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At least 109 records · Page 6
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NASA NTRS1992

Further improvements of a new model for turbulent convection in stars

The effects of including a variable molecular weight and of using the newest opacities of Rogers and Iglesias (1991) as inputs to a recent model by Canuto and Mazzitelli (1991) for stellar turbulent convection are studied. Solar evolutionary tracks are used to conclude that the the original model for turbulence with mixing length Lambda = z, Giuli's variable Q unequal to 1 and the new opacities yields a fit to solar T(eff) within 0.5 percent. A formulation of Lambda is proposed that extends the purely nonlocal Lambda = z expression to include local effects. A new expression for Lambda is obtained which generalizes both the mixing length theory (MLT) phenomenological expression for Lambda as well as the model Lambda = z. It is argued that the MLT should now be abandoned.

Canuto, V. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The Stability of the Low Degree 5 Minute Solar Oscillations

The decay rate for many of the low degree p modes observed as 5 minute oscillations of the Sun is discussed and decay rates for modes ranging from radial (l=0) to the nonradial ones with l=5 for overtones 10 through 28. Parameters needed for he solar model are given and the hydrogen mass fraction composition structure is shown as well as the structure given by Christensen-Dalsgaard (1982) for an evolved solar model. The special equation of state and opacity table with X=0.74 for the hydrogen mass fraction in the outer 0.40 of the mass needs slightly more hydrogen in the central regions than obtained by Christensen-Dalsgaard in order to give a complete and consistent model. The difference in helium production between these two models is about 10%, meaning that the total energy radiated by the Sun during its lifetime thus far agrees satisfactorily with accurately calculated evolution sequences.

Kidman, R. B.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Differential photometry of magnetic faculae

New observations extending the differential continuum photometry technique to the near-infrared are presented which demonstrate that the main factor determining the facular visibility near the solar disk center is the difference in H(-) opacity (and thus in penetration depth) between the continuum passbands. It is shown how the difference signal obtained depends on the temperature gradient difference between the two faculae and photosphere. The measured facular temperature gradient is compared with that given by empirical facular models based on Fraunhofer line observations, and with theoretical predictions. An explanation for the enhanced visibility of faculae against granular noise in the difference signal is suggested.

Foukal, P.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Evolution of substellar 'brown' dwarfs and the evolutionary status of VB8B

Detailed evolutionary calculations for stars near and below the minimum main sequence (MS) mass are presented, and the results are compared to VB8B. The standard set of stellar equations are solved, and the influence of both high and low grain opacities is assessed. All masses less than 0.08 solar are found to evolve to 0.0001 solar luminosities in a billion years or less. Both 0.08 solar mass and 0.075 solar mass stars become MS stars after five billion years, but with luminosities substantially below 0.0001 solar. The best fit to VB8B is 0.06 + or - 0.02 solar mass, but less than 0.8 solar mass. Depending upon its very precise mass, VB8B can be either a substellar brown dwarf with an age of 0.3-3 billion years, or an MS star with an age anywhere from two billion years to a Hubble time.

Stringfellow, Guy S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The case for a wet, warm climate on early Mars

The conditions under which Mars could have had a warm wet climate during its early evolution are explored by means of numerical simulations, incorporating more accurate data on the opacity of gaseous CO2 and H2O in the solar and thermal spectral regions (McClatchey et al., 1971) into the one-dimensional radiative-convective greenhouse model of Kasting and Ackerman (1986). The results are presented in extensive graphs and characterized in detail, with consideration of atmospheric CO2 loss rates, sources of atmospheric CO2, CO2 partitioning between atmosphere and hydrosphere, the Mars volatile inventory, the CO2 geochemical cycle, climate evolution, and observational tests. It is concluded that greenhouse conditions (requiring atmospheric CO2 of 1-5 bar) could have existed for a period of about 1 Gyr if the total surficial inventory of CO2 was 2-10 bar.

Pollack, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Pancam multispectral imaging results from the Spirit Rover at Gusev Crater

Panoramic Camera images at Gusev crater reveal a rock-strewn surface interspersed with high- to moderate-albedo fine-grained deposits occurring in part as drifts or in small circular swales or hollows. Optically thick coatings of fine-grained ferric iron-rich dust dominate most bright soil and rock surfaces. Spectra of some darker rock surfaces and rock regions exposed by brushing or grinding show near-infrared spectral signatures consistent with the presence of mafic silicates such as pyroxene or olivine. Atmospheric observations show a steady decline in dust opacity during the mission, and astronomical observations captured solar transits by the martian moons, Phobos and Deimos, as well as a view of Earth from the martian surface.

Mars↗
NASA NTRS1974

The Apsidal-motion test for models of main-sequence stars

Apsidal-motion constants, k2, have been determined for models of homogeneous main-sequence stars constructed with the new 'Thomas-Fermi' opacities of Carson. These models are similar to those constructed with the 'hydrogenic' opacities of Cox and Stewart up to about 7 solar masses, but yield smaller values of k2 at higher masses. Nevertheless, the new theoretical constants are still systematically too large compared with most of the empirical constants known for members of well-observed binary systems. Uniform rotation is found to lower the theoretical constants only slightly. The effect of normal evolution during core hydrogen burning, however, produces good detailed agreement with observations. The primary of alpha Vir is probably evolving normally if Carson's opacities are adopted.

Stothers, R.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Ly(alpha) Photolysis in the Primitive Solar Nebula

This is the final report for the third year of work on this project. Our proposal was to quantitatively investigate the importance of photochemistry in the solar nebula. In the generally accepted theory for the chemical evolution of the primitive solar nebula, Prinn and Fegley argued that photochemistry is unimportant, and that thermochemistry controls the relative abundances of molecular species throughout the planet-forming region. They provided useful estimates of the chemical energy available to the solar nebula from a variety of sources, and established that even the small photolysis rate due to starlight is more important than the photolysis rate from direct sunlight (although small, the UV flux from starlight could have processed a non-negligible fraction of the solar nebula. The reason for this is that the opacity of the disk was so large that direct sunlight could only penetrate to 0.1 AU or so, despite the expectation that the protosun, if comparable to a T-Tauri star, would be emitting up to 10(exp 4) more H I Ly(alpha) photons than the current sun. We developed a Monte Carlo resonance fine radiative transfer code, capable of accurately calculating the radiation field of H I Ly(alpha), He I 584 A, and He II 304 A emissions throughout the nebula and the nearby interstellar medium in which it is embedded. We applied the code to two appropriate models of the primitive solar nebula. Our model provided the photolysis rates of various species over the entire surface layer of the nebula, and from this we evaluated the importance of UV photochemistry due to backscattered solar UV resonance line emissions on different parts of the nebula. The results discussed below were presented.

Gladstone, G. Randall↗
NASA NTRS1996

Research concerning the net flux of radiation in the atmosphere of Jupiter

The plan of the NFR (Net Flux of Radiation) team is for the data from the two solar channels (B and E) of NFR to be reduced with the goal of determining the solar heating rate. In order to determine the solar heating rate from the NFR measurements, effects due to the instrument's spatial and spectral response functions, to the temperature variation of the instrument (and associated drift of calibration), to the setting sun, and to the rotation of the probe (initially at a rate comparable to the NFR sampling frequency), all must be well modelled. In the past year, a forward modeling routine was created to simulate NFR data return in the B and E channels. The effects of varying parameters describing the atmospheric model (such as cloud location and thickness) and the descent profile (such as rotation rate) were investigated and an inversion routine was developed. For the forward modeling, existing radiative transfer codes were used to determine intensity fields within the Jovian atmosphere. A routine was developed to determine instantaneous instrument response by integrating the intensity field over the instrument response functions. A second routine was developed to determine the actual output of the NFR by integrating along an arbitrary descent trajectory. Near the top of the atmosphere, the upflux data alone are used to constrain the cloud structure of he atmosphere. To accomplish this, models are used to describe the variation in up flux between consecutive measurements in terms of variations of cloud opacity and variations in known parameters such as the solar zenith angle. This allows us to develop a zero-order model of cloud structure. Lower in the atmosphere, at levels where there is little or no azimuthal structure to the net flux measurements, both the up flux and net flux are used to derive layer transmission and reflection functions, which then determine layer opacity and single scattering albedo. A preliminary analysis of the data began in December 1995. In these data we could see the rapid oscillations expected at the beginning of the data due to probe rotation and the sun passing through the edge of the field of view. In addition, the time when this oscillation stopped was clearly visible. This sets the rough optical depth above the probe at this time.

Tomasko, M. G.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Theoretical light curve of a Type 2p supernova

The light curve and other observable diagnostics are presented for what should be a typical Type II 'plateau' supernova, the explosion of a 15 solar mass red supergiant. The calculations are carried out using a multi-frequency radiation transport code that includes opacity from all important mechanisms-bound-bound, bound-free, free-free, and electron scattering. It is found that the inclusion of opacity sources besides electron scattering increases the computed lenght of the plateau in the 15 solar mass model by approximately 30 days. Especially important is the ultraviolet cutoff caused by a thick forest of lines. Deposition and escape of gamma-rays from radioactive decay are also accurately simulated. We find that the presence of 0.06 solar mass of ejected Ni-56 extends the length of the plateau from approximately 100 days to approximately 140 dys. Because of the large hydrogen envleope and radius in this model, mixing does not appreciably alter the bolometric light curve, although it does change the gamma-ray light curve significantly. With 0.06 solar mass of ejected Ni-56, the unmixed (mixed) model peaks in escaping gamma-rays at 576 (466) days with gamma-ray luminosity of 3 x 10(exp 38) ergs/s. Except for the local group, the gamma-rays from an extragalactic 15 solar mass SNe IIp will be too faint to detect with any exsiting detectors. However, a Galactic SNe IIp would be quite bright and easily detectable.

Eastman, Ronald G.↗
NASA NTRS2022

Southern Ocean Solar Reflection Biases in Cmip6 Models Linked to Cloud Phase and Vertical Structure Representations

Over the Southern Ocean (SO, 40˚S-70˚S), climate models have consistently underestimated solar reflection. Here we evaluate the relationship between cloud profiles, cloud phase and radiation over the SO in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models against Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO). We find that the lack of solar reflection is slightly improved in CMIP6 models compared to CMIP5’s, attributable to a better representation of cloud fraction and phase. We show that clouds have a different vertical structure and radiative effect south and north of where the 0˚C isotherm meets the surface (~55˚S). Although the models capture the greater vertical extent of clouds south of 55˚S, they fail to reproduce the observed increase in solar reflection, which we pinpoint to cloud phase biases. Increasing CMIP6 supercooled liquid cloud opacity should help reduce their persistent SW biases.

Southern Ocean↗
NASA NTRS1971

More solar models and neutrino fluxes.

Derivation of neutrino fluxes from a sequence of solar models that differ from one another in regard to opacity, equation of state, and nuclear cross-section factors. Using current estimates of the relevant input parameters, capture rates are obtained that range between three and ten times the most recent result of the Davis Cl 37 neutrino-capture experiment. The contribution to a theoretical capture rate due to neutrinos from all reactions other than B 8 decay ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 times the latest observational result. Comparison with results of other solar model calculations indicates reasonable agreement when results are normalized to the same input parameters.

Abraham, Z.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Evolution of Grains in a Turbulent Solar Nebula

Planetesimal formation by gravitational instability of a dust layer requires a nonturbulent solar nebula. The assumption that the solar nebula is a turbulent, convective accretion disk is explored. Self consistent models of a convective disk depend on high opacity of the disk material, which must be provided by grains. Grain coagulation is implied by the requirement of forming planetesimals, as the turbulent velocities (approx. 1/3 sound speed) in the accretion disk would disrupt any dust layer. Collisional coagulation could form large planetesimals, simultaneously leaving a sufficient fraction of matter in small grains to maintain the nebula's opacity. Or, coagulation of grains into small (approx. cm) aggregates could lower the opacity enough for turbulence to decay. The evolution of a population of grains in a turbulent solar nebula is calculated numerically.

Weidenschilling, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Numerical models of the primitive solar nebula.

The equations giving force balance in the radial and vertical directions in the primitive solar nebula are developed. The techniques used to compute the gravitational potential and to compute the opacity of the gas for energy transport in the vertical direction are described, as well as the properties of the primitive solar nebula models thus constructed. The rate at which gaseous dissipation should occur within the solar nebula, producing the sun by inward flow of matter, is discussed.

Cameron, A. G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Improved solar models constructed with a formulation of convection for stellar structure and evolution calculations without the mixing-length theory approximations

We have updated a previous attempt to incorporate within a solar model a treatment of convection based upon numerical simulations of convection rather than mixing-length theory (MLT). We have modified our formulation of convection for a better treatment of the kinetic energy flux. Our solar model has been updated to include a complete range of OPAL opacities, the Debye-Hueckel correction to the equation of state, helium diffusion due to gravitational settling, and atmospheres by Kurucz. We construct a series of models using both MLT and our revised formulation of convection and the compared results to measurements of the solar radius, the solar luminosity, and the depth of the solar convection zone as inferred from helioseismology. We find X(solar) = 0.702 +/- 0.005, Y(solar) = 0.278 +/- 0.005, and Z(solar) = 0.0193 +/- 0.0005.

Lydon, Thomas J.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Oceanic Tidal Mixing As a Contributor to Milankovitch-scale Climate Change

We propose that changes in the magnitude of oceanic tidal mixing on long time scales is an important, but previously unrecognized, contributor to global climate change. it is well known that Earth's orbital and rotational state changes significantly on 10(exp 4)-10(exp 5) year time scales, and that this influences the spatial and temporal pattern of incident radiation. It is widely supposed that climatic variations on these same time scales are, in large part, a response of the ocean-atmosphere-cryosphere system to this radiative forcing. Our proposal is that variations in the luni-solar tidal potential, induced by these same orbital and rotational variations, influences oceanic mixing and thus modulates meridional heat transport, by amounts which are competitive with the radiative forcing. There are some obvious differences between tidal potential and insolation. First is that the Sun and Moon both contribute to tides, whereas the radiation is entirely of solar origin. Second is that the Earth is transparent to gravity but opaque to radiation. Clipping associated with this opacity makes the radiation pattern temporal spectrum rather more complex than the tidal spectrum. A third point is that solar radiation directly delivers energy to Earth's surface whereas tidal mixing will only expedite lateral transport of heat in association with oceanic thermohaline circulation. The diurnal average insolation pattern is best parameterized via a Fourier series in time of year and Legendre polynomials in sine of latitude. Our present focus will be on the annual average terms. The Legendre degree n=0 term describes the global average insolation, and is nearly constant. The degree n=l term describes differences between northern and southern hemispheres, and the annual mean is zero. The degree n=2 term is the main contributor to the equator to pole variations, and varies with obliquity and orbital eccentricity, with the obliquity variation dominating. The lowest order decomposition of the tidal potential recognizes 3 constituents: semi-diurnal, diurnal, and long period, with solar and lunar contributions to each. Our present focus will be on long term variations in the mean square amplitude of the semi-diurnal constituent, with averaging over all the short period variations. For the solar tide that includes the day and year. For the lunar tide it includes the day, month, year, and the apsidal (8.85 year) and nodal (18.6 year) periods. We present calculations of the variations in radiative and tidal forcing for the past 3 million years. The two signals are quite similar. Both vary by approximately 1% of their respective mean values, are dominated by obliquity variations, and exhibit only secondary influence from orbital eccentricity.

Munk, Walter↗
NASA NTRS1985

Bremsstrahlung in the scattering of low-energy electrons by neutral atomic systems

By elementary methods, the cross section for electron-atom and electron-molecule bremsstrahlung is computed in the limit when the incident electron energy is much less than Ry. The procedure employs the classical soft-photon emission probability formula for general (h/2pi)(omega), yielding a simple expression for the bremsstrahlung cross section in terms of the total elastic scattering cross section. The validity of the method is discussed, and results are compared with more elaborate and accurate calculations. Comparison is made with ('free-free') opacity calculations for the associated process at the temperature (6300 K) of the solar atmosphere. For chi sub omega = (h/2pi)(omega)/kT = 1, the computed absorption coefficient is within 2, 7, and 12 percent of accurate calculations for scatterings by H, He, and H2, respectively. The general dependence of the opacity on chi sub omega is described well by the simple formula, although the error is larger for higher chi sub omega; it is suggested that the inaccuracy at high frequencies is due to the failure of the soft-photon approximation.

Gould, R. J.↗