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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.

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At least 649 records · Page 36
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

The 1964-1972 quiet-time spectra of protons and helium at 2-20 MeV per nucleon

Instruments on the IMP 4 and 5 satellites are used to observe quiet-time proton and helium fluxes in the energy range from 2 to 30 MeV/nucleon and to extend the total observation period through the solar maximum to about the solar minimum (1964-1972). The nature of quiet time at low energies is discussed, selection of quiet-time periods is described, and data are presented on the fluxes during recovery from the solar maximum. The long-term time-dependence of the proton and helium spectra over solar cycle 20 is determined. The fluxes are found to vary by a factor of approximately 7, the variation is shown to be similar to the modulation of medium-energy cosmic rays, and the observed relative abundance of protons and helium is found to be closer to the medium-energy galactic rather than the average solar-flare relative abundance. A galactic origin is suggested for the low-energy quiet-time turnup, although a solar or heliospheric acceleration mechanism is not ruled out.

Zamow, R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Continuous observations of long-term variations in cosmic X-ray sources

Results are reported for the Charged Particle Measurements Experiment which was conducted on board IMP-7 to detect X-ray fluxes from the sun, the galactic center, Tau X-1, and Sco X-1 over a nine-month period. Autocorrelation analysis of the data indicates a probable 80-day periodicity in the flux from Sco X-1, a 110-day periodicity in the flux from the galactic center, no periodicities in the flux from Tau X-1, and a strong 27-day periodicity in the solar X-ray flux. A transient event detected within the cluster of sources constituting the galactic center is reported which lasted about two months and had a flux roughly equal to the regular flux from this area. It is noted that this was the only transient event detected in the whole area under continuous observation for the duration of the experiment.

Wende, C. D.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Type II bursts at hectometric and kilometric wavelengths from interplanetary shocks

Data are presented on type II and type III radio bursts observed at hectometric and kilometric wavelengths in the interplanetary medium by IMP-6. Thirty-two discrete frequencies were recorded which ranged from 4.9 MHz down to 30 kHz. Intensity contours are plotted for the data, and it is noted that the type II emission was observed at both the plasma frequency characteristic of its point of origin in the corona and the second harmonic of that frequency. It is suggested that hectometric and kilometric type III bursts are observed at twice the plasma frequency of the source.

Malitson, H. H.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Apollo 17 lunar surface cosmic ray experiment - Measurement of heavy solar wind particles

During the Apollo 17 mission a series of metal foils and nuclear track detectors were exposed both in the sun and in the shade on the surface of the moon. Here we give the analysis of the mica detectors which were used to measure the flux of solar wind particles of Fe-group and heavier elements. These particles register as shallow pits after etching in hydrofluoric acid. Calibration experiments were performed to determine the registration properties of different ions and to simulate the lunar environment. We obtain an Fe-group flux of 39,000 per sec per sq cm, which together with the H flux measured on IMP-7 gives an Fe/H ratio of 0.000041. For elements with Z exceeding 45 we can set only an upper limit on the abundance, ruling out an overabundance of extremely heavy elements relative to iron by a factor of 4.

Zinner, E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Observations of Jovian accelerated particles both inside and outside the Jovian magnetosphere - Results from the Goddard-U. of New Hampshire experiment on Pioneer 10

This paper discusses measurements of the energetic-particle population inside Jupiter's magnetosphere as well as observations of energetic particles in interplanetary space that have escaped from that magnetosphere. The discussion is based on Pioneer 10 data obtained when the spacecraft was outside the bow shock but within about 1 AU of the planet and on electron data obtained near earth by various IMP spacecraft. Pioneer 10 particle measurements in the Jovian magnetosphere are reviewed, the differential proton and electron energy spectra are described, and it is suggested that very little particle acceleration occurs in the outer magnetosphere. Additional data are examined in regard to Jovian alpha particles, proton and electron angular distributions, protons in the inner magnetosphere, effects of Io on the proton flux, electron acceleration outside the bow shock, and observations of Jovian electrons near earth. All these data are shown to support the conclusion that most, if not all, quiet-time increases in low-energy electron fluxes near earth are of Jovian origin.

Trainor, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Growth of metric noise continuum storms and its relation to the source of microwave S-emissions

The relationship between metric noise continuum storms and the S-component of solar microwave emissions is examined by considering the properties of a solar active region and its relation to LF radio burst emissions observed by IMP 6. It is noted that the development of radio noise continuum sources in metric frequencies or less is usually preceded by the appearance of an S-emission source, which is formed in complex sunspot groups such as beta-gamma and gamma types. A model for the development of radio noise continuum sources in metric and decametric frequencies is proposed in which the development of relationships between emissions is closely connected to the growth of magnetic-field lines above associated sunspot groups into complex configurations.

Sakurai, K.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Waves in the vicinity of the magnetopause

Magnetic field data from the IMP 6 spacecraft are used in an attempt to clarify the magnetic field microstructure of the magnetopause. After discussing the problems in identifying the magnetopause, and the difficulties in determining normal components, the presence of waves in the vicinity of the magnetopause is discussed. The downstream magnetopause is considered and the presence of surface waves on the tail boundary is demonstrated.

Fairfield, D. H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

A general geometric theory of attitude determination from directional sensing

A general geometric theory of spacecraft attitude determination from external reference direction sensors was presented. Outputs of different sensors are reduced to two kinds of basic directional measurements. Errors in these measurement equations are studied in detail. The partial derivatives of measurements with respect to the spacecraft orbit, the spacecraft attitude, and the error parameters form the basis for all orbit and attitude determination schemes and error analysis programs and are presented in a series of tables. The question of attitude observability is studied with the introduction of a graphical construction which provides a great deal of physical insight. The result is applied to the attitude observability of the IMP-8 spacecraft.

Fang, B. T.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Plasma wave interactions with energetic ions near the magnetic equator

An intense band of electromagnetic noise is frequently observed near the magnetic equatorial plane at radial distance from about 2 to 5 Re. Recent wideband wave-form measurements with the IMP-6 and Hawkeye-1 satellites have shown that the equatorial noise consists of a complex superposition of many harmonically spaced lines. Several distinctly different frequency spacings are often evident in the same spectrum. The frequency spacing typically ranges from a few Hz to a few tens of Hz. It is suggested that these waves are interacting with energetic protons, alpha particles, and other heavy ions trapped near the magnetic equator. The possible role these waves play in controlling the distribution of the energetic ions is considered.

Gurnett, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Direction-finding measurements of type 3 radio bursts out of the ecliptic plane

Direction-finding measurements with the plasma wave experiments on the HAWKEYE 1 and IMP 8 satellites are used to find the source locations of type 3 solar radio bursts in heliocentric latitude and longitude in a frequency range from 31.1 kHz to 500 kHz. Using an empirical model for the emission frequency as a function of radial distance from the sun the three-dimensional trajectory of the type 3 radio source can be determined from direction-finding measurements at different frequencies. Since the electrons which produce these radio emissions follow the magnetic field lines from the sun these measurements provide information on the three-dimensional structure of the magnetic field in the solar wind. The source locations projected into the ecliptic plane follow an Archimedian spiral. Perpendicular to the ecliptic plane the source locations usually follow a constant heliocentric latitude. With direction-finding measurements of this type it is also possible to determine the source size from the modulation factor of the received signals.

Baumback, M. M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Characteristics of magnetospheric radio noise spectra

Magnetospheric radio noise spectra (30 kHz to 10 MHz) taken by IMP-6 and RAE-2 exhibit time-varying characteristics which are related to spacecraft position and magnetospheric processes. In the mid-frequency range (100-1,000 kHz) intense noise peaks rise by a factor of 100 or more above background; 80% of the peak frequencies are within the band 125 kHz to 600 kHz, and the peak occurs most often (18% of the time) at 280 kHz. This intense mid-frequency noise has been detected at radial distances from 1.3 Re to 60 Re on all sides of the Earth during magnetically quiet as well as disturbed periods. Maximum occurrence of the mid-frequency noise is in the evening to midnight hours where splash-type energetic particle precipitation takes place. ""Magnetospheric lightning'' can be invoked to explain the spectral shape of the observed spectra.

Herman, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The large-scale magnetic field in the solar wind

A literature review is presented of theoretical models of the interaction of the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic fields. Observations of interplanetary magnetic fields by the IMP and OSO spacecraft are discussed. The causes for cosmic ray variations (Forbush decreases) by the solar wind are examined. The model of Parker is emphasized. This model shows the three dimensional magnetic field lines of the solar wind to have the form of spirals wrapped on cones. It is concluded that an out-of-the-ecliptic solar probe mission would allow the testing and verification of the various theoretical models examined. Diagrams of the various models are shown.

Burlaga, L. F.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Enrichment of heavy nuclei in He-3-rich flares

IMP-7 observations of five solar-flare particle events characterized by He-3 enrichment are reported which show that such events are also enriched in nuclei with charges (Z) of at least 6. The ratio of these nuclei to H-1 at approximately 3 MeV/nucleon was found to be enriched by about 10 to 100 times, while the ratio with respect to He-4 was enriched by about 3 to 30 times. It is suggested that the simultaneous enhancement of He-3 and the heavier nuclei as well as the absence of H-2 and H-3 during the observed events may be partly due to a preferential acceleration process which depends on the ratio of the square of the charge to the atomic weight of the nuclei.

Hurford, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Characteristics of the magnetopause energetic electron layer

Three years of Imp 5 data show that the magnetopause layer of energetic electrons was present during 227 of 230 orbits over this period and extends along the magnetopause from geomagnetic latitudes as low as 40 deg to latitudes corresponding to the polar cap. It also exists at the boundary between the magnetosheath and the polar cusp region. The data show that the integral energy spectrum of these electrons varies greatly with the planetary Kp index and hardens with increasing Kp values. The average spectrum can be represented by a power law. The intensity of the magnetopause layer electrons increases with increasing Kp values and also has a weak dependence on the magnitude of the north-south component of the interplanetary magnetic field.

Meng, C.-I.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Measurement of the fluxes of galactic cosmic-ray H-2 and He-3 in 1972-1973

This paper reports measurements of the fluxes of cosmic-ray H-2 and He-3 during 1972-1973, carried out by instruments on board the IMP-7 and Pioneer 10 spacecraft. Energy spectra are generally consistent with a positive slope of unity, as would be expected for modulated secondary components. A self-consistent data set is proposed spanning the period from 1965 to 1973 wherein all spectra have the same kinematic behavior. The measured spectra for 1972-1973 are compared with calculated interstellar spectra, and it is concluded that only very broad limits can be placed on the amount of modulation. Ratios of the form H-2/He-4 and He-3/He-4 are examined and compared with calculated values based on an assumed exponential path-length distribution for galactic propagation. It is concluded that unless extreme assumptions are made about the modulation (e.g., no energy loss), it is impossible to reconcile the simple theory and observation. A nearby source is apparently required to supply enough low-energy He-4 to account for the low values of the H-2/He-4 and He-3/He-4 ratios. The possible relationship between this source and the recently discovered enhancements of cosmic-ray N and O is discussed.

Teegarden, B. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Microscale 'Alfven waves' in the solar wind at 1 AU

Data obtained by IMP 1 about interplanetary plasma and magnetic-field fluctuations on a scale of one hour are analyzed. It is found that linearly and circularly polarized Alfven waves were rarely present. Fluctuations having most of the characteristics of large-amplitude 'Alfven waves' and which were observed to be moving away from the sun nearly along the magnetic-field direction are shown not to have been pure transverse Alfven waves since they were accompanied by nonzero fluctuations in the magnetic-field intensity. It is suggested that the fluctuations may have been nonlinear elliptically polarized Alfven waves coupled to the fast mode and moving through a magnetic field that is nonuniform on a scale not exceeding about 0.01 AU.

Burlaga, L. F.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The role of Coulomb collisions in limiting differential flow and temperature differences in the solar wind

Data obtained by OGO 5 are used to confirm IMP 6 observations of an inverse dependence of the helium-to-hydrogen temperature ratio in the solar wind on the ratio of solar-wind expansion time to the Coulomb-collision equipartition time. The analysis is then extended to determine the relation of the difference between the hydrogen and helium bulk velocities (the differential flow vector) with the ratio between the solar-wind expansion time and the time required for Coulomb collisions to slow down a beam of ions passing through a plasma. It is found that the magnitude of the differential flow vector varies inversely with the time ratio when the latter is small and approaches zero when it is large. These results are shown to suggest a model of continuous preferential heating and acceleration of helium (or cooling and deceleration of hydrogen), which is cancelled or limited by Coulomb collisions by the time the plasma has reached 1 AU. Since the average dependence of the differential flow vector on the time ratio cannot explain all the systematic variations of the vector observed in corotating high-velocity streams, it is concluded that additional helium acceleration probably occurs on the leading edge of such streams.

Neugebauer, M.↗