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NASA NTRS1984

X-ray emission from active galactic nuclei

The advantages of X-ray astronomy for studying active galactic nuclei (AGN) are discussed. If the X-ray emission from AGN arises from a region close to the central energy source X-ray observations may provide the best constraints on the central engine. The shape of the X-ray continuum gives information about the mechanism for photon generation; X-ray time variability data can constrain the size and mass of the continuum source; and X-ray occultation data gives constraints on the relative sizes of the continuum source and the intervening absorbing material. Since a fair fraction of the total energy of an AGN is emitted at X-ray wavelengths, direct measurement of the amount and spectral form of this radiation is important for modeling of the optically emitting clouds.

Mushotzky, R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A model for the UHE gamma-rays from Hercules X-1

An outburst of gamma rays with energies E gamma 10 to the 12th power eV was recently detected from the X-ray pulsar Hercules X-1. The outburst had a 3 minute duration and occurred at a time during the 35 day X-ray modulation that is associated with X-ray turnon. The gamma rays also have the same 1.24 second modulation that is observed at X-ray energies. Subsequently a 40 minute outburst was detected at E gamma 10 to the 14th power eV. The interaction of ultrahigh energy particles with a precessing accretion disk explain the observed gamma ray light curve. The constraints one can place on acceleration mechanisms and the possibility that the UHE particles are accelerated by shocks in an accretion flow are explained.

Eichler, D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Excess gamma-rays in the direction of the rho Ophiuchi cloud: An exotic object?

The COS-B X-ray data in the direction of the rho Oph dark cloud show an extended structure; at the same time, the region of highest intensity has a spatial distribution compatible with a localized source; 2CG353+16 which is designated Oph gamma. The possibility of an excess gamma ray flux over what is expected on the basis of the interaction of average density cosmic rays with an estimated cloud mass of 2 to 4 000 M is still open, pending an extended CO survey matching the gamma ray data. Estimates for this excess factor are in the range 2 to 4. While the cloud mass may be underestimated, it should be noted that an excess of the same order appears to be present in the nearby Oph-Sag area, well surveyed in CO with the Columbia dish. Possible reasons for a gamma ray excess, in view of two recent observational developments: an Einstein X-ray survey and a VLA radio survey, both covering the approx 2 deg diameter Oph gamma error box. Current interpretations link the gamma ray excess to the cloud gas, in which some active agent is present: stellar winds, or interaction with the North Polar Spur.

Montmerle, T.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Measuring planetary neutron albedo fluxes by remote gamma-ray sensing

In order to measure the planetary neutron albedo fluxes, a neutron-absorbing shield which emits gamma rays of characteristic energy and serves as a neutron detector, is added to a gamma-ray spectrometer (GRS). The gamma rays representing the neutron flux are observed against interference consisting of cosmic gamma rays, planetary continuum and line emission, and gamma rays arising from the interaction of cosmic rays with the GRS and the spacecraft. The uncertainty and minimum detection limits in neutron albedo fluxes are calculated for two missions, a lunar orbiter and a comet nucleus rendezvous. A GRS on a lunar orbiter at 100 km altitude detects a thermal neutron albedo flux as low as 0.002/sq cm/s and an expected flux of about 0.6/sq cm/s is measured with an uncertainty of 0.001/sq cm/s, for a 100 h observation period. For the comet nucleus, again in a 100 h observing period, a thermal neutron albedo flux is detected at a level of 0.006/sq cm/s and an expected flux of about 0.4/sq cm/s is measured with an uncertainty of 0.004/sq cm/s. The expanded geological capabilities made possible by this technique include improvements in H sensitivity, spatial resolution, and measurement depth; and an improved model of induced gamma-ray emission.

Haines, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Detailed X-ray observations of M83

X-ray observation of M83 with the Einstein Observatory indicates an extent and shape for this emission that are comparable to those in the blue band, although the inner 2-arcmin region shows a relative X-ray excess that may be accounted for by a clustering of bulge-type X-ray sources in the inner region of the plane of the galaxy. A lack of correlation in high resolution X-ray observations is noted between X-ray emission and the spiral arm pattern, suggesting that most of the X-ray emission from the plane of M83 is due to unresolved sources, belonging to the 'smooth' disk population, whose ages are in the 100 million-1 billion year range. Attention is given to six bright sources in the plane and nuclear region of M83, whose high X-ray luminosities suggest that they are close accreting binaries.

Trinchieri, G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Nineteenth International Cosmic Ray Conference. Conference Papers: Invited Rapporteur, Highlight, Miscellaneous, Volume 9

Invited talks, rapporteur talks, and highlight talks are included. Topics of the invited and highlight talks include astrophysical jets, gamma-ray line astronomy, cosmic rays and gamma rays in astrophysics, the early universe, elementary particle physics, solar flares and acceleration of energetic particles, cosmogenic nuclei, extragalactic astronomy, composition of solar flare particles, very high energy gamma ray sources, gamma-ray bursts, shock acceleration in the solar wind, cosmic rays in deep underground detectors, spectrum of cosmic rays at 10 to the 19th power eV, and nucleus-nucleus interactions.

Jones, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Ground-based very high energy gamma ray astronomy: Observational highlights

It is now more than 20 years since the first ground based gamma ray experiments involving atmospheric Cerenkov radiation were undertaken. The present highlights in observational ground-based very high energy (VHE) gamma ray astronomy and the optimism about an interesting future for the field follow progress in these areas: (1) the detection at increased levels of confidence of an enlarged number of sources so that at present claims were made for the detection, at the 4 to 5 sd level of significance, of 8 point sources; (2) the replication of the claimed detections with, for the first time, confirmation of the nature and detail of the emission; and (3) the extension of gamma ray astronomy to the ultra high energy (UHE) domain. The pattern, if any, to emerge from the list of sources claimed so far is that X-ray binary sources appear to be copious emitters of gamma rays over at least 4 decades of energy. These X-ray sources which behave as VHE and UHE gamma ray emitters are examined.

Turver, K. E.↗
NASA NTRS1985

On stellar X-ray emission

Stellar X-ray astronomy represents an entirely new astronomical discipline which has emerged during the past five years. It lies at the crossroads of solar physics, stellar physics, and general astrophysics. The present review is concerned with the main physical problems which arise in connection with a study of the stellar X-ray data. A central issue is the extent to which the extrapolation from solar physics is justified and the definition (if possible) of the limits to such extrapolation. The observational properties of X-ray emission from stars are considered along with the solar analogy and the modeling of X-ray emission from late-type stars, the modeling of X-ray emission from early-type stars, the physics of stellar X-ray emission, stellar X-ray emission in the more general astrophysical context, and future prospects.

Rosner, R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

X-ray properties of optically selected QSOs

The dependence of the X-ray-to-optical luminosity ratio on optical luminosity and redshift for optically selected QSOs is studied, largely on the basis of two, complete, magnitude-limited samples (Bright Quasar Survey /1983/ and Braccesi Faint /1984/) which were observed with the Einstein Observatory. Heterogeneous samples are established as adequate for the study of that dependence. Optimal choices for increasing the size of the data set for such a study are pointed out. The previous results of Avni and Tananbaum for alpha sub 0, x(z, L sub opt) are confirmed and strengthened, and the numerical sensitivity to changes in the values of q sub 0 and of the optical spectral index is evaluated. It is shown that the large majority, probably all, of optically selected QSOs are X-ray loud; no more than a few percent can be X-ray quiet. Thus X-ray emission appears to be a universal property of QSOs. It is shown that comparisons of optically selected QSOs with X-ray selected QSOs are numerically sensitive to the details of the input ingredients. A residual discrepancy of about a factor of 2 between calculated and observed X-ray number counts is found. Directions for further research that are important for understanding the full bivariate optical-X-ray evolution and luminosity function for QSOs are discussed.

Avni, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The X-ray properties of normal galaxies

X-ray observations with the Einstein satellite have shown that normal galaxies of all morphological types are spatially extended sources of X-ray emission with luminosities in the range of L(x) of about 10 to the 39th to 10 to the 41st erg/s. Although this is only a small fraction of the total energy output of a normal galaxy, X-ray observations are uniquely suited to study phenomena that are otherwise elusive. In X-rays one can study directly the end products of stellar evolution (SNRs and compact remnants). X-ray observations have led to the discovery of gaseous outflows linked to starburst nuclear activity in spiral galaxies and to the detection of a hot interstellar medium in early-type galaxies. Through X-ray observations it is possible to set constraints on structural galaxy parameters, such as the mass of elliptical galaxies, and perhaps get new insight on the origin of cosmic rays and the properties of the magnetic fields of spiral galaxies.

Fabbiano, G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Spectral slicing X-ray telescope

Layered synthetic microstructure (LSM) X-ray optics is investigated as a system for coupling a conventional glancing incidence X-ray mirror to a high sensitivity X-ray detector. It is shown that, by the use of figured LSM optics, it is possible to magnify the X-ray image produced by the primary mirrors so as to maintain their high inherent spatial resolution. The results of theoretical and design analyses of several spectral slicing X-ray telescope systems that utilize LSM mirrors of hyperboloidal, spherical, ellipsoidal, and constant optical path aspheric configurations are presented. It is shown that the spherical LSM optics are the preferred configuration, yielding subarcsecond performance over the entire field. The Stanford/Marshall Space Flight Center Rocket X-ray Telescope, which will utilize normal incidence LSM optics to couple a Wolter-Schwarzschild primary mirror to high resolution detectors for solar X-ray/EUV studies, is discussed. Design diagrams are included.

Hoover, R. B.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Photon-deficient Compton scattering by nonthermal electrons - Comparison with gamma-ray burst spectra

The model of gamma-ray-burst spectra proposed by Zdziarski and Lamb (1986, 1987) is reviewed and compared with observed spectra. In the model, the spectrum arises from multiple Compton scatterings in a nonthermal source with a deficit of soft photons. The steady-state electron distribution in such a source is a nonthermal power law that joins at low energies onto a thermal distribution that may be either optically thick or thin. Both cases lead naturally to a two-component spectrum with a photon-energy index in the X-ray spectrum which is much less than one and a photon-energy index in the gamma-ray spectrum which is larger than the X-ray photon-energy index. Fits to the observed gamma-ray-burst spectra (where data exist for both X-ray and gamma-ray energies) show good agreement with the model.

Zdziarski, Andrzej A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Einstein Observatory survey of X-ray emission from solar-type stars - The late F and G dwarf stars

Results of a volume-limited X-ray survey of stars of luminosity classes IV and V in the spectral range F7-G9 observed with the Einstein Observatory are presented. Using survival analysis techniques, the stellar X-ray luminosity function in the 0.15-4.0 keV energy band for both single and multiple sources. It is shown that the difference in X-ray luminosity between these two classes of sources is consistent with the superposition of individual components in multiple-component systems, whose X-ray properties are similar to those of the single-component sources. The X-ray emission of the stars in our sample is well correlated with their chromospheric CA II H-K line emission and with their projected equatorial rotational velocity. Comparison of the X-ray luminosity function constructed for the sample of the dG stars of the local population with the corresponding functions derived elsewhere for the Hyades, the Pleiades, and the Orion Ic open cluster confirms that the level of X-ray emission decreases with stellar age.

Maggio, A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Soft X-ray observations of pre-main sequence stars in the chamaeleon dark cloud

Einstein IPC observations of the nearby Chamaeleon I star forming cloud show 22 well-resolved soft X-ray sources in a 1x2 deg region. Twelve are associated with H-alpha emission line pre-main sequence (PMS) stars, and four with optically selected PMS stars. Several X-ray sources have two or more PMS stars in their error circles. Optical spectra were obtained at CTIO of possible stellar counterparts of the remaining X-ray sources. They reveal 5 probable new cloud members, K7-MO stars with weak or absent emission lines. These naked X-ray selected PMS stars are similar to those found in the Taurus-Auriga cloud. The spatial distributions and H-R diagrams of the X-ray and optically selected PMS stars in the cloud are very similar. Luminosity functions indicate the Chamaeleon stars are on average approximately 5 times more X-ray luminous than Pleiad dwarfs. A significant correlation between L sub x and optical magnitude suggests this trend may continue within the PMS phase of stellar evolution. The relation of increasing X-ray luminosity with decreasing stellar ages is thus extended to stellar ages as young as 1 million years.

Feigelson, Eric D.↗
NASA NTRS1987

X-ray observations of solar flares with the Einstein Observatory

The first Einstein Observatory Imaging Proportional Counter (IPC) observations of solar flares are presented. These flares were detected in scattered X-ray light when the X-ray telescope was pointed at the sunlit earth. The propagation and scattering of solar X-rays in the earth's atmosphere are discussed in order to be able to deduce the solar X-ray flux incident on top of the atmosphere from scattered X-ray intensity measurements. After this correction, the scattered X-ray data are interpreted as full-disk observations of the sun obtained with the same instrumentation used for observations of flares on other stars. Employing the same data analysis and interpretation techniques, extremely good agreement is found between the physical flare parameters deduced from IPC observations and 'known' properties of compact loop flares. This agreement demonstrates that flare observations with the IPC can reveal physical parameters such as temperature and density quite accurately in the solar case and therefore suggests that the interpretations of stellar X-ray flare observations are on a physically sound basis.

Schmitt, J. H. M. M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

X-ray, optical, and IR luminosity correlations in quasars

For a sample of 88 radio-quiet quasars that includes 12 X-ray upper limits, it is found that the X-ray and IR luminosities follow a significantly nonlinear relation that is consistent with that found for the X-ray and optical luminosities. The redshift dependence is weak and may be nonexistent. Since the optical through IR continuum of quasars is much the same shape as a function of luminosity, this implies that the nonlinear relation between the X-ray luminosity and the optical and IR luminosities is due to a systematic change in the X-ray continuum of quasars with increasing luminosity. Either the X-ray continuum must flatten with increasing luminosity, or the overall normalization relative to the optical and IR must decrease. Simple continuum models which link the IR and X-ray portions of the continuum by a single power law arising from the same synchrotron mechanism can be ruled out.

Kriss, Gerard A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The effects of mixing of the ejecta on the hard X-ray emissions from SN 1987A

The X-ray and gamma-ray emissions expected from SN 1987A have been calculated, taking into account mixing of material in the ejecta. Nuclear gamma rays emitted by Co-56 are scattered down to the hard X-ray band by multiple Compton scatterings. Nomoto's 11E1Y6 model for the ejecta of SN 1987A is used. X-ray light curves in the 10-30 keV band and spectra above 20 keV calculated with an inner mixed region of 5 + or - 1 solar mass are consistent with the observations performed with the Ginga satellite and the Kvant/Roentgen mission. On the basis of this comparison, further evolutions of the hard X-ray, gamma-ray, and optical/infrared emissions are discussed.

Ebisuzaki, Toshikazu↗
NASA NTRS1986

Radio and X-ray observations of M87

The nearby radio galaxy M87 (Virgo A) is studied with the Einstein X-ray Observatory and the VLA to investigate possible inverse Compton X-ray emission from the 'radio halo'. An asymmetrical X-ray structure is superposed on the dominant symmetrical emission due to the hot interstellar gas, consisting of broad ridges extending about 0.5-5 arcmin E and SW of the nucleus. The radio halo also has prominent structures to the E and SW, probably due to bent jets seen in projection. But comparison of the X-ray and radio maps show the features are not entirely coincident. An inverse Compton origin of the X-ray emission implies the magnetic field of the halo varies between 3 and 8 times below equipartition levels of 2-5 microG. The principal alternative explanation for the asymmetrical X-ray component is that the outflowing jets compress the interstellar medium, causing a local enhancement of thermal X-ray emission.

Feigelson, E. D.↗