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At least 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Three-Flavor Neutrino Oscillations at NOvA

NOvA, is a two-detector, long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment located at Fermilab, Batavia, IL, USA. It is designed primarily to constrain neutrino oscillation parameters such as the atmospheric mass squared splitting, $\Delta m^2_{32}$, the mixing angle, $\theta_{23}$, neutrino mass hierachy, and the CP-violating phase, $\delta_{CP}$, using $\nu_\mu \ (\bar{\nu}_\mu)$ disappearance and $\nu_e \ (\bar{\nu}_e)$ appearance data. NOvA receives a high purity 900 KW instense beam of neutrinos and anti-neutrinos from Fermilab's Neutrinos at Main Injector (NuMI) beamline. NOvA used functionally identical finely granulated liquid scintillation detectors, both situated 14.6 mrad off-axis to the beam direction. The NOvA near detector observes un-oscillated $\nu_\mu \ (\bar{\nu}_\mu)$ and beam $\nu_e \ (\bar{\nu}_e)$ events, while the far detector, which is situated 809 km away from the near detector, records un-oscillated $\nu_\mu \ (\bar{\nu}_\mu)$ and oscillated $\nu_e \ (\bar{\nu}_e)$ events. We will discuss the neutrino oscillation analysis strategy at NOvA and the latest three-flavor oscillation results from 10 years of NOvA data in this talk.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1985

CNO abundances in novae ejecta

Isotope production, particularly CNO, which are enhanced in novae events and the interstellar medium (ISM) by novae are discussed in terms of emission-line data taken a few weeks after novae events. The emission-line abundances emerge only after the fading of absorption spectrum, and are also detectable in thin shells which sometimes, though rarely, form after novae. CNO abundances in these shells are equivalent to those observed in fading novae, with CNO/H ratios being 100 times solar values. Possible heavy element production pathways in the events and their shrinking are discussed, along with observation techniques for detecting CNO isotopes through absorption data on atomic transitions in novae ejecta and the ISM.

Williams, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Gamma-ray constraints on Na-22 yields in nova explosions

The longitudinal distribution of diffuse 1.275 MeV emission produced by the decay of interstellar Na-22 generated by a limited class of energetic novae-accreting ONeMg white dwarfs is modeled. The probability distributions for the locations of disk novae are derived as functions of Galactocentric cylindrical coordinates. The occurrence rate for novae of all classes in the Galactic disk is about 30/yr. An occurrence rate of about 16/yr is found for spheroid novae of all classes. By comparing these simulation results with HEAO 3 upper limits on diffuse 1.275 MeV emission, upper limits of (3-5.6) x 10 to the -7th solar mass are determined for the mean Na-22 yield for energetic novae generated by accreting ONeMg white dwarfs. These Na-22 limits constrain future models of explosive nucleosynthesis in energetic nova explosions.

Higdon, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Positron annihilation gamma rays from novae

The potential for observing annihilation gamma rays from novae is investigated. These gamma rays, a unique signature of the thermonuclear runaway models of novae, would result from the annihilation of positrons emitted by beta(+)-unstable nuclei produced near the peak of the runaway and carried by rapid convection to the surface of the nova envelope. Simple models, which are extensions of detailed published models, of the expansion of the nova atmospheres are evolved. These models serve as input into investigations of the fate of nearby Galactic fast novae could yield detectable fluxes of electron-positron annihilation gamma rays produced by the decay of N-13 and F-18. Although nuclear gamma-ray lines are produced by other nuclei, it is unlikely that the fluxes at typical nova distances would be detectable to present and near-future instruments.

Leising, Mark D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The nova rate in the elliptical component of NGC 5128

The results are presented of a five year nova survey of NGC 5128 performed with an H-alpha filter at the prime focus of the CTIO 4 m telescope. In all, 16 novae were detected, of which 12 are members of a statistically complete and homogeneous sample unaffected by the absorption lane of the galaxy. When normalized to B luminosity, the nova rate in the elliptical component of NGC 5128 is 2.7 + or - 1.0 times less than that observed in the bulge of M31. However, when normalized in the infrared K bandpass, the two nova rates are identical, and comparable to that measured in the Large Magellanic Cloud. These data suggest that (1) the percentage of binary stars is approximately constant over a large range of star-forming environments, (2) the nova rate in our own galaxy is between 11 and 46/yr, and (3) nova rates are not strongly affected by tidal captures in bright globular clusters.

Ciardullo, Robin↗
NASA NTRS1990

The impact of IUE on studies of the nova outburst: 1986 to 1990

Developments in understanding the nova outbursts that have occurred since the IUE (International Ultraviolet Explorer) meetings in 1986 and 1988 are outlined. Those developments that have occurred as a direct result of studies with the IUE satellite are emphasized. These involve the four outbursts that occurred in the large Magellanic cloud, the numerous recurrent novae outbursts, and a number of archival studies. As a direct result of IUE studies done since 1986, it is shown that fast novae become super Eddington at maximum, that many novae decline at the same rate, and that neon novae may be more numerous than previously thought. In addition, it is shown that there are differences in the ourburst characteristics between recurrent novae with giant secondaries and those with compact secondaries.

Starrfield, Sumner G.↗
NASA NTRS1994

The temporal evolution of the 4-14 micron spectrum of V1974 Cygni (Nova Cygni 1992)

We present 4-14 micron spectra of the ONeMg nova V1974 Cygni (Nova Cygni 1992) obtained during 1992 May on the NASA Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) and from the NASA 1.52 m infrared telescope at Mount Lemmon, Arizona in 1992 October/November with the HIFOGS mid-infrared spectrometer. The spectra at both epochs showed continuum emission from thermal bremstrahlung (free-free radiation) with emission lines from hydrogen and (Ne II), (Ar III), and Ne VI). During May, approximately = 80 days after outburst, the dominant emission lines in the mid-infrared spectra were a blend of three lines (Pf-alpha, Hu-beta, H11-7) near 7.5 microns and (Ne II) at 12.8 microns. By October (approximately 160 days later), the hydrogen emission had virtually disappeared, the (Ne II) 12.8 micron line had weakened considerably, and a pronounced (Ne VI) emission line had appeared at 7.6 microns. This behavior confirms that V1974 Cyg is similar to the prototypical slow ONeMg 'neon nova', Nova QU Vulpeculae (1984 No. 2). The remarkable evolution of the spectrum suggests that the ionization conditions changed drastically between 1992 May and 1992 October. We find that the ejecta of V1974 Cyg were overabundant in neon with respect to silicon by a factor of approximately 10 relative to the solar photosphere. We present new model calculations of infrared sodium forbidden line emission from (Na III) 7.319 microns (Na IV) 9.039 microns, and (Na IV) 21.29 microns that can be compared with recent model predictions of sodium synthesis in ONeMg nova outbursts. We conclude that sodium abundances in ONeMg novae can be determined by observations of infrared coronal lines of sodium that are accssible to the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) and instruments at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF).

Gehrz, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1994

On the interpretation and implications of nova abundances: An abundance of riches or an overabundance of enrichments

We reexamine the question of the frequency of occurrence of oxygen-neon-magnesium (ONeMg) degenerate dwarfs in classical nova systems, in light of recent observations which have been interpreted as suggesting that 'neon novae' can be associated with relatively low mass white dwarfs. Determinations of heavy-element concentrations in nova ejecta are reviewed, and possible interpretations of their origin are examined. We conclude that, of the 18 classical novae for which detailed abundance analyses are availble, only two (or possibly three) seem unambiguously to demand the presence of an underlying ONeMg white dwarf: V693 CrA 1981, V1370 Aql 1982, and possibly QU Vul 1984. Three other novae which exhibit significant neon enrichments, relative to their total heavy-element concentrations, are RR Pic 1925, V977, Sco 1989, and LMC 1990 No. 1. This result is entirely consistent with present frequency estimates, and our interpretation of the lower levels of enrichment in other systems explains, in a natural way, the existence of relatively low mass white dwarfs in some of the 'neon' novae.

Livio, Mario↗
NASA NTRS1994

Extinction, ejecta masses, and radial velocities of novae

Interstellar reddening is determined for a number of recent novae based upon emission-line ratios which are generally observable using CCDs. Large values of extinction are found for most systems, possibly indicative of an intrinsic component of reddening in postoutburst novae. The unusual characteristics of the (O I) lines in novae, which are strong and optically thick, require a large population of very dense globules which are the likely sites of dust formation. These pyroclasts must be ejected from the white dwarf. The total mass of the neutral gas in the globules in some of the objects is substantially larger than the masses normally derived for the ionized ejecta of novae. The distribution of radial velocities of Galactic novae in the Tololo sample, although uncertain, shows an asymmetry in having predominantly negative values. Either high internal absorption in the expanding ejecta skews the emission lines to bluer wavelengths, or most of the novae are moving out from the center of the Galaxy.

Williams, Robert E.↗
NASA NTRS1992

X-ray Novae and Related Systems

Accretion disk thermal instability models have been successful in accounting for the basic observations of dwarf novae and the steady behavior of nova-like systems. Models for the dwarf-nova like variability of the old nova and intermediate polar GK Per give good agreement with the burst amplitude, profile and recurrence time in the optical and UV. A month-long 'precursor plateau' in the UV is predicted for the expected 1992 outburst prior to the rise to maximum in the optical and UV. The models for the time scales of the outbursts and corresponding UV spectra at maximum are consistent with the inner edge of the accretion disk being essentially constant between quiescence and outburst and a factor of four larger than the co-rotation radius. These conclusions represent a challenge to the standard theory of magnetic accretion. Disk instability models have also given a good representation of the soft X-ray and optical outbursts of the X-ray novae A0620-00 and GS2000+25. Formation of coronae above the disk, heated by magneto-acoustic flux from the disk, may account for the temporal and spectral properties of the hard X-ray and gamma ray emission of related sources such as Cyg X-1, GS 2023+33 (V404 Cyg), IE 1740.7-2942 (the 'Galactic Center' Einstein Source), and GS 1124-683 (Nova Muscae).

Wheeler, J. Craig↗
NASA NTRS2007

Novae as a Class of Transient X-ray Sources

Motivated by the recently discovered class of faint (10(exp 34)-10(exp 35) ergs/s) X-ray transients in the Galactic Center region, we investigate the 2-10 keV properties of classical and recurrent novae. Existing data are consistent with the idea that all classical novae are transient X-ray sources with durations of months to years and peak luminosities in the 10(exp 34)-10(exp 35)ergs/s range. This makes classical novae a viable candidate class for the faint Galactic Center transients. We estimate the rate of classical novae within a 15 arcmin radius region centered on the Galactic Center (roughly the field of view of XMM-Newton observations centered on Sgr A*) to be approx.0.1 per year. Therefore, it is plausible that some of the Galactic Center transients that have been announced to date are unrecognized classical novae. The continuing monitoring of the Galactic Center region carried out by Chandra and XMM-Newton may therefore provide a new method to detect classical novae in this crowded and obscured region, an

Mukai, K.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Pan-chromatic observations of the recurrent nova LMC 2009a (LMC 1971b)

Nova LMC 2009a is confirmed as a recurrent nova (RN) from positional coincidence with nova LMC 1971b. The observational data set is one of the most comprehensive for any Galactic or extragalactic RN: optical and near-IR photometry from outburst until over 6 years later; optical spectra for the first 6 months, and Swift satellite ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray observations from 9 days to almost 1 year post-outburst. We find M{sub V} = −8.4 ± 0.8{sub r} ± 0.7{sub s} and expansion velocities between 1000 and 4000 km s{sup −1}. Coronal line emission before day 9 indicates shocks in the ejecta. Strengthening of He iiλ4686 preceded the emergence of the super-soft source (SSS) in X-rays at ∼63–70 days, which was initially very variable. Periodic modulations, P = 1.2 days, most probably orbital in nature, were evident in the UV and optical from day 43. Subsequently, the SSS shows an oscillation with the same period but with a delay of 0.28P. The progenitor system has been identified; the secondary is most likely a sub-giant feeding a luminous accretion disk. Properties of the SSS infer a white dwarf (WD) mass 1.1 M{sub ⊙} ≲ M{sub WD} ≲ 1.3 M{sub ⊙}. If the accretion occurs at a constant rate, M-dot {sub acc}≃3.6{sub −2.5}{sup +4.7}×10{sup −7} M{sub ⊙} yr{sup −1} is needed, consistent with nova models for an inter-eruption interval of 38 years, low outburst amplitude, progenitor position in the color–magnitude diagram, and spectral energy distribution at quiescence. We note striking similarities between LMC 2009a and the Galactic nova KT Eri, suggesting that KT Eri is a candidate RN.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Coordinated analysis of two graphite grains from the CO3.0 LAP 031117 meteorite: first identification of a CO nova graphite and a presolar iron sulfide subgrain

Presolar grains constitute the remnants of stars that existed before the formation of the solar system. In addition to providing direct information on the materials from which the solar system formed, these grains provide ground-truth information for models of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis. Here we report the in situ identification of two unique presolar graphite grains from the primitive meteorite LaPaz Icefield 031117. Based on these two graphite grains, we estimate a bulk presolar graphite abundance of 5{sub −3}{sup +7} ppm in this meteorite. One of the grains (LAP-141) is characterized by an enrichment in {sup 12}C and depletions in {sup 33,34}S, and contains a small iron sulfide subgrain, representing the first unambiguous identification of presolar iron sulfide. The other grain (LAP-149) is extremely {sup 13}C-rich and {sup 15}N-poor, with one of the lowest {sup 12}C/{sup 13}C ratios observed among presolar grains. Comparison of its isotopic compositions with new stellar nucleosynthesis and dust condensation models indicates an origin in the ejecta of a low-mass CO nova. Grain LAP-149 is the first putative nova grain that quantitatively best matches nova model predictions, providing the first strong evidence for graphite condensation in nova ejecta. Our discovery confirms that CO nova graphite and presolar iron sulfide contributed to the original building blocks of the solar system.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Three-dimensional simulations of turbulent convective mixing in ONe and CO classical nova explosions

Classical novae are thermonuclear explosions that take place in the envelopes of accreting white dwarfs in binary systems. The material piles up under degenerate conditions, driving a thermonuclear runaway. The energy released by the suite of nuclear processes operating at the envelope heats the material up to peak temperatures of ~(1-4) × 10 8 K. During these events, about 10 -3 -10 -7 M ⊙ , enriched in CNO and, sometimes, other intermediate-mass elements (e.g., Ne, Na, Mg, Al) are ejected into the interstellar medium. To account for the gross observational properties of classical novae (in particular, the high concentrations of metals spectroscopically inferred in the ejecta), models require mixing between the (solar-like) material transferred from the secondary and the outermost layers (CO- or ONe-rich) of the underlying white dwarf. Recent multidimensional simulations have demonstrated that Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities can naturally produce self-enrichment of the accreted envelope with material from the underlying white dwarf at levels that agree with observations. However, the feasibility of this mechanism has been explored in the framework of CO white dwarfs, while mixing with different substrates still needs to be properly addressed. We performed three-dimensional simulations of mixing at the core-envelope interface during nova outbursts with the multidimensional code FLASH, for two types of substrates: CO- and ONe-rich. We also show that the presence of an ONe-rich substrate, as in “neon novae”, yields higher metallicity enhancements in the ejecta than CO-rich substrates (i.e., non-neon novae). Finally, a number of requirements and constraints for such 3D simulations (e.g., minimum resolution, size of the computational domain) are also outlined.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

A detailed photometric and spectroscopic study of the 2011 outburst of the recurrent nova T Pyxidis from 0.8 to 250 days after discovery

We investigated the optical light curve of T Pyx during its 2011 outburst by compiling a database of Solar Mass Ejection Imager (SMEI) and AAVSO observations. The SMEI light curve, providing unprecedented detail covering t = 1.5-49 days post-discovery, was divided into four phases based on the idealized nova optical light curve: the initial rise (1.5-3.3 days), the pre-maximum halt (3.3-13.3 days), the final rise (14.7-27.9 days), and the early decline (27.9+ days). The SMEI light curve contains a strongly detected period of 1.44 ± 0.05 days during the pre-maximum halt phase. These oscillations resemble those found in recent thermonuclear runaway models arising from instabilities in the expanding envelope. No spectral variations that mirror the light curve periodicity were found, however. The marked dip at t ∼ 22-24 days just before the light curve maximum at t = 27.9 days may represent the same (shorter duration) phenomenon seen in other novae observed by SMEI and present in some model light curves. The spectra from the 2 m Liverpool Telescope and SMARTS 1.5 m telescope were obtained from t = 0.8-80.7 and 155.1-249.9 days, covering the major phases of development. The nova was observed very early in its rise where a distinct high-velocity ejection phase was evident with initially derived V {sub ej} ∼ 4000 km s{sup –1}. A marked drop occurred at t = 5.7 days, and then a gradual increase in derived V {sub ej} to stabilize at ∼1500 km s{sup –1} at the pre-maximum halt. Here, we propose two different stages of mass loss, a short-lived phase occurring immediately after outburst and lasting ∼6 days, followed by a more steadily evolving and higher mass loss phase. The overall spectral development follows that typical of a classical nova and comparison with the photometric behavior reveals consistencies with the simple evolving pseudo-photosphere model of the nova outburst. Comparing optical spectra to X-ray and radio light curves, weak [Fe X] 6375 Å emission was marginally detected before the X-ray rise and was clearly present during the brightest phase of X-ray emission. If the onset of the X-ray phase and the start of the final decline in the optical are related to the cessation of significant mass loss, then this occurred at t ∼ 90-110 days.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Serendipitous discovery of a dwarf Nova in the Kepler field near the G dwarf KIC 5438845

The Kepler satellite provides a unique window into stellar temporal variability by observing a wide variety of stars with multi-year, near-continuous, high precision, optical photometric time series. While most Kepler targets are faint stars with poorly known physical properties, many unexpected discoveries should result from a long photometric survey of such a large area of sky. During our Kepler Guest Observer programs that monitored late-type stars for starspot and flaring variability, we discovered a previously unknown dwarf nova that lies within a few arcseconds of the mid-G dwarf star KIC 5438845. This dwarf nova underwent nine outbursts over a 4 year time span. The two largest outbursts lasted ∼17–18 days and show strong modulations with a 110.8 minute period and a declining amplitude during the outburst decay phase. These properties are characteristic of an SU UMa-type cataclysmic variable. By analogy with other dwarf nova light curves, we associate the 110.8 minute (1.847 hr) period with the superhump period, close to but slightly longer than the orbital period of the binary. No precursor outbursts are seen before the super-outbursts and the overall super-outburst morphology corresponds to Osaki and Meyer “Case B” outbursts, which are initiated when the outer edge of the disk reaches the tidal truncation radius. “Case B” outbursts are rare within the Kepler light curves of dwarf novae. The dwarf nova is undergoing relatively slow mass transfer, as evidenced by the long intervals between outbursts, but the mass transfer rate appears to be steady, because the smaller “normal” outbursts show a strong correlation between the integrated outburst energy and the elapsed time since the previous outburst. At super-outburst maximum the system was at V ∼ 18, but in quiescence it is fainter than V ∼ 22, which will make any detailed quiescent follow-up of this system difficult.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

IR study of nova V2468 Cyg from early decline to the coronal phase

We present infrared spectroscopic and photometric observations of the nova V2468 Cyg covering the period from 2008 March 13 to 2008 November 11. The JHK spectra of the object were taken from the Mt. Abu Infrared Observatory using the Near-Infrared Imager/Spectrometer. Spectra from 0.8 to 5.2 μm that were obtained using the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility and the SPEX instrument are also presented. The spectra are dominated by strong H i lines from the Brackett and Paschen series and Fe ii, O i, and C i lines in the initial days, typical of an Fe ii type nova. The lines were broader in the period immediately after outburst, with measured FWHMs of 1800–2300 km s{sup −1} for the Paβ and Brγ lines. These values narrowed to 1500–1600 km s{sup −1} by 12 days from the outburst. The spectra showed prominent He i lines at 1.0830 and 2.0581 μm together with H i and O i emission features after 36 days from the outburst. Our IR observations show the comparatively broad emission lines, the rapid development of the spectrum to higher ionization, the early appearance of coronal lines, and the absence of dust emission, all features that indicate the hybrid nature of the nova. This is perhaps the most extensively observed example of a probable Fe iib type nova at infrared wavelengths. We also note a short lived emission line of Fe ii at 2.0888 μm, which was present between 2008 April 9 and 2008 May 9. No dust emission is seen from the nova ejecta. We have also estimated the range for the ejecta mass in V2468 Cyg to be 3 × 10{sup −6}–10{sup −5}M {sub ⊙}.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

SIMULATIONS OF THE SYMBIOTIC RECURRENT NOVA V407 CYG. I. ACCRETION AND SHOCK EVOLUTIONS

The shock interaction and evolution of nova ejecta with wind from a red giant (RG) star in a symbiotic binary system are investigated via three-dimensional hydrodynamics simulations. We specifically model the 2010 March outburst of the symbiotic recurrent nova V407 Cygni from its quiescent phase to its eruption phase. The circumstellar density enhancement due to wind–white-dwarf interaction is studied in detail. It is found that the density-enhancement efficiency depends on the ratio of the orbital speed to the RG wind speed. Unlike another recurrent nova, RS Ophiuchi, we do not observe a strong disk-like density enhancement, but instead observe an aspherical density distribution with ∼20% higher density in the equatorial plane than at the poles. To model the 2010 outburst, we consider several physical parameters, including the RG mass-loss rate, nova eruption energy, and ejecta mass. A detailed study of the shock interaction and evolution reveals that the interaction of shocks with the RG wind generates strong Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities. In addition, the presence of the companion and circumstellar density enhancement greatly alter the shock evolution during the nova phase. Depending on the model, the ejecta speed after sweeping out most of the circumstellar medium decreases to ∼100–300 km s{sup −1}, which is consistent with the observed extended redward emission in [N ii] lines in 2011 April.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗