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At least 1,207 records · Page 67

Solar wind disturbances in th outer heliosphere caused by successive solar flares from the same active region

Solar wind disturbances caused by successive flares from the same active region are traced to about 20 AU, using the modeling method developed by Hakamada and Akasofu (1982). It is shown that the flare-generated shock waves coalesce with the co-rotating interaction region of the interplanetary magnetic field, resulting in a large-scale magnetic field structure in the outer heliosphere. Such a structure may have considerable effects on the propagation of galactic cosmic rays.

Akasofu, S. I.↗

Repairing Solar Max: The Solar Maximum Repair Mission

Technology and procedures designed for replacing a faulty attitude control module and scientific instruments on the only orbiting solar observatory are described. The rationale for the repair mission is given and the operations of the flight support system within the cargo bay of the space shuttle are discussed. The use of the manned maneuvering unit in capturing the satellite and of the remote manipulator arm in berthing it are discussed, as well as the space tools to be used for repair operations. The space crew and their responsibilities are identified.

Mcmahan, T.↗

Correlated observations of impulsive UV and hard X-ray bursts in solar flares from the solar maximum mission

An investigation is conducted of the temporal and spatial structures of UV and hard X-ray bursts in a disk and a limb flare observed with instruments on the Solar Maximum Mission satellite. Attention is given to the transient UV brightening before the flare, the impulsive enhancement of UV continuum emission, the relationship between emission source region and particle acceleration region, and large scale excitations. The most active part of the active region appears to be the most flare-productive region. These regions exhibit high UV activities with numerous UV transient bursts occurring in many small kernels.

Cheng, C.-C.↗

Proceedings of the Flat-plate Solar Array Project Research Forum on High-efficiency Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells

The high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells research forum addressed high-efficiency concepts, surface-interface effects, bulk effects, modeling and device processing. The topics were arranged into six interactive sessions, which focused on the state-of-the-art of device structures, identification of barriers to achieve high-efficiency cells and potential ways to overcome these barriers.

Kachare, R.↗

Solar coronal and photospheric abundances from solar energetic particle measurements

Solar energetic particle (SEP) elemental abundance data from the Cosmic Ray Subsystem (CRS) aboard the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft are used to derive unfractionated coronal and photospheric abundances for elements with 3 = or Z or = 30. The ionic charge-to-mass ratio (Q/M) is the principal organizing parameter for the fractionation of SEPs by acceleration and propagation processes and for flare-to-flare variability, making possible a single-parameter Q/M-dependent correction to the average SEP abundances to obtain unfractionated coronal abundances. A further correction based on first ionization potential allows the determination of unfractionated photospheric abundances.

Breneman, H.↗

Solar Coronal and photospheric abundances from solar energetic particle measurements

Solar energetic particle (SEP) elemental abundance data from the cosmic ray subsystem (CRS) aboard the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft are used to derive unfractionated coronal and photospheric abundances for elements with 3 Z or = 30. It is found that the ionic charge-to-mass ratio (Q/M) is the principal organizing parameter for the fractionation of SEPs by acceleration and propagation processes and for flare-to-flare variability, making possible a single-parameter Q/M-dependent correction to the average SEP abundances to obtain unfractionated coronal abundances. A further correction based on first ionization potential allows the determination of unfractionated photospheric abundances.

Breneman, H.↗

The solar flare heavy ion environment for single-event upsets - A summary of observations over the last solar cycle, 1973-1983

A summary of observations of the flux of 25 to 400 MeV/nucleon heavy ions from solar flares is presented covering the period from late 1973 to early 1984. Distributions of flare occurrence frequency versus fluence, energy spectra, and composition are presented for the 30 events observed during this period, to quantify the variability of the heavy ion environment. A comparison of these data to a model environment suggests some refinements to the model. LET spectra based on the worst case flare observed are presented to illustrate the significance of the flare ion distribution and the importance of accurate shielding estimates.

Chenette, D. L.↗

Variation of cosmic rays and solar wind properties with respect to the heliospheric current sheet. I - Five-GeV protons and solar wind speed

One of the principal uncertainties in understanding the propagation of cosmic rays in the heliosphere is related to the role of latitudinal transport by gradient and curvature drifts. The steady state distribution of cosmic rays with respect to the heliospheric current sheet or in latitude may possibly provide some information regarding the existing problems. Newkirk and Lockwood (1981) have considered the current sheet with respect to its role as a natural surface of symmetry for the propagation of cosmic rays in the heliosphere. The present investigation represents an extension of this study. Central objectives are related to a determination of the gradient of 5-GeV cosmic rays with respect to the heliospheric current sheet at 1 AU, the possible effect of the solar cycle upon such gradients, and an evaluation of the ability of several theoretical models to explain the gradients.

Newkirk, G., Jr.↗

Renewing solar science: The solar maximum repair mission

The purpose of the Solar Maximum Repair Mission is to restore the operational capacity of the satellite by replacing the attitude control system module and servicing two of the scientific instruments on board. The mission will demonstrate the satellite servicing capacity of the Space Shuttle for the first time.

Neal, V.↗

Solar Stirling receiver alternatives for the terrestrial solar application

Concept studies have been completed for four dish-Stirling receivers, i.e., solar only and thermal storage receiver, each of which is either directly coupled or indirectly (heat pipe) coupled to the Stirling engine. The results of these studies are to be applied to systems benefit/cost analysis to determine the most desirable development approach.

Stearns, J.↗

Loss mechanisms in high-efficiency solar cells: Study of material properties and high-efficiency solar-cell performance on material composition: Project tasks

Loss mechanisms in high-efficiency solar cells were discussed. Fundamental limitations and practical solutions were stressed. Present cell efficiency is limited by many recombination sites: emitter, base, contacts, and oxide/silicon interface. Use of polysilicon passivation was suggested. After reduction of these losses, a 25% efficient cell could be built. A floating emitter cell design was shown that had the potential of low recombination losses.

Sah, C. T.↗

A comparison of artificial solar granules with real solar granules

The properties of computer-generated images of solar granules were compared with data from the literature and with observations of granules from 1975 and 1979. The lifetimes, shapes, and dimensions of the granules were estimated, and the results are discussed. No significant differences were found between the artificial images and the observed granules. The ratios of width to length among the artificial granules are given in a table.

Woehl, H.↗

Solar coronal and photospheric abundances from solar energetic particle measurements

Solar energetic particle (SEP) elemental abundance data from the cosmic ray subsystem (CRS) aboard the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft are used to derive unfractionated coronal and photospheric abundances for elements with Z = 6-30. It is found that the ionic charge-to-mass ratio (Q/M) is the principal organizing parameter for the fractionation of SEPs by acceleration and propagation processes and for flare-to-flare variability, making possible a single-parameter Q/M-dependent correction to the average SEP abundances to obtain unfractionated coronal abundances. A further correction based on first ionization potential allows the determination of unfractionated photospheric abundances.

Breneman, H. H.↗

A magnetohydrodynamic model of the interaction of the solar wind with the Jovian magnetosphere and a magnetohydrodynamic simulation of the interaction of the solar wind with the out flowing plasma from a comet

A three-dimensional code for a rapidly rotating magnetosphere in which the MHD equations and the Maxwell equations were solved by using the two step Lax Endroff scheme, was developed. Preliminary results were presented at the Fall AGU meeting in San Francisco. The basic simulation model to study the solar wind interactions was adapted to other bodies in addition to Jupiter. Because of the recent comet flybys, a comet was chosen as the first model. The aim was to model the formation of the contact surface and the plasma tail. Later, work was begun on a three-dimensional model which would include the effects of mass loading. This model was designed to study the weak cometary bow shocks observed by the probes to comets Halley and Giacobini-Zinner. The model was successful in reproducing the position and shape of the bow shock which was determined by using observations from the Suisei spacecraft.

Walker, R. J.↗

Solar wind-plasma interaction - The AMPTE solar wind plasma releases

A summary is given of the most important effects observed during the 3 AMPTE solar wind ion releases. Some of these effects may be of relevance in comparable astrophysical situations when large amounts of matter are injected into an ambient magnetized plasma streaming with a velocity much larger than the sonic and Alfvenic Mach numbers. For detailed presentations the reader is referred to the original publications listed in the References.

Bauer, O. H.↗

Electricity from photovoltaic solar cells. Flat-Plate Solar Array Project of the US Department of Energy's National Photovoltaics Program: 10 years of progress

The objectives were to develop the flat-plate photovoltaic (PV) array technologies required for large-scale terrestrial use late in the 1980s and in the 1990s; advance crystalline silicon PV technologies; develop the technologies required to convert thin-film PV research results into viable module and array technology; and to stimulate transfer of knowledge of advanced PV materials, solar cells, modules, and arrays to the PV community. Progress reached on attaining these goals, along with future recommendations are discussed.

Christensen, Elmer↗

The directivity of high-energy emission from solar flares - Solar Maximum Mission observations

The data base consisting of flares detected by the gamma-ray spectrometer (GRS) on board the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) satellite is used to study the directivity of high-energy radiation. A number of observations are presented that, strongly indicate that the high-energy emission from flares is anisotropic. They are the following: (1) the fraction of events detected at energies above 300 keV near the limb is higher than is expected for isotropically emitting flares; (2) there is a statistically significant center-to-limb variation in the 300 keV to 1 MeV spectra of flares detected by the SMM GRS; (3) the 25-200 keV hard X-ray spectra measured during the impulsive phase by the SMM GRS show a center-to-limb variation; and (4) nearly all of the events detected at above 10 MeV are located near the limb.

Vestrand, W. Thomas↗

Estimates of the solar internal angular velocity obtained with the Mt. Wilson 60-foot solar tower

Estimates are obtained of the solar internal angular velocity from measurements of the frequency splittings of p-mode oscillations. A 16-day time series of full-disk Dopplergrams obtained during July and August 1984 at the 60-foot tower telescope of the Mt. Wilson Observatory is analyzed. Power spectra were computed for all of the zonal, tesseral, and sectoral p-modes from l = 0 to 89 and for all of the sectoral p-modes from l = 90 to 200. A mean power spectrum was calculated for each degree up to 89. The frequency differences of all of the different nonzonal modes were calculated for these mean power spectra.

Rhodes, Edward J., Jr.↗