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At least 757 records · Page 42

Stereoscopic direction finding analysis of a type III solar radio burst - Evidence for emission at 2f/p-/

Stereoscopic direction finding measurements from the Imp 8, Hawkeye 1, and Helios 2 spacecraft over base line distances of a substantial fraction of an astronomical unit are used to directly determine the three-dimensional trajectory of a type III solar radio burst. By comparing the observed source positions with the direct in situ solar wind plasma density measurements obtained by Helios 1 and 2 near the sun, the relationship of the emission frequency to the local plasma frequency can be determined directly without any modeling assumptions. These comparisons show that the type III radio emission occurs near the second harmonic of the local electron plasma frequency. Other characteristics of the type III radio emission, such as the source size, which can be obtained from this type of analysis, are also discussed.

Gurnett, D. A.↗

Origin and evolution of the radio emission from immediate postoutburst supernovae

Several models for the radio emission from immediate postoutburst supernovae are examined under the assumption that the expanding remnant consists of a homogeneously mixed distribution of relativistic particles, magnetic field, and thermal plasma. The evolutionary models are: (1) an adiabatic expansion model; (2) a model incorporating the existence of a central pulsar; and (3) variations on the first two models in which relativistic electrons are accelerated either instantaneously or over an extended period of time and in which ionization, bremsstrahlung, synchrotron, Compton, and expansion losses are explicitly included. The character of the radio emission expected from these models is quite dissimilar. Whereas in adiabatic expansion models the emission is expected to increase slowly and become most intense at high frequencies, in models involving a central pulsar the emission should increase rapidly with a maximum flux density that is the same at all frequencies. The theoretical evolution of the radio emission for each model is compared with observations of SN 1970g.

Marscher, A. P.↗

Energetic secondary electrons and the nonthermal galactic radio background - A probe of the magnetic field in interstellar clouds

A previous analysis of the manifestations of charged-pion-decay secondary electrons in interstellar cloud material is extended to include those contributions to the Galactic radio and soft gamma-ray backgrounds that are directly attributable to energetic secondaries. The equilibrium distribution of secondary electrons in dense interstellar clouds is calculated, synchrotron emissivity from isolated interstellar clouds is examined, and it is shown how the value of the magnetic field in these clouds may be determined by observing the radio emission in their directions. The contribution that such clouds make to the integrated radio background is evaluated, and the Galactic distribution of bremsstrahlung gamma rays that arise from interactions of secondary electrons with thermal material in dense clouds is computed. The results indicate that a magnetic field of no more than 80 microgauss is characteristic of dense clouds and that the integrated synchrotron radiation from secondary electrons in interstellar clouds will contribute a significant fraction of the nonthermal brightness along the Galactic equator even if the mean cloud field is as low as 35 microgauss.

Marscher, A. P.↗

Aircraft measurement of radio frequency noise at 121.5 MHz, 243MHz and 406MHz

An airborne survey measurement of terrestrial radio-frequency noise over U.S. metropolitan areas has been made at 121.5, 243 and 406 MHz with horizontal-polarization monopole antennas. Flights were at 25,000 feet altitude during the period from December 30, 1976 to January 8, 1977. Radio-noise measurements, expressed in equivalent antenna-noise temperature, indicate a steady-background noise temperature of 572,000 K, at 121.5 MHz, during daylight over New York City. This data is helpful in compiling radio-noise temperature maps; in turn useful for designing satellite-aided, emergency-distress search and rescue communication systems.

Taylor, R. E.↗

Spectrophotometry of Seyfert 2 galaxies and narrow-line radio galaxies

Results are reported for a spectrophotometric survey of several Seyfert 2 galaxies, intermediate Seyferts, and narrow-line radio galaxies. The emission-line spectra of the galaxies are analyzed, emphasizing line intensities, reddening, temperatures, densities, line strength correlations, line widths, and redshift differences. The continuous spectra are examined, and possible ionization sources are considered. It is found that: (1) there are no distinguishing differences between the spectra of Seyfert 2 galaxies and narrow-line radio galaxies; (2) the emission spectra are rich in lines from a wide range of ionization levels; (3) the continuum is starlight diluted by an underlying continuous spectrum; (4) the line widths of both classes of galaxies have the same distribution; (5) there appear to be regions of high and low ionization in the Seyfert 2 and narrow-line radio galaxies; (6) photoionization seems quite likely as the energy input to the gas; and (7) all the galaxies show a UV excess in their spectra.

Koski, A. T.↗

The heliocentric radial variation of plasma oscillations associated with type III radio bursts

A survey is presented of all of the electron plasma oscillation events found to date in association with low-frequency type III solar radio bursts using approximately 9 years of observations from the Imp 6 and 8, Helios 1 and 2, and Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft. Plasma oscillation events associated with type III radio bursts show a pronounced increase in both the intensity and the frequency of occurrence with decreasing heliocentric radial distance. This radial dependence explains why intense electron plasma oscillations are seldon observed in association with type III radio bursts at the orbit of the earth. Possible interpretations of the observed radial variation in the plasma oscillation intensity are considered.

Gurnett, D. A.↗

Radio science requirements and the end-to-end ranging system

Radio science ranging requirements negotiated between past and present flight projects and the DSN have generally focused on just the DSS and spacecraft hardware. All elements in the end-to-end system are analyzed and considered in terms of the error hierarchy. The end-to-end system is defined and examined as it applies to the generation of radio science ranging requirements. The variability of the performance levels of the system elements is emphasized with respect to the radio science experiment being performed and the DSN-spacecraft frequency band configuration.

Berman, A. L.↗

Voyager radio occultation investigations at Saturn

Voyager will use dual-frequency 3.5 and 13 cm wavelength radio occultation techniques to study the atmospheres and ionospheres of Saturn and Titan, and the rings of Saturn. At Titan radio occultation is predicted to probe the atmosphere to the surface. The existence of a surface could be confirmed by detection of an obliquely scattered echo. At Saturn the two Voyager encounters will provide occultation measurements of temperate and equatorial regions of the atmosphere and ionosphere, and of the rings. The atmosphere will also be probed in polar regions during the deepest portions of the occultation. Both frequency and intensity data will be collected and jointly analyzed to study temperature-pressure profiles, and to derive information on atmospheric shape, turbulence, and weather. For the rings, Voyager will provide measurements of the complex (amplitude and phase) radio extinction and angular scattering functions of the ring particles as a function of wavelength, polarization, and radial distance from Saturn.

Tyler, G. L.↗

Voyager spacecraft radio observations of Jupiter: Initial cruise results

Jupiter's low-frequency radio emission were detected by the planetary radio astronomy instruments onboard the two Voyager spacecraft. The emission is surprisingly similar in morphology but opposite in polarization to the high-frequency Jovian radio noise that were observed with ground-based telescopes for more than two decades. Several possible explanations for the behavior of the low-frequency emission are examined, but none of them is completely satisfactory.

Kaiser, M. L.↗

Study of the solar corona using radio and space observations

Optical, radio and X-ray evidence of violent mass motions in the corona has existed for some years but only recently have the form, nature, frequency and implication of the transients become obvious. The observed properties of coronal transients concentrating on the white-light and radio manifestations. The possible mechanisims involved in the radio bursts are discussed. The estimates of various forms of energy are reviewed. It appears that the magnetic energy transported from the Sun by the transient exceeds that of any other form, and that magnetic forces dominate in the dynamics of the motions. The conversion of magnetic energy into mechanical energy, by expansion of the fields, provides a possible driving force for the coronal and interplanetary shock waves.

Dulk, G. A.↗

Photoelectric spectrophotometry of radio galaxies

The absolute energy distributions from 3200 to 10,000 A of 26 3CR radio galaxies are determined on the basis of spectrophotometric observations with the multichannel spectrometer of the Hale 5-m telescope. It is found that there is a continuous range of emission-line characteristics and UV excess in the sample and that a strong correlation exists between the nonthermal component luminosity and hydrogen emission, which favors the hypothesis that direct photoionization by the nuclear radiation is responsible for the emission lines observed. Calculations are performed which show that in almost all cases the power-law component model provides sufficient UV photons to produce the observed H-beta line. Indications are obtained that the optical nuclear component is related to the radio emission in some complex manner and that strong radio galaxies tend to be accompanied by UV excess and emission lines.

Yee, H. K. C.↗

Jovian longitudinal control of Io-related radio emissions

A theoretical model is proposed to explain the control of Io-related radio emissions by Jupiter's rotational phase. The model is based on the hypothesis that the radio emissions are generated by Birkeland currents flowing between Io and the Jovian ionosphere. Specifically, it is suggested that the precipitation of radiation-belt electrons within a certain range of Jovian longitudes produces a restricted region of enhanced ionization and correspondingly enhanced conductivity in Jupiter's ionosphere and that the Io-Jupiter Birkeland current and the associated radio emissions are dramatically increased when Io's flux tube encounters this sector of enhanced ionization in Jupiter's ionosphere. The magnitude of the current is found to be about 100,000 A at most Jovian longitudes because of ionospheric resistance. It is estimated that within the favored longitudinal sector electron precipitation produces an enhancement of this current by one to three orders of magnitude. The model predictions are compared with observations made during the Pioneer 10 and 11 flybys, and satisfactory agreement is obtained.

Dessler, A. J.↗

Deep radio occultations and 'evolute flashes' - Their characteristics and utility for planetary studies

Deep radio occultation signals from spacecraft passing behind planets may provide data on atmospheric absorption, turbulence, and structure, as well as information on the effects of planetary gravitational moments, rotation and zonal winds on the atmospheric shape. The strength of radio signals from a spacecraft passing behind a planet will at first decrease because of defocusing in the atmosphere, but then increase as the evolute of the planetary limb is neared, due to focusing caused by limb curvature within the evolute. Within the evolute, the availability of four simultaneous signal paths over four limb positions may render focused signals instantaneously great. The passage of Voyager 1 behind Jupiter and Voyager 2 behind Saturn will provide a test of deep radio occultation studies.

Eshleman, V. R.↗

Satellite emission radio interferometric earth surveying series - GPS geodetic system

A concept called SERIES (satellite emissions radio interferometric earth surveying) which makes use of GPS (global positioning system) radio transmissions without any satellite modifications, is described. Through the use of very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) and its calibration methods, 0.5 to 3 cm three dimensional baseline accuracy can be achieved over distances of 2 to 200 km respectively, with only 2 hours of on-site data acquisition. Attention is given to such areas as: the radio flux equivalent of GPS transmissions, synthesized delay precision, transmission and frequency subsystem requirements, tropospheric and ionospheric errors. Applications covered include geodesy and seismic tectonics.

Macdoran, P. F.↗

Possible radio emission mechanism for pulsars

A mathematical model is presented and discussed as a possible mechanism to describe radio emission from pulsars. The model determines that the magnetic field in the neutron proton electron (npe) layer of a neutron star results from a quasistationary eddy current of superconducting and normal protons relative to normal electrons, which generates radio emission by the Josephson effect. The radiation propagates in the magnetically active medium, from the optically thick npe layer to the magnetosphere through breaks in the crust. As a result, hot radio spots form on the surface of the star, and a radiation pattern forms near the magnetic poles, the cross section of which gives the observed pulse structure. Due to the specific properties of the mechanism, variations of the quasistationary current are converted to amplitude frequency variations of the radiation spectrum. Variations of the fine structure of the spectrum pulse amplitude and spectral index, as well as their correlation are discussed.

Kovalev, Y. A.↗

Radio disturbance warning issuance system

A radio disturbance warning issuance system was introduced in the Hiraiso Branch of the Radio Research Laboratories in 1972 to reconstruct the current radio disturbance warning service as a social information service. A description of the new ideas which were experimentally systematized by means of an electronic computer is presented.

Maeda, R.↗

Accurate radio positions with the Tidbinbilla interferometer

The Tidbinbilla interferometer, designed specifically to provide accurate radio position measurements of compact radio sources in the Southern Hemisphere with high sensitivity using the 26 m and 64 m antennas of the Deep Space Network at Tidbinbilla, near Canberra, is discussed. The instrument also provides high accuracy flux density measurements for compact radio sources.

Batty, M. J.↗

Coding for spread spectrum packet radios

Packet radios are often expected to operate in a radio communication network environment where there tends to be man made interference signals. To combat such interference, spread spectrum waveforms are being considered for some applications. The use of convolutional coding with Viterbi decoding to further improve the performance of spread spectrum packet radios is examined. At 0.00001 bit error rates, improvements in performance of 4 db to 5 db can easily be achieved with such coding without any change in data rate nor spread spectrum bandwidth. This coding gain is more dramatic in an interference environment.

Omura, J. K.↗