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NASA NTRS1981

Active regions from the photosphere to the chromosphere

The structures and physical conditions in that portion of a solar active region extending from the photosphere to the corona are considered. A horizontally averaged model of a solar plage is developed which is in reasonable agreement with observations, and significant discrepancies existing between quiet sun models and UV and IR spectra are noted which cast doubt on the reliability of such models. The nature of the flux tubes comprising the small-scale structure of the active regions is discussed, and the concept of filling factor is described as a basis for a flux tube model explaining changes in spectral properties. The effects of two-dimensional radiative transfer are examined for flux tubes of various cross-sectional size, and it is found that the neglect of explicit horizontal radiative interactions is a good approximation to the two-dimensional treatment. The radiative power loss from active regions is discussed for homogeneous and flux tube models, and a significant difference in total heating requirements is found. Finally, attention is given to the characteristics of the transition zone.

Chapman, G. A.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Solar irradiance modulation by active regions from 1969 through 1980

The solar irradiance variations resulting from sunspot deficits and facular excesses in emission have been calculated from 1969 through 1980. Agreement appears to exist between the calculations and the major features seen with the Nimbus 7 cavity pyrheliometer and with both the major and minor features detected by the Solar Maximum Mission ACRIM experiment. The 12-year irradiance variations calculated suggest a larger variance with increased solar activity, and little change in the average irradiance with solar activity. The largest excursions over these 12 years show a 0.4% variation. Removal of the activity influences upon solar irradiance during the numerous rocket experiments observing the solar constant may allow a better value for this quantity to be determined.

Schatten, K. H.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Distribution and activity of discrete emission areas on the nucleus of periodic Comet Swift-Tuttle

A general model is proposed which accounts for the dynamical evolution of the observed jets, envelopes and tail bands of periodic Comet Swift-Tuttle, the parent comet of the Perseid meteor stream, in terms of dust ejection from discrete active regions on the rotating nucleus. High-resolution drawings and measurements of cometary jets made upon the comet's first appearance in 1862 are used to infer a nuclear rotation period of 2.77 days, obliquity of 80 deg, and spin axis orientation with respect to the solar direction of 60 deg. The observed jets are attributed to eight discrete active regions covering not more than 1% of the cometary surface and producing bursts of duration of about 0.1 day. Calculations show that waning dust jets develop into envelopes and that old envelopes in turn become the observed tail bands. No evidence of truly violent explosions is found, and effects of active region outgassing on cometary orbital motion are negligible. Potential applications of the model to periodic Comet Halley and other comets are noted.

Sekanina, Z.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Doppler wavelength shifts of ultraviolet spectral lines in solar active regions

Doppler shifts are measured for solar UV emission lines formed in the lower transition region of active regions. Doppler shifts in different regions at the same solar location, variations of Doppler shift with position of an active region on the disk, and variations of Doppler shift with time at the same solar location in the same active region were studied. Observations were made with the NRL slit spectrograph on Skylab. Excluding flare and flare-related phenomena, only redshifts are found whose magnitudes correspond to downflow velocities between about 4 and 17 km/s. Shifts are largest for lines formed between about 50,000 and 100,000 K, and are distinctly less for lines formed above 100,000 K. The shifts persist out to the limb, but not above it. There is no obvious change in redshift for lines measured at the same solar location over time intervals of about 20 minutes.

Feldman, U.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Late-stage summit activity of Martian shield volcanoes

The preservation of morphologically fresh lava flows which pre-date the most recent episodes of caldera collapse at the summits of Ascraeus, Arsia and Olympus Montes indicates that explosive eruptions were not associated with this stage of Tharsis shield volcanism. The existence of resurfaced floor segments, complex wrinkle ridges, and lava terraces within the summit craters suggests that lava lakes comprised the dominant form of the intra-caldera activity. Multiple collapse episodes on Ascraeus and Olympus Montes are indicated by the nested summit craters. The most plausible cause of caldera collapse appears to be large-scale sub-terminal effusive activity, which is corroborated by the previously recognized existence of large lava flows on the flanks of these volcanoes. Due to the implied sequence of large-scale explosive (silicic) volcanism followed by effusive (basaltic) activity, it appears highly unlikely that ignimbrites or other forms of pyroclastic flows (previously proposed as possible deposits within the Olympus Mons aureole material) were ever erupted from the Tharsis Montes.

Mouginis-Mark, P. J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Polyamines and plant stress - Activation of putrescine biosynthesis by osmotic shock

The putrescine content of oat leaf cells and protoplasts increases up to 60-fold within 6 hours of exposure to osmotic stress (0.4 to 0.6 molar sorbitol). Barley, corn, wheat, and wild oat leaves show a similar response. Increased arginine decarboxylase activity parallels the rise in putrescine, whereas ornithine decarboxylase remains unchanged. DL-alpha-Difluoromethylarginine, a specific irreversible inhibitor of arginine decarboxylase, prevents the stress-induced rise in increase in arginine decarboxylase activity and putrescine synthesis, indicating the preferential activation of this pathway.

Flores, H. E.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Synthesis of adriamycin-coupled polyglutaraldehyde microspheres and evaluation of their cytostatic activity

Adriamycin was coupled to polyglutaraldehyde microspheres having an average diameter of 4500 A. The coupled microspheres remained stable during incubation with cells. Full cytostatic activity was observed when the coupled adriamycin was tested with murine or human leukemia and murine sarcoma cell lines. A 10-fold increase in sensitivity was obtained with drug-resistant human leukemia cell lines. Repeated use of the coupled microspheres in the cytostatic assays did not decrease their activity, indicating that these complexes can be recycled. The results suggest that coupled adriamycin sufficiently perturbs the plasma membrane to lead to cytostatic activity. It is proposed that this mode of drug delivery provides multiple and repetitious sites for drug-cell interactions. In addition, the drug-polymer complexes may overcome those forms of resistance that are the result of decreased drug binding at the cell surface.

Tokes, Z. A.↗

NASA NTRS1982

A system for measuring thermal activation energy levels in silicon by thermally stimulated capacitance

One method being used to determine energy level(s) and electrical activity of impurities in silicon is described. The method is called capacitance transient spectroscopy (CTS). It can be classified into three basic categories: the thermally stimulated capacitance method, the voltage-stimulated capacitance method, and the light-stimulated capacitance method; the first two categories are discussed. From the total change in capacitance and the time constant of the capacitance response, emission rates, energy levels, and trap concentrations can be determined. A major advantage of using CTS is its ability to detect the presence of electrically active impurities that are invisible to other techniques, such as Zeeman effect atomic absorption, and the ability to detect more than one electrically active impurity in a sample. Examples of detection of majority and minority carrier traps from gold donor and acceptor centers in silicon using the capacitance transient spectrometer are given to illustrate the method and its sensitivity.

Cockrum, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1983

An investigation of coronal active region loop structures using AS&E rocket X-ray images

Simultaneous high spatial resolution observations at 6 cm in soft X-rays, in photospheric magnetograms, and in optical filtergrams were used to compare the most intense sources of centimetric emission in two active regions to coronal loops, sunspots, chromospheric structures, and photospheric magnetic fields. Results show that the majority of the bright microwave components are not associated with sunspots or X-ray emission. A nonthermal mechanism appears necessary to explain the brightest microwave components, discrete regions of continuous particle acceleration may be common in active regions. Studies of the plasma parameters of selected loops imply that the radio emission is consistent with gyro-resonance absorption at the third and fourth harmonic, at least from part of each loop. Results are presented for: (1) X-ray and microwave observations of active regions; (2) comparison of coronal holes observed in soft X-rays and Hel 10830 A spectrosheliograms; and (3) the reappearance of polar coronal holes and the evolution of the solar magnetic field.

Webb, D. F.↗

NASA NTRS1983

DOE and AID stand-alone photovoltaic activities

The NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) is managing stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system activities sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID). The DOE project includes village PV power demonstration projects in Gabon (four sites) and the Marshall Islands, PV-powered medical refrigerators in six countries, PV system microprocessor control development activities and PV-hybrid system assessments. The AID project includes a large village system in Tunisia, a water pumping/grain grinding project in Upper Volta, five medical clinics in four countries, PV-powered remote earth station application. These PV activities and summarizes significant findings to data are reviewed.

Bifano, W. J.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Active galaxies and the diffuse gamma-ray background

Active galaxies are shown to account for the observed gamma ray background radiation if a steepening of the spectra above about 100 keV is present. An analytical model is discussed in which protons undergo Fermi acceleration at a shock in a spherical accretion flow onto a massive black hole. Relativistic protons with power law spectra, nuclear interactions producing gamma rays from neutal pion decay and electrons from pion-mu meson-electron decay, with a power law spectrum above several hundred MeV, synchrotron and inverse Compton losses steepening the electron spectrum, a photon spectrum close to the pion gamma spectrum and a high-energy gamma ray spectrum steepened by photon-photon pair production interactions with X rays are covered in the model. Comparisons are made with HEAO 2 data on active galaxies, which have estimated luminosities and radii consistent with the compactness necessary for producing the steepening predicted by the model. The active galaxies spectra would be described by a spherical accretion-shock model.

Kazanas, D.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Theory of quadrupolar sunspots and the active region of August, 1972

It is pointed out that energy is stored when the force-free magnetic field in an active region departs from a potential field, the departure manifesting itself as a shear in the field. When the field untwists, energy will immediately be released to produce flares. On the basis of this idea, an analytical solution of the equation of a force-free field is derived under the assumption of a constant force-free factor, and expressions are found for seven important quantities for quadrupole sunspots. These are the magnetic energy of the twisted field, the magnetic energy of the potential field, the extractable free energy (delta M), the magnetic flux, the total current, the force-free factor and the field decay factor. The quantities are expressed in terms of three observables: the field intensity, the twist angle and the distance between two spots of the same polarity. The expression for delta M may have applicability in solar prediction work. For the active region of August 1972, delta M is found to be up to 6 x 10 to the 32nd erg, which is sufficient to supply the energy of the observed flare activity.

Chang, H.-M.↗

NASA NTRS1983

2-165 keV observations of active galaxies and the diffuse background

HEAO 1 spectral observations of 12 active galaxies in the 12-165 keV and 2-50 keV ranges are reported. The spectra of these galaxies in the 2-165 keV range are well represented by a single power law model; within experimental uncertainties a narrow dispersion in power law index attributable to the individual galaxies is observed, while the 2-165 keV luminosities of these galaxies ranged from 3 x 10 to the 43rd to 3 x 10 to the 45th ergs/s. An apparent universality of the spectral form is found which can be interpreted as due to a common electron distribution with a temperature of tens of keV in the Compton scattering region or as a common nonthermal power-law distribution generating the observed flux through synchrotron-Compton processes. The data indicate that relativistic particles are likely to be responsible for the X-rays from cores of active galaxies through synchroton-Compton processes. In addition, it is noted that only weak number evolution, if any at all, is present in active galaxies.

Rothschild, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Radiation protection for manned space activities

The Earth's natural radiation environment poses a hazard to manned space activities directly through biological effects and indirectly through effects on materials and electronics. The following standard practices are indicated that address: (1) environment models for all radiation species including uncertainties and temporal variations; (2) upper bound and nominal quality factors for biological radiation effects that include dose, dose rate, critical organ, and linear energy transfer variations; (3) particle transport and shielding methodology including system and man modeling and uncertainty analysis; (4) mission planning that includes active dosimetry, minimizes exposure during extravehicular activities, subjects every mission to a radiation review, and specifies operational procedures for forecasting, recognizing, and dealing with large solar flaes.

Jordan, T. M.↗

NASA NTRS1984

ECUT: Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies program - Biocatalysis research activity

The activities of the Biocatalysis Research Activity are organized into the Biocatalysis and Molecular Modeling work elements and a supporting planning and analysis function. In the Biocatalysis work element, progress is made in developing a method for stabilizing genetically engineered traits in microorganisms, refining a technique for monitoring cells that are genetically engineered, and identifying strains of fungi for highly efficient preprocessing of biomass for optimizing the efficiency of bioreactors. In the Molecular Modeling work element, a preliminary model of the behavior of enzymes is developed. A preliminary investigation of the potential for synthesizing enzymes for use in electrochemical processes is completed. Contact with industry and universities is made to define key biocatalysis technical issues and to broaden the range of potential participants in the activity. Analyses are conducted to identify and evaluate potential concepts for future research funding.

Wilcox, R.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Study of proton and neutron activation of metal samples in low Earth orbit

Progress in the following activities has been made: the analysis of the gamma ray spectra taken from samples flown in Spacelab 2; the search for and review of neutron and proton activation cross sections needed to analyze the results of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) activation measurements; the consideration given to data analysis of the LDEF and Spacelab 2 samples; the plan to measure relevant cross sections with nuclear accelerator measurements; and the preparation of an extended gamma ray calibration sources continues through planning and direct measurement of gamma ray efficiency for a Ge(Li) as a function of position along the surface of the detector housing.

Laird, C. E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Outer atmospheres of cool stars. XV - High-dispersion ultraviolet studies of active chromosphere G-K dwarfs

IUE ultraviolet echelle spectra of three late-type active chromosphere dwarf stars, Chi-1 Orionis, Xi Bootis, and Epsilon Eridani, are compared with previously published observations of the quiet chromosphere dwarfs Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B. The spectra indicate a gross strengthening of chromospheric and transition-region line fluxes from quiet to active dwarf stars without a fundamental change in their line shapes. Qualitatively the same spectroscopic behavior is seen in detail on the solar surface between regions of strong and weak magnetic fields. It is argued that the correspondence between the stellar and solar behavior is not accidental, but instead affirms that enhanced chromospheric and coronal emission on late-type main sequence stars is a result of increased surface coverage of magnetic active regions.

Ayres, T. R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Differences in the temporal variations of solar UV flux, 10.7-cm solar radio flux, sunspot number, and Ca-K plage data caused by solar rotation and active region evolution

Attention is given to two types of temporal variations in the solar UV spectral irradiance caused by solar rotation and active region evolution. It is noted that the first type of dissimilar temporal behavior occurs when concentrations of solar active regions evolve at solar longitudes nearly 180 deg apart. Both the UV observations and modeled UV fluxes based on Ca-K plage data then exhibit pronounced 13-day periodicity, whereas the 10.7-cm solar radio flux and sunspot number exhibit quite dissimilar temporal variations. This type of dissimilarity is related to the modeled UV flux and has a dependence on the solar central meridian distance that is narrower than that for the 10.7-cm radio flux or for sunspot numbers. A second case of marked dissimilarity is seen when major new solar active regions arise and dominate the full-disk fluxes for several rotations. It is found that the strongest peaks in 10.7 cm and sunspot numbers tend to occur on their first rotation, for example, during major dips in the total solar irradiance, whereas the Ca-K plages and UV enhancements peak on the next rotation and then decay more slowly on subsequent rotations.

Donnelly, R. F.↗