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At least 613 records · Page 34

SAGE ground truth plan: Correlative measurements for the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) on the AEM-B satellite

The ground truth plan is outlined for correlative measurements to validate the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) sensor data. SAGE will fly aboard the Applications Explorer Mission-B satellite scheduled for launch in early 1979 and measure stratospheric vertical profiles of aerosol, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and molecular extinction between 79 N and 79 S. latitude. The plan gives details of the location and times for the simultaneous satellite/correlative measurements for the nominal launch time, the rationale and choice of the correlative sensors, their characteristics and expected accuracies, and the conversion of their data to extinction profiles. In addition, an overview of the SAGE expected instrument performance and data inversion results are presented. Various atmospheric models representative of stratospheric aerosols and ozone are used in the SAGE and correlative sensor analyses.

Russell, P. B.↗

IR observations of the double quasar 0957 + 561 A, B and the intervening galaxy

Infrared observations of the double quasar 0957 + 561 A, B and the intervening galaxy believed to be responsible for its double appearance by gravitational light deflection are reported. Observations were obtained of each quasar at 1.6 and 2.2 microns and of the 12.5 arcsec region centered between the two quasars at 1.2, 1.6 and 2.2 microns. Extended IR emission is observed in the vicinity of both quasars and is attributed to emission from the intervening galaxy. The two quasars are found to have a constant flux ratio in all observed wavelength ranges, consistent with the achromatic imaging predicted by the gravitational lens model, and to exhibit an unusual continuum distribution in the region 0.35-2.2 microns. The infrared observations are also consistent with a giant elliptical lens galaxy at a redshift of approximately 0.40.

Soifer, B. T.↗

Absolute energy curves from late B-type supergiants

Energy curves were determined for six late B and early A type supergiants using IUE data and other ultraviolet and ground based photometry. Effective temperatures and angular diameters are presented as well as estimates of the outflow velocity of the wind. All six stars show a strong Balmer continuum in emission; the Ia supergiants also show an infrared excess which reaches into the visible range. Evidence is found for the presence of a warm mantle as well as for wind from the Ia stars.

Underhill, A. B.↗

Non-E x B ordered ion beams upstream of the earth's bow shock

The unexpected appearance of spin modulations in the fixed voltage electrostatic analyzer detectors on ISEE 1 and 2 has made it possible to study the plasma properties of the upstream ions in high time resolution. Using an isotropic flowing Maxwellian distribution to model the count rate modulations, estimates have been obtained of the local plasma temperature and three-dimensional flow velocity of the observed upstream ion population. It is found that in almost all of the observations of upstream particles there exist beam-like ions with temperatures in the range 5-80 eV. Their flow velocities cannot be ordered by E x B. This last point separates these observations from the previously reported reflected and diffuse populations of upstream ions. Mechanisms that can gyrophase bunch the ions reflected at the bow shock are discussed as a method of explaining the data.

Gurgiolo, C.↗

Magnetic field observations on DE-A and -B

Magnetic field observations are conducted on each of the DE-A and -B satellites by a triaxial fluxgate magnetometer. In the basic mode the instrumental resolution is + or - 1.5 nT; in addition, the DE-A magnetometer has two modes of higher resolution: + or - 0.25 nT and + or - 20 pT. The sampling rate is 16 vector samples per second in all modes. The experiment objectives include observations of field-aligned currents, magnetospheric equatorial currents, and ULF waves. These observations, taking full advantage of the specifically selected orbits of the two spacecraft and of the unique combination of instruments, are performed to achieve a better understanding of the electrodynamic coupling within the atmosphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere system and of wave-particle interactions which contribute to the coupling processes.

Farthing, W. H.↗

Polarization catastrophe model of static electrification and spokes in the B-ring of Saturn

A Clausius-Mossotti polarization catastrophe is presented as the operative charging mechanism in the Saturn B-ring. A review is undertaken of the polarization effect appearing in ice at the crystallization temperature. The ice crystals in the Saturn rings are in the 68-85 K temperature range, close to the ferroelectric transition temperature. An analytical treatment of the interaction of the ice crystals with the Saturn electric discharge field indicates that once polarization is initiated, it propagates toward the direction of the initial polarization. The spokes form in the radial direction, following the radial direction of the Saturn electric field. The polarization is cancelled by free plasma in the planet shadow. The charges are freed and are observed as the Saturn electric discharge phenomena, which has a periodicity which corresponds with the superrotation of the Saturn ionosphere.

Handel, P. H.↗

An overview of artificial intelligence and robotics. Volume 1: Artificial intelligence. Part B: Applications

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology that has recently attracted considerable attention. Many applications are now under development. This report, Part B of a three part report on AI, presents overviews of the key application areas: Expert Systems, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Speech Interfaces, and Problem Solving and Planning. The basic approaches to such systems, the state-of-the-art, existing systems and future trends and expectations are covered.

Gevarter, W. B.↗

Results of the AFRSI detailed-environment test of the 0.035-scale SSV pressure-loads model 84-0 in the Ames 11x11 ft. TWT and the Lewis 8x6 ft. and 10x10 ft. SWT (OA-310A, B, C), volume 1

Detailed orbiter aerodynamic and aeroacoustic pressure data were obtained in a three-part experimental investigation (OA-310A, B and C). The tests were conducted in three NASA facilities: OA-310A in the Ames 11x11-foot Transonic Wind Tunnel; OA-310B in the Lewis 8x6-foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel; and OA-310C in the Lewis 10x10-foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel. Test data were obtained to support analysis of the Space Transportation System (STS)-6 advanced flexible reusable surface insulation (AFRSI) anomaly using the 0.035-scale space shuttle vehicle pressure-loads Model 84-0. Data were obtained in the areas of the orbiter where AFRSI is to be applied to OV-099 and OV-103. Emphasis was placed on acquiring detailed aeroacoustic data and time-averaged pressure distributions on five affected areas: (1) canopy; (2) side of fuselage; (3) upper surface of wing; (4) OMS pods; and (5) vertical tail. Data were obtained at nominal ascent and entry atmospheric flight trajectory conditions between M=0.6 through M-3.5. Sample plotted data are given. aba M.G.

Marshall, B. A.↗

Optical effects of spacecraft-environment interaction Spectrometric observations by the DE-B satellite

Data from the Fabry-Perot interferometer on board the Dynamics Explorer-B satellite is used to show that the contaminant glow observed by Yee and Abreu at 7320A on the AE satellites is produced by emission lines of one or more species. A comparison is made of the contaminant spectrum near 7320A with the nightglow OH spectrum measured below 155km. Evidence is presented to the effect that OH might be one of the metastable species producing the glow.

Abreu, V. J.↗

Australian Multiexperimental Assessment of SIR-B (AMAS)

The utility of SIR-B data for analysis of surface properties and subsurface morphology in three arid regions of Australia is investigated. This study area is located in western New South Wales. It contains extensive aeolian and alluvially derived depositional plains and is the site of the University's Arid Zone Research Station; it is well-mapped and surveyed. Radar backscatter is mapped and evaluated against known terrain conditions. Relative components of surface and subsurface return are determined with a view to identifying structural properties of surface and subsurface morphology. The capability of microwave remote sensing in locating likely groundwater sources in the Bancannia Basin, near Fowler's Gap is assessed.

Richards, J. A.↗

Application and calibration of the subsurface mapping capability of SIR-B in desert regions

The penetration capability of the shuttle imaging radar (SIR-B) sensor in desert regions is investigated. Refined models to explain this penetration capability in terms of radar physics and regional geologic conditions are devised. The sand-buried radar-rivers discovered in the Western Desert in Egypt and Sudan are defined. Results and procedures developed during previous SIR-A investigation of the same area are extrapolated.

Schaber, G. G.↗

Analysis of SIR-B radar illumination of geometry for depth of penetration and surface feature and vegetation detection, Nevada and California

The measurement capability provided by the Shuttle Imaging Radar (SIR-B) was used to determine: (1) the relationships between radar illumination geometry and depth of penetration in different climatic and physiographic environments in Nevada; and, (2) the relationships between radar illumination geometry and detection and analysis of structural features in different climatic and physiographic environments in Nevada.

Taranik, J. V.↗

Ground truth for SIR-B images obtained by SIR system 8 impulse radar

Verification of suspected penetration by means of three dimensional information on the features in the SIR-B images will be investigated. The Great Alvar is a well documented area, especially in geology and ecology, and should provide a good opportunity to evaluate the data.

Ulriksen, P.↗

Studies of hot B subdwarfs. Part 2: Energy distributions of three bright sdB/sdOB stars in the 950-5500 angstrom range

Voyager ultraviolet spectrometer observations of the subdwarf B or OB stars HD 205805, UV 1758+36 and Feige 66 are presented. All three objects display the H I Layman series in absorption. These observations are combined with low dispersion IUE spectrophotometry and with Stroemgren photometry to construct virtually complete energy distributions, which extend over the range 950-5500 angstroms. Effective temperatures based on model atmosphere calculations for high gravity, hydrogen rich stars are determined. Our analyses yield T Sub e 28,200 + or - 1300 K for HD 205805, T sub e 31, 800 + or - 1100 K for UV 1758+36, and T sub e 35,700 + or - 1500 K for Feige 66. The importance of far ultraviolet observations below L sub alpha in reducing the uncertainties associated with the interstellar extinction and the degradation of the IUE sensitivity is emphasized.

Wesemael, F.↗

Cyg X-3: Not seen in high-energy gamma rays by COS-B

COS-B had Cyg X-3 within its field of view during 7 observation periods between 1975 and 1982 for in total approximately 300 days. In the skymaps (70 meV E 5000 meV) of the Cyg-X region produced for each of these observations and in the summed map, a broad complex structure is visible in the region 72 deg approximately less than 1 approximately less than 85 deg, approximately less than 5 deg. No resolved source structure is visible at the position of Cyg X-3, but a weak signal from Cyg X-3 could be hidden in the structured gamma-ray background. Therefore, the data has been searched for a 4.8 h timing signature, as well as for a source signal in the sky map in addition to the diffuse background structure as estimated from tracers of atomic and molecular gas.

Hermsen, W.↗

Multicomponent analysis of total COS-B gamma-ray data at intermediate lattitudes

The final COS-B database was used to study the gamma ray emission in the latitude range 10 deg /b/ 20 deg in terms of a four component model. The emissivity spectrum of the local interstellar medium is derived and compared with that found in previous studies. The intensity-Compton component is determined from the fitting procedure and is in good agreement with theoretical values.

Strong, A. W.↗

Constraints on the galactic distribution of cosmic rays from the COS-B gamma-ray data

The diffuse component of the galactic high energy gamma rays results mainly from the interaction of CR nuclei and electrons with the nuclei of the interstellar gas. An additional contribution is obtained from the interaction of CR electrons with the interstellar photons through the inverse-Compton (IC) process. Gamma ray astronomy therefore offers an excellent means to study the distribution of CR particles throughout the Galaxy, but it is essential to know the distribution of the target interstellar gas particles, the major constituents being atomic and molecular hydrogen. Large scale millimeter wave surveys of the CO molecule covering more than half of the Milky Way, obtained with the Columbia 1.2 m telescopes, are currently available and are used to trace the H2; the COS-B observations have sufficient resolution and sensitivity to constrain the relation between the integrated CO line intensity and the molecular hydrogen column density.

Bloemen, J. B. G. M.↗

High energy X-ray observations of COS-B gamma-ray sources from OSO-8

During the three years between satellite launch in June 1975 and turn-off in October 1978, the high energy X-ray spectrometer on board OSO-8 observed nearly all of the COS-B gamma-ray source positions given in the 2CG catalog (Swanenburg et al., 1981). An X-ray source was detected at energies above 20 keV at the 6-sigma level of significance in the gamma-ray error box containing 2CG342 - 02 and at the 3-sigma level of significance in the error boxes containing 2CG065 + 00, 2CG195 + 04, and 2CG311 - 01. No definite association between the X-ray and gamma-ray sources can be made from these data alone. Upper limits are given for the 2CG sources from which no X-ray flux was detected above 20 keV.

Dolan, J. F.↗