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At least 1,369 records · Page 76

Longitudinal Variation and Waves in Jupiter's South Equatorial Wind Jet

A detailed study of the chevron-shaped dark spots on the strong southern equatorial wind jet near 7.5 S planetographic latitude shows variations in velocity with longitude and time. The presence of the large anticyclonic South Equatorial Disturbance (SED) has a profound effect on the chevron velocity, causing slower velocities to its east and accelerations over distance from the disturbance. The chevrons move with velocities near the maximum wind jet velocity of approx 140 m/s, as deduced by the history of velocities at this latitude and the magnitude of the symmetric wind jet near 7 N latitude. Their repetitive nature is consistent with a gravity-inertia wave (n = 75 to 100) with phase speed up to 25 m/s, relative to the local flow, but the identity of this wave mode is not well constrained. However, for the first time, high spatial resolution movies from Cassini images show that the chevrons oscillate in latitude with a 6.7 +/- 0.7-day period. This oscillating motion has a wavelength of approx 20 and a speed of 101 +/- 3 m/s, following a pattern similar to that seen in the Rossby wave plumes of the North Equatorial Zone, and possibly reinforced by it. All dates show chevron latitude variability, but it is unclear if this larger wave is present during other epochs, as there are no other suitable time series movies that fully delineate it. In the presence of mUltiple wave modes, the difference in dominant cloud appearance between 7 deg N and 7.5 deg S is likely due to the presence of the Great Red Spot, either through changes in stratification and stability or by acting as a wave boundary.

Simon-Miller, Amy A.↗

Insights Into the Size-Resolved Dust Emission From Field Measurements in the Moroccan Sahara

The particle size distribution (PSD) of mineral dust has a strong effect on the impacts of dust on climate. However, our understanding of the emitted dust PSD, including its variability and the fraction of super-coarse dust (diameter >10 µm), remains limited. Here, we provide new insights into the size-resolved dust emission process based on a field campaign performed in the Moroccan Sahara in September 2019 in the context of the FRontiers in dust minerAloGical coMposition and its Effects upoN climaTe (FRAGMENT) project. The obtained dust concentration and diffusive flux PSDs show significant dependencies upon the friction velocity (u*), wind direction and type of event (regular events versus haboob events). For instance, the number fraction of sub-micrometre particles increases with u*, along with a large decrease in the mass fraction of super-coarse dust. We identify dry deposition, which is modulated by u* and fetch length, as a potential cause for this PSD variability. Using a resistance model constrained with field observations to estimate the dry deposition flux and thereby also the emitted dust flux, we show that deposition could represent up to ∼90 % of the emission of super-coarse particles (>10 µm) and up to ∼65 % of the emission of particles as small as ∼5 µm in diameter. Importantly, removing the deposition component significantly reduces the variability with u* in the PSD of the emitted dust flux compared with the diffusive flux, particularly for super-coarse dust. The differences between regular and haboob event concentration and diffusive flux PSDs are suspected to result from a smaller and variable dust source fetch during the haboob events, and/or an increased resistance of soil aggregates to fragmentation associated with the observed increase in relative humidity along the haboob outflow. Finally, compared to the invariant emitted dust flux PSD estimated based on brittle fragmentation theory, we obtain a substantially higher proportion of super-micrometre particles in the dust flux. Overall, our results suggest that dry deposition needs to be adequately considered to estimate the emitted PSD, even in studies limited to the fine and coarse size ranges (<10 µm).

particle size distribution↗

Simulation comparison of a decoupled longitudinal control system and a velocity vector control wheel steering system during landings in wind shear

A simulator comparison of the velocity vector control wheel steering (VCWS) system and a decoupled longitudinal control system is presented. The piloting task was to use the electronic attitude direction indicator (EADI) to capture and maintain a 3 degree glide slope in the presence of wind shear and to complete the landing using the perspective runway included on the EADI. The decoupled control system used constant prefilter and feedback gains to provide steady state decoupling of flight path angle, pitch angle, and forward velocity. The decoupled control system improved the pilots' ability to control airspeed and flight path angle during the final stages of an approach made in severe wind shear. The system also improved their ability to complete safe landings. The pilots preferred the decoupled control system in severe winds and, on a pilot rating scale, rated the approach and landing task with the decoupled control system as much as 3 to 4 increments better than use of the VCWS system.

Kimball, G., Jr.↗

Time-resolved Rotational Velocities in the Upper Atmosphere of WASP-33 b

While steady empirical progress has been made in understanding the structure and composition of hot-planet atmospheres, direct measurements of velocity signatures, including winds, rotation, and jets, have lagged behind. Quantifying atmospheric dynamics of hot planets is critical for a complete understanding of their atmospheres, and such measurements may even illuminate other planetary properties, such as magnetic field strengths. In this manuscript we present the first detection of the Balmer lines Hα and Hβ in the atmosphere of the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-33 b. Using atmospheric models that include the effects of atmospheric dynamics, we show that the shape of the average Balmer line transmission spectrum is consistent with rotational velocities in the planet’s thermosphere of v{sub rot}=10.1{sub −1.0}{sup +0.8} km s{sup −1}. We also measure a low-significance day- to nightside velocity shift of −4.6{sub −3.4}{sup +3.4} km s{sup −1} in the transmission spectrum, which is naturally explained by a global wind across the planet’s terminator. In a separate analysis the time-resolved velocity centroids of individual transmission spectra show unambiguous evidence of rotation, with a best-fit velocity of 10.0{sub −2.0}{sup +2.4} km s{sup −1}, consistent with the value of v {sub rot} derived from the shape of the average Balmer line transmission spectrum. Our observations and analysis confirm the power of time-resolved transmission spectra with a high signal-to-noise ratio to measure the velocity structures in exoplanet atmospheres. The high rotational and wind velocities we measure highlight the need for more detailed 3D global climate simulations of the rarefied upper atmospheres of ultra-hot gas giants.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

The Interaction of Solar wind Discontinuities with the Earth's Bow Shock

Funding from NASA Grant No. NAG54679 was received in three installments. The first year's installment amounted to only one month of salary support and was used to prepare survey plots. The second year's installment allowed us to complete two research papers concerning the interaction of solar wind discontinuities with the Earth's bow shock. In the first (published) paper, we reported that the discontinuities launch slow mode waves into the magnetosheath and the slow mode waves always propagate antisunward through the flank magnetosheath. Because the sunward/antisunward sense of the magnetosheath magnetic field reverses across local noon, so does the (north/south or east/west) sense of the velocity fluctuations associated with the waves. Wind, Geotail, and IMP-8 observations were used for this study. In the second study, we used Wind and Interball-1 observations to demonstrate that pressure pulses in the magnetosheath occur in pairs and that they bound pressure cavities and/or brief intervals of outward magnetopause motion. This paper is now in press. Funding from the third year's installment has been used to investigate the two aspects of the foreshock. Two manuscripts are now in preparation for submission to the Journal of Geophysical Research. The first reports that waves within the foreshock account for many instances of poor correlations between two solar wind monitors. Remaining cases of poor correlation occur during intervals of nearly constant IMF orientations and magnetic field strengths. While the former category pose a significant difficulty for space weather forecasts, the latter do not. The second study surveys IMP-8 observations of the foreshock. We find that diamagnetic cavities are common, particularly during periods of high solar wind velocity and low solar wind density. Plasma densities, temperatures, and magnetic field strengths fall during intervals of enhanced energetic particle fluxes. The cavities are bounded by regions of decelerated solar wind plasma and enhanced densities and magnetic field strengths.

Sibeck, David G.↗

A forward speed effects study on jet noise from several suppressor nozzles in the NASA/Ames 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel

A test program was conducted in a 40 by 80 foot wind tunnel to evaluate the effect of relative velocity on the jet noise signature of a conical ejector, auxiliary inlet ejector, 32 spokes and 104 tube nozzle with and without an acoustically treated shroud. The freestream velocities in the wind tunnel were varied from 0 to 103.6 m/sec (300 ft/sec) for exhaust jet velocities of 259.1 m/sec (850 ft/sec) to 609.6 m/sec (2000 ft/sec). Reverberation corrections for the wind tunnel were developed and the procedure is explained. In conjunction with wind tunnel testing the nozzles were also evaluated on an outdoor test stand. The wind tunnel microphone arrays were duplicated during the outdoor testing. The data were then extrapolated for comparisons with data measured using a microphone array placed on a 30.5 meter (100 ft) arc. Using these data as a basis, farfield to nearfield arguments are presented with regards to the data measured in the wind tunnel. Finally, comparisons are presented between predictions made using existing methods and the measured data.

Beulke, M. R.↗

Discovery Of A Rossby Wave In Jupiter's South Equatorial Region

A detailed study of the chevron-shaped dark spots on the strong southern equatorial wind jet near 7.5 deg S planetographic latitude shows variations in velocity with longitude and time. The chevrons move with velocities near the maximum wind jet velocity of approx.140 m/s, as deduced by the history of velocities at this latitude and the magnitude of the symmetric wind jet near 7 deg N latitude. Their repetitive nature is consistent with an inertia-gravity wave (n = 75-100) with phase speed up to 25 m/s, relative to the local flow, but the identity of this wave mode is not well constrained. However, high spatial resolution movies from Cassini images show that the chevrons oscillate in latitude with a approx.7-day period. This oscillating motion has a wavelength of approx.20 deg and a speed of approx.100 m/s, following a pattern similar to that seen in the Rossby wave plumes of the North Equatorial Zone, and possibly reinforced by it, though they are not perfectly in phase. The transient anticyclonic South Equatorial Disturbance (SED) may be a similar wave feature, but moves at slower velocity. All data show chevron latitude variability, but it is unclear if this Rossby wave is present during other epochs, without time series movies that fully delineate it. In the presence of multiple wave modes, the difference in dominant cloud appearance between 7 deg N and 7.5 deg S may be due to the presence of the Great Red Spot, either through changes in stratification and stability or by acting as a wave boundary.

Simon-Miller, Amy A.↗

Long-term changes in ultraviolet P Cygni profiles observed with Copernicus

The incidence and nature of variability occurring on time scales of years in the ultraviolet P Cygni profiles of 15 O and B stars are investigated using spectrophotometric data obtained with the Copernicus satellite. It is found that some change in at least a few details of the P Cygni profiles is evident in almost every case, that the changes in a few stars appear to represent substantial variations in the column densities of the particular ions observed, and that the changes in other stars are minor in nature and do not result from significant alterations in the quantity of material in the stellar winds. Most of the narrow absorption features are shown to be invariant in velocity, although their strengths have apparently changed in certain cases. The nature of the changes observed in each of the program stars is briefly described, the time scale for variability in the stellar winds is considered, and two stars (Zeta Pup and Delta Ori A) are identified for which some alteration in the total amount of material in the stellar wind has taken place. It is suggested that the narrow absorption features probably represent temperature gradients or plateaus in the stellar-wind velocity fields or may be caused by flat regions in the height dependence of the wind velocity.

Snow, T. P., Jr.↗

Low-Energy Electron Effects on the Polar Wind Observed by the POLAR Spacecraft

Large ion outflow velocity variation at POLAR apogee have been observed. The observed H+ flow velocities were in the range of 23-110 km/s and 0+ flow velocities were in the range of 5-25 km/s. These velocity ranges lie between those predicted by simulations of the photoelectron-driven polar wind and "baseline" polar wind. The electric current contributions of the photoelectrons and polar rain are expected to control the size and altitude of an electric potential drop which accelerates the polar wind at relatively high altitudes. In this presentation, we compare polar wind characteristics observed near 5000 km and 8 RE altitudes by the Thermal Ion Dynamics Experiment (TIDE) with measurements of low-energy electrons sampled by HYDRA, both from the POLAR spacecraft, to examine possible effects of the polar rain and photoelectrons on the polar wind. Both correlations and anti-correlations are found between the polar wind velocities and the polar rain fluxes at POLAR apogee during different polar cap crossings. Also, the low-altitude upward/downward photoelectron spectra are used to estimates the potential drops above the spacecraft. We interpret these observations in terms of the effects that both photoelectrons and polar rain may have on the electric potential and polar wind acceleration along polar cap magnetic field lines.

Horwitz, J. L.↗

Wind sensor

An apparatus is described for sensing the temperature, velocity, and direction of the wind, including four temperature-dependent crystal oscillators spaced about an axis, a heater centered on the axis, and a screen through which the wind blows to pass over the crystals. In one method of operation, the frequency of the oscillators is taken when the heater is not energized, to obtain the temperature of the wind, and the frequencies of the oscillators are taken after the heater is energized to determine the direction and velocity of the wind. When the heater is energized, the wind causes the downwind crystals to achieve a higher temperature than the upwind crystals, and with the magnitude of the difference indicating the velocity of the wind.

Stephens, J. B.↗

CROCUS Urban Canyons - Space Science and Engineering Center (SPARC) Doppler lidar data

This is the netCDF format output from the Halo Photonics Streamline XR Doppler lidar that was deployed next to the Space Science and Engineering Center (SPARC) trailer at the University of Illnois-Chicago greenhouse parking lot during CROCUS Urban Canyons. The purpose of collecting this dataset is to provide vertical and horizontal wind profiles for studying the characteristics of turbulence over the urban canyon of Chicago. This data contains the radial velocity, intensity, and backscatter from the vertical profile, range height indicator, and sector scans that were performed over both Intensive Operating Period 1 and 2 of CROCUS Urban Canyons. There are four different types of files: * The Range Height Indicator (RHI) files contain scans that are along a constant azimuth, spanning the entire hemisphere of elevation values above the surface. * The Velocity Azimuth Display (VAD) files contain the raw radial velocity data from the 6-beam, 60 degree scans. * The User1 files contain stacked Plan Position Indicator scans over a 45 degree quadrant over downtown Chicago. * The Stare files contain vertically pointing scans. These are standard netCDF files that can be opened using xarray. The VAD scans can be processed from their raw radial velocities to horizontal wind speeds with the Atmospheric data Community Toolkit (https://arm-doe.github.io/ACT/).

EARTH SCIENCE > ATMOSPHERE > ATMOSPHERIC WINDS↗

Effects of particle drifts on the solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays

Gradient and curvature drifts in an Archimedean-spiral magnetic field are shown to produce a significant effect on the modulation of galactic cosmic rays by the solar wind. The net modulation, heliocentric radial gradient, and average energy change of particles which reach the inner solar system are significantly reduced. The effects of drifts are due to the fact that cosmic rays for which the drift velocity is comparable to the wind velocity or larger, have more rapid access to the inner solar system than in the absence of drifts.

Jokipii, J. R.↗

The wind-disk interaction in X-ray burst sources

The interaction between a radiatively driven wind from the surface of a neutron star and an accretion disk surrounding the star is considered. A bow shock forms if the wind is supersonic when it reaches the inner edge of the disk. The resultant heating of the wind material can enhance the X-ray luminosity of the source, but this effect is important only if the wind is very strong. If the terminal velocity of the wind is at least about 0.99c and the integrated kinetic energy flux of the wind is at least about 30 times the Eddington limit, then super-Eddington X-ray luminosities will be generated. The conditions that are required for the formation of such a wind are briefly discussed. Also developed are estimates for the spectral shape, color temperature, and X-ray luminosity resulting from the wind-disk interaction, and it is shown that these results are consistent with the observed properties of type I cosmic X-ray bursts.

Melia, F.↗