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At least 505 records · Page 28

The Design of Optical Sensor for the Pinhole/Occulter Facility

Three optical sight sensor systems were designed, built and tested. Two optical lines of sight sensor system are capable of measuring the absolute pointing angle to the sun. The system is for use with the Pinhole/Occulter Facility (P/OF), a solar hard x ray experiment to be flown from Space Shuttle or Space Station. The sensor consists of a pinhole camera with two pairs of perpendicularly mounted linear photodiode arrays to detect the intensity distribution of the solar image produced by the pinhole, track and hold circuitry for data reduction, an analog to digital converter, and a microcomputer. The deflection of the image center is calculated from these data using an approximation for the solar image. A second system consists of a pinhole camera with a pair of perpendicularly mounted linear photodiode arrays, amplification circuitry, threshold detection circuitry, and a microcomputer board. The deflection of the image is calculated by knowing the position of each pixel of the photodiode array and merely counting the pixel numbers until threshold is surpassed. A third optical sensor system is capable of measuring the internal vibration of the P/OF between the mask and base. The system consists of a white light source, a mirror and a pair of perpendicularly mounted linear photodiode arrays to detect the intensity distribution of the solar image produced by the mirror, amplification circuitry, threshold detection circuitry, and a microcomputer board. The deflection of the image and hence the vibration of the structure is calculated by knowing the position of each pixel of the photodiode array and merely counting the pixel numbers until threshold is surpassed.

Greene, Michael E.↗

White Light Coronagraph (WLC) and Ultra-Violet Coronal Spectrometer (UVCS)

The WLC and UVS together reveal the corona and the roots of the solar wind from 1.5 to 6 solar radii from sun center. The WLC measures the plasma density and spatial structure of the corona and coronal mass ejections at a plasma density and spatial structure of the corona and coronal mass ejections at a resolution of about 20 arcsec. The UVCS in combination with the WLC measures the temperature and radial outflow speed of the coronal plasma. These instruments will detect mass ejections from active regions and high speed solar wind streams from coronal holes a few days before the source regions rotate onto the face of the Sun, thus giving a week or more of advanced warning for disturbed geomagnetic conditions at Earth.

Moore, R.↗

Measurement of stray radiance in the High Altitude Observatory's Skylab coronagraph

The paper outlines two techniques used for determining the instrumental stray radiance from orbital results obtained with the Skylab white light coronagraph. The first technique employs images of the lunar disk made near the time of solar eclipse to compare the apparent contrasts of maria and highlands recorded by the coronograph with those of previous studies and then determine the magnitude of the stray radiance and its variation along a radius. The second method determines the azimuthal variation of the stray radiance by measuring the change in the net radiance of a point in the coronal images as the image is rotated.

Csoeke-Poeckh, A.↗

The soft X-ray telescope for the SOLAR-A mission

The Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) of the SOLAR-A mission is designed to produce X-ray movies of flares with excellent angular and time resolution as well as full-disk X-ray images for general studies. A selection of thin metal filters provide a measure of temperature discrimination and aid in obtaining the wide dynamic range required for solar observing. The co-aligned SXT aspect telescope will yield optical images for aspect reference, white-light flare and sunspot studies, and, possibly, helioseismology. This paper describes the capabilities and characteristics of the SXT for scientific observing.

Tsuneta, S.↗

Femtolensing: Beyond the semiclassical approximation

Femtolensoing is a gravitational lensing effect in which the magnification is a function not only of the position and sizes of the source and lens, but also of the wavelength of light. Femtolensing is the only known effect of 10(exp -13) - 10(exp -16) solar mass) dark-matter objects and may possibly be detectable in cosmological gamma-ray burst spectra. We present a new and efficient algorithm for femtolensing calculation in general potentials. The physical optics results presented here differ at low frequencies from the semiclassical approximation, in which the flux is attributed to a finite number of mutually coherent images. At higher frequencies, our results agree well with the semicalssical predictions. Applying our method to a point-mass lens with external shear, we find complex events that have structure at both large and small spectral resolution. In this way, we show that femtolensing may be observable for lenses up to 10(exp -11) solar mass, much larger than previously believed. Additionally, we discuss the possibility of a search femtolensing of white dwarfs in the Large Magellanic Cloud at optical wavelengths.

Ulmer, Andrew↗

Monocular TV vs. Stereo TV for Solar Mazimum Satellite Repair Subtasks

Several operators performed two Solar Maximum Repair substask while viewing the workspace with either three monocular (non-stereo) black and white TV cameras or with one pair of stereo ablack and white TV cameras. For the monocular TV viewing, the three camera views were presented on three TV monitors, and a second operator controller the pan, tilt and zoom lens power of two of the cameras.

Satellite Repair↗

New Evidence for the Role of Emerging Flux in a Solar Filament's Slow Rise Preceding its CME-Producing Fast Eruption

We observe the eruption of a large-scale (approx.300,000 km) quiet-region solar filament, leading to an Earth-directed "halo" coronal mass ejection (CME). We use coronal imaging data in EUV from the EUV Imaging Telescope (EIT) on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) satellite, and in soft X-rays (SXRs) from the Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) on the Yohkoh satellite. We also use spectroscopic data from the Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer (CDS), magnetic data from the Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI), and white-light coronal data from the Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph Experiment (LASCO), all on SOHO. Initially the filament shows a slow (approx.1 km/s projected against the solar disk) and approximately constant-velocity rise for about 6 hours, before erupting rapidly, reaching a velocity of approx. 8 km/s over the next approx. 25 min. CDS Doppler data show Earth-directed filament velocities ranging from < 20 km/s (the noise limit) during the slow-rise phase, to approx. 100 km/s-1 early in the eruption. Beginning within 10 hours prior to the start of the slow rise, localized new magnetic flux emerged near one end of the filament. Near the start of and during the slow-rise phase, SXR microflaring occurred repeatedly at the flux-emergence site, in conjunction with the development of a fan of SXR illumination of the magnetic arcade over the filament. The SXR microflares, development of the SXR fan, and motion of the slow-rising filament are all consistent with "tether-weakening" reconnection occurring between the newly-emerging flux and the overlying arcade field containing the filament field. The microflares and fan structure are not prominent in EUV, and would not have been detected without the SXR data. Standard "twin dimmings" occur near the location of the filament, and "remote dimmings" and "brightenings" occur further removed from the filament.

Sterling, Alphonse C.↗

On the 9.25 minute X ray oscillations of V471 Tauri

The X-ray oscillations observed in the eclipsing spectroscopic binary V471 Tau by Exosat (Jensen, 1985) and attributed to rotational modulation of an X-ray-opaque pole due to He and metals accreted onto the DA2 white dwarf component (Jensen, 1986) are investigated theoretically. The observational data are summarized in a table and compared with the results of numerical simulations of the accretion of wind/flare material onto the white dwarf. The rotational modulation model is found to reproduce the observed line features only if the magnetic field is strong (about 10 kG), the accretion rate is about 10 to the -15th solar mass/yr, and the polar cap area is much larger than the theoretical lower limit of 5.7 x 10 to the 14th sq cm. It is recommended that nonradial g-mode oscillations of the white dwarf be investigated as an alternative explanation.

Sion, Edward M.↗

Landform Evolution Modeling of Sedimentary Processes on Icy Worlds: the Cases of Hyperion and Helene

Sedimentary activity (erosion, transportation and deposition) is a major landscape-shaping process on many icy worlds of the outer solar system for which an understanding of this process is central to their geologic characterizations. Several recent studies, lead by the authors, have identified the effects of sedimentary activity on icy satellite landforms and recognized the role of mass wasting and volatile loss and redistribution in the evolution of these features. We apply state of the art, physics based, landform evolution modeling to icy satellite sedimentary landforms in order to fully quantitatively characterize how their morphologies change with time, and what their present appearances imply for the initial abundance and distribution of loose material, volatiles, and refractories in original pristine landforms. We will present results of our landform evolution modeling to the development of the landscapes of the Saturnian moons of Hyperion and Helene. Our current conclusions for Hyperion are that its unique appearance can be explained in part by the loss to space of ballistic ejecta during impact events. In order to create the smooth surfaces and the reticulate, honeycomb pattern of narrow divides between old craters, appreciable subsequent modification of crater morphology must occur through mass-wasting processes accompanied by sublimation, probably facilitated by the loss of CO2 as a component of the relief-supporting matrix of the bedrock. This mass wasting effectively destroys small craters, at least in part accounting for the paucity of sub-kilometer craters on Hyperion. Helene’s unusual morphology consists of broad depressions (modified large craters) and a generally smooth surface patterned with streaks and grooves. The streaks appear to be oriented down-gradient, as are the grooves. This pattern suggests intensive mass-wasting as a dominant process. Our initial modeling of this surface suggests a Bingham-like rheological behavior for the loose down-slope moving material. Interestingly, as a Bingham flow, the models indicate that aperiodic "intermittent" behavior to be present, suggesting that periods of quiet steady landform evolution are punctuated short periods of active surface readjustment.

Saturnian moons↗

Measurements of extreme-ultraviolet emission-line profiles near the solar limb

Line profiles of optically thin extreme-ultraviolet emission lines observed in a quiet sun region at positions within and above the white-light limb with the NRL slit spectrograph (S082-B) on Skylab are discussed. Absolute line intensities and full widths at half-maximum are presented for lines formed over the temperature range from about 10,000 to 22,000 K. The line intensities are compared with the predictions of simple atmospheric models consisting of a spicule component and a thin spherically symmetric or network models, but can be explained by assuming that the emission arises from spicule-like inhomogeneities. Random mass-motion velocities are calculated. The velocity increases with increasing temperature of line formation. Near the limb and above about 4000 K the calculated velocity is consistent with the predictions of a constant acoustic flux passing through the transition zone. For the ions formed at temperatures not less than about 63,000 K, the velocity is found to increase with increasing height above the white-light limb.

Mariska, J. T.↗

Neutron stars and white dwarfs in galactic halos

The possibility that galactic halos are composed of stellar remnants such as neutron stars and white dwarfs is discussed. On the basis of a simple model for the evolution of galactic halos, researchers follow the history of halo matter, luminosity, and metal and helium abundances. They assume conventional yields for helium and the heavier elements. By comparing with the observational constraints, which may be considered as fairly conservative, it is found that, for an exponentially decreasing star formation rate (SFR) with e-folding time tau, only values between 6 x 10(8) less than similar to tau less than similar to 2 x 10(9) years are allowed together with a very limited range of masses for the initial mass function (IMF). Star formation is allowed for 2 solar mass less than similar to m less than similar to 8 solar mass if tau = 2 x 10(9) years, and for 4 solar mass less than similar to m less than similar to 6 solar mass if tau = 10(9) years. For tau = 6 x 10(8) years, the lower and upper mass limits merge to similar to 5 solar mass. Researchers conclude that, even though the possibility of neutron stars as halo matter may be ruled out, that of white dwarfs may still be a viable hypothesis, though with very stringent constraints on allowed parameters, that merits further consideration.

Ryu, Dongsu↗

Neutron stars and white dwarfs in galactic halos?

The possibility that galactic halos are composed of stellar remnants such as neutron stars and white dwarfs is discussed. On the basis of a simple model for the evolution of galactic halos, researchers follow the history of halo matter, luminosity, and metal and helium abundances. They assume conventional yields for helium and the heavier elements. By comparing with the observational constraints, which may be considered as fairly conservative, it is found that, for an exponentially decreasing star formation rate (SFR) with e-folding time tau, only values between 6 x 10(8) less than similar to tau less than similar to 2 x 10(9) years are allowed together with a very limited range of masses for the initial mass function (IMF). Star formation is allowed for 2 solar mass less than similar to m less than similar to 8 solar mass if tau = 2 x 10(9) years, and for 4 solar mass less than similar to m less than similar to 6 solar mass if tau = 10(9) years. For tau = 6 x 10(8) years, the lower and upper mass limits merge to similar to 5 solar mass. Researchers conclude that, even though the possibility of neutron stars as halo matter may be ruled out, that of white dwarfs may still be a viable hypothesis, though with very stringent constraints on allowed parameters, that merits further consideration.

Ryu, Dongsu↗

History and Development of Coronal Mass Ejections as a Key Player in Solar Terrestrial Relationship

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are relatively a recently discovered phenomenon in 1971, some 15 years into the Space Era. It took another two decades to realize that CMEs are the most important players in solar terrestrial relationship as the root cause of severe weather in Earths space environment. CMEs are now counted among the major natural hazards because they cause large solar energetic particle (SEP) events and major geomagnetic storms, both of which pose danger to humans and their technology in space and ground. Geomagnetic storms discovered in the 1700s, solar flares discovered in the 1800s, and SEP events discovered in the 1900s are all now found to be closely related to CMEs via various physical processes occurring at various locations in and around CMEs, when they interact with the ambient medium. This article identifies a number of key developments that preceded the discovery of white-light CMEs suggesting that CMEs were waiting to be discovered. The last two decades witnessed an explosion of CME research following the launch of the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory mission in 1995, resulting in the establishment of a full picture of CMEs.

Gopalswamy, N.↗

Origin of Broad-Band Emission and Impact of Structural Dimensionality in Tin-Alloyed Ruddlesden–Popper Hybrid Lead Iodide Perovskites

Hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites have shown promising results as active layers in light-emitting diodes, typically utilizing the near-monochromatic, free exciton emission. Some perovskite compounds, however, show broad-band emission that is more intense than the free exciton counterpart. In this study, we show that the light emission properties of Ruddlesden-Popper hybrid perovskites PEA 2 MA n-1 Pb n I 3n+1 (PEA = phenethylammonium, MA = methylammonium) can be tuned by Sn alloying and are highly sensitive to Sn %. With increasing dimensionality, the broad-band emission quantum yield decreases drastically, from 23% in n = 1 to <1% for the n = 3 compound. Using density functional theory calculations and transient reflectance spectroscopy, the broad emission is identified as originating from self-trapped excitons. A dynamic picture of the formation process is also presented, for which ultrafast (<5 ps) hole-trapping at the Sn site is the first step, followed by electron localization from Coulombic interaction. These findings are particularly valuable for designing perovskite materials with intense room-temperature broad-band emission for solid-state lighting applications.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Advancing Our Understanding of System Availability through the PV Fleet Performance Data Initiative

The PV Fleet Performance Data Initiative partners with photovoltaic (PV) fleet owners to collect time-series data of PV production data and publishes aggregated anonymized results of system performance metrics. With an extensive dataset drawn from over 2,200 PV systems across the United States, comprising 8.5 GW and 24,000 separate inverter data channels, this initiative aims to ensure that systemic risks in the US PV fleet are detected. The current work explores system availability, revealing a pronounced dependence on time, especially within the initial 6 months of system performance. Following this start-up period, the average system availability stabilizes. Statistical analyses illustrate a median (P5O) monthly availability of 0.991 and a dependence on system size with a negative trend in availability with increasing system size. This finding indicates that larger systems experience lower availability compared to their smaller counterparts.

inverter availability↗

LA100 Equity Strategies: Executive Summary

LA100 Equity Strategies is a collaborative effort between LADWP, NREL, UCLA, and Kearns & West that employs an interdisciplinary approach utilizing distinct - but connected - research efforts informed and guided by the project Steering Committee, which met monthly through the duration of the project. Chapters 1 through 4 address recognition and procedural justice through recognition, process, and community strategies, while Chapters 5 through 12 address distributional justice through program and infrastructure strategies. Chapters 13 through 17 provide policy and program strategies. Each chapter provides data, methods, tools, insights, and strategies to help LADWP make data-driven, community- informed decisions for equitable investments and program development.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Rocket measurements of ion and electron densities in the D-region during sunrise.

Results from two rockets launched near sunrise at White Sands, N. Mex., when positive ion and electron densities were measured in the D-region for solar zenith angles of 91 and 79 deg. The measurements cover the height range 80 to 110 km and complement previous vlf observations and rocket measurements of electron density. It is shown that the majority of negative ions in this height range are detached near to after ground sunrise. On the basis of these measurements it is possible to discuss electron affinity of negative ions and ion production functions during twilight.

Pedersen, A.↗

The white dwarf companion of the B a 2 star zeta Cap

The Ba II star zeta Cap has a white dwarf companion. Its T (sub eff) is determined to be 22000 K, its mass is approximately one solar mass. The importance of this finding for the explanation of abundance peculiarities is discussed.

Boehm-Vitense, E.↗