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At least 1,549 records · Page 86
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

VARIATIONS IN SOLAR WIND FRACTIONATION AS SEEN BY ACE/SWICS AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR GENESIS MISSION RESULTS

We use Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE)/Solar Wind Ion Composition Spectrometer (SWICS) elemental composition data to compare the variations in solar wind (SW) fractionation as measured by SWICS during the last solar maximum (1999–2001), the solar minimum (2006–2009), and the period in which the Genesis spacecraft was collecting SW (late 2001—early 2004). We differentiate our analysis in terms of SW regimes (i.e., originating from interstream or coronal hole flows, or coronal mass ejecta). Abundances are normalized to the low-first ionization potential (low-FIP) ion magnesium to uncover correlations that are not apparent when normalizing to high-FIP ions. We find that relative to magnesium, the other low-FIP elements are measurably fractionated, but the degree of fractionation does not vary significantly over the solar cycle. For the high-FIP ions, variation in fractionation over the solar cycle is significant: greatest for Ne/Mg and C/Mg, less so for O/Mg, and the least for He/Mg. When abundance ratios are examined as a function of SW speed, we find a strong correlation, with the remarkable observation that the degree of fractionation follows a mass-dependent trend. We discuss the implications for correcting the Genesis sample return results to photospheric abundances.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

IONIZED GAS KINEMATICS AT HIGH RESOLUTION. V. [Ne ii], MULTIPLE CLUSTERS, HIGH EFFICIENCY STAR FORMATION, AND BLUE FLOWS IN HE 2–10

We measured the 12.8 μm [Ne ii] line in the dwarf starburst galaxy He 2–10 with the high-resolution spectrometer TEXES on the NASA IRTF. The data cube has a diffraction-limited spatial resolution of ∼1″ and a total velocity resolution, including thermal broadening, of ∼5 km s{sup −1}. This makes it possible to compare the kinematics of individual star-forming clumps and molecular clouds in the three dimensions of space and velocity, and allows us to determine star formation efficiencies. The kinematics of the ionized gas confirm that the starburst contains multiple dense clusters. From the M/R of the clusters and the ≃30%–40% star formation efficiencies, the clusters are likely to be bound and long lived, like globulars. Non-gravitational features in the line profiles show how the ionized gas flows through the ambient molecular material, as well as a narrow velocity feature, which we identify with the interface of the H ii region and a cold dense clump. These data offer an unprecedented view of the interaction of embedded H ii regions with their environment.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

SPITZER IRS SPECTRAL MAPPING OF THE TOOMRE SEQUENCE: SPATIAL VARIATIONS OF PAH, GAS, AND DUST PROPERTIES IN NEARBY MAJOR MERGERS

We have mapped the key mid-IR diagnostics in eight major merger systems of the Toomre sequence (NGC 4676, NGC 7592, NGC 6621, NGC 2623, NGC 6240, NGC 520, NGC 3921, and NGC 7252) using the Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph. With these maps, we explore the variation of the ionized-gas, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), and warm gas (H{sub 2}) properties across the sequence and within the galaxies. While the global PAH interband strength and ionized gas flux ratios ([Ne III]/[Ne II]) are similar to those of normal star-forming galaxies, the distribution of the spatially resolved PAH and fine structure line flux ratios is significantly different from one system to the other. Rather than a constant H{sub 2}/PAH flux ratio, we find that the relation between the H{sub 2} and PAH fluxes is characterized by a power law with a roughly constant exponent (0.61 {+-} 0.05) over all merger components and spatial scales. While following the same power law on local scales, three galaxies have a factor of 10 larger integrated (i.e., global) H{sub 2}/PAH flux ratio than the rest of the sample, even larger than what it is in most nearby active galactic nuclei. These findings suggest a common dominant excitation mechanism for H{sub 2} emission over a large range of global H{sub 2}/PAH flux ratios in major mergers. Early-merger systems show a different distribution between the cold (CO J = 1-0) and warm (H{sub 2}) molecular gas components, which is likely due to the merger interaction. Strong evidence for buried star formation in the overlap region of the merging galaxies is found in two merger systems (NGC 6621 and NGC 7592) as seen in the PAH, [Ne II], [Ne III], and warm gas line emission, but with no apparent corresponding CO (J = 1-0) emission. The minimum of the 11.3/7.7 {mu}m PAH interband strength ratio is typically located in the nuclei of galaxies, while the [Ne III/[Ne II] ratio increases with distance from the nucleus. Our findings also demonstrate that the variations of the physical conditions within a merger are much larger than any systematic trends along the Toomre sequence.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

INTERSTELLAR GAS FLOW PARAMETERS DERIVED FROM INTERSTELLAR BOUNDARY EXPLORER-Lo OBSERVATIONS IN 2009 AND 2010: ANALYTICAL ANALYSIS

Neutral atom imaging of the interstellar gas flow in the inner heliosphere provides the most detailed information on physical conditions of the surrounding interstellar medium (ISM) and its interaction with the heliosphere. The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) measured neutral H, He, O, and Ne for three years. We compare the He and combined O+Ne flow distributions for two interstellar flow passages in 2009 and 2010 with an analytical calculation, which is simplified because the IBEX orientation provides observations at almost exactly the perihelion of the gas trajectories. This method allows separate determination of the key ISM parameters: inflow speed, longitude, and latitude, as well as temperature. A combined optimization, as in complementary approaches, is thus not necessary. Based on the observed peak position and width in longitude and latitude, inflow speed, latitude, and temperature are found as a function of inflow longitude. The latter is then constrained by the variation of the observed flow latitude as a function of observer longitude and by the ratio of the widths of the distribution in longitude and latitude. Identical results are found for 2009 and 2010: an He flow vector somewhat outside previous determinations ({lambda}{sub ISM{infinity}} = 79.{sup 0}0+3.{sup 0}0(-3.{sup 0}5), {beta}{sub ISM{infinity}} = -4.{sup 0}9 {+-} 0.{sup 0}2, V{sub ISM{infinity}} 23.5 + 3.0(-2.0) km s{sup -1}, T{sub He} = 5000-8200 K), suggesting a larger inflow longitude and lower speed. The O+Ne temperature range, T{sub O+Ne} = 5300-9000 K, is found to be close to the upper range for He and consistent with an isothermal medium for all species within current uncertainties.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

HIGH-RESOLUTION LABORATORY SPECTRA ON THE λ131 CHANNEL OF THE AIA INSTRUMENT ON BOARD THE SOLAR DYNAMICS OBSERVATORY

Extreme ultraviolet spectra of C, O, F, Ne, Si, S, Ar, Ca, Fe, and Ni have been excited in an electron beam ion trap and studied with much higher resolution than available on Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) in order to ascertain the spectral composition of the SDO observations. We presently show our findings in the wavelength range 124-134 Å, which encompasses the λ131 observation channel of the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA). While the general interpretation of the spectral composition of the λ131 Fe channel is being corroborated, a number of new lines have been observed that might help to improve the diagnostic value of the SDO/AIA data.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

HIGH-RESOLUTION LABORATORY SPECTRA OF THE λ193 CHANNEL OF THE ATMOSPHERIC IMAGING ASSEMBLY INSTRUMENT ON BOARD SOLAR DYNAMICS OBSERVATORY

Extreme ultraviolet spectra of C, O, F, Ne, S, Ar, Fe, and Ni have been excited in an electron beam ion trap and studied with much higher resolution than available on the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) in order to ascertain the spectral composition of the SDO/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) observations. We present our findings in the wavelength range 182-200 Å, which, overall, corroborate the working models of how to interpret the SDO/AIA data. We find, however, that the inclusion of a number of additional lines might improve the data interpretation.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Chemical abundances and dust in the halo planetary nebula K648 IN M15: its origin and evolution based on an analysis of multiwavelength data

We report on an investigation of the extremely metal-poor and C-rich planetary nebula (PN) K648 in M15 using the UV to far-infrared data obtained using Subaru, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer, Spitzer, and Herschel. We determined the nebular abundances of 10 elements. The enhancement of F ([F/H] = +0.96) is comparable to that of the halo PN BoBn1. The central stellar abundances of seven elements are determined. The stellar C/O ratio is similar to the nebular C/O ratios from recombination lines and from collisionally excited lines (CELs) within error, and the stellar Ne/O ratio is also close to the nebular CEL Ne/O ratio. We found evidence of carbonaceous dust grains and molecules including Class B 6–9 and 11.3 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and the broad 11 μm feature. The profiles of these bands are similar to those of the C-rich halo PNe H4-1 and BoBn1. Based on the theoretical model, we determined the physical conditions of the gas and dust and their masses, i.e., 0.048 and 4.95 × 10{sup −7} M{sub ⊙}, respectively. The observed chemical abundances and gas mass are in good agreement with an asymptotic giant branch nucleosynthesis model prediction for stars with an initial 1.25 M{sub ⊙} plus a 2.0 × 10{sup −3} M{sub ⊙} partial mixing zone (PMZ) and stars with an initial mass of 1.5 M{sub ⊙} without a PMZ. The core mass of the central star is approximately 0.61–0.63 M{sub ⊙}. K648 is therefore likely to have evolved from a progenitor that experienced coalescence or tidal disruption during the early stages of evolution, and became a ∼1.25–1.5 M{sub ⊙} blue straggler.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

EVOLUTION, NUCLEOSYNTHESIS, AND YIELDS OF AGB STARS AT DIFFERENT METALLICITIES. III. INTERMEDIATE-MASS MODELS, REVISED LOW-MASS MODELS, AND THE pH-FRUITY INTERFACE

We present a new set of models for intermediate-mass asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars (4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 M{sub ⊙}) at different metallicities (−2.15 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ +0.15). This set integrates the existing models for low-mass AGB stars (1.3 ≤ M/M{sub ⊙} ≤ 3.0) already included in the FRUITY database. We describe the physical and chemical evolution of the computed models from the main sequence up to the end of the AGB phase. Due to less efficient third dredge up episodes, models with large core masses show modest surface enhancements. This effect is due to the fact that the interpulse phases are short and, therefore, thermal pulses (TPs) are weak. Moreover, the high temperature at the base of the convective envelope prevents it from deeply penetrating the underlying radiative layers. Depending on the initial stellar mass, the heavy element nucleosynthesis is dominated by different neutron sources. In particular, the s-process distributions of the more massive models are dominated by the {sup 22}Ne(α,n){sup 25}Mg reaction, which is efficiently activated during TPs. At low metallicities, our models undergo hot bottom burning and hot third dredge up. We compare our theoretical final core masses to available white dwarf observations. Moreover, we quantify the influence intermediate-mass models have on the carbon star luminosity function. Finally, we present the upgrade of the FRUITY web interface, which now also includes the physical quantities of the TP-AGB phase for all of the models included in the database (ph-FRUITY)

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITY OF O AND Ne CONTAMINATION IN ULYSSES OBSERVATIONS OF INTERSTELLAR HELIUM

We explore the possibility that interstellar O and Ne may be contributing to the particle signal from the GAS instrument on Ulysses, which is generally assumed to be entirely He. Motivating this study is the recognition that an interstellar temperature higher than any previously estimated from Ulysses data could potentially resolve a discrepancy between Ulysses He measurements and those from the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX). Contamination by O and Ne could lead to Ulysses temperature measurements that are too low. We estimate the degree of O and Ne contamination necessary to increase the inferred Ulysses temperature to 8500 K, which would be consistent with both the Ulysses and IBEX data given the same interstellar flow speed. We find that producing the desired effect requires a heavy element contamination level of ∼9% of the total Ulysses/GAS signal. However, this degree of heavy element contribution is about an order of magnitude higher than expected based on our best estimates of detection efficiencies, ISM abundances, and heliospheric survival probabilities, making it unlikely that heavy element contamination is significantly affecting temperatures derived from Ulysses data.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Exploring 0.1–10 eV axions with a new helioscope concept

We explore the possibility to develop a new axion helioscope type, sensitive to the higher axion mass region favored by axion models. We propose to use a low background large volume TPC immersed in an intense magnetic field. Contrary to traditional tracking helioscopes, this detection technique takes advantage of the capability to directly detect the photons converted on the buffer gas which defines the axion mass sensitivity region, and does not require pointing the magnet to the Sun. The operation flexibility of a TPC to be used with different gas mixtures (He, Ne, Xe, etc.) and pressures (from 10 mbar to 10 bar) will allow to enhance sensitivity for axion masses from few meV to several eV. We present different helioscope data taking scenarios, considering detection efficiency and axion absorption probability, and show the sensitivities reachable with this technique to be few × 10{sup −11} GeV{sup −1} for a 5 T, m{sup 3} scale TPC. We show that a few years program taking data with such setup would allow to probe the KSVZ axion model for axion masses above 0∼> 10 meV.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

First results of the cosmic ray NUCLEON experiment

The NUCLEON experiment was designed to study the chemical composition and energy spectra of galactic cosmic ray nuclei from protons to zinc at energies of ∼ 10{sup 11}–10{sup 15} eV per particle. The research was carried out with the NUCLEON scientific equipment installed on the Russian satellite 'Resource-P' No. 2 as an additional payload. This article presents the results for the measured nuclei spectra related to the first approximately 250 days of the scientific data collection during 2015 and 2016. The all-particle spectrum and the spectra of p, He, C, O, Ne, Mg, Si and Fe are presented. Some interesting ratios of the spectra are also presented and discussed. The experiment is now in its beginning stage and the data still have a preliminary character, but they already give numerous indications of the existence of various non-canonical phenomena in the physics of cosmic rays, which are expressed in the violation of a simple universal power law of the energy spectra. These features of the data are briefly discussed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

CARBON-RICH PRESOLAR GRAINS FROM MASSIVE STARS: SUBSOLAR {sup 12}C/{sup 13}C AND {sup 14}N/{sup 15}N RATIOS AND THE MYSTERY OF {sup 15}N

Carbon-rich grains with isotopic anomalies compared to the Sun are found in primitive meteorites. They were made by stars, and carry the original stellar nucleosynthesis signature. Silicon carbide grains of Type X and C and low-density (LD) graphites condensed in the ejecta of core-collapse supernovae. We present a new set of models for the explosive He shell and compare them with the grains showing {sup 12}C/{sup 13}C and {sup 14}N/{sup 15}N ratios lower than solar. In the stellar progenitor H was ingested into the He shell and not fully destroyed before the explosion. Different explosion energies and H concentrations are considered. If the supernova shock hits the He-shell region with some H still present, the models can reproduce the C and N isotopic signatures in C-rich grains. Hot-CNO cycle isotopic signatures are obtained, including a large production of {sup 13}C and {sup 15}N. The short-lived radionuclides {sup 22}Na and {sup 26}Al are increased by orders of magnitude. The production of radiogenic {sup 22}Ne from the decay of {sup 22}Na in the He shell might solve the puzzle of the Ne-E(L) component in LD graphite grains. This scenario is attractive for the SiC grains of type AB with {sup 14}N/{sup 15}N ratios lower than solar, and provides an alternative solution for SiC grains originally classified as nova grains. Finally, this process may contribute to the production of {sup 14}N and {sup 15}N in the Galaxy, helping to produce the {sup 14}N/{sup 15}N ratio in the solar system.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

Level-resolved R-matrix calculations for the electron-impact excitation of Ne{sup 3+} and Ne{sup 6+}

Large-scale R-matrix calculations are carried out for the electron-impact excitation of Ne{sup 3+} and Ne{sup 6+}. For Ne{sup 3+}, a 581-LSJ-level R-matrix intermediate coupling frame transformation calculation is made for excitations up to the n=4 shell. For some transitions, large effective collision strength differences are found with current 23-jKJ-level Breit-Pauli R-matrix and earlier 22-LSJ-level R-matrix jj omega (JAJOM) calculations. For Ne{sup 6+}, a 171-jKJ-level Breit-Pauli R-matrix calculation is made for excitations up to the n=5 shell. For some transitions, large effective collision strength differences are found with current 46-jKJ-level Breit-Pauli R-matrix and earlier 46-LSJ-level R-matrix JAJOM calculations. Together with existing R-matrix calculations for other ion stages, high-quality excitation data are now available for astrophysical and laboratory plasma modeling along the entire Ne isonuclear sequence.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

Semiempirical potentials for positron scattering by atoms

We report calculations of differential and integral cross sections for positron scattering by noble gas and alkaline-earth atoms within the same methodology. The scattering potentials are constructed by scaling adiabatic potentials so that their minima coincide with the covalent radii of the target atoms. Elastic differential and integral cross sections are calculated for Ne, Ar, Be, and Mg, and the results are very close to experimental and best theoretical data. Particularly, elastic differential cross sections for Be and Mg at low energies are reported.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

Velocity-map imaging of near-threshold photoelectrons in Ne and Ar

The photoionization of Ne and Ar has been studied in the region between the {sup 2}P{sub 3/2} and {sup 2}P{sub 1/2} thresholds using a velocity-map imaging (VMI) spectrometer. The VMI technique provides a two-dimensional overview of the ionization cross section versus photon energy and emission angle. In these regions the neutral Rydberg states converging to the {sup 2}P{sub 1/2} ion state affect both the ionization cross section and the asymmetry parameter of the photoelectron angular distribution, which both display Fano line shapes. The results are compared with relativistic multichannel quantum-defect calculations.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

Hyperfine frequencies of {sup 87}Rb and {sup 133}Cs atoms in Xe gas

The microwave resonant frequencies of ground-state {sup 87}Rb and {sup 133}Cs atoms in Xe buffer gas are shown to have a relatively large nonlinear dependence on the Xe pressure, presumably because of RbXe or CsXe van der Waals molecules. The nonlinear shifts for Xe are opposite in sign to the previously measured shifts for Ar and Kr, even though all three gases have negative linear shifts. The Xe data show striking discrepancies with the previous theory for nonlinear shifts. Most of this discrepancy is eliminated by accounting for the spin-rotation interaction, {gamma}N{center_dot}S, in addition to the hyperfine-shift interaction, {delta} A I{center_dot}S, in the molecules. To the limit of our experimental accuracy, the shifts of {sup 87}Rb and {sup 133}Cs in He, Ne, and N{sub 2} were linear with pressure.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

Effectiveness of projectile screening in single and multiple ionization of Ne by B{sup 2+}

Pure multiple ionization cross sections of Ne by B{sup 2+} projectiles have been measured in the energy range of 0.75 to 4.0 MeV and calculated using the continuum distorted wave-eikonal initial state approximation. The experiment and calculations show that the ionization cross sections by B{sup 2+}, principally for the production of highly charged recoils, is strongly enhanced when compared to the bare projectile with the same charge state, He{sup 2+}, at the same velocities.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

Charge transfer in collisions between diatomic molecular ions and atomic hydrogen using merged beams

A merged-beam technique is used to measure charge transfer (CT) cross sections for the (O{sub 2}{sup +},D) and (CO{sup +},D) systems over a wide range of collision energy from 20 eV/u to 2 keV/u. At the higher energies where the collision is rovibrationally frozen and the differences in the Q values of the CT process can be neglected, the cross sections all converge to (7.5{+-}0.5)x10{sup -16} cm{sup 2} at 2 keV/u and are consistent with a rovibrational frozen (H{sub 2}{sup +},H) calculation. Toward lower velocities, (O{sub 2}{sup +},D) and (CO{sup +},D) have consistently similar cross sections but diverge below 60 eV/u. In contrast, previously reported merged-beam measurements for (D{sub 2}{sup +},H), a system with fewer electrons on the molecular core, no electronic excited states, and relatively fewer charge transfer channels, shows a decreasing cross section toward lower energies. These different trends are compared to previous merged-beam measurements of charge transfer with H for several atomic 4+ ions (Si{sup 4+}, Ne{sup 4+}, N{sup 4+}, and C{sup 4+}) which have a variety of electrons on the core.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗