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NASA NTRS1986

Multiband far-infrared observations of the NGC 6334 complex

Multiband far-infrared (20-155 microns) observations of the large H II region/molecular cloud complex NGC 6334 are presented. The observations were performed simultaneously in four bands with effective wavelengths 21, 42, 71, and 134 microns. Eight far-infrared sources were detected which cover the range from sources with little of no continuum radio emission to well-developed H II regions. Maps of dust temperature and far-infrared optical depth of the complex are presented which reveal large-scale variations in the color temperature and optical depth. Star formation in the complex is discussed and it is concluded that a Rayleigh-Taylor instability generated by the gravitational attraction of the galactic plane can explain the regular separation of the far-IR sources.

Loughran, L.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Far-infrared observations of the globule B335

Far-infrared and submillimeter continuum emission from the dark globule B335 was observed. The spectrum is that of optically thin thermal emission from dust with temperature 13-16 K. The estimated dust mass is 0.07-0.17 solar masses. The observed luminosity, 5 solar luminosities, can be supplied by the interstellar radiation field.

Keene, J.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Radio continuum and far-infrared observations of low surface brightness galaxies

We present Very Large Array (VLA) radio continuum and Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) far-infrared (FIR) observations of 16 low luminosity galaxies of mostly low surface brightness. All galaxies had previously claimed single dish radio continuum detections. However, at the frequencies of our observations (1.49 and 8.48 GHz), we find significant radio emission for two objects only. We show that the other previously claimed detections are due to confusion with physically unrelated background sources. This implies a low radio continuum detection rate for these galaxies. Re-reduced IRAS scans yield significant far-infrared flux densities in at least one IRAS band for 6 of the 16 galaxies. These, together with the FIR and radio continuum upper limits, are consistent with the well established radio/FIR relation, where most of our galaxies populate the low-luminosity end. From the radio continuum and FIR flux densities and their upper limits we estimate the current star formation rates and demonstrate that the galaxies are currently passive in forming stars, in agreement with previous optical investigations. There is an indication that the galaxies were forming stars more intensively averaged over their lifetime than they are presently.

Hoeppe, G.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Galileo NIMS Near-Infrared Observations of Jupiter's Ring System

We present the first observations of the Jovian ring system viewed at near-infrared wavelengths in forward-scattered light.

Jupiter planetary rings infrared observations↗

NASA NTRS1999

ISO Mid-Infrared Observations of Giant HII Regions in M33

We present Infrared Space Observatory Camera (ISOCAM) Circular Variable Filter scans of three giant HII regions in M33. IC 133, NGC 595, and CC 93 span a wide range of metallicity, luminosity, nebular excitation, and infrared excess; three other emission regions (CC 43, CC 99, and a region to the northeast of the core of NGC 595) are luminous enough in the mid-infrared to be detected in the observed fields. ISOCAM CVF observations provide spatially resolved observations (5'') of 151 wavelengths between 5.1 and 16.5 microns with a spectral resolution R = 35 to 50. We observe atomic emission lines ([Ne II], [Ne III], and [S IV]), several "unidentified infrared bands" (UIBs; 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, 11.3, 12.0, and 12.7 microns), and in some cases a continuum which rises steeply at longer wavelengths. We conclude that the spectra of these three GHRs are well explained by combinations of ionized gas, PAHs, and very small grains in various proportions and with different spatial distributions. Comparisons between observed ratios of the various UIBs with model ratios indicate that the PAHs in all three of the GHRs are dehydrogenated and that the small PAHs have been destroyed in IC 133 but have survived in NGC 595 and CC 93. The [Ne III]/[Ne II] ratios observed in IC 133 and NGC 595 are consistent with their ages of 5 and 4.5 Myr, respectively; the deduced ionization parameter is higher in IC 133, consistent with its more compact region of emission.

Skelton, B. P.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Far infrared observations of crab-like supernova remnants

Using the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) data, an investigation was begun of the far infrared properties of Crab-like supernova remnants and other synchrotron nebulae. Both the co-added scanning data and, where available, pointed observations were examined. To date infrared emission was found from two Crab-like remnants: G24.7+0.6 in which the infrared source near the center of the object was shown to be a compact HII region with EM greater than or approximately 10 to the 7th pc/cm(6); and G0.9+0.1 where a marginal detection of a 25 micron source coincident with the remnant core was used to set limits on the energetics of this synchrotron nebula. Further work, in progress under a second year of this program, should yield additional information concerning the distribution of initial pulsar spin periods and the evolution of synchrotron nebulae.

Helfand, David J.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Monoceros R2 - Far-infrared observations of a very young cluster

The young infrared cluster in Mon R2 has been observed at wavelengths from 30 microns to 1 mm and at angular resolutions from 16 arcsec to 1 arcmin. The brightest sources - RS 1 and IRS 3 - have luminosities equivalent to those of early B-type stars. It is not possible to estimate reliably the evolutionary stage of IRS 3, but IRS 1 appears to be powered by a star close to B0 V. The star probably dominates the energetics of the cluster. The gas density estimated from the infrared and radio molecular data is much larger than that of the associated, extended H II region. This appears consistent with the idea that the ionized zone is expanding out from the back of the molecular cloud.

Thornson, H. A., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Mid-Infrared Observational and Theoretical Studies of Star Formation and Early Solar Systems

The first 2 years of this program were used to make mid-IR observations of regions of star formation in the Orion nebula with the UCSD mid-IR camera at the UCSD/University of Minnesota telescope at Mt. Lemmon. These observations attempted to make the first systematic study of an extended region, known to have newly forming stars, and expected to have complex mid-IR emission. We discovered, to our surprise, that most of the thermal emission originated from extended sources rather than from point sources. This interesting observation made the analysis of the data much more complex, since the chop/nod procedures used at these wavelengths produce a differential measurement of the emission in one region compared to that in the adjacent region. Disentangling complex extended emission in such a situation is very difficult. In parallel with this work we were also observing comets in the thermal infrared, the other component of the original proposal. Some spectacular data on the comet Swift-Tuttle was acquired and published. A changing jet structure observed over a 2 week period is described. The rotation period of the comet can be measured at 66 hours. The size of the nucleus can also be estimated (at 30 km) from the observed excess flux from the nucleus. These data have lead to the development of models describing the action of dust particles of differing sizes and composition leaving the nucleus. The spatial distribution of the predicted IR emission has been compared to the observed jet structures, leading to estimates of both particles sizes, relative amounts of silicate vs organic grains, and the amounts of dust emitted in the jets vs isotopic emission.

Jones, Barbara↗

NASA NTRS1977

Clear air turbulence - Detection by infrared observations of water vapor

'Forward-looking' infrared measurements of water vapor from the C-141A Kuiper Airborne Observatory of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center show large, distinctly identifiable, signal anomalies from 4 to 10 minutes in advance of subsequent encounters with clear air turbulence (CAT). These anomalies are characteristically different from the signals not followed by CAT encounters. Results of airborne field trials in which the infrared radiometer was used indicate that, out of 51 situations, 80 percent were CAT alerts followed by CAT encounters, 12 percent were 'false alarms' (CAT alerts not followed by CAT encounters), and 8 percent were CAT encounters not preceded by an infrared signal anomaly or CAT alert.

Kuhn, P.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Near-infrared observations of IRAS minisurvey galaxies

Near-infrared photometry was obtained for 82 galaxies from the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) minisurvey, a sample of infrared selected galaxies. The near-infrared colors of these galaxies are similar to those of normal field spiral galaxies, but cover a larger range in J - H and H - K. There is evidence of a tighter correlation between the near and far infrared emission than exists between far-infrared and the visible emission. These results suggest that hot dust emission contributes to the 2.2 micron luminosity, and extinction by dust affects both the near-infrared colors and the visible luminosities. In addition, there is an indication that the far-infrared emission in many of the minisurvey galaxies is coming from a strong nuclear component.

Carico, D. P.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Near-infrared observations of IRAS minisurvey galaxies

Carico, David P.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Understanding the Star Formation Process in the Filamentary Dark Cloud GF 9: Near-Infrared Observations

We have performed a near-infrared JHK survey of a dense core and a diffuse filament region within the filamentary dark cloud GF 9 (LDN 1082). The core region is associated with the IRAS point source PSC 20503+6006 and is suspected of being a site of star formation. The diffuse filament region has no associated IRAS point sources and is likely quiescent. We find that neither the core nor the filament region appears to contain a Class I or Class II young stellar object. As traced by the dust extinction, the core and filament regions contain 26 and 22 solar mass, respectively, with an average H2 volume density for both regions of approximately 2500/cu cm. The core region contains a centrally condensed extinction maximum with a peak extinction of A(sub v) greater than or approximately equal to 10 mag that appears to be associated with the IRAS point source. The average H2 volume density of the extinction core is approximately 8000/cu cm. The dust within the filament, however, shows no sign of a central condensation and is consistent with a uniform-density cylindrical distribution.

Ciardi, David R.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Clear Air Turbulence: Detection by Infrared Observations of Water Vapor

"Forward-looking" infrared measurements of water vapor from the C-141A Kuiper Airborne Observatory of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center show large, distinctly identifiable, signal anomalies from 4 to 10 minutes in advance of subsequent encounters with clear air turbulence (CAT). These anomalies are characteristically different from the signals not followed by CAT encounters. Results of airborne field trials in which the infrared radiometer was used indicate that, out of 51 situations, 80 percent were CAT alerts followed by CAT encounters, 12 percent were "false alarms " (CAT alerts not followed by CAT encounters), and 8 percent were CAT encounters not preceded by an infrared signal anomaly or CAT alert.

Kuhn, P.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Far-infrared observations of the H2O masers in NGC 281, NGC 2175, and S255/257

The H2O masers in NGC 281, NGC 2175, and S255/257 have been observed in four far-infrared bands from 40-140 microns with 30 arcsec and 50 arcsec beams. The far-IR positions are consistent with the H2O positions. The far-IR sources have luminosities of 10 to the 4 + or 0.5 solar luminosities, dust temperatures of 36-50 K, H densities greater than 10 to the 4.5, and apparent masses of 12-120 solar masses.

Wright, E. L.↗

NASA NTRS2024

Enabling the Assimilation of CrIS Shortwave Infrared Observations in Global NWP at NOAA. Part II: OSEs and Results

The assimilation of data from hyperspectral infrared sounders in global data assimilation systems has historically been focused on observations in the longwave infrared (LWIR) region of the spectrum (650-1100 cm−1), despite the often concurrent availability of measurements from the shortwave infrared (SWIR) region of the spectrum (2150-2550 cm−1), because issues (like solar effects) have generally prevented the assimilation of SWIR observations. Recent advances in radiative transfer models have worked to address some of the previous challenges in simulating SWIR observations, and the assimilation of SWIR data (e.g. from potential future small-satellites) is now a feasible prospect. Still, a better understanding of how these observations perform in a data assimilation system and impact resulting analyses and NWP forecasts is necessary. In this study, the value of SWIR observations in global NWP is assessed by assimilating SWIR observations from the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) in NOAA’s Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS). The methodologies used to enable the assimilation of these observations, including the implementation of a scene-dependent observation error and the enhancement of quality control procedures, are discussed, as are the results of Observing System Experiments (OSEs) conducted to evaluate the impact of assimilating SWIR observations on forecast skill. The overall results show that SWIR assimilation produces similar forecast impacts to LWIR assimilation. The ability to demonstrate that the assimilation or SWIR observations in NWP is a realistic prospect may help to shape future constellations of small-satellites to serve as a beneficial complement to the current constellation if hyperspectral IR sounders.

Erin Jones↗

NASA NTRS1984

2060 Chiron - Visual and thermal infrared observations

Five-color (wavelength = 0.36-0.85 microns) and thermal infrared (wavelength = 22.5 microns) photometric observations of the unusual asteroid 2060 Chiron were made. Between 0.36 and 0.85 microns, Chiron's reflectance spectrum is similar to those of C-class asteroids as well as Saturn's satellite Phoebe. However, the thermal IR measurements imply an albedo greater than 0.05 (i.e., a diameter of less than 250 km at the 2-sigma level) that is probably higher than those of C-class asteroids or Phoebe.

Lebofsky, L. A.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Infrared observations of planetary atmospheres

The goal of this research in to obtain infrared data on planetary atmospheres which provide information on several aspects of structure and composition. Observations include direct mission real-time support as well as baseline monitoring preceding mission encounters. Besides providing a broader information context for spacecraft experiment data analysis, observations will provide the quantitative data base required for designing optimum remote sensing sequences and evaluating competing science priorities. In the past year, thermal images of Jupiter and Saturn were made near their oppositions in order to monitor long-term changes in their atmospheres. Infrared images of the Jovian polar stratospheric hot spots were made with IUE observations of auroral emissions. An exploratory 5-micrometer spectrum of Uranus was reduced and accepted for publication. An analysis of time-variability of temperature and cloud properties of the Jovian atomsphere was made. Development of geometric reduction programs for imaging data was initiated for the sun workstation. Near-infrared imaging observations of Jupiter were reduced and a preliminary analysis of cloud properties made. The first images of the full disk of Jupiter with a near-infrared array camera were acquired. Narrow-band (10/cm) images of Jupiter and Saturn were obtained with acousto-optical filters.

Orton, Glenn S.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Infrared observations of galactic bulge X-ray sources

Nine unidentified galactic bulge X-ray sources, the recently identified X-ray burster MXB 1728-34, and two optically identified sources (Sco X-1 and MXB 1735-44) were observed with the NASA 3 m Infrared Telescope Facility. The data constrain both the presence of diffuse infrared sources near the X-ray positions and the flux of possible infrared counterparts. None of the nine unidentified sources lies within obscured globular clusters, although there is marginal evidence for diffuse infrared emission near 4U 1822-00 and 4U 1916-05. This implies that at most two additional luminous galactic bulge X-ray sources lie within undiscovered, obscured globular clusters. No infrared counterparts were detected for unidentified sources; the limits derived are consistent with all of the sources observed being similar to the low mass X-ray binary Sco X-1.

Hertz, P.↗