Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “astronomy”

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.

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

At least 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

Efficient computer algorithms for infrared astronomy data processing

Data processing techniques to be studied for use in infrared astronomy data analysis systems are outlined. Only data from space based telescope systems operating as survey instruments are considered. Resulting algorithms, and in some cases specific software, will be applicable for use with the infrared astronomy satellite (IRAS) and the shuttle infrared telescope facility (SIRTF). Operational tests made during the investigation use data from the celestial mapping program (CMP). The overall task differs from that involved in ground-based infrared telescope data reduction.

Pelzmann, R. F., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Mission operations for Astronomy Spacelab Payloads

An overview is provided of mission operations for Astronomy Spacelab Payloads. Missions considered are related to solar physics, high energy astrophysics, and stellar ultraviolet/optical astronomy. Operational aspects are examined. Mission operations include the flight activities and associated ground support work for implementing the mission. The prelaunch activity will begin about a year before launch with the assignment of a mission operations manager.

Osler, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Gamma-ray astronomy: Nuclear transition region

This monograph reviews the major theoretical and experimental efforts made during the past 12 years in gamma-ray astronomy over the energy range from 10 keV to about 100 MeV, where nuclear-transition lines are expected. Early attempts to detect celestial gamma rays are recounted, mechanisms of gamma-ray line and continuum production are examined, and formulas giving the various possible differential gamma-ray spectral shapes are provided. Predicted fluxes are discussed for solar gamma rays as well as for gamma emission from supernova remnants, supernovae, neutron stars, flare stars, the galactic core and disk, black holes, and diffuse sources. Gamma-ray interactions with matter are analyzed, particularly the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering from free electrons, and pair production in nuclear fields. Significant results are summarized for observations of gamma rays from the sun as well as from point and extended sources within and beyond the Galaxy, including diffuse fluxes and transient gamma-ray bursts. Factors pertaining to the design of gamma-ray astronomy experiments are considered, especially detector background limitations, gamma-ray production within instruments, and present-day detection methods.

Chupp, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Infrared upconversion for astronomy

The field of infrared upconversion for astronomy is reviewed. The basic theory of upconversion is presented, along with a brief historical summary of upconversion techniques. Several investigators have employed upconverters in astronomical studies, but have met with only modest success. Upconversion will become a useful detection method for astronomy only if substantial but perhaps foreseeable improvements can be realized.

Boyd, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Discovering astronomy

An overview of basic astronomical knowledge is presented with attention to the structure and dynamics of the stars and planets. Also dealt with are techniques of astronomical measurement, e.g., stellar spectrometry, radio astronomy, star catalogs, etc. Basic physical principles as they pertain to astronomy are reviewed, including the nature of light, gravitation, and electromagnetism. Finally, stellar evolution and cosmology are discussed with reference to the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe.

Chapman, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Large area CCD image sensors for space astronomy

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has a substantial program to develop a 2200 x 2200 pixel CCD (Charge Coupled Device) mosaic array made up of 400 individual CCD's, 110 x 110 pixels square. This type of image sensor appeared to have application in space and ground-based astronomy. Under this grant a CCD television camera system was built which was capable of operating an array of 4 CCD's to explore the suitability of the CCD's to explore the suitability of the CCD for astronomical applications. Two individual packaged CCD's were received and evaluated. Evaluation of the basic characteristics of the best individual chips was encouraging, but the manufacturer found that their yield in manufacturing this design is two low to supply sufficient CDD's for the DARPA mosaic array. The potential utility of large mosaic arrays in astronomy is still substantial and continued monitoring of the manufacturers progress in the coming year is recommended.

Schwarzschild, M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Instrumentation for infrared astronomy

During the last 10 years, infrared astronomy, based on observations in the wavelength range from 2 to 1000 micrometers, has become a major field of observational astrophysics. This development is mainly related to two major technical advances. Extremely sensitive detectors have been developed and become available for astronomical applications. Motivated by the first development, major groups have expended much effort in building and operating telescopes above most or all of the earth's atmosphere in order to circumvent its opacity and emission throughout the range. Attention is given to advances in the area of infrared detectors, platforms for infrared astronomy, focal plane instruments, high spatial resolution instrumentation, and infrared polarization measurements.

Soifer, B. T.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Planetary astronomy with the space telescope

Experimental methods in planetary astronomy are discussed using a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages in the astronomical methods of ground based, Earth-orbit, and deep space missions. Problem areas in planetary astronomy which demonstrate the utility and power of the space telescope (ST) over other methods are delineated. These include utilizing the ST for studying the atmospheric dynamics, stratospheric and upper atmospheric processes, and circumplanetary nebulae of the planets. The capability of the ST for solar system observations is summarized with a discussion of the increases in resolution and sensitivity of the ST over other Earth-orbiting telescopes highlighted.

Belton, M. J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1979

DUMAND Summer Workshop, University of California, La Jolla, Calif., July 24-September 2, 1978, Proceedings. Volume 2 - UHE interactions, neutrino astronomy

The volume covers categories on inelastic neutrino scattering and the W-boson, and other ultra-high-energy processes, on pulsars, quasars and galactic nuclei, as well as other point sources and constants from gamma ray astronomy. Individual subjects include weak intermediate vector bosons and DUMAND, the Monte Carlo simulation of inelastic neutrino scattering in DUMAND, and Higgs boson production by very high-energy neutrinos. The observability of the neutrino flux from the inner region of the galactic disk, the diffuse fluxes of high-energy neutrinos, as well as the significance of gamma ray observations for neutrino astronomy are also among the topics covered.

Roberts, A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

High Energy Astronomy Observatory

An overview of the High Energy Astronomy Observatory 2 contributions to X-ray astronomy is presented along with a brief description of the satellite and onboard telescope. Observations relating to galaxies and galactic clusters, black holes, supernova remnants, quasars, and cosmology are discussed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1980

Radio astronomy

The activities of the Deep Space Network in support of radio and radar astronomy operations during July and August 1980 are reported. A brief update on the OSS-sponsored planetary radio astronomy experiment is provided. Also included are two updates, one each from Spain and Australia on current host country activities.

Taylor, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Radio Astronomy

The activities of the DSN in support of Radio and Radar Astronomy Operations during September through December 1980 are described. Emphasis is on a report of an experiment selected for use of the DSN by the radio Astronomy Experiment Selection Panel: that of VLBI observations of the energetic galactic object SS-433.

Shaffer, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Radio astronomy

The activities of the Deep Space Network in support of radio astronomy operations during the first quarter of 1981 are reported. Results of the use of a low noise maser are presented, as well as updates in DSN support of experiments sanctioned by the Radio Astronomy Experiment Selection Panel.

Shaffer, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Radio astronomy

The activities of the Deep Space Network in support of Radio Astronomy Operations during April and May 1981 are reported. Work in progres in support of an experiment selected for use of the DSN by the Radio Astronomy Experiment Selection Panel, Twin Quasi-Stellar Object VLBI, is reported.

Wolken, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Interactive data analysis for astronomy Shuttle experiments at Goddard Space Flight Center

The eye as an efficient selection device for determining what is important in astronomical imagery can be greatly aided by the computer. A suitable facility, called the Interactive Astronomical Data Analysis Facility (IADAF), has been developed for the display and analysis of astronomical imagery by the Laboratory for Astronomy and Solar Physics. The Laboratory for Astronomy and Solar Physics currently has approval to fly two experiments on Spacelab. The Solar Extreme Ultraviolet Telescope (SEUTS) is to be used for the study of several fundamental problems of solar physics. The Ultraviolet Image Telescope for Astronomical Investigations (UIT) is to provide direct imagery of selected fields of view throughout the sky. A description is given of IADAF, taking into account its 16-bit computer and the COMTAL image processing display system. The use of IADAF by SEUTS and UIT is discussed.

Klinglesmith, D. A., III↗
NASA NTRS1981

Gamma ray astronomy in perspective

A brief overview of the development of gamma ray astronomy is presented. Gamma ray telescopes and other optical measuring instruments are highlighted. Emphasis is placed on findings that were unobtainable before gamma ray astronomy. Information on evolution of the solar system, the relationship of the solar system to the galaxy, and the composition of interstellar matter is discussed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1981

Prospects for gamma ray astronomy

The Solar Maximum Mission and the Gamma Ray Experiment aboard the SMM spacecraft are discussed. Mission plans for interplanetary probes are also discussed. The Gamma Ray observatory and its role in future gamma ray astronomy is highlighted. It is concluded that gamma ray astronomy will be of major importance in the development of astronomical models and in the development of comsological theory.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1982

Space infrared astronomy - Overview of NASA planning

The present status and potential future direction of the NASA space infrared astronomy program is reviewed. Projects and project concepts discussed include the Infrared Astronomy Satellite, Small Infrared Telescope on Spacelab 2, Cosmic Background Explorer, Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility, Space Telescope, large deployable reflector, molecular line survey, and infrared interferometer in space. Needs for continued engineering development in critical technology areas such as detectors, cryogenics, optics, and space structures are indicated.

Hauser, M. G.↗