Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Evidence For Day-To-Night Ion Transport At Low Solar Activity In The Venus Pre-Dawn Ionosphere, J. F. Brannon, Jane L. Fox, H. S. Porter

Physics Faculty Publications

Periapsis of the Pioneer Venus spacecraft dropped below 180 km on August 28, 1992 near midnight, and 42 orbits of low altitude data at moderately low solar activity in the pre-dawn sector were obtained before contact was lost to the spacecraft in October, 1992. Through a combination of analysis of data from the PV orbiter ion mass spectrometer (OIMS) and modeling, we consider here what can be learned about the relative importance of plasma transport from the dayside and electron precipitation in maintaining the nightside ionosphere during the re-entry period. In particular, we examine here the atomic ion density profiles. …

Rotation Periods Of Open Cluster Stars, Ii, Charles F. Prosser, Matthew D. Shetrone, Ettore Marilli, Santo Catalano, Scott D. Williams, Dana E. Backman, Bentley D. Laaksonen, Vikram Adige, Laurence A. Marschall, John R. Stauffer

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

We present the results from a photometric monitoring program of 21 stars observed during 1992 in the Pleiades and Alpha Persei open clusters. Period determinations for 16 stars are given, 13 of which are the first periods reported for these stars. Brightness variations for an additional five cluster stars are also given. One K dwarf member of the a Per cluster is observed to have a period of rotation of only 4.39 hr, perhaps the shortest period currently known among BY Draconis variables. The individual photometric measurements have been deposited with the NSSDC. Combining current X-ray flux determinations with known …

Chromospherically Active Stars. Xi. Giants With Compact Hot Companions And The Barium Star Scenario, Francis C. Fekel, Gregory W. Henry, Michael R. Busby, Joseph J. Eitter

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

We have determined spectroscopic orbits for three chromsopherically active giants that have hot compact companions. They are HD 160538 (KO III + wd, P = 904 days), HD 165141 (G8 III + wd, P approximately 5200 days), and HD 185510 (KO III + sdB, P = 20.6619 days). By fitting an IUE spectrum with theoretical models, we find the white dwarf companion of HD 165141 has a temperature of about 35,000 K. Spectral types and rotational velocities have been determined for the three giants and distances have been estimated. These three systems and 39 Ceti are compared with the barium …

Optical Spectroscopy Of The Dusty K5 V Star Hd 98800, Francis C. Fekel, Bernard W. Bopp

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

High-resolution CCD spectra of the red region of the dusty K5 V star HD 98800, which may contain a protoplanetary disk, have been obtained at Kitt Peak National Observatory. The spectra verify the dwarf spectral type and show rotationally broadened photospheric lines, Hα emission, and a very strong Li _Ι λ6707 absorption line, all of which confirm the star as a very young object. The overall spectrum of HD 98800 closely resembles that of the young, chromospherically active, single BY Dra star HD 82558 (=LQ Hya). The measured Li _Ι equivalent width of 0.39 Å implies an abundance log N …

Extremely Active Long-Period Rs Cvn Binary Hd 12545, Bernard W. Bopp, Francis C. Fekel, Jason P. Aufdenberg, Robert C. Dempsey, Virgiljus Dadonas

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

The active-chromosphere giant HD 12545 is noteworthy for its remarkable 1990 photmetric amplitude of 0.6 mag in V, which implies that nearly half the visible hemisphere of the star was covered by cool spots. We report the results of a spectroscopic study of HD 12545, showing it to be an active-chromosphere binary with an orbital period of 23.97 days. We establish the spectral type as KO III, and measure v sin i = 17 +/- 2 km/s. The various indicators of activity in the optical and ultraviolet suggest that HD 12545 is one of the most active RS CVn systems …

The Chemical Evolution Of Qsos And The Implications For Cosmology And Galaxy Formation, Fred Hamann, Gary J. Ferland

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

We examine the chemical evolution of QSO broad-line gas by applying spectral synthesis and chemical enrichment models to the N V/C IV and N V/He II emission-line ratios. The models indicate that BLR metallicities are typically ~1 to perhaps ≳10 times solar. The enrichment must occur in ≲1 Gyr for sources where the redshift is ≳3 (if q₀ = ½). The higher metallicity QSOs require star formation favoring massive stars (compared to the Galactic disk). These results imply that extensive evolution usually occurs before the QSOs become observable. Our models of the evolution are equivalent to models proposed for …

Interaction Between The Supernova Remnant Ctb 80 And The Ambient Interstellar Medium: Hi And Co Observations, Bon-Chul Koo, Min S. Yun, Paul T P Ho, Youngung Lee

Min S. Yun

No abstract provided.

Co Emission In The Radio-Loud Quasar 3c 48, N Z. Scivukke, S Padin, D B. Sanders, B T. Soifer, Min S. Yun

Min S. Yun

We have used the Owens Valley Millimeter Array to conduct a sensitive search for CO (1 - 0) emission in the radio-loud quasar 3C 48. An emission feature is detected (4σ) at the redshift of the narrow optical emission lines (z = 0.3695). The width of this feature is ~250 km s^-1^(FWHM) similar to that expected for a galactic disk, and the integrated CO line flux implies an H_2_ mass of 7 x 10^10^ M_sun_ (assuming the same CO to H_2_ conversion factor found for giant molecular clouds in the Milky Way). This H_2_ mass is ~30 times that for …

A Masing [Fe Xi] Line, Gary J. Ferland

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

I draw attention to a maser which occurs within the ground term of Fe¹⁰⁺. In many photoionized environments, infrared fine-structure lines and the [O I] λ6300 line become optically thick but maser amplification of ionic fine-structure lines is unusual. During the course of development of a code designed to simulate gas under radiative-collisional equilibrium, the radiative transfer of roughly 500 ionic/atomic emission lines was treated using escape probabilities. Nearly all forbidden lines can become optically thick under extreme conditions, but the ³Pj = 1, 0 [Fe XI] 6.08 μm transition is the only line …

Spot On Rs Cvn From Spectroscopy And Photometry, Joel A. Eaton, Gregory W. Henry, Coretta Bell, Albert Okorogu

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

We have used contemporaneous spectra and V light curves to form spot models for RS CVn in 1991 and 1992. More than two spots are needed to fit all the properties of the observations. In fact, moderately small spots (22 x 28 deg in latitude and longitude) having only a slight effect on the rotational light curve were eclipsed in both years, and we find that a collection of 6-8 such moderate spots is required to fit the line profiles in each year. These groups of spots also account naturally for a difference in level of light between the two …

The Spectroscopic Orbit Of Gamma Geminorum And A Search For Its Secondary, Francis C. Fekel, Jocelyn Tomkin

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

New spectroscopic observations of Gamma Geminorum, a bright, 'normal' A1 IV star have resulted in an improved spectroscopic orbit. The orbital period is 12.632 +/- 0.002 yr, the eccentricity is 0.893 +/-0.002, and the orbital parallax is 0.0291 +/-0.0024 arcsec, or a distance of 34 pc. We determine a v sin i of 8 +/-1 km/s for the A star, which confirms that it is a slow rotator. Near-infrared spectroscopic observations at 8806 A, obtained through the brief nodal passage, have resulted in the probable detection of the secondary. The masses are 2.8 and 1.07 solar mass and the Delta …

On The Escape Of Oxygen And Hydrogen From Mars, Jane L. Fox

Physics Faculty Publications

Escape rates of oxygen atoms from dissociative recombination of O₂⁺ above the Martian exobase are computed in light of new information from ab initio calculations of the dissociative recombination process, and our recently revised understanding of the Martian dayside ionosphere. Only about 60% of the dissociative recombinations occur in channels in which the O atoms are released with energies in excess of the escape velocity. Futhermore, we find that the computed escape fluxes for O depend greatly on the nature of the ion loss process that has been found necessary to reproduce the topside ion density profiles measured …

Radial-Velocity And Light Variations Of Ir Cephei, Laurence A. Marschall, Michael A. Seeds, Robert J. Davis

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

Radical-velocity observations of the short-period Cepheid, IR Cephei, have been used to derive a complete radial-velocity versus phase curve for the variable, to investigate the presence of a possible binary companion, and to address the question of its membership in the Cepheus OB2 association. The observations are consistent with the absence of a close binary companion and shed doubt on its membership in the association. Photoelectric observations made with the Phoenix 10 Automated Photometric Telescope confirm the single nature of the star. We present simulations to show the effects of an equiluminous companion on the light curve of a Cepheid, …

Upper Limits To The Nightside Ionosphere Of Mars, Jane L. Fox

Physics Faculty Publications

The nightside ionosphere of Mars could be produced by electron precipitation or by plasma transport from the dayside, by analogy to the Venus, but few measurements are available. We report here model calculations of upper limits to the nightside ion densities on Mars that would be produced by both mechanisms. For the auroral model, we have adopted the downward traveling portions of the electron spectra measured by the HARP instrument on the Soviet Phobos spacecraft in the Martian plasma sheet and in the magnetotail lobes. For the plasma transport case, we have imposed on a model of the nightside thermosphere, …

Ccd Photometry Of The Old Open Cluster M67, Kent A. Montgomery, Laurence A. Marschall, Kenneth A. Janes

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

We present a CCD photometric survey of the central one-half degree of the old open cluster, M67, in U, B, V, and I colors to magnitude V=20. Extensive comparison of our photometry with other published datasets shows excellent agreement, indicating that CCD photometry is capable of producing a uniform set of measurements consistent with the photometric system defined primarily by the Landolt standard sequence. The color-magnitude diagram of the cluster shows a well-defined main sequence extending at least to the limit of the photometry at Mv=10.55 and a substantial binary sequence. At least 38% of cluster stars are …

H I Streamers Around M82 - Tidally Disrupted Outer Gas Disk, Min S. Yun, Paul T P Ho, K Y. Lo

Min S. Yun

Our new VLA observations of M82 reveals a triangular central concentration of neutral atomic gas and several more than about 10 kpc long tidal streamers originating from M82 itself. The coincidence of the beginning of the tidal streamer with the flaring of the optical disk as well as the smooth continuation of the disk velocity field into the H I streamer strongly suggest the tidal disruption of the disk of M82, contrary to the widely proposed scenario of tidal stripping and gas accretion from its neighbor M81. The velocity characteristics of H I within M82 are that of disk rotation …

The Narrow-Line Region Of High-Luminosity Active Galactic Nuclei, Beverley J. Wills, H. Netzer, M. S. Brotherton, Mingsheng Han, D. Wills, J. A. Baldwin, Gary J. Ferland, I. W. A. Browne

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

We have made high signal-to-noise spectroscopic observations of seven radio-loud quasars with the Faint Object Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope and from the ground at McDonald Observatory and at Kitt Peak National Observatory. The resolution is 300-400 km s^-1 over the wavelength range 1000-8500 Å, enabling us to separate the broad and narrow components of the emission lines. This is the first study of the optical and UV narrow lines in such high-luminosity active galactic nuclei (AGNs).

The most important and striking observational result is the relative weakness of the narrow ultraviolet lines, assuming that they have …

The Dynamics Of Stellar Outflows Dominated By Interaction Of Dust And Radiation, Nathan Netzer, Moshe Elitzur

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

Wind outflow around a late-type star driven by radiation pressure on dust grains is investigated in detail. The equation of motion for the outflow coupled with the equation of radiative transfer is solved treating the circumstellar envelope, which consists of gas and dust, as a two-component fluid. Because of the drift of the dust particles through the gas, the dust-to-gas ratio varies with distance even if grain formation is a prompt process. The coupling between dust and gas weakens as the mass-loss rate decreases until finally the rate of momentum transfer to the gas is insufficient to overcome gravity when …

Photometric And Spectroscopic Observations Of Sn 1990e In Ngc 1035: Observational Constraints For Models Of Type Ii Supernovae, Brian P. Schmidt, Robert P. Kirshner, Rudolph Schild, Bruno Leibundgut, David Jeffery, S. P. Willner, Reynier Peletier, Ann I. Zabludoff, Mark M. Phillips, Nicholas B. Suntzeff, Mario Hamuy, Lisa A. Wells, Chris Smith, Jack A. Baldwin, W. G. Weller, M. Navarette, L. Gonzalez, Alexei V. Filippenko, Joseph C. Shields, Charles C. Steidel, Saul Perlmutter, Carlton R. Pennypacker, Craig K. Smith, Alain C. Porter, Todd A. Boroson, Raylee Stathakis, Russell Cannon, J. Peters, E. Horine, Kenneth C. Freeman, Donna S. Womble, Remington P.S. Stone, Laurence A. Marschall, Andrew C. Phillips, A. Saha, Howard E. Bond

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

We present 126 photometric and 30 spectral observation of SN 1990E spanning from 12 days before B maximum to 600 days past discovery. These observations show that SN 1990E was of type II-P, displaying hydrogen in its spectrum, and the characteristic plateau in its light curve. SN 1990E is one of the few SNe II which has been well observed before maximum light, and we present evidence that this SN was discovered very soon after its explosion. In the earliest spectra we identify, for the first time, several N II lines. We present a new technique for measuring extinction to …

Chromospherically Active Stars. X. Spectroscopy And Photometry Of Hd 212280, Francis C. Fekel, Jared C. Browning, Gregory W. Henry, Mary D. Morton, Douglas S. Hall

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

The system HD 212280 is a chromospherically active double lined spectroscopic binary with an orbital period of 45.284 days and an eccentricity of 0.50. The spectrum is composite with spectral types of G8 IV and F5-8 V for the components. An estimated inclination of 78 +/- 8 deg results in masses of 1.7 and 1.4 solar mass for the G subgiant and mid-F star, respectively. The distance to the system is estimated to be 112 pc. Photometric observations obtained between 1987 November and 1992 June reveal that HD 212280 is a newly identified variable star with a V amplitude of …

Instrument Description And Performance Of The Imaging Gamma-Ray Telescope Comptel Aboard The Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory, V. Schonfelder, H. Aarts, K Bennett, H Deboer, J. Clear, W Collmar, A Connors, A. Deerenberg, R Diehl, A. Von Dordrecht, J W. Den Herder, W Hermsen, R M. Kippen, L Kuiper, G G. Lichti, J Lockwood, John R. Macri, Mark L. Mcconnell, D Morris, R Much, James M. Ryan, G. Simpson, M. Snelling, G Stacy, H Steinle, A W. Strong, B Swanenburg, B G. Taylor, C De Vries, C Winkler

Space Science Center

The COMPTEL instrument aboard the COMPTEL Gamma-Ray Observatory and its performance capabilities are described. Calibration data are used to determine the angular and energy response, and the effective detection area. The imaging properties of COMPTEL are demonstrated, and the sensitivity of Comptel to celestial gamma-ray sources are estimated from flight data.

Digital Imaging In The Introductory Astronomy Course, Laurence A. Marschall, Michael B. Hayden

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

The availability of small, inexpensive CCD cameras is making it possible to offer non-science students in introductory astronomy courses hands-on experience in astronomical imaging. For the past three years at Gettysburg College we have been developing laboratory exercises using ST-4, ST-6, and Lynxx CCD cameras attached to 8-inch telescopes. We discuss the hardware and the procedures involved in these exercises, pointing out the benefits and limitations of digital observations with introductory students. We also offer tips for making successful observations with students, and describe plans for further development.

Large Amplitude L=1 Coherent Structures In Non-Neutral Plasmas Confined In A Cylindrical Trap, Ross L. Spencer, Grant W. Mason

Faculty Publications

The computation of l= 1 coherent structures in non-neutral plasmas with arbitrary density profiles and for large displacements of the plasma from the symmetry axis of a confining cylindrical trap is described. As the structures are displaced from the axis, they revolve about the symmetry axis with a frequency that typically increases with displacement. The plasma also is distorted into an approximately elliptical shape. The frequency shifts and the eccentricities as a function of displacement, plasma size, and the shape of the density profile are both computed numerically and calculated analytically. The results are shown to be consistent with data …

Photoelectric And Ccd Photometry Of E And S0 Galaxies, M. Colless, D. Burstein, G. Wegner, R. P. Saglia

Dartmouth Scholarship

We present BR photoelectric photometry for 352 E and S0 galaxies that are part of a large survey of the properties and peculiar motions of galaxies in distant clusters. Repeat measurements show our internal errors to be 2 – 3 per cent in B and R and 1 – 2 per cent in B– R. Comparisons of BR and BVR reductions for 10 galaxies also observed in V show small systematic errors due to differences between the spectral energy distributions of stars and galaxies. External comparisons with B– V colours in the literature confirm that these colours are …

Photoluminescence And Absorption Studies Of Defects In Cdte And Znxcd1-Xte Crystals, Cheryl Barnett Davis, David D. Allred, A. Reyes-Mena, Jesus González-Hernández, Ovidio González, Bret C. Hess, Worth P. Allred

Faculty Publications

We have studied at cryogenic temperatures photoluminescence features which lie more than 0.15 eV below the band edge in ZnxCd1-xTe (0≤x≤0.09) crystals. The same features, namely a defect band which lies at about 0.13-0.20 eV below the band-gap energy and a peak at 1.1 eV, that are observed in pure CdTe samples are observed in these alloy materials. In annealed samples we observe that the 1.1 eV feature, which has been attributed to tellurium vacancies, increases with fast cooling. Increased concentrations of tellurium vacancies can be understood in terms of the phase diagram of CdTe which indicates that higher concentrations …

Observations Of The Ca Ii Infrared Triplet In Chromospherically Active Single And Binary Stars, Robert C. Dempsey, Bernard W. Bopp, Gregory W. Henry, Douglas S. Hall

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

Spectroscopic observations of the Ca II infrared triplet (8498, 8542, 8662 A) have been obtained for 45 stars which are known or suspected to be chromospherically active. The sample includes both single and binary stars of spectral types from F2 to M5 spanning luminosity classes III, IV, and V. Several different types of activity diagnostics were measured, and their relative merits are discussed. Dependence of chromospheric emission upon rotation period, luminosity, temperature, and duplicity are analyzed. Synchronous binaries show a slight trend of increased emission with decreasing period while the asynchronous binaries show abnormally high activity levels for their rotation …

Distinguishing A Charged Higgs Signal From A Heavy Wr Signal, David I. Kaiser

Dartmouth Scholarship

It is shown that non-Standard Model bosons should obey an observable asymmetry in their decays to taus. This asymmetry enables a distinction to be made between charged Higgsboson signalsand heavy right-handed Wboson signals,by reconstructing the orientation of the z with respect to the beam axis.

Microjansky Source Counts And Spectral Indices At 8.44 Ghz, Rogier A. Windhorst, Edward B. Fomalont, R. Bruce Partridge, James D. Lowenthal

Astronomy: Faculty Publications

We used the VLA to make deep images of two 7′ × 7′ fields at 8.44 GHz with 10″ resolution. With an rms noise of 3.2 and 5.1 μJy, respectively, in the two fields, we compiled a catalog of 82 sources. From the complete sample of 20 sources with S ≥ 14.5 μJy, the differential 8.44 GHz source count is dN(S)/ dS = (-4.6 ± 0.7) × S-2.3 ± 0.2 Jy-1 sr-1 in the range 14.5-1000 mJy. Analysis of statistical image fluctuations from weak sources (Fomalont et al. 1993) suggests that this slope remains unchanged at γ = 2.3 ± …

The Triple Symbiotic System Ch Cygni, Kenneth H. Hinkle, Francis C. Fekel, Diana S. Johnson, Werner W.G. Scharlach

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

Analysis of high-resolution IR spectra of CH Cygni shows that the star is a triple system with a short period orbit of just over 2 yrs. The period ratio of seven for CH Cyg is the smallest known for a triple system. The symbiotic pair is the short-period system. An eccentric and a circular orbit solution are determined for the short-period pair, and the circular orbit solution is found to be more appropriate. The observed eccentricity appears to be due to phase-dependent line asymmetries resulting from the irradiation of the M giant by the white dwarf. The system does not …

The Measurement Of Astronomical Parallaxes With Ccd Imaging Cameras On Small Telescopes, Stephen J. Ratcliff, Thomas J. Balonek, Laurence A. Marschall, David L. Dupuy, Carlton R. Pennypacker, Ritu Verma, Anastasia Alexov, Vivian Bonney

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

Small telescopes equipped with charge-coupled device (CCD) imaging cameras are well suited to introductory laboratory exercises in positional astronomy (astrometry). An elegant example is the determination of the parallax of extraterrestrial objects, such as asteroids. For laboratory exercises suitable for introductory students, the astronomical hardware needs are relatively modest, and under the best circumstances, the analysis requires little more than arithmetic and a microcomputer with image display capabilities. Results from the first such coordinated parallax observations of asteroids ever made are presented. In addition, procedures for several related experiments, involving single-site observations and/or parallaxes of earth-orbiting artificial satellites, are outlined.