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At least 1,477 records · Page 82
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NASA NTRS1981

X-ray and VLBI radio observations of the quasars NRAO 140 and NRAO 530

The Einstein X-ray Observatory has confirmed the HEAO 1 detection of the NRAO 140 and NRAO 530 quasars, and found that the low-energy X-ray flux of NRAO 140 is consistent with the high-energy results from the earlier satellite. It is also determined that the X-ray emission from NRAO 530 has either decreased by an order of magnitude, from 1978.0 to 1979.7, or the HEAO 1 field contained a second bright source. The two sources have been observed at 2.8 cm, using a four-station intercontinental VLB array, to find whether the X-ray emission is caused by Compton scattering within the radio components. Dissection of the NRAO 140 into its separate components shows radio parameters that imply a 'Compton problem', in that X-ray emission three orders of magnitude greater than that observed is predicted in one of the components if the source is static. Because the effect is independent of distance, relativistic motion with a Lorentz factor greater than about 40 is required to bring the predicted X-ray flux down to the observed value.

Marscher, A. P.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Solar wind motion within 30 R solar masses - Spacecraft radio scintillation observations

New remote-sensing observations are reported of the solar wind motion within about 30 earth radii. Use is made of the interplanetary scintillation (IPS) spaced receiver technique with the radio source being a spacecraft signal (rather than a natural radio source as in previous spaced receiver studies). The spacecraft used are Helios A and B and the Viking orbiters. The purposes of the study are (1) to augment the scarce estimates of solar wind bulk flow speed near the sun and in the ecliptic with measurements made using spacecraft signals, and (2) to estimate random velocity components and identify the region where the random velocity is a significant fraction of the mean velocity. In addition, the radial evolution of speed and random velocity is compared with that of the plasma density fluctuation spectrum. Also reported are the first accurately normalized IPS scintillation index measurements using a monochromatic point source.

Armstrong, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Energetic electrons and plasma waves associated with a solar type III radio burst

Detailed in situ observations from the ISEE 3 spacecraft of energetic electrons, plasma waves, and radio emission for the type II solar radio burst of February 17, 1979, are presented. The reduced, one-dimensional electron distribution function is constructed as a function of time. Since the faster electrons arrive before the slower ones, a bump on tail distribution forms which is unstable to the growth of Langmuir waves. The plasma wave growth computed from the distribution function agrees well with the observed onset of the Langmuir waves, and there is qualitative agreement between variations in the plasma wave levels and in the development of regions of positive slope in the function. The evolution of the function, however, predicts far higher plasma wave levels than those observed. The maximum levels observed are approximately equal to the threshold for nonlinear wave processes, such as oscillation two-stream instability and soliton collapse.

Lin, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Radio science with Voyager 2 at Saturn - Atmosphere and ionosphere and the masses of Mimas, Tethys, and Iapetus

Results of Voyager 2 radio occultation studies of the atmosphere and ionosphere of Saturn and radio tracking determinations of the masses of Mimas, Tethys, and Iapetus are presented. Measurement of received signal frequency for signals of 3.6 and 13 cm wavelength during Voyager occultation immersion at 36.5 deg N and emmersion at 31 deg S reveal atmospheric temperatures of 143 K at the 1.2 bar level, falling to 82 K at the tropopause at about 70 mbar and rising to about 140 K at the tropopause at about 70 mbar and rising to about 140 K at the 1-mbar pressure level in the stratosphere. Peak electron concentrations of 17,000 and 6400/cu cm are found in the predawn and late afternoon locations, respectively, with topside plasma scale heights of 260-1100 km and 1000 km. Direct measurements of the masses of Tethys and Iapetus yield values of 7.55 and 18.8 x 10 to the 20th kg respectively, and an implied mass of 0.455 x 10 to the 20 kg for Mimas. Results suggest that satellite density tends to decrease with increasing orbital radius, and imply that the intermediate-sized satellites of Saturn may represent objects with differing relative amounts of water, ammonia and methane ices. The apparent low density of Iapetus may then be explained by a large hydrocarbon content.

Tyler, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Observations of a post-flare radio burst in X-rays

More than six hours after the two-ribbon flare of May 21, 1980, the hard X-ray spectrometer aboard the SMM imaged an extensive arch above the flare region which was found to be the lowest part of a stationary post-flare noise storm recorded at the same time at Culgoora. The bent crystal spectrometer aboard the SMM confirms that the arch emission was basically thermal. Variations in brightness and energy spectrum at one of the supposed footpoints of the arch are seen as correlation in time with radio brightness, suggesting that suprathermal particles from the radio noise regions dumped in variable quantities onto the low corona and transition layer.

Svestka, Z.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Radio and optical observations of the R Aquarii jet

VLA observations at 6 cm and Lick Observatory optical plates of R Aquarii indicate the existence of a jetlike feature extending 7 to 10 arcsec from the central star. A wide field map at 6 cm shows an unresolved compact radio source which lies close to the axis defined by the jet at a distance of about three arcmin from R Aqr. Episodic mass transfer in this symbiotic variable could explain the erratic outbursts that R Aqr is known to undergo. Formation of an accretion disk and the accompanying radio-optical jet may characterize the observed outbursts in this system.

Sopka, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Electron-cyclotron masers as the source of certain solar and stellar radio bursts

The theory of electron-cyclotron masers as they might apply in the astrophysical context is developed, and it is suggested that such masers provide an explanation for the very bright emission known to be associated with certain kinds of radio bursts observed on the Sun and other stars. Some of the observed properties of solar and stellar radio bursts that seem to require amplification of the radiation are summarized, including millisecond solar spikes, RS CVn binaries, and flares on M dwarf stars. Recent developments in the theory of electron-cyclotron masers are summarized and the current theory is applied to electrons with a loss cone anisotropy, estimating the growth rate and saturation levels. In the interpretation of solar microwave spikes and RS CVn binaries, the mechanisms of gyromagnetic absorption, maser at the second harmonic, polarization, and angular distribution are examined in the light of the theory.

Melrose, D. B.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Characteristics of shocks in the solar corona, as inferred from radio, optical, and theoretical investigations

Solar radio bursts of spectral type II provide one of the chief diagnostics for the propagation of shocks through the solar corona. Radio data on the shocks are compared with computer models for propagation of fast-mode MHD shocks through the solar corona. Data on coronal shocks and high-velocity ejecta from solar flares are then discussed in terms of a general model consisting of three main velocity regimes.

Maxwell, A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Spacecraft radio frequency subsystem

The historical background for the development of the planetary (RFS) is reviewed, and the performance capabilities of the various functional subassemblies are described. The flight radio frequency subsystem is a valid component for the three spacecraft telecommunications functions of tracking, command, and telemetry. It is the radio and the signal processing equipment residing in the spacecraft that interfaces with the control & data subsystem and performs two-way communications with the Earth-based Deep Space Network. The RFS consists of all the elements for RF reception, demodulation, modulation, and transmission, including those for command detection and telemetry modulation.

Tam, M. K.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Solar maximum mission: Ground support programs at the Harvard Radio Astronomy Station

Observations of the spectral characteristics of solar radio bursts were made with new dynamic spectrum analyzers of high sensitivity and high reliability, over the frequency range 25-580 MHz. The observations also covered the maximum period of the current solar cycle and the period of international cooperative programs designated as the Solar Maximum Year. Radio data on shock waves generated by solar flares were combined with optical data on coronal transients, taken with equipment on the SMM and other satellites, and then incorporated into computer models for the outward passage of fast-mode MHD shocks through the solar corona. The MHD models are non-linear, time-dependent and for the most recent models, quasi-three-dimensional. They examine the global response of the corona for different types of input pulses (thermal, magnetic, etc.) and for different magnetic topologies (for example, open and closed fields). Data on coronal shocks and high-velocity material ejected from solar flares have been interpreted in terms of a model consisting of three main velocity regimes.

Maxwell, A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Radio Interferometric Determination of Source Positions, Intercontinental Baselines, and Earth Orientation with Deep Space Network Antennas: 1971 to 1980

Approximately 2400 observations of extragalactic radio sources were made between August 1971 and February 1980 during 48 separate sessions. These consisted of 259 delay rate observations at 2.3 GHz (S-band), 796 delay and delay rate observations at either S-band of 8.3 GHz (X-band) and 1325 delay and delay rate observations recorded simultaneously at both S- and X-band. A single multiparameter fit has been applied to the observed values of delay and delay rate to extract astrometric and geophysical parameters from this decade-long sequence. The fit produced estimates of 784 parameters, including station locations, radio source positions, polar motion, Universal Time, the precession constant, and solid earth tides. The a priori model included gravitational bending, the 1980 IAU nutation series, the 1976 IAU expressions for Greenwich mean sidereal time and precession, BIH estimates of Universal Time and polar motion, and monthly mean values for zenith troposphere delay. The rms residuals were 0.52 nsec for delay and 0.30 psec/sec for delay rate. Intercontinental baseline lengths were determined with formal uncertainties of 5 to 10 cm. Universal Time and polar motion were measured at 49 epochs, with formal uncertainties (for the more recent data) of 0.5 msec for UT1 and 6 and 2 mas, respectively, for the X and Y components of polar motion.

Thomas, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Radio Astronomy

Deep Space Network (DSN) 26- and 64-meter antenna stations were utilized in support of Radio Astronomy Experiment Selection Panel experiments. Within a time span of 10 days, in May 1983 (267.75 hours total), nine RAES experiments were supported. Most of these experiments involved multifacility interferometry using Mark 3 data recording terminals and as many as six non-DSN observatories. Investigations of black holes, quasars, galaxies, and radio sources are discussed.

Wolken, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Solar radio burst and in situ determination of interplanetary electron density

A few interplanetary electron density scales which were derived from the analysis of interplanetary solar radio burst are discussed and compared to a model derived from 1974 to 1980 Helios 1 and 2 in situ density observations made in the 0.3 to 1.0 AU range. The Helios densities were normalized to 1976 with the aid of IMP and ISEE data at 1 AU, and were then sorted into 0.1 AU bins and logarithmically averaged within each bin. The best fit to these 1976-normalized, bin averages is N(R(AU)) = 6.1 R(-2.10)/cu cm. This model is in rather good agreement with the solar burst determination if the radiation is assumed to be on the second harmonic of the plasma frequency. This analysis also suggests that the radio emissions tend to be produced in regions denser than the average where the density gradient decreases faster with distance than the observed R(-2.10).

Bougeret, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Continued development of the radio science technique as a tool for planetary and solar system exploration

A possible alternative to a spacecraft monostatic radar system for surface studies of Titan is introduced. The results of a short study of the characteristics of a bistatic radar investigation of Titan's surface, presented in terms of the Voyager 1 flyby and a proposed Galileo orbiter of Saturn are outlined. The critical factors which need to be addressed in order to optimize the radio occultation technique for the study of clouds and cloud regions in planetary atmospheres are outlined. Potential improvements in the techniques for measuring small-scale structures in planetary atmospheres and ionospheres are addressed. The development of a technique for vastly improving the radial resolution from the radio occultation measurements of the rings of Saturn is discussed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1982

Sulfuric acid vapor and other cloud-related gases in the Venus atmosphere - Abundances inferred from observed radio opacity

It is suggested that the absorbing characteristics of sulfuric acid vapor appear to reconcile what had been thought to be an inconsistency among measurements and deductions regarding the constituents of the Venus atmosphere and radio occultation, radar reflection, and radio emission measurements of its opacity. Laboratory measurements of sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide, water vapor, and carbon dioxide are used to model relative contributions to opacity as a function of height in a way that is consistent with observations of the constituents and absorbing properties of the atmosphere. It is concluded that sulfuric acid vapor is likely to be the principal microwave absorber in the 30-50 km altitude range of the middle atmosphere of Venus.

Steffes, P. G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Relativistic precessing jets in quasars and radio galaxies - Models to fit high resolution data

The formulation of generalized models tracing the geometry and intensity of the synchrotron emission from precessing, twin, relativistic jets as projected on the plane of the sky is presented. It is shown that neither the shape of the image nor its relative intensities are altered by including the effects of a cosmological redshift and a relative velocity between the source and observer. The models are fitted to the available data for several quasars and radio galaxies and demonstrate the plausibility of the phenomenon. Probable selection effects are considered and diagnostics given for recognizing objects showing this behavior. In the radio galaxies considered, velocities up to about 0.2c and precession periods of 1,000,000 yr are deduced. In the QSOs investigated, velocities of 0.7c and greater are found and periods of order 10,000 yr. In some cases precession cone angles increase with time. Consequences in terms of lifetimes of QSO behavior and binary supermassive objects are discussed.

Gower, A. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Detection of a compact radio source near the center of a gravitational lens - Quasar image or galactic core

By use of a new, very sensitive interferometric system, a faint, compact radio source has been detected near the center of the galaxy that acts as the main part of a gravitational lens. This lens forms two previously discovered images of the quasar Q0957+561, which lies in the direction of the constellation Ursa Major. The newly detected source has a core smaller than 0.002 arc second in diameter with a flux density of 0.6 + or - 0.1 millijansky at the 13-centimeter wavelength of the radio observations. This source could be the predicted third image of the transparent gravitational lens, the central core of the galaxy, or some combination of the two. It is not yet possible to choose reliably between these alternatives.

Gorenstein, M. V.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The association of radio noise storm enhancements with the appearance of additional material in the corona

Visible light observations of the corona have been combined with radioheliograph observations at metric wavelengths to examine the dynamic behavior of the corona during and after noise storm onsets and enhancements. For the period studied, the occurrence of such radio events is systematically associated with the addition of coronal material in the vicinity of the radio source. Some of the events correspond to mass ejection transients, but they more frequently represent merely a brightening, which grows in 1 hour or less with the coronal region and remains dense and stable for several hours.

Kerdraon, A.↗