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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1999

Recent Outbursts from the Transient X-Ray Pulsar Cepheus X-4 (GS 2138 + 56)

We report on X-ray observations of the 66 s period transient X-ray pulsar Cep X-4 (GS 2138+56) with the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory and with the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). Two outbursts from Cep X-4 were observed with BATSE in 1993 June-July and in 1997 July. Pulse frequencies of v = 15.0941 + or - 0.0002 mHz on 1993 June 25 (MJD 49,163) and v = 15.0882 + or - 0.0002 mHz on 1997 July 12 (MJD 50,641) were each measured from 2-day spans of BATSE data near each outburst's peak. Cep X-4 showed an average spin down rate of dot-v = (-4.14 + or - 0.08) x 10(exp -14) Hz s(exp -1) between the 1993 and 1997 outbursts. After BATSE could no longer detect Cep X-4, public observations were performed on 1997 July 18 and July 25 with the Proportional Counter Array (PCA) on RXTE. A pulse frequency of v = 15.088 + or - 0.004 mHz was measured from observations on 1997 July 18 (MJD 50,647). Significant aperiodic noise, with an rms variance of about 18% in the frequency range 0.01 - 1.0 Hz, was observed on both days. Energy- and intensity-dependent pulse shape variations were also seen in these data. Recently published optical observations associate Cep X-4 with a Be companion star. If all four outbursts observed from Cep X-4 are assumed to occur at the same orbital phase, we find that the orbital period is between 23 and 147.3 days.

Wilson, Colleen A.↗
NASA NTRS1999

CUSP Energetic Particles: Confinement, Acceleration and Implications

The cusp energetic particle (CEP) event is a new magnetospheric phenomenon. The events were detected in the dayside cusp for hours, in which the measured helium ions had energies up to 8 MeV. All of these events were associated with a dramatic decrease and large fluctuations in the local magnetic field strength. During January 1999 - December 1999 covered by this report, I have studied the CEP events by analyzing the POLAR, GEOTAIL, and WIND particle and magnetic field data measured during the geomagnetic quiet periods in 1996 and one geomagnetic storm period in 1998. The simultaneous observations indicated that the ion fluxes in the CEP events were higher than that in both the upstream and the downstream from the bow shock. The pitch angle distribution of the helium ions in the CEP events was found to peak around 90 deg. It was found that the mirror parameter, defined as the ratio of the square root of the integration of the parallel turbulent power spectral component over the ultra-low frequency (ULF) ranges to the mean field in the cusp, is correlated with the intensity of the cusp MeV helium flux, which is a measure of the influence of mirroring interactions and an indication of local effect. It was also found that the turbulent power of the local magnetic field in the ultra-low frequency (ULF) ranges is correlated with the intensity of the cusp energetic helium ions. Such ULF ranges correspond to periods of about 0.33-500 seconds that cover the gyroperiods, the bounce periods, and the drift periods of the tens keV to MeV charged particles when they are temporarily confined in the high-altitude dayside cusp. These observations represent a discovery that the high-altitude dayside cusp is a new acceleration and dynamic trapping region of the magnetosphere. The cusp geometry is connected via gradient and curvature drift of these energized ions to the equatorial plasma sheet as close as the geostationary orbit at local midnight. It implies that the dayside cusp is potentially an important source of magnetospheric particles. The discovery of the CEP events has been recognized as one of the most significant results from POLAR. I was invited to give a talk at 1999 IUGG meeting to interpret the CEP events. This discovery has also been written into the web-based Space Physics Text Book (http://www.oulu.fi/- spaceweb/textbook/cusp.html).

Chen, Jiasheng↗
NASA NTRS2004

Real-Time Adaptive Color Segmentation by Neural Networks

Artificial neural networks that would utilize the cascade error projection (CEP) algorithm have been proposed as means of autonomous, real-time, adaptive color segmentation of images that change with time. In the original intended application, such a neural network would be used to analyze digitized color video images of terrain on a remote planet as viewed from an uninhabited spacecraft approaching the planet. During descent toward the surface of the planet, information on the segmentation of the images into differently colored areas would be updated adaptively in real time to capture changes in contrast, brightness, and resolution, all in an effort to identify a safe and scientifically productive landing site and provide control feedback to steer the spacecraft toward that site. Potential terrestrial applications include monitoring images of crops to detect insect invasions and monitoring of buildings and other facilities to detect intruders. The CEP algorithm is reliable and is well suited to implementation in very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuitry. It was chosen over other neural-network learning algorithms because it is better suited to realtime learning: It provides a self-evolving neural-network structure, requires fewer iterations to converge and is more tolerant to low resolution (that is, fewer bits) in the quantization of neural-network synaptic weights. Consequently, a CEP neural network learns relatively quickly, and the circuitry needed to implement it is relatively simple. Like other neural networks, a CEP neural network includes an input layer, hidden units, and output units (see figure). As in other neural networks, a CEP network is presented with a succession of input training patterns, giving rise to a set of outputs that are compared with the desired outputs. Also as in other neural networks, the synaptic weights are updated iteratively in an effort to bring the outputs closer to target values. A distinctive feature of the CEP neural network and algorithm is that each update of synaptic weights takes place in conjunction with the addition of another hidden unit, which then remains in place as still other hidden units are added on subsequent iterations. For a given training pattern, the synaptic weight between (1) the inputs and the previously added hidden units and (2) the newly added hidden unit is updated by an amount proportional to the partial derivative of a quadratic error function with respect to the synaptic weight. The synaptic weight between the newly added hidden unit and each output unit is given by a more complex function that involves the errors between the outputs and their target values, the transfer functions (hyperbolic tangents) of the neural units, and the derivatives of the transfer functions.

Duong, Tuan A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Simultaneous Exosat and VLA observations of the contact binaries VW Cephei and XY Leonis - Quiescent emission and a flare on VW Cephei

Two W UMa-type contact binaries, XY Leo and VW Cep, were observed simultaneously with Exosat, the VLA, and, in the case of XY Leo, optically. The temporal coverage of each star was sufficient to monitor them throughout two orbital revolutions (P about 0.27 days); however, no orbital modulation of either the X-ray or 6 cm data was seen for either star, indicating large emitting regions. A large flare from VW Cep was detected, the best such simultaneous flare data ever obtained from a star other than the sun. Its behavior before, during, and after the flare was remarkably similar to that found in solar flares, although at 6 cm this flare on VW Cep was about 10,000 times more luminous than typical strong solar flares. For both stars, it is demonstrated that the 6 cm emission cannot be the result of bremsstrahlung radiation of the X-ray emitting plasma; in fact, it is shown, in the case of the VW Cep flare, that the 6 cm emission is consistent with gyrosynchrotron radiation from a source region of order of the system separation.

Vilhu, Osmi↗
NASA NTRS1999

CUSP: A New Acceleration Region of the Magnetosphere

A new magnetospheric phenomenon called a cusp energetic particle (CEP) event has been discovered by the POLAR spacecraft in 1996. The events were detected in the dayside polar cusp near the apogee of POLAR and could last for hours, in which the measured helium ions had energies up to 8 MeV. All of these events were associated with a dramatic decrease in the magnitude of the local magnetic field. A fundamental question is where do the cusp MeV ions come from? To answer this question, we have compared the ion flux in the September 18, 1996 CEP events with that in the upstream from the bow shock and found that bow shock acceleration cannot explain the measured ion flux in the CEP events. We have further determined the parallel power spectra of the local magnetic field turbulence calculated over the CEP event periods for fluctuations in the ultra-low frequency (ULF) ranges, corresponding to periods of about 0.33-500s. It is found that the mirror parameter, defined as the ratio of the square root of the integration of the parallel turbulent spectral component over the ULF ranges to the local mean field, is correlated with the intensity of the MeV helium flux. These new results represent a discovery that the high-altitude dayside cusp is a new acceleration region of the magnetosphere.

Chen, J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

On interstellar Fe X forbidden line absorption toward Cepheus OB2

A weak interstellar absorption line which can be identified as the forbidden line of Fe X 6375 A is observed in the spectrum of the A2 Ia star Nu Cep, which is a member of the Cepheus OB2 association. The equivalent width, width, and radial velocity of the line differ indistinguishably from those of similar absorption previously detected uniquely toward the O6f star Lambda Cep, another association member located at a projected distance of about 50 pc from Nu Cep. The absorption may reveal a particularly dense, low-latitude concentration of hot, foreground interstellar gas of the kind generally responsible for the observed soft X-ray background.

Hobbs, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Clarifications concerning the definition and determination of the celestial ephemeris pole

The precise meaning and consequences of the introduction beginning in 1984 of the 1980 IAU theory of nutation (Wahr, 1980; Seidelmann, 1982) based on the celestial ephemeris pole (CEP) rather than the instantaneous pole of rotation (IPR) of the previous theory (Woolard, 1953) are analyzed and discussed. The CEP implicitly accounts for the forced diurnal polar motion and thus implies a fixed change of 0.0087 arcsec in the mean celestial pole. It is pointed out that past determinations of the obliquity and the celestial pole which were assumed to be referred to the IPR were actually referred to the CEP. A number of clarified formulations of the new theory are proposed.

Capitaine, N.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The moderately interacting Algol binary RS Cephei

In agreement with previous observers, it is found that the eclipsing binary RS Cep is an Algol-type semidetached system. From IUE spectra and Lick Observatory optical scans, the spectral types of the components are determined as B9.7e V + G8 III-IV. The effective temperature of the primary star is found to be 9670 K (with an uncertainty of about 150 K). From the photometric elements, the spectral types, and the semidetached nature of the system, a satisfactory model of the system is developed, giving masses 2.4 and 0.4 solar mass, radii 2.3 and 7.6 solar radii, and separation of the components 32 solar radii. This model leads to a distance of 910 pc; the color excess is E(B - V) = 0.03 mag. Balmer emission lines are observed in the optical scans, so that the system is a Be star. An IUE spectrum obtained during the total primary eclipse reveals a number of UV emission lines, typical for interacting Algols and W Ser stars. Power emitted in these lines is about twice as high as that in TT Hya or U Cep, therefore, RS Cep is a relatively active Algol system. A broad 'bulge' of excess relative flux is observed roughly between wavelengths 210 and 270 nm in the totality spectrum, and interpreted as broad blends of emission lines of Fe II; the same Fe II lines, formed in a circumstellar shell or disk, cause additional absorption in the out-of-eclipse spectra.

Plavec, Mirek J.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Cascade Error Projection with Low Bit Weight Quantization for High Order Correlation Data

In this paper, we reinvestigate the solution for chaotic time series prediction problem using neural network approach. The nature of this problem is such that the data sequences are never repeated, but they are rather in chaotic region. However, these data sequences are correlated between past, present, and future data in high order. We use Cascade Error Projection (CEP) learning algorithm to capture the high order correlation between past and present data to predict a future data using limited weight quantization constraints. This will help to predict a future information that will provide us better estimation in time for intelligent control system. In our earlier work, it has been shown that CEP can sufficiently learn 5-8 bit parity problem with 4- or more bits, and color segmentation problem with 7- or more bits of weight quantization. In this paper, we demonstrate that chaotic time series can be learned and generalized well with as low as 4-bit weight quantization using round-off and truncation techniques. The results show that generalization feature will suffer less as more bit weight quantization is available and error surfaces with the round-off technique are more symmetric around zero than error surfaces with the truncation technique. This study suggests that CEP is an implementable learning technique for hardware consideration.

Duong, Tuan A.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Cascade Error Projection: A Learning Algorithm for Hardware Implementation

In this paper, we workout a detailed mathematical analysis for a new learning algorithm termed Cascade Error Projection (CEP) and a general learning frame work. This frame work can be used to obtain the cascade correlation learning algorithm by choosing a particular set of parameters. Furthermore, CEP learning algorithm is operated only on one layer, whereas the other set of weights can be calculated deterministically. In association with the dynamical stepsize change concept to convert the weight update from infinite space into a finite space, the relation between the current stepsize and the previous energy level is also given and the estimation procedure for optimal stepsize is used for validation of our proposed technique. The weight values of zero are used for starting the learning for every layer, and a single hidden unit is applied instead of using a pool of candidate hidden units similar to cascade correlation scheme. Therefore, simplicity in hardware implementation is also obtained. Furthermore, this analysis allows us to select from other methods (such as the conjugate gradient descent or the Newton's second order) one of which will be a good candidate for the learning technique. The choice of learning technique depends on the constraints of the problem (e.g., speed, performance, and hardware implementation); one technique may be more suitable than others. Moreover, for a discrete weight space, the theoretical analysis presents the capability of learning with limited weight quantization. Finally, 5- to 8-bit parity and chaotic time series prediction problems are investigated; the simulation results demonstrate that 4-bit or more weight quantization is sufficient for learning neural network using CEP. In addition, it is demonstrated that this technique is able to compensate for less bit weight resolution by incorporating additional hidden units. However, generation result may suffer somewhat with lower bit weight quantization.

Duong, Tuan A.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Plasma Waves Observed During CUSP Energetic Particle Events and Their Correlation With Polar and Akebono Satellite and Ground Data

We present Polar plasma wave data during cusp energetic particle (CEP) events at 6-9 R(sub E). These data suggest the presence of coherent electrostatic structures that are highly localized and that have typical velocities on the order of hundreds to thousands of kilometers per second along the ambient magnetic field. Some of the wave signatures are solitary waves and some are wave packets. The Polar wave instrument also provides evidence that some of the bursts of electromagnetic waves (with frequencies of a few hundred Hz and just below the electron cyclotron frequency around 800 Hz to 1-2 kHz) that are observed are coher&nt and propagating both up and down the field lines. Electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves are often detected but their duration is usually short (less than 1 second). Low Frequency (less than 1 kHz), broadband, bursty electromagnetic waves are also present. The Polar wave data results are used to obtain a better understanding of the macro/microphysics during a CEP event that takes place on September 11, 1996, by correlating various Polar (approximately 7.0 R(sub E)) and Akebono (approximately 1.4 R(sub E)) data while both spacecraft are in or near the cusp/cleft region and nearly on the same field line, and magnetometer data from the Canadian Intermagnet and Canopus ground stations, which lie near the base of the magnetic footprint passing through Polar. Solar wind and magnetic field data from the interplanetary medium and magnetosheath are provided by the Geotail and IMP-8 satellites, respectively. Some of the cusp waves may be indicators of the reconnection process taking place through the cusp, the result of mixing of magnetosheath with magnetospheric plasma, and the consequence of an anisotropic electron population in a depressed magnetic field. The low frequency electromagnetic waves are still under study to determine their role, if any, in the heating and acceleration of the MeV He ions during CEP events.

Pickett, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Cubesat Application for Planetary Entry (CAPE) Missions: Micro-Return Capsule (MIRCA)

The Cubesat Application for Planetary Entry Missions (CAPE) concept describes a high-performing Cubesat system which includes a propulsion module and miniaturized technologies capable of surviving atmospheric entry heating, while reliably transmitting scientific and engineering data. The Micro Return Capsule (MIRCA) is CAPE's first planetary entry probe flight prototype. Within this context, this paper briefly describes CAPE's configuration and typical operational scenario, and summarizes ongoing work on the design and basic aerodynamic characteristics of the prototype MIRCA vehicle. CAPE not only opens the door to new planetary mission capabilities, it also offers relatively low-cost opportunities especially suitable to university participation. In broad terms, CAPE consists of two main functional components: the "service module" (SM), and "CAPE's entry probe" (CEP). The SM contains the subsystems necessary to support vehicle targeting (propulsion, ACS, computer, power) and the communications capability to relay data from the CEP probe to an orbiting "mother-ship". The CEP itself carries the scientific instrumentation capable of measuring atmospheric properties (such as density, temperature, composition), and embedded engineering sensors for Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL). The first flight of MIRCA was successfully completed on 10 October 2015 as a "piggy-back" payload onboard a NASA stratospheric balloon launched from Ft. Sumner, NM.

Cubesat↗
NASA NTRS1975

Multiple rendezvous maneuvers at synchronous altitude

Rendezvous techniques between synchronous satellites were found using a cotangential elliptic phasing (CEP) transfer. This transfer is a closed elliptic orbit which is cotangent to the synchronous orbits of the chase vehicle and target satellite. The cotangent point lies on the line of apsides of the transfer orbit which coincides with the line of intersection of the synchronous orbits. The rendezvous maneuvers accomplish plane changes and phase shifts simultaneously, and these maneuvers are found to be optimal when the plane change is split equally between the velocity increments. The CEP transfer can be extended to several revolutions for a further reduction of fuel usage. A set of synchronous satellites was used in a simulated mission. An optimal sequence for rendezvous among these satellites was established such that the total sum of velocity increments is within the realm of estimated 1980 technology.

Creehan, E. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Mariner 9 observations of beta Cephei stars

Ultraviolet spectra of three beta Cep variables and a nonvariable star of similar spectral type were observed by the ultraviolet spectrometer on Mariner 9. A significant light variation at 1400 A may have been detected for beta Cep. The variable stars have mean ultraviolet spectra similar to that of the nonvariable star and do not show any significant short-period spectral variations.

Lesh, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Continuing changes in the peculiar nebulous object PV Cephei

Changes in the nebular structure, optical spectrum and stellar brightness of the faint star PV Cephei and the nebulosity associated with it are discussed. Iris photometry of the starlike object at the tip of the fan-shaped nebula reveals irregular variability of approximately 4 magnitudes in the red. Stellar spectra in the region 4300-6750 A taken from December 1976 to April 1980 are similar to the richest emission line spectra of T Tauri stars, while nebular spectra indicate a lack of spherical symmetry. Observations obtained in the infrared reveal a source offset by a few arcsec from the apex of the fan, which is identified with the illuminating star. Radial velocities of CO emission indicate that PV Cep is at the same distance as NGC 7023, and independent estimates lead to an estimated value of 500 pc. Such a distance corresponds to a bolometric luminosity approximately 100 times that of the sun. It is suggested that PV Cep is a T Tauri star that has recently broken through its circumstellar cocoon at a time when highly erratic variability and a strong stellar wind characterize the star.

Cohen, M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The chromospheres of classical Cepheids. I - Low resolution IUE spectra

A program to study the behavior of chromospheres in classical Cepheids using both ground-based and satellite-based observations. Five stars, delta Cep, nu Aql, beta Dor, zeta Gem, and l Car, have been included, and where possible the various types of data have been obtained simultaneously. The first part of this investigation concerns low dispersion spectra from the IUE satellite. Fine error sensor (FES) magnitudes are presented for the five Cepheids and, in the case of one, nu Aql, are used to rediscuss the period. The 'artificial viscosity dip' predicted by some theoretical calculations may be present in the FES light curve of delta Cep. The low dispersion spectra have been used to determine continuum magnitudes at various UV wavelengths, and light curves are shown. The amplitude increases with decreasing wavelength except around 1550 A. Line emission in the short wavelength region is observed in three of the Cepheids and is found to be phase dependent. Some correspondence is found between the variation of the emission lines and the appearance of bumps on the UV light curves.

Schmidt, E. G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

A search for spectroscopic binaries among the runaway O type stars

Numerous radial velocity measurements of medium dispersion were made for the 10 brighter stars given in Stone's list of very probable O type runaways. All plates were measured with the KPNO PDS microdensitometer, and a new iterative reductional analysis was used to derive plate velocities, which are estimated to be 1.6 times more accurate internally than those found by using the traditional method. Of thse stars, psi Per, alpha Cam, HD 188209, and 26 Cep are identified as probable velocity variables, while 9 Sge, lambda Cep, and HD 218915 are classed as possible variables. If the source of this variability is Keplerian rather than atmospheric, which cannot be established unequivocally from the observations of this paper, psi Per could be a spectroscopic binary with a black hole companion, and at least 1.2 solar mass. The detection of runaway binary systems from radial velocity measurements is discussed.

Stone, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Observations of Of-star wind variability

Nightly variations in He II 4686 A have been observed in four Of stars, HD 152408, HD 151804, 9 Sge, and Lambda Cep. Three of the stars were not previously known to show such variations. In one case, Lambda Cep, simultaneous observations with IUE showed variations in ultraviolet (UV) resonance-line profiles during the same time period as those in He II 4686 A. This implies that the perturbations causing the He II 4686 A variability affect the entire wind acceleration zone.

Grady, C. A.↗