SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Astronomy data analysis”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1982

Astronomy and astrophysics for the 1980's, volume 1

The programs recommended address the most significant questions that confront contemporary astronomy and fall into three general categories: prerequisites for research initiatives, including instrumentation and detectors, theory and data analysis, computational facilities, laboratory astrophysics, and technical support at ground-based observatories; programs including an Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility, a Very-Long Baseline Array, a Technology Telescope and a Large Deployable Reflector; and programs for study and development, including X-ray observatories in space, instruments for the detection of gravitational waves from astronomical objects, and long duration spaceflights of infrared telescopes. Estimated costs of these programs are provided.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1984

Earth-Based Planetary Data

NASA sponsors Earth-based planetary astronomy to provide data needed for: planning future missions; supporting missions already in progress; and enhanching the scientific analysis of data returned by past missions. Such data complement spacecraft data by providing observational coverage of important planetary phenomena at epochs before and after spacecraft encounters, with time scales longer than a spacecraft encounter, and at wavelengths and spectral resolutions not covered by spacecraft instruments. Earth-based planetary data are defined here as: observations made with ground based telescopes, balloon-borne instruments, rocket-borne instruments, and Earth-orbiting spacecraft. Data in the last category differ somewhat in nature and availability from the other three. In all categories, planetary data are only a subset of the total astronomical observations on record. As a result part of the task is to identify and extract (or separately catalog) those observations which are planetary. The data cover wavelengths in the ultraviolet, the visual, and the infrared. The instrumental techniques addressed are: imaging, polarimetry, photometry, spectrophotometry, and spectroscopy.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1999

Recommended Priorities for NASA's Gamma Ray Astronomy Program 1999-2013

The Gamma-Ray Astronomy Program Working Group (GRAPWG) recommends priorities for the NASA Gamma-Ray Astronomy Program. The highest priority science topic is nuclear astrophysics and sites of gamma ray line emission. Other high priority topics are gamma ray bursts, hard x-ray emission from accreting black holes and neutron stars, the Advanced Compton Telescope (ACT), the High-resolution Spectroscopic Imager (HSI), and the Energetic X-ray Imaging Survey Telescope (EXIST). The recommendations include special consideration for technology development, TeV astronomy, the ultra-long duration balloon (ULDB) program, the International Space Station, optical telescope support, and data analysis and theory.

Carol, Ladd↗

NASA NTRS1985

Statistical methods for astronomical data with upper limits. I - Univariate distributions

The statistical treatment of univariate censored data is discussed. A heuristic derivation of the Kaplan-Meier maximum-likelihood estimator from first principles is presented which results in an expression amenable to analytic error analysis. Methods for comparing two or more censored samples are given along with simple computational examples, stressing the fact that most astronomical problems involve upper limits while the standard mathematical methods require lower limits. The application of univariate survival analysis to six data sets in the recent astrophysical literature is described, and various aspects of the use of survival analysis in astronomy, such as the limitations of various two-sample tests and the role of parametric modelling, are discussed.

Feigelson, E. D.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Telescience testbed pilot program, volume 1: Executive summary

Leiner, Barry M.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Telescience testbed pilot program, volume 3: Experiment summaries

Space Station Freedom and its associated labs, coupled with the availability of new computing and communications technologies, have the potential for significantly enhancing scientific research. A Telescience Testbed Pilot Program (TTPP), aimed at developing the experience base to deal with issues in the design of the future information system of the Space Station era. The testbeds represented four scientific disciplines (astronomy and astrophysics, earth science, life sciences, and microgravity sciences) and studied issues in payload design, operation, and data analysis. This volume, of a 3 volume set, which all contain the results of the TTPP, presents summaries of the experiments. This experiment involves the evaluation of the current Internet for the use of file and image transfer between SIRTF instrument teams. The main issue addressed was current network response times.

Leiner, Barry M.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Telescience testbed pilot program, volume 2: Program results

Space Station Freedom and its associated labs, coupled with the availability of new computing and communications technologies, have the potential for significantly enhancing scientific research. A Telescience Testbed Pilot Program (TTPP), aimed at developing the experience base to deal with issues in the design of the future information system of the Space Station era. The testbeds represented four scientific disciplines (astronomy and astrophysics, earth sciences, life sciences, and microgravity sciences) and studied issues in payload design, operation, and data analysis. This volume, of a 3 volume set, which all contain the results of the TTPP, contains the integrated results. Background is provided of the program and highlights of the program results. The various testbed experiments and the programmatic approach is summarized. The results are summarized on a discipline by discipline basis, highlighting the lessons learned for each discipline. Then the results are integrated across each discipline, summarizing the lessons learned overall.

Leiner, Barry M.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Arm structure in normal spiral galaxies, 1: Multivariate data for 492 galaxies

Multivariate data have been collected as part of an effort to develop a new classification system for spiral galaxies, one which is not necessarily based on subjective morphological properties. A sample of 492 moderately bright northern Sa and Sc spirals was chosen for future statistical analysis. New observations were made at 20 and 21 cm; the latter data are described in detail here. Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) fluxes were obtained from archival data. Finally, new estimates of arm pattern radomness and of local environmental harshness were compiled for most sample objects.

Magri, Christopher↗

NASA NTRS1991

Gamma ray astronomy

Miscellaneous tasks related to the development of the Bursts and Transient Source Experiment on the Gamma Ray Observatory and to analysis of archival data from balloon flight experiments were performed. The results are summarized and relevant references are included.

Paciesas, William S.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Planetary atmospheric physics and solar physics research

An overview is presented on current and planned research activities in the major areas of solar physics, planetary atmospheres, and space astronomy. The approach to these unsolved problems involves experimental techniques, theoretical analysis, and the use of computers to analyze the data from space experiments. The point is made that the research program is characterized by each activity interacting with the other activities in the laboratory.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1994

Infrared Astronomy with Arrays: The Next Generation; Sunset Village, Los Angeles, CA, Oct. 1993

Conference papers on infrared array techniques and methods for infrared astronomy are presented. Topics covered include the following: infrared telescopes; infrared spectrometers; spaceborne astronomy; astronomical observatories; infrared cameras; imaging techniques; sky surveys; infrared photography; infrared photometry; infrared spectroscopy; equipment specifications; data processing and analysis; control systems; cryogenic equipment; adaptive optics; image resolution; infrared detector materials; and focal plane arrays.

Mclean, Ian S.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Its a Wind, Its a Wave, Its Two Phenomena in One: Jerry Schubert, Superrotation, and the UV Markings on Venus

In the early 1970's, ground-based astronomers had already discovered that Ultraviolet (UV) cloud markings on Venus reappeared every 4 days. When radar evidence later revealed a 243-day rotation period for the solid planet, planetary scientists were faced with a quandary: Could the Venus atmosphere really move 60 times as fast as the planet below, or were the apparent movements of the UV features just an illusion caused by propagating waves? The former explanation seemed unlikely - a planet that hardly rotates should generate only a very sluggish circulation. The historical impact of Jerry Schubert's moving flame theory was twofold: It was the forerunner of current thermal tide explanations of the cloud-level superrotation, but it was also the first plausible mechanism for explaining a seemingly inconsistent set of observations. In 1974, Mariner 10 acquired UV images of the Venus clouds at unprecedented levels of detail. Although few have noted it, this began the shift of planetary atmospheric research primarily from the domain of astronomy to that of meteorology. Jerry was among the first scientists to apply terrestrial meteorology to the analysis of planetary data. At that time a young UCLA graduate student with plans to do research on mantle convection, but having flunked the solid earth geophysics section of his departmental comprehensive exam, was gently invited by Jerry to switch to atmospheric science. Jerry suggested that the Venus UV features could be revealing both superrotating winds and planetary-scale waves at the same time, and that we could distinguish the two by looking at motions on different spatial scales. This was my first science research lesson - the complexity of real geophysical systems. Over the next couple of years I was inculcated with Jerry's philosophy of a comprehensive, rigorous approach to research, which manifested itself as a scouring of the literature and the UCLA meteorology faculty to learn about every possible type of planetary-scale wave. The resulting identification of large-scale UV features on Venus as the product of Kelvin and Rossby-type wave motions was validated by extensive Pioneer Venus observations a decade later and remains one of the best examples of the use of terrestrial knowledge to understand other planets.

DelGenio, Anthony↗

NASA NTRS2000

Gamma Ray Astronomy

The project has progressed successfully during this period of performance. The highlights of the Gamma Ray Astronomy teams efforts are: (1) Support daily BATSE data operations, including receipt, archival and dissemination of data, quick-look science analysis, rapid gamma-ray burst and transient monitoring and response efforts, instrument state-of-health monitoring, and instrument commanding and configuration; (2) On-going scientific analysis, including production and maintenance of gamma-ray burst, pulsed source and occultation source catalogs, gamma-ray burst spectroscopy, studies of the properties of pulsars and black holes, and long-term monitoring of hard x-ray sources; (3) Maintenance and continuous improvement of BATSE instrument response and calibration data bases; (4) Investigation of the use of solid state detectors for eventual application and instrument to perform all sky monitoring of X-Ray and Gamma sources with high sensitivity; and (5) Support of BATSE outreach activities, including seminars, colloquia and World Wide Web pages. The highlights of this efforts can be summarized in the publications and presentation list.

Wu, S. T.↗

NASA NTRS1993

(abstract) FASTER -- A Tool for DSN Forecasting and Scheduling

FASTER, the Forecasting And Scheduling Tool for Earth-based Resources is a suite of software tools developed at JPL to aid in the process of allocating DSN 70 and 34 meter antennas and equipment to support deep space satellites and ground based astronomy. FASTER has been designed for use by a diverse user community, including mid-level managers, data entry and analysis teams, and project scheduling personnel. The system helps to automate many of the previously labor intensive tasks and ensure proper analysis and consistency throughout all phases of the allocation process. FASTER implements an interactive environment for both forecasting and scheduling. This paper will discuss technical aspects of the FASTER system, including forecasting and scheduling algorithms, issues related to large scale use of a scheduling and forecasting system, implications to the process in which a forecasting and scheduling system is embedded, and lessons learned and implications to similar systems.

forecasting↗

NASA NTRS1978

Flight performance of the High Energy Astronomy Observatory /HEAO 1/ power subsystem

The design and flight performance of the HEAO-1 power subsystem is described. Solar array power analysis and test data are compared to orbital performance. The batteries are described along with parametric cell tests which led to the temperature-compensated voltage limits used in the charge controls. Battery life test results, used for verification of battery charger temperature-compensated voltage limits, are compared with orbital performance. The control electronics are

Reppucci, G. M.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Cosmic Ray Astronomy

The cosmic ray division participation in the cooperative agreement was activated in the second year. The scientific goals will be analysis of cosmic ray data from the Japanese-American Cooperative Emulsion Experiments (JACEE). Measurements of primary cosmic rays in the JACEE emulsion chambers will be made to derive for each detected particle the deposited energy in the chamber and the primary charge (atomic number). The data will be corrected to the primary flux above the atmosphere, and the composition and energy spectra will be derived. The spectra of the individual elements will be interpreted in context with the supernova shock and other models of cosmic ray acceleration. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Wu, S. T.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Planetary astronomy

Color and spectral data from spectrometer observations and computerized analyses of asteroid spectra are discussed. Potential occultations of bright asteroids by the moon are summarized. Analysis of anisotropic scattering within Saturn's rings indicates that mineral contamination of the 120 particles cannot exceed 5 percent by weight, and that the rings formed from particle breakup rather than from particle condensation. Raman probe applications to Jupiter and Uranus atmospheres indicate the presence of aerosol particles. A review of Mariner 9 Mars cloud topography data establishes that most blue clouds are orographic uplift clouds composed of condensates, and that sporadic red clouds are associated with blue clouds or volcanoes and thus probably do not represent dust storm phenomena.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1979

HEAO Science Symposium

Scientific results from the early analysis of data from the HEAO 1 mission are presented. Development of astronomical catalogs and maps, X-ray variability, extragalactic astronomy, X-ray iron line emission, and optical identification and spectroscopy of X-ray sources are among the topics discussed. Results from HEAO 2 imaging and nonimaging instruments are included.

Dailey, C.↗