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At least 739 records · Page 41
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Einstein solid state spectrometer observation of the peculiar red dwarf Wolf 630 AB

Wolf 630 AB is a double and perhaps triple star with a predominant dM 3.5e spectrum. It is one of the relatively strong red dwarf X-ray sources. The 0.5 to 4 keV spectral data for a steady, non-flaring flux are interpreted in terms of emission from thin thermal plasma with a dominant temperature of approximately 6,500,000 K. Both in temperature and average surface flux the quiescent corona is similar to that of the low temperature component found for RS Canum Venaticorum binaries. There is an indication of additional emission above 10 to the 7th power K, but the ratio of high to low temperature emission is smaller than for typical RS CVn systems. The solid state spectrometer observed the spectrum of only one other red dwarf, Ad Leo, which is very similar to that observed for Wolf 630 AB.

Swank, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Whole Earth Telescope observations of V471 Tauri - The nature of the white dwarf variations

Time-series photometric observations of the binary star V471 Tauri were conducted using the Whole Earth Telescope observing network. The purpose was to determine the mechanism responsible for causing the 555 and 277 s periodic luminosity variations exhibited by the white dwarf in this binary. Previous observers have proposed that either g-mode pulsations or rotation of an accreting magnetic white dwarf could cause the variations, but were unable to decide which was the correct model. The present observations have answered this question. Learning the cause of the white dwarf variations has been possible because of the discovery of a periodic signal at 562 s in the Johnson U-band flux of the binary. By identifying this signal as reprocessed radiation and using its phase to infer the phase of the shorter wavelength radiation which produces it, made it possible to compare the phase of the 555 s U-band variations to the phase of the X-ray variations. It was found that U-band maximum coincides with X-ray minimum. From this result it was concluded that the magnetic rotator model accurately describes the variations observed, but that models involving g-mode pulsations do not.

Clemens, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Combined ultraviolet studies of astronomical source

As part of its Ultraviolet Studies of Astronomical Sources the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory for the period 1 Feb. 1985 to 31 July 1985 observed the following: the Cygnus Loop; oxygen-rich supernova remnants in 1E0102-72; the Large Magellanic Cloud supernova remnants; P Cygni profiles in dwarf novae; soft X-ray photoionization of interstellar gas; spectral variations in AM Her stars; the mass of Feige 24; atmospheric inhomogeneities in Lambda Andromedae and FF Aquarii; photometric and spectroscopic observation of Capella; Alpha Orionis; metal deficient giant stars; M 67 giants; high-velocity winds from giant stars; accretion disk parameters in cataclysmic variables; chromospheric emission of late-type dwarfs in visual binaries; chromospheres and transient regions of stars in the Ursa Major group; and low-metallicity blue galaxies.

Dupress, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Rotation and emission lines in stars and accretion disks

In the accretion disks of quiescent dwarf novae, Doppler mapping studies reveal that Balmer emission lines increase sharply toward the center of the disk, with surface brightnesses scaling roughly as R exp -3/2 varies as Omega(Kep). Similarly, among chromospherically active stars the H-alpha and Ca II H and K emission cores are stronger in the more rapidly rotating stars, with surface brightnesses scaling again roughly as Omega(rot). Since in both cases the emission lines scale linearly with the rotation frequency, it is proposed that the mechanism powering the emission lines in quiescent accretion disks is the same as that in chromospherically active stars, namely, the emergence of magnetic flux generated by the action of a dynamo, and its interaction with the atmosphere. If this empirical connection between disks and stars is in fact due to magnetic dynamos, the range of rotation rates available for testing dynamo theories expands from a factor of 1000 to 10 to the 7th.

Horne, Keith↗
NASA NTRS2015

Hubble Space Telescope Astrometry of the Procyon System

The nearby star Procyon is a visual binary containing the F5 IV-V subgiant Procyon A, orbited in a 40.84-year period by the faint DQZ white dwarf (WD) Procyon B. Using images obtained over two decades with the Hubble Space Telescope, and historical measurements back to the 19th century, we have determined precise orbital elements. Combined with measurements of the parallax and the motion of the A component, these elements yield dynamical masses of 1.478 plus or minus 0.012M and 0.592 plus or minus 0.006M for A and B, respectively. The mass of Procyon A agrees well with theoretical predictions based on asteroseismology and its temperature and luminosity. Use of a standard core-overshoot model agrees best for a surprisingly high amount of core overshoot. Under these modeling assumptions, Procyon A's age is approximately 2.7 Gyr. Procyon B's location in the H-R diagram is in excellent agreement with theoretical cooling tracks for WDs of its dynamical mass. Its position in the mass-radius plane is also consistent with theory, assuming a carbon-oxygen core and a helium-dominated atmosphere. Its progenitor's mass was 1.9-2.2M, depending on its amount of core overshoot. Several astrophysical puzzles remain. In the progenitor system, the stars at periastron were separated by only approximately AU, which might have led to tidal interactions and even mass transfer; yet there is no direct evidence that these have occurred. Moreover the orbital eccentricity has remained high (approximately 0.40). The mass of Procyon B is somewhat lower than anticipated from the initial-to-final-mass relation seen in open clusters. The presence of heavy elements in its atmosphere requires ongoing accretion, but the place of origin is uncertain.

PROCYON↗
NASA NTRS2011

I Zw 18, a Template for Star-Forming, z is Greater than 7 Galaxies

I Zw 18-NW, one of the most primitive nearby dwarf galaxies, is arguably the best template we have for star-forming, very high-redshift galaxies (z>7). We have therefore obtained a far-UV spectrum of I Zw 18-NW using Hubble's Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS). The spectrum indicates star-formation over the past approx.10 Myr, a very low stellar metallicity, log Z/Zsun approx. -1.7, and high average stellar rotation rate, Vsini approx.200 km/s. Stellar wind lines are very weak, and the edge velocity of wind lines is very low (approx.250 km/s). The overall properties of I Zw 18-NW are consistent with theories of very low metallicity, rapidly rotating stars, e.g. Meynet et al. (2006).

Heap, Sara R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Combined ultraviolet studies of astronomical sources

Ultraviolet spectra of non-radiataive shock waves grain destruction and elemental abundances in interstellar shocks, carbon abundance in M33 and M31 from supernova remnants, determination of the mass function in the large Magellanic cloud, UV spectra of white dwarf pulsars, stellar flares, availability of the double quasar Q 0957 + 56' AB, spectra of late-F dwarfs and their relation to rotation, dynamics of hot gas surrounding hybrid stars, high resolution study of epsilon coronae Austriual, active regions on solar-type dwarfs as a function of rotation rate and age, coordinated chromospheric synoptic observations of selected late-type stars, the two-component atmosphere of Lambda Andromedae, and activity in Hyades giants are discussed.

Dupree, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Ultraviolet light curves of the dwarf novae U Geminorum and VW Hydri

The optical light curves of many dwarf novae show a prominent hump. This hump is attributed to a hot spot located where the gas stream from the cool secondary star strikes the accretion disk around the white dwarf primary. In the present investigation, the energy distribution of the hot spot is obtained from the amplitude of the hump in different wavelength regions. The color temperature of the hot spot is derived, and the temperature and optical thickness for thermal free-free emission models for the spot is discussed. The nature of the disk is studied by comparing its UV-optical energy distribution with computed accretion disk models. The ultraviolet light curves of two quiescent dwarf novae, U Gem and VW Hyi is derived by combining Astronomical Netherlands Satellite (ANS) photometry from several different epochs.

Wu, C.-C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

X-ray, UV, and optical observations of the dwarf nova BV Puppis

Exosat, IUE, optical spectroscopic, and broad-band photometric data on BV Pup are presented and analyzed in order to study the system characteristics and their relation to the high excitation of the emission lines. It is observed that: (1) at quiescence and outburst, the He II 4686 A/H-beta ratio for the star is larger than for other observed dwarf novae; (2) the X-ray flux is high for a system at outbursts and the X-ray flux correlates with an increased He II flux over the quiescent values; (3) the flat slope of the flux distribution at quiescence implies relatively low accretion rate; and (4) the abnormal UV line spectrum suggests a different geometry/opacity for the line emission zone compared to normal dwarf novae.

Szkody, Paula↗
NASA NTRS2019

A High Binary Fraction for the Most Massive Close-in Giant Planets and Brown Dwarf Desert Members

Stellar multiplicity is believed to influence planetary formation and evolution, although the precise nature and extent of this role remain ambiguous. We present a study aimed at testing the role of stellar multiplicity in the formation and/or evolution of the most massive, close-in planetary and substellar companions. Using past and new direct imaging observations, as well as the Gaia DR2 catalogue, we searched for wide binary companions to 38 stars hosting massive giant planets or brown dwarfs (M > 7 MJup) on orbits shorter than ∼1 au. We report the discovery of a new component in the WASP-14 system, and present an independent confirmation of a comoving companion to WASP-18. From a robust Bayesian statistical analysis, we derived a binary fraction of per cent between 20 and 10 000 au for our sample, twice as high as for field stars with a 3σ significance. This binary frequency was found to be larger than for lower-mass planets on similar orbits, and we observed a marginally higher binary rate for inner companions with periods shorter than 10 d. These results demonstrate that stellar companions greatly influence the formation and/or evolution of these systems, suggesting that the role played by binary companions becomes more important for higher-mass planets, and that this trend may be enhanced for systems with tighter orbits. Our analysis also revealed a peak in binary separation at 250 au, highlighting a shortfall of close binaries among our sample. This indicates that the mechanisms affecting planet and brown dwarf formation or evolution in binaries must operate from wide separations, although we found that the Kozai–Lidov mechanism is unlikely to be the dominant underlying process. We conclude that binarity plays a crucial role in the existence of very massive short-period giant planets and brown dwarf desert inhabitants, which are almost exclusively observed in multiple systems.

C Fontanive↗
NASA NTRS1987

Photometric light curves for seven rapidly-rotating K dwarfs in the Pleiades and Alpha Persei clusters

Light curves and period estimates were obtained for several Pleiades and Alpha Persei cluster K dwarfs which were identified as rapid rotators in earlier spectroscopic studies. A few of the stars have previously-published light curves, making it possible to study the long-term variability of the light-curve shapes. The general cause of the photometric variability observed for these stars is an asymmetric distribution of photospheric inhomogeneities (starspots). The presence of these inhomogeneities combined with the rotation of the star lead to the light curves observed. The photometric periods derived are thus identified with the rotation period of the star, making it possible to estimate equatorial rotational velocities for these K dwarfs. These data are of particular importance because the clusters are sufficiently young that stars of this mass should have just arrived on the main sequence. These data could be used to estimate the temperatures and sizes of the spot groups necessary to produce the observed light curves for these stars.

Stauffer, John R.↗
NASA NTRS2023

Kmt-2022-Blg-0440lb: A New q < 10 −4 Microlensing Planet With the Central-Resonant Caustic Degeneracy Broken

We present the observations and analysis of a high-magnification microlensing planetary event, KMT-2022-BLG-0440, for which the weak and short-lived planetary signal was covered by both the KMTNet survey and follow-up observations. The binary-lens models with a central caustic provide the best fits, with a planet/host mass ratio, q = 0.75–1.00 ×10 −4 at 1 σ. The binary-lens models with a resonant caustic and a brown-dwarf mass ratio are both excluded by ∆χ 2 > 70. The binary-source model can fit the anomaly well but is rejected by the ‘colour argument’ on the second source. From Bayesian analyses, it is estimated that the host star is likely a K or M dwarf located in the Galactic disc, the planet probably has a Neptune-mass, and the projected planet-host separation is 1.9 +0.6 −0.7 or 4.6 +1.4 −1.7 au, subject to the close/wide de generac y. This is the third q < 10 −4 planet from a high-magnification planetary signal ( A ≳ 65). Together with another such planet, KMT-2021-BLG-0171Lb, the ongoing follow-up program for the KMTNet high-magnification events has demonstrated its ability to detect high-magnification planetary signals for q < 10 −4 planets, which are challenging for the current microlensing surveys.

planets and satellites: detection↗
NASA NTRS1979

Compact galactic X-ray sources; Proceedings of the Workshop, Washington, D.C., April 20, 21, 1979

The current status and future prospects regarding the study of compact galactic X-ray sources are reviewed; key questions addressable by X-ray observations are outlined, and various proposed types of missions are evaluated in terms of their ability to address these questions. Subjects discussed include degenerate dwarfs and cataclysmic variables, bursters, neutron stars, black holes, and erratic variables, transients, and patrol programs. Specific topics include future X-ray observations of magnetic binaries, the thermonuclear-flash model for X-ray burst sources, neutron star X-ray sources, prospects for experimental research on black holes in binary systems, and compact X-ray source observations after Explorer with the LAMAR.

Lamb, F.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Globular cluster winds with central accretion by a massive compact object or subcluster

Steady-state isothermal wind flows are computed with accretion by a central mass concentration in spherically symmetric systems of gas-losing stars. Solutions are uniquely determined by two dimensionless parameters lambda and m, where lambda is approximately equal to the square of the ratio of the central escape velocity to the sound speed and m is approximately equal to the ratio of the central point mass to the cluster core mass. The models are applied to globular clusters for two types of central mass concentration - a single massive black hole and a subcluster of massive stars. A hard (greater than a keV) X-ray source due to a central black hole fed by clusterwide inflow does not provide a consistent model for globular cluster X-ray sources. However, in the case of hot (T being greater than or approximately equal to 2 x 10 to the 5th K) winds, gas trapping by a central subcluster of neutron stars or of binaries containing white dwarfs could explain recent UV and H-alpha observations. Similar applications to elliptical galaxies are discussed.

Durisen, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Temperatures for hot and pulsating DB white dwarfs obtained with the IUE Observatory

Ultraviolet energy distributions are presented for 12 hot, helium-atmosphere DB white dwarfs, including the four known pulsating stars which define an empirical DB instability strip. The UV spectrophotometry is reported, and the energy distributions are matched with two separate grids of DB model atmosphere calculations, so that effective temperature estimates may be derived. The sources of uncertainty in the UV temperature fits are assessed, and a comparison with estimates from optical data is made.

Liebert, James↗
NASA NTRS1986

NLTE-analysis of three extremely helium-rich O-type subdwarfs

Three extremely helium-rich sdO stars (LSE 153, LSE 259 and LSE 263) were analyzed spectroscopically by means of detailed NLTE model atmospheres. These stars are very hot, with effective temperatures ranging from 70,000 to 75,000 K and gravities between log g = 4.4 and 4.9. Upper limits for the hydrogen abundance were also derived. The evolutionary status of the sdO stars is discussed and it is concluded that they evolve from the asymptotic giant branch towards the white dwarf stage. A possible evolutionary link between these hot stars and the extreme helium stars of spectral type B is discussed.

Husfeld, D.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A critical analysis of the ultraviolet temperature scale of the helium-dominated DB and DBV white dwarfs

The temperatures of the hottest of the DB and of some of the variable DBV white dwarfs have been reanalyzed, using a new helium-rich model atmosphere grid and archival IUE data. The grid covers variations in the effective temperature, surface gravity, and trace hydrogen abundance. Significantly lower temperatures than those found by earlier investigations are found. This has influence on the issue of which mixing-length theory is the best one for treatment of convection in DB white dwarfs. The prototype of the DBV stars, GD 358, is given particular attention in view of the recently reported HE II 1640-A line. The sensitivity of the new results to input physics is analyzed. It is found that uncertainties in Stark broadening parameters, convective efficiency, and equation of state and the assumptions of a fixed gravity (log g = 8) and a negligible abundance of hydrogen can at most give an error in the effective temperature of 400 K for a typical DB star. The uncertainty on the absolute calibration of the IUE cameras and the effect of small interstellar reddening dominate the error analysis.

Thejll, Peter↗
NASA NTRS1992

The conductive propagation of nuclear flames. I - Degenerate C + O and O + Ne + Mg white dwarfs

The paper determines the physical properties - speed, width, and density structure - of conductive burning fronts in degenerate carbon-oxygen (C + O) and oxygen-neon-magnesium (O + Ne + Mg) compositions for a grid of initial densities and compositions. The dependence of the physical properties of the flame on the assumed values of nuclear reaction rates, the nuclear reaction network employed, the thermal conductivity, and the choice of coordinate system are investigated. The occurrence of accretion-induced collapse of a white dwarf is found to be critically dependent on the velocity of the nuclear conductive burning front and the growth rate of hydrodynamic instabilities. Treating the expanding area of the turbulent burning region as a fractal whose tile size is identical to the minimum unstable Rayleigh-Taylor wavelength, it is found, for all reasonable values of the fractal dimension, that for initial C + O or O + Ne + Mg densities above about 9 x 10 exp 9 g/cu cm the white dwarf should collapse to a neutron star.

Timmes, F. X.↗