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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1995

Stellar oxygen abundances. 4: Systematic effects on oxygen abundances derived from the 6300 A (O I) and 7774 A O I lines

We consider potential systematic effects on oxygen abundances derived from the 6300 A (OI) line and the 7774 A OI triplet. Our solar intensity spectra of the 7774 A triplet confirm previous results which indicate a discrepancy between the observed equivalent widths of Altrock (1968) and the values predicted by Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium (LTE) and recent NLTE models. However, this disagreement (at low micron(s)) does not seem to affect the solar O abundance as derived from flux spectra. We derive O abundances for a selection of relatively metal-rich F and G dwarfs from both the 6300 A (OI) line and 7774 A OI triplet and detail the various uncertainties which enter into the analyses. Minimizing possible systematic effects to the extent possible, we find for T(sub eff) approximately less than 6200-6300 K no systematic difference between the 6300 and 7774 A abundances. For T(sub eff) approximately greater than 6200-6300 K, however 7774 A abundances are substantially larger than the 6300 A abundances. This agreement in O abundances from the two features at cooler T(sub eff) conflicts with that of others and we suggest that the discrepancy may be due to the different model atmospheres utilized. If recently proposed, hotter T(sub eff) values for metal-poor dwarfs are correct, then there appears to be no discrepancy between the 6300 A abundances of metal-poor giants are correct, then there appears to be no discrepancy between the 6300 A abundances of metal-poor giants or dwarfs and the 7774 A abundances for dwarfs. This would seem to rule out substantial LTE departures or atmospheric inhomogeneity effects skewing metal-poor O abundances from the 7774 A triplet (for cooler stars having low metallicity anyway). Given the repeated inability of authors to reproduce each others' O abundances from the 6300 A (OI) line and the uncertainties in the solar equivalent width, we question the usual assumption that the 6300 A (OI) line and the uncertainties in the solar equivalent width, we question the usual assumption that the 6300 A (OI) abundances are more reliable than those from the permitted triplet.

King, Jeremy R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Space-based measurements of elemental abundances and their relation to solar abundances

The Ion Composition Instrument (ICI) aboard the ISEE-3/ICE spacecraft was in the solar wind continuously from August 1978 to December 1982. The results made it possible to establish long-term average solar wind abundance values for helium, oxygen, neon, silicon, and iron. The Charge-Energy-Mass instrument aboard the CCE spacecraft of the AMPTE mission has measured the abundance of these elements in the magnetosheath and has also added carbon, nitrogen, magnesium, and sulfur to the list. There is strong evidence that these magnetosheath abundances are representative of the solar wind. Other sources of solar wind abundances are Solar Energetic Particle experiments and Apollo lunar foils. When comparing the abundances from all of these sources with photospheric abundances, it is clear that helium is depleted in the solar wind while silicon and iron are enhanced. Solar wind abundances for carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and neon correlate well with the photospheric values. The incorporation of minor ions into the solar wind appears to depend upon both the ionization times for the elements and the Coulomb drag exerted by the outflowing proton flux.

Coplan, M. A.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Chemical abundances in Seyfert galaxies – X. Sulphur abundance estimates

For the first time, the sulphur abundance relative to hydrogen (S/H) in the narrow-line regions of a sample of Seyfert 2 nuclei (Sy 2s) has been derived via direct estimation of the electron temperature. Narrow emission-line intensities from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 17 (DR17) [in the wavelength range 3000 < λ(Å) < 9100] and from the literature for a sample of 45 nearby (z < 0.08) Sy 2s were considered. Our direct estimates indicate that Sy 2s have similar temperatures in the gas region where most of the $\rm S\rm ^{+}$ ions are located in comparison with that of star-forming regions (SFs). However, Sy 2s present higher temperature values (${\sim} 10\, 000$ K) in the region where most of the $\rm S\rm ^{2+}$ ions are located relative to that of SFs. We derive the total sulphur abundance in the range of $6.2 \: \lesssim 12+\log (\rm S/H) \: \lesssim \: 7.5$, corresponding to 0.1–1.8 times the solar value. These sulphur abundance values are lower by ∼0.4 dex than those derived in SFs with similar metallicity, indicating a distinct chemical enrichment of the interstellar medium (ISM) for these object classes. The sulphur abundance relative to oxygen (S/O) values for our Sy 2 sample present an abrupt (∼0.5 dex) decrease with increasing oxygen abundance relative to hydrogen (O/H) for the high-metallicity regime [$\rm 12+\log (O/H) \: \gtrsim 8.7)$], what is not seen for the SFs. However, when our Sy 2 estimates are combined with those from a large sample of SFs, we did not find any dependence between S/O and O/H.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Chemical abundances in Seyfert galaxies – Ⅸ. Helium abundance estimates

For the first time, the helium abundance relative to hydrogen (He/H), which relied on direct measurements of the electron temperature, has been derived in the narrow line regions (NLRs) from a local sample of Seyfert 2 nuclei. In view of this, optical emission line intensities [3000 < λ(Å) < 7000] of 65 local Seyfert 2 nuclei (z < 0.2), taken from Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 15 and additional compilation from the literature, were considered. Here we used photoionization model grid to derive an Ionization Correction Factor (ICF) for the neutral helium. The application of this ICF indicates that the NLRs of Seyfert 2 present a neutral helium fraction of ~50 percent in relation to the total helium abundance. We find that Seyfert 2 nuclei present helium abundance ranging from 0.60 to 2.50 times the solar value, while ~85 percent of the sample present oversolar abundance values. The derived (He/H)–(O/H) abundance relation from the Seyfert 2 is stepper than that of star-forming regions (SFs) and this difference could be due to excess of helium injected into the interstellar medium by the winds of Wolf–Rayet stars. From a regression to zero metallicity, by using Seyfert 2 estimates combined with SFs estimates, we obtained a primordial helium mass fraction Y p = 0.2441 ± 0.0037, a value in good agreement with the one inferred from the temperature fluctuations of the cosmic microwave background by the Planck Collaboration, i.e. $Y_{p}^{Planck}$ =0.2471 ± 0.0003.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1994

Li-7 abundances in halo stars: Testing stellar evolution models and the primordial Li-7 abundance

A large number of stellar evolution models with (Fe/H) = -2.3 and -3.3 have been calculated in order to determine the primordial Li-7 abundance and to test current stellar evolution models by a comparison to the extensive database of accurate Li abundances in extremely metal-poor halo stars observed by Thorburn (1994). Standard models with gray atmospheres do a very good job of fitting the observed Li abundances in stars hotter than approximately 5600 K. They predict a primordial. Li-7 abundance of log N(Li) = 2.24 +/- 0.03. Models which include microscopic diffusion predict a downward curvature in the Li-7 destruction isochrones at hot temperatures which is not present in the observations. Thus, the observations clearly rule out models which include uninhibited microscopic diffusion of Li-7 from the surface of the star. Rotational mixing inhibits the microscopic diffusion and the (Fe/H) = -2.28 stellar models which include both diffusion and rotational mixing provide an excellent match to the mean trend in T(sub eff) which is present in the observations. Both the plateau stars and the heavily depleted cool stars are well fit by these models. The rotational mixing leads to considerable Li-7 depletion in these models and the primordial Li-7 abundance inferred from these models is log N(Li) = 3.08 +/- 0.1. However, the (Fe/H) = -3.28 isochrones reveal problems with the combined models. These isochrones predict a trend of decreasing log N(Li) with increasing T(sub eff) which is not present in the observations. Possible causes for this discrepancy are discussed.

Chaboyer, Brian↗
NASA NTRS1974

Relative coronal abundances derived from X-ray observations 3: The effect of cascades on the relative intensity of Fe (XVII) line fluxes, and a revised iron abundance

Permitted lines in the optically thin coronal X-ray spectrum were analyzed to find the distribution of coronal material, as a function of temperature, without special assumptions concerning coronal conditions. The resonance lines of N, O, Ne, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, and Ar which dominate the quiet coronal spectrum below 25A were observed. Coronal models were constructed and the relative abundances of these elements were determined. The intensity in the lines of the 2p-3d transitions near 15A was used in conjunction with these coronal models, with the assumption of coronal excitation, to determine the Fe XVII abundance. The relative intensities of the 2p-3d Fe XVII lines observed in the corona agreed with theoretical prediction. Using a more complete theoretical model, and higher resolution observations, a revised calculation of iron abundance relative to hydrogen of 0.000026 was made.

Walker, A. B. C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Solar abundances from gamma-ray spectroscopy - Comparisons with energetic particle, photospheric, and coronal abundances

Accelerated particle and ambient gas abundances have been derived using solar flare gamma-ray spectroscopy. The results with photospheric and coronal abundances, as well as with solar energetic particle abundances. This is the first time that the composition of accelerated particles interacting in an astrophysical source has been compared with the composition of particles escaping from the source. The analysis shows that the derived composition of the accelerated particles is different from the composition of particles observed in large proton flares; rather, it resembles the composition observed in He-3-rich flares. The analysis also suggests an ambient gas composition which differs from the composition of both the photosphere and the corona.

Murphy, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Stellar oxygen abundances. 3: The oxygen abundance of the very metal poor halo star BD -13 deg 3442

A spectrum of the very metal poor ((Fe/H) approximately -3) halo star BD -13 deg 3442 is presented and used to determine this star's oxygen abundance. Our determination makes BD -13 deg 3442 the most metal poor dwarf (though a somewhat evolved one) with an O abundance determination. The O abundance (determined from the 7774 A O I triped) and (O/Fe) ratio is compared to that of two other metal-poor stars. The (O/Fe) ratio of BD -13 deg 3442 is found to be approximately 0.35 dex larger than that of the other two halo stars. Possible implications of this result are discussed.

King, Jeremy R.↗
DOE OSTI2022

The Open Cluster Chemical Abundances and Mapping Survey. V. Chemical Abundances of CTIO/Hydra Clusters Using The Cannon

Open clusters are key chemical and age tracers of Milky Way evolution. While open clusters provide significant constraints on galaxy evolution, their use has been limited due to discrepancies in measuring abundances from different studies. We analyze medium-resolution ( R ~ 19,000) Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory/Hydra spectra of giant stars in 58 open clusters using The Cannon to determine [Fe/H], [Mg/Fe], [Si/Fe], [Al/Fe], and [O/Fe]. This work adds an additional 55 primarily southern hemisphere open clusters calibrated to the Sloan Digital Sky Survey/Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment DR16 metallicity system. This uniform analysis is compared to previous studies [Fe/H] measurements for 23 clusters and we present spectroscopic metallicities for the first time for 35 open clusters.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1994

On the interpretation and implications of nova abundances: An abundance of riches or an overabundance of enrichments

We reexamine the question of the frequency of occurrence of oxygen-neon-magnesium (ONeMg) degenerate dwarfs in classical nova systems, in light of recent observations which have been interpreted as suggesting that 'neon novae' can be associated with relatively low mass white dwarfs. Determinations of heavy-element concentrations in nova ejecta are reviewed, and possible interpretations of their origin are examined. We conclude that, of the 18 classical novae for which detailed abundance analyses are availble, only two (or possibly three) seem unambiguously to demand the presence of an underlying ONeMg white dwarf: V693 CrA 1981, V1370 Aql 1982, and possibly QU Vul 1984. Three other novae which exhibit significant neon enrichments, relative to their total heavy-element concentrations, are RR Pic 1925, V977, Sco 1989, and LMC 1990 No. 1. This result is entirely consistent with present frequency estimates, and our interpretation of the lower levels of enrichment in other systems explains, in a natural way, the existence of relatively low mass white dwarfs in some of the 'neon' novae.

Livio, Mario↗
DOE OSTI2023

Abundances and Transients from Neutron Star–White Dwarf Mergers

Abstract We systematically investigate the mergers of neutron star–white dwarf binaries from beginning to end, with a focus on the properties of the inflows and outflows in accretion disks and their electromagnetic emissions. Using population synthesis models, we determine a subset of these binaries in which the white dwarf companion undergoes unstable mass transfer and complete tidal disruption, forming a large accretion disk around the neutron star. The material evolves according to a one-dimensional advection-dominated accretion-disk model with nuclear burning, neutrino emissions, and disk-surface wind ejection. The extreme dynamics of the entire process have proven difficult to analyze, and thus currently, the properties are poorly understood. The outflows from the mergers are iron- and nickel-rich, giving rise to optical and infrared emissions powered by the decay of the radioactive iron-type isotopes, calculated via the SuperNu light-curve code. We find these systems capable of powering bright, yet short-lived, optical transients with the potential to power gamma-ray bursts.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2002

Coronal Abundances In Xi Boo A, Abundances in the Corona of FK Aqr and the Origin of Cosmic Ray

Both Xi Boo A and FK Agr observations have been acquired, reduced and analysed. The results of the Xi Boo A study were published in ApJ (Drake, J.J., Kashyap, V., 2001, Up, 547, 428). Work is ongoing to determine the coronet metallicity of FK Aqr based on EUVE spectra and DO photometer data, using the techniques developed in the Drake & Kashyap paper. Preliminary synthetic spectra for FK Aqr have been developed, and further work to heap define the hot plasma emission measure distribution is underway. Progress on spectral analysis has been hampered following the post-doctoral scientist, Vinay Kashyap, taking up new position. A suitable replacement has been difficult to find, but new hire is expected shortly. However, good progress has been made on analysis of DO photometric variations in FK Age, with a publication now ready (Kashyap, V., Drake, J.J., Guedel, M., Audard, M.) for submission to a mainstream astrophysical journal.

Drake, Jeremy↗
NASA NTRS1994

The abundant elements in interstellar dust

We explore the incorporation of the cosmically abundant species O, C, N, Mg, Si, Fe, and S into interstellar dust. Column densities based on Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph 3.5 km/s resolution measurements from the literature for eight individual absorbing regions toward five lines of sight are used. Corrections are applied as needed in order to account for recent improvements in oscillator strengths. In order to acquire the most accurate column densities, and check on the accuracy of the oscillator strengths, we compare column densities based on the very strong Lorentzian damped lines of C II, O I, N I, and Mg II with results for the weak lines of these species, and confirm the previously determined f-values for O I lambda 1335, C II lambda 2325, and N I lambda lambda 1159, 1160. New empirical f-values of 1.25 x 10(exp -3) and 6.25 x 10(exp -4), respectively, are derived for the Mg II weak doublet at 1239 and 1240 A. Assuming a cosmic reference abundance based on solar and B star values, we derive depletions and dust-phase abundances which suggest that more than 70% of the available Mg and Fe is incorporated into dust-grain cores, whereas only 35% of the silicon is. This implies that oxides are important constituents of the grain core population. Mg and Fe atoms are mantled onto grain cores in a ratio of 1.8 to 1, whereas approximately 4.0 Si atoms are in the mantle per Fe atom. Since Si is not expected to accrete onto silicate or graphite grains, other grain cores, perhaps oxides and/or metallic Fe, may provide mantling sites for this species. The abundances of Fe and Mg in mantles would imply that graphite grains must have a substantial coating unless oxides provide significant mantling sites for these species. The abundance of O and N in the dust phase as implied by the solar reference abundance values are difficult to reconcile with the fact that these elements are not expected to participate in mantle formation, and the 3.1 micrometer H2O ice feature is not seen in absorption toward stars similar to those studied. The B star reference abundances for O and N, however, imply that no mantling of these species has occurred. The dust-phase abundance for C implied by solar reference abundances agrees with predictions for the number of graphite grains needed to produce the 2175 A bump. B star reference abundances, however, suggest that the abundance of C in the dust phase is not always sufficient to produce the bump.

Sofia, Ulysses J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Solar and galactic cosmic ray abundances - A comparison and some comments

We have compared the abundances of galactic cosmic rays at their source and solar cosmic-rays utilizing new data which includes the first determination of the abundances of Na and Al in the solar cosmic ray population. We find the relative abundances of the solar and galactic species to be identical within experimental error for 8 elements. One clear abundance difference exists for C. He and Fe have a variable solar cosmic ray abundance, and the unbiased abundance of both of these nuclei is also probably different than that in the galactic cosmic ray sources. We also have compared the cosmic ray abundances with solar system and solar atmospheric abundance determinations. We find an abundance ratio which depends on the first ionization potential for galactic cosmic rays; however, in addition, we find this same dependence on ionization potential for solar cosmic ray abundance ratios. The implications of this result are discussed.

Webber, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS2015

The CO2 Abundance in Comets C2012 K1 (PanSTARRS), C2012 K5 (LINEAR), and 290P Jager as Measured with Spitzer

Carbon dioxide is one of the most abundant ices present in comets and is therefore important for understanding cometary composition and activity. We present analysis of observations of CO2 and [O I] emission in three comets to measure the CO2 abundance and evaluate the possibility of employing observations of [O I] emission in comets as a proxy for CO2. We obtained NIR imaging sensitive to CO2 of comets C/2012 K1 (PanSTARRS), C/2012 K5 (LINEAR), and 290P/Jager with the IRAC instrument on Spitzer. We acquired observations of [O I] emission in these comets with the ARCES echelle spectrometer mounted on the 3.5-m telescope at Apache Point Observatory and observations of OH with the Swift observatory (PanSTARRS) and with Keck HIRES (Jager). The CO2/H2O ratios derived from the Spitzer images are 12.6 +/- 1.3% (PanSTARRS), 28.9 +/- 3.6% (LINEAR), and 31.3 +/- 4.2% (Jager). These abundances are derived under the assumption that contamination from CO emission is negligible. The CO2 abundance for PanSTARRS is close to the average abundance measured in comets at similar heliocentric distance to date, while the abundances measured for LINEAR and Jager are significantly larger than the average abundance. From the coma morphology observed in PanSTARRS and the assumed gas expansion velocity, we derive a rotation period for the nucleus of about 9.2 h. Comparison of H2O production rates derived from ARCES and Swift data, as well as other observations, suggest the possibility of sublimation from icy grains in the inner coma. We evaluate the possibility that the [O I] emission can be employed as a proxy for CO2 by comparing CO2/H2O ratios inferred from the [O I] lines to those measured directly by Spitzer. We find that for PanSTARRS we can reproduce the observed CO2 abundance to an accuracy of approximately 20%. For LINEAR and Jager, we were only able to obtain upper limits on the CO2 abundance inferred from the [O I] lines. These upper limits are consistent with the CO2 abundances measured by Spitzer.

McKay, Adam J.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electron temperature relations and the direct N, O, Ne, S, and Ar abundances of 49 959 star-forming galaxies in DESI data release 2

We present the largest direct-method abundance catalogue of galaxies to date, containing measurements of 49 959 star-forming galaxies at z<0.96 from DESI (Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument) data release 2. By directly measuring electron temperatures across multiple ionization zones, we provide constraints on a number of electron temperature relations. Using the temperature measurements, we derive reliable abundances for N, O, Ne, S, and Ar, and measure the evolution of abundances and abundance ratios of as a function of metallicity and other galaxy properties. Our measurements include direct oxygen abundances for 49 507 galaxies, leading to the discovery of the two most metal-poor galaxies in the nearby Universe, with oxygen abundances of 12+log⁡(O/H)=6.77−0.03+0.03 dex (1.2 per cent Z⊙⁠) and 12+log⁡(O/H)=6.81−0.04+0.04 dex (1.3 per cent Z⊙⁠). We identify a rare outlier population of 24 galaxies with high-N/O ratios at low metallicity, reminiscent of galaxy abundances observed in the early Universe. We find the Ne/O ratio is constant at low metallicity but increases gradually at 12+log(O/H)>8.105±0.004 dex. We show that the S/O and Ar/O abundance ratios are strongly correlated, consistent with the expected additional Type Ia enrichment channel for S and Ar. In this work, we present an initial survey of the key properties of the sample, with this data set serving as a foundation for extensive future work on galaxy abundances at low redshift.

Scholte, D. [Edinburgh U., Inst. Astron.] (ORCID:0↗