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NASA NTRS2021

Mass and density of the transiting hot and rocky super-EarthLHS 1478 b (TOI-1640 b)

One of the main objectives of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission is the discovery of small rocky planets around relatively bright nearby stars. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of the transiting super-Earth planet orbiting LHS 1478 (TOI-1640). The star is an inactive red dwarf (J∼9.6mag and spectral type m3 V) with mass and radius estimates of 0.20±0.01 M and 0.25±0.01R, respectively, and an effective temperature of 3381±54K. It was observed by TESS in four sectors. These data revealed a transit-like feature with a period of 1.949 days. We combined the TESS data with three ground-based transit measurements, 57 radial velocity (RV) measurements from CARMENES, and 13 RV measurements from IRD, determining that the signal is produced by a planet with a mass of 2.33+0.20−0.20M and a radius of 1.24+0.05−0.05R. The resulting bulk density of this planet is 6.67 g cm−3, which is consistent with a rocky planet with an Fe- and MgSiO3-dominated composition. Although the planet would be too hot to sustain liquid water on its surface (its equilibrium temperature is about ∼595 K, suggesting a Venus-like atmosphere), spectroscopic metrics based on the capabilities of the forthcomingJames WebbSpace Telescope and the fact that the host star is rather inactive indicate that this is one of the most favorable known rocky exoplanets for atmospheric characterization.

M. G. Soto↗
NASA NTRS2000

The spectrum of TMR-1C is consistant with a background star

In a previous paper we proposed that there may be a population of runaway planets and brown dwarfs that formed via ejection from multiple-star systems. We further suggested TMR-1C as a candidate runaway protoplanet.

circumsteller matter planetsbrown drawf↗
NASA NTRS1985

Hydrodynamic models for novae with ejecta rich in oxygen, neon and magnesium

The characteristics of a new class of novae are identified and explained. This class consists of those objects that have been observed to eject material rich in oxygen, neon, magnesium, and aluminum at high velocities. We propose that for this class of novae the outburst is occurring not on a carbon-oxygen white dwarf but on an oxygen-neon-magnesium white dwarf which has evolved from a star which had a main sequence mass of approx. 8 solar masses to approx. 12 solar masses. An outburst was simulated by evolving 1.25 solar mass white dwarfs accreting hydrogen rich material at various rates. The effective enrichment of the envelope by ONeMg material from the core is simulated by enhancing oxygen in the accreted layers. The resulting evolutionary sequences can eject the entire accreted envelope plus core material at high velocities. They can also become super-Eddington at maximum bolometric luminosity. The expected frequency of such events (approx. 1/4) is in good agreement with the observed numbers of these novae.

Starrfield, S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Radioactivities and gamma-rays from supernovae

An account is given of the implications of several calculations relevant to the estimation of gamma-ray signals from various explosive astronomical phenomena. After discussing efforts to constrain the amounts of Ni-57 and Ti-44 produced in SN 1987A, attention is given to the production of Al-27 in massive stars and SNs. A 'delayed detonation' model of type Ia SNs is proposed, and the gamma-ray signal which may be expected when a bare white dwarf collapses directly into a neutron star is discussed.

Woosley, S. E.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Time-Resolved Ultraviolet Spectroscopy of The M-Dwarf GJ 876 Exoplanetary System

Extrasolar planets orbiting M-stars may represent our best chance to discover habitable worlds in the coming decade. The ultraviolet spectrum incident upon both Earth-like and Jovian planets is critically important for proper modeling of their atmospheric heating and chemistry. In order to provide more realistic inputs for atmospheric models of planets orbiting low-mass stars, we present new near- and far-ultraviolet (NUV and FUV) spectroscopy of the M-dwarf exoplanet host GJ 876 (M4V). Using the COS and STIS spectrographs on board the Hubble Space Telescope, we have measured the 1150-3140 A spectrum of GJ 876. We have reconstructed the stellar H1 Ly alpha emission line profile, and find that the integrated Ly alpha flux is roughly equal to the rest of the integrated flux (1150-1210 A + 1220-3140 A) in the entire ultraviolet bandpass (F(Ly alpha)/F(FUV+NUV) equals approximately 0.7). This ratio is approximately 2500x greater than the solar value. We describe the ultraviolet line spectrum and report surprisingly strong fluorescent emission from hot H2 (T(H2) greater than 2000 K). We show the light curve of a chromospheric + transition region flare observed in several far-UV emission lines, with flare/quiescent flux ratios greater than or equal to 10. The strong FUV radiation field of an M-star (and specifically Ly alpha) is important for determining the abundance of O2--and the formation of biomarkers-in the lower atmospheres of Earth-like planets in the habitable zones of low-mass stars.

France, Kevin↗
NASA NTRS2012

Time-Resolved Ultraviolet Spectroscopy of the M-Dwarf GJ 876 Exoplanetary System

Extrasolar planets orbiting M-stars may represent our best chance to discover habitable worlds in the coming decade. The ultraviolet spectrum incident upon both Earth-like and Jovian planets is critically important for proper modeling of their atmospheric heating and chemistry. In order to provide more realistic inputs for atmospheric models of planets orbiting low-mass stars, we present new near- and far-ultraviolet (NUV and FUV) spectroscopy of the M-dwarf exoplanet host GJ 876 (U4V). Using the COS and STIS spectrographs aboard the Hubble Space Telescope, we have measured the 1150 - 3140 Ang. spectrum of GJ 876. We have reconstructed the stellar H I Ly-alpha emission line profile, and find that the integrated Ly-apha flux is roughly equal to the rest of the integrated flux (1150 - 1210 Ang + 1220 - 3140 Ang) in the entire ultraviolet bandpass (F(Ly-alpha)/F(FUV+NUV) approximately equals 0.7). This ratio is approximately 2500 x greater than the solar value. We describe the ultraviolet line spectrum and report surprisingly strong fluorescent emission from hot H2 (T(H2) > 2000 K). We show the light-curve of a chromospheric + transition region flare observed in several far-UV emission lines, with flare/ quiescent flux ratios :2: 10. The strong FUV radiation field of an M-star (and specifically Ly-alpha) is important for determining the abundance of O2 - and the formation of biomarkers - in the lower atmospheres of Earth-like planets in the habitable zones of low-mass stars.

France, Kevin↗
NASA NTRS1994

In search of Nemesis

The parallax of all stars of visual magnitude greater than about 6.5 has already been measured. If Nemesis is a main-sequence star 1 parsec away, this requires Nemesis's mass to be less than about 0.4 solar masses. If it were less than about 0.05 solar masses its gravity would be too weak to trigger a comet storm. If Nemesis is on the main sequence, this mass range requires it to be a red dwarf. A red dwarf companion would probably have been missed by standard astronomical surveys. Nearby stars are usually found because they are bright or have high proper motion. However, Nemesis's proper motion would now be 0.01 arcsec/yr, and if it is a red dwarf its magnitude is about 10 - too dim to attract attention. Unfortunately, standard four-color photometry does not distinguish between red dwarfs and giants. So although surveys such as the Dearborn Red Star Catalog list stars by magnitude and spectral type, they do not identify the dwarfs. Every star of the correct spectral type and magnitude must be scrutinized. Our candidate list is a hybrid; candidate red stars are identified in the astrometrically poor Dearborn Red Star Catalog and their positions are corrected using the Hubble Guide Star Catalog. When errors in the Dearborn catalog make it impossible to identify the corresponding Hubble star, the fields are split so that we have one centering on each possible candidate. We are currently scrutinizing 3098 fields, which we believe contain all possible red dwarf candidates in the northern hemisphere. Since our last report the analysis and database software has been completely rebuilt to take advantage of updated hardware, to make the data more accessible, and to implement improved methods of data analysis. The software is now completed and we are eliminating stars every clear night.

Carlson, S.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Gravitational radiation from rapidly rotating nascent neutron stars

We study the secular evolution and gravitational wave signature of a newly formed, rapidly rotating neutron star. The neutron star may arise from core collapse in a massive star or from the accretion-induced collapse of a white dwarf. After a brief dynamical phase, the nascent neutron star settles into an axisymmetric, secularly unstable state. Gravitational radiation drives the star to a nonaxisymmetric, stationary equilibrium configuration via the bar-mode instability. The emitted quasi-periodic gravitational waves have a unique signature: the wave frequency sweeps downward from a few hundred Hertz to zero, while the wave amplitude increase from zero to a maximum and then decays back to zero. Such a wave signal could detected by broadband gravitational wave interferometers currently being constructed. We also characterize two other types of gravitational wave signals that could arise in principle from a rapidly rotating, secularly unstable neutron star: a high-frequency (f greater than or approximately = 1000 Hz) wave which increases the pattern-speed of the star, and a wave that actually increases the angular momentum of the star.

Lai, Dong↗
NASA NTRS2012

On the Evolution of O(He)-Type Stars

O(He) stars represent a small group of four very hot post-AGB stars whose atmospheres are composed of almost pure helium. Their evolution deviates from the hydrogen-deficient post-AGO evolutionary sequence of carbon-dominated stars like e.g. PG 1159 or Wolf- Rayet stars. While (very) late thermal pulse evolutionary models can explain the observed He/C/O abundances in these objects, they do not reproduce He-dominated surface abundances. Currently it seems most likely that the O(He) stars originate from a double helium white dwarf merger and so they could be the successors of the luminous helium-rich sdO-stars. An other possibility is that O(He)-stars could be successors of RCB or EHe stars.

Kruk, Jeffrey W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Accretion torques in X-ray pulsars

An analysis of the accretion process in an X-ray pulsar, whereby angular momentum is transferred to the star and its rotation period is changed, is presented, and an expression for the fractional rate of change of the pulse period in terms of X-ray luminosity and other star parameters is derived. It is shown that observed characteristic spin-up time scales for seven X-ray pulsars strongly support the view that in every source (1) the pulse period reflects the rotation period of a compact object, (2) the accretion is mediated by a disk surrounding the compact object and rotating in the same sense, and (3) the compact object is a neutron star rather than a white dwarf.

Rappaport, S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Flux distributions and colors of accretion disks

The disk model of Shakura and Sunyaev (1973) and Novikov and Thorne (1973) is used to calculate temperature distributions and integrated spectral fluxes for disks around a typical white dwarf and a typical neutron star, under the assumption that each element of the disk locally radiates as a blackbody. In addition, the disks' integrated UBV colors are calculated using the grid colors for real model atmospheres calculated by Buser and Kurucz (1978) and the observed colors given by Allen (1973). In all the calculations the effect of radiation from one part of the disk on all the other parts is included.

Pacharintanakul, P.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Ultraviolet spectroscopy of old novae and symbiotic stars

The IUE spectra are presented for two old novae and for two of the symbiotic variables. Prominent emission line spectra are revealed as a continuum whose appearance is effected by the system inclination. These data provide evidence for hot companions in the symbiotic stars, making plausible the binary model for these peculiar stars. Recent IUE spectra of dwarf novae provide additional support for the existence of optically thick accretion disks in active binary systems. The ultraviolet data of the eclipsing dwarf novae EX Hya and BV Cen appear flatter than for the noneclipsing systems, an effect which could be ascribed to the system inclination.

Lambert, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Coordinated IUE, Einstein and optical observations of accreting degenerate dwarfs

Three binary systems believed to be composed of a white dwarf and a late type star, AM Her, SS Cyg, and U Gem were observed simultaneously in the IV X-ray and optical wavelengths. The system AM Her was in its customary high state at the time of the observations, while SS Cyg and U Gem were in a low state. In all three cases, a significant UV black body component with KT approximately greater than 10 eV was found. The flux in this component is in excess of the amount predicted by current scenarios of gravitational energy release.

Fabbiano, B.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Rapid oscillations in cataclysmic variables. V - H2252-035, a single-sideband X-ray and optical pulsar

Photometric and spectroscopic observations of the optical counterpart of the X-ray source H2252-035 reveal the existence of stable periodicities of 3.59 hr and 14.31 min. Both radial velocity and photometric variations occur at the longer period, suggesting that it is the true orbital period of the underlying cataclysmic binary. The shorter period appears as a 10% modulation in the light curve, superposed on the 3.59 hr variation. The frequency is the lower orbital sideband of the X-ray pulsation frequency, suggesting that the optical pulses arise from reprocessing in the atmosphere of the secondary. Unlike the majority of X-ray pulsars, H2252-035 appears to contain a white dwarf rather than a neutron star.

Patterson, J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Detection of extrasolar planets by the large deployable reflector

The best wavelength for observing Jupiter-size planetary companions to stars other than the Sun is one at which a planet's thermal emission is strongest; typically this would occur in the far-infrared region. It is assumed that the orbiting infrared telescope used is diffraction-limited so that the resolution of the planet from the central star is accomplished in the wings of the star's Airy pattern. Proxima Centauri, Barnard's Star, Wolf 359, and Epsilon Eridani are just a few of the many nearest main-sequence stars that could be studied with the large deployable relfector (LDR). The detectability of a planet improves for warmer planets and less luminous stars; therefore, planets around white dwarfs and those young planets which have sufficient internal gravitational energy release so as to cause a significant increase in their temperatures are considered. If white dwarfs are as old as they are usually assumed to be (5-10 billion yr), then only the nearest white dwarf (Sirius B) is within the range of LDR. The Ursa Major cluster and Perseu cluster are within LDR's detection range mainly because of their proximity and young age, respectively.

Hollenbach, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The nature of stellar active regions

Observational estimates of chromospheric radiative loss rates in Ca II H and K in main-sequence F, G, and K dwarfs are used to compare stars that span a range of activity levels with each other and with the sun. For stars with spectral types similar to that of the sun, it is found that chromospheric radiative losses in stars with active chromospheres exceed the flux emitted by plages on the sun at solar maximum by about a factor of 6. If this difference is due primarily to a difference in the fraction of the stellar surface covered by plage-like material, and not to a change in the character of the emission-line regions, then more than half of the stellar surface in stars with large chromospheric radiative loss rates must be covered by active regions. It is also possible to show that active regions in young solar-type stars extend at least to latitudes + or - 25 deg from the rotational equator and that a typical individual region contributes no more than 2 percent - 3 percent of the total H and K emission. In Kappa Cet, observations show that the rotational modulation persisted in both phase and amplitude for at least 100 days (12 rotation cycles).

Wolff, S. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Discovery of an accretion shock cone in 22 Vulpeculae

A previous report that 22 Vul is a zeta Aurigae-type eclipsing binary is supported by the discovery of evidence for an accretion shock cone in 22 Vul similar to those found in zeta Aurigae and 32 Cygni. Such systems consist of a cool supergiant star primary and a hot dwarf secondary (G3 Ib-II and B9 in the case of 22 Vul) and undergo atmospheric eclipses.

Ahmad, I. A.↗