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At least 343 records · Page 19

The Badhwar-O'Neill 2020 Model

The Badhwar-O'Neill (BON) model has been used for some time to describe the galactic cosmic ray (GCR) environment encountered in deep space by astronauts and sensitive electronics. The most recent version of the model, BON2014, was calibrated to available measurements to reduce model errors for particles and energies of significance to astronaut exposure. Although subsequent studies showed the model to be reasonably accurate for such applications, modifications to the sunspot number (SSN) classification system and a large number of new high precision measurements suggested the need to develop an improved and more capable model. In this work, the BON2020 model is described. The new model relies on daily integral flux from the Advanced Composition Explorer Cosmic Ray Isotope Spectrometer (ACE/CRIS) to describe solar activity. For time periods not covered by ACE/CRIS, the updated international SSN database is used. Parameters in the new model are calibrated to available data, which includes the new Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) and Payload for Antimatter Matter Exploration and Light-nuclei Astrophysics (PAMELA) high-precision measurements. It is found that the BON2020 model is a significant improvement over BON2014. Systematic errors associated with BON2014 have been removed. The average relative error of the BON2020 model compared to all available measurements is found to be <1%, and BON2020 is found to be within ±15% of a large fraction of the available measurements (26,269 of 27,646 → 95%).

Slaba, Tony C.↗

The Badhwar-O'Neill 2020 Model

The Badhwar-O’Neill (BON) model has been used for some time to describe the galactic cosmic ray (GCR) environment encountered in deep space by astronauts and sensitive electronics. The most recent version of the model, BON2014, was calibrated to available measurements to reduce model errors for particles and energies of significance to astronaut exposure. Although subsequent studies showed the model to be reasonably accurate for such applications, modifications to the sunspot number (SSN) classification system and a large number of new high-precision measurements suggested the need to develop an improved and more capable model. In this work, the BON2020 model is described. The new model relies on daily integral flux from the Advanced Composition Explorer Cosmic Ray Isotope Spectrometer (ACE/CRIS) to describe solar activity. For time periods not covered by ACE/CRIS, the updated international SSN database is used. Parameters in the new model are calibrated to available data, which includes the new Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) and Payload for Antimatter Matter Exploration and Light-nuclei Astrophysics (PAMELA) high-precision measurements. It is found that the BON2020 model is a significant improvement over BON2014. Systematic errors associated with BON2014 have been removed. The average relative error of the BON2020 model compared to all available measurements is found to be <1%, and BON2020 is found to be within +15% of a large fraction of the available measurements (26,269 of 27,646  95%.

T C Slaba↗

Satellite-Assisted Particulate Matter (SAPM) for the Models, In situ, and Remote Sensing of Aerosols (MIRA) Working Group

Models, In situ, and Remote sensing of Aerosols (MIRA) is an international working group that provides a forum for collaborations amongst these three atmospheric aerosol communities. MIRA consists of a collection of interdisciplinary and independently funded Topic/Project groups with clear goals and generally characterized by requests for additional scientific data. The Satellite-Assisted Particulate Matter (SAPM) Topic group focuses on the study of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), as it is a major contributor to air pollution and negatively impacts human health. Our group aims to provide intercomparisons of various methods and techniques for estimating surface PM2.5 assisted by satellite remote sensors (passive and active), global aerosol models, and in situ aerosol measurements. The overall motivation of our work is to enhance PM2.5 coverage beyond in situ ground stations, which can be limited. In this presentation, we provide an overview of various PM2.5 estimation approaches by current SAPM team members, as each approach has its own strengths and limitations. One approach uses near-surface aerosol extinction retrievals from the spaceborne Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) and an assumed value of mass extinction efficiency to derive PM2.5 concentrations (Toth et al 2019). A study using this method found a promising agreement (R=0.60; slope=0.89) with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in situ PM2.5 measurements over the contiguous United States (CONUS) for a 12-year (2007-2018) period (Toth et al 2022). In a different approach combining spaceborne lidar and a model, the Cloud Aerosol Transport System (CATS) lidar and Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model are blended in an ensemble variational assimilation scheme to retrieve aerosol extinction and convert speciated mass concentrations to total PM2.5. A recent study (Matus et al in prep.) found agreement within 2 μg/m3 over the CONUS on the 2016 annual mean when compared to EPA ground-based measurements. Another study explored trends in city aerosol optical depth (AOD) from a spaceborne passive remote sensor, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and found that these trends agree well with trends in city surface PM2.5, which provides confidence in the use of city AOD for city PM2.5 trend studies (Vohra et al 2021). In a follow-on study, steep and significant trends (~2.5 to 7.8% a-1) in AOD are found for several South Asian cities (e.g., Bangalore and Hyderabad), suggesting rapid growth in PM2.5 (Vohra et al 2022). Also in this presentation, we report results on our current collective SAPM study of India, a country that exhibits high levels of PM2.5 pollution. We show the temporal (i.e., seasonal) and spatial variability of PM2.5 over India using the CALIOP and CATS+model approaches, comparisons between the estimated PM2.5 from the retrieval schemes, and validation with in situ PM2.5 ground-based observations from the Central Pollution Control Board in India. This region provides us with an excellent case study to test our PM2.5 retrievals in heavily polluted scenes and over a complex and varying topography. The SAPM Topic group actively seeks international participants/collaborators in our group, including those working with in situ aerosol measurements (e.g., ACTRIS). We are interested in aerosol datasets in order to either improve our PM2.5 estimates from various approaches (e.g., using in situ mass scattering/absorption coefficient and aerosol hygroscopic properties for various aerosol species) and/or validate the PM2.5 estimates (e.g., using in situ ground-based PM2.5 concentrations).

Travis D Toth↗

X-Ray Polarization Measurement of the Gold Standard of Radio-Quiet Active Galactic Nuclei: NGC 1068

Context.NGC 1068 is the most observed radio-quiet active galactic nucleus (AGN) in polarimetry, yet its high-energy polarization has never been probed before due to a lack of dedicated polarimeters.Aims.Using the first X-ray polarimeter sensitive enough to measure the polarization of AGNs, we want to probe the orientation and geometric arrangement of (sub)parsec-scale matter around the X-ray source. Methods. We used the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) satellite to measure, for the first time, the 2–8 keV polarization of NGC 1068.We pointed IXPE at the target for a net exposure time of 1.15 Ms, in addition to using two Chandra snapshots of∼10 ks each in order to account for the potential impact of several ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) within IXPE’s field of view. Results. We measured a 2–8 keV polarization degree of 12.4%±3.6% and an electric vector polarization angle of 101◦±8◦at a 68% confidence level. If we exclude the spectral region containing bright Fe K lines and other soft X-ray lines where depolarization occurs, the polarization fraction rises to 21.3%±6.7% in the 3.5–6.0 keV band, with a similar polarization angle. The observed polarization angle is found to be perpendicular to the parsec-scale radio jet. Using a combined Chandra and IXPE analysis plus multiwavelength constraints, we estimated that the circum nuclear“torus” may sustain a half-opening angle of 50–55◦(from the vertical axis of the system). Conclusions. Thanks to IXPE, we have measured the X-ray polarization of NGC 1068 and found comparable results, both in terms of the polarization angle orientation with respect to the radio jet and the torus half-opening angle, to the X-ray polarimetric measurement achieved for the other archetypal Compton-thick AGN: the Circinus galaxy. Probing the geometric arrangement of parsec-scale matter in extragalactic objects is now feasible thanks to X-ray polarimetry

active galaxies↗

High Spectral Resolution Datasets of in Situ Aquatic Inherent and Apparent Optical Properties

Light emerging from natural water bodies and measured by remote sensing radiometers contains information about the local type and concentrations of phytoplankton, non-algal particles and colored dissolved organic matter in the underlying waters. An increase in spectral resolution in forthcoming satellite and airborne remote sensing missions is expected to lead to new or improved capabilities to characterize aquatic ecosystems. Such upcoming missions include NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem PACE Mission; the NASA Surface Biology and Geology observable mission; and NASA Airborne Visible / Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) - Next Generation airborne missions. In anticipation of these missions, we present a dataset of geographically diverse, quality-controlled, high spectral resolution inherent and apparent optical property (IOP/AOP) aquatic data. The data are intended to be of use to increase our understanding of aquatic optical properties, to develop aquatic remote sensing data product algorithms, and to perform calibration and validation activities for forthcoming aquatic-focused imaging spectrometry missions. The dataset is comprised of contributions from several investigators and investigating teams collected over a range of geographic areas and water types, including inland water, estuaries and oceans. Specific in situ measurements include particulate absorption, particulate attenuation, non-algal particulate or detritus absorption, colored dissolved organic matter absorption, phytoplankton absorption, total absorption, total attenuation, particulate backscattering, total backscatter, remote sensing reflectance, and irradiance reflectance. The dataset can be downloaded from PANGAEA: (https://www.pangaea.de/TBD ).

K A Casey↗

Overview of the High Performance Antiproton (HiPAT) Experiment

The annihilation of matter with antimatter represents the highest energy density of any known reaction, producing 10(exp 8) MJ/g, approximately 10 orders of magnitude more energy per unit mass than chemical based combustion. To take the first step towards using this energy for propulsion applications the NASA MSFC Propulsion Research Center (PRC) has initiated a research activity examining the storage of low energy antiprotons. Storage was identified as a key enabling technology since it builds the experience base necessary to understand the handling of antiprotons for virtually all utilization and high-density storage concepts. To address this need, a device referred to as the High Performance Antiproton Trap (HiPAT) is under development at the NASA MSFC PRC. The HiPAT is an electromagnetic system (Penning-Malmberg design) consisting of a 4 Tesla superconductor, a high voltage confinement electrode system (operation up to 20 KV), and an ultra high vacuum test section (operating in the 10(exp -12) torr range). The system was designed to be portable with an ultimate goal of maintaining 10(exp 12) charged particles with a half-life of 18 days. Currently, this system is being experimentally evaluated using normal matter ions which are cheap to produce and relatively easy to handle. These normal ions provide a good indication of overall trap behavior, with the exception of assessing annihilation losses. The ions are produced external to HiPAT using two hydrogen ion sources, with adjustable beam energy and current. Ion are transported in a beam line and controlled through the use of electrostatic optics. These optics serve to both focus and gate the incoming ions, providing microsecond-timed pulses that are dynamically captured by cycling the HiPAT electric containment field like a 'trap door'. The layout of this system more closely simulates the operations expected at an actual antiproton production facility where 'packets' of antiprotons with pulse widths measured in 100's of nanoseconds could be provided. Initial dynamic capture experiments have been performed with both trap and ton source system functioning at approximately 10% of maximum levels, minimizing the potential for extraneous effects. Dynamic trapping techniques demonstrated the successful capture of millions of hydrogen ions with good agreement with the predicted loading based on the timing sequence, trap electric field, and ion beam current. These techniques will be expanded to examine multiple shot capture or 'stacking' to increase the total number of ions stored within HiPAT.

Martin, James J.↗

Biomolecular Effects of Cold Plasma Exposure

The effects of cold plasma exposure on Deinococcus radiodurans, plasmid DNA and model proteins were assessed using microbiological, spectrometric and biochemical techniques. Exposure of D. radiodurans, an extremely radiation resistant microbe, to O2 plasma (less than or equal to 25 W, approx. 45 mTorr, 90 min) yielded a approx. 99.999 % sterilization and the sterilization rate was increased approx. 10-fold at 100 W and 500 mTorr. AFM images shows that the exposed cells are significantly deformed and possess 50-70 nm concavities. IR analysis indicates the chemical degradation of lipids, proteins and carotenoids of the cell wall and membrane. Intracellular damage was indicated by major absorbance loss at 1245, 1651 and 1538/cm corresponding to degradation of DNA and proteins, respectively. Biochemical experiments demonstrate that plasmas induce strand scissions and crosslinking of plasmid DNA, and reduction of enzyme activity; the degradation is power dependent with total sample loss occurring in 60 s at 200 W and 500 mTorr. Emission spectroscopy shows that D. radiodurans is volatilized into CO2, CO, N2 and H2O confirming the removal of biological matter from contaminated surfaces. The O2 plasma impacts several cellular components predominantly through chemical degradation by atomic oxygen. A CO2, plasma, however, was not effective at degrading D. radiodurans, revealing the importance of plasma composition, which has implications for planetary protection and the contamination of Mars.

Mogul, Rakesh↗

Sewage sludge additive

The additive is for a raw sewage treatment process of the type where settling tanks are used for the purpose of permitting the suspended matter in the raw sewage to be settled as well as to permit adsorption of the dissolved contaminants in the water of the sewage. The sludge, which settles down to the bottom of the settling tank is extracted, pyrolyzed and activated to form activated carbon and ash which is mixed with the sewage prior to its introduction into the settling tank. The sludge does not provide all of the activated carbon and ash required for adequate treatment of the raw sewage. It is necessary to add carbon to the process and instead of expensive commercial carbon, coal is used to provide the carbon supplement.

Kalvinskas, J. J.↗

Orbital Observatory GLAST - New Step in the Study of Cosmic Gamma-Radiation

The new Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) is scheduled for launch in the middle of 2008. It contains the high energy gamma-ray telescope LAT (Large Area Telescope) which covers the energy range from 20 MeV to >300 GeV and the GMB (GLAST Burst Monitor), covering 8 keV - 30 MeV energy range. The GLAST science objectives include understanding the mechanism of charged particle acceleration in active galactic nuclei, pulsars and supernova remnants, determining the nature of the still-unidentified EGRET sources, detailed study of gamma-ray diffuse emission, high-energy emission from gamma-ray bursts and transient sources, and probing dark matter. A brief overview of the mission is given.

Moiseev, A. A.↗

A Cognitive Walkthrough of Multiple Drone Delivery Operations

Advances of early twenty-first century aviation and transportation technologies provide opportunities for enhanced aerial projects, and the overall integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS) has applications across a wide range of operations. Through these, remote operators have learned to manage several UAS at the same time in a variety of operational environments. The present work details a component piece of an ongoing body of research into multi-UAS operations. Beginning in early 2020, NASA has collaborated with Uber Technologies to design and develop concepts of operations, roles and responsibilities, and ground control station (GCS) concepts to enable food delivery operations via multiple, small UAS (sUAS). A cognitive walkthrough was chosen as the method for data collection. This allowed information to be gathered from UAS subject matter experts (SMEs) that could further mature designs for future human-in-the-loop (HITL) simulations; in addition, it allowed information to be collected remotely during the stringent restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, the described cognitive walkthrough activity utilized remote data collection protocols mediated through the usage of programs designed for presentation and telecommunications. Scenarios were designed, complete with airspace, contingencies, and remedial actions, to be presented to the SMEs. Information was collected using a combination of rating scales and open-ended questions. Results received from the SMEs revealed expected hazards, workloads, and information concerns inherent in the contingency scenarios. SMEs also provided insight into the design of GCS tools and displays as well as the duties and relationships of human operators (i.e., monitors) and automation (i.e., informers and flight managers). Implications of these findings are discussed.

unmanned aircraft systems↗

A Cognitive Walkthrough of Multiple Drone Delivery Operations

Advances of early twenty-first century aviation and transportation technologies provide opportunities for enhanced aerial projects, and the overall integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS) has applications across a wide range of operations. Through these, remote operators have learned to manage several UAS at the same time in a variety of operational environments. The present work details a component piece of an ongoing body of research into multi-UAS operations. Beginning in early 2020, NASA has collaborated with Uber Technologies to design and develop concepts of operations, roles and responsibilities, and ground control station (GCS) concepts to enable food delivery operations via multiple, small UAS (sUAS). A cognitive walkthrough was chosen as the method for data collection. This allowed information to be gathered from UAS subject matter experts (SMEs) that could further mature designs for future human-in-the-loop (HITL) simulations; in addition, it allowed information to be collected remotely during the stringent restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, the described cognitive walkthrough activity utilized remote data collection protocols mediated through the usage of programs designed for presentation and telecommunications. Scenarios were designed, complete with airspace, contingencies, and remedial actions, to be presented to the SMEs. Information was collected using a combination of rating scales and open-ended questions. Results received from the SMEs revealed expected hazards, workloads, and information concerns inherent in the contingency scenarios. SMEs also provided insight into the design of GCS tools and displays as well as the duties and relationships of human operators (i.e., monitors) and automation (i.e., informers and flight managers). Implications of these findings are discussed.

unmanned aircraft systems↗

Analyzing Federal Agency Earth Observation Needs: NASA’s 2022 Satellite Needs Working Group Assessment

Every two years, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) leads an assessment of Federal civilian agency Earth observation needs submitted through the Satellite Needs Working Group (SNWG) survey. Nearly 30 agencies participated in the 2022 SNWG survey, submitting 115 high-priority satellite data needs that span Earth Science and represent a wide variety of potential applications for Earth observation data. Analysis of multiple SNWG survey cycles reveals trends in agency needs toward more frequent, higher resolution data that can inform agency decision-making. NASA and partners at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) evaluated the agency surveys during an eight-month assessment period. Assessment teams comprised of subject matter experts, technology specialists, and agency managers conducted an in-depth interview with each submitting agency to fully understand the need and discuss relevant current and upcoming satellite missions. The teams then proposed over 100 potential solutions, or new activities that NASA, NOAA, and/or USGS could undertake to help meet agency needs. A few cross-cutting potential solutions that are projected to be most valuable to SNWG agencies are under consideration for implementation by NASA in the coming years.

Katrina Virts↗

Improving Earth Science Data Literacy

The improvement of scientific literacy across the public can take on a myriad of forms and activities. The vast archives of NASA’s Earth science data, as one example, reflect the agency’s ongoing commitment to producing the highest quality data, services and tools intended for enabling the public to understand the complexity of Earth systems. The focus of this presentation is to explore and reveal the specific strategies the NASA Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS) Project uses to support our very large and diverse user communities access to and understanding of these science data and services. The diversity of our subject matter, spanning the whole Earth science domain, is mirrored by our user communities which are equally as broad in their needs and abilities. ESDIS and the supporting Communication Team leverages an array of internet-based tools and communication strategies to both understand actual user needs and develop optimum pathways for improving our users’ knowledge and understanding of the data. We will focus our limited time on a few of the high-impact activities including Webinars, or video-based, on-line, interactive discussions and presentations that since their introduction in 2013 have become a staple for user-instructor interaction via the internet. Here we discuss the types of content we produce and many lessons learned on how best to use this medium for improving user literacy on the subject at hand. In addition, we include discussion of our approach to using various social media platforms and tools to bolster the awareness of our users for data and services that are likely of interest. The ESDIS project remains active in various social media campaigns where our particular blend of science, data and tools engages new users curious of how to get their science or application started using NASA-available data. We anticipate that these examples may prove to be novel in their application to improving science literacy and skill development among the public.

Lindsay, Francis↗

Dewatering of contaminated river sediments

Dewatering of slurries has been successfully accomplished by the proper use of polymers in flocculating the fine particulate matter suspended in mineral processing streams. The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) entered into a cooperative research effort with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) for the purpose of testing and demonstrating the applicability of mining flocculation technology to dredging activities associated with the removal of sediments from navigable waterways. The Corps has the responsibility for maintaining the navigable waterways in the United States. Current technology relies primarily on dredging operations which excavate the material from the bottom of waterways. The Corps is testing new dredging technology which may reduce resuspension of sediments by the dredging operation. Pilot plant dredging equipment was tested by the Corps which generated larger quantities of water when compared to conventional equipment, such as the clam shell. The transportation of this 'excess' water adds to the cost of sediment removal. The process developed by the USBM consists of feed material from the barge being pumped through a 4-in line by a centrifugal pump and exiting through a 4-in PVC delivery system. A 1,000-gal fiberglass tank was used to mix the polymer concentrate. The polymer was pumped through a 1-in line using a variable speed progressive cavity pump and introduced to the 4-in feed line prior to passing through a 6-in by 2-ft static mixer. The polymer/feed slurry travels to the clarifying tank where the flocculated material settled to the bottom and allowed 'clean' water to exit the overflow. A pilot scale flocculation unit was operated on-site at the Corps' 'Confined Disposal Facility' in Buffalo, NY.

Church, Ronald H.↗

El Nino and Health Risks from Landscape Fire Emissions in Southeast Asia

Emissions from landscape fires affect both climate and air quality. Here, we combine satellite-derived fire estimates and atmospheric modelling to quantify health effects from fire emissions in southeast Asia from 1997 to 2006. This region has large interannual variability in fire activity owing to coupling between El Nino-induced droughts and anthropogenic land-use change. We show that during strong El Nino years, fires contribute up to 200 micrograms per cubic meter and 50 ppb in annual average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone surface concentrations near fire sources, respectively. This corresponds to a fire contribution of 200 additional days per year that exceed the World Health Organization 50 micrograms per cubic metre 24-hr PM(sub 2.5) interim target and an estimated 10,800 (6,800-14,300)-person (approximately 2 percent) annual increase in regional adult cardiovascular mortality. Our results indicate that reducing regional deforestation and degradation fires would improve public health along with widely established benefits from reducing carbon emissions, preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem services.

fires↗

Optical and X-Ray Early Follow-Up of ANTARES Neutrino Alerts

High-energy neutrinos could be produced in the interaction of charged cosmic rays with matter or radiation surrounding astrophysical sources. Even with the recent detection of extraterrestrial high-energy neutrinos by the IceCube experiment, no astrophysical neutrinosource has yet been discovered. Transient sources, such as gamma-ray bursts, core-collapse supernovae, or active galactic nuclei are promising candidates. Multi-messenger programs offer a unique opportunity to detect these transient sources. By combining the information provided by the ANTARES neutrino telescope with information coming from other observatories, the probability of detecting a source is enhanced, allowing the possibility of identifyinga neutrino progenitor from a single detected event. A method based on optical and X-ray follow-ups of high-energy neutrino alerts has been developed within the ANTARES collaboration. This method does not require any assumptions on the relation between neutrino and photon spectra other than time-correlation. This program, denoted as TAToO, triggers a network of robotic optical telescopes (TAROTand ROTSE) and the Swift-XRT with a delay of only a few seconds after a neutrino detection, and is therefore well-suited to search for fast transient sources. To identify an optical or Xraycounterpart to a neutrino signal, the images provided by the follow-up observations areanalysed with dedicated pipelines. A total of 42 alerts with optical and 7 alerts with X-ray images taken with a maximum delay of 24 hours after the neutrino trigger have been analyzed. No optical or X-ray counterparts associated to the neutrino triggers have been found, and upper limits on transient source magnitudes have been derived. The probability to reject the gamma-ray burst origin hypothesis has been computed for each alert.

X-ray telescopes↗

Cyanobacterial mats: Microanalysis of community metabolism

The microbial communities in two sites were studied using several approaches: (1) light microscopy; (2) the measurement of microprofiles of oxygen and sulfide at the surface of the microbial mat; (3) the study of diurnal variation of oxygen and sulfides; (4) in situ measurement of photosynthesis and sulfate reduction and study of the coupling of these two processes; (5) measurement of glutathione in the upper layers of the microbial mat as a possible oxygen quencher; (6) measurement of reduced iron as a possible intermediate electron donor along the established redoxcline in the mats; (7) measurement of dissolved phosphate as an indicator of processes of break down of organic matter in these systems; and (8) measurement of carbon dioxide in the interstitial water and its delta C-13 in an attempt to understand the flow of CO2 through the systems. Microbial processes of primary production and initial degradation at the most active zone of the microbial mat were analyzed.

Cohen, Y.↗

Magnetic activity in pre-main-sequence stars

The extensive new evidence for extremely high levels of magnetic activity on the surface of premain-sequence stars is reviewed and analyzed in the context of solar evolution. Most of these observations concern 'weak' T Tauri stars, in which the surface properties of the young stars are not dominated by circumstellar matter as in 'classical' T Tauri stars. Optical photometry shows that weak T Tauria stars are moderately rapid rotaters with cool starspots covering 5 to 40 percent of the surface. Optical and ultraviolet spectroscopy indicates that their chromospheres are enhanced about 50 times over contemporary solar levels. X-ray and radio intensities are of order 1000 to 100,000 times greater than peak solar levels, and they vary on time scales of days and (in a few cases) hours or minutes. The variability can only be explained in terms of some extremely powerful magnetic-flare model. The large numbers of weak T Tauri stars, probably larger than the population of classical T Tauri stars, strongly suggests that the sun was a weak T Tauri star for at least part of its premain-sequence evolutionary phase. These findings are summarized in a suggested portrait of the sun as a 1 Myr old weak T Tauri star.

Feigelson, Eric D.↗