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NASA NTRS1993

Rapid oscillations in cataclysmic variables. X - TW Pictoris (=H 0534-581)

Photometry of the X-ray-selected cataclysmic variable TW Pictoris (=H 0534-581) reveals a periodic signal at P = 6.1 hr, which is approximately the orbital period of the binary. In addition, a highly probable signal is found at P = 119.76 +/- 0.09 min. Coupled with the high excitation, the high L(x)/L(opt) ratio, and the probable detection of a similar spectroscopic period, this makes it likely that the star belongs to the 'DQ Herculis' class of cataclysmic variable in which the stable short period is the spin period of an accreting magnetic white dwarf. Theory suggests that TW Pic is a particularly attractive candidate for showing circular polarization at visual or near-infrared wavelengths.

Patterson, Joseph↗
NASA NTRS1994

Coronal X-ray sources in the Hyades: A 40 kilosecond ROSAT pointing

We present results of a 40 ks ROSAT pointed observation of the Hyades cluster. The limiting L(sub x) is approximately = 2 x 10(exp 27) ergs/sec at field center, increasing to approximately = 2 x 10(exp 28) ergs/sec at 40 min off-axis. This represents the most sensitive X-ray observation to date in the Hyades region. More than 30 sources have been detected in the Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) standard processing, of which 15 are Hyades members, five are cluster candidates that are likely non-members, four are foreground or background stars, and the remainder are unidentified. One Hyad, VB 173 (= VA 276), lies in a confused region, but is detected as a distinct source in the soft band only (E approximately less than 0.5 keV). We report upper limits for four other Hyades members in our field, all M dwarfs. Of the 16 Hyades detections, two represent the optically faintest members seen to date in X-rays; VA 260 (V = 16.68) and VA 368 (V = 16.25). These are both M dwarfs of mass approximately = 0.15-0.2 solar mass and are fully convective stars according to current theory. Analysis of X-ray light curves using 1 ks bins indicates some variability in the strongest sources and a possible flare in VA 383. Two Hyades stars, VB 141 and VB 71, were also detected with the co-aligned Wide Field Camera (WFC) EUV instrument. VB 141, the second brightest X-ray source in the Hyades, remains an enigma: a rapidly rotating FO star with a fainter, long-period companion, this object has an X-ray spectrum indicative of strong coronal activity. X-ray pulse-height analysis demonstrates that coronal models with at least two temperatures are required for most of the stronger X-ray sources. The ROSAT X-ray spectra generally require higher temperatures for the hotter component in the M dwarfs compared to the F-G dwarfs.

Stern, Robert A.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Three Weak-Lined T Tauri Stars in Orion

We have identified three new weak lined T Tauri stars in Orion using the Double Spectrograph and 5-m telescope at Palomar Observatory. One of these is a candidate for the X-ray source RX0535-0633. H(alpha) and H(beta) line emisison are detected and equivalent widths measured in all three stars, and in V942 Ori. We also searched without success for H(alpha) line variability in V942 Ari.

stars emission line be stars flare stars V942 Ori ↗
NASA NTRS1990

Interacting nuclei in distant galaxies

The N-galaxy 3C 390.3 has been monitored spectroscopically since 1974 (Osterbrock, Koski and Phillips 1975; Oke 1988). From various archives and literature, it is found that the Balmer lines change their intensities and profiles in a dramatic manner. The H alpha profile is very broad and peculiar, and the relative intensities of its two humps changes consistently with time, possibly periodically. Before 1980, the blue hump was significantly stronger than the one in the red. From 1980 to 1983 the blue hump became stronger (see Oke 1988). After 1983 the H alpha profile has returned to its early shape and seems to have completed a full circle. Unlike the rapid (on the order of a month or even less) and aperiodic variation in the continuum and integrated line intensities, the change in broad profile seems slow and consistent. Taking the analogy of cataclysmic variables, the double-horn profiles have been observed in cases of interacting stars. For example, the emission lines, both in He II and hydrogen Balmer lines in GD 552 (Stover 1985) show double-horn profiles and periodical changes in their line profiles, including the change in ratios of two humps. It is understood that the D-wave components (Smak 1976) are the signature of an emitting disk and the S-wave component is from the emission at a hot spot which rotates and results in a moving component in the velocity space. The mass flow from the nearby interacting star provides the stream toward the core of a neutron star or white dwarf. Therefore, it is proposed that the variation of broad line profiles observed in 3C 390.3 may be the result of a pair of interacting massive cores. The rotational velocity dominates and produces a variable double-horn profile. However, the line widths observed in broad line radio galaxies are one order larger than that in interacting stars. The Balmer decrements imply a much smaller density (10(exp 10-12) cm(exp-3)) than that in the cataclysmic variables. The much larger velocity and much thinner density make it unlikely that the broad line emission is simply formed in an accretion disk. The authors postulate that a significant rotational motion is involved. If the observed squared profiles are indeed due to the rotational velocity field, one can naturally explain their rare occurrence.

Zheng, Wei↗
NASA NTRS1991

Nonthermal radio emission from the X-ray-bright K5 IV star 1E 1751 + 7046

VLA observations are analyzed of the K5 IV star 1E 1751 + 7046, which is known to be an X-ray source on the basis of Einstein observations and which shows some similarity to stars of the FK Comae type. Radio continuum emission has been detected at 3.6, 6, and 20 cm, and the spectral energy distribution is nearly flat. There is no evidence for circular polarization, and upper limits are given. The 6-cm flux is roughly one order of magnitude less than reported in a previous VLA observation, indicating that this star may flare at radio wavelengths. The inferred radio variability and the nearly flat spectral energy distribution suggest that the emission is of nonthermal origin. A variety of possible emission mechanisms is examined, and it is concluded that the emission is best explained in terms of a gyrosynchrotron/synchrotron model with the electrons following a power-law energy distribution. A brief comparison of the radio properties of 1E 1751 + 7046 with FK Comae-like stars and RS CVn systems is given.

Skinner, Stephen L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Studies of an x ray selected sample of cataclysmic variables

Just prior to the thesis research, an all-sky survey in hard x rays with the HEAO-1 satellite and further observations in the optical resulted in a catalog of about 700 x-ray sources with known optical counterparts. This sample includes 43 cataclysmic variables, which are binaries consisting of a detached white-dwarf and a Roche lobe filling companion star. This thesis consists of studies of the x-ray selected sample of catalcysmic variables.

Silber, Andrew D.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Studies of Extreme Carbon Stars: Periods From Optical Spectral Characteristics - 2

Rocket and satellite IR sky surveys have revealed vast populations of extreme AGB stars with substantial circumstellar dust shells. It is normally assumed that these shells permit essentially no light to escape. However, using the Lick 3 meter reflector we have been able to secure and analyze a large number of spectra of a well-defined sample of these extreme evolved stars. From this archive we have determined that these objects are all long period Mira variables and have estimated their periods, correlated these with IR photometric variations, and deduced distances to the stars. The data reveal a population of disk carbon-giants, typically of 1-2 yr periods, mostly within 2 kpc of the sun. We have also been able to quantify the thickness of their dust shells.

Cohen, Martin↗
NASA NTRS1972

Ultraviolet observations of weak-helium stars

Ultraviolet filter photometry aboard OAO-2 has been carried out for the weak helium stars 3 Cen A, 3 Sco, HD 144334, HD 21699, HD 144844, alpha Scl, HR 8535, HR 8770 and HD 144661. The flux distribution is compared with that of B3 to B8 main sequence and giant stars in terms of color-color diagrams. When allowance is made for line blocking shortward of 2800 A that most of the weak helium stars have normal fluxes in good agreement with their ground-based colors. The star alpha Scl is a light and spectrum variable. The strengthening of Ti II and Sr II lines around 2400 A appears to redistribute flux longward of the Balmer discontinuity. The flux distribution indicates an effective temperature about 1500 K higher than previously determined.

Bernacca, P. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Analysis of the nebulosities near T Tauri using digital computer image processing

Direct plates of T Tauri taken with the 120-inch (3 m) and 36-inch (91 cm) Lick reflectors were digitized and analyzed using digital-computer image-processing techniques. Luminous emission protrusions extending to as far as 13-sec from T Tauri in position angles 170 deg, 210 deg, and 330 deg are shown. These features are variable and may contain a layered structure. The complex reflection nebula west of T Tauri (NGC 1555) appears to be an illuminated portion of a much larger dark nebula whose variability is due to obscuring material near the star.

Lorre, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Application of square-root filtering for spacecraft attitude control

Suitable digital algorithms are developed and tested for providing on-board precision attitude estimation and pointing control for potential use in the Landsat-D spacecraft. These algorithms provide pointing accuracy of better than 0.01 deg. To obtain necessary precision with efficient software, a six state-variable square-root Kalman filter combines two star tracker measurements to update attitude estimates obtained from processing three gyro outputs. The validity of the estimation and control algorithms are established, and the sensitivity of their performance to various error sources and software parameters are investigated by detailed digital simulation. Spacecraft computer memory, cycle time, and accuracy requirements are estimated.

Sorensen, J. A.↗
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 NTRS1980

Stellar chromospheres

Recent observational and theoretical work in the general problem of stellar chromospheres is summarized. The nature of a stellar chromosphere is reviewed, along with regions of the H-R diagram where chromospheres exist, trends emerging from semiempirical chromospheric models of single stars, and the ability of such models to match the observational data. Reasons why the Wilson-Bappu relation works are discussed, the existence of systematic flow patterns in stellar chromospheres is considered, and possible differences between chromospheres in close binaries and in single stars are examined. The general questions of chromospheric variability, the energy balance in stellar chromospheres, and the physics of chromospheric activity are described.

Linsky, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The dynamics and fueling of active nuclei

It is generally believed that quasars and active galactic nuclei produce their prodigious luminosities in connection with the release of gravitational energy associated with accretion and infall of matter onto a compact central object. In the present analysis, it is assumed that the central object is a massive black hole. The fact that a black hole provides the deepest possible central potential well does imply that it is the most natural candidate for the central engine. It is also assumed that the quasar is associated with the nucleus of a conventional galaxy. A number of difficulties arise in connection with finding a suitable stellar fueling model. A simple scheme is discussed for resolving these difficulties. Attention is given to fueling in a nonaxisymmetric potential, the effects of a massive accretion disk, and the variability in the disk luminosity caused by star-disk collisions assuming that the energy deposited in the disk is radiated.

Norman, C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The optical polarization of Epsilon Aurigae through the 1982-84 eclipse

About 350 nights observations on the 61-cm telescope at Pine Mt. Observatory were made of the variable polarization of Eps. Aurigae during 1982-85, in the U, B, and V color bands. The V data are the most complete and are shown. In terms of the overall features the curves in all three colors are quite similar. The typical errors per nightly point in the V curves are about 0.015% for either of the two normalized, equatorial Stokes parameters Q and U. Note that there is a large background or constant component of some 2.5%, position angle around 135 deg. This is presumably largely interstellar, and the intrinsic polarization probably does not much exceed the amplitude of the variable component, approx. 0.5%. A few field-star polarizations were measured but a very clear pattern was not obtained in this part of the sky.

Kemp, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

BE Ursae Majoris: A detached binary with a unique reprocessing spectrum

New infrared photometry, optical and UV spectrophotometry, and a photographic ephemeris are presented for the detached binary BE UMa. Results show the primary to be a DO white dwarf with an effective temperature of 80,000 + or - 15,000 K and a mass of 0.6 + or - 0.1 solar masses. No evidence is found for variability of the primary. The main sequence secondary star is shown to be of early M spectral type, with a formal range of M1 to M5 being possible. A reflection effect in reprocessed line and continuum radiation is produced by EUV radiation from the primary incident on the secondary atmosphere. It is suggested that the temperature of the reprocessed component of the secondary's atmosphere is in the 5000 to 8500 K range, and that emission lines of decreasing ionization form deeper in the irradiated envelope. Relatively narrow He II and high excitation metal lines are formed from recombination and continuum fluorescence processes.

Ferguson, Donald H.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Observations of the peculiar object MWC 560 in outburst

The results of ultraviolet spectroscopy, photoelectric photometry, and supplemental high-resolution H(alpha) spectroscopy of a photometric outburst of MWC 560 are discussed. Ultraviolet spectra are shown to be consistent with the ejection of an optically thick shell that produced strong absorption blends of Fe II and Cr II. The velocities reported exceed by far those previously found in symbiotic stars or recurrent novas. In addition to the variable high-velocity system of broad absorption features, a relatively stable system of Mg II, Mg I, Fe II, Cr II, and other ionic absorptions is observed. It is pointed out that the spectroscopic phenomena in MWC 560 resemble those found in XX Ophiuchi, but the velocities in the MWC 560 are an order of magnitude higher than those found in XX Oph.

Michalitsianos, A. G.↗
NASA NTRS1993

IUE observations of cataclysmic variable

Twenty two approved International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) programs were studied over a 14 year period. These programs are listed. The observations and subsequent analysis centered on cataclysmic variables (close binaries with a late main sequence star transferring material to a primary white dwarf via an accretion disk). The early studies highlighted the flux distribution of the accretion disk at outburst and quiescence, while later studies accomplished time-resolved observations throughout the orbital cycles, the study of the outflowing winds present at outburst, the study of the white dwarf in those systems with low accretion rate. There are 39 publications resulting from this work which are listed. These results include those for individual systems (Stepanian's star, Lanning 10, AM Her, MV Lyr, TV Col, VW Hyi, T Leo, IR Gem, TT Ari, Z Cam, BV Pup, IP Peg, PG1030+590, V1315 Aql, SW UMa, V426 Oph, WZ Sge, BY Cam, and U Gem) as well as review articles in journals and publications from reviews at meetings that summarize the impact of IUE on the study of accretion disks, white dwarfs, and hot spots resulting from stream impact as well as magnetic accretion columns.

Szkody, Paula↗
NASA NTRS1994

Chromospherically active stars. 13: HD 30957: A double lined K dwarf binary

HD 30957 is a double-lined spectroscopic binary with a period of 44.395 days and a modest eccentricity of 0.09. The spectral types of the components are K2-3 V and K5 V. The measured v sin i for both components is less than or equal to 3 km/s and the orbital inclination is estimated to be 69 deg. The system is relatively nearby with a parallax of 0.025 sec or a distance of 40 pc. Space motions of the system indicate that it does not belong to any of the known moving groups. Absolute surface fluxes of the Ca II H and K lines have been recomputed and indicate only modest chromospheric activity. If the stars are rotating pseudosynchronously, the lack of light variability is consistent with the value of the critical Rossby number for starspot activity.

Fekel, Francis C.↗