On electromagnetic phenomena in Mercury’s magnetosphere

Mercury has a small but intriguing magnetosphere. In this brief review, we discuss some similarities and differences between Mercury’s and Earth’s magnetospheres. In particular, we discuss how electric and magnetic field measurements can be used as a diagnostic tool to improve our understanding of the dynamics of Mercury’s magnetosphere. These points are of interest to the upcoming ESA-JAXA BepiColombo mission to Mercury.     

Calculation of the effect of opacity in the solar spectral lines of carbon ions

In this paper, using the intensity ratio of carbon ions emission lines, we determined the optical depths at the line center of the CI at about 165.7 nm, CII at about 133.5 nm, CIII at about 117.5 nm and CIV at about 154.9 nm emission lines by escape factor treatment. For CI and CII emission lines, we discuss the intensity ratio of two lines arising from the common upper levels; while for CIII and CIV emission lines, we discuss the intensity ratio of two lines arising from the common lower levels. By introducing the measured abundance of carbon and the results of ionization balance calculations, we make an estimate of the line-of-sight physical thickness of the regions of carbon ions. This discussion will provide some results in the discussion of opacity on the solar ultraviolet (UV) or extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) spectrum.     

Variation of the full Sun hydrogen Lyman profiles through solar cycle 23

The hydrogen Lyman (Lyα, 121.267 nm and Lyβ, 102.572 nm) lines are important contributors to the solar extreme ultra violet (EUV) flux which illuminates the upper Earth’s atmosphere. From high resolution spectral observations performed with the solar ultraviolet measurement of emitted radiations (SUMER) spectrometer on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), the detailed profiles of these two lines have been obtained. Some insights into the variation of the shape of the profiles, sampled throughout the present solar cycle 23, are given and discussed.     

HIRDES – The High-Resolution Double-Echelle Spectrograph for the World Space Observatory Ultraviolet (WSO/UV)

The World Space Observatory Ultraviolet (WSO/UV) is a multi-national project grown out of the needs of the astronomical community to have future access to the UV range. WSO/UV consists of a single UV telescope with a primary mirror of 1.7 m diameter feeding the UV spectrometer and UV imagers. The spectrometer comprises three different spectrographs, two high-resolution echelle spectrographs (the High-Resolution Double-Echelle Spectrograph, HIRDES) and a low-dispersion long-slit instrument. Within HIRDES the 102–310 nm spectral band is split to feed two echelle spectrographs covering the UV range 174–310 nm and the vacuum-UV range 102–176 nm with high spectral resolution (R > 50,000). The technical concept is based on the heritage of two previous ORFEUS SPAS missions. The phase-B1 development activities are described in this paper considering performance aspects, design drivers, related trade-offs (mechanical concepts, material selection etc.) and a critical functional and environmental test verification approach. The current state of other WSO/UV scientific instruments (imagers) is also described.     

Ultraviolet spectroscopy of the chromosphere and transition zone at high spatial and temporal resolution

The third rocket flight of the NRL High Resolution Telescope and Spectrograph (HRTS) recorded UV spectra of the quiet Sun in a 10″ × 800″ region. By rastering the slit in 2′' increments, a time series with 20s resolution of two-dimensional spectra with 1′' spatial resolution was obtained. The spectrum includes strong chromospheric diagnostic lines of C I, Si I, and Fe II, transition zone lines of C IV and the continuum which is produced in the temperature minimum. Images of the network show that Fe II emission is well-correlated with dark Hα mottles, that the transition zone is produced in extended structures which are apparently continuations of the mottles, and that the strongest continuum emission is from near the base of the mottles. Time series of C I profiles show little variation in most features aside from the chromospheric jets which develop rapidly over timescales of 30s. The C IV profiles also show only gradual variations over most of the slit except for the numerous small explosive events.     

Study of UV Ne II line shapes in the cathode sheath of an abnormal glow discharge

We report results of an experimental and theoretical study of complex UV line shapes of Ne II 369.421 nm, Ne II 370.962 nm, Ne II 371.308 nm, and.Ne II 372.711 nm lines in the cathode sheath (CS) region of an abnormal DC glow discharge in pure neon. Two sets of experimental profiles and electric field distributions, one for discharge with tungsten and the other with titanium cathode, were obtained by means of the optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and theoretically studied by the iterative CS kinetic model. It is shown that our theoretical model enables the determination of the most important CS parameters (e.g. the thickness of the CS region, and the theoretical distributions of electric field and gas temperature) and thereupon based accurate theoretical predictions of the experimentally observed profiles of the studied lines.     

Extreme ultraviolet observations of the solar corona: First results from the coronal diagnostic spectrometer on SOHO

We present first results from the Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer (CDS) aboard the ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). CDS is a double spectrometer operating in the 151–785 Å range. This region of the solar spectrum is rich in emission lines from trace elements in the solar atmosphere, which can be used to derive diagnostic information on coronal and transition region plasmas. Early spectra are presented and well identified lines are listed. In addition, examples of images in selected wavelength ranges are shown, for a prominence, a loop system and a bright point, demonstrating well the power of such extreme ultraviolet observations.     

Mercury’s Birkeland current system

A consideration is given to the generation of field-aligned currents under different solar wind conditions. The preliminary results from a set of resistive MHD calculations indicate that the field-aligned current system could be significantly changed by the orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field. For most of the cases studied, the total current is less than or on the order of 10⁵ A. Even though this current is at least a factor of 10 smaller than its counter part at Earth, it might still produce some important dynamical effects with interesting consequence on the sporadic behavior of Mercury’s atomic sodium emission.     

Development of the EUV detector for the BepiColombo mission

An ultraviolet spectrometer, PHEBUS (Probing of Hermean Exosphere by Ultraviolet Spectroscopy) that is loaded onto the Mercury Planetary Orbiter in the BepiColombo mission is under development. The instrument, basically consisting of two spectrophotometers (EUV: 50–150 nm, FUV: 145–330 nm) and one scanning mirror, aims at measuring emission lines from molecules, atoms and ions present in the tenuous atmosphere of Mercury. The detectors employ microchannel plates as 2-D photon-counting devices. In order to enhance the quantum detection efficiencies, the surface of the top microchannel plates of EUV detector is covered with photocathode. This method enables us to identify weak atmospheric signatures such as neon (73.5 nm) and argon (104.8 nm), which could not be detected with conventional detector systems. This paper presents measurements of the performance characteristics of potassium bromide and esium iodide photocathodes, which have been evaluated for use in the EUV channel.     

Solar UV irradiance variation during cycles 22 and 23

The Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SUSIM) aboard the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) has been measuring solar UV irradiances since October 1991, a period which includes the decline of solar cycle 22 followed by the rise of cycle 23. Daily solar measurements include scans over the wavelength range 115–410 nm at 1.1 nm resolution. As expected, the measured time series of UV irradiances exhibit strong periodicities in solar cycle and solar rotation. For all wavelengths, the UV irradiance time series are similar to that of the Mg II core-to-wing ratio. During solar cycle 22, the irradiance of the strong Ly- line varied by more than a factor of two. The peak-to-peak irradiance variation declined with increasing wavelength, reaching 10% just below the Al edge at 208 nm. Between the Al edge and 250 nm the variation was 6–7%. Above 250 nm, the variation declines further until none is observed above 290 nm. Preliminary results for the first portion of cycle 23 indicate that the far UV below the Al edge is rising at about the same rate as the Mg II index while the irradiances in the Ly- emission line and for wavelengths longer than the Al edge are rising more slowly — even after accounting for the lower level of activity of cycle 23.     

Results of solar observations by the CORONAS-F payload

The CORONAS-F mission experiments and results have been reviewed. The observations with the DIFOS multi-channel photometer in a broad spectral range from 350 to 1500 nm have revealed the dependence of the relative amplitudes of p-modes of the global solar oscillations on the wavelength that agrees perfectly well with the earlier data obtained in a narrower spectral ranges. The SPIRIT EUV observations have enabled the study of various manifestations of solar activity and high-temperature events on the Sun. The data from the X-ray spectrometer RESIK, gamma spectrometer HELICON, flare spectrometer IRIS, amplitude–temporal spectrometer AVS-F, and X-ray spectrometer RPS-1 have been used to analyze the X- and gamma-ray emission from solar flares and for diagnostics of the flaring plasma. The absolute and relative content of various elements (such as potassium, argon, and sulfur) of solar plasma in flares has been determined for the first time with the X-ray spectrometer RESIK. The Solar Cosmic Ray Complex monitored the solar flare effects in the Earth’s environment. The UV emission variations recorded during solar flares in the vicinity of the 120-nm wavelength have been analyzed and the amplitude of relative variations has been determined.     

Sun CubE OnE: A multi-wavelength synoptic solar micro satellite

The Sun cubE onE (SEE) is a 12U CubeSat mission proposed for a phase A/B study to the Italian Space Agency that will investigate Gamma and X-ray fluxes and ultraviolet (UV) solar emission to support studies in Sun-Earth interaction and Space Weather from LEO. More in detail, SEE’s primary goals are to measure the flares emission from soft-X to Gamma ray energy range and to monitor the solar activity in the Fraunhofer Mg II doublet at 280 nm, taking advantage of a full disk imager payload. The Gamma and X-ray fluxes will be studied with unprecedented temporal resolution and with a multi-wavelength approach thanks to the combined use of silicon photodiode and silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) -based detectors. The flare spectrum will be explored from the keV to the MeV range of energies by the same payload, and with a cadence up to 10 kHz and with single-photon detection capabilities to unveil the sources of the solar flares. The energy range covers the same bands used by GOES satellites, which are the standard bands for flare magnitude definition. At the same time SiPM detectors combined with scintillators allow to cover the non-thermal bremsstrahlung emission in the gamma energy range. Given its UV imaging capabilities, SEE will be a key space asset to support detailed studies on solar activity, especially in relation to ultraviolet radiation which strongly interacts with the upper layers of the Earth’s atmosphere, and in relation to space safety, included in the field of human space exploration. The main goal for the UV payload is to study the evolution of the solar UV emission in the Mg II band at two different time scales: yearly variations along the solar cycle and transient variations during flare events. The Mg II index is commonly used as a proxy of the solar activity in the Sun-as-a-star paradigm, in which solar irradiance variations in the UV correlate with the variations in stratospheric ozone concentrations and other physical parameters of the Earth high atmosphere. SEE data will be used together with space and ground-based observatories that provide Solar data (e.g. Solar Orbiter, IRIS, GONG, TSST), high energy particle fluxes (e.g. GOES, MAXI, CSES) and geomagnetic data in a multi-instrument/multi-wavelength/multi-messenger approach.     

Experimental determination of the main F-layer parameters on a global scale using data from a remote optical probe onboard the satellite Interkosmos-Bulgaria-1300

The optical complex of the satellite Interkosmos-Bulgaria-1300 includes the UV-spectrometer “Photon-1”, and the scanning spectrometer EMO-5 operating in the visible spectrum. Using the intensities of the OI 1356 and 6300 nm emission as measured by these two spectrometers, a theoretical evaluation of the two main F-layer parameters has been made: hmF, the height of the F2-maximum and NmF, the electron density at this height, together with the constant Ao characterizing the Ne(h) distribution in the IRI. The MSIS and CIRA-72 models are used for determining the distribution of the neutral component. If we had used CIRA-72, lower NmF values and higher hmF values had been obtained than with MSIS. The results obtained show that the method is very sensitive to the assumed neutral model, particularly when determining hmF. This work demonstrates the possibility of probing the F-region near its peak on a global scale using comperatively cheap and easily available optical methods.     

The SOHO CELIAS/SEM EUV database from SC23 minimum to the present

The SOHO Solar EUV Monitor has been in operation since December 1995 onboard the SOHO spacecraft. This instrument is a highly stable transmission grating solar extreme ultraviolet spectrometer. It has made nearly continuous full disk solar irradiance measurements both within an 8 nm bandpass centered at 30.4 nm and throughout the 0.1 to 50 nm solar flux region since launch. The 30.4 nm flux, the 0.1 to 50 nm flux and the extracted soft X-ray (0.1 to 5 nm) flux are presented and compared with the behavior of solar proxies.     

Indicators of black-hole mass and Eddington accretion ratio from QSO X-ray and UV spectra

The evolution of luminous QSOs is linked to the evolution of massive galaxies. We know this because the relic black-holes found locally have masses dependent on the properties of the host galaxy’s bulge. An important way to explore this evolution would be to measure dependences of black-hole masses and Eddington accretion ratios over a range of redshifts, i.e., with cosmological age. For low redshift QSOs (and their lower luminosity Seyfert galaxy counterparts) it has been possible to infer black-hole masses from the luminosities and velocity dispersions of their host-galaxy bulges. These masses agree with those virial black-hole masses calculated from the Doppler widths of the broad Hβ emission lines. The latter method can then be extended to more distant and luminous QSOs, up to redshifts of 0.6 with ground-based optical observations. We discuss ways to extend these explorations to higher redshifts – up to 3 using the widths of QSOs’ broad UV emission lines, and in principle, and to redshifts near 4 from ground-based infrared observations of rest-frame Hβ at 2.5 μm. We discuss the possibility of investigating the accretion history of the higher redshift QSOs using measures of Eddington accretion ratio – the soft X-ray spectral index and the eigenvectors of Principal Components Analyses of QSOs’ UV emission-line spectra.     

SMESE: A French-China Joint Solar Mission

SMESE (SMall Explorer For the study of Solar Eruptions) is a Franco-Chinese Microsatellite mission. The scientific objectives of SMESE are the study of coronal mass ejections and flares. Its payload consists of three instrument packages: LYOT, DESIR and HEBS. LYOT is com-posed of a Ly-α (121.6 nm) coronagraph, a Ly-α disk imager and a far UV disk imager. DESIR is an infrared telescope working at 35μm and 150μm. HEBS is a high energy burst spectrometer working in X-rays and γ-rays covering the 10keV to 600 MeV range. SMESE will be launched around 2011, providing a unique opportunity of detecting and understanding eruptions at the maximum activity phase of the solar cycle in a wide range of energies.     

The variability of the sun's ultraviolet radiation

The intensity of continua and emission lines which form the solar UV spectrum below 2100 Å is variable. Continua and emission lines originating from different layers in the solar atmosphere show a different degree of variability. Coronal emission lines at short wavelengths are much more variable than continua at longer wavelengths which originate in lower layers of the solar atmosphere. Typical time-scales of solar UV variability are minutes (flare induced), days (birth of active regions), 27 days (solar rotation), 11 years (solar cycle) and perhaps centuries, caused by long-term changes of the solar activity. UV intensity variations have been determined by either absolute irradiance measurements or by contrast measurements of plages vs. the quiet sun. Plages are the main contributor to the solar UV variability. Typical values for the solar UV variability over a solar cycle are: <1% at wavelengths longer than 2100 Å, 8% at 2080 Å (continuum), 20% at 1900 Å (continuum), 70% at H Lyα, 200% in certain emission lines 1200 < λ < 1800 Å and more than a factor of 4 in coronal lines λ < 1000 Å. Plage models predict the variable component of the solar UV radiation within ±50%. Absolute fluxes are known within ±30%. Several efforts are underway to monitor the solar UV irradiance with a precision better than a few percent over a solar activity cycle.     

I.U.E. high resolution observations of hot stars emitting coronal x-rays

The far UV resonance lines of a sample of 21 early-type stars, which were observed in the soft X-Ray band with the $\text{Einstein}$ satellite, are examined using I.U.E. high resolution spectra to search for possible correlation between the X-Ray coronal emission and far UV spectral properties. In particular, those quantities that can give information on the structure of the outer envelope (such as wind terminal velocities, emission-absorption ratios) are measured and compared with the observed X-Ray flux.     

X-ray broad line emission in Seyfert galaxies: Mrk 766 and NGC 4051

Long (>100 ks) observations of the bright Seyfert galaxies Mrk 766 and NGC 4051 have been obtained using XMM-Newton. The RGS 5–38 Å spectra reveal evidence of broad features. These can be modelled with relativistic emission lines coming from the immediate vicinity of a massive rotating black hole. Lines of OVIII, NVII and CVI are required to reproduce the spectrum of Mrk 766, whereas the spectrum of NGC 4051 can be modelled using a single, even broader OVIII line. Both Seyferts also exhibit broad iron line emission in the 2–8 keV range, and the data available thus far suggest that the strength of the low-energy emission lines and the strength of the iron line may be correlated.     

Photochemical growing of complex organics in planetary atmospheres

UV induced syntheses of organic compounds from the main atmospheric constituents can be a very important source of organics in a given planetary environment provided the atmosphere is in a reduced state. The evolution of a CO₂ rich medium only produces very low yields of formaldehyde and related oxygenated compounds. Considering a CO rich atmosphere, the photochemical yield of O-organics formation is much higher, when the synthesis of N-organics remains difficult. The most favourable atmosphere as far as photochemical organic synthesis is concerned is a CH₄ rich milieu.. The photochemical evolution of such a CH₄ atmosphere under UV irradiation leads to a chain of various organics, the complexity of which increases together with the number of pathways involved in their formation. Their complexity also closely correlates with their UV photoabsorption spectrum: the more complex they are, the more shifted is their UV spectrum toward the visible range. Direct photodissociation of methane requires UV photon of wavelengths shorter than about 145 nm. It mainly produces ethane which absorbs UV at wavelengths shorter than about 160 nm, and acetylene, that presents an absorption spectrum extending up to 200 nm. This shift still continuously increases with further increase in number of C atoms. Unsaturated hydrocarbons with 4 and more C atoms have UV absorption characteristics including noticeable band structures in the 250–300 nm range. This trend has very important implication in the photochemical behaviour of a CH₄-rich planetary atmosphere, as it induces many catalytic processes. The occurrence of such processes is closely related to vertical atmospheric and energy deposition profiles. Titan provides a very good example of such a UV-directed organic atmospheric chemistry.