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NASA NTRS1983

Principles of stray light suppression and conceptual application to the design of the Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment for NASA's Cosmic Background Explorer

The Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) is a 10 band filter photometer that will operate at superfluid helium temperatures. Diffuse galactic and extragalactic infrared radiation in the 1-300 micrometer wavelength region will be measured by the instrument. Polarization measurements will be made for 3 bands in the 1-4 micrometer spectral region. The main sources of unwanted radiation are the sun, earth, thermal radiation from an external sun shield, the moon, the brighter planets and stars, and sky light itself from outside the instrument's nominal one degree square field of view. The system level engineering concepts and the principles of stray light suppression that resulted in the instrument design are presented.

Evans, D. C.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Design of the superfluid helium dewar for the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE)

Design features of the 664-liter superfluid helium dewar to be used for the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) are described, with emphasis on the similarities and differences vis a vis the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) dewar. The dewar (23 percent larger than the IRAS dewar) is intended to provide a 14-month operating lifetime (vs. 10 months for IRAS). A far infrared absolute spectrophotometer (FIRAS) and diffuse infrared background experiment (DIRBE) will conduct full sky surveys over the wavelength region from 1 micron to 1 centimeter. Launch into a 900-km sun-synchronous polar orbit is scheduled for the autumn of 1987.

Hopkins, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) press kit

COBE, the Cosmic Background Explorer spacecraft, and its mission are described. COBE was designed to study the origin and dynamics of the universe including the theory that the universe began with a cataclysmic explosion referred to as the Big Bang. To this end, earth's cosmic background - the infrared radiation that bombards earth from every direction - will be measured by three sophisticated instruments: the Differential Microwave Radiometer (DMR), the Far Infrared Absolute Spectrophotometer (FIRAS), and the Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE).

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1990

COBE attitude as seen from the FDF

The goal of the Flight Dynamics Facility (FDF) attitude support is twofold: to determine spacecraft attitude and to explain deviations from nominal attitude behavior. Attitude determination often requires resolving contradictions in the sensor observations. This may be accomplished by applying calibration corrections or by revising the observation models. After accounting for all known sources of error, solution accuracy should be limited only by observation and propagation noise. The second half of the goal is to explain why the attitude may not be as originally intended. Reasons for such deviations include sensor or actuator misalignments and control system performance. In these cases, the ability to explain the behavior should, in principle, be limited only by knowledge of the sensor and actuator data and external torques. Documented here are some results obtained to date in support of the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE). Advantages and shortcomings of the integrated attitude determination/sensor calibration software are discussed. Some preliminary attitude solutions using data from the Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) instrument are presented and compared to solutions using Sun and Earth sensors. A dynamical model is constructed to illustrate the relative importance of the various sensor imprefections. This model also shows the connection between the high- and low-frequency attitude oscillations.

Sedlak, J.↗

NASA NTRS1991

A synchronous chopper mechanism for use at cryogenic temperature

A mechanically resonant synchronous chopper mechanism is described for use at cryogenic temperatures. The mechanism is a critical optical component of the Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) and has been operating on orbit without incident since Nov. 1989. The requirements, electromechanical design, and testing of the mechanism are described. A description of the problems encountered and solutions implemented during the development of the mechanism is provided. Finally, a modified chopper design, which incorporated lessons learned and that has several advantages over the flight chopper design, is offered.

Hakun, Claef↗

NASA NTRS1991

COBE ground segment gyro calibration

Discussed here is the calibration of the scale factors and rate biases for the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) spacecraft gyroscopes, with the emphasis on the adaptation for COBE of an algorithm previously developed for the Solar Maximum Mission. Detailed choice of parameters, convergence, verification, and use of the algorithm in an environment where the reference attitudes are determined form the Sun, Earth, and star observations (via the Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) are considered. Results of some recent experiments are given. These include tests where the gyro rate data are corrected for the effect of the gyro baseplate temperature on the spacecraft electronics.

Freedman, I.↗

NASA NTRS1992

COBE DMR results and implications

This lecture presents early results obtained from the first six months of measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) by Differential Microwave Radiometers (DMR) aboard COBE and discusses significant cosmological implications. The DMR maps show the dipole anisotropy and some galactic emission but otherwise a spatially smooth early universe. The measurements are sufficiently precise that we must pay careful attention to potential systematic errors. Maps of galactic and local emission such as those produced by the FIRAS and DIRBE instruments will be needed to identify foregrounds from extragalactic emission and thus to interpret the results in terms of events in the early universe. The current DMR results are significant for Cosmology.

Smoot, George F.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Cryogenic Optical Assembly (COA) cooldown analysis for the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE)

The Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) spacecraft, developed by Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), was successfully launched on November 18, 1989 aboard a Delta expendable launch vehicle. Two of the three instruments for this mission were mounted inside a liquid helium (LHe) dewar which operates at a temperature of 2 K. These two instruments are the Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) and the Far Infrared Absolute Spectrophotometer (FIRAS). They are mounted to a common Instrument Interface Structure (IIS) and the entire assembly is called the Cryogenic Optical Assembly (COA). As part of the structural verification requirement, it was necessary to show that the entire COA exhibited adequate strength and would be capable of withstanding the launch environment. This requirement presented an unique challenge for COBE because the COA is built and assembled at room temperature (300 K), cooled to 2 K, and then subjected to launch loads. However, strength testing of the entire COA at 2 K could not be done because of facility limitations. Therefore, it was decided to perform the strength verification of the COA by analysis.

Coladonato, Robert J.↗

NASA NTRS1994

COBE diffuse infrared background experiment observations of the galactic bulge

Low angular resolution maps of the Galactic bulge at 1.25, 2.2, 3.5, and 4.9 micrometers obtained by the Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) onboard NASA's Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) are presented. After correction for extinction and subtraction of an empirical model for the Galactic disk, the surface brightness distribution of the bulge resembles a flattened ellipse with a minor-to-major axis ratio of approximately 0.6. The bulge minor axis scale height is found to be 2.1 deg +/- 0.2 deg for all four near-infrared wavelengths. Asymmetries in the longitudinal distribution of bulge brightness contours are qualitatively consistent with those expected for a triaxial bar with its near end in the first Galactic quadrant (0 deg less than l less than 90 deg). There is no evidence for an out-of-plane tilt of such a bar.

Weiland, J. L.↗

NASA NTRS1994

On the determination of the cosmic infrared background radiation from the high-energy spectrum of extragalactic gamma-ray sources

In a recent paper Stecker, De Jager, & Salamon have suggested using the observed approximately MeV to TeV spectra of extragalactic gamma-ray sources as probes of the local density of the cosmic infrared background radiation (CIBR) and have subsequently claimed a first possible measurement of the CIBR from the analysis of the gamma-ray spectrum of Mrk 421 (De Jager, Stecker, & Salamon). The CIBR from normal galaxies consists of two components: a stellar emission component (CIBRs), and a thermal dust emission component (CIBRd). Photons with energies in the approximately 0.1-2 TeV range interact primarily with the CIBRs, whereas interactions with CIBRd dominate the absorption of photons in the approximately 2-100 TeV energy range. SDS 92 and DSS94 considered only the interaction of the gamma-rays with the dust emission component of the CIBR. We present here an improved analysis of the absorption of extragalactic TeV gamma rays by the CIBR, taking the dual nature of its origin into account. Applying the analysis to the observed gamma-ray spectrum of Mrk 421, a BL Lac object at z = 0.031, we find agreement with DSS94 tentative evidence for absorption by the CINRs. Our analysis therefore limits the detection of the CIBR to the approximately 15-40 micron wavelength regime which, considering the uncertainties in the highest energy (greater than 4 TeV) data and ion the possibility of absorption inside the source, many turn out to be an upper limit on its energy density. At shorter wavelengths (lambda approximately = 1-15 microns), where the gamma-ray interactions are dominated by the CIBRs, our analysis definitely yields only an upper limit on the energy density of the CIBR. In contrast, DSS94 have claimed a possible first measurement of the CIBR over the entire 1-120 micron wavelength region. The upper limit on the CIBRs and tentative detection of the CIBRd are consistent with normal galaxies contributing most of the energy to the CIBR, and constrain the contribution of some exotic sources. With careful modeling of infrared foreground emissions, these constraints on the CIBR are above the values measurable by the DIRBE experiment on board the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) satellite.

Dwek, Eli↗

NASA NTRS1994

Infrared observations of Comet Austin (1990 V) by the COBE/Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment

Comet Austin was observed by the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE)/Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) with broadband photometry at 1-240 micrometers during the comet's close passage by Earth in 1990 May. A 6 deg long (6 x 10(exp 6) km) dust tail was found at 12 and 25 micrometers, with detailed structure due to variations in particle properties and mass-loss rate. The spectrum of the central 42 x 42 sq arcmin pixel was found to agree with that of a graybody of temperature 309 +/- 5 K and optical depth 7.3 +/- 10(exp -8). Comparison with IUE and ground-based obervations indicates that particles of radius greater than 20 micrometers predominate by surface area. A mass-loss rate of 510 (+510/-205) kg/s and a total tail mass of 7 +/- 2 x 10(exp 10) kg was found for a model dust tail composed of Mie spheres with a differential particle mass distribution dn/d log m approx. m(exp -0.63) and 2:1 silicate:amorphous carbon composition by mass.

Lisse, C. M.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Scientific results from COBE

NASA's Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) carries three scientific instruments to make precise measurements of the spectrum and anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation on angular scales greater than 7 deg and to conduct a search for a diffuse cosmic infrared background (CIB) radiation with 0.7 deg angular resolution. Data from the Far-Infrared Absolute Spectrophotometer (FIRAS) show that the spectrum of the CMB is that of a blackbody of temperature T = 2.73 +/- 0.06 K, with no deviation from a blackbody spectrum greater than 0.25% of the peak brightness. The first year of data from the Differential Microwave Radiometers (DMR) show statistically significant CMB anisotropy. The anisotropy is consistent with a scale invariant primordial density fluctuation spectrum. Infrared sky brightness measurements from the Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) provide new conservative upper limits to the CIB. Extensive modeling of solar system and galactic infrared foregrounds is required for further improvement in the CIB limits.

Bennett, C. L.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Experimental Determination of Infrared Extinction Coefficients of Interplanetary Dust Particles

This technique is based on irradiating a single isolated charged dust particle suspended in balance by an electric field, and measuring the scattered radiation as a function of angle. The observed scattered intensity profile at a specific wavelength obtained for a dust particle of known composition is compared with Mie theory calculations, and the variable parameters relating to the particle size and complex refractive index are adjusted for a best fit between the two profiles. This leads to a simultaneous determination of the particle radius, the complex refractive index, and the scattering and extinction coefficients. The results of these experiments can be utilized to examine the IRAS and DIRBE (Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment) infrared data sets in order to determine the dust particle physical characteristics and distributions by using infrared models and inversion techniques. This technique may also be employed for investigation of the rotational bursting phenomena whereby large size cosmic and interplanetary particles are believed to fragment into smaller dust particles.

Spann, J. F., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1998

A Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Galactic Gamma-Ray Emission Resulting from Cosmic-Ray Interaction with the Interstellar Gas and Radiation Fields

This final report outlines the progress of the contractor's support for the analysis of data under ADP (NRA 96-ADP-08; Proposal No. 167-96 adp). The primary task object was to construct a 3-D model for the distribution of high-energy (20 MeV-30 GeV) gamma-ray emission in the Galactic disk. Under this task the contractor was to utilize data from the EGRET instrument on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory, HI and CO surveys, radio-continuum surveys at 408 MHz, 1420 MHz, 5 GHz, and 19 GHz, the COBE Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) all-sky maps from I to 240 um, and ground-based B,V, J, H and K photometry. The respective contributions to the high-latitude gamma-ray emission from cosmic ray-matter interactions, inverse Compton scattering, and extra-galactic emission were to be determined.

Sodraski, Thomas J.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Investigating Galactic Structure with COBE/DIRBE

In this work I applied the current version of the SKY model of the point source sky to the interpretation of the diffuse all-sky emission observed by COBE/DIRBE. The goal was to refine the SKY model using the all-sky DIRBE maps of the Galaxy, in order that a search could be made for an isotropic cosmic back-ground. Arendt et al. constructed their "Faint Source Model" (FSM) to remove Galactic foreground stars from the ZSMA products. The FSM mimics SKY version 1 but Arendt et al.'s concluded that it was inadequate to seek cosmic background emission because of the sizeable residual emission in the ZSMA products after this starlight subtraction. At this point I can only support Arendt et al.'s conclusion, namely that such models are currently inadequate to reveal a cosmic background. Even SKY5 yields the same disappointing result. On the positive side, our knowledge of the fundamental parameters of stars is increasing through the legacy of the Hipparcos mission. These parameters are critical inputs to any model of the stellar sky and it is my hope to revisit the problem once the new values are for visual-absolute magnitudes and stellar, space densities. I also hope to make progress through an independent analysis of Pioneer optical starlight with SKY, under a NASA Heliospheric Mission Guest Investigator proposal.

Cohen, Martin↗

NASA NTRS1997

The Diffuse Interstellar Medium

A major component of this research is to extend existing models of thermal processes in the local interstellar medium to the inner and outer Galaxy. In completing this goal we have calculated the thermal equilibrium gas temperature of the neutral diffuse gas and constructed phase diagrams (gas pressure versus density) for gas at galactic radii between 3 and 18 kpc. An important ingredient in this computation is the far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation field in the Galactic disk. This radiation is important since photoelectric heating via FUV radiation on dust grains is expected to be a dominant heating process in the diffuse via gas. As a check of our calculated FUV field, we compared the infrared luminosity predicted by our theory with the observations of the COBE DIRBE space satellite and found the two to be in quite good agreement. Using our phase diagrams we have predicted the thermal pressure in the Galactic plane for which a multiphase equilibrium can be maintained. In addition, by using the maximum thermal pressure allowed by the observations, we have constrained the Galactic radii over which both cold and warm gas must exist, may exist, and cannot exist.

Hollenbach, David↗

NASA NTRS1999

Investigating Galactic Structure with COBE/DIRBE and Simulation

In this work I applied the current version of the SKY model of the point source sky to the interpretation of the diffuse all-sky emission observed by COBE/DIRBE (Cosmic Background Explorer Satellite/Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment). The goal was to refine the SKY model using the all-sky DIRBE maps of the Galaxy, in order that a search could be made for an isotropic cosmic background."Faint Source Model" [FSM] was constructed to remove Galactic fore ground stars from the ZSMA products. The FSM mimics SKY version 1 but it was inadequate to seek cosmic background emission because of the sizeable residual emission in the ZSMA products after this starlight subtraction. At this point I can only support that such models are currently inadequate to reveal a cosmic background. Even SKY5 yields the same disappointing result.

Cohen, Martin↗

NASA NTRS2000

A Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Galactic Gamma-Ray Emission Resulting from Cosmic-Ray Interactions with the Interstellar Gas and Radiation Fields

The primary task objective is to construct a 3-D model for the distribution of high-energy (20 MeV - 30 GeV) gamma-ray emission in the Galactic disk. Under this task the contractor will utilize data from the EGRET instrument on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory, H I and CO surveys, radio-continuum surveys at 408 MHz, 1420 MHz, 5 GHz, and 19 GHz, the COBE Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) all-sky maps from 1 to 240 microns, and ground-based B, V, J, H, and K photometry. The respective contributions to the gamma-ray emission from cosmic ray/matter interactions, inverse Compton scattering, and extragalactic emission will be determined.

Sodroski, Thomas J.↗