SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “MAIN SEQUENCE STARS”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 397 records · Page 22

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1979

Einstein observations of the Orion Nebula

A single 3.5 hour observation on 1979 March 6 with the imaging proportional counter aboard the Einstein Observatory has revealed the presence of numerous low-luminosity (10 to the 31st ergs/s) X-ray sources in a region centered near the Trapezium in the Orion Nebula. In addition to the Trapezium, 22 discrete sources have been detected in a 1 x 1 deg field at or above the 4 sigma level. These sources are clearly associated with star formation, as indicated by the similarity of their spatial distribution with that of the nebular variables, a class of pre-main-sequence stars. Because the field is quite crowded, however, individual identifications of these sources are difficult. In addition to the discrete sources, there is evidence for diffuse or unresolved emission from two ridges extending 16 deg to the north and 15 deg to the west of the Trapezium. The nature of the discrete sources and of the diffuse emission is discussed.

Ku, W. H.-M.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Clumpy molecular clouds - A dynamic model self-consistently regulated by T Tauri star formation

A model is proposed which can account for the longevity, energetics, and dynamical structure of dark molecular clouds. Recent observations of a high space density of T Tauri stars in some dark clouds provide the basis for the assertion that high-velocity winds from these low mass pre-main-sequence stars provide a continuous dynamic input into molecular clouds. It is postulated that as clumps are driven above the Jeans mass, both by coalescence and the enhancement of ram pressure through continuing acceleration by protostellar winds, collapse is followed by the formation of low-mass stars that generate additional protostellar winds. Finally, it is found that star formation occurs on a relatively slow time scale, comparable to the cloud lifetime

Norman, C.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Einstein Observatory magnitude-limited X-ray survey of late-type giant and supergiant stars

Results are presented of an extensive X-ray survey of 380 giant and supergiant stars of spectral types from F to M, carried out with the Einstein Observatory. It was found that the observed F giants or subgiants (slightly evolved stars with a mass M less than about 2 solar masses) are X-ray emitters at the same level of main-sequence stars of similar spectral type. The G giants show a range of emissions more than 3 orders of magnitude wide; some single G giants exist with X-ray luminosities comparable to RS CVn systems, while some nearby large G giants have upper limits on the X-ray emission below typical solar values. The K giants have an observed X-ray emission level significantly lower than F and F giants. None of the 29 M giants were detected, except for one spectroscopic binary.

Maggio, A.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Infrared Spectroscopy of Star Formation in Galactic and Extragalactic Regions

In this program we proposed to perform a series of spectroscopic studies, including data analysis and modeling, of star formation regions using an ensemble of archival space-based data from the Infrared Space Observatory's Long Wavelength Spectrometer and Short Wavelength Spectrometer, and to take advantage of other spectroscopic databases including the first results from SIRTF. Our empha- sis has been on star formation in external, bright IR galaxies, but other areas of research have in- cluded young, low or high mass pre-main sequence stars in star formation regions, and the galactic center. The OH lines in the far infrared were proposed as one key focus of this inquiry because the Principal Investigator (H. Smith) had a full set of OH IR lines from IS0 observations. It was planned that during the proposed 2-1/2 year timeframe of the proposal other data (including perhaps from SIRTF) would become available, and we intended to be responsive to these and other such spec- troscopic data sets. Three papers are included:The Infrared Lines of OH: Diagnostics of Molecular Cloud Conditions in Infrared Bright Galaxies; The Far-Infrared Spectrum of Arp 220; andThe Far-Infrared Emission Line and Continuum Spectrum of the Seyfert Galaxy NGC 1068.

Frogel, Jay↗

NASA NTRS2004

The Search for Young Planetary Systems And the Evolution of Young Stars

The Space Interferometer Mission (SIM) will provide a census of planetary systems by con- ducting a broad survey of 2,000 stars that will be sensitive to the presence of planets with masses as small as approx. 15 Earth masses (1 Uranus mass) and a deep survey of approx. 250 of the nearest, stars with a mass limit of approx.3 Earth masses. The broad survey will include stars spanning a wide range of ages, spectral types, metallicity, and other important parameters. Within this larger context, the Young Stars and Planets Key Project will study approx. 200 stars with ages from 1 Myr to 100 Myr to understand the formation and dynamical evolution of gas giant planets. The SIM Young Stars and Planets Project will investigate both the frequency of giant planet formation and the early dynamical history of planetary systems. We will gain insight into how common the basic architecture of our solar system is compared with recently discovered systems with close-in giant planets by examining 200 of the nearest (less than 150 pc) and youngest (1-100 Myr) solar-type stars for planets. The sensitivity of the survey for stars located 140 pc away is shown in the planet mass-separation plane. We expect to find anywhere from 10 (assuming that only the presently known fraction of stars. 5-7%, has planets) to 200 (all young stars have planets) planetary systems. W-e have set our sensitivity threshold to ensure the detection of Jupiter-mass planets in the critical orbital range of 1 to 5 AU. These observations, when combined with the results of planetary searches of mature stars, will allow us to test theories of planetary formation and early solar system evolution. By searching for planets around pre-main sequence stars carefully selected to span an age range from 1 to 100 Myr, we will learn a t what epoch and with what frequency giant planets are found at the water-ice snowline where they are expected to form. This will provide insight into the physical mechanisms by which planets form and migrate from their place of birth, and about their survival rate. With these data in hand, we will provide data, for the first time, on such important questions as: What processes affect the formation and dynamical evolution of planets? When and where do planets form? What is initial mass distribution of planetary systems around young stars? How might planets be destroyed? What is the origin of the eccentricity of planetary orbits? What is the origin of the apparent dearth of companion objects between planets and brown dwarfs seen in mature stars? The observational strategy is a compromise between the desire to extend the planetary mass function as low as possible and the essential need to build up sufficient statistics on planetary occurrence. About half of the sample will be used to address the "where" and "when" of planet formation. We will study classical T Tauri stars (cTTs) which have massive accretion disks and post- accretion, weak-lined T Tauri stars (wTTs). Preliminary estimates suggest the sample will consist of approx. 30% cTTs and approx. 70% wTTs, driven in part by the difficulty of making accurate astrometric measurements toward objects with strong variability or prominent disks.

Beichman, Charles A.↗

NASA NTRS2004

The Companion to the Central Mira Star of the Protoplanetary Nebula OH 231.8+4.2

We present deep optical long-slit spectra of the peculiar protoplanetary nebula (PPN) OH 231.8+4.2 obtained with the 6.5 m Baade Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory (Chile). In addition to the molecular absorption bands characteristic of the M9-10 III star inside OH 231.8+4.2 (QX Pup), we identify lines of the Balmer series in absorption, which do not form in the cool atmospheres of late M-type stars. We also confirm the presence of a blue continuum excess with an intensity that is a factor 30 larger than that expected for an M9-10 III star. Our results indicate the presence of a source hotter than QX Pup illuminating OH 231.8+4.2 that is likely a main-sequence star with spectral type A. We discuss how the formation and nebular evolution of OH 231.8+4.2 could have been affected by the presence of a binary system in its core.

binaries↗

NASA NTRS2022

Direct-imaging Discovery and Dynamical Mass of a Substellar Companion Orbiting an Accelerating Hyades Sun-like Star with SCExAO/CHARIS

We present the direct-imaging discovery of a substellar companion in orbit around a Sun-like star member of the Hyades open cluster. So far, no other substellar companions have been unambiguously confirmed via direct imaging around main-sequence stars in Hyades. The star HIP 21152 is an accelerating star as identified by the astrometry from the Gaia and Hipparcos satellites. We detected the companion, HIP 21152 B, in multiple epochs using the high-contrast imaging from SCExAO/CHARIS and Keck/NIRC2. We also obtained the stellar radialvelocity data from the Okayama 188 cm telescope. The CHARIS spectroscopy reveals that HIP 21152 B’s spectrum is consistent with the L/T transition, best fit by an early T dwarf. Our orbit modeling determines the semimajor axis and the dynamical mass of HIP 21152 B to be 17 +7.2 −3.8 and 27.8 +8.4 −5.4 M Jub , respectively. The mass ratio of HIP 21152 B relative to its host is ≈2%, near the planet/brown dwarf boundary suggested by recent surveys. Mass estimates inferred from luminosity-evolution models are slightly higher (33–42 MJup). With a dynamical mass and a well-constrained age due to the system’s Hyades membership, HIP 21152 B will become a critical benchmark in understanding the formation, evolution, and atmosphere of a substellar object as a function of mass and age. Our discovery is yet another key proof of concept for using precision astrometry to select direct-imaging targets.

Masayuki Kuzuhara↗

NASA NTRS1995

The early evolution of stars

This review outlines the observational properties of young stellar objects as they evolve from their birth within dense rotating molecular cores to fully-formed pre-main sequence stars. Current work suggests that most of the mass which ultimately comprises a fully-formed star is transferred from a flattened infalling envelope (of size approximately several thousand AU) through a circumstellar accretion disk to the stellar surface. We summarize current estimates for the duration of the envelope infall and disk accretion phases and discuss the implication of these timescales for the formation of stars of different mass and of planetary systems.

Strom, Stephen E.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Preliminary results on interstellar reddening as deduced from filter photometry

Filter photometry has been used to derive the interstellar reddening law from stars through the study of a single spectral type, B0. The deficiency in the far ultraviolet flux of a supergiant relative to a main sequence star is compared with the difference in the flux distribution due to a change of one spectral class. Individual interstellar reddening curves show the general feature reported by Stecher (1969) and by Bless and Savage (1970). There is a large amount of scatter in the far ultraviolet which may be partially due to a real difference in interstellar extinction and partially due to observational inaccuracy.

Laget, M.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Dipole gravitational radiation in Rosen's theory of gravity - Observable effects in the binary system PSR 1913+16

It is shown that Rosen's (1973) bimetric theory of gravity predicts the emission of dipole gravitational radiation from binary systems containing neutron stars, such as the binary pulsar PSR 1913+16, which causes rapid changes in orbital period. The theory also predicts sizable corrections to masses inferred from orbital data and periastron-shift data. It is demonstrated that this prediction is inconsistent with the observed upper limit on period changes unless the system consists of two neutron stars whose masses differ by less than 0.3 solar mass, or a neutron star of mass less than 0.4 solar mass and a companion which must be a rapidly rotating white dwarf or a helium main-sequence star. Because Rosen's theory is in agreement with all solar-system experiments to date, this represents a feasible test of its viability.

Will, C. M.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Monitoring solar-type stars for luminosity variations

Since 1984, researchers have made more than 1500 differential photometric b (471 nm) and y (551 nm) measurements of three dozen solar-like lower main sequence stars whose chromospheric activity was previosly studied by O. C. Wilson. Here, researchers describe their methodology and the statistical tests used to distinguish intrinsic stellar variability from observational and instrument errors. The incidence of detected variability among the program and comparison stars is summarized. Among the 100 plus pairs of stars measured differentially, only a dozen were found that were unusually constant, with peak-to-peak amplitudes of seasonal mean brightness smaller than 0.3 percent (0.003 mag) over a two-to-three-year interval.

Lockwood, G. W.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Close substellar-mass companions in stellar wide binaries: discovery and characterization with APOGEE and Gaia DR2

We present a search for close, unresolved companions in a subset of spatially resolved Gaia wide binaries containing main-sequence stars within 200 pc of the Sun, utilizing the APOGEE–Gaia Wide Binary Catalog. A catalogue of 37 wide binaries was created by selecting pairs of stars with nearly identical Gaia positions, parallaxes, and proper motions, and then confirming candidates to be gravitationally bound pairs using APOGEE radial velocities. We identify close, unresolved stellar and substellar candidate companions in these multiple systems using (1) the Gaia binary main sequence and (2) observed periodic radial velocity variations in APOGEE measurements due to the influence of a close substellar-mass companion. The studied wide binary pairs reveal a total of four stellar-mass close companions in four different wide binaries, and four substellar-mass close companion candidates in two wide binaries. The latter are therefore quadruple systems, with one substellar-mass companion orbiting each wide binary component in an S-type orbit. Taken at face value, these candidate systems represent an enhancement of an order of magnitude over the expected occurrence rate of ~2 percent of stars having substellar companions >2 M Jup within ~100-d orbits; we discuss implications and possible explanations for this result. Finally, we compare chemical differences between the components of the wide binaries and the components of the candidate higher-order systems and find that any chemical influence or correlation due to the presence of close companions to wide binary stars is not discernible.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2021

The Impact of Classical and General Relativistic Obliquity Precessions on the Habitability of Circumstellar Neutron Stars’ Planets

Recently, it has been shown that rocky planets orbiting neutron stars can be habitable under plausible circumstances. If a distant, point-like source of visible light, such as a Sun-like main-sequence star or the gravitationally-lensed accretion disk of a supermassive black hole is present, possible temporal variations Δε{sub p}(t) of the planet’s axial tilt ε {sub p} to the ecliptic plane should be included in the overall habitability budget since the obliquity determines the insolation at a given latitude on a body’ s surface. I point out that, for rather generic initial spin–orbit initial configurations, general relativistic and classical spin variations induced by the post-Newtonian de Sitter and Lense–Thirring components of the field of the host neutron star and by its pull to the planetary oblateness J{sub 2}{sup p} may induce huge and very fast variations of ε {sub p} that would likely have an impact on the habitability of such worlds. In particular, for a planet’s distance of, say, 0.005 au from a 1.4 M {sub ⊙} neutron star corresponding to an orbital period P {sub b} = 0.109 day, obliquity shifts Δε {sub p} as large as ε{sub p}{sup max}−ε{sub p}{sup min}≃50{sup ∘}--100{sup ∘} over characteristic timescales as short as 10 days (J{sub 2}{sup p}) to 3 Myr (Lense–Thirring) may occur for arbitrary orientations of the orbital and spin angular momenta L, S {sub ns}, S {sub p} of the planet-neutron star system. In view of this feature of their spins, I dub such hypothetical planets as “nethotrons.”.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS1982

X-ray emission from young stars and implications for the early solar system

Recent observations of soft X-ray emission from solar-type stars obtained with the Einstein X-Ray Observatory indicate that X-ray luminosity is inversely correlated with stellar age. If this result is applied to the sun and if X-ray emission is a valid indicator of other manifestations of solar activity, then past solar wind and flare levels can be inferred. It can qualitatively explain the excess xenon and nitrogen found in the lunar regolith compared to the level expected from the contemporary solar wind. X-ray emission from T Tauri and other low-mass pre-main-sequence stars is both highly luminous and variable, indicating the presence of flares approximately 4000 times stronger than the largest flares seen in the contemporary sun. The proton flux from such solar flares during the one to ten million-year pre-main-sequence phase would be sufficient to account for the Al-26 anomaly in meteorites.

Feigelson, E. D.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Very Low Mass Objects in the Belt of Orion

We have photometry of several thousand stars near the belt of Orion. Colors have been combined with X-ray and spectral data to select out about 250 probable Pre-main sequence stars. The stars range in mass from about 2 Msun to about 0.05 Msun. Although we have yet to unambiguously verify the existence of brown dwarfs in the data set, their existence is likely. We can also use the data to infer the characteristics of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) for this sample.

Wolk, S. J.↗

NASA NTRS1995

High angular resolution far-infrared and submillimeter mapping survey of the dust cores associated with ultracompact H II regions

The primary objective of the research funded under this grant has been to perform a high angular resolution mapping survey of the far-infrared and submillimeter continuum emission from the dust cocoons surrounding young, deeply embedded massive stars and the ultracompact H II regions they create. The high infrared, submillimeter, and radio luminosity makes the ultracompact H II regions ideal tracers of current high-mass star formation. Detailed investigations of their structure, evolution, and interaction with their parent molecular clouds are thus important for understanding the early evolutionary phases of massive main sequence stars, the nature of the dense molecular cores in which they form, and the relationship to coeval low-mass star formation.

Phillips, T. G.↗

NASA NTRS1986

X-ray sources in regions of star formation. I - The naked T Tauri stars

Einstein X-ray observations of regions of active star formation in Taurus, Ophiuchus, and Corona Australis show a greatly enhanced surface density of stellar X-ray sources over that seen in other parts of the sky. Many of the X-ray sources are identified with low-mass, pre-main-sequence stars which are not classical T Tauri stars. The X-ray, photometric, and spectroscopic data for these stars are discussed. Seven early K stars in Oph and CrA are likely to be 1-solar-mass post-T Tauri stars with ages of 10-million yr. The late K stars in Taurus are not post-T Tauri, but 'naked' T Tauri stars, which are coeval with the T Tauri stars, differing mainly in the lack of a circumstellar envelope.

Walter, F. M.↗

NASA NTRS2004

A MASSIF Effort To Determine The Mass-Luminosity Relation for Stars of Various Ages, Metallicities, and Evolution States

The MASSIF (Masses and Stellar Systems with Interferometry) Team will use SIM to investigate the mass content of the Galaxy - from huge stars to barely glimmering brown dwarfs, and from hot white dwarfs to exotic black holes. We will target various samples of the Galactic population to determine and relate the fundamental characteristics of mass, luminosity, age, composition, and multiplicity - attributes that together yield an extensive understanding of the stars. Our samples will include distant clusters that span a factor of 5000 in age, and commonplace stars and substellar objects that lurk near the Sun. The principal goals of the MASSIF Key Project are to (1) define the mass-luminosity relation for main sequence stars in five fundamental clusters so that effects of age and metallicity can be mapped (Trapezium, TW Hydrae, Pleiades, Hyades, and M67), and (2) determine accurate masses for representative examples of nearly every type of star, stellar descendant or brown dwarf in the Galaxy.

Henry, Todd J.↗