Astrophysics and Astronomy Commons^™

Magnetized Neutral 2sc Color Superconductivity And Possible Origin Of The Inner Magnetic Field Of Magnetars, Shuai Yuan, Efrain J. Ferrer, Alejandro Pinero

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

In this paper, the neutral 2SC phase of color superconductivity is investigated in the presence of a magnetic field and for diquark coupling constants and baryonic densities that are expected to characterize neutron stars. Specifically, the behavior of the charged gluons Meissner masses is investigated in the parameter region of interest, taking into account, in addition, the contribution of a rotated magnetic field. It is found that up to moderately high diquark coupling constants the mentioned Meissner masses become tachyonic independently of the applied magnetic-field amplitude, hence signalizing the chromomagnetic instability of this phase. To remove the instability, the restructuring …

A Search Using Geo600 For Gravitational Waves Coincident With Fast Radio Bursts From Sgr 1935+2154, A. G. Abac, R. Abbott, I. Abouelfettouh, Teviet Creighton, Mario C. Diaz, Francisco Llamas Villarreal, Soma Mukherjee, Volker Quetschke, Wenhui Wang

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

The magnetar SGR 1935+2154 is the only known Galactic source of fast radio bursts (FRBs). FRBs from SGR 1935+2154 were first detected by the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME)/FRB and the Survey for Transient Astronomical Radio Emission 2 in 2020 April, after the conclusion of the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA Collaborations' O3 observing run. Here, we analyze four periods of gravitational wave (GW) data from the GEO600 detector coincident with four periods of FRB activity detected by CHIME/FRB, as well as X-ray glitches and X-ray bursts detected by NICER and NuSTAR close to the time of one of the …

Vibrational And Electronic Spectroscopy Of 2-Cyanoindene Cations, Thomas E. Douglas-Walker, Eleanor K. Ashworth, Mark H. Stockett, Francis C. Daly, Isabelle Chambrier, Vincent J. Esposito, Marius Gerlach, Angel Zheng, Julianna Palotás, Andrew N. Cammidge, Ewen K. Campbell, Sandra BrüNken, James N. Bull

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

2-Cyanoindene is one of the few specific aromatic or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules positively identified in Taurus molecular cloud-1 (TMC-1), a cold, dense molecular cloud that is considered the nearest star-forming region to Earth. We report cryogenic mid-infrared (550–3200 cm^–1) and visible (16,500–20,000 cm^–1, over the D2 ← D0 electronic transition) spectra of 2-cyanoindene radical cations (2CNI⁺), measured using messenger tagging (He and Ne) photodissociation spectroscopy. The infrared spectra reveal the prominence of anharmonic couplings, particularly over the fingerprint region. There is a strong CN-stretching mode at 2177 ± 1 cm^–1 (4.593 …

A Spectrum Of Light: Speculative Poetry Of Celestial Bodies And Astrophysics, Shannon Sosebee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This is a collection of speculative poetry with a focus on celestial objects within our solar system and larger bodies outside of our solar system, some of which are only theorized to exist. The author finishes the collection with introspective works, laying bare vulnerabilities and insecurities.

New Insights Into Supradense Matter From Dissecting Scaled Stellar Structure Equations, Bao-Jun Cai, Bao-An Li

Faculty Publications

The strong-field gravity in general relativity (GR) realized in neutron stars (NSs) renders the equation of state (EOS) P(ε) of supradense neutron star matter to be essentially nonlinear and refines the upper bound for ϕ≡P/ε to be much smaller than the special relativity (SR) requirement with linear EOSs, where P andεare respectively the pressure and energy density of the system considered. Specifically, a tight bound ϕ ≲ 0.374 is obtained by perturbatively anatomizing the intrinsic structures of the scaled Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equations without using any input nuclear EOS. New insights gained from this novel analysis provide EOS-model-independent constraints on the …

Detection Of The Orbital Modulation Of Fe Kα Fluorescence Emission In Centaurus X-3 Using The High-Resolution Spectrometer Resolve On Board Xrism, Yuto Mochizuki, Masahiro Tsujimoto, Richard L. Kelley, Bert Vander Meulen, Teruaki Enoto, Yutaro Nagai, Chris Done, Pragati Pradhan, Natalie Hell, Katja Pottschmidt, Ken Ebisawa, Ehud Behar

Publications

The Fe Kα fluorescence line emission in X-ray spectra is a powerful diagnostic tool for various astrophysical objects to reveal the distribution of cold matter around photoionizing sources. The advent of the X-ray microcalorimeter on board the XRISM satellite will bring new constraints on the emission line. We present one of the first such results for the high-mass X-ray binary Centaurus X-3, which is composed of an O-type star and a neutron star (NS). We conducted a 155 ks observation covering an entire binary orbit. A weak Fe Kα line was detected in all orbital phases at an equivalent width …

Orbital Thinking: Planetary Orbit As A Model For Neurodivergent Thought Experiences In Animation, Thomas Labow

Honors Projects

As an artist diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, the aim of my research is to artistically explore neurodivergent experiences using gravity-assisted space flight as a visual metaphor for episodic memory and the pivot between correlated ideas. “Orbit of Attention” is a short animated film that visualizes interconnected mental processes through the use of a character-driven narrative. The creative choice of depicting ideas as planets is inspired by the gravity-assisted flight path of the Voyagers’ grand tour of the solar system. In visualizing unconventional thought processes, “orbital thinking” was used to model episodic memory. As a research project, this film …

Rapid Characterization Of Exoplanet Atmospheres With The Exoplanet Transmission Spectroscopy Imager, Luke M. Schmidt, Ryan J. Oelkers, Erika Cook, Mary Anne Limbach, Darren L. Depoy, Jennifer L. Marshall, Landon Holcomb, Willians Pena, Jacob Purcell, Enrique Gonzalez Vega

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

The Exoplanet Transmission Spectroscopy Imager (ETSI) amalgamates a low-resolution slitless prism spectrometer with custom multi-band filters to simultaneously image 15 spectral bandpasses between 430 and 975 nm with an average spectral resolution of R = λ / δ λ ∼ 20 . ETSI requires only moderate telescope apertures ( ∼ 2 m ), is capable of characterizing an exoplanet atmosphere in as little as a single transit, enabling the selection of the most interesting targets for further characterization with other ground and space-based observatories, and is also well suited to multi-band observations of other variable and transient objects. This enables …

Reconstructing Cosmic Filaments Around Dwarf Galaxies With The Rubin Observatory, Sarah E. Draves, Charlotte Welker, Charlotte Olsen

Publications and Research

The cosmic web is the largest structure in the universe, consisting of streams of gas and dust that connect galaxies made of stars, dark matter, and more gas and dust. Denser areas of the cosmic web tend to have more massive and redder galaxies, which implies a strong connection between cosmic structure and galaxy evolution. The degree to which galaxies are influenced by the cosmic web outside of relatively dense areas, particularly in the case of small filaments near galaxies, is still an area of active study. Low mass galaxies, known as dwarf galaxies, are particularly sensitive to the environment …

Source Anisotropies And Pulsar Timing Arrays, Bruce Allen, Deepali Agarwal, Joseph D. Romano, Serena Valtolina

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Pulsar timing arrays (PTAs) hunt for gravitational waves (GWs) by searching for the correlations that GWs induce in the time-of-arrival residuals from different pulsars. If the GW sources are of astrophysical origin, then they are located at discrete points on the sky. However, PTA data are often modeled, and subsequently analyzed, via a “standard Gaussian ensemble.” That ensemble is obtained in the limit of an infinite density of vanishingly weak, Poisson-distributed sources. In this paper, we move away from that ensemble, to study the effects of two types of “source anisotropy.” The first (a), which is often called “shot noise,” …

Binary Orbit And Disks Properties Of The Rw Aur System Using Alma Observations, N. T. Kurtovic, S. Facchini, M. Benisty, P. Penilla, Eric L.N. Jensen, C. Dougados, R. Booth, C. N. Kimmig, C. F. Manara, J. E. Rodriguez

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Works

Context. The dynamical interactions between young binaries can perturb the material distribution of their circumstellar disks, and modify the planet formation process. In order to understand how planets form in multiple stellar systems, it is necessary to characterize both their binary orbit and their disks properties. Aims. In order to constrain the impact and nature of the binary interaction in the RW Aur system (bound or unbound), we analyzed the circumstellar material at 1.3 mm wavelengths, as observed at multiple epochs by the Atacama Large (sub-)millimeter Array (ALMA). Methods. We analyzed the disk properties through parametric visibility …

The Elusive Nature Of Martian Liquid Brines, Vincent F. Chevrier, Rachel A. Slank

Space and Planetary Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The possible presence of brines on Mars adds an intriguing dimension to the exploration of Martian environments. Their potential involvement in the formation of recurring slope lineae has sparked debates on the existence of liquid water versus alternative dry processes. In situ instrumentation on rovers and landers has been instrumental in providing valuable data for comprehending the dynamics of brines. Laboratory experiments and thermodynamic simulations conducted under Martian conditions offer insights into the formation and persistence of brines, shedding light on the planet’s current hydrological processes. Despite these findings, the prevailing surface conditions on Mars, characterized by a combination of …

Enhancing Student Learning Of The Physics Of The Human Eye In The Context Of Computer Vision Syndrome During Covid-19, Liang Zeng, Guang Zeng

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Temperature Versus Orbital Period Relation Of Am Cvns: Insights From Their Donors, Colin W. Macrie, Liliana Rivera Sandoval, Yuri Cavecchi, Tin Long Sunny Wong, Manuel Pichardo Marcano

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

We studied the spectral energy distribution of 22 known AM CVns with orbital periods (Porb) larger than 35 minutes using multiwavelength public photometric data to estimate the effective temperature of the accreting white dwarf. We find an infrared (IR) excess in all systems when compared to a single blackbody, both when the disk should be extended and when it should be truncated by the accretor's magnetic field. This suggests a dominant contribution from the donor to the IR flux. When fitting two blackbodies, the temperature of the hot component decreases with Porb, as expected by evolutionary models. …

An Investigation Into The Use Of Amateur Astronomy Equipment For Optical Orbit Determination Using A Mobile Telescope Platform, Johan C. Govaars

Master's Theses

The process of optical orbit determination has long been in the domain of large organizations and stationary observatories with highly specialized scientific equipment. This thesis seeks to determine not only if satellites can be captured regularly using purely commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment, but also if initial orbit determinations can be made using that data. Moreover, the use of a mobile telescope platform allows users to circumvent the restrictions of fixed observatories such as low horizon viewing restrictions or existing light pollution.

A completely COTS setup was utilized that included an 8-inch Celestron NextStar 8SE telescope with an f/6.3 focal reducer and …

An Empirical Framework Characterizing The Metallicity And Star-Formation History Dependence Of X-Ray Binary Population Formation And Emission In Galaxies, Bret D. Lehmer, Erik B. Monson, Rafael T. Eufrasio, Amirnezam Amiri, Keith Doore, Antara Basu-Zych, Kristen Garofali, Lidia Oskinova, Jeff J. Andrews, Vallia Antoniou, Robel Geda, Jenny E. Greene, Konstantinos Kovlakas, Margaret Lazzarini, Chris T. Richardson

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

We present a new empirical framework modeling the metallicity and star formation history (SFH) dependence of X-ray luminous (L ≳ 10³⁶ erg s⁻¹) point-source population X-ray luminosity functions (XLFs) in normal galaxies. We expect that the X-ray point-source populations are dominated by X-ray binaries (XRBs), with contributions from supernova remnants near the low luminosity end of our observations. Our framework is calibrated using the collective statistical power of 3731 X-ray detected point sources within 88 Chandra-observed galaxies at D ≲ 40 Mpc that span broad ranges of metallicity (Z ≈ 0.03–2 Z_⊙), SFH, …

A B-Polynomial Approach To Approximate Solutions Of Pdes With Multiple Initial Conditions, Muhammad I. Bhatti, Md. Habibur Rahman

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

In this article, we present a novel B-Polynomial Approach for approximating solutions to partial differential equations (PDEs), addressing the multiple initial conditions. Our method stands out by utilizing two-dimensional Bernstein polynomials (B-polynomials) in conjunction with their operational matrices to effectively manage the complexity associated with PDEs. This approach not only enhances the accuracy of solutions but also provides a structured framework for tackling various boundary conditions. The PDE is transformed into a system of algebraic equations, which are then solved to approximate the PDE solution. The process is divided into two main steps: First, the PDE is integrated to incorporate …

Heroic Virtues In Space Exploration: Everydayness And Supererogation On Earth And Beyond, John N. Nielsen

Heroism Science

The space environment poses significant dangers and difficulties for human explorers—difficulties so great that it has been argued that space exploration should be exclusively conducted by automated spacecraft. The possibility of space science conducted by human astronauts in spite of these dangers presents the opportunity for individuals to exhibit traditional heroic virtues—presumably, supererogatory forms of prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice—in the pursuit of science. In particular, the difficulties of pursuing science in the hostile conditions of extraterrestrial environments will call for physical courage in the face of personal danger, patience with the painstaking procedures of technically difficult scientific experiments performed …

Bound States And Particle Production By Breather-Type Background Field Configurations, Abhishek Rout, Brett Altschul

Faculty Publications

We investigate the interaction of fermion fields with oscillating domain walls, inspired by breather-type solutions of the sine-Gordon equation, a nonlinear system of fundamental importance. Our study focuses on the fermionic bound states and particle production induced by a time-dependent scalar background field. The fermions couple to two domain walls undergoing harmonic motion, and we explore the resulting dynamics of the fermionic wave functions. We demonstrate that while fermions initially form bound states around the domain walls, the energy provided by the oscillatory motion of the scalar field induces an outward flux of fermions and antifermions, leading to particle production …

An Analysis Of Active Galactic Nuclei In Diverse Galactic Environments, Divya A. Patel, Clayton Robertson, Dr. Benne Holwerda

The Cardinal Edge

This study examines the active galactic nuclei (AGNs), where the active supermassive black holes reside. Using the Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA) survey data, the main goal is to search three regions of space—filament, tendril, and void space—for AGNs. Active black holes are notorious for their violent activities through space, as they intensely spew out amounts of matter. Such behavior can be observed using the Baldwin-Philips-Terlevich (BPT) diagrams, which use ratios of emission lines to understand the astrophysical characteristics of various objects. To enhance the precision of the BPT diagrams, there was a focus on the red part of the …

Potential Cell Preservation In Mars-Relevant Clay Minerals, Hanford Gerille Gonzales, Leena M. Cycil, Elisabeth Hausrath

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

This study investigates the potential of Fe-nontronite, a clay mineral found on Mars, to preserve biological cells and retain biosignatures such as trace metals. The research explores the preservation potential of nontronite by reacting it with cells under the following conditions: 1) reacting cells with nontronite precursors at low temperature and 2) reacting cells with the already synthesized nontronite made at high temperature. Microbial species Shewanella oneidensis and Geobacter metallireducens, known for their relevance to iron-rich environments, were introduced in intact and lysed forms to assess their interactions with each condition of nontronite. Preliminary results from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) …

A Class Of Stable Nonlinear Non-Hermitian Skin Modes, Hamed Ghaemi-Dizicheh

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

The non-Hermitian skin effect (NHSE) is a well-known phenomenon in open topological systems that causes a large number of eigenstates to become localized at the boundary. Although many aspects of its theory have been investigated in linear systems, this phenomenon remains novel in nonlinear models. In the first step of this paper, we look at the conditions for the presence of quasi-skin modes in a semi-infinite, one-dimensional, nonlinear, nonreciprocal lattice. In the following phase, we explore the survival time of the quasi-skin mode in a finite nonlinear lattice with open edges. We study the dependency of the survival time on …

Legal And Ethical Considerations For Balancing Space Innovation And Dark Sky Preservation, Sara M. Langston, Kayla D. Taylor

Publications

The proliferation of satellites in Earth’s orbit has significantly enhanced capabilities in communication, Earth observation, and scientific research. However, this rapid expansion presents considerable legal and ethical challenges, particularly regarding the preservation of dark and quiet skies. As low Earth orbit becomes increasingly congested, the implications for astronomical observation, environmental integrity, and cultural heritage require critical examination.

This presentation provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the legal, practical and ethical considerations essential for preserving dark and quiet skies. It begins by exploring the legal frameworks governing the use of space, highlighting relevant international treaties, national responsibilities, and emerging issues aimed at …

Sharp Periodic Flares And Long-Term Variability In The High-Mass X-Ray Binary Xte J1829−098 From Rxte Pca, Swift Bat, And Maxi Observations, Robin H.D. Corbet, Ralf Ballhausen, Peter A. Becker, Joel B. Coley, Felix Fuerst, Keith C. Gendreau, Sebastien Guillot, Nazma Islam, Gaurava Kumar Jaisawal, Peter Jenke, Peter Kretschmar, Alexander Lange, Christian Malacaria, Mason Ng, Katja Pottschmidt, Pragati Pradhan, Paul S. Ray, Richard E. Rothschild, Philipp Thalhammer, Lee J. Townsend, Joern Wilms, Colleen A. Wilson-Hodge, Michael T. Wolff

Publications

XTE J1829−098 is a transient X-ray pulsar with a period of ∼7.8 s. It is a candidate Be star system, although the evidence for this is not yet definitive. We investigated the twenty-year-long X-ray light curve using the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer Proportional Counter Array (PCA), Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory Burst Alert Telescope, and the Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image. We find that all three light curves are clearly modulated on the ∼244 days orbital period previously reported from PCA monitoring observations, with outbursts confined to a narrow phase range. The light curves also show that XTE J1829−098 was in …

A Class Of Stable Nonlinear Non-Hermitian Skin Modes, Hamed Ghaemi-Dizicheh

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

The non-Hermitian skin effect (NHSE) is a well-known phenomenon in open topological systems that causes a large number of eigenstates to become localized at the boundary. Although many aspects of its theory have been investigated in linear systems, this phenomenon remains novel in nonlinear models. In the first step of this paper, we look at the conditions for the presence of quasi-skin modes in a semi-infinite, one-dimensional, nonlinear, nonreciprocal lattice. In the following phase, we explore the survival time of the quasi-skin mode in a finite nonlinear lattice with open edges. We study the dependency of the survival time on …

Statistical Methods For Interpreting Spatial And Temporal Heterogeneity Of Martian Tropical Water Ice Informed By Properties Of Crater Ejecta Types, Jamie D. Riggs, Michelle R. Kirchoff

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

The martian tropical water ice spatial and temporal distribution was characterized using impact crater ejecta type, location, size, and age in one of two epochs, (Formula presented.) Ga and (Formula presented.) Ga, using statistical models designed for spatial and temporal correlation structures. The indicator thought to identify the presence of ice is craters with layered ejecta, while the indicator thought to identify no ice is craters with radial ejecta. These indicators imply the location (longitude and latitude) and, potentially, depth (crater diameter as a proxy) of ice, and when the ice was present. The spatial and temporal distribution of layered …

Battle Of The Ch Motions: Aliphatic Vs Aromatic Contributions To Astronomical Pah Emission And Exploration Of The Aliphatic, Aromatic, And Ethynyl Ch Stretches, Vincent J. Esposito, Salma Bejaoui, Brant E. Billinghurst, Christiaan Boersma, Ryan C. Fortenberry, Farid Salama

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Strong anharmonic coupling between vibrational states in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) produces highly mixed vibrational transitions that challenge the current understanding of the nature of the astronomical mid-infrared PAH emission bands. Traditionally, PAH emission bands have been characterized as either aromatic or aliphatic, and this assignment is used to determine the fraction of aliphatic carbon in astronomical sources. In reality, each of the transitions previously utilized for such an attribution is highly mixed with contributions from both aliphatic and aromatic CH motions as well as non-CH motions such as CC stretches. High-resolution gas-phase IR absorption measurements of the spectra of …

Accelerated Structure Formation: The Early Emergence Of Massive Galaxies And Clusters Of Galaxies, Stacy S. Mcgaugh

Faculty Scholarship

Galaxies in the early Universe appear to have grown too big too fast, assembling into massive, monolithic objects more rapidly than anticipated in the hierarchical Lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) structure formation paradigm. The available photometric data are consistent with there being a population of massive galaxies that form early (z ≳ 10) and quench rapidly over a short (≲1 Gyr) timescale, consistent with the traditional picture for the evolution of giant elliptical galaxies. Similarly, kinematic observations as a function of redshift show that massive spirals and their scaling relations were in place at early times. Explaining the early emergence …

Constraining Accreted Neutron Star Crust Shallow Heating With The Inferred Depth Of Carbon Ignition In X-Ray Superbursts, Zachary P. Meisel

Faculty Publications

Evidence has accumulated for an as-yet unaccounted for source of heat located at shallow depths within the accreted neutron star crust. However, the nature of this heat source is unknown. I demonstrate that the inferred depth of carbon ignition in X-ray superbursts can be used as an additional constraint for the magnitude and depth of shallow heating. The inferred shallow heating properties are relatively insensitive to the assumed crust composition and carbon fusion reaction rate. For low-accretion rates, the results are weakly dependent on the duration of the accretion outburst, so long as accretion has ensued for enough time to …

Blazing Trails, Erik Johnson

Natural Science Faculty

Comets have always captivated people. Some cultures saw the appearance of comets as omens and some have hypothesized that a comet served as the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity story.