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NASA NTRS1994

The hidden nuclear spectrum of the luminous IRAS source FSC 10214+4724

Optical spectropolarimetry of the luminous IRAS source FSC 10214+4724 (z=2.286) reveals that the strong (approximately 17%) linear polarization detected by Lawrence et al. is shared by both the narrow ultraviolet (UV) emission lines and the underlying continuum. This observation and the brightness of the source rule out synchrotron emission and dichroic extinction by dust as the polarizing mechanism, leaving scattering as the only plausible cause of the polarized emission. The narrowness of the lines requires that the scatterers be dust grains or cool (below 1.6 x 10(exp 4) K) electrons. We can recover the spectrum that is incident on the scattering medium provided we make some reasonable assumptions regarding the source geometry. The scattered UV spectrum has a power-law index alpha of -1.2 plus or minus 0.6 (F(sub nu) varies as nu(sup alpha)), steeper than would be expected from a young burst of star formation but similar to that of many active galactic nucleus (AGNs).

Jannuzi, Buell T.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Coherent-phase or random-phase acceleration of electron beams in solar flares

Time structures of electron beam signatures at radio wavelengths are investigated to probe correlated versus random behavior in solar flares. In particular we address the issue whether acceleration and injection of electron beams is coherently modulated by a single source, or whether the injection is driven by a stochastic (possibly spatially fragmented) process. We analyze a total of approximately = 6000 type III bursts observed by Ikarus (Zurich) in the frequency range of 100-500 MHz, during 359 solar flares with simultaneous greater than or = 25 keV hard X-ray emission, in the years 1890-1983. In 155 flares we find a total of 260 continuous type III groups, with an average number of 13 +/- 9 bursts per group, a mean duration of D = 12 +/- 14 s, a mean period of P = 2.0 +/- 1.2 s, with the highest burst rate at a frequency of nu = 310 +/- 120 MHz. Pulse periods have been measured between 0.5 and 10 s, and can be described by an exponential distribution, i.e., N(P) varies as e (exp -P/1.0s). The period shows a frequency dependence of P(nu)=46(exp-0.6)(sub MHz)s for different flares, but is invariant during a particular flare. We measure the mean period P and its standard deviation sigma (sub p) in each type III group, and quantify the degree of periodicity (or phase-coherence) by the dimensionless parameter sigma (sub p)P. The representative sample of 260 type III burst groups shows a mean periodicity of sigma (sub p/P) = 0.37 +/- 0.12, while Monte Carlo simulations of an equivalent set of truly random time series show a distinctly different value of sigma (sub p)P = 0.93 +/- 0.26. This result indicates that the injection of electron beams is coherently modulated by a particle acceleration source which is either compact or has a global organization on a timescale of seconds, in contrast to an incoherent acceleration source, which is stochastic either in time or space. We discuss the constraints on the size of the acceleration region resulting from electron beam propagation delays and from Alfvenic synchronization during a pulse period. We discuss two periodic preocesses in flares, which potentially control quasi-periodic particle acceleration: (1) MHD oscillations, and (2) current sheets with oscillatory dynamics.

Aschwanden, Markus J.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Optical and ultraviolet observations of 3C 279 during outburst

An ongoing program of photometric monitoring of selected active galactic nuclei has revealed a significant outburst in the optically violently variable (OVV) quasi-steller object (QSO) 3C 279. The event occurred during May and June of 1992, and was characterized by a peak amplitude of 2.3 mag in the R band. We obtained nearly simultaneous optical and ultraviolet spectroscopy from 1150 to 8600 A of the source at the approximate midpoint of the outburst. The outburst spectrum is well represented by a power law with index alpha = -1.77 (where F(sub nu) varies as nu (exp alpha) which is relatively flat in comparison with typical quiescent spectra for this source. No emission features are discernable in our data, nor is there any significant Lyman-edge absorption. The observations and data analysis procedures are described, and the resulting photometric light curves and spectra are presented. We also present a long baseline photometric light curve for context. Comparisons with previously published optical-UV outburst and quiescent spectra are made, and luminosity-dependent spectral variations are discussed.

Shrader, C. R.↗

NASA NTRS1994

N2 Lyman-Birge-Hopfield dayglow from ATLAS 1

Spectral measurements of the far ultraviolet dayglow were made from the ATLAS 1 shuttle mission using an intensified charge coupled device (CCD) imaging spectrometer array. The instrument imaged relatively large (177 A) segments of the spectrum simultaneously and had the capability to image altitude in the second dimension of the two-dimensional focal plane detector when the entrance slit of the instrument was oriented perpendicular to the limb of the Earth. The far ultraviolet (FUV) channel of the instrument used a CsTe photocathode rather than the more conventionally used and more solar blind CsI photocathode material. As a result, the spectra were also measured with good sensitivity at FUV wavelengths longer than 1500 A. In this paper, data are selected of specific interest to a study of the N2 Lyman-Birge-Hopfield system using two shuttle attitudes: In the first the field of view was held at a fixed tangent ray height of approximately 140 km while scanning in wavelength, providing repeated FUV spectra over a range of latitudes and allowing comparison with our thermospheric airglow model. In the second observing sequence the line of sight of the instrument was scanned down through the atmosphere but covered about 75% of the full wavelength range. This sequence allows comparison of height dependence,including O2 absorption effects, with the thermospheric model. In all cases, relatively good agreement is obtained with the model (run strictly in a predictive mode) in comparisions in which the line of sight must be intergrated along a path that spans a considerable range of conditions (height, local time, latitude, solar zenith angle). In the case of the data sets examined in this study the vibrational population distributions show mixed results. In one case the distribution agrees well with a theoretical model based on direct electron impact excitation without a significant cascade contribution. A second case indicated a lower population in nu' = 3 and a higher population in nu' = 6 than would be expected from direct impact excitation alone. This supports previous indications that conditions resulting in the cascade mechanism may not always be operative.

Torr, Marsha R.↗

NASA NTRS1993

The laboratory spectrum of acetaldehyde at 1 millimeter (230-325 GHz)

The rotational spectrum of acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) in the frequency range 230-325 GHz has been measured in the laboratory using millimeter/submillimeter direct absorption spectroscopy. Over 250 transition frequencies are presented for this molecule for both A and E symmetry species in its ground (upsilon(sub t) = 0) and first excited (upsilon(sub t) = 1) torsional state, with experimental uncertainties of +/- 50 kHz. The data were fitted with a model involving an internal rotation potential function, which typically reproduces the measured frequencies to nu(sub obs) - nu(sub calc) less than or approximately 50 kHz for both ground and upsilon(sub t) = 1 state. These newly measured rest frequencies should aid in the identification of interstellar CH3CHO and in spectral line assignments for millimeter-band scans.

Barclay, W. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1994

The radio emission from the ultraluminous far-infrared galaxy NGC 6240

We present new radio observations of the 'prototypical' ultraluminous far-infrared galaxy NGC 6240, obtained using the Very Large Array (VLA) at lambda = 20 cm in B-configuration and at lambda = 3.6 cm in A-configuration. These data, along with those from four previous VLA observations, are used to perform a comprehensive study of the radio emission from NGC 6240. Approximately 70% (approximately 3 x 10(exp 23) W/Hz) of the total radio power at 20 cm originates from the nuclear region (approximately less than 1.5 kpc), of which half is emitted by two unresolved (R approximately less than 36 pc) cores and half by a diffuse component. The radio spectrum of the nuclear emission is relatively flat (alpha approximately equals 0.6; S(sub nu) proportional to nu(exp -alpha). The supernova rate required to power the diffuse component is consistent with that predicted by the stellar evolution models of Rieke et al. (1985). If the radio emission from the two compact cores is powered by supernova remnants, then either the remnants overlap and form hot bubbles in the cores, or they are very young (approximately less than 100 yr.) Nearly all of the remaining 30% of the total radio power comes from an 'armlike' region extending westward from the nuclear region. The western arm emission has a steep spectrum (alpha approximately equals 1.0), suggestive of aging effects from synchrotron or inverse-Compton losses, and is not correlated with starlight; we suggest that it is synchrotron emission from a shell of material driven by a galactic superwind. Inverse Compton scattering of far-infrared photons in the radio sources is expected to produce an X-ray flux of approximately 2 - 6 x 10(exp -14) ergs/s/sq cm in the 2 - 10 keV band. No significant radio emission is detected from or near the possible ultramassive 'dark core'.

Colbert, Edward J. M.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Hot gas and the origin of the nebular continuum in novae

A featureless blue continuum (with constant f(sub nu)) is a defining feature of declining classical novae. The fact that f(sub nu) is constant into the infrared, and the absence of a Balmer jump, suggests that this continuum originates in hot tenous gas. The electron temperature and density of the hot gas phase of classical nova QU Vul 1984 are estimated from ground-based optical and IUE ultraviolet observations. This region has a temperature of 10(exp 5) - 10(exp 6), and a density in the range of 2 x 10(exp 4) to 3 x 10(exp 5)/cu cm. In addition, a colder, denser shell composed of many 'clumps' or condensations is present, and it is responsible for most of the optical-to-ultraviolet emission lines. The hot has, however, may be much more massive and could dominate the energetics of the ejecta. The total returned mass could be as high as 10(exp -4) and 4 x 10(exp -3) solar mass, depending on conditions in the hot gas. The large mass of the shell, in combination with the high metallicity found in this nova, supports the idea that novae may be an important contributor to the chemical enrichment of the interstellar medium.

Saizar, Pedro↗

NASA NTRS1994

Near-infrared spectroscopy of proto-planetary nebulae

Sixteen proto-planetary nebulae were observed with low-resolution infrared spectroscopy in the H and K bands, and four were observed in the L band. In the H band, most of the objects show hydrogen Brackett lines (from n = 10 goes to 4 to n = 20 goes to 4) in absorption. In the K band, absorption bands (delta (nu) = 2) of CO were observed to as high as nu = 6 goes to 4, and in three cases the CO bands are in emission. The CO spectrum of 22272 + 5435 was found to change from emission to absorption over a 3 month interval. The CO emission most likely arises from collisional excitation resulting from recent episodes of mass loss. One new object which possibly shows weak 3.3 micron emission was found.

Hrivnak, Bruce J.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Ultraviolet spectropolarimetry of high-redshift quasars with the Hubble Space Telescope

Ultraviolet spectropolarimetry of three bright high-redshift low-polarization quasars (LPQs) was obtained with the Faint Object Spectrograph of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Two of the quasars, PG 1634+706 and PG 2302+029, had polarizations p approximately = 0.5%-1.0% throughout the ultraviolet, and showed no significant variation of polarization amplitude or position angle with wavelength. PG 2302+029 was also marginally (2.4 sigma) circularly polarized in the optical continuum. For the highest redshift quasar, PG 1222+228 (Ton 1530), the polarization was measured down to rest wavelengths below 800 A. Although the continuum of PG 1222+228 was weakened by Lyman limit absorption from an intergalactic gas cloud, the polarization increased sharply from 1% to about 4.5%, a change of 4 sigma significance. This abrupt rise in polarization does not appear attributable to any known instrumental artifact. These UV polarizations were only slightly less than those previously observed for these same objects in the optical. The polarization spectra were flat with a typical slope of the polarized flux pF(sub nu) proportional to nu(exp -0.8 +/- 0.5). Unlike the case of several high luminosity Seyfert 1 nuclei studied previously, polarization caused by scattering from dust grains does not provide the best fit to the polarization spectra of these luminous quasars. These observed spectra are consistent with a wavelength-independent polarization proportional to the total nonstellar light or, possibly, to the contribution of the blue thermal component. The polarization spectra have insufficient signal-to-noise to locate the scatterers with respect to the continuum source and the much larger broad line region. A decrease in amplitude and rotation of the position angle of the polarization vector at the shortest wavelengths, which could result from general relativistic effects near a spinning black hole, was not observed. In fact, in PG 1222+228, the polarization was observed to increase at the shortest wavelengths. The rise in polarization with frequency is so sharp that it cannot be due to any wavelength-independent polarizing mechanism at any radius in an accretion disk. Such a rise could be attributable, for example, to a relative increase in scattering opacity over absorption at higher frequencies.

Impey, C. D.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Spectral absorption-coefficient data on HCFC-22 and SF6 for remote-sensing applications

Spectral absorption-coefficients (cross-sections) kappa(sub nu) (/cm/atm) have been measured in the 7.62, 8.97, and 12.3 micrometer bands of HCFC-22 (CHClF2) and the 10.6 micrometer bands of SF6 employing a high-resolution Fourier-transform spectrometer. Temperature and total pressure have been varied to simulate conditions corresponding to tropospheric and stratospheric layers in the atmosphere. The kappa(sub nu) are compared with values measured by us previously using a tunable diode laser spectrometer and with the appropriate entries in HITRAN and GEISA, two of the databases known to the atmospheric scientist. The measured absolute intensities of the bands are compared with previously published values.

Varanasi, P.↗

NASA NTRS1994

High resolution studies of heacy NO(y) molecules in atmospheric spectra

New line parameters for two heavy odd nitrogen molecules HNO3 in the nu(sub 5)/2nu(sub 9) region, and ClONO2 in the nu(sub 4) region are incorporated in the analysis of high resolution i.r. atmospheric spectra. The line parameters are tested and renormalized vs laboratory spectra, and then applied to retrievals from balloon-borne and ground-based solar absorption spectra.

Goldman, A.↗

NASA NTRS1994

The optical-ultraviolet-gamma-ray spectrum of 3C 279

We have obtained spectrosocpy of the violently variable quasar 3C 279, simultaneous with gamma-ray observations, in 1992 April. Our combined optical (McDonald Observatory and Cerro Tololo InterAmerican Observatory (CTIO) and ultraviolet (HST) observations, made when the source was faint, show a very steep power-law continuum (F(sub nu) is proportional to nu(exp -1.95), and strong broad emission lines. This is the first time that the broad ultraviolet lines of this object have been measured, and we note several unusual properties of the spectrum. In particular, the profiles of C IV lambda 1549 and Mg II lambda 2798 are asymmetric, with very strong red wings, in contrast to the symmetic profiles of Ly alpha C III lambda 1909, and possible H-beta. The observed asymmetry cannot be explained by a simple outflow associted with the eruption of the source. In addition, the C IV lambda 1549/Ly-alpha and C III lambda 1909/Ly-alpha line intensity ratios are the largest we have observed in out Hubble Space Telescope (HST) sample of more than 30 radio-loud quasars, even though the C III llambda 1909/C IV lambda 1549 ratio is quite typical. 3C 279 was observed in the gamma-ray region by EGRET (Energetic Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope) at the same time as our optical-ultraviolet observations. The extrapolated ultraviolet continuum falls nine orders of magnitude below the gamma-ray point and we show that this, combined with the optical UV continuum slope, is enough to rule out several synchtoyotron-self-Compton models suggested to explain the multiwavelength spectra of blazars.

Netzer, Hagai↗

NASA NTRS1995

Coronal gas in the Galactic halo: ORFEUS observations of NGC 346 #1

We present high resolution (lambda/delta lambda = 3000) observations of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) star NGC 346 #1 near the O VI resonance doublet (1031.9, 1037.6 A). The data were collected with the Berkeley extreme/far ultraviolet (EUV/FUV) spectrometer in the ORFEUS telescope aboard the space platform Astro-SPAS during the missiom of space shuttle Discovery flown in September 1993. The O VI features shows broad absorption centered near nu(sub LSR) is approximately equal to +140 km/sec. This is almost certainly associated with the OB cluster NGC 346 itself, which also shows deep absorption at Si IV and C IV at comparable velocities. An absorption feature corresponding to O VI near nu(sub LSR) = -230 km/sec is present in our data, but this feature is caused by contamination from a second star, probably an early B-type main sequence star at lower standard of rest (LSR) velocity, which is also present in the 20 min circular aperture. Between these velocity extrema lies one broad feature (b is approximately equal 70 km/sec) or multiple narrower features, with a combined column density of about 1.4 x 10(exp 14)/sq cm. Assuming an exponential distribution of O VI with the in-plane density of Jenkins, we infer a scale height, H(sub 0), of no more than approximately equal 1.2 kpc toward NGC 346 #1. Our O VI column density is about a factor of 4 below the predictions of cooling fountain models, but our low scale height is consistent with more recent predictions.

Hurwitz, M.↗

NASA NTRS1995

High-speed correction factor to the O(+)-O resonance charge exchange collision frequency

The high-speed correction factor to the O(+)-O collision frequency, resulting from drift velocities between ions and neutrals, is calculated by solving the integral expression in this factor both numerically and analytically. Although the analytic solution is valid for either small or large drift velocities between ions and neutrals, for temperatures of interest and all drift velocities considered, agreement is found between analytic and detailed numerical integration results within less than 1% error. Let T(sub r) designate the average of the ion and neutral temperatures in K, and u = nu(sub d)/alpha, where nu(sub d) is the relative drift velocity in cm/s, and alpha = 4.56 x 10(exp 3) square root of T(sub r) cm/s is the thermal velocity of the O(+)-O system. Then, as u ranges from 0 to 2, the correction factor multiplying the collision frequency increases monotonically from 1 to about 1.5. An interesting result emerging from this calculation is that the correction factor for temperatures of aeronomical interest is to a good approximation independent of the temperature, depending only on the scaled velocity u.

Omidvar, K.↗

NASA NTRS1995

The Honeycomb supernova remnant

At 2.5 min southeast of SN 1987A, the Honeycomb Nebula Supernova remnant (SNR) is named after its interesting morphology, which consists of over ten loops with sizes of 2-3 pc. High-dispersion spectra of these loops show hemispheres expanding toward the observer at 100-300 km/s. Using archival data X-ray data and a combination of new and archival radio data, we find bright X-ray and nonthermal radio emisssion associated with the Honeycomb Nebula. New CCD images further show enhanced (S II) H-alpha ratios. These results confirm a model in which the Honeycomb Nebula is due to a supernova shock front, traveling toward the observer, encountering an intervening sheet of dense, but porous, interstellar gas. The bulk of the supernova remnant resides in a low-density cavity, and is not otherwise visible. The situation is similar to the hidden supernova remnants postulated for the X-ray bright superbubbles. The Honeycomb Nebula has an unusually steep radio spectral index (S(sub nu) is proportional to nu(exp -1.2)), normally associated with young SNRs.

Chu, You-Hua↗

NASA NTRS1995

The detection of a new strong band near 3590 cm(exp -1) (2.79 microns) in the spectrum of Io

A strong absorption band at 3590 +/- 20 cm(exp -1) (2.790 +/- 0.015 microns) has been discovered in the spectrum of Io using the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO). The 2 nu(sub 1) + nu(sub 3) combination mode of solid SO2 falls at this position. Since SO2 is abundant on Io it must contribute to the new band. However, a band due to H2O was also predicted near this frequency in Io's spectrum based on laboratory experiments of H2O:SO2 mixed Io ice analogs which were used to assign the two weak, variable features at 3370 and 3170 cm(exp -1) (2.97 and 3.15 microns) to trace amounts of H2O frozen in solid SO2 on Io. The new band probably originates from both SO2 and H2O. Unfortunately, the spectral resolution of the data is insufficient to settle the issue of whether or not there are two resolvable components.

Salama, F.↗

NASA NTRS1995

The galactic distribution of aliphatic hydrocarbons in the diffuse interstellar medium

The infrared absorption feature near 2950(exp -1) (3.4 micron), characteristic of dust in the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM), is attributed to C-H stretching vibrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons. We show here that the strength of the band does not scale linearly with visual extinction everywhere, but instead increases more rapidly for objects near the center of the Galaxy, a behavior that parallels that of the Si-O stretching band due to silicate materials in the diffuse ISM. This implies that the grains responsible for the diffuse medium aliphatic C-H and silicate Si-O stretching bands are different from those responsible for much of the observed visual extinction. It also suggests that the distribution of the carbonaceous component of the diffuse ISM is not uniform throughout the Galaxy, but instead may increase in density toward the center of the Galaxy. The similar behavior of the C-H and Si-O stretching bands suggests that these two components may be coupled, perhaps in the form of silicate-core, organic-mantle grains. Several possible models of the distribution of this material are presented and it is demonstrated that the inner parts of the Galaxy has a carrier density that is 5 to 35 times higher than in the local ISM. Depending on the model used, the density of aliphatic material in the local ISM is found to be about 1 to 2 -CH3 groups m(exp -3) and about 2 to 5 -CH2- groups m(exp -3). These densities are consistent with the strengths of the 2955 and 2925 cm(exp -1) (3.4 micron) band being described by the relations A(sub nu)/tau(sub 2955 cm(exp -1)) = 270 +/- 40 and A(sub nu)/tau(sub 2925 cm(exp -1)) = 250 +/- 40 in the local diffuse ISM.

Sandford, Scott A.↗

NASA NTRS1995

A Snapshot of the Continuous Emission of the Active Galactic Nucleus in NGC 3783 from Gamma-Ray to Radio Wavelengths

To better understand the physical processes that produce the continuous emission in active galactic nuclei (AGN), a snapshot of the overall continuous energy distribution of NGC 3783, from gamma ray to radio wavelengths, has been obtained within the framework of the World Astronomy Days. The data collected in this campaign are from GRO, ROSAT, Voyager 2, IUE, HST, CTIO, SAAO, and the VLA. Great care has been taken in disentangling the genuine AGN continusous emission from other contributions; depending on the waveband, the latter might be (1) unrelated contaminating sources in cases where the instrument field of view is large (2) components within which the AGN is embedded, such as the stellar bulge population which accounts for a significant fraction of the optical continuum, and free-bound and FE2 blends wich contribute to the ultraviolet flux. After correction for these other contributins, the continuous emission of the isolated AGN appears to be rather flat (i.e., approximately equal energy per unit logarithmic frequency) from soft gamma ray to infrared wavelengths. At high energies (0.1 MeV to 0.1 keV), the AGN continuum can be fitted by a power law F nu approaches Nu(exp -a) with a spectral index of alpha approximately 1. At longer wavelengths, two excesses above this power law ('bumps') appear: in the ultraviolet, the classical big blue bump, which can be interpreted as thermal emission from the accretion disc surrounding a massive black hole, and in the infrared, a second bump which can be ascribed to thermal emission from dust in the vicinity of the AGN, heated by ultraviolet radiation from the central source. By fitting accretion-disk models to the observed AGN spectral energy distribution, we find values for the accretion disk innermost temperature, accretion rate, and black hole mass, with some differences that depend on whether or not we extrapolate the high energy power law up to infrared wavelengths. A fit to the IR bump above the extended alpha equals 1 power law suggests the presence of a dust component covering the region from a distance rho approximately equals 80 light days (hot grains at a temperature of approximately equals 1500 K) to rho approximately equals 60 light years (cool grains at T approximately equals 200 K). The total mass of dust is around 60 solar masses.

Alloin, D.↗