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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2015

Simulation of DNA Damage in Human Cells from Space Radiation Using a Physical Model of Stochastic Particle Tracks and Chromosomes

The formation of double-strand breaks (DSBs) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) is of great importance in radiation research and, specifically, in space applications. We are presenting a recently developed model, in which chromosomes simulated by NASARTI (NASA Radiation Tracks Image) is combined with nanoscopic dose calculations performed with the Monte-Carlo simulation by RITRACKS (Relativistic Ion Tracks) in a voxelized space. The model produces the number of DSBs, as a function of dose for high-energy iron, oxygen, and carbon ions, and He ions. The combined model calculates yields of radiation-induced CAs and unrejoined chromosome breaks in normal and repair deficient cells. The merged computational model is calibrated using the relative frequencies and distributions of chromosomal aberrations reported in the literature. The model considers fractionated deposition of energy to approximate dose rates of the space flight environment. The merged model also predicts of the yields and sizes of translocations, dicentrics, rings, and more complex-type aberrations formed in the G0/G1 cell cycle phase during the first cell division after irradiation.

Ponomarev, Artem↗
NASA NTRS2016

Discovery of Rapidly Moving Partial X-Ray Absorbers Within Cassiopeiae

Gamma Cassiopeiae is an enigmatic Be star with unusually strong hard X-ray emission. The Suzaku observatory detected six rapid X-ray spectral hardening events called "softness dips" in a approx.100 ks observation in 2011. All the softness dip events show symmetric softness-ratio variations, and some of them have flat bottoms apparently due to saturation. The softness dip spectra are best described by either approx.40% or approx.70% partial covering absorption to kT approx.12 keV plasma emission by matter with a neutral hydrogen column density of approx.(2−8) ×10(exp 21)/sq cm, while the spectrum outside these dips is almost free of absorption. This result suggests the presence of two distinct X-ray-emitting spots in the gamma Cas system, perhaps on a white dwarf (WD) companion with dipole mass accretion. The partial covering absorbers may be blobs in the Be stellar wind, the Be disk, or rotating around the WD companion. Weak correlations of the softness ratios to the hard X-ray flux suggest the presence of stable plasmas at kT approx 0.9 and 5 keV, which may originate from the Be or WD winds. The formation of a Be star and WD binary system requires mass transfer between two stars; gamma Cas may have experienced such activity in the past.

tars: emission-line↗
NASA NTRS2017

A Massive Shell of Supernova-Formed Dust in SNR G54.1+0.3

While theoretical models of dust condensation predict that most refractory elements produced in core-collapsesupernovae (SNe) efficiently condense into dust, a large quantity of dust has so far only been observed inSN1987A. We present an analysis of observations from the Spitzer Space Telescope, Herschel SpaceObservatory, Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, and AKARI of the infrared shell surrounding thepulsar wind nebula in the supernova remnant G54.1+0.3. We attribute a distinctive spectral feature at 21 m to amagnesium silicate grain species that has been invoked in modeling the ejecta-condensed dust in Cas A, whichexhibits the same spectral signature. If this species is responsible for producing the observed spectral feature andaccounts for a significant fraction of the observed infrared continuum, we find that it would be the dominantconstituent of the dust in G54.1+0.3, with possible secondary contributions from other compositions, such ascarbon, silicate, or alumina grains. The total mass of SN-formed dust required by this model is at least 0.3Me. Wediscuss how these results may be affected by varying dust grain properties and self-consistent grain heating models.The spatial distribution of the dust mass and temperature in G54.1+0.3 confirms the scenario in which the SNformeddust has not yet been processed by the SN reverse shock and is being heated by stars belonging to a clusterin which the SN progenitor exploded. The dust mass and composition suggest a progenitor mass of 1627Me andimply a high dust condensation efficiency, similar to that found for Cas A and SN1987A. The study providesanother example of significant dust formation in a Type IIP SN explosion and sheds light on the properties ofpristine SN-condensed dust.

Temim, Tea↗
NASA NTRS2017

MIDAS-FAST: Design and Validation of a Model-Based Tool to Predict Operator Performance with Robotic Arm Automation

The Coalition for Aerospace and Science (CAS) is hosting an exhibition on Capitol Hill on June 14, 2017, to highlight the contributions of CAS members to NASAs portfolio of activities. This exhibition represents an opportunity for an HFES members ground breaking work to be displayed and to build on support within Congress for NASAs human research program including in those areas that are of specific interest to the HFE community. The intent of this poster presentation is to demonstrate the positive outcome that comes from funding HFE related research on a project like the one exemplified by MIDAS-FAST.

MIDAS↗
NASA NTRS2020

The Dynamics, Destruction, and Survival of Supernova-Formed Dust Grains

Observations have demonstrated that supernovae efficiently produce dust. This is consistent with the hypothesis that supernovae and asymptotic giant branch stars are the primary producers of dust in the universe. However, there has been a longstanding question of how much of the dust detected in the interiors of young supernova remnants can escape into the interstellar medium. We present new hydrodynamical calculations of the evolution of dust grains that were formed in dense ejecta clumps within a Cas A–like remnant. We follow the dynamics of the grains as they decouple from the gas after their clump is hit by the reverse shock. They are subsequently subject to destruction by thermal and kinetic sputtering as they traverse the remnant. Grains that are large enough (∼0.25 μm for silicates and ∼0.1 μm for carbonaceous grains) escape into the interstellar medium while smaller grains get trapped and destroyed. However, grains that reach the interstellar medium still have high velocities, and are subject to further destruction as they are slowed down. We find that for initial grain size distributions that include large (∼0.25–0.5 μm) grains, 10%–20% of silicate grains can survive, while 30–50% of carbonaceous grains survive even when the initial size distribution cuts off at smaller (0.25 μm) sizes. For a 19 Mꙩ star similar to the progenitor of Cas A, up to 0.1 Mꙩ of dust can survive if the dust grains formed are large. Thus we show that supernovae under the right conditions can be significant sources of interstellar dust.

Jonathan D. Slavin↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Modeling Space-Radiation Induced Chromosome Aberrations

Exposure to ionizing radiation is identified as one of the main hazards of space flight. Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) are composed of energetic protons (87%), helium nuclei (12%) and high-charge and energy (HZE) ions. At the cellular scale, HZE ions have a pattern of energy deposition that depends on the ion linear energy transfer (LET), with high LET ions favoring the formation of complex DNA damages that induce chromosome aberrations (CAs). Understanding how physical (e.g., ion type and energy) and biological (e.g., cell type) parameters impact CA formation is required to assess space radiation risks such as carcinogenesis. The Monte Carlo tool RITCARD/RITRACKS [1,2] developed by NASA allows simulation of the transport of HZE ions and subsequent energy deposition at the cellular scale and models the creation of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), DNA repair and formation of CAs. We used this radiation transport code to further understand how radiation quality and cell size affects CA formation.

Floriane Poignant↗
NASA NTRS2022

X-ray Polarization Detection of Cassiopeia A with IXPE

We report on a ∼5σ detection of polarized 3–6 keV X-ray emission from the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A (Cas A) with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE). The overall polarization degree of 1.8% ± 0.3% is detected by summing over a large region, assuming circular symmetry for the polarization vectors. The measurements imply an average polarization degree for the synchrotron component of ∼2.5%, and close to 5% for the X-ray synchrotron-dominated forward shock region. These numbers are based on an assessment of the thermal and nonthermal radiation contributions, for which we used a detailed spatial-spectral model based on Chandra X-ray data. A pixel-by-pixel search for polarization provides a few tentative detections from discrete regions at the ∼ 3σ confidence level. Given the number of pixels, the significance is insufficient to claim a detection for individual pixels, but implies considerable turbulence on scales smaller than the angular resolution. Cas A's X-ray continuum emission is dominated by synchrotron radiation from regions within ≲1017 cm of the forward and reverse shocks. We find that (i) the measured polarization angle corresponds to a radially oriented magnetic field, similar to what has been inferred from radio observations; (ii) the X-ray polarization degree is lower than in the radio band (∼5%). Since shock compression should impose a tangential magnetic-field structure, the IXPE results imply that magnetic fields are reoriented within ∼1017 cm of the shock. If the magnetic-field alignment is due to locally enhanced acceleration near quasi-parallel shocks, the preferred X-ray polarization angle suggests a size of 3 × 1016 cm for cells with radial magnetic fields.

Polarimetry↗
NASA NTRS2016

Proposal and Development of a High Voltage Variable Frequency Alternating Current Power System for Hybrid Electric Aircraft

The development of ultra-efficient commercial vehicles and the transition to low-carbon emission propulsion are seen as thrust paths within NASA Aeronautics. A critical enabler to these paths comes in the form of hybrid-electric propulsion systems. For megawatt-class systems, the best power system topology for these hybrid-electric propulsion systems is debatable. Current proposals within NASA and the Aero community suggest using a combination of AC and DC for power transmission. This paper proposes an alternative to the current thought model through the use of a primarily high voltage AC power generation, transmission, and distribution systems, supported by the Convergent Aeronautics Solutions (CAS) Project. This system relies heavily on the use of dual-fed induction machines, which provide high power densities, minimal power conversion, and variable speed operation. The paper presents background on the project along with the system architecture, development status and preliminary results.

Propulsion↗
NASA NTRS1972

Balmer continuous emission and polarization in Be stars

Observations by OAO-2 of two Be stars, gamma Cassiopeiae and 60 Cygni, are analyzed to show that unpolarized radiation produced by Balmer continuous emission in the extended atmospheres of Be stars is probably a significant factor in explaining the polarization observed shortwards of the Balmer discontinuity. The ratio of the energy flux of Be stars to normal B stars with the same amount of reddening varies from about 1.4 at 3600 A to 1.05 at 2500 A. This is interpreted as due to Balmer continuous emission in the Be stars. For gamma Cas the polarizations at 3300 and 3600 A are respectively 0.6 and 0.7 of the values one expects from interstellar polarization.

Coyne, G. V.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Infrared objects in H II regions.

The discovery of 2-micron emission sources in NGC 2264, IC 2087, and M1-82, and of prominent infrared emission in Lk H-alpha 198 and V376 Cas is reported. Of the 25 objects found by scanning around the H II regions, less than half would appear to be late-type stars.

Allen, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Observations of the stellar Mg II resonance doublet at 2795 and 2802 A.

Spectrophotometry of the Mg II resonance doublet at 2795.5 and 2802.7 A has been performed for five stars with a balloon-borne telescope and spectrometer. Spectral resolution attained was between 0.25 and 0.5 A. A description of the payload and flight operations is given. In beta Lyr the Mg II doublet displayed P Cygni characteristics, while in gamma Lyr the doublet was observed only in absorption. The star beta Cas shows broad overlapping Mg II absorption lines with possible weak emission at the line bottom. In alpha CMi, both components of the doublet are seen in emission at the bottom of the broad absorption feature. The Mg II doublet in alpha Ori is entirely in emission, with each component showing distinct self-reversal.

Kondo, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Low energy X-ray survey from the Crab Nebula to Cygnus.

Observations of cosmic X-rays in the energy band 0.2-3.0 keV were made from an experiment on board an Aerobee 170 rocket launched from White Sands, N.M. on Dec. 19, 1970. A survey along the galactic plane between the Crab Nebula and Cygnus provided data on the interstellar absorption and X-ray flux for the Crab Nebula, NP 0532, Cas A, and Cyg X-2; upper limits were obtained for the flux from a number of supernova remnants. The 1/4 keV X-ray background was measured over a limited range of galactic latitude and longitude.

Garmire, G.↗
NASA NTRS1972

A flux-density scale for microwave frequencies.

Accurate flux-density measurements of the thermal radio source DR 21 have been made at centimeter wavelengths relative to the KPW absolute flux-density scale based on Cas A and at millimeter wavelengths relative to absolute brightness-temperature measurements of Jupiter and Saturn. The form of the absolute spectrum of DR 21 thus defined is given and used to relate two formerly independent flux-density scales. With an accuracy of about 3 percent, this spectrum of DR 21 defines a flux-density scale that can be used to calibrate antennas having beamwidths between 1 and 6 minutes of arc at microwave frequencies above 7 GHz where other methods of absolute calibration are much less accurate.

Dent, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

X-ray spectrum of Cassiopeia A - Evidence for iron line emission.

A sensitive measurement by rocket-borne detectors of the X-ray flux from Cas A has revealed a steep continuum and a broad spectral feature in the region where line radiation from iron nuclei would be expected. The flux in this feature is 0.0122 plus or minus 0.0017 photons per sq cm per sec. The presence of broad iron lines is consistent with a model in which about 13 MeV-per-nucleon iron nuclei charge exchange with surrounding interstellar oxygen and other heavy atoms. The model suggests that a substantial fraction of the energy from the outburst has gone into low-energy cosmic rays which produce the observed H II region surrounding the remnant.

Serlemitsos, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Time variations of UV emission features of Be stars

The UV spectra of three Be stars (gamma Cas, sigma Tau, eta Cen) were studied. Of the six Be stars observed in the first four lines of the Balmer series, three stars showed at least one of the Balmer lines to be variable in the equivalent width amounting to a few percent with time scales of 3 to 30 minutes. Photoelectric spectrum scans of five southern Wolf-Rayet stars showed night-to-night variations. A simple model is proposed to account for the behavior of these emission lines. Scans of gamma square Vel showed rapid variations of emission strengths of He II 4686 and C III - IV 4650. These variations have time scales of 1 minute and longer. Night-to-night variations were also found. Scans of four Be stars in H alpha showed a definite variation of 3 to 4 percent, with time scales of 1 minute and longer in sigma Tau. In 48 Per and kappa Dra the variations are not as well established. No variation of any significance was found for nu Gem.

Bahng, J. D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

The X-ray spectra of the Vela and Puppis supernova remnants and the shock-wave model of supernova remnants

The structure and spectrum of the Vela and Puppis supernova remnants (SNRs) were observed in soft (0.1 to 1.5 keV) X rays from a rocket. The spectral data of both objects below 1.5 keV are consistent with thermal radiation from a hot plasma and are not consistent with a simple power-law function. Fitting the data to a Tucker-Koren model results in values of T = (4.3 plus or minus 0.3) x 1,000,000 K for Vela and T = (7 plus or minus 1) x 1,000,000 K for Puppis. The present data, earlier data from the Cygnus Loop, and results on Cas A and Tycho reported by others are considered within the context of a simple model in which X rays are thermally produced as a result of a shock wave expanding into the interstellar medium. X-ray data on the temperature, intrinsic diameter, and intrinsic luminosity of the five SNRs are used to compute the age, energy release, and initial interstellar density for each one. From measurements of X-ray absorption along the line of sight, and also from shock-wave model interpretations of temperature-diameter-luminosity relations, it is concluded that the average density of interstellar material is about 0.1 per cu cm between the sun and the nearest X-ray emitting SNR, Vela.

Gorenstein, P.↗