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At least 811 records · Page 45

EUVE Guest Observer Program Handbook: Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer Guest Observer Documentation: Use with Addendum 1 for 1995 - Appendix G

The Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) is a NASA explorer-class satellite mission devoted entirely to observations in the wavelength range from 70 to 760 Angstroms. The science payload incorporates five separate instruments: four photometric imaging systems and a three-channel EUV spectrometer. During the first phase of the mission, the imaging instruments were used to conduct a complete sky survey in four different bands in the EUV. The survey results are available to the scientific community in the first EUVE sky survey bright source list and the first EUVE all-sky catalog. The second part of the mission is being conducted by NASA as a Guest Observer program, for which pointed spectroscopic observations are conducted for guest scientists under proposals submitted to NASA and supported by the EUVE Guest Observer Center at Berkeley. The mission lifetime will extend through at least a third year of observations. Further extensions of the EUVE mission will be partially contingent upon a review process conducted in September of 1994. To support an extended mission, please contact the chair of the EUVE User 's Committee1 or the EUVE Project Office (address below). The EUVE Guest Observer (EGO) Program is supported by the EUVE Guest Observer Center (EGO Center) at the Center for Extreme Ultraviolet Astrophysics (CEA), at the University of California, Berkeley. The policies of the EGO Program and specified in the NRA. This Handbook is produced by the EGO Center as a guide to choosing appropriate targets for observation and preparing proposals. The rest of this chapter gives a broad overview of the EUVE mission and the EGO Center.

EUVE↗

Overview of the Development and Testing of the Heatshield for Extreme Entry Environment Technology (HEEET) TPS

Over the last 5 years, the Heatshield for Extreme Entry Environment Technology (HEEET) project has been working to mature a 3-D Woven Thermal Protection System (TPS) to Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 6 to support future NASA missions to destinations such as Venus and Saturn. A key aspect of the project has been the development of the manufacturing and integration processes/procedures necessary to build a heat shield utilizing the HEEET 3D-woven material. This has culminated in the building of a 1-meter diameter Engineering Test Unit (ETU) representative of what would be used for a Saturn probe. The present talk provides an overview of recent testing of NASA's Heatshield for Extreme Entry Environment Technology (HEEET) 3D Woven TPS. Under the current program, the ETU has been subjected to Thermal and Mechanical loads typical of deep space mission to Saturn. Thermal testing of HEEET coupons has performance up to 4,500 watts per centimeter squared at 5 atmospheres stagnation pressure and successful shear performance up to 3000 pascals at 1,650 watts per centimeter squared at 2.6 atmospheres pressure.

HEEET↗

Overview of Heatshield for Extreme Entry Environment Technology (HEEET)

The objective of the Heatshield for Extreme Entry Environment Technology (HEEET) projects is to mature a 3-D Woven Thermal Protection System (TPS) to Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 6 to support future NASA missions to destinations such as Venus and Saturn. Destinations that have extreme entry environments with heat fluxes > 3500 W/sq cm and pressures up to 5 atmospheres, entry environments that NASA has not flown since Pioneer-Venus and Galileo. The scope of the project is broad and can be split into roughly four areas, Manufacturing/Integration, Structural Testing and Analysis, Thermal Testing and Analysis and Documentation. Manufacturing/Integration covers from raw materials, piece part fabrication to final integration on a 1-meter base diameter 45-degree sphere cone Engineering Test Unit (ETU). A key aspect of the project was to transfer as much of the manufacturing technology to industry in preparation to support future mission infusion. The forming, infusion and machining approaches were transferred to Fiber Materials Inc. and FMI then fabricated the piece parts from which the ETU was manufactured.

Thermal Protection System↗

Glenn Extreme Environment Rig (GEER)

Visions and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022[1] identified the goal of understanding the origin, evolution, and processes that control climate on terrestrial planets,with direct interest in Venus. The Glenn Extreme Environment Rig (GEER), located at NASA Glenn Research Center, was developed to address a community need for a facility which could simulate the extreme environments of the Venus surface. It actively supports science investigations and technical development activities of research institutions and industry partners. It is uniquely suited for studying the interactions between Venus' substantial atmosphere, its surface, and exploration components. Ongoing facility enhancements will provide significant additional value to the research community and maintain GEERs status as a world-class Venus simulation facility.

probe↗

Extreme-Temperature Carbon- and Ceramic-Matrix Composite Nozzle Extensions for Liquid Rocket Engines

The United States (US) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and its US industry partners are developing extreme-temperature composite nozzle extensions for a variety of cryogenic liquid rocket engine propulsion systems. Applications under consideration at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) include launch vehicle (upper stage), in-space, and lunar lander descent/ascent propulsion systems. Composite material systems of interest include carbon-carbon (C-C) and carbon/silicon-carbide (C-SiC) composites, as well as modified versions of such composites (coatings, mixed matrices, oxidation inhibitors, etc.). Missions addressed include access to low Earth orbit, the lunar surface, and more distant destinations. Cryogenic upper-stage and in-space liquid rocket engines are optimized for performance through the use of high area ratio nozzles to fully expand combustion gases to low exit pressures, increasing exhaust velocities. As a result of the large size of such nozzles, and the related engine performance requirements, composite nozzle extensions are being considered to reduce mass impacts. Currently, metallic and foreign composite nozzle extensions used on the Atlas V, Delta IV, Falcon 9, and Ariane 5 launch vehicles represent the state-of-the-art. Such extensions are limited to use at or slightly above 2000°F (1093°C). Materials under development by MSFC and its industry partners have the potential to operate at temperatures up to (or above) 4250°F (2343°C). Marshall Space Flight Center efforts are aimed at (a) further developing the technology and databases needed to enable the use of composite nozzle extensions on cryogenic liquid rocket engines, (b) developing and demonstrating low-cost capabilities for testing and qualifying such nozzle extensions, and (c) advancing the US domestic supply chain for nozzle extensions. Through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs, low-level internal MSFC research projects, and teaming arrangements with domestic industry partners, composite material design, development, hot-fire test, and evaluation efforts are progressing. Hot- fire engine tests of subscale hardware have been conducted using oxygen/hydrogen (LOX/H2), oxygen/methane (LOX/CH4), and oxygen/kerosene (LOX/RP-1) propellants. These engine tests at MSFC have enabled the evaluation of both heritage and state-of-the-art material systems, demonstrating the initial capabilities of the extreme temperature materials and their fabrication methods. Recent, ongoing, and potential future work supporting cryogenic propulsion systems development will be presented. The composite nozzle extension technology and test capabilities being developed are intended to support both NASA and US Department of Defense requirements, as well as those of the broader Commercial Space industry.

Valentine, Peter G.↗

Thermospheric Heating and Cooling Times During Geomagnetic Storms, Including Extreme Events

We present the first quantitative calculations of thermospheric heating and cooling times for geomagnetic storms of different intensity, including extreme events. We utilize the neutral mass density database of the CHAllenging Mini‐satellite Payload and Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment missions to produce thermospheric global system response to geomagnetic storms caused by coronal mass ejections via superposed epoch analysis during May 2001 to December 2015. Storm events are grouped in five different categories based on the minimum value of the SYM‐H index. We calculate the time from storm onset for the thermosphere to reach maximum intensification (heating time) and the time from onset for the thermosphere to recover (cooling time). We find that heating and cooling times decrease as storm intensity increases and the effect is more pronounced for the cooling times. For extreme storms, the thermospheric heating time is 9.5 hr, while the cooling time is 22 hr.

Zesta, Eftyhia↗

The POEMMA (Probe of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics) Observatory

The Probe Of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (POEMMA) is designed to accurately observe ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) and cosmic neutrinos from space with sensitivity over the full celestial sky. POEMMA will observe the air fluorescence produced by extensive air showers (EASs) from UHECRs and potentially UHE neutrinos above 20 EeV. Additionally, POEMMA has the ability to observe the Cherenkov signal from upward-moving EASs induced by Earth-interacting tau neutrinos above 20 PeV. The POEMMA spacecraft are designed to quickly re-orientate to follow up transient neutrino sources and obtain currently unparalleled neutrino flux sensitivity. Developed as a NASA Astrophysics Probe-class mission, POEMMA consists of two identical satellites flying in loose formation in 525 km altitude orbits. Each POEMMA instrument incorporates a wide field-of-view (45°) Schmidt telescope with an optical collecting area of over 6 sq. m. The hybrid focal surface of each telescope includes a fast (1 μs) near-ultraviolet camera for EAS fluorescence observations and an ultrafast (10 ns) optical camera for Cherenkov EAS observations. In a 5-year mission, POEMMA will provide measurements that open new multi-messenger windows onto the most energetic events in the universe, enabling the study of new astrophysics and particle physics at these extreme energies.

A. V. Olinto↗

The POEMMA (Probe of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics)Observatory

The Probe Of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (POEMMA) is designed to accurately observe ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) and cosmic neutrinos from space with sensitivity over the full celestial sky. POEMMA will observe the air fluorescence produced by extensive air showers (EASs) from UHECRs and potentially UHE neutrinos above 20 EeV. Additionally, POEMMA has the ability to observe the Cherenkov signal from upward-moving EASs induced by Earth-interacting tau neutrinos above 20 PeV. The POEMMA spacecraft are designed to quickly re-orientate to follow up transient neutrino sources and obtain currently unparalleled neutrino flux sensitivity. Developed as a NASA Astrophysics Probe-class mission, POEMMA consists of two identical satellites flying in loose formation in 525 km altitude orbits. Each POEMMA instrument incorporates a wide field-of-view (45°) Schmidt telescope with an optical collecting area of over 6 m2. The hybrid focal surface of each telescope includes a fast (1 μs) near-ultraviolet camera for EAS fluorescence observations and an ultrafast (10 ns) optical camera for Cherenkov EAS observations. In a 5-year mission, POEMMA will provide measurements that open new multi-messenger windows onto the most energetic events in the universe, enabling the study of new astrophysics and particle physics at these extreme energies.

A. V. Olinto↗

Deciphering Extreme Mineral Records; Microstructural Phase Heritage of Shocked Materials

High-pressure minerals such as coesite, stishovite, and reidite are often used as indicators of shock metamorphism. However, high-pressure and high-temperature phases are metastable at ambient conditions and, therefore, often revert to a more energetically favorable phase. During solid-state transformations, the crystallographic orientations of the stable polymorph are controlled by the transformation pathway from the parent. Microstructural orientation analysis using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) of the stable phase can reveal systematic intercrystalline orientation relationships (OR) diagnostic of solid-state transformations from these high-pressure or high-temperature polymorph phases (Cayron et al., 2006). Knowledge of polymorph stability fields for a given system can thus be used to infer minimum shock P and/or T conditions that rocks have experienced, which are otherwise unavailable using traditional thermobarometers such as element partition coefficients. Using orientation relationships to infer the former presence of mineral phases has been termed microstructural “phase heritage”, and has successfully been used to probe for evidence of extreme pressures and temperatures resulting from hypervelocity impacts. The reconstruction of polymorphs of ZrSiO4 (zircon, reidite) and ZrO2 (baddeleyite) have further elucidated the behavior of these phases under hypervelocity impact conditions (Timms et al., 2017a; White et al., 2018), and OR analysis of shocked monazite has identified a previously unrecognized tetragonal high-P polymorph (Erickson et al., 2019). Zircon will convert to the low tetragonal polymorph reidite at shock stresses above ~21 GPa. However, upon decompression at temperatures above 1200 °C reidite will revert to zircon (Kusaba et al., 1985). Recrystallized zircon neoblasts encased in impact melt often show systematic misorientation relationships of 90° about <110> indicative of reversion from the reidite (Fig. 1), and preserving cryptic evidence of the high-P history that is often erased by the post shock thermal spike (Cavosie et al., 2016). Microstructural OR analysis of a dissociated zircon corona composed of baddeleyite (monoclinic-ZrO2) has identified the former presence of cubic zirconia within impact melt glass from the Mistastin Lake impact structure, Labrador, CA. Based on stability fields in the ZrO2-SiO2 binary phase diagram, cubic zirconia records thermal conditions in excess of 2370 °C at ambient P, indicating that the Mistastin impact melt is the hottest rock identified on Earth’s surface (Timms et al., 2017b). Shock-deformed monazite (monoclinic La,Ce,ThPO4) containing lamellae comprised of interlocking laths has been identified from the Haughton Dome impact structure, Nunavut, Canada and Nördlinger-Ries Crater, southern Germany. The lath-structured lamellae are composed of four systematic orientation variants, which OR analyses indicate originate from a tetragonal parent whereby the [010]monoclinic aligns with either [100] or [010]tetragonal (Erickson et al., 2019). These results highlight utility of microstructural phase heritage analyses for the identification of unstable high-P or high-T polymorphs that uniquely record the extremely transient shock conditions produced by hypervelocity impacts.

Timmons Erickson↗

Remotely Estimating Total Suspended Solids Concentration in Clear to Extremely Turbid Waters Using a Novel Semi-Analytical Method

Total suspended solids (TSS) concentration is an important biogeochemical parameter for water quality management and sediment-transport studies. In this study, we propose a novel semi-analytical method for estimating TSS in clear to extremely turbid waters from remote-sensing reflectance (Rrs). The proposed method includes three sub-algorithms used sequentially. First, the remotely sensed waters are classified into clear (Type I), moderately turbid (Type II), highly turbid (Type III), and extremely turbid (Type IV) water types by comparing the values of Rrs at 490, 560, 620, and 754 nm. Second, semi-analytical models specific to each water type are used to determine the particulate backscattering coefficients (bbp) at a corresponding single wavelength (i.e., 560 nm for Type I, 665 nm for Type II, 754 nm for Type III, and 865 nm for Type IV). Third, a specific relationship between TSS and bbp at the corresponding wavelength is used in each water type. Unlike other existing approaches, this method is strictly semi-analytical and its sub-algorithms were developed using synthetic datasets only. The performance of the proposed method was compared to that of three other state-of-the-art methods using simulated (N = 1000, TSS ranging from 0.01 to 1100 g/m3) and in situ measured (N = 3421, TSS ranging from 0.09 to 2627 g/m3) pairs of Rrs and TSS. Results showed a significant improvement with a Median Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 16.0% versus 30.2–90.3% for simulated data and 39.7% versus 45.9–58.1% for in situ data, respectively. The new method was subsequently applied to 175 MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) and 498 Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) images acquired in the 2003–2020 timeframe to produce long-term TSS time-series for Lake Suwa and Lake Kasumigaura, Japan. Performance assessments using MERIS and OLCI matchups showed good agreements with in situ TSS measurements.

Mulit-Wavelength↗

Detection of an extremely strong magnetic field in the double-degenerate binary merger product HD 144941

HD 144941 is an extreme He (EHe) star, a rare class of subdwarf OB star formed from the merger of two white dwarf (WD) stars. Uniquely amongst EHe stars, its lightcurve has been reported to be modulated entirely by rotation, suggesting the presence of a magnetic field. Here we report the first high-resolution spectropolarimetric observations of HD 144941, in which we detect an extremely strong magnetic field both in circular polarization (with a line-of-sight magnetic field averaged over the stellar disk〈Bz〉 ∼ −8 kG) and in Zeeman splitting of spectral lines (yielding a magnetic modulus of〈B〉 ∼17 kG). We also report for the first time weak Hαemission consistent with an origin an a Centrifugal Magnetosphere (CM). HD 144941’s atmospheric parameters could be consistent with either a subdwarf or a main sequence (MS) star, and its surface abundances are neither similar to other EHe stars nor to He-strong magnetic stars. However, its Hαemission properties can only be reproduced if its mass is around 1 M⊙, indicating that it must be a post-MS object. Since there is no indication of binarity, it is unlikely to be a stripped star, and was therefore most likely produced in a WD merger. HD 144941 is therefore further evidence that mergers area viable pathway for the generation of fossil magnetic fields.

M E Shultz↗

Extreme Lows of Wheat Production in Brazil

Wheat production in Brazil is insufficient to meet domestic demand and falls drastically in response to adverse climate events. Multiple, agro-climate-specific regression models, quantifying regional production variability, were combined to estimate national production based on past climate, cropping area, trend-corrected yield, and national commodity prices. Projections with five CMIP6 climate change models suggest extremes of low wheat production historically occurring once every 20 years would become up to 90% frequent by the end of this century, depending on representative concentration pathway, magnified by wheat and in some cases by maize price fluctuations. Similar impacts can be expected for other crops and in other countries. This drastic increase in frequency in extreme low crop production with climate change will threaten Brazil's and many other countries progress toward food security and abolishing hunger.

Brazil↗

Micro-Spectrometer for Resource Mapping in Extreme Environments

Measurements and analyses of resources within permanently shadowed craters and along steep embankments on extraterrestrial surfaces pose extreme challenges since astronauts and rovers cannot access them. However, these areas offer the potential for the greatest scientific returns. Researchers at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) invented a deployable wireless micro-spectrometer that can access those challenging areas and deliver telemetry data to a receiver safely outside those extreme environments. The micro-spectrometers are designed for deployment by an astronaut, a rover, or a lander flying overhead. This device can also be installed on rover tires, under the astronaut’s shoes, or on a cane stick. The bullet-like, expendable micro-spectrometer can penetrate into soil to spectrally identify the components of soil, such as water, He-3, or other minerals. The signals from the soil assay data are transmitted to a mother station through a telemetry system. This LaRC developed micro-spectrometer bullet consists of micro-spectrometer optics with an all-imbedded, burst-mode, light-emitting-diode ultraviolet (LED UV) light source, a super-capacitor with control electronics, and telemetry electronics. Prototypes have been fabricated to demonstrate a spectral assay of soil components. Further maturation of this technology would be necessary for demonstrations on the Moon.

micro-spectrometer↗

Discovery of an Extremely Short Duration Flare from Proxima Centauri Using Millimeter through Far-ultraviolet Observations

We present the discovery of an extreme flaring event from Proxima Cen by the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder(ASKAP), Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array(ALMA), Hubble Space Telescope(HST),Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite(TESS), and the du Pont Telescope that occurred on 2019 May 1. In the millimeter and FUV, this flare is the brightest ever detected, brightening by a factor of>1000 and>14,000 as seen by ALMA and HST, respectively. The millimeter and FUV continuum emission trace each other closely during the flare, suggesting that millimeter emission could serve as a proxy for FUV emission from stellar flares and become a powerful new tool to constrain the high-energy radiation environment of exoplanets. Surprisingly, optical emission associated with the event peaks at a much lower level with a time delay. The initial burst has an extremely short duration, lasting for<10 s. Taken together with the growing sample of millimeter M dwarf flares, this event suggests that millimeter emission is actually common during stellar flares and often originates from short burst-like events.

Stellar activity↗

New Candidate Extreme T Subdwarfs from the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 Citizen Science Project

Schneider et al. presented the discovery of WISEA J041451.67−585456.7 and WISEA J181006.18−101000.5, which appear to be the first examples of extreme T-type subdwarfs (esdTs; metallicity ≤−1 dex, T(eff) ≲ 1400 K). Here, we present new discoveries and follow-up of three T-type subdwarf candidates, with an eye toward expanding the sample of such objects with very low metallicity and extraordinarily high kinematics, properties that suggest membership in the Galactic halo. Keck/NIRES near-infrared spectroscopy of WISEA J155349.96+693355.2, a fast-moving object discovered by the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 citizen science project, confirms that it is a mid-T subdwarf. With H(W2) = 22.3 mag, WISEA J155349.96+693355.2 has the largest W2 reduced proper motion among all spectroscopically confirmed L and T subdwarfs, suggesting that it may be kinematically extreme. Nevertheless, our modeling of the WISEA J155349.96+693355.2 near-infrared spectrum indicates that its metallicity is only mildly subsolar. In analyzing the J155349.96+693355.2 spectrum, we present a new grid of low-temperature, low-metallicity model atmosphere spectra. We also present the discoveries of two new esdT candidates, CWISE J073844.52−664334.6 and CWISE J221706.28−145437.6, based on their large motions and colors similar to those of the two known esdT objects. Finding more esdT examples is a critical step toward mapping out the spectral sequence and observational properties of this newly identified population.

Aaron M. Meisner↗

Select Electronic Parts Operation at Extreme Low Temperature

The purpose of the study presented in this paper is to extend the test period of a selected set of electronics parts at cryogenic condition to dwell period of about 24 hours to demonstrate extreme cold operational capability of these components. The parts tested are tantalum polymer, BX and P90 type ceramic capacitors, thick film resistors, analog multiplexers, a digital inverter, and a D-flip-flop. These parts were tested to assist identifying candidate components that can be used for development of a cold capable telemetry board. There are several past investigations that have shown that COTS (commercial-off-the-shelf) capacitors and resistors tested at cryogenic temperatures and frequencies up to 10MHz did not exhibit significant changes in capacitance and resistance values. Also, there are several test results for active parts. These past tests collected measurements during a temperature sweep from room temperature down to cryogenic temperature with very short dwell time at cryogenic temperature, and back to room temperature. This study extends the operational dwell time to at least 24 hours and returning to room temperature operation without significant degradation in performance, thus, demonstrating the potential for longer dwell time in actual operation in these extreme cold temperatures and a method for identifying the cold operability.

Ashtijou, Mohammad↗

Discovery of CWISE J052306.42-015355.4, an Extreme T Subdwarf Candidate

We present the discovery of CWISE J052306.42−015355.4, which was found as a faint, significant proper-motion object (0(\farcs)52 ± 0(\farcs)08 per yr) using machine-learning tools on the unWISE re-processing of time series images from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer. Using the CatWISE2020 W1 and W2 magnitudes along with a J-band detection from the VISTA Hemisphere Survey, the location of CWISE J052306.42−015355.4 on the W1 − W2 versus J − W2 diagram best matches that of other known, or suspected, extreme T subdwarfs. As there is currently very little knowledge concerning extreme T subdwarfs we estimate a rough distance of ≤68 pc, which results in a tangential velocity of ≤167 km/s, both of which are tentative. A measured parallax is greatly needed to test these values. We also estimate a metallicity of −1.5 < [M/H] < −0.5 using theoretical predictions.

Hunter Brooks↗

Evaluation of Extreme Soil Moisture Conditions During the 2020 Sahel Floods and Implications for Disease Outbreaks

The June-October 2020 growing season was characterized by sustained and extreme flooding across the African Sahel. One consequence of flooding events such as this is outbreaks of vector borne diseases (VBDs) which are often associated with climate anomalies. In this study, data from the soil moisture active passive (SMAP) mission is used with other soil moisture and precipitation data to show that the 2020 Sahelian growing season was the most extreme over the past four decades, ranking first in seasonally accumulated precipitation, which on average exceeded the climatology by around 300 mm. VBD outbreaks of Rift Valley fever and Chikungunya followed in Mauritania/Senegal and Chad, respectively. In some cases, soil moisture is a better indicator of VBD outbreak risk than precipitation, which has so far been more commonly used in studies of VBD outbreaks. It is expected that this finding will inform future monitoring and prediction efforts for VBD risk.

Afrocam Saje;↗