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At least 1,117 records · Page 62
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NASA NTRS1990

Main-sequence mass loss and the lithium dip

The significant dip in observed lithium abundances for Population I stars near M about 1.3 solar mass is discussed. It is noted that this dip occurs near where the instability strip crosses the main sequence on the lower edge of the Delta Scuti stars and that stellar pulsations are expected to give rise to mass loss. A total mass loss of 0.05 solar mass over the main-sequence lifetime of these stars would be sufficient to explain the observations of lithium depletion. The absence of a dip in the Pleiades and of significant depletion of beryllium in the Hyades places tight constraints on the rate of mass loss. These constraints make unlikely the high main-sequence mass-loss rates which would significantly affect globular cluster ages.

Schramm, David N.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Stringent limits on the ionized mass loss from A and F dwarfs

Following the suggestion of Willson et al. (1987) that A- and F-type main-sequence stars might undergo significant mass loss due to pulsationally driven winds, upper limits to the ionized mass loss from A and F dwarfs have been obtained using VLA observations. These stringent upper limits show that the level of ionized mass loss would have at most only a small effect on stellar evolution. Radiative-equilibrium atmospheric and wind models for early A dwarfs indicate that it is highly likely that a wind flowing from such stars would be significantly ionized. In addition, late A and early F dwarfs exhibit chromospheric emission indicative of significant nonradiative heating. The present mass-loss limits are thus representative of the total mass-loss rates for these stars. It is concluded that A and F dwarfs are not losing sufficient mass to cause A dwarfs to evolve into G dwarfs.

Brown, Alexander↗
NASA NTRS1990

The whole earth telescope - A new astronomical instrument

A new multimirror ground-based telescope for time-series photometry of rapid variable stars, designed to minimize or eliminate gaps in the brightness record caused by the rotation of the earth, is described. A sequence of existing telescopes distributed in longitude, coordinated from a single control center, is used to measure designated target stars so long as they are in darkness. Data are returned by electronic mail to the control center, where they are analyzed in real time. This instrument is the first to provide data of continuity and quality that permit true high-resolution power spectroscopy of pulsating white dwarf stars.

Nather, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Performance of the large-area detectors for the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on the Gamma Ray Observatory

BATSE, one of four experiments on the Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO), is expected to provide the most sensitive observations of gamma-ray bursts yet obtained, as well as to provide long-term monitoring of hard X-ray and low-energy gamma-ray emission from bright pulsating sources, transients, and solar flares. Eight uncollimated modules, positioned at the corners of the spacecraft to provide an unobstructed view of the sky, detect sources by various techniques based on time variability. Use of detectors with anisotropic response allows location of gamma-ray bursts to be determined to an accuracy of about 1 deg using BATSE data alone. The completed BATSE underwent intensive testing and calibration prior to its delivery in October 1988.

Paciesas, W. S.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Photometry of the 4686 A emission line of gamma(2) Velorum from the South Pole

An automated optical telescope located at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole station on Antarctica, has been used to obtain more than 78 h of photometry of the He II emission line (4686 A) of the spectroscopic binary gamma(2) Velorum. These data were obtained on seven different days during the 1987 austral winter; the longest continuous run spans 19 h. Two independent period search techniques have been used to search for periodic behavior in the strength of the He II emission line of this Wolf-Rayet star. They are: (1) power spectrum analysis and (2) a first-order sine function fit to the data using least squares. Various multiplicities of a period on the order of 1.3 h with amplitudes of a few percent are found in most of these data. According to recent theoretical models of Wolf-Rayet stars, fluctuations in the He II emission line may indicate vibrational instability in gamma(2) Vel. These pulsations may, in turn, give rise to shocks which propagate outward and which may provide the necessary conditions for periodic changes in the state of a given region of the atmosphere to occur.

Taylor, Maryjane↗
NASA NTRS1985

An assessment of wind tunnel test data on flexible thermal protection materials and results of new fatigue tests of threads

Advanced Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation (AFRSI) was developed as a replacement for the low-temperature (white) tiles on the Space Shuttle. The first use of the AFRSI for an Orbiter flight was on the OMS POD of Orbiter (OV-099) for STS-6. Post flight examination after STS-6 showed that damage had occurred to the AFRSI during flight. The failure anomaly between previous wind-tunnel tests and STS-6 prompted a series of additional wind tunnel tests to gain an insight as to the cause of the failure. An assessment of all the past STS-6 wind tunnel tests pointed out the sensitivity of the test results to scaling of dynamic loads due to the difference of boundary layer thickness, and the material properties as a result of exposure to heating. The thread component of the AFRSI was exposed to fatigue testing using an apparatus that applied pulsating aerodynamic loads on the threads similar to the loads caused by an oscillating shock. Comparison of the mean values of the number-of-cycles to failure showed that the history of the thread was the major factor in its performance. The thread and the wind tunnel data suggests a mechanism of failure for the AFRSI.

Coe, Charles F.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Cepheid companions? FM Aquilae, FN Aquilae, RX Aurigae, Y Lacertae, and RS Orionis

IUE spectra have been used to search for companions of FN Aql and RX Aur, two classical Cepheids which have been tentatively identified as binary stars on the basis of cyclic variations in their pulsation periods. Three other Cepheids, FM Aql, Y Lac, and RS Ori, suspected of having blue companions from the (U-B), (B-V) diagram, have also been investigated. There is no indication of a companion of FM Aql, FN Aql, and RX Aur. If these stars have companions, they must be at least as cool as A0 V, Al V, and A1 V, respectively.

Evans, Nancy Remage↗
NASA NTRS1990

Chromospheric variability of M giant semiregular variables

The results of monitoring the chromospheric emission from three M giant semiregular variables, W Cyg, NU Pav, and Theta Aps at low dispersion with the IUE satellite are reported along with high-dispersion IUE spectra for R Lyr and Delta(2) Lyr. The chromospheric emission is variable in all of the first three stars, and the Mg II strength generally follows changes in the continuum. However, the changes are not directly proportional, and there is a phase lag between the emission in the continuum and that in the Mg II lines, at least in W Cyg and probably in NU Pav. R Lyr showed changes in Mg II lines strengths and profiles uncorrelated with Al II 2669 A strength or with the strengths of fluorescent Fe I lines. The chromospheres of all these stars are clearly modified by stellar pulsation. The position and extent of the emitting layers of the chromospheres of the stars are estimated.

Eaton, Joel A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Observational features of field line resonances excited by solar wind pressure variations on 4 September 1984

The purpose of the study is to establish the most probable excitation mechanism of the magnetic storm occurred after an inverse sudden impulse on September 4, 1984. Geomagnetic pulsations in the Pc5-frequency range observed at magnetometer stations are evaluated. Attention is focused on two events of the enhanced activity: for the first one, conjugate observations on the ground are assessed and then compared with satellite-based observations on adjacent field lines; for the second event two hours later, data from an extended azimuthal range is employed. It is pointed out that the observations are consistent with the theory of filed-line resonance, and may be interpreted as excitations caused by pressure variations in the solar wind. Both magnetopause-surface waves and cavity resonances are excited; the cavity mode drives toroidal field-line oscillations at locations where its frequency matches the resonance frequency of the field lines.

Warnecke, J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Quasi-perpendicular/quasi-parallel divisions of earth's bow shock

Computer-drawn diagrams of the boundaries between quasi-perpendicular and quasi-parallel areas of earth's bow shock are displayed for a few selected cone angles of static interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). The effect on the boundary of variable IMF in the foreshock is also discussed and shown for one nominal case. The boundaries demand caution in applying them to the realistic, dynamic conditions of the solar wind and in interpreting the effects of small cone angles on the distributions of structures at the shock. However, the calculated, first-order boundaries are helpful in defining areas of the shock where contributions from active structures inherent in quasi-parallel geometry may be distinguishable from those derived secondarily from upstream reflected ion dynamics. The boundaries are also compatible with known behavior of daytime ULF geomagnetic waves and pulsations according to models postulating that cone angle-controlled, time-dependent ULF activity around the subsolar point of the bow shock provides the source of geomagnetic excitation.

Greenstadt, E. W.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The AMPTE program's contribution to studies of the solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere interaction

The Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers (AMPTE) program provided important information on the behavior of clouds of plasma artificially injected into the solar wind and the earth's magnetosphere. Now that the releases are over, data from the satellites are being analyzed to investigate the processes by which the ambient solar wind mass, momentum, and energy are transferred to the magnetosphere. Work in progress at APL indicates that the solar wind is much more inhomogeneous than previously believed, that the solar wind constantly buffets the magnetosphere, and that ground observers may remotely sense these interactions as geomagnetic pulsations.

Sibeck, David G.↗
NASA NTRS1991

High sensitivity of p-modes near the acoustic cutoff frequency to solar model parameters

The p-mode frequencies of low l have been calculated for solar models with initial helium mass fraction varying from Y = 0.2753-0.2875. The differences in frequency of the p-modes in the frequency range, 2500-4500 microHz, do not exceed 1-5 microHz among the models. But in the vicinity of the acoustic cutoff frequency, near 5000 microHz the p-mode frequency differences are enhanced by a factor of 4. The enhanced sensitivity of p-modes near the acoustic cutoff frequency was further tested by calculating and comparing p-mode frequencies of low l for two solar models one incorporating the Eddington T-tau relation and the other the Krishna Swamy T-tau relation. Again, it is found that p-modes with frequencies near the acoustic cutoff frequency show a significant increase in sensitivity to the different T-tau relations, compared to lower frequency p-modes. It is noted that frequencies above the acoustic cutoff frequency are complex, hence, cannot be modeled by the adiabatic pulsation code (assumes real eigenfrequencies) used in these calculations.

Guenther, D. B.↗
NASA NTRS1991

HEAO 3 upper limits to pulsed gamma-ray emission from PSR 1509 - 58 and PSR 0833 - 45

This paper reports upper limits to the 50 keV-10 MeV gamma-ray pulsations from PSR 1509 - 58 and PSR 0833 - 45 (Vela) made with the HEAO 3 gamma-ray spectrometer. The 2 sigam upper limit to the 50 - 300 keV flux from PSR 1509 - 58 is 6.9 x 10 to the -6th photons/sq cm per sec per keV. Combined with the best-fit X-ray spectrum, this limit suggests there is a break in the spectrum below about 100 keV. This upper limit is not stringent enough, however, to distinguish between thermal and nonthermal models for the source of the X-ray emission. The 2 sigma upper limit to the 3.2 - 10 MeV flux from PSR 0833 - 45 is 4.9 x 10 to the -8th photons/sq cm per sec per keV.

Ulmer, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A comparison of ULF fluctuations in the solar wind, magnetosheath, and dayside magnetosphere. I - Magnetosheath morphology. II - Field and plasma conditions in the magnetosheath

Simultaneous data from ISEE 1 and 2 in the upstream solar wind, from AMPTE IRM in the subsolar magnetosheath, and from AMPTE CCE in the dayside magnetosphere are used to investigate the properties of the magnetosheath responsible for the transmission into the magnetosphere the ULF waves generated in the solar wind upstream of a quasi-parallel bow shock. The data are used to characterize the magnetosheath both during the periods when azimuthally polarized resonant harmonic ULF magnetic pulsations were observed in the dayside outer maagnetosphere, and when they were not. In addition, a detailed analysis is carried out of magnetic field and plasma conditions in the subsolar magnetosheath during these and other periods.

Engebretson, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A study of the relationship between micropulsations and solar wind properties

A year-long comparison between daily averages of solar wind parameters obtained from the MIT experiment on IMP-8 and micropulsation measurements made by the Universita dell'Aquila has shown a correlation between solar wind speed and micropulsation power with peaks of the correlation coefficient greater than 0.8 in the period range from 20 to 40 s. Different behavior observed for different period bands suggests that the shorter period activity tends to precede the highest values of the solar wind speed while the longer period activity tends to persist for longer intervals within high velocity solar wind streams. A comparison with simultaneous interplanetary magnetic field measurements supports the upstream origin of the observed ground pulsations.

Yedidia, B. A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Multimission observations of 4U 1538 - 52

Archival data from the eclipsing binary X-ray pulsar 4U 1538 - 52 have been analyzed. These data were obtained from four different X-ray missions and span a baseline of 12 yr. Scanning observations were made using the Uhuru satellite during May 9-15, 1972 and using HEAO A1 during August 26-31, 1977 and February 22-28, 1978. Pointed observations were made using the Einstein Observatory during March 2, 1979 and Exosat during March 17, August 7-8 and 10-11, 1984. These data are used to improve the orbital period determination, to set a limit to the change in orbital period, and to improve the knowledge of the pulse period as a function of time. Exosat pulse profiles are presented and pulse-phase spectroscopy is performed. The pulsation observations of 4U 1538 - 52 are modeled geometrically, and parameters for magnetic beaming of the accretion column are derived.

Cominsky, L. R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Boundary layer receptivity to unsteady free-stream pressure gradients

A linear triple-deck theory is applied to an examination of the response of a boundary layer to short-scale variations in an unsteady free-stream disturbance field. Two-dimensional incompressible flows are considered, and a locally-parallel Blasius mean flow is assumed. A simple pulsating pressure source and a traveling pressure field in the free-stream are modeled by introducing appropriate pressure sources in the upper deck of the triple-deck structure. The modification in unsteady thickness is obtained for these cases, the results are related to the Tollmien-Schlichting instability wave, and the generation of unstable Tollmien-Schlichting waves for both experiments modeled is confirmed.

Heinrich, Roland A. E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Baade-Wesselink radii for NGC 1866 Cepheids

Radial velocities and CCD photometry suitable for a Baade-Wesselink analysis are now available for six short-period Cepheids (HV12198, HV12199, HV12202, HV12203, HV12204, and V4) in the LMC cluster NGC 1866. As a prerequisite for such an analysis, O-C diagrams have been constructed and examined for seven of the NGC 1866 Cepheids (HV12197, HV12198, HV12199, HV12200, HV12202, HV12203, and HV12204), yielding improved periods and estimates of the rate of period change in these coeval variables. One star, HV12198, shows possible evidence for period change, but the phase mismatch due to that change is small enough to have negligible effect on its Baade-Wesselink radius. The computed radii are in good agreement with the Baade-Wesselink, theoretical and cluster/association period-radius relations of Fernie (1984) and the Galactic relation of Coulson and Caldwell (1989). The Flower (1977) color-effective temperature relation and the Becker et al. (1977) mass-luminosity relation lead to mean masses of 4.9 + or - 0.5 solar masses and 4.6 + or - 0.5 solar masses for the respective metallicities of (Y,Z) = (0.0273,0.0016) and (0.026,0.02). Pulsation constants are also computed for these stars.

Cote, Patrick↗