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NASA NTRS1999

Chandra Serendipitous and Cycle 1 Targeted Surveys

A team led by scientists at the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC, formally known as the AXAF Science Center) is developing plans for a Serendipitous Survey using a selected subset of Chandra observations starting with Cycle 1. This survey will include two parts: (1) for sources sufficiently bright to be identified in available sky surveys (V approximately < 21), probable optical identifications and related imaging data will be, provided with the X-ray data as part of the Chandra data products. (2) at fainter flux X-ray source identifications will be determined from publically available, archival data and new optical imaging observations. We estimate that this survey will yield approximately 2500 source identifications in Cycle 1 down to X-ray flux levels approximately 10(exp -15) erg/sq cm.s and covering an area of sky approximately 10 sq degs. Optical spectroscopy and radio imaging will also be obtained for a subset of these sources. We are exploring appropriate ways to involve interested Chandra observers as well as other scientists in this survey project. A general overview of the various surveys which comprise a portion of the Chandra Cycle 1 GTO and GO programs and are not covered elsewhere in these proceedings will also be presented.

Wilkes, Belinda↗
NASA NTRS1998

Earth Observing System: Science Objectives and Challenges

The Earth Observing System (EOS) is a space-based observing system comprised of a series of satellite sensors by which scientists can monitor the Earth, a Data and Information System (EOSDIS) enabling researchers worldwide to access the satellite data, and an interdisciplinary science research program to interpret the satellite data. In this presentation I will describe the key areas of scientific uncertainty in understanding climate and global change, and follow that with a description of the EOS goals, objectives, and scientific research elements that comprise the program (instrument science teams and interdisciplinary investigations). Finally, I will describe how scientists and policy makers intend to use EOS data to improve our understanding of key global change uncertainties, such as: (i) clouds and radiation, including fossil fuel and natural emissions of sulfate aerosol and its potential impact on cloud feedback, (ii) man's impact on ozone depletion, with examples of ClO and O3 obtained from the UARS satellite during the Austral Spring, and (iii) volcanic eruptions and their impact on climate, with examples from the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.

King, Michael D.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Biological and Organic Chemical Decomposition of Silicates

The weathering of silicate rocks and minerals, an important concern of geologists and geochemists for many years, traditionally has been approached from strictly physical and chemical points of view. Biological effects were either unrecognized, ignored, or were mentioned in passing to account for such phenomena as the accumulation of organic matter in sediments or the generation of reducing environments. A major exception occurred in soil science where agricultural scientists, studying the factors important in the development of soils and their ability to nourish and sustain various crops, laid the foundation for much of what is known of the biological breakdown of silicate rocks and minerals. The advent of the space age accelerated the realization that many environmental problems and geo- chemical processes on Earth can only be understood in terms of ecosystems. This in turn, spurred renewed interest and activity among modem biologists, geologists and soil scientists attempting to unravel the intimate relations between biology and the weathering of silicate rocks and minerals of the earth surface.

Silverman, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1998

RIACS

The Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science (RIACS) was established by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) at the NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) on June 6, 1983. RIACS is privately operated by USRA, a consortium of universities that serves as a bridge between NASA and the academic community. Under a five-year co-operative agreement with NASA, research at RIACS is focused on areas that are strategically enabling to the Ames Research Center's role as NASA's Center of Excellence for Information Technology. The primary mission of RIACS is charted to carry out research and development in computer science. This work is devoted in the main to tasks that are strategically enabling with respect to NASA's bold mission in space exploration and aeronautics. There are three foci for this work: (1) Automated Reasoning. (2) Human-Centered Computing. and (3) High Performance Computing and Networking. RIACS has the additional goal of broadening the base of researcher in these areas of importance to the nation's space and aeronautics enterprises. Through its visiting scientist program, RIACS facilitates the participation of university-based researchers, including both faculty and students, in the research activities of NASA and RIACS. RIACS researchers work in close collaboration with NASA computer scientists on projects such as the Remote Agent Experiment on Deep Space One mission, and Super-Resolution Surface Modeling.

Moore, Robert C.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Earth Observing System: Present Capabilities and Promises for the Future

The Earth Observing System (EOS) is a space-based observing system comprised of a series of satellite sensors by which scientists can monitor the Earth, a Data and Information System (EOSDIS) enabling researchers worldwide to access the satellite data, and an interdisciplinary science research program to interpret the satellite data. During this year 5 EOS science missions are scheduled for launch, representing observations of (i) total solar irradiance, (ii) Earth radiation budget, (iii) land cover & land use change, (iv) ocean processes (vector wind, sea surface temperature, and ocean color), (v) atmospheric processes (aerosol and cloud properties, water vapor, and temperature and moisture profiles), and (vi) atmospheric chemistry (both tropospheric and stratospheric). In succeeding years many more satellites will be launched that will contribute immeasurably to our understanding of the Earth's environment. In this presentation I will describe how scientists intend to use MODIS, an earth-viewing cross-track scanning spectroradiometer to be launched on the Terra satellite in summer 1999, for the remote sensing of cloud and aerosol properties. MODIS will scan a swath width sufficient to provide nearly complete global coverage every two days from a polar-orbiting, sun-synchronous, platform at an altitude of 705 km. In addition, I will describe key elements of other instruments recently launched or planned for flight in the coming months. Finally, I will lay out a plan for the future space-based observing system being planned by NASA and its partners.

King, Michael D.↗
NASA NTRS1999

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission and Vern Suomi 's Vital Role

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission was a new concept of measuring rainfall over the global tropics using a combination of instruments, including the first weather radar to be flown in space. An important objective of the mission was to obtain profiles of latent heat in order to initialize large-scale circulation models and to understand the relationship between short-term climate changes in relation to rainfall variability. The idea originated in the early 1980's from scientists at the Goddard Space Flight Center/NASA who had been involved with attempts to measure rain with a passive microwave instrument on Nimbus 5 and had compared its results with rain falling in the area covered by the GATE1 radar ships. Using an imaginary satellite flying over the GATE ships, scientists showed that a satellite with an inclined orbit of 30-35 degrees could obtain monthly rainfalls with a sampling error of less than 10 percent over 5 degree by 5 degree areas. The Japanese proposed that they could build a nadir-scanning rain radar for the satellite. Vern Suomi was excited by this mission from the outset, since he recognized the great importance of adequate rainfall measurements over the tropical oceans. He was a charter member of the Science Steering Team and prepared a large part of the Report. While the mission attracted strong support in the science community, it was opposed by some of the high-level NASA management who feared its competition for funds with some much larger Earth Science satellites. Vern was able to overcome this opposition and to generate Congressional support, so that the Project finally got underway on both sides of the Pacific in 1991. The paper will discuss the design of the satellite, its data system and ground validation program. TP.NM was successfully launched in late 1997. Early results will be described. 1 GATE stands for GARP Atlantic Tropical Experiment and GARP stands for Global Atmospheric Research Program.

Simpson, Joanne↗
NASA NTRS1999

VON and Its Use in NASA's International Space Station Science Operation

This presentation will provide a brief overview of a International Space Station (ISS) remote user (scientist/experimenter) operation. Specifically, the presentation will show how Voice over IP (VoIP) is integrated into the ISS science payload operation and in the mission voice system. Included will be the details on how a scientist, using VON, will talk to the ISS onboard crew and ground based cadre from a scientist's home location (lab, office or garage) over tile public Internet and science nets. Benefit(s) to tile ISS Program (and taxpayer) and of VoIP versus other implementations also will be presented.

Bradford, Robert N.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Intercomparison, Visualization, and Analysis Testbed System for EOS Global Assimilated Datasets and Satellite Data

The Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) of the University of Wisconsin - Madison had two primary goals for NASA grant NAG5-2906. (1) Collaborate with scientists at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to integrate SSEC's Vis5D software into NASA's Interactive Image Spread Sheet (IISS). Vis5D provides environmental modelers with interactive three-dimensional visualization of their model output. Integration of Vis5D with the IISS would give 3-D graphics capability to the iiss. (2) Make improvements in Vis5D as required by scientists at the NASA Data Assimilation Office (DAO). We were successful in both of these goals. Furthermore, the generic approach taken to achieving the first goal has enabled Vis5D to be integrated into many other software systems.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1979

Biological and Organic Chemical Decomposition of Silicates

The weathering of silicate rocks and minerals, an important concern of geologists and geochemists for many years, traditionally has been approached from strictly physical and chemical points of view. Biological effects were either unrecognized, ignored, or were mentioned in passing to account for such phenomena as the accumulation of organic matter in sediments or the generation of reducing environments. A major exception occurred in soil science where agricultural scientists, studying the factors important in the development of soils and their ability to nourish and sustain various crops, laid the foundation for much of what is known of the biological breakdown of silicate rocks and minerals. The advent of the space age accelerated the realization that many environmental problems and geochemical processes on Earth can only be understood in terms of ecosystems. This in turn, spurred renewed interest and activity among modem biologists, geologists and soil scientists attempting to unravel the intimate relations between biology and the weathering of silicate rocks and minerals of the earth's surface.

Sliverman, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1998

1998 Gordon Research Conference on Gravitational Effects on Living Systems

The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on GRAVITATIONAL EFFECTS ON LIVING SYSTEMS was held at COLBY SAYWER 2 from 7/12/98 thru 7/17/98. The Conference was well-attended with 94 participants (attendees list attached). The attendees represented the spectrum of endeavor in this field coming from academia, industry, and government laboratories, both U.S. and foreign scientists, senior researchers, young investigators, and students. In designing the formal speakers program, emphasis was placed on current unpublished research and discussion of the future target areas in this field. There was a conscious effort to stimulate lively discussion about the key issues in the field today. Time for formal presentations was limited in the interest of group discussions. In order that more scientists could communicate their most recent results, poster presentation time was scheduled. Attached is a copy of the formal schedule and speaker program and the poster program. In addition to these formal interactions, "free time" was scheduled to allow informal discussions. Such discussions are fostering new collaborations and joint efforts in the field. As you know, in the interest of promoting the presentation of unpublished and frontier-breaking research, Gordon Research Conferences does not permit publication of meeting proceedings.

Evans, Michael L.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Ulysses News Conference

The focus of this lecture is to discuss the purpose of the Ulysses mission. The mission objective is to study magnetic fields, cosmic rays and the solar winds from both the equator and the (North and South) poles of the Sun. The moderator of this lecture is Dr. Steve Maran, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, and panel members include Dr. Richard Marsden, ESA (European Space Agency) Project Scientist, Dr. Edward J. Smith, JPL/NASA Project Scientist, Dr. Antoinette Galvin, University of Maryland College Park, Dr. Randy Jokipii, University of Arizona, and Dr. John Phillips, Los Alamos National Laboratory. Each panel member contributes to the informative nature of this live video coverage. Topics discussed are the direction of the magnetic fields, solar winds, and cosmic rays. Visual aids of this lecture consist of various slides and computerized simulations.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1999

Earth Observing System: Science Objectives and Challenges

The Earth Observing System (EOS) is a space-based observing system comprised of a series of satellite sensors by which scientists can monitor the Earth, a Data and Information System (EOSDIS) enabling researchers worldwide to access the satellite data, and an interdisciplinary science research program to interpret the satellite data. In this presentation we review the key areas of scientific uncertainty in understanding climate and global change, and follow that with a description of the EOS goals, objectives, and scientific research elements that comprise the program (instrument science teams and interdisciplinary investigations). Finally, I will describe how scientists and policy makers intend to use EOS data improve our understanding of key global change uncertainties, such as: (i) clouds and radiation, including fossil fuel and natural emissions of sulfate aerosol and its potential impact on cloud feedback, (ii) man's impact on ozone depletion, with examples of ClO and O3 obtained from the UARS satellite during the Austral Spring, and (iii) volcanic eruptions and their impact on climate, with examples from the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.

King, Michael D.↗
NASA NTRS1998

1998 Gordon Research Conference on Gravitational Effects on Living Systems

The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on GRAVITATIONAL EFFECTS ON LIVING SYSTEMS was held at COLBY SAYWER 2 from 7/12/98 thru 7/17/98. The Conference was well-attended with 94 participants. The attendees represented the spectrum of endeavor in this field coming from academia, industry, and government laboratories, both U.S. and foreign scientists, senior researchers, young investigators, and students. In designing the formal speakers program, emphasis was placed on current unpublished research and discussion of the future target areas in this field. There was a conscious effort to stimulate lively discussion about the key issues in the field today. Time for formal presentations was limited in the interest of group discussions. In order that more scientists could communicate their most recent results, poster presentation time was scheduled. A copy of the formal schedule and speaker program and the poster program is included. In addition to these formal interactions, "free time" was scheduled to allow informal discussions. Such discussions are fostering new collaborations and joint efforts in the field.

Evans, Michael L.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Clouds and Radiation from the Earth Observing System

The Earth Observing System (EOS) is a space-based observing system comprised of a series of satellite sensors by which scientists can monitor the Earth, a Data and Information System (EOSDIS) enabling researchers worldwide to access the satellite data, and an interdisciplinary science research program to interpret the satellite data. During this year, four EOS science missions are scheduled for launch, representing observations of (i) total solar irradiance, (ii) Earth radiation budget, (iii) land cover & land use change, (iv) ocean processes (vector wind, sea surface temperature, and ocean color), (v) atmospheric processes (aerosol and cloud properties, water vapor, and temperature and moisture profiles), and (vi) tropospheric chemistry. In succeeding years many more satellites will be launched that will contribute immeasurably to our understanding of the Earth's environment. In this presentation we will describe how scientists are using MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), an earth-viewing cross-track scanning spectroradiometer on the Terra (AM-1) satellite, for the remote sensing of cloud and aerosol properties. MODIS scans a swath width sufficient to provide nearly complete global coverage every two days from a polar-orbiting, sun-synchronous, platform at an altitude of 705 km, and provides images in 36 spectral bands between 0.415 and 14.235 pm with spatial resolutions of 250 m (2 bands), 500 m (5 bands) and 1000 m (29 bands). These bands have been carefully selected to enable advanced studies of land, ocean, and atmosphere processes.

King, Michael D.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Galileo Space Probe News Conference

This NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) video release presents Part 1 of a press conference regarding the successful entry of the Galileo Space Probe into Jupiter's atmosphere. The press conference panel is comprised of twelve principal investigators and project scientists that oversee the Galileo mission. Among these panelists, William J. O'Neil (Jet Propulsion Lab.) begins the video praising all of the scientists that worked on the orbiter mission. He then presents a visual overview of Galileo's overall mission trajectory and schedule. Marcie Smith (NASA Ames Research Center) then describes the Galileo Probe mission and the overall engineering and data acquisition aspects of the Probe's Jupiter atmospheric entry. Dr. Richard Young (NASA Ames Research Center) follows with a brief scientific overview, describing the measurements of the atmospheric composition as well as the instruments that were used to gather the data. Atmospheric pressure, temperature, density, and radiation levels of Jupiter were among the most important parameters measured. It is explained that these measurements would be helpful in determining among other things, the overall dynamic meteorology of Jupiter. A question and answer period follows the individual presentations. Atmospheric thermal structure, water abundances, wind profiles, radiation, cloud structure, chemical composition, and electricity are among the topics discussed. Parts 2 and 3 of the press conference can be found in document numbers NONP-NASA-VT-2000001074, and NONP-NASA-VT-2000001075.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1998

Book Review: Physics of the Space Environment

Space physics, narrowly defined as the study of Earth's plasma environment, has had an identity crisis throughout its relatively brief existence as a discipline. - The limited and often serendipitous nature of the data requires the research style of an astrophysicist. However, the in situ observations and instrumentation that are central to the field are quite different from the remote observations and instrumentation of astronomy. Compared to neutral gases, the wealth of additional phenomena and the complexity associated with magnetized plasmas and their interaction leaves little in common with the atmospheric scientist. Although the phenomena studied in space physics are ultimately important to astrophysics, the intimate measurements of plasma properties provide a greater commonality with the plasma physicist. Space physics has experienced something of a renaissance in the past few years. The interdisciplinary umbrella "Solar-Terrestrial Physics" or "Sun-Earth Connection" has stimulated an increasing interaction of space physicists, solar physicists and atmospheric scientists. Spectacular images of the Sun from Yohkoh and SOHO and solar-activity-related damage to communications satellites have increased the public's awareness of and interest in "space weather". The dangers of energetic particles and currents in space to technological systems and to future space exploration have elevated space physics observations from interesting scientific measurements that can be included on a space probe to critically important measurements that must be made.

Holman, Gordon D.↗
NASA NTRS1999

STS-93/ Chandra Science Briefing

This video shows a press briefing, reviewing the type of information which scientist hope to get from the Chandra X-ray Telescope. The telescope is scheduled to be launched during the STS-93 flight. The participants in the briefing are: Don Savage, of NASA Headquarters; Ed Weiler, Associate Administrator for Space Sciences; Alan Bunner, Chandra Project Scientist and Michael Turner, an astrophysicist at the University of Chicago. After the introduction by Mr. Savage, the broad scientific goals of the Chandra mission are reviewed by Dr. Weiler. This is followed by an acknowledgement of many of the people who participated in the development of the Chandra Telescope. This is followed by a discussion of the astrophysics and the information which the telescope should provide. Mrs. Chandrasekhar, the widow of Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, was in the audience. She was introduced and spoke briefly about the late Nobel Laureate astrophysicist.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1999

Archaea: From Genomics to Physiology and the Origin of Life

This document represents a report on a meeting about Archaea. The meeting had an unusually diversified mix of topics all related to Archaea highlighting their differences and similarities with other kingdoms of life. Thus, a large number of scientists from others areas of biology participated in this conference. One-third of the speakers (11 of 33) represented laboratories whose main interests have not been archaea and who have not previously participated in similar symposia or workshops. Thus, this symposium provided a unique opportunity for archaeal researchers to interact in a wider forum. Because of the broad range of topics covered, the conference also introduced many of the participants to new areas of archaeal research. The discussions of genomics, molecular mechanisms of transcription, metabolic pathways and evolution were at a very high level. Talks and posters provided detailed discussions of the state of the current knowledge in RNA processing, transcriptional initiation, chromatin structure, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, autotrophic CO2 fixation, Upid biosynthesis and a wide range of other topics. In addition to providing overviews, major areas of scientific argument were clearly delineated, particularly in the discussions of genomics and evolution. Some of the questions raised included: how representative are individual gene trees of organismal evolution, how prevalent is horizontal evolution, how reliable are functional assignments in genomics? On these topics, the different points of view were well represented. The future of any field depends on the enthusiasm and intellectual engagement of young scientists working in the area. Therefore, the participation of 29 graduate and postdoctoral students (out of about 135 participants) was a highlight of the meeting. This was the consequence of funding contributions by NSF and NASA.

Vothknecht, Ute C.↗