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2005

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Articles 91 - 120 of 159

Full-Text Articles in Astrophysics and Astronomy

Probing Multiple Sight Lines Through The Sn 1006 Remnant By Ultraviolet Absorption Spectroscopy, P. Frank Winkler, Knox S. Long, Andrew S. Hamilton, Robert A. Fesen May 2005

Probing Multiple Sight Lines Through The Sn 1006 Remnant By Ultraviolet Absorption Spectroscopy, P. Frank Winkler, Knox S. Long, Andrew S. Hamilton, Robert A. Fesen

Dartmouth Scholarship

Absorption-line spectroscopy is an effective probe for cold ejecta within a supernova remnant (SNR), provided that suitable background UV sources can be identified. For the SN 1006 remnant we have identified four such sources, in addition to the much-studied Schweitzer-Middleditch (SM) star. We have used STIS on the Hubble Space Telescope to obtain UV spectra of all four sources, to study "core samples" of the SN 1006 interior. The line of sight closest to the center of the SNR shell, passing only 20 away, is to a V = 19.5 QSO at z = 1.026. Its spectrum shows broad Fe …


Where Are The Magnetic White Dwarfs With Detached, Nondegenerate Companions?, James Liebert, Terry D. Oswalt May 2005

Where Are The Magnetic White Dwarfs With Detached, Nondegenerate Companions?, James Liebert, Terry D. Oswalt

Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Faculty Publications

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey has already more than doubled the sample of white dwarfs with spectral classi- fications, the subset with detached M dwarf companions, and the subset of magnetic white dwarfs. In the course of assessing these new discoveries, we have noticed a curious, unexpected property of the total lists of magnetic white dwarfs and of white dwarf plus main-sequence binaries: there appears to be virtually zero overlap between the two samples! No confirmed magnetic white dwarf has yet been found in such a pairing with a main-sequence star. The same statement can be made for the samples …


The Chromospheric Activity And Ages Of M Dwarf Stars In Wide Binary Systems, Nicole M. Silvestri, Suzanne L. Hawley, Terry D. Oswalt May 2005

The Chromospheric Activity And Ages Of M Dwarf Stars In Wide Binary Systems, Nicole M. Silvestri, Suzanne L. Hawley, Terry D. Oswalt

Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Faculty Publications

We investigate the relationship between age and chromospheric activity for 139 M dwarf stars in wide binary systems with white dwarf companions. The age of each system is determined from the cooling age of its white dwarf component. The current limit for activity-age relations found for M dwarfs in open clusters is 4 Gyr. Our unique approach to finding ages for M stars allows for the exploration of this relationship at ages older than 4 Gyr. The general trend of stars remaining active for a longer time at a later spectral type is confirmed. However, our larger sample and greater …


The Effect Of Inharmonic Partials On Pitch Of Piano Tones, Brian E. Anderson, William J. Strong Apr 2005

The Effect Of Inharmonic Partials On Pitch Of Piano Tones, Brian E. Anderson, William J. Strong

Faculty Publications

Piano tones have partials whose frequencies are sharp relative to harmonic values. A listening test was conducted to determine the effect of inharmonicity on pitch for piano tones in the lowest three octaves of a piano. Nine real tones from the lowest three octaves of a piano were analyzed to obtain frequencies, relative amplitudes, and decay rates of their partials. Synthetic inharmonic tones were produced from these results. Synthetic harmonic tones, each with a twelfth of a semitone increase in the fundamental, were also produced. A jury of 21 listeners matched the pitch of each synthetic inharmonic tone to one …


A Look At The Astrolabe, Emily Storrar Apr 2005

A Look At The Astrolabe, Emily Storrar

Honors Capstones

Capstone submitted as a graduation requirement for the BSU Honors program.


The Oxford-Dartmouth Thirty Degree Survey - Ii. Clustering Of Bright Lyman Break Galaxies: Strong Luminosity-Dependent Bias At Z = 4, Paul D. Allen, Leonidas A. Moustakas, Gavin Dalton, Emily Macdonald, Chris Blake, Lee Clewley, Catherine Heymans, Gary Wegner Apr 2005

The Oxford-Dartmouth Thirty Degree Survey - Ii. Clustering Of Bright Lyman Break Galaxies: Strong Luminosity-Dependent Bias At Z = 4, Paul D. Allen, Leonidas A. Moustakas, Gavin Dalton, Emily Macdonald, Chris Blake, Lee Clewley, Catherine Heymans, Gary Wegner

Dartmouth Scholarship

We present measurements of the clustering properties of bright (L > L*) z~4 Lyman break galaxies (LBGs) selected from the Oxford-Dartmouth Thirty Degree Survey (ODT). We describe techniques used to select and evaluate our candidates and calculate the angular correlation function, which we find best fitted by a power law, ω(θ) =Awθ−β with Aw= 15.4 (with θ in arcsec), using a constrained slope of β= 0.8. Using a redshift distribution consistent with photometric models, we deproject this correlation function and find a comoving Mpc in a Ωm= 0.3 flat λ cosmology for iAB≤ 24.5. This corresponds to a linear bias value …


Antiphase Oh And Oi Airglow Emissions Induced By A Short-Period Ducted Gravity Wave, Jonathan B. Snively, Victor P. Pasko Apr 2005

Antiphase Oh And Oi Airglow Emissions Induced By A Short-Period Ducted Gravity Wave, Jonathan B. Snively, Victor P. Pasko

Publications

"Numerical simulation of a ducted gravity wave event suggests that OH (8,3) and O(1S) 557.7 nm airglow emissions layers may exhibit opposite-phase intensities when perturbed by a short-period wave undergoing vertical reflection. This effect arises due to the time and temperature dependance of the OH excitation reaction, coupled with the linear polarization properties of vertically-standing waves."


The Star Formation Rate-Density Relationship At Redshift 3, Nicolas Bouché, James D. Lowenthal Apr 2005

The Star Formation Rate-Density Relationship At Redshift 3, Nicolas Bouché, James D. Lowenthal

Astronomy: Faculty Publications

We study the star formation rate (SFR) as a function of environment for UV-selected Lyman break galaxies (LBGs) at redshift 3. From deep [μ (sky) ≃ 27.6] UBVI MOSAIC images, covering a total of 0.90 deg , we select 334 LBGs in slices 100 h Mpc (comoving) deep spanning the redshift range 2.9 < z < 3.4 based on Bayesian photometric redshifts that include the I magnitude as a prior. The slice width (100 h Mpc) corresponds to the photometric redshift accuracy (Δ ∼ 0.15). We used mock catalogs from the GIF2 cosmological simulations to show that this redshift resolution is sufficient to statistically differentiate the high-density regions from the low-density regions using ∑ , the projected density to the fifth nearest neighbor. These mock catalogs have a redshift depth of 110 h Mpc, similar to our slice width. The large area of the MOSAIC images, ∼40 × 40 Mpc (comoving) per field, allows us to measure the SFR from the dust-corrected UV continuum as a function of ∑ . In contrast to low-redshift galaxies, we find that the SFR (or UV luminosity) of LBGs at z = 3 shows no detectable dependence on environment over 2 orders of magnitude in densities. To test the significance of our result, we use Monte Carlo simulations (from the mock catalogs) and the same projected density estimators that we applied to our data. We find that we can reject the steep z = 0 SFR-density relation at the 5 σ level. We conclude that the SFR-density relation at z = 3 must be at least 3.6 times flatter than it is locally; i.e., the SFR of LBGs is significantly less dependent on environment than the SFR of local star-forming galaxies. We find that the rest-frame UV colors are also independent of environment.


Two-Photon Photoionization Of The Ca 4s3d^1d2 Level In An Optical Dipole Trap, E. A. Cummings, J. E. Daily, Dallin S. Durfee, Scott D. Bergeson, R. Gommers Apr 2005

Two-Photon Photoionization Of The Ca 4s3d^1d2 Level In An Optical Dipole Trap, E. A. Cummings, J. E. Daily, Dallin S. Durfee, Scott D. Bergeson, R. Gommers

Faculty Publications

We report an optical dipole trap for calcium. The trap is created by focusing a 488-nm argon-ion laser beam into a calcium magneto-optical trap. The argon-ion laser photoionizes atoms in the trap because of a near-resonance with the 4s4f 1^F3 level. By measuring the dipole-trap decay rate as a function of argon-ion laser intensity, we determine the 1^F3 photoionization cross section at our wavelength to be approximately 230 Mb.


Energy Levels And Transition Probabilities For Nitrogen-Like Fe Xx, V. Jonauskas, P. Bogdanovich, F. P. Keenan, M. E. Foord, R. F. Heeter, S. J. Rose, Gary J. Ferland, R. Kisielius, Peter A. M. Van Hoof, P. H. Norrington Apr 2005

Energy Levels And Transition Probabilities For Nitrogen-Like Fe Xx, V. Jonauskas, P. Bogdanovich, F. P. Keenan, M. E. Foord, R. F. Heeter, S. J. Rose, Gary J. Ferland, R. Kisielius, Peter A. M. Van Hoof, P. H. Norrington

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

Energies of the 700 lowest levels in Fexx have been obtained using the multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock method. Configuration interaction method on the basis set of transformed radial orbitals with variable parameters taking into account relativistic corrections in the Breit-Pauli approximation was used to crosscheck our presented results. Transition probabilities, oscillator and line strengths are presented for electric dipole (E1), electric quadrupole (E2) and magnetic dipole (M1) transitions among these levels. The total radiative transition probabilities from each level are also provided. Results are compared with data compiled by NIST and with other theoretical work.


Hd 8801: A Unique Single Am Star With Γ Doradus And Δ Scuti Pulsations, Gregory W. Henry, Francis C. Fekel Apr 2005

Hd 8801: A Unique Single Am Star With Γ Doradus And Δ Scuti Pulsations, Gregory W. Henry, Francis C. Fekel

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

We have discovered the first example of a star pulsating intrinsically with both γ Doradus and δ Scuti frequencies. The star, HD 8801, is an Am metallic-line star that appears to be single. Since the vast majority of Am stars are members of binary systems with periods less than 1000 days and also do not pulsate, HD 8801 possesses a very unusual, if not unique, combination of physical properties. Our photometry, acquired with an automatic telescope at Fairborn Observatory, resolves six independent pulsation periods between 0.048 and 0.404 days. The two longest periods lie within the range of γ Dor …


Grb 040403: A Faint X-Ray Rich Gamma-Ray Burst Discovered By Integral, S. Mereghetti, D. Götz, M. I. Andersen, A. Castro-Tirado, F. Frontera, F Frontera, J Gorosabel, Dieter H. Hartmann, J Hjorth, R Hudec, G Pizzichini, N Produit, A Tarana, M Topinka, P Ubertini, A Deugarte Apr 2005

Grb 040403: A Faint X-Ray Rich Gamma-Ray Burst Discovered By Integral, S. Mereghetti, D. Götz, M. I. Andersen, A. Castro-Tirado, F. Frontera, F Frontera, J Gorosabel, Dieter H. Hartmann, J Hjorth, R Hudec, G Pizzichini, N Produit, A Tarana, M Topinka, P Ubertini, A Deugarte

Publications

GRB 040403 is one of the faintest gamma-ray bursts for which a rapid and accurate localization has been obtained. Here we report on the gamma-ray properties of this burst, based on observations with the IBIS instrument aboard INTEGRAL, and the results of searches for its optical afterglow. The steep spectrum (power law photon index =1.9 in the 20–200 keV range) implies that GRB 040403 is most likely an X-ray rich burst. Our optical limit of R >24.2 at 16.5 h after the burst, indicates a rather faint afterglow, similar to those seen in other relatively soft and faint bursts.


A Measure Of The Hurst Exponent Variability On Ground Based Magnetometer Data For Quiet And Active Magnetospheric Periods, Dario O. Cersosimo Apr 2005

A Measure Of The Hurst Exponent Variability On Ground Based Magnetometer Data For Quiet And Active Magnetospheric Periods, Dario O. Cersosimo

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Ground-based magnetometer data were analyzed for the period of 1991-2001. The data were classified into periods of quiet and active magnetospheric activity. Those periods classified as quiet required that Kp < 1 for not less than 48 consecutive hours and active periods required a Kp > 4 for not less than 24 consecutive hours. Detrended fluctuation analysis was employed to analyze 40 events. A monofractal approach was used to identify differences in the Hurst exponent of quiet and active events. No statistical differences were found using this approach since both types of events displayed quasirandom walk behavior. A second approach determined the temporal variations in the Hurst exponent for each event. The Hurst exponent is temporally …


Planetary Wave Activity Observed In Polar Mesospheric Clouds, David A. Mackler Apr 2005

Planetary Wave Activity Observed In Polar Mesospheric Clouds, David A. Mackler

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

In this paper, the Solar Backscatter UV spectrometer (SBUV) Polar Mesospheric Cloud (PMC) dataset was investigated for planetary wave activity following the earlier study by Merkel [2002]. To counter the sparse nature of the data, four separate methods of analysis are used in determining if planetary waves are present and how they effect PMC formation. The four methods are histograms (both in frequency of occurrence and mean albedo), periodograms using the Lomb-Scargle method, frequency-wavenumber analysis using a 2D Lomb-Scargle method from Wu et. al [1995], and a temporal (yearly) analysis of the 5, 6.5, and 10 day wave amplitudes. The …


Sound-Quality Analysis Of Sewing Machines (A), James Chatterley, Andrew Boone, Jonathan T. Blotter, Scott D. Sommerfeldt Apr 2005

Sound-Quality Analysis Of Sewing Machines (A), James Chatterley, Andrew Boone, Jonathan T. Blotter, Scott D. Sommerfeldt

Faculty Publications

Sound quality analysis procedure and results for six sewing machines ranging from entry level to professional grade will be presented. The procedure consisted of jury-based listening tests and quantification of sound quality using standard metrics. The procedures and analysis of the jury testing will be presented and discussed. The correlation between the quantitative metrics and the qualitative jury results will be presented. Sound localization scans, using near field acoustic holography techniques with accompanying results, performed in order to determine machine sound hot spots and possible sources for undesired sounds, will also be presented. Proposed modifications to machine structure in order …


Regularized Orbit Models Unveiling The Stellar Structure And Dark Matter Halo Of The Coma Elliptical Ngc 4807, J. Thomas, R. P. Saglia, R. Bender, D. Thomas, K. Gebhardt, J. Magorrian, E. M. Corsini, G. Wegner Mar 2005

Regularized Orbit Models Unveiling The Stellar Structure And Dark Matter Halo Of The Coma Elliptical Ngc 4807, J. Thomas, R. P. Saglia, R. Bender, D. Thomas, K. Gebhardt, J. Magorrian, E. M. Corsini, G. Wegner

Dartmouth Scholarship

This is the second in a series of papers dedicated to unveiling the mass structure and orbital content of a sample of flattened early-type galaxies in the Coma cluster. The ability of our orbit libraries to reconstruct internal stellar motions and the mass composition of a typical elliptical in the sample is investigated by means of Monte Carlo simulations of isotropic rotator models. The simulations allow a determination of the optimal amount of regularization needed in the orbit superpositions. It is shown that under realistic observational conditions and with the appropriate regularization, internal velocity moments can be reconstructed to an …


From Young And Hot To Old And Cold: Comparing White Dwarf Cooling Theory To Main-Sequence Stellar Evolution In Open Clusters, Ted Von Hippel Mar 2005

From Young And Hot To Old And Cold: Comparing White Dwarf Cooling Theory To Main-Sequence Stellar Evolution In Open Clusters, Ted Von Hippel

Publications

I explore the current ability of both white dwarf cooling theory and main-sequence stellar evolution theory to accurately determine stellar population ages by comparing ages derived using both techniques for open clusters ranging from 0.1 to 4 Gyr. I find good agreement between white dwarf and main-sequence evolutionary ages over the entire age range currently available for study. I also find that directly comparing main-sequence turnoff ages to white dwarf ages is only weakly sensitive to realistic levels of errors in cluster distance, metallicity, and reddening. Additional detailed comparisons between white dwarf and main-sequence ages have tremendous potential to refine …


Two-Photon Ionization Of The Calcium 4s3d 1d2 Level In An Optical Dipole Trap, Jared Estus Daily Mar 2005

Two-Photon Ionization Of The Calcium 4s3d 1d2 Level In An Optical Dipole Trap, Jared Estus Daily

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis reports an optical dipole trap for atomic calcium. The dipole trap is loaded from a magneto-optical trap (MOT) of calcium atoms cooled near the Doppler limit (~1 mK). The dipole trap is formed by a large-frame argon ion laser focused to 20 microns into the center of the MOT. This laser runs single-line at 488 nm with a maximum power of 10.6 watts. These parameters result in a trap of 125 mK for calcium atoms in the 4s3d 1D2 state. The 488 nm light also photo-ionizes the trapped atoms due to a near-resonant transition to the 4s4f 1F3 …


Theoretical He I Emissivities In The Case B Approximation, R. L. Porter, R. P. Bauman, Gary J. Ferland, K. B. Macadam Mar 2005

Theoretical He I Emissivities In The Case B Approximation, R. L. Porter, R. P. Bauman, Gary J. Ferland, K. B. Macadam

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

We calculate the He I case B recombination cascade spectrum using improved radiative and collisional data. We present new emissivities over a range of electron temperatures and densities. The differences between our results and the current standard are large enough to have a significant effect not only on the interpretation of observed spectra of a wide variety of objects, but also on determinations of the primordial helium abundance.


Chromospherically Active Stars. Xxiv. The Giant, Single-Lined Binaries Hd 37824, Hd 181809, And Hd 217188, Francis C. Fekel, Gregory W. Henry Mar 2005

Chromospherically Active Stars. Xxiv. The Giant, Single-Lined Binaries Hd 37824, Hd 181809, And Hd 217188, Francis C. Fekel, Gregory W. Henry

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

We have obtained spectroscopy and photometry of three chromospherically active, single-lined spectroscopic binaries, HD 37824 (V1149 Ori), HD 181809 (V4138 Sgr), and HD 217188 (AZ Psc). HD 37824 has a circular orbit with a period of 53.57 days. Its primary is a K0 III star, while the secondary is likely a G or K dwarf. HD 181809 has an orbit with a period of 13.04667 days and a low eccentricity of 0.040. The primary has a spectral type of K0 III-IV, and its secondary is probably an M dwarf. The orbit of HD 217188 has a period of 47.1209 days …


Integral/Spi Limits On Electron-Positron Annihilation Radiation From The Galactic Plane, B. J. Teegarden, K. Watanabe, P. Jean, J. Knödlseder, V. Lonjou, J. P. Roques, G. K. Skinner, P. Von Ballmoos, G. Weidenspointer, A Bazzano, Y M. Butt, A Decourchelle, A C. Fabian, A Goldwurm, M Gudel, D C. Hannikainen, Dieter H. Hartmann Mar 2005

Integral/Spi Limits On Electron-Positron Annihilation Radiation From The Galactic Plane, B. J. Teegarden, K. Watanabe, P. Jean, J. Knödlseder, V. Lonjou, J. P. Roques, G. K. Skinner, P. Von Ballmoos, G. Weidenspointer, A Bazzano, Y M. Butt, A Decourchelle, A C. Fabian, A Goldwurm, M Gudel, D C. Hannikainen, Dieter H. Hartmann

Publications

The center of our Galaxy is a known strong source of electron-positron 511 keV annihilation radiation. Thus far, however, there have been no reliable detection of annihilation radiation outside of the central radian of our Galaxy. One of the primary objectives of the INTEGRAL (International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory mission, resolution, coded-apeture gamma-ray telescope with an unprecedented combination of sensitivity, angular resolution, and energy resolution. We resport results from the first 10 months of observation. During this period a significant fraction of the observing time was spent in or near the Galactic plan. No positive annihilation flux was detected outside of …


The Use Of X-Ray Pulsars For Aiding Gps Satellite Orbit Determination, Dennis W. Woodfork Ii Mar 2005

The Use Of X-Ray Pulsars For Aiding Gps Satellite Orbit Determination, Dennis W. Woodfork Ii

Theses and Dissertations

This research proposes the use of an existing "signal of opportunity" - namely x-ray pulsars - to improve the accuracy and robustness of the GPS satellite and clock estimation algorithm. Improvement in satellite and clock accuracy results in a direct benefit to the user. A simulation has been developed to determine the effects of using x-ray pulsar measurements on the GPS Operational Control Segment. The epoch-specific position, velocity, and clock errors of all GPS satellites in the constellation were estimated using both pseudoranges and time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) measurements from pulsars. The primary measure of accuracy is a constellation Signal-In-Space Range Error …


Self-Consistent Dynamic Models Of Steady Ionization Fronts. I. Weak-D And Weak-R Fronts, W. J. Henney, S. J. Arthur, R. J. R. Williams, Gary J. Ferland Mar 2005

Self-Consistent Dynamic Models Of Steady Ionization Fronts. I. Weak-D And Weak-R Fronts, W. J. Henney, S. J. Arthur, R. J. R. Williams, Gary J. Ferland

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

We present a method for including steady state gas flows in the plasma physics code Cloudy, which was previously restricted to modeling static configurations. The numerical algorithms are described in detail, together with an example application to plane-parallel ionization-bounded H II regions. As well as providing the foundation for future applications to more complex flows, we find the following specific results regarding the effect of advection on ionization fronts in H II regions: (1) Significant direct effects of advection on the global emission properties occur only when the ionization parameter is lower than is typical for H II regions. For …


Book Review: The New Amateur Astronomer, T. D. Oswalt Mar 2005

Book Review: The New Amateur Astronomer, T. D. Oswalt

Publications

This document is Dr. Oswalt’s review of The New Amateur Astronomer by Martin Mobberley. Springer, 2004 229p, 1852336633 $34.95


The Opacity Of Spiral Galaxy Disks. Iii. Automating The Synthetic Field Method., Benne W. Holwerda, R. A. Gonzalez, Ronald J. Allen, P. C. Van Der Kruit Mar 2005

The Opacity Of Spiral Galaxy Disks. Iii. Automating The Synthetic Field Method., Benne W. Holwerda, R. A. Gonzalez, Ronald J. Allen, P. C. Van Der Kruit

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Dust extinction in spiral disks can be estimated from the counts of background field galaxies, provided the deleterious effects of confusion introduced by structure in the image of the foreground spiral disk can be calibrated. Gonzalez et al. developed a method for this calibration, the Synthetic Field Method (SFM), and applied this concept to a Hubble Space Telescope (HST )/Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 image of NGC 4536. The SFM estimates the total extinction through the disk without requiring assumptions about the distribution of absorbers or disk light. The poor statistics, however, result in large errors in individual measurements. We …


The Opacity Of Spiral Galaxy Disks. Iv. Radial Extinction Profiles From Counts Of Distant Galaxies Seen Through Foreground Disks., Benne W. Holwerda, R. A. Gonzalez, Ronald J. Allen, P. C. Van Der Kruit Mar 2005

The Opacity Of Spiral Galaxy Disks. Iv. Radial Extinction Profiles From Counts Of Distant Galaxies Seen Through Foreground Disks., Benne W. Holwerda, R. A. Gonzalez, Ronald J. Allen, P. C. Van Der Kruit

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Dust extinction can be determined from the number of distant field galaxies seen through a spiral disk. To calibrate this number for the crowding and confusion introduced by the foreground image, Gonzalez et al. and Holwerda et al. developed the Synthetic Field Method (SFM ), which analyzes synthetic fields constructed by adding various deep exposures of unobstructed background fields to the candidate foreground galaxy field. The advantage of the SFM is that it gives the average opacity for the area of a galaxy disk without making assumptions about either the distribution of absorbers or of the disk starlight. However, it …


Customization Of Discriminant Function Analysis For Prediction Of Solar Flares, Evelyn A. Schumer Mar 2005

Customization Of Discriminant Function Analysis For Prediction Of Solar Flares, Evelyn A. Schumer

Theses and Dissertations

This research is an extension to the research conducted by K. Leka and G. Barnes of the Colorado Research Associates Division, Northwest Research Associates, Inc. in Boulder, Colorado (CORA) in which they found no single photospheric solar parameter they considered could sufficiently identify a flare-producing active region (AR). Their research then explored the possibility a linear combination of parameters used in a multivariable discriminant function (DF) could adequately predict solar activity. The purpose of this research is to extend the DF research conducted by Leka and Barnes by refining the method of statistical discriminant analysis (DA) with the goal of …


Optical Detection Of Ultracold Neutral Calcium Plasmas, Elizabeth Ann Cummings Feb 2005

Optical Detection Of Ultracold Neutral Calcium Plasmas, Elizabeth Ann Cummings

Theses and Dissertations

We demonstrate an optical method to detect calcium ions in an ultracold plasma. We probe the plasma with a 397 nm laser beam tuned to a calcium ion transition. The probe laser beam is focused to a 160 µm waist allowing fine spatial resolution. Ions are detected by measuring fluorescence using a Photo-Multiplier Tube (PMT). The signal, an average of 4000 acquisitions, has a temporal resolution of 120 ns. We present the details of this method, potential improvements, and prospects of imaging the expanding plasma ions. We also present preliminary work on spatially resolved absorption measurements, as well as additional …


Long Period Variables In The Globular Cluster 47 Tuc: Radial Velocity Variations, Thomas Lebzelter, Peter R. Wood, Kenneth H. Hinkle, Richard R. Joyce, Francis C. Fekel Feb 2005

Long Period Variables In The Globular Cluster 47 Tuc: Radial Velocity Variations, Thomas Lebzelter, Peter R. Wood, Kenneth H. Hinkle, Richard R. Joyce, Francis C. Fekel

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

We present near infrared velocity curves for 12 long period variables (LPVs) in the globular cluster 47 Tuc (NGC 104). New light curves are also presented for these variables. Results are compared with the period-luminosity sequences occupied by the LPVs in the LMC. Sequence C variables (fundamental mode pulsators) have larger velocity amplitudes than sequence B variables (first overtone pulsators). We show that, at similar luminosities, higher mass loss rates are associated with larger pulsation amplitudes. One variable (V18) does not fit the normal period luminosity sequences and it has an unusually large amount of circumstellar dust, suggesting that it …


The Chromospheric Activity And Ages Of M Dwarf Stars In Wide Binary Systems, Nicole M. Silvesteri, T. D. Oswalt, Suzanne L. Hawley Feb 2005

The Chromospheric Activity And Ages Of M Dwarf Stars In Wide Binary Systems, Nicole M. Silvesteri, T. D. Oswalt, Suzanne L. Hawley

Publications

We investigate the relationship between age and chromospheric activity for 139 M dwarf stars in wide binary systems with white dwarf companions. The age of each system is determined from the cooling age of its white dwarf component. The current limit for activity-age relations found for M dwarfs in open clusters is 4 Gyr. Our unique approach to finding ages for M stars allows for the exploration of this relationship at ages older than 4 Gyr. The general trend of stars remaining active for a longer time at later spectral type is confirmed. However, our larger sample and greater age …