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At least 1,045 records · Page 58
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Estimating the Ultraviolet Emission of M Dwarfs with Exoplanets from Ca ii and Hα

M dwarf stars are excellent candidates around which to search for exoplanets, including temperate, Earth-sized planets. To evaluate the photochemistry of the planetary atmosphere, it is essential to characterize the UV spectral energy distribution of the planet’s host star. This wavelength regime is important because molecules in the planetary atmosphere such as oxygen and ozone have highly wavelength-dependent absorption cross sections that peak in the UV (900–3200 Å). We seek to provide a broadly applicable method of estimating the UV emission of an M dwarf, without direct UV data, by identifying a relationship between noncontemporaneous optical and UV observations. Our work uses the largest sample of M dwarf star far- and near-UV observations yet assembled. We evaluate three commonly observed optical chromospheric activity indices—Hα equivalent widths and log{sub 10} L Hα /L bol , and the Mount Wilson Ca ii H&K S and R HK ' indices—using optical spectra from the HARPS, UVES, and HIRES archives and new HIRES spectra. Archival and new Hubble Space Telescope COS and STIS spectra are used to measure line fluxes for the brightest chromospheric and transition region emission lines between 1200 and 2800 Å. Our results show a correlation between UV emission-line luminosity normalized to the stellar bolometric luminosity and Ca ii R HK ' with standard deviations of 0.31–0.61 dex (factors of ~2–4) about the best-fit lines. We also find correlations between normalized UV line luminosity and Hα log 10 L Hα /L bol and the S index. These relationships allow one to estimate the average UV emission from M0 to M9 dwarfs when UV data are not available.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Estimates of Active Region Area Coverage through Simultaneous Measurements of the He i λλ 5876 and 10830 Lines

Simultaneous, high-quality measurements of the neutral helium triplet features at 5876 Å and 10830 Å in a sample of solar-type stars are presented. The observations were made with ESO telescopes at the La Silla Paranal Observatory under program ID 088.D-0028(A) and MPG Utility Run for Fiber Extended-range Optical Spectrograph 088.A-9029(A). The equivalent widths of these features combined with chromospheric models are utilized to infer the fractional area coverage, or filling factor, of magnetic regions outside of spots. We find that the majority of the sample is characterized by filling factors less than unity. However, discrepancies occur among the coolest K-type and the warmest and most rapidly rotating F-type dwarf stars. We discuss these apparently anomalous results and find that in the case of K-type stars, they are an artifact of the application of chromospheric models best suited to the Sun than to stars with significantly lower T {sub eff}. The case of the F-type rapid rotators can be explained by the measurement uncertainties of the equivalent widths, but they may also be due to a non-magnetic heating component in their atmospheres. With the exceptions noted above, preliminary results suggest that the average heating rates in the active regions are the same from one star to the other, differing in the spatially integrated, observed level of activity due to the area coverage. Hence, differences in activity in this sample are mainly due to the filling factor of active regions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

An Explanation of Remarkable Emission-line Profiles in Post-flare Coronal Rain

We study broad redshifted emission in chromospheric and transition region lines that appears to correspond to a form of post-flare coronal rain. Profiles of Mg ii, C ii, and Si iv lines were obtained using IRIS before, during, and after the X2.1 flare of 2015 March 11 (SOL2015-03-11T16:22). We analyze the profiles of the five transitions of Mg ii (the 3p−3s h and k transitions, and three lines belonging to the 3d−3p transitions). We use analytical methods to understand the unusual profiles, together with higher-resolution observational data of similar phenomena observed by Jing et al. The peculiar line ratios indicate anisotropic emission from the strands that have cross-strand line center optical depths (k line) of between 1 and 10. The lines are broadened by unresolved Alfvénic motions whose energy exceeds the radiation losses in the Mg ii lines by an order of magnitude. The decay of the line widths is accompanied by a decay in the brightness, suggesting a causal connection. If the plasma is ≲99% ionized, ion–neutral collisions can account for the dissipation; otherwise, a dynamical process seems necessary. Our work implies that the motions are initiated during the impulsive phase, to be dissipated as radiation over a period of an hour, predominantly by strong chromospheric lines. The coronal “rain” we observe is far more turbulent than most earlier reports have indicated, with implications for plasma heating mechanisms.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

STELLAR EVIDENCE THAT THE SOLAR DYNAMO MAY BE IN TRANSITION

Precise photometry from the Kepler space telescope allows not only the measurement of rotation in solar-type field stars, but also the determination of reliable masses and ages from asteroseismology. These critical data have recently provided the first opportunity to calibrate rotation–age relations for stars older than the Sun. The evolutionary picture that emerges is surprising: beyond middle-age the efficiency of magnetic braking is dramatically reduced, implying a fundamental change in angular momentum loss beyond a critical Rossby number (Ro ∼ 2). We compile published chromospheric activity measurements for the sample of Kepler asteroseismic targets that were used to establish the new rotation–age relations. We use these data along with a sample of well-characterized solar analogs from the Mount Wilson HK survey to develop a qualitative scenario connecting the evolution of chromospheric activity to a fundamental shift in the character of differential rotation. We conclude that the Sun may be in a transitional evolutionary phase, and that its magnetic cycle might represent a special case of stellar dynamo theory.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1972

Rocket observations of solar UV radiation during the eclipse of 7 March 1970.

Results of observations of the solar eclipse of Mar. 7, 1970, with photometers sensitive to narrow bands of radiation at Lyman-alpha (1216 A) and at 2600 A included in the payloads of four Nike Apache rockets flown before and during the eclipse. At the center of totality, the flux of Lyman-alpha from the solar corona is 0.15% of the flux from the unobscured sun. The flux at second contact is 0.64%; at third contact, two observations give 0.52 and 0.59%. The brightness of the chromosphere in Lyman-alpha decreases exponentially over the range from 5 to 30 arc-sec from the limb with a scale height of 3835 plus or minus 70 km. In addition to the coronal and chromospheric Lyman-alpha a diffuse source is found. This is restricted to within 20 deg of the earth's horizon and is nearly uniform in azimuth at 170 km, the flux is about 3% of that from the unobscured sun. The flux of Lyman-alpha during the eclipse is considered in relation to the observed variation in electron density. It is concluded that, in totality, the ionosphere near 80 km is not in equilibrium with the ionizing radiation and that the production rate for electrons is not negligible if the loss process is recombination; it is negligible if the loss process is attachment-like.

Smith, L. G.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Fine structure of solar magnetic fields.

Extension of the deduction of magnetic fields from chromospheric structure to active regions and transverse fields. Fields independently predicted by these rules from a high-resolution H alpha filtergram are compared with a high-resolution magnetogram. The H alpha method has the advantage over conventional magnetograms that it shows transverse fields and relates the fields to the real sun. It has the disadvantage that higher spatial resolution is required and that it is difficult and time consuming in very complicated regions. The response of the chromosphere to magnetic fields is most consistent. Vertical field is invariably marked by bright plage, with brightness roughly proportional to the field strength (except for sunspots). All dark fibrils mark transverse fields and are parallel to field lines. All polarity changes are marked by dark fibrils, which may be transverse fibrils perpendicular to the field boundary, or filaments (prominences) which connect more distant points, and in which the field lines run nearly parallel to the boundary. The asymmetry between preceding and following polarity found by Veeder and Zirin (1970) does not exist; it was due to the low resolution of the Mount Wilson magnetograms.

Zirin, H.↗
NASA NTRS1972

A gas-dynamic calculation of type 2 shock propagation through the corona

An approximate analytic theory of acoustic shock propagation in nonuniform media is used to determine the motion of a flare-generated shock wave in the corona. The shock is followed from the time it strikes the chromosphere-corona transition region (density interface) out to 5 solar radii under the assumption that the corona in this region is approximately in hydrostatic equilibrium. The strength of the shock incident on the transition region from below determines the ejection velocity of eruptive prominence material, as well as the initial velocity of the coronal shock. The calculation is applied to one well-documented case of a related flare spray, moving type 4 isolated source, and type 2 burst. It is shown that a chromospheric shock of the appropriate strength to produce the observed prominence and type 4 velocities strengthens as it moves out in the corona by an amount sufficient to account for the observed high velocity of the type 2 burst.

Kopp, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

A model for the polar transition layer and corona for November 1967.

A model for the chromospheric-coronal transition layer and lower corona has been constructed for the south polar region. EUV observations acquired by the Harvard OSO-4 experiment in the fall of 1967 were used in the analysis. The observations can be explained with a simple model consisting of two types of regions. One region has a temperature-density structure similar to that in models developed for typical equatorial quiet areas. The other region has a corona in which the temperature and density are a factor of about 2 lower and the chromospheric-coronal temperature gradient is less steep by a factor of 4.

Withbroe, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Helium abundance of the sun.

Critical review of the four methods that have been used to estimate the ratio of helium to hydrogen in the sun - the solar neutrino flux, spectral intensity of helium lines in prominences and the chromosphere, elemental abundance of solar cosmic rays, and variations of solar wind He/H. At present the measured value for the neutrino flux cannot be explained by any of the theoretical models of the sun, and thus the neutrino measurements cannot yield an estimate of He/H. Helium line intensity measurements give the most accurate values for He/H now available - i.e., 5 to 8% helium by number. However, these results refer to the chromosphere and prominences only, and questions of spatial and temporal variations of the observed quantities and of the inferred helium abundances have not yet been dealt with adequately.

Hirshberg, J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Coronal propagation of energetic charged particles

A technique for estimating the equatorial connection longitude of interplanetary field lines to the corona is applied to quasi-stationary low energy solar charged particle (LESP) events to reconstruct their coronal injection profile. Comparison with synoptic charts constructed from alpha chromospheric absorption features for solar rotation 1524 reveals that the inferred chromospheric equatorial magnetic neutral line structure strikingly orders the LESP coronal injection profiles of greater than or equal 0.3 MeV protons for this period (August 1967), allowing the identification of acceleration processes lasting several days and well defined coronal transport over greater than or approximately 100 deg. It is also proposed that LESP observations offer a unique tool for studying the magnetic structure of the transition region from the low corona to interplanetary space.

Roelof, E. C.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The evolution of prominences and their relationship to active centers /A Review/

A necessary condition for the formation of prominences is established where components of the magnetic field of opposite sign lie juxtaposed. This condition is sometimes recognizable prior to the formation of prominences in active centers and between adjacent active centers in H-alpha by paths of fibrils aligned nearly end to end. Prominences are usually not found in active regions until they are about 4 days old. After this time, the number of prominences appears to be a function of the large-scale complexities in the magnetic field pattern whether these are a result of emerging flux, the merging of adjacent active centers, or the coalescing of remnant fields of active centers. Prominences may disappear by the slow or rapid flow of mass into the chromosphere or by the more violent eruptives. The formation of new active centers has been associated with the eruption of some filaments related to weak chromospheric fields.

Martin, S. F.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Skylab and solar exploration

Review of some of the findings concerning solar structure, energy production, and heat transport obtained with the aid of the manned Skylab space station observatory launched on May 14, 1973. Among the topics discussed are the observation of thermonuclear fusion processes which cannot be simulated on earth, the observation of short-wave solar radiation not visible to observers on earth, and the investigation of energy-transport processes occurring in the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona. An apparent paradox is noted in that the cooler chromosphere is heating the hotter corona, seemingly in defiance of the second law of thermodynamics, thus suggesting that a nonthermal mechanism underlies the energy transport. Understanding of this nonthermal mechanism is regarded as an indispensable prerequisite for future development of plasma systems for terrestrial applications.

Von Puttkamer, J.↗
NASA NTRS1974

A search for 5 min periodic structure in solar 2 cm emission

Two hundred and eighty-five hours of solar data obtained from a 2 cm radiometer during 1968-1969 were analyzed for evidence of periodic structure related to the 5 min periodic chromospheric oscillations detected in optical line emissions. A power spectral analysis of the data failed to show any statistically significant periodic activity in the frequency range 1-15 mHz for data organized according to solar activity in H-alpha, soft solar X-rays (2-12 A), and several microwave frequencies (3-15 GHz). A small shift in power from low to higher frequencies in the power spectrum of the 2 cm data was found to be correlated with H-alpha and X-ray activity. This power shift is attributed to a relative increase in chromospheric turbulence at altitudes common to H-alpha, X-ray, and 2 cm emission.

Sentman, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Studies of K line filtergrams

The paper describes the material obtained on a Lyot filter for K at the Big Bear Solar Observatory. This material is compared with simultaneous H-alpha observations. K-line filtergrams are used to interpret K-line double reversal. The structure of the general chromosphere is discussed. It is found that the absorption of the cool clouds of the chromosphere, covering about one third of the area inside the cells, oscillating rapidly, and having a vertical extent around 3000 km, is not clearly seen in K3. In active regions K is close to H-alpha. Here all plagettes and plages are bounded by systems of strongly inclined bright and dark fibrils. Umbral flashes are found to be less visible in H-alpha, except that the running penumbral waves are bright in K and dark in H-alpha.

Zirin, H.↗
NASA NTRS1975

XUV results from Skylab

The extreme ultraviolet spectroheliograph of the Skylab-ATM experiment S082A recorded 1000 exposures during the mission, covering the wavelength range from 171 to 335 A or from 315 to 630 A. Each exposure recorded a spectrum of solar images with spatial resolution reaching 2 arc sec. Among the features observed were the chromospheric network, filaments, active regions, XUV bright points, the limb, spicules, prominences, coronal holes, and loops. During the mission, a number of flares were photographed; the images showed the changing form of a flare in different lines from the chromosphere to the corona as well as how this form changed during the course of the flare. The spectral images of a number of eruptive prominences were also recorded.

Tousey, R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Millimeter radio evidence for containment mechanisms in solar flares

Recent theories of solar flares are reviewed with emphasis on the aspects of pre-flare heating. The heating evident at 3.3-mm wavelength is analyzed in the form of daily maps of the solar disk and synoptic maps compiled from the daily maps. It is found that isotherms defining antenna temperature enhancements of 340 K correspond in shape and location to facular areas reported by Waldmeier. Maximum enhancements occur over sunspots or near neutral lines of the longitudinal magnetic fields which indicates heating associated with chromospheric currents. These enhancements are correlated with flare importance number and are observed to increase during several days preceding flaring. This evidence for a containment mechanism in the chromosphere is collated with current theories of solar flares.

Mayfield, E. B.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Further observations of the lambda 10830 He line in stars and their significance as a measure of stellar activity

Measurements of the lambda 1030 He line in 198 stars are given along with data on other features in that spectral range. Nearly 80% of all G and K stars show some lambda 10830; of these, half are variable and 1/4 show emission. It was confirmed that lambda 10830 is not found in M stars, is weak in F stars, and is particularly strong in close binaries. The line is found in emission in extremely late M and S stars, along with P gamma, but P gamma is not in emission in G and K stars with lambda 10830 emissions. Variable He emission and Ti I emission are found in the RV Tauri variables R Scuti and U Mon. In R Aqr the Fe XIII coronal line lambda 10747 and a line at lambda 11012 which may be singlet He or La II are found, as well as lambda 10830 and P gamma. The nature of coronas or hot chromospheres in the various stars is discussed. It was concluded that the lambda 10830 intensity must be more or less proportional to the energy deposited in the chromosphere corona by non-thermal processes.

Zirin, H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Influence of magnetic field structure on the conduction cooling of flare loops

A simple model facilitates calculation of the influence of magnetic field configuration on the conduction cooling rate of a hot post-flare coronal plasma. The magnetic field is taken to be that produced by a line dipole or point dipole at an arbitrary depth below the chromosphere. For the high temperatures (T greater than or equal to 10 to the 7th power K) produced by flares, the plasma may remain static and isobaric. The influence of the field is such as to increase the heat flux (per unit area) into the chromosphere, but to decrease the total conduction cooling of the flare plasma. This leads to a significant enhancement of the total energy radiated by the flare plasma.

Antiochos, S. K.↗