Astrophysics and Astronomy | Open Access Articles

Book Review: The Road To Galaxy Formation 2nd Ed, T. D. Oswalt

Publications

This document is Dr. Oswalt’s review of The road to galaxy formation 2nd ed by William C. Keel. Springer/Praxis, 2007 262p, 9783540725343 $99.00.

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White Dwarf Luminosity And Mass Functions From Sloan Digital Sky Survey Spectra, Steven Degennaro, Ted Von Hippel, D. E. Winget, S. O. Kepler, Atsuko Nitta, Detlev Koester, Leandro Althaus

Publications

We present the first phase in our ongoing work to use Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) data to create separate white dwarf (WD) luminosity functions (LFs) for two or more different mass ranges. In this paper, we determine the completeness of the SDSS spectroscopic WD sample by comparing a proper-motion selected sample of WDs from SDSS imaging data with a large catalog of spectroscopically determined WDs. We derive a selection probability as a function of a single color (g − i) and apparent magnitude (g) that covers the range −1.0 < g − i < 0.2 and 15 < g < 19.5. We address the observed upturn in log g for WDs with Teff 12,000 K and offer arguments that the problem is limited to the line profiles and is not present in the continuum. We offer an empirical method of removing the upturn, recovering a reasonable mass function for WDs with Teff < 12,000 K. Finally we present a WD LF with nearly an order of magnitude (3358) more spectroscopically confirmed WDs than any previous work.

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Book Review: The Telescope: Its History, Technology, And Future, T. D. Oswalt

Publications

This document is Dr. Oswalt’s review of The Telescope : Its History, Technology, and Future by Geoff Andersen. Princeton, 2007 248p, 0691129797 $29.95, 9780691129792 $29.95.

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Book Review: Your Cosmic Context: An Introduction To Modern Cosmology, T. D. Oswalt

Publications

This document is Dr. Oswalt’s review of Your Cosmic Context : an Introduction to Modern Cosmology by Todd Duncan and Craig Tyler Pearson Addison-Wesley, 2008 466p, 0132400103 $80.00, 9780132400107 $80.00.

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Electromagnetic Radiation From Temporal Variations In Space-Time And Progenitors Of Gamma Ray Burst And Millisecond Pulsars, Preston Jones

Publications

A time varying space–time metric is shown to be a source of electromagnetic radiation even in the absence of charge sources. The post-Newtonian approximation is used as a realistic model of the connection between the space–time metric and a time-varying gravitational potential. Rapid temporal variations in the metric from the coalescence of relativistic stars are shown to be likely progenitors of gamma ray burst and millisecond pulsars.

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Book Review: Moore On Mercury: The Planet And The Missions, T. D. Oswalt

Publications

This document is Dr. Oswalt’s review of Moore on Mercury : the Planet and the Missions by Patrick Moore. Springer, 2006 139p, 1846282578 $29.95, 9781846282577 $29.95

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Wide-Field Survey Of Globular Clusters In M31. I. A Catalog Of New Clusters, Sang Chul Kim, Myung Gyoon Lee, Doug Geisler, Ata Sarajedini, Hong Soo Park, Ho Seong Hwang, William E. Harris, Juan C. Seguel, Ted Von Hippel

Publications

We present the result of a wide-field survey of globular clusters (GCs) in M31 covering a 3^o x 3^o field centered on M31.We have searched for GCs on CCD images taken with Washington CMT₁ filters at the KPNO 0.9 m telescope using the following steps: (1) inspection of morphological parameters given by the SExtractor package such as stellarity, full width at half-maximum, and ellipticity; (2) consulting the spectral types and radial velocities obtained from spectra taken with the Hydra spectrograph at the WIYN 3.5 m telescope; and (3) visual inspection of the images of each object. We …

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Testing Lorentz Symmetry With Gravity, Quentin G. Bailey

Publications

In this talk, results from the gravitational sector of the Standard-Model Extension (SME) are discussed. The weak-field phenomenology of the resulting modified gravitational field equations is explored. The application of the results to a variety of modern gravity experiments, including lunar laser ranging, Gravity Probe B, binary pulsars, and Earth-laboratory tests, shows promising sensitivity to gravitational coefficients for Lorentz violation in the SME.

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A Spitzer White Dwarf Infrared Survey, F. Mullally, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

We present mid-infrared photometry of 124 white dwarf stars with the Spitzer Space Telescope. Objects were observed simultaneously at 4.5 and 8.0 μm with sensitivities better than 0.1 mJy. This data set can be used to test models of white dwarf atmospheres in a new wavelength regime, as well as to search for planetary companions and debris disks.

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The New Class Of Dusty Daz White Dwarfs, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

Our mid-infrared survey of 124 white dwarfs with the Spitzer Space Telescope and the IRAC imager has revealed an infrared excess associated with the white dwarf WD 2115-560 naturally explained by circumstellar dust. This object is the fourth white dwarf observed to have circumstellar dust. All four are DAZ white dwarfs, i.e., they have both photospheric Balmer lines and photospheric metal lines. We discuss these four objects as a class, which we abbreviate "DAZd," where the "d" stands for "dust." Using an optically thick, geometrically thin disk model analogous to Saturn's rings, we find that the inner disk edges are …

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The First Detection Of Diffuse Interstellar [Oii] Emission And Confirmation That Variations In [Nii]/Hα Trace Variations In Temperature, R. J. Reynolds, E. J. Mierkiewicz, F. L. Roesler, J. M. Harlander, K. P. Jaehnig

Publications

Using a newly developed Spatial Heterodyne Spectrometer (SHS), we have obtained the first radial velocity resolved emission-line profiles of diffuse [OII] λ3726 and λ3729 doublet emission from the warm (104 K) ionized component of our Galaxy's interstellar medium (WIM). These [OII] lines are a principal coolant for this widespread, photoionized gas and are a tracer of variations in the gas temperature resulting from unidentified heating processes that appear to be acting within the Galaxy's disk and halo.

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Lp 133-373: A New Chromospherically Active Eclipsing Dme Binary With A Distant, Cool White Dwarf Companion, T. R. Vaccaro, M. Rudkin, A. Kawka, S. Vennes, Terry D. Oswalt, Et Al.

Publications

We report the discovery of the partially eclipsing binary LP 133-373. Nearly identical eclipses along with observed photometric colors and spectroscopy indicate that it is a pair of chromospherically active dM4 stars in a circular 1.6 day orbit. Light and velocity curve modeling to our differential photometry and velocity data show that each star has a mass and radius of 0:340 ± 0:014 M_Ꙩand 0:33 ± 0:02 R_Ꙩ. The binary is itself part of a common proper motion pair with LP 133-374, a cool DC or possible DA white dwarf with a mass of 0.49Y0.82 M …

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Lp133-373 A New Chromospherically Active Eclipsing Dme Binary With A Distant, Cool White Dwarf Companion, T. R. Vaccaro, T. D. Oswalt, M. Rudkin, Adela Kawka, Stephane Vennes, Et Al.

Publications

We report the discovery of the partially eclipsing binary LP 133-373. Nearly identical eclipses along with observed photometric colors and spectroscopy indicate that it is a pair of chromospherically active dM4 stars in a circular 1.6 day orbit. Light and velocity curve modeling to our differential photometry and velocity data show that each star has a mass and radius of 0.340 ± 0.014 M☉ and 0.33 ± 0.02 R☉. The binary is itself part of a common proper motion pair with LP 133-374, a cool DC or possible DA white dwarf with a mass of 0.49-0.82 M☉, …

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Discovery Of Photospheric Calcium Line-Strength Variations In The Dazd White Dwarf G29-38, Ted Von Hippel, Susan E. Thompson

Publications

Metals in the photospheres of white dwarfs with T_eff between 12,000 and 25,000 K should gravitationally settle out of these atmospheres in 1 ̶ 2 weeks. Temporal variations in the line strengths of these metals could provide a direct measurement of episodic metal accretion. Using archival VLT and Keck spectroscopy, we find evidence that the DAZd white dwarf G29-38 shows significant changes in its Ca _П K line strength. At the two best-observed epochs, we find that the Ca line equivalent width (EW) = 165 ̶ 4 mǺ (in 1996.885) and 280 ± 8 mǺ (in 1999.653), which is …

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New Techniques To Determine Ages Of Open Clusters Using White Dwarfs, E. J. Jeffery, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

Currently there are two main techniques for independently determining the ages of stellar populations: main-sequence evolution theory (via cluster isochrones) and white dwarf cooling theory. Open clusters provide the ideal environment for the calibration of these two clocks. Because current techniques to derive cluster ages from white dwarfs are observationally challenging, we discuss the feasibility of determining white dwarf ages from the brighter white dwarfs alone. This would eliminate the requirement of observing the coolest (i.e., faintest) white dwarfs. We discuss our method for testing this new idea, as well as the required photometric precision and prior constraints on metallicity, …

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The Metallicity Distribution Of Intracluster Stars In Virgo, Benjamin F. Willaims, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

We have used the Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) to detect and measure ~5300 stars in a single intracluster field in the Virgo Cluster. By performing F606W and F814W photometry on these stars, we have determined their metallicity distribution function and constrained the types of stars present in this portion of Virgo's intracluster space. Based on the small number of stars detected that were brighter than the red giant branch (RGB) tip, we suggest that in this region, Virgo's intracluster stars are mostly old (10 Gyr). Through analysis of the RGB stars themselves, we determine that …

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The Resolved Stellar Populations Of A Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy In The Virgo Cluster, Patrick R. Durell, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

We report on the discovery of a faint (MV ~ -10.6 ± 0.2) dwarf spheroidal galaxy on deep F606W and F814W Hubble Space Telescope images of a Virgo intracluster field. The galaxy is easily resolved in our images, as our color magnitude diagram (CMD) extends 1 magnitude beyond the tip of the red giant branch (RGB). Thus, it is the deepest CMD for a small dwarf galaxy inside a cluster environment. Using the colors of the RGB stars, we derive a metal abundance for the dwarf of [M/H] = -2.3 ± 0.3 and show that the metallicity dispersion …

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A Dyad Theory Of Hydrodynamics And Electrodynamics, Preston Jones

Publications

The dyadic calculus is developed in a form suitable for the description of physical relations in curved space. The 4-space equations of hydrodynamics and electrodynamics are constructed using this dyadic calculus. As a demonstration of the relationship between gravity and electrodynamics a time varying metric is shown to generate electromagnetic radiation.

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Virgo’S Intracluster Globular Clusters As Seen By The Advanced Camera For Surveys, Benjamin F. Williams, Robin Ciardullo, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

We report the discovery of four candidate intracluster globular clusters (IGCs) in a single deepHST ACS field of the Virgo Cluster. We show that each cluster is roughly spherical, has a magnitude near the peak of the Virgo globular cluster luminosity function, has a radial profile that is best fitted by a King model, and is surrounded by an excess of point sources that have the colors and magnitudes of cluster red giant stars. Despite the fact that two of our IGC candidates have integrated colors redder than the mean of the M87 globular cluster system, we propose that …

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Radial Velocity Observations Of The Extended Lunar Sodium Tail, E. J. Mierkiewicz, M. Line, F. L. Roesler, R. J. Oliversen

Physical Sciences - Daytona Beach

We report the first velocity resolved sodium 5889.950 Å line profile observations of the lunar sodium tail observed in the anti-lunar direction near new Moon. These observations were made on 29 March 2006, 27 April 2006 and 28 April 2006 from Pine Bluff (WI) observatory with a double etalon Fabry-Perot spectrometer at a resolving power of ∼80,000. The observations were made within 2–14 hours from new Moon, pointing near the anti-lunar point. The average observed radial velocity of the lunar sodium tail in the vicinity of the anti-lunar point for the three nights reported was 12.4 km s⁻¹ (from …

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Spitzer White Dwarf Planet Limits, F. Mullally, Ted Von Hippel, D. E. Winget

Publications

We present preliminary limits on the presence of planets around white dwarf stars using the IRAC photometer on the Spitzer space telescope. Planets emit strongly in the mid-infrared which allows their presence to be detected as an excess at these wavelengths. We place limits of 5 MJ for 8 stars assuming ages of 1 Gyr, and 10 MJ for 23 stars.We describe our survey, present our results and comment on approaches to improve our methodology.

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Detection Of Diffuse Interstellar [O Ii] Emission From The Milky Way Using Spatial Heterodyne Spectroscopy, E. J. Mierkiewicz, R. J. Reynolds, F. L. Roesler, J. M. Harlander, K. P. Jaehnig

Physical Sciences - Daytona Beach

Using a newly developed spatial heterodyne spectrometer (SHS), we have obtained the first radial velocity resolved emission-line profiles of diffuse [O II] 3726 and 3729 angstrom emission lines from the warm (10,000 K) ionized component of our Galaxy's interstellar medium. These [O II] lines are a principal coolant for this widespread, photoionized gas and are a potential tracer of variations in the gas temperature resulting from unidentified heating processes that appear to be acting within the Galaxy's disk and halo. By spectrally isolating for the first time Galactic [O II] from atmospheric [O II] emission, we were able to detect …

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Cluster Observations Of Reconnection Due To The Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability At The Dawnside Magnetospheric Flank, K. Nykyri, A. Otto, B. Lavraud, C. Mouikis, L. M. Kistler, A. Balogh, H. Rème

Publications

On 3 July 2001, the four Cluster satellites traversed along the dawnside magnetospheric flank and observed large variations in all plasma parameters. The estimated magnetopause boundary normals were oscillating in the z-direction and the normal component of the magnetic field showed systematic ~2–3 min bipolar variations for 1 h when the IMF had a small positive bz-component and a Parker-spiral orientation in the x, y-plane. Brief ~33 s intervals with excellent deHoffman Teller frames were observed satisfying the Wal´en relation. Detailed comparisons with 2- D MHD simulations indicate that Cluster encountered rotational discontinuities generated by Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. We estimate a …

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Signals For Lorentz Violation In Post-Newtonian Gravity, Quentin G. Bailey, V. Alan Kostelecký

Publications

The pure-gravity sector of the minimal standard-model extension is studied in the limit of Riemann spacetime. A method is developed to extract the modified Einstein field equations in the limit of small metric fluctuations about the Minkowski vacuum, while allowing for the dynamics of the 20 independent coefficients for Lorentz violation. The linearized effective equations are solved to obtain the post-Newtonian metric. The corresponding post-Newtonian behavior of a perfect fluid is studied and applied to the gravitating many-body system. Illustrative examples of the methodology are provided using bumblebee models. The implications of the general theoretical results are studied for a …

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Debris Disks Around White Dwarfs: The Daz Connection, Mukremin Kilic, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

We present near-infrared spectroscopic observations of 20 previously known DAZ white dwarfs obtained at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility. Two of these white dwarfs (G29-38 and GD 362) are known to display significant K-band excesses due to circumstellar debris disks. Here we report the discovery of excess K-band radiation from another DAZ white dwarf WD0408041 (GD56). Using spectroscopic observations, we show that the excess radiation cannot be explained by a stellar or substellar companion, and is likely to be caused by a warm debris disk. Our observations strengthen the connection between the debris disk phenomena and the observed …

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Inverting Color-Magnitude Diagrams To Access Precise Star Cluster Parameters: A Bayesian Approach, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

We demonstrate a new Bayesian technique to invert color-magnitude diagrams of main-sequence and white dwarf stars to reveal the underlying cluster properties of age, distance, metallicity, and line-of-sight absorption, as well as individual stellar masses. The advantages our technique has over traditional analyses of color-magnitude diagrams are objectivity, precision, and explicit dependence on prior knowledge of cluster parameters. Within the confines of a given set of often-used models of stellar evolution, a single mapping of initial to final masses, and white dwarf cooling, and assuming photometric errors that one could reasonably achieve with the Hubble Space Telescope, our technique …

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Book Review: Evolution Of Stars And Stellar Populations, T. D. Oswalt

Publications

This document is Dr. Oswalt’s review of Evolution of Stars and Stellar Populations by Maurizio Salaris and Santi Cassisi Wiley, 2005 374p, 047009219X $150.00, 047009219X $60.00

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Lp 400-22, A Very Low Mass And High-Velocity White Dwarf, Adela Kawka, Stephane Vennes, Terry D. Oswalt, J. Allyn Smith, Nicole M. Silvestri

Publications

We report the identification of LP 400-22 (WD 2234 + 222) as a very low mass and high-velocity white dwarf. The ultraviolet GALEX and optical photometric colors and a spectral line analysis of LP 400-22 show this star to have an effective temperature of 11,080 ± 140 K and a surface gravity of log g p 6.32 ± 0.08. Therefore, this is a helium-core white dwarf with a mass of 0.17 M_Ꙩ. The tangential velocity of this white dwarf is 414 ± 43 km s^-1, making it one of the fastest moving white dwarfs known. We …

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The Mystery Deepens: Spitzer Observations Of Cool White Dwarfs, Mukremin Kilic, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

We present 4.5 and 8 µm photometric observations of 18 cool white dwarfs obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope. Our observations demonstrate that four white dwarfs with Teᶠᶠ < 6000 K show slightly depressed mid-infrared fluxes relative to white dwarf models. In addition, another white dwarf with a peculiar optical and near-infrared spectral energy distribution (LHS 1126) is found to display significant flux deficits in Spitzer observations. These mid-infrared flux deficits are not predicted by the current white dwarf models including collision-induced absorption due to molecular hydrogen. We postulate that either the collision-induced absorption calculations are incomplete or there are other unrecognized physical processes occurring in cool white dwarf atmospheres. The spectral energy distribution of LHS 1126 surprisingly fits a Rayleigh-Jeans spectrum in the infrared, mimicking a hot white dwarf with effective temperature well in excess of 105 K. This implies that the source of this flux deficit is probably not molecular absorption but some other process.

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Origin Of The Turbulent Spectra In The High-Altitude Cusp: Cluster Spacecraft Observations, K. Nykyri, B. Grison, P. J. Cargill, B. Lavraud, E. Lucek, I. Dandouras, A. Balogh, N. Cornilleau-Wehrlin, H. Reme

Publications

High-resolution magnetic field data from Cluster Flux GateMagnetometer (FGM) and the Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Field Fluctuations (STAFF) instruments are used to study turbulent magnetic field fluctuations during the highaltitude cusp crossing on 17 March 2001. Despite the quiet solar wind conditions, the cusp was filled with magnetic field turbulence whose power correlates with the field-aligned ion plasma flux. The magnetic field wave spectra shows power law behavior with both double and single slopes with break in the spectra usually occurring in the vicinity of the local ion cyclotron frequency. Strong peaks in the wave power close to local ion cyclotron …

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Full-Text Articles in Astrophysics and Astronomy

Book Review: The Road To Galaxy Formation 2nd Ed, T. D. Oswalt

Publications

White Dwarf Luminosity And Mass Functions From Sloan Digital Sky Survey Spectra, Steven Degennaro, Ted Von Hippel, D. E. Winget, S. O. Kepler, Atsuko Nitta, Detlev Koester, Leandro Althaus

Publications

Book Review: The Telescope: Its History, Technology, And Future, T. D. Oswalt

Publications

Book Review: Your Cosmic Context: An Introduction To Modern Cosmology, T. D. Oswalt

Publications

Electromagnetic Radiation From Temporal Variations In Space-Time And Progenitors Of Gamma Ray Burst And Millisecond Pulsars, Preston Jones

Publications

Book Review: Moore On Mercury: The Planet And The Missions, T. D. Oswalt

Publications

Wide-Field Survey Of Globular Clusters In M31. I. A Catalog Of New Clusters, Sang Chul Kim, Myung Gyoon Lee, Doug Geisler, Ata Sarajedini, Hong Soo Park, Ho Seong Hwang, William E. Harris, Juan C. Seguel, Ted Von Hippel

Publications

Testing Lorentz Symmetry With Gravity, Quentin G. Bailey

Publications

A Spitzer White Dwarf Infrared Survey, F. Mullally, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

The New Class Of Dusty Daz White Dwarfs, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

The First Detection Of Diffuse Interstellar [Oii] Emission And Confirmation That Variations In [Nii]/Hα Trace Variations In Temperature, R. J. Reynolds, E. J. Mierkiewicz, F. L. Roesler, J. M. Harlander, K. P. Jaehnig

Publications

Lp 133-373: A New Chromospherically Active Eclipsing Dme Binary With A Distant, Cool White Dwarf Companion, T. R. Vaccaro, M. Rudkin, A. Kawka, S. Vennes, Terry D. Oswalt, Et Al.

Publications

Lp133-373 A New Chromospherically Active Eclipsing Dme Binary With A Distant, Cool White Dwarf Companion, T. R. Vaccaro, T. D. Oswalt, M. Rudkin, Adela Kawka, Stephane Vennes, Et Al.

Publications

Discovery Of Photospheric Calcium Line-Strength Variations In The Dazd White Dwarf G29-38, Ted Von Hippel, Susan E. Thompson

Publications

New Techniques To Determine Ages Of Open Clusters Using White Dwarfs, E. J. Jeffery, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

The Metallicity Distribution Of Intracluster Stars In Virgo, Benjamin F. Willaims, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

The Resolved Stellar Populations Of A Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy In The Virgo Cluster, Patrick R. Durell, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

A Dyad Theory Of Hydrodynamics And Electrodynamics, Preston Jones

Publications

Virgo’S Intracluster Globular Clusters As Seen By The Advanced Camera For Surveys, Benjamin F. Williams, Robin Ciardullo, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

Radial Velocity Observations Of The Extended Lunar Sodium Tail, E. J. Mierkiewicz, M. Line, F. L. Roesler, R. J. Oliversen

Physical Sciences - Daytona Beach

Spitzer White Dwarf Planet Limits, F. Mullally, Ted Von Hippel, D. E. Winget

Publications

Detection Of Diffuse Interstellar [O Ii] Emission From The Milky Way Using Spatial Heterodyne Spectroscopy, E. J. Mierkiewicz, R. J. Reynolds, F. L. Roesler, J. M. Harlander, K. P. Jaehnig

Physical Sciences - Daytona Beach

Cluster Observations Of Reconnection Due To The Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability At The Dawnside Magnetospheric Flank, K. Nykyri, A. Otto, B. Lavraud, C. Mouikis, L. M. Kistler, A. Balogh, H. Rème

Publications

Signals For Lorentz Violation In Post-Newtonian Gravity, Quentin G. Bailey, V. Alan Kostelecký

Publications

Debris Disks Around White Dwarfs: The Daz Connection, Mukremin Kilic, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

Inverting Color-Magnitude Diagrams To Access Precise Star Cluster Parameters: A Bayesian Approach, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

Book Review: Evolution Of Stars And Stellar Populations, T. D. Oswalt

Publications

Lp 400-22, A Very Low Mass And High-Velocity White Dwarf, Adela Kawka, Stephane Vennes, Terry D. Oswalt, J. Allyn Smith, Nicole M. Silvestri

Publications

The Mystery Deepens: Spitzer Observations Of Cool White Dwarfs, Mukremin Kilic, Ted Von Hippel, Et Al.

Publications

Origin Of The Turbulent Spectra In The High-Altitude Cusp: Cluster Spacecraft Observations, K. Nykyri, B. Grison, P. J. Cargill, B. Lavraud, E. Lucek, I. Dandouras, A. Balogh, N. Cornilleau-Wehrlin, H. Reme

Publications