Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “ScO”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6

The occultation of beta Scorpii by Jupiter and Io. I - Jupiter.

Use of computer-controlled one-dimensional area-scanning photometers to observe the occultation of the Beta Scorpii system by Jupiter on May 13, 1971. Six high-quality light curves were obtained; three of the occultations of the brighter component Beta Sco A and three of Beta Sco C. The mean scale height of the Jovian upper atmosphere is 32 plus or minus 6 km near -10 deg zenographic latitude, 31 plus or minus 2 km at -47 deg zenographic latitude, and 24 plus or minus 2 km at -57 deg zenographic latitude. The determination of the atmospheric scale height is highly sensitive to the background level subtracted, providing a possible explanation of an earlier result by Baum and Code (1953) placing the scale height at about 8 km. Correlated departures of the light curve from a theoretical isothermal curve are reproduced in the three bright-star curves, and are thus not due to random density fluctuations in the Jovian atmosphere, but are rather due to global stratification. Details of the stratification, which includes at least a number of warm layers, are examined by deconvolution of the light curves. There is evidence for a high-temperature (T greater than 300 K) thermosphere on two of the bright-star light curves.

Hubbard, W. B.↗

NGC 1068, 3C 273, and Scorpius X-1 - Circular polarization disputed.

Discussion of data for the Seyfert galaxy NGC 1068, the quasar 3C 273, and the X-ray source Sco X-1, for all of which it has been claimed or strongly suggested that they have large circular polarization of the order of 1% (Severny et al., 1971). In contrast the present authors obtained unambiguously null results with upper limits about 0.05% for NGC 1068 and 3C 273. For Sco X-1 no statistically significant polarization was found on three nights, and only some marginal evidence for a fluctuation or transient polarization on one night.

Kemp, J. C.↗

Variable X-ray sources.

The behavior of the quasi-periodic rapid variable Cyg X-1, the periodic variable Cen X-3, and the aperiodic variable Sco X-1 is described. Observations of Cyg X-1 were made by pointing the Uhuru satellite to a position where the object was in the band visible to the X-ray detectors; observations were also obtained by other methods. It appears that the X-ray emitting region is a few light sec in size, and some of the fast variations originate in a region as small as several earth radii in size. It is believed at present that a pulsating white dwarf could explain the X-ray behavior of Cen X-3. X-ray data from Sco X-1 reveal that it behaves in soft X rays much as it is well known to do in visible light.

Kellogg, E. M.↗

Scorpius X-1 - Origin of the radio and hard X-ray emissions

The consequences of models for the central radio source and the hard X-ray emitting region in Sco X-1 are examined. The radio emission could result from noncoherent synchrotron radiation, and the X-rays may be produced by bremsstrahlung. It is shown that both these mechanisms require a mass outflow from Sci X-1. The radio source is located at about 30 million km from the center of the star, and its linear dimensions do not exceed 300 million km. The magnetic field in the radio source is on the order of 1 gauss. If the hard X-rays are produced by thermal bremsstrahlung, their source is located between 10,000 and 50,000 km from the center of the star, the temperature is 2 billion K, and the emission measure is 2 times 10 to the 56th power per cu cm. This hot plasma loses energy inward by conduction and outward by supersonic expansion. The rates of energy loss for both of these processes are about 10 to the 36th ergs per sec, comparable to the total luminosity of Sco X-1.

Ramaty, R.↗

BM Scorpii and a possible cluster of infrared sources

BM Sco and six other infrared sources near the cluster M6 were observed at infrared wavelengths. BM Sco has the flat free-free spectrum between 1.5 and 8 microns with a small silicate emission feature typical of the NML Tauri-type objects. IRC-30308 is also an infrared star of the NML Tauri type, and IRC-30312 has long wavelength radiation characteristic of the luminous M supergiants. The remaining four sources resemble reddened long-period variables. The presence of these infrared sources near M6 is not statistically significant and is not sufficient to associate them with the cluster.

Ney, E. P.↗

Ionization mechanisms of the intercloud medium

A generalized treatment of the ionization equilibrium of the intercloud medium is developed, which is model-independent in the steady-state approximation, and which is suited to an interpretation of ultraviolet absorption data. It is found that the most satisfactory models require the presence of density inhomogeneities along the line of sight. In all models considered for lambda Sco, 2-MeV cosmic rays and X rays are found to lead to large disagreements with the observations, and data on upsilon Sco, alpha Leo, and other stars seem to support this conclusion. Therefore, it would seem that these cannot be the physical agents responsible for the bulk of the ionization of the gas. An alternative model is developed, in which the ionization below 24.58 eV is provided by ultraviolet photons. This model appears to satisfy theoretical requirements, and leads to good agreement with the data.

Meszaros, P.↗

Temporal X-ray astronomy with a pinhole camera

Preliminary results from the Ariel-5 all-sky X-ray monitor are presented, along with sufficient experiment details to define the experiment sensitivity. Periodic modulation of the X-ray emission was investigated from three sources with which specific periods were associated, with the results that the 4.8 hour variation from Cyg X-3 was confirmed, a long-term average 5.6 day variation from Cyg X-1 was discovered, and no detectable 0.787 day modulation of Sco X-1 was observed. Consistency of the long-term Sco X-1 emission with a shot-noise model is discussed, wherein the source behavior is shown to be interpretable as approximately 100 flares per day, each with a duration of several hours. A sudden increase in the Cyg X-1 intensity by almost a factor of three on 22 April 1975 is reported, after 5 months of relative source constancy. The light curve of a bright nova-like transient source in Triangulum is presented, and compared with previously observed transient sources. Preliminary evidence for the existence of X-ray bursts with duration less than 1 hour is offered.

Holt, S. S.↗

Research study of Beta Cephei variable stars using data from OAO-2

Photometric data from the Wisconsin Experiment package on OAO-2 were obtained for six Beta Cephei variable stars. The data were reduced in accordance with the OAO 2/Wisconsin Experiment Package Photometer Users Guide. For delta Cet and gamma Peg, there were enough data points to form reliable composite light curves at seven or eight ultraviolet wavelengths. The light curves are well represented by sine waves in phase with the blue light curve for each star. The amplitude of the light variation increases with shorter wavelengths. For theta Oph, epsilon Cen, eta Sco, and Lambda Sco, mean magnitudes and light ranges were obtained at several ultraviolet wavelengths. No significant differences were found between the mean, de-reddened ultraviolet colors of the observed stars, and the mean values for standard stars computed by Bottemiller. An attempt to derive a temperature scale from a comparison of the observed ultraviolet colors with Kurucz models was unsuccessful.

Lesh, J. R.↗

Occultation of beta Scorpii by Jupiter. V - The emersion of beta Scorpii C

Use of multicolor photometry to remove planetary limb contamination from occultation light curves is demonstrated. This color restoration procedure is shown to be more advantageous than limb scanning techniques since it allows continuous observation of the occultation. Sharp spikes appearing in the light curve of beta Sco C are compared with those observed during the occultation of beta Sco AB, and a model is developed for estimating the effects of all factors affecting the observed shape of a spike. The widths of the narrowest spikes are shown to correspond closely to the angular diameters of the occulted stars, suggesting that occultation spikes can be used to determine stellar diameters.

Elliot, J. L.↗

Continuous observations of long-term variations in cosmic X-ray sources

Results are reported for the Charged Particle Measurements Experiment which was conducted on board IMP-7 to detect X-ray fluxes from the sun, the galactic center, Tau X-1, and Sco X-1 over a nine-month period. Autocorrelation analysis of the data indicates a probable 80-day periodicity in the flux from Sco X-1, a 110-day periodicity in the flux from the galactic center, no periodicities in the flux from Tau X-1, and a strong 27-day periodicity in the solar X-ray flux. A transient event detected within the cluster of sources constituting the galactic center is reported which lasted about two months and had a flux roughly equal to the regular flux from this area. It is noted that this was the only transient event detected in the whole area under continuous observation for the duration of the experiment.

Wende, C. D.↗

On the nature of the intercloud medium

Previous analyses of Copernicus observations of interstellar absorption in the spectra of unreddened stars are reviewed in the framework of steady-state ionization models for the intercloud (low-density) component of the interstellar medium. A simple homogeneous model is described which accounts for the H, C, N, S, and Si interstellar lines in the spectrum of lambda Sco in terms of an extensive low-density medium photoionized by Lyman continuum radiation from the II Sco OB association. Quantitative constraints are placed on the maximum permissible flux of diffuse soft X-rays, and the model is generalized to interpret the observed ion, electron, and hydrogen column densities in the low-density medium. Severe constraints are found to be imposed on ionization models by the ratios Si III/Si, Si IV/Si, and S IV/S. It is concluded that the observations may be explained if 10 to 30% of a representative line of sight passes through a photoionized medium of density 0.1 to 0.2/cu cm, if H I constitutes the bulk of the gas along the line of site, and if the gas is at a similar density or is in the form of shielded clumps or clouds.

Hill, J. K.↗

A large-area lithium-fluoride Bragg spectrometer for stellar X-ray astronomy

A large-area Bragg spectrometer used to search for the Fe XXV X-ray emission lines of Sco X-1 is described. The device has 3400 sq cm of LiF on nine crystal panels aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rocket. X rays satisfying the Bragg condition reflect into an array of nine companion proportional counters. A pointing system incorporating a free gyroscope with 2 degrees of freedom assures that target X rays are reflected at the required angle and produces repeated spectral scans of the X-ray continuum, which are later superimposed to correct temporal effects. The instrument is capable of detecting a narrow line flux from Sco X-1 of about .01 photons/sq cm/sec.

Stockman, H. S., Jr.↗

Temporal X-ray astronomy with a pinhole camera

Preliminary results from the Ariel-5 All-Sky X-Ray Monitor are presented, along with sufficient experiment details to define the experiment sensitivity. Periodic modulation of the X-ray emission is investigated from three sources with which specific periods have been associated, with the results that the 4.8 h variation from Cyg X-3 is confirmed, a long-term average 5.6 day variation from Cyg X-1 is discovered, and no detectable 0.787 day modulation of Sco X-1 is observed. Consistency of the long-term Sco X-1 emission with a 'shot-noise' model is discussed, wherein the source behavior is shown to be interpretable as about 100 'flares' per day, each with a duration of several hours. A sudden increase in the Cyg X-1 intensity by almost a factor of three on 22 April 1975 is reported, after 5 months of relative source constancy. The light curve of a bright nova-like transient source in Triangulum is presented, and compared with previously observed transient sources. Preliminary evidence for the existence of X-ray 'bursts' with duration less than 1 h is offered, with the caveat that there is not yet any supporting evidence to guarantee that the effect is truly astronomical.

Holt, S. S.↗

Results from the Ariel 5 All-Sky Monitor

Results are summarized for the first year of operation of the Ariel 5 All-Sky Monitor. The monitor is described in detail, and representative observations of the transient sources A1524-62, Cen X-mas, A0535+26, and A0620-00 are discussed. It is shown that the transients are largely confined to the galactic plane and that about 100 such sources per year can be expected in the Galaxy. Long-term observations of Sco X-1, Cyg X-3, and Cyg X-1 are reported which illustrate that the large intensity variations in Sco X-1 appear to correlate on time scales greater than one Ariel 5 orbit, that Cyg X-3 has a widely varying intensity, and that the predominant feature of the intensity variation in Cyg X-1 is a minimum near superior conjunction.

Holt, S. S.↗

X-ray signatures: New time scales and spectral features

The millisecond bursts from Cyg X-1 are investigated and the overall chaotic variability for the bulk of the Cyg X-1 emission is compared to that of Sco X-1, showing that the essential character is remarkably similar (i.e. shot noise) although the fundamental time scales involved differ widely, from a fraction of a second (for Cyg X-1) to a fraction of a day (for Sco X-1). Recent OSO-8 observations of spectra features attributable to iron are reviewed. In particular, line emission is discussed within the context of a model for thermal radiation by a hot evolved gas in systems as different as supernova remnants and clusters of galaxies. Newly observed spectral structure in the emission from the X-ray pulsar Her X-1 is reported.

Boldt, E. A.↗

The C-12/C-13 ratio in stellar atmospheres. VI - Five luminous cool stars

A simple curve-of-growth technique is described for extracting the C-12/C-13 ratio for M stars from high-resolution spectra of CO infrared vibration-rotation lines. The technique is applied to the CO lines at 1.6 and 2.3 microns in spectra of two M supergiants (Alpha Ori and Alpha Sco), two M giants (Alpha Her and Beta Peg), and a Mira-type variable (Chi Cyg). As a check on the CO analysis, the C-12/C-13 ratio is derived from the red CN system at 8000 A for Alpha Sco, Alpha Ori, and Beta Peg. The CO analysis is also applied to the K giant Alpha Boo as a check. The CN and CO results are found to be in general agreement, and the C-12/C-13 ratio in all the examined stars is shown to be considerably lower than the solar-system value. It is suggested that these stars were formed from clouds with a C-12/C-13 ratio of 40 to 89 and that their atmospheres now exhibit an enhancement of C-13 abundance due to internal production and mixing to the surface.

Hinkle, K. H.↗

On the temperature and the interstellar nature of coronal gas observed by Copernicus

More detailed scans of ions expected in interstellar absorption at temperatures of 100,000 to 1 million K have been made with Copernicus in five stars: Alpha Vir, Beta Cen, Lambda Sco, Mu Col, and HD 28497. Preliminary data show that the absorption due to O VI is stationary compared with the velocities of stellar absorption in the spectrum of the spectroscopic binary Lambda Sco, thus demonstrating its nonstellar nature. Ionization temperatures interpreted using steady-state or time-dependent assumptions yield values of 280,000 to 700,000 K. There is some evidence that a range of temperatures consistent with this spread may in fact exist in Alpha Vir. For this limited sample of data, there is no clear evidence for a generic association of low-column-density H2 and the O VI absorption. It is concluded that the O VI absorption refers to regions with temperatures exceeding 250,000 K. The only UV diagnostic for the gas appears to be the O VI features, though C IV may be useful in some cases.

York, D. G.↗

A search for interstellar NaH in diffuse clouds

The paper reports on a search for the (8, 0) R(0) line of the A-X transition of NaH at 3990.88 A toward Zeta Oph and Sigma Sco, which was performed using a spectroscopic photoelectric imaging Fabry-Perot interferometer at the coude focus of a 2.2-m telescope. One-sigma upper limits on the NaH equivalent width are derived (0.26 mA for Zeta Oph and 0.69 mA for Sigma Sco), and two-sigma upper limits on the NaH column densities are obtained which imply that the formation rate for NaH cannot be large. It is noted that the latter upper limits are only about one order of magnitude higher than the most optimistic expectation of the NaH column density for formation of this molecule on grains.

Snow, T. P., Jr.↗