolution Radio Imaging of a Time-Ordered Sequence

We present new, deep, high resolution 6cm and 4cm radio continuum images of the central regions of a time-ordered sequence of seven large galaxy mergers. The radio observations are able to detect star-forming re- gions that are completely obscured at optical wavelengths. In all systems, we detect numerous compact radio sources embedded in more diffuse ra- dio emission, with limiting luminosities of approx. 1-5 x 10(exp l8) W Hz or approx. 1-5 times the luminosity of Cas A. Many of the compact radio sources are loosely associated with active starforming regions but not with specific optical or W emission sources. Several of the compact radio sources are coincident with Ultra-luminous X-ray objects (ULX's). In most systems, we are able to measure reliable spectral indices for the stronger sources. We find that the fraction of compact radio cources with nominally flat radio spectral indices (indicating they ae dominated by thermal radio emission from HII regions) decreases with merger age, while the fraction of sources with nonimally steep spectral indices (indicating they are dominated by nonthermal emission from supernova remnants) increases. For the flat-spectrum sources, we estimate the numbers of young massive stars, associated ionized gas masses, we estimate supernova rates and required star-formation rates, We compare these results with those from other well-studied merging galaxy systems and from other determinations of star-formation rates. We gratefully acknowledge use of the NRAO Very Large Array (VLA) and the VLA Archive. NRAO is a facility of the National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Neff, S. G.↗

Cooperative Research in High Energy Astrophysics between JHU and GSFC

This grant was awarded to establish and support cooperative research programs between the Center of Astrophysical Sciences (CAS) at the Johns Hopkins University and the Laboratory for High Energy Astrophysics (LHEA) at the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The goals o f the program are to facilitate, encourage and initiate: (1) sharing of resources, knowledge and expertise in the general astrophysics, and relevant databases; (2) new collaborations and projects between the two institutions and its scientists, (3) training and mentoring of JHU students and junior researchers by way of connecting them with appropriate researchers and experts at the LHEA.

Vishniac, Ethan↗

Approach for Autonomous Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Using Intelligent Agents for Knowledge Creation

This paper describes the development of a planned approach for Autonomous operation of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). A Hybrid approach will seek to provide Knowledge Generation through the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Intelligent Agents (IA) for UAV control. The applications of several different types of AI techniques for flight are explored during this research effort. The research concentration is directed to the application of different AI methods within the UAV arena. By evaluating AI and biological system approaches. which include Expert Systems, Neural Networks. Intelligent Agents, Fuzzy Logic, and Complex Adaptive Systems, a new insight may be gained into the benefits of AI and CAS techniques applied to achieving true autonomous operation of these systems. Although flight systems were explored, the benefits should apply to many Unmanned Vehicles such as: Rovers. Ocean Explorers, Robots, and autonomous operation systems. A portion of the flight system is broken down into control agents that represent the intelligent agent approach used in AI. After the completion of a successful approach, a framework for applying an intelligent agent is presented. The initial results from simulation of a security agent for communication are presented.

Dufrene, Warren R., Jr.↗

A Million-Second Chandra View of Cassiopeia A

We introduce a million-second observation of the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A with the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The bipolar structure of the Si-rich ejecta (NE jet and SW counterpart) is clearly evident in the new images, and their chemical similarity is confirmed by their spectra. These are most likely due to jets of ejecta as opposed to cavities in the circumstellar medium, since we can reject simple models for the latter. The properties of these jets and the Fe-rich ejecta will provide clues to the explosion of Cas A.

Hwang, Una↗

Uncovering the Properties of Young Neutron Stars and Their Surroundings

The subject grant provides funding through the NASA LTSA program. This five-year grant involves the study of young neutron stars, particularly those in supernova remnants. In the fifth year of this program, the following studies have been undertaken in support of this effort and are discussed in this report. 1) 3C 58; 2) Chandra Survey for Compact Objects in Supernova Remnants; 3) G327.1-1.1; 4) Infrared Emission from Pulsar Wind Nebulae; and Cas A.

Oliversen, Ronald↗

The Chandra X-Ray Observatory: The Past, the Present, and the Future

The Chandra X-ray Observatory had its origins in a 1963 proposal led by Riccardo Giacconi that called for a 1-meter diameter, 1-arcsecond class X-Ray telescope for studying the Universe. We will briefly discuss the history of the mission, the development of the hardware, its testing, and the launch on 1999, July 23. The majority of the talk will be an admittedly eclectic review of some of the most exciting scientific highlights. These include the detection and identification of the first source seen with Chandra - an unusual Seyfert 1 we nicknamed Leon X-1, the detailed study of the Crab Nebula and its pulsar, and spectacular images of other supernova remnants including the recent 1-Million second exposure on Cas A. We also will summarize some of the major Chandra findings for normal and active galaxies and we will illustrate the breadth of science enabled by Chandra observations of clusters of galaxies. We will close with a brief look towards the future of the field.

Weisskopf, Martin C.↗

Condensation from Cluster-IDP Enriched Vapor Inside the Snow Line: Implications for Mercury, Asteroids, and Enstatite Chondrites

Enstatite chondrites (EC) contain highly reduced matrix minerals (e.g.- (Mg,Fe,Mn)S solid solution, CaS) that probably formed in thermodynamic equilibrium with a vapor phase. EC chondrules contain enstatite, Fs5 to Fs30, in which iron was reduced after formation, also by interaction with vapor [1, 2]. The origin and location of this reducing vapor bears upon the formation of the terrestrial planets (Mercury to Mars), the remnant chemical zoning of the asteroid belt (E, S, C, D-types), and the cosmochemistry of metals in the early solar system.

Ebel, D. S.↗

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXVI, Part 6

Contents include the following: A Model for Multiple Populations of Presolar Diamonds. Characterization of Martian North Polar Geologic Units Using Mars Odyssey THEMIS Data. Effect of Flow on the Internal Structure of the Martian North Polar Layered Deposits. Elemental Abundance Distributions in Basalt Clays and Meteorites: Is It a Biosignature? Early Results on the Saturn System from the Composite Infrared Spectrometer. NanoSIMS D/H Imaging of Isotopically Primitive Interplanetary Dust Particles. Presolar (Circumstellar and Interstellar) Phases in Renazzo: The Effects of Parent Body Processing. Catastrophic Disruption of Hydrated Targets: Implications for the Hydrated Asteroids and for the Production of Interplanetary Dust Particles. Chemical and Mineralogical Analyses of Particles from the Stratospheric Collections Coinciding with the 2002 Leonid Storm and the 2003 Comet Grigg-Skjellerup Trail Passage. An Analysis of the Solvus in the CaS-MnS System. ESA s SMART-1 Mission at the Moon: First Results, Status and Next Steps. Europa Analog Ice-splitting Measurements and Experiments with Ice-Hunveyor on the Frozen Balaton-Lake, Hungary. Chromium on Eros: Further Evidence of Ordinary Chondrite Composition. Dust Devil Tracks on Mars: Observation and Analysis from Orbit and the Surface. Spatial Variation of Methane and Other Trace Gases Detected on Mars: Interpretation with a General Circulation Model. Mars Water Ice and Carbon Dioxide Seasonal Polar Caps: GCM Modeling and Comparison with Mars Express Omega Observations. Component Separation of OMEGA Spectra with ICA. Clathrate Formation in the Near-Surface Environment of Titan. Space Weathering: A Proposed Laboratory Approach to Explaining the Sulfur Depletion on Eros. Sample Collection from Small Airless Bodies: Examination of Temperature Constraints for the TGIP. Sample Collector for the Hera Near-Earth Asteroid Sample Return Mission. A Rugged Miniature Mass-Spectrometer for Measuring Aqueous Geochemistry on Mars. Martian and Lunar Pyroxene Microstructures Studied by Single-Crystal X-Ray Diffraction.

Source record↗

Molecular Hydrogen Fluorescence in IC 63

This grant has supported the acquisition, reduction and analysis of data targeting the structure and excitation of molecular hydrogen in the reflection nebula IC 63 and in particular the fluorescent emission seen in the UV. In addition to manpower for analyzing the FUSE data, the grant supported the (attempted) acquisition of supporting ground-based data. We proposed for and received observing time for two sets of ground based, data; narrow band imaging ([S II], [O III) at KPNO (July 2002; Observer: Burgh) and imaging spectro-photometry of several of the near-infrared rotation-vibration lines of H2 at the IRTF (October 2003; Observer: Andersson). Unfortunately, both of these runs were failures, primarily because of bad weather, and did not result in any useful data. We combined the FUSE observations with rocket borne observations of the star responsible for exciting the H2 fluorescence in IC 63: gamma Cas, and with archival HUT observations of IC 63, covering the long-wavelength part of the molecular hydrogen fluorescence.

Andersson, B-G↗