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At least 919 records · Page 51
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Pulse profile modelling of thermonuclear burst oscillations − I. The effect of neglecting variability

ABSTRACT We study the effects of the time-variable properties of thermonuclear X-ray bursts on modelling their millisecond-period burst oscillations. We apply the pulse profile modelling technique that is being used in the analysis of rotation-powered millisecond pulsars by the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer to infer masses, radii, and geometric parameters of neutron stars. By simulating and analysing a large set of models, we show that overlooking burst time-scale variability in temperatures and sizes of the hot emitting regions can result in substantial bias in the inferred mass and radius. To adequately infer neutron star properties, it is essential to develop a model for the time-variable properties or invest a substantial amount of computational time in segmenting the data into non-varying pieces. We discuss prospects for constraints from proposed future X-ray telescopes.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1994

The origin of extended interstellar shells around Wolf-Rayet stars having bright optical ring nebulae

Investigations of the interstellar environment around Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars have lead to the discovery of extended shells of gas and dust 50-100 pc in diameter in the lines of sight toward three WR stars. In this paper, several origins for these extended shells are discussed. While positional coincidences cannot be excluded, the locations of the WR stars near the projected centers of the shells, the detection of only shortward-shifted, high-velocity UV absorption line components in their IUE spectra, plus commonality of some WR star properties which are rare in the general WR star population suggest some casual connections between the WR stars and formation of interstellar shells. To access whether the high-velocity UV interstellar absorption lines are a frequent phenomenon related to WR stellar winds, we present a survey of such features in all WR stars observed with IUE through 1991. Of 35 stars studied, only four are found to have components with velocity displacements greater than 45 km/s which are not attributable to previously identified OB association superbubbles. The means a surprising 82% of non-OB association WR stars show no evidence of high-velocity gas in their lines of sight at IUE's spectral resolution, suggesting that high-velocity interstellar absorption lines are not a common consequence of Wolf-Rayet star stellar winds alone. We review the properties of three WR stars (HD 50896, HD 96548, and HD 192163) which may reside inside extended interstellar shells and find that they are similar in terms of spectral class (WN5-8), presence of an optical ring nebula, and reported photometric variability. Evaluation of possible origins of the extended shells suggests these three stars are in a post X-ray binary stage of high-mass binary star evolution. If this is correct, then the large interstellar shells detected might be evidence of either supernova remnant shells generated by the explosion of the binary's primary star, or non-conservative mass transfer during a Roche Lobe overflow stage of the binary after the supernova explosion. In either of these cases the bright optical ring nebulae associated with these three WR stars may signify recent Roche Lobe overflows consistent with spectroscopic abundance analysis.

Nichols, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Anomalous Low States and Long Term Variability in the Black Hole Binary LMC X-3

Rossi X-my Timing Explorer observations of the black hole binary LMC X-3 reveal an extended very low X-ray state lasting from 2003 December 13 until 2004 March 18, unprecedented both in terms of its low luminosity (>15 times fainter than ever before seen in this source) and long duration (approx 3 times longer than a typical low/hard state excursion). During this event little to no source variability is observed on timescales of approx hours-weeks, and the X-ray spectrum implies an upper limit of 1.2 x 10(exp 35) erg/s, Five years later another extended low state occurs, lasting from 2008 December 11 until 2009 June 17. This event lasts nearly twice as long as the first, and while significant variability is observed, the source remains reliably in the low/hard spectral state for the approx 188 day duration. These episodes share some characteristics with the "anomalous low states" in the neutron star binary Her X-I. The average period and amplitude of the Variability of LMC X-3 have different values between these episodes. We characterize the long-term variability of LMC X-3 before and after the two events using conventional and nonlinear time series analysis methods, and show that, as is the case in Her X-I, the characteristic amplitude of the variability is related to its characteristic timescale. Furthermore, the relation is in the same direction in both systems. This suggests that a similar mechanism gives rise to the long-term variability, which in the case of Her X-I is reliably modeled with a tilted, warped precessing accretion disk.

Smale, Alan P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Observations of magnetic fields on solar-type stars

Magnetic-field observations were carried out for 29 G and K main-sequence stars. The area covering-factors of magnetic regions tends to be greater in the K dwarfs than in the G dwarfs. However, no spectral-type dependence is found for the field strengths, contrary to predictions that pressure equilibrium with the ambient photospheric gas pressure would determine the surface field strengths. Coronal soft X-ray fluxes from the G and K dwarfs correlate well with the fraction of the stellar surface covered by magnetic regions. The dependence of coronal soft X-ray fluxes on photospheric field strengths is consistent with Stein's predicted generation-rates for Alfven waves. These dependences are inconsistent with the one dynamo model for which a specific prediction is offered. Finally, time variability of magnetic fields is seen on the two active stars that have been extensively monitored. Significant changes in magnetic fields are seen to occur on timescales as short as one day.

Marcy, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Observations of magnetic fields on solar-type stars

Magnetic-field observations were carried out for 29 G and K main-sequence stars. The area covering-factors of magnetic regions tends to be greater in the K darfs than in the G dwarfs. However, no spectral-type dependence is found for the field strengths, contrary to predictions that pressure equilibrium with the ambient photospheric gas pressure would determine the surface field strengths. Coronal soft X-ray fluxes from the G and K dwarfs correlate well with the fraction of the stellar surface covered by magnetic regions. The dependence of coronal soft X-ray fluxes on photospheric field strengths is consistent with Stein's predicted generation-rates for Alfven waves. These dependences are inconsistent with the one dynamo model for which a specific prediction is offered. Finally, time variability of magnetic fields is seen on the two active stars that have been extensively monitored. Significant changes in magnetic fields are seen to occur on timescales as short as one day. Previously announced in STAR as N83-24435

Marcy, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Discovery of three new RS Canum Venaticorum-like counterparts to HEAO I X-ray sources

The identification of three high-latitude HEAO I Scanning Modulation Collimator X-ray sources with the chromospherically active RS CVn-like stars HD 113816, HD 146413, and HD 39576 is reported. Optical observations, including coude spectroscopy and broad-band and narrow band photoelectric photometry are presented. The Ca II emission strength of all three stars shows that they are chromospherically active. HD 146413 and HD 39576 exhibit variable X-ray emission in the 1-13 keV energy range, while HD 113816 is a softer and steadier source. The level of X-ray flux detected from these three stars is some one to two orders of magnitude higher than predicted empirically from the Ca II emission fluxes. It is proposed that this emission results from flarelike activity.

Buckley, D. A. H.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The formation and annealing of circumstellar dust, as gauged by IRAS low-resolution spectra and the microwave maser chronology

By comparing IRAS mean colors and LRS spectral differences in a large sample of Mira variables with the chronological sequence for development of microwave maser emission among such stars, it appears possible to describe a dust grain formation and annealing sequence. The early time spectra are dominated by aluminum oxides, which are then overrun by the emergence of silicates. Rather than the growth of silicate mantles on aluminate cores, this sequence is interpreted as a simple result of the higher electron affinity of aluminum for oxygen, resulting in an initial abundance of AlO bonds in the underoxidized grains. Once all the Al becomes fully oxidized, the relative abundances of Al and Si dictate that the AlO signature will be swamped by the growth of the SiO stretching fundamental. The correlations among the proposed dust chronology, the increasingly thick circumstellar envelopes, and the light curve asymmetries of Mira variables are instructive for understanding the evolutionary changes occurring in such stars.

Stencel, Robert E.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Fine Structures in the Main Sequence Revealed by Gaia Data Release 2

The Hertzsprung–Russell diagram (HRD) is fully examined using the Fourier analysis. This work shows more stars are above the gap in the lower main sequence than below it, and this implies that stars spend more time above the gap while they undergo variability associated with the {sup 3}He instability. The enhanced HRD also shows the width of the gap is not linear and depends on the G{sub BP}−G{sub RP} color up until G{sub BP}−G{sub RP}=2.7. Beyond this color limit, the gap is hardly seen. Besides, a new low density region is revealed for the first time centered at M {sub G} ≈ 10.7 and G {sub BP} − G {sub RP} ≈ 2.8, which is below the lower right corner of the gap. This work also shows that the main sequence appears to have fine stripes where stellar densities are relatively low or high compared to their adjacent regions on the main sequence. These stripes can be seen throughout the main sequence of stars redder than G {sub BP} − G {sub RP} = 0.8 and are not limited to any specific color or spectral type. Slopes of these features are different from the main sequence, but are pretty consistent throughout the main sequence, with a few exceptions. We are perplexed by these new features, but the complexities of stellar atmospheric features and opacities of dwarfs may have caused these patterns.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1988

The C IV doublet ratio intensity effect in symbiotic stars

High-resolution UV spectra in the 1200-2000 wavelength range of the symbiotic variable R Aqr and its nebular jet were obtained in July 1987 with the IUE. The line profile structure of the C IV 1548, 1550 doublet in the jet indicates multicomponent velocity structure from an optically thin emitting gas. The C IV doublet profiles in the compact H II region engulfing the Mira and hot companion binary also suggest multicomponent structure with radial velocities up to about -100 km/s. The value of the doublet intensity ratio in the R Aqr H II region has been observed in other similar symbiotic stars, such as RX Pup. It is suggested that the anomalous behavior of the C IV doublet intensities may be useful for studying the spatial structure and temporal nature of winds in symbiotic stars.

Michalitsianos, A. G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The ultraviolet variability of T Cr B

Preliminary results of the ultraviolet variability monitoring of the recurrent nova T Cr B are presented. The star has shown striking changes of the continuum (both shape and integrated luminosity) and of the emission lines since 1979, with a maximum activity in early 1981. In the same period the visual luminosity remained practically constant. The data being studied that the UV variability is due to changes in the physical structure of the accretion disk around the secondary.

Cassatella, A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

On the affinities of lambda 5778 and other broad diffuse interstellar bands

The authors examined the broad band 5778 A because of the quantity and quality of data that exists in literature. To investigate the affinity of that band with the bands of Family 1, the ratio W(sub lambda)(4430)/W(sub lambda)(5797) was formed. If the two band belong to the same family then the ratio should be a constant from star to star and it should not be possible to find an independent variable with which the ratio is correlated. If, however, a variable is found which does produce a statistically significant correlation with the ratio of equivalent widths then the bands cannot be in the same family. To test the affinity of the band at 5778 A with the other families the procedure was repeated using the bands at 5780 and 5787 A as being representative of Families 2 and 3 respectively. The measurement results of this test are shown using 21 stars taken from Herbig. Statistically significant correlations resulted when the band at 5778 A was tested against the bands of Families 1 and 2 but there was no correlation with Family 3. It is concluded that lambda 5778 is unlikely a member of Family 1 and so all the broad bands do not have their origin in a single carrier. Also, lambda 5778 does not appear to be a member of Family 2 either, but may be a member of Family 3. It appears that either a single carrier can be the origin of both broad and narrow bands or that the bands are produced by different carriers which exist in similar interstellar habitats. This latter possibility would require the introduction of a fourth family of bands.

Mcintosh, Alan↗
NASA NTRS1998

The Winds of B Supergiants

This report summarizes the progress of the work conducted under the program "The Winds of B Supergiants," conducted by Raytheon STX Corporation. The report consists of a journal article "Wind variability in B supergiants III. Corotating spiral structures in the stellar wind of HD 64760." The first step in the project was the analysis of the 1996 time series of 2 B supergiants and an O star. These data were analyzed and reported on at the ESO workshop, "Cyclical Variability in Stellar Winds."

Fullerton, A. W.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Visualizing the mass transfer flow in direct-impact accretion

We use a variety of visualization techniques to display the interior and surface flows in a double white dwarf binary undergoing direct-impact mass transfer and evolving dynamically to a merger. The structure of the flow can be interpreted in terms of standard dynamical, cyclostrophic, and geostrophic arguments. We describe and showcase some visualization and analysis techniques of potential interest for astrophysical hydrodynamics. In the context of R Coronae Borealis stars, we find that mixing of accretor material with donor material at the shear layer between the fast accretion belt and the slower rotating accretor body will always result in some dredge-up. We also discuss briefly some potential applications to other types of binaries.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1978

Discovery of two distorted interstellar bubbles

During an extensive program of direct imagery of emission nebulae, arcuate structures were found around two stars. A well-defined shock-like structure was found about the T-Orionis variable LL Orionis, located to the side of the Orion Nebula. A less extensive shock-like structure was also found about the runaway star zeta Ophiuchus. These structures can best be described in terms of distorted interstellar bubbles. A direct consequence of this interpretation is an independent estimate of the rates of mass loss for these stars.

Gull, T. R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Fixed-head star tracker magnitude calibration on the solar maximum mission

The sensitivity of the fixed-head star trackers (FHSTs) on the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) is defined as the accuracy of the electronic response to the magnitude of a star in the sensor field-of-view, which is measured as intensity in volts. To identify stars during attitude determination and control processes, a transformation equation is required to convert from star intensity in volts to units of magnitude and vice versa. To maintain high accuracy standards, this transformation is calibrated frequently. A sensitivity index is defined as the observed intensity in volts divided by the predicted intensity in volts; thus, the sensitivity index is a measure of the accuracy of the calibration. Using the sensitivity index, analysis is presented that compares the strengths and weaknesses of two possible transformation equations. The effect on the transformation equations of variables, such as position in the sensor field-of-view, star color, and star magnitude, is investigated. In addition, results are given that evaluate the aging process of each sensor. The results in this work can be used by future missions as an aid to employing data from star cameras as effectively as possible.

Pitone, Daniel S.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Bayesian Exploration of Phenomenological EoS of Neutron/Hybrid Stars with Recent Observations

The description of the stellar interior of compact stars remains as a big challenge for the nuclear astrophysics community. The consolidated knowledge is restricted to density regions around the saturation of hadronic matter ρ 0 =2.8 × 10 14 g cm -3 , regimes where our nuclear models are successfully applied. As one moves towards higher densities and extreme conditions up to the quark/gluons deconfinement, little can be said about the microphysics of the equation of state (EoS). Here, we employ a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) strategy to access the variability at high density regions of polytropic piecewise models for neutron star (NS) EoS or possible hybrid stars, i.e., a NS with a small quark-matter core. With a fixed description of the hadronic matter for low density, below the nuclear saturation density, we explore a variety of models for the high density regimes leading to stellar masses near to 2.5 M ⊙ , in accordance with the observations of massive pulsars. The models are constrained, including the observation of the merger of neutrons stars from VIRGO-LIGO and with the pulsar observed by NICER. In addition, we also discuss the possibility of the use of a Bayesian power regression model with heteroscedastic error. The set of EoS from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) was used as input and treated as the data set for the testing case.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1983

Properties of young clusters near reflection nebulae

Near infrared observations in the reflection nebulae NGC 7023, 2023, and 2068 are used to study clusters of young stars found associated with these nebulae. At least 30% to 60% of these stars are pre-main sequence objects, as indicated by their infrared excesses, hydrogen line emission, or irregular variability. The spatial distributions and observed luminosity functions of these young open clusters are derived, and the inferred mass function and star formation efficiencies are discussed.

Sellgren, K.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Properties of young clusters near reflection nebulae

Near infrared observations in the reflection nebulae NGC 703, 2023, and 2068 are used to study clusters of young stars found associated with these nebulae. At least 30 percent to 60 percent of these stars are pre-main sequence objects, as indicated by their infrared excesses, hydrogen line emission, or irregular variability. The spatial distributions and observed luminosity functions of these young open clusters are derived, and the inferred mass function and star formation efficiencies are discussed. Previously announced in STAR as N83-25628

Sellgren, K.↗