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At least 631 records · Page 35

Kilometric type 3 radio bursts observed from high southern ecliptic latitudes by Ulysses

The Ulysses URAP experiment has provided the first measurements of remote and in-situ wave phenomena from high southern latitudes. Remote sensing of type 3 solar radio bursts constitute an important component of the Ulysses observations. Type 3 radio emissions, which have never before been viewed from outside the ecplitic plane, have been observed by Ulysses to its maximum southern latitude (approximately 80 deg S), although their frequency of occurrence has generally diminished due to the declining phase of the solar cycle. In addition, the Ulysses radio receiver measures both the direction of arrival and the complete polarization state of incident radiation. These physical parameters provide information on the origin and nature of the radio emission. Preliminary analyses have indicated that kilometric type 3 radiation is often approximately 10-20% circularly polarized at the highest URAP frequencies. New directional information provides crucial information on the effects of beaming and scattering of the radiation in the interplanetary medium.

Reiner, M. J.↗

The excitation of type II radio bursts in the corona

Simultaneous radioheliograph and orbital coronagraph observation of coronal transient activity shows metric type II radio emission originating early in the event, well below the visible white light transient. It is suggested that the shock which excites the type II emission is independent of the transient, in the sense that it is initiated in the low corona (probably in association with a flare) and travels through the already-existing transient disturbance with a propagation speed significantly greater than that of the front edge of the transient itself. Radio emission then results when the flare shock overtakes, first, the region of principal density pile-up along the sides of the expanding transient and only later the top of the transient.

Wagner, W. J.↗

Mechanism for generation of 2-3 kHz radiation in the outer heliosphere

The question of how low-frequency non-thermal radio emissions at the boundary of the heliosphere might be generated is considered. The mechanism consists of two steps. First, the beam of energetic electrons generates a high level of electrostatic Langmuir plasma waves. Second, electromagnetic radiation results from the non-linear interaction between Langmuir waves. Intensity of radio emissions at 2 to 3 kHz detected by the Voyager plasma wave instrument in the outer heliosphere can be explained provided that the electron beams generating Langmuir waves exist also in the postshock plasma due to secondary shocks in the compressed solar wind beyond the termination shock. Modification of the heliospheric shocks by the cosmic ray pressure is also taken into account. The field strengths of Langmuir waves required to generate the second harmonic emissions are of 50 to 100 microvolts per meter. These waves may be observed in situ by Voyager 1 and 2 in the near future.

Macek, W. M.↗

The correlation between far-IR and radio continuum emission from spiral galaxies

A sample of 30 galaxies selected for their intense IRAS flux at 60 and 100 micron using the Arecibo telescope at 21 cm to measure the continuum and HI line luminosities were observed. The centimeter wave continuum correlates very well with the far-infrared flux, with a correlation coefficient as high as that found for other samples, and the same ratio between FIR and radio luminosities. Weaker correlations are seen between the FIR and optical luminosity and between the FIR and radio continuum. There is very little correlation between the FIR and the HI mass deduced from the integral of the 21 cm line. The strength of the radio continuum correlation suggests that there is little contribution to either the radio and FIR from physical processes not affecting both. If they each reflect time integrals of the star formation rate then the time constants must be similar, or the star formation rate must change slowly in these galaxies.

Dickey, John M.↗

High-Energy Emission From Millisecond Pulsars

The X-ray and gamma-ray spectrum of rotation-powered millisecond pulsars is investigated in a model for acceleration and pair cascades on open field lines above the polar caps. Although these pulsars have low surface magnetic fields, their short periods allow them to have large magnetospheric potential drops, but the majority do not produce sufficient pairs to completely screen the accelerating electric field. In these sources, the primary and secondary electrons continue to accelerate to high altitude and their Lorentz factors are limited by curvature and synchrotron radiation reaction. The accelerating particles maintain high Lorentz factors and undergo cyclotron resonant absorption of radio emission, that produces and maintains a large pitch angle, resulting in a strong synchrotron component. The resulting spectra consist of several distinct components: curvature radiation from primary electrons dominating from 1 - 100 GeV, synchrotron radiation from primary and secondary electrons dominating up to about 100 MeV, and much weaker inverse-Compton radiation from primary electrons a t 0.1 - 1 TeV. We find that the relative size of these components depends on pulsar period, period derivative, and neutron star mass and radius with the level of the synchrotron component also depending sensitively on the radio emission properties. This model is successful in describing the observed X-ray and gamma-ray spectrum of PSR J0218+4232 as synchrotron radiation, peaking around 100 MeV and extending up to a turnover around several GeV. The predicted curvature radiation components from a number of millisecond pulsars, as well as the collective emission from the millisecond pulsars in globular clusters, should be detectable with AGILE and GLAST. We also discuss a hidden population of X-ray-quiet and radio-quiet millisecond pulsars which have evolved below the pair death line, some of which may be detectable by telescopes sensitive above 1 GeV. Subject headings: pulsars: general - radiation mechanisms: nonthermal - stars: neutron - gamma rays: theory

Harding, Alice K.↗

Radio and infrared emission from Markarian starburst galaxies

Radio and infrared emission were compared for a sample of 58 Markarian starburst galaxies, chosen to cover a wide range of 60-micron luminosity density. New radio observations were from the VLA at 6 and 20 cm in the B and A configurations. IRAS data were reanalyzed for 25 of the starbursts that were previously undetected at either 25 or 100 microns. The correlation between the global radio and IR emission for the starbursts in the sample is strongest at 25 and 60 microns, wavelengths in which the warm dust dominates. The radio spectral index steepens away from the center. This indicates that nonthermal emission leaks out of the starburst region. The change in the spectral index implies that while nonthermal sources dominate in the entire region, the bulk of the interior emission at 6 cm is thermal. The radio spectral index does not appear to vary as a function of the infrared luminosity or the infrared colors, which indicates that the slope of the initial mass function does not appear to be a function of either the mass or temperature of the starburst.

Stine, Peter C.↗

Double layers and plasma-wave resistivity in extragalactic jets - Cavity formation and radio-wave emission

Current driven electrostatic-wave- and electromagnetic-wave-produced resistivities do not occur in extragalactic jets for estimated values of the carried currents. Strong plasma double layers, however, may exist within self-maintained density cavities. The relativistic double-layer-emitted electron and ion beams drive plasma-wave resistivities in the low- and high-potential plasma adjacent to the double layers. The double-layer-emitted electron beams may also emit polarized radio waves via a collective bremsstrahlung process mediated by electrostatic two-stream instabilities.

Borovsky, Joseph E.↗

Possible radio wave precursors associated with the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9/Jupiter impacts

We suggest that prior to its impact with Jupiter, comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 will behave as an electrical generator in the Jovian magnetosphere, converting planetary rotational energy to electrical energy via a dust/plasma interaction. This electrical energy will then be deposited in the dayside auroral region where it may drive various auroral phenomena including cyclotron radio emission. Such emission could be detected by spacecraft like Ulysses and Galileo many hours prior to the actual comet impact with the upper atmosphere. We apply the theory originally developed to explain the spokes in Saturn's rings. This theory allows us to quantify the driving potential associated with the comet and, consequently, to determine the radio power created in the auroral region. We conclude that if enough fine dust is present in the cometary system, comet-induced auroral radio emissions will reach detectable levels. This emission should be observable in the dayside hemisphere about 12-24 hours prior to each fragment impact.

Farrell, W. M.↗

Double layers and plasma-wave resistivity in extragalactic jets: Cavity formation and radio-wave emission

For estimated values of the currents carried by extragalactic jets, current-driven electrostatic-wave- and electromagnetic-wave-produced resistivities do not occur. Strong plasma double layers, however, may exist within self-maintained density cavities, the relativistic double-layer-emitted electron, and ion beams driving plasma-wave resistivities in the low- and high-potential plasma adjacent to the double layers. The double-layer-emitted electron beams may also emit polarized radio waves via a collective bremsstrahlung process mediated by electrostatic two-stream instabilities.

Borovsky, Joseph E.↗

Modelling time variable and total eclipses of the millisecond pulsar PSR 1744-24A

The 11 ms pulsar PSR 1744-24A in the globular clusters Terzan 5 is the first and only known example of a binary eclipsing pulsar showing time-variable eclipses with irregular and nonsymmetric eclipse patterns. Occasionally, the pulsar eclipse becomes total, and no radio emission is detected for an extended period of time. We present here numerical results of a hydrodynamical model aimed at explaining the remarkable eclipse properties of PSR 1744-24A. We show that the hydrodynamic time scale for the partial or total pulsar enshrouding is of order of the orbital period for a relatively large mass loss rate, in agreement with observations. The time-variable eclipse egress positions imply that the mass loss rate from the companion varies within one orbital period. Hydrodynamic modelling of the mass outflow of PSR 1744-24A is of crucial importance for the understanding of a class of millisecond pulsars whose radio emission might be occasionally or permanently quenched by mass outflows from their companions. The properties of PSR 1744-24A suggest a new way of studying millisecond pulsars involving radio, X-ray, gamma-ray, and optical observations.

Tavani, Marco↗

Characteristics of type III exciters derived from low frequency radio observations

Low-frequency radio observations (2.8 MHz to 67 kHz) from the RAE-1 and IMP-6 satellites allow the tracking of type III solar burst exciters out to large distances from the sun (of the order of 1 AU). A study of the interaction processes between the exciter and the interplanetary medium was made using the time-intensity profiles of the radio emission. The change in exciter length with distance from the sun, and the resulting exciter velocity dispersion which can be deduced from this change are investigated. From detailed measurements on 35 simple bursts it is found that the exciter length increases at a faster rate than a constant velocity dispersion would give. The damping of the radio emission is also investigated, and it is concluded that some current theories of the damping mechanism give results which are not consistent with the low-frequency observations.

Evans, L. G.↗

Interferometric locating system

A system is described for determining the position of a vehicle or other target that emits radio waves and which is of the type that senses the difference in time of arrival at spaced ground stations of signals from the vehicle to locate the vehicle on a set of intersecting hyperbolas. A network of four ground stations detects the radio emissions from the vehicle and by means of cross correlation derives the relative signal delay at the ground stations from which the vehicle position is deduced. Because the signal detection is by cross correlation, no knowledge of the emission is needed, which makes even unintentional radio noise emissions usable as a locator beacon. By positioning one of the four ground stations at an elevation significantly above the plane of the other three stations, a three dimensional fix on the vehicle is possible.

Macdoran, P. F.↗

Planetary radio astronomy from Voyager

The technique of radio astronomy makes it possible for a remote observer to detect the presence of magnetic fields and plasmas in planetary environments. Prior to the flights of the Voyager spacecraft, radio astronomical studies of Jupiter from earth and from earth orbit had correctly predicted the strength and orientation of Jupiter's magnetic field and trapped radiation belts. The Voyager Planetary Radio Astronomy investigations have now provided measurements of the complete spectrum of low frequency radio emissions from both planets. Each Voyager instrument consists of a pair of orthogonal, 10-m, electric monopole antennas which are connected to a step-tuned, superheterodyne receiver operating over the frequency range from 1.2 kHz to 40.5 MHz. The Voyager trajectory provided observations from above both the sunlit and nightside hemispheres of Jupiter. Saturn's nonthermal radio emission has been observed at frequencies as low as 3 kHz and as high as 1.2 MHz.

Alexander, J. K.↗

Evidence for a radio flare in the nucleus of Virgo A

An increase in radio emission has been observed in the nucleus of the galaxy Virgo A by use of VLBI measurements. These 2.29 GHz observations show that the correlated flux density of the milliarcsec structure increased by 30 percent during a four month period in 1977, and eventually returned to the preflare level of about 0.6 Jy. Previous evidence had indicated that the nuclear radio emission was stable, a surprising result for an active galactic nucleus.

Morabito, David D.↗

Detailed observations of the source of terrestrial narrowband electromagnetic radiation

Detailed observations are presented of a region near the terrestrial plasmapause where narrowband electromagnetic radiation (previously called escaping nonthermal continuum radiation) is being generated. These observations show a direct correspondence between the narrowband radio emissions and electron cyclotron harmonic waves near the upper hybrid resonance frequency. In addition, electromagnetic radiation propagating in the Z-mode is observed in the source region which provides an extremely accurate determination of the electron plasma frequency and, hence, density profile of the source region. The data strongly suggest that electrostatic waves and not Cerenkov radiation are the source of the banded radio emissions and define the coupling which must be described by any viable theory.

Kurth, W. S.↗

External control of the Saturn kilometric radiation by the solar wind - Comparison between Voyager 1 and 2 observations

The long-term modulation of Saturn's nonthermal radio emission in the kilometric wavelength range has been studied based upon data obtained by Voyagers 1 and 2. A comparison of the ballistic and hydrodynamic propagation of solar wind features from the spacecraft to Saturn allows the uncertainty inherent in the projection to be determined. The results confirm the previous suggestion that momentum, ram pressure, and kinetic energy flux are the primary solar wind parameters that drive the nonthermal radio emission. It is suggested that, under certain conditions and for limited periods of time, the magnetic properties and time derivatives of the solar wind have increased importance.

Rucker, H. O.↗

The dynamical and radiative evolution of clumpy supernova ejecta

Numerical simulations describing the dynamical and radiative evolution of clumpy supernova ejecta are compared with observations of optical and radio emission knots in supernova remnant (SNR) Cassiopeia A. Three major phases are identified in the evolution of clumpy ejecta: a bow-shock phase, an instability phase, and a dispersal phase. The phenomenological and radiative signatures of each phase are discussed and compared with multi-epoch measurements of small-scale features in Cas A. Good correspondence is found between theory and observations. Both support the premise that compact radio emission features are controlled more by magnetic field amplification triggered in the instability phase than by in situ acceleration of new relativistic particles.

Anderson, M. C.↗

Satellite observations of type 3 solar radio bursts at low frequencies

Type III solar radio bursts were observed from 10 MHz to 10 KHz by satellite experiments above the terrestrial plasmasphere. Solar radio emission in this frequency range results from excitation of the interplanetary plasma by energetic particles propagating outward along open field lines over distances from 5 solar radii to at least 1 AU from the sun. This review summarizes the morphology, characteristics and analysis of individual as well as storms of bursts. Burst rise times are interpreted in terms of exciter length and dispersion while decay times refer to the radiation damping process. The combination of radio observations at the lower frequencies and in-situ measurements on nonrelativistic electrons at 1 AU provide data on the energy range and efficiency of the wave-particle interactions responsible for the radio emission.

Fainberg, J.↗