Conception of the 'Chirality-Experiment' on ESA's mission ROSETTA to comet P46/Wirtanen.

In the last years extraterrestrial scenarios for the origin of homochirality in biological structures received considerable attention in the topical literature: Rubenstein and Bonner postulated a rapidly rotating neutron star emitting circularly polarised synchrotron radiation responsible for the first asymmetric synthesis; the group of Bailey published the observation of circular polarisation caused by Mie scattering from aligned dust grains in the Orion OMC-1 star-formation region that might provide an enantioselective effect on prochiral or racemic organic molecules. Rikken and Raupach observed a magnetochiral effect and considered extraterrestrial magnetic fields of sufficient strengths to introduce biomoleculars parity violation. With the aim to investigate these hypotheses among other theories describing the origin of biological asymmetry, our laboratory participates in the conception and development of ROSETTA's COSAC Experiment, that is designed to identify organic molecules in the cometary matter in situ. Within COSAC's 'Chirality Module' enantiomers will be separated gas chromatographically with the help of capillary columns coated with chirally active liquid films. This technique will allow the separation of specific chiral organic compounds out of the analysed cometary matter into their enantiomeric constituents. Both thermo conductivity and mass spectrometric detectors will be used to determine each enantiomer's amount and therefore the corresponding enantiomeric excesses. As a consequence of COSAC's 'Chirality-Experiment' far-reaching results are expected to investigate the various hypotheses about the first asymmetric synthesis.     

Some observations on amino acid racemization under pyrolytic temperatures and inorganic oxide-catalyzed intermolecular condensation.

The problem of homochirality is of crucial importance for the origins of Life. While most laboratory studies are focused on the search of physical and chemical sources of handedness in the Universe, they reflect only one aspect of the problem: the origin of homochiral biomolecules. At the same time, any space environments where biomolecules are expected to form and where they have to pass through before the first primitive forms of Life emerge, include strong irradiation or/and high temperatures. This automatically implies the possibility of losing the optical activity, i.e. racemization. The simulation experiments performed by our group deal with the following two aspects of amino acid abiotic chemistry: (1) amino acid pyrolysis associated with their extraterrestrial delivery; and (2) peptide formation from amino acids catalyzed by inorganic oxides. According to our observations, the racemization phenomena are very common in the systems considered, not only under pyrolytic temperatures, but in some cases also under rather mild conditions (<100 degrees C). Our results put additional constraints on the environments where the chirality of biomolecules can be efficiently preserved.     

Retrieval of aerosol optical characteristics from polarization measurements of reflected solar radiation above the oceans

The reflected near infrared solar radiation observed from space above the oceans is due mainly to the atmosphere scattering, as the ocean surface is nearly black. The molecular Rayleigh contribution is also minimized at infrared wavelengths and it can be evaluated. It is shown that the degree of polarization is much more sensitive to the aerosol properties than the radiance. Measurements of polarization at two wavelengths and with an angular scanning are simulated and an inversion algorithm is proposed. It aims at finding an “equivalent aerosol model,” which reproduces the optical thickness and the asymmetry factor of the actual aerosol at all wavelengths in the solar spectrum.     

基于GNSS-R的裸土圆极化散射特性研究

GNSS-R是利用导航卫星的反射信号对地物参数进行遥感的新兴对地观测方式。针对其特有的圆极化散射方式,以双站散射的高级积分方程模型为工具,利用极化合成的方法将随机粗糙地表面圆极化散射模型转换为可以计算各种极化的微波散射模型。重点模拟分析了不同土壤水分含量下,裸土在不同观测几何时的圆极化散射特性。随机粗糙地表面圆极化散射模型的发展在某种程度上填补了GNSS-R领域机理模型的空缺,为后续土壤水分的进一步反演提供了机理工具。      

Radar studies of small scale structure in the upper middle atmosphere and lower ionosphere

The characteristics of radar backscatter from the height region 60 – 100 km are examined in order to try and better understand the nature and origin of the scatterers. In particular, the evidence for quasi-specular scatter, in which the signal returned from the zenith is found to be much larger than from off-vertical directions, is examined, and some recent results are used to quantify the aspect ratio of the scatterers. The evidence is used to show that both turbulent and quasi-specular scatterers may exist throughout the atmosphere, and it is shown how the radar wavelengths used may selectively single out one or the other type of scatterer in different height regimes. Some models are discussed which may explain the existence of specular scatterers.     

毛细泵环路系统运行特性的数值研究

给出了描述毛细泵环路(CPL)系统运行特性的非稳态模型,并运用该模型模拟了系统的启动过程,考察了储液罐中温度波动以及蒸发器上热负荷的突然改变对系统稳定性的影响;从数值模拟的角度更好地预测和分析CPL系统运行的过程和特点,该模型的数值结果与实验现象和实验数据相比有较好的一致性。通过该模型还可以进一步揭示CPL系统运行过程中启动困难、储液罐温度不能波动过大以及热流密度突然改变引起系统失效等内在原因,为设计出性能优良的CPL系统提供了理论依据。     

Millimeter observations of variable radio sources in the Galactic plane

We report on multi-epoch millimeter observations of variable radio sources that were identified through the 6-cm Galactic plane survey by Gregory and Taylor. Although the aim of the original survey was to search for exotic galactic radio sources such as Cyg X-3, our multifrequency study in the past suggested that the majority of these sources are extragalactic. To explore intrinsic variability of these sources, we carried out monitoring observations at short millimeter wavelengths where the interstellar scintillation effects become less significant and stronger intrinsic variability is expected as the millimeter emission arises from deeper in the cores. Most of the observed sources show moderate degrees of millimeter variability indicating they are intrinsically variable. The spectra for some observed sources are flat out to millimeter wavelengths — similar to that of blazars. Thus the survey sample is likely to contain many unidentified radio-loud AGN behind the Milky Way.     

Origin of complex type III-L events and electron acceleration

Type III-L bursts constitute a class of type III bursts that are intense, complex, and of long duration at hectometric wavelengths. They are often associated with major flares and fast coronal mass ejections. Several observations suggested that the electron beams that produce these complex hectometric emissions could be accelerated and injected in the low or in the middle corona. In this study, we revisit the origin of these bursts by tracing the progression of the events from the low corona to the interplanetary medium. We show that type III-L features are related to sudden changes in the radio emission observed at metric and decametric wavelengths, in particular the onset of new emitting sources at positions that can be at large distances from the flare site.     

小型平板CPL实现高热流密度散热的研究

针对小型平板毛细抽吸两相流体回路(CPL)在高热流密度下的特点,分析了不同工质时系统的压力损失与毛细芯的毛细抽吸力,得出采用氨工质有着较好的传热性能和更高的毛细限,同时得出影响系统毛细限的主要因素是蒸汽联管管径和工质的蒸气密度,提出了工质传输系数作为选取工质的重要指标。建立了蒸发器多孔芯,金属壁面以及工质气、液空间区域的耦合数学模型,并运用SIMPLE算法进行求解,得出蒸发器内的温度分布及由于侧壁效应对多孔芯传热传质与传热极限的影响,同时提出小型平板CPL系统存在侧壁效应传热极限,它是影响系统最大传热量的一个重要极限,在设计小型平板CPL必须予以考虑。     

反向式蒸发器芯层内蒸汽阻力的分析计算

对毛细抽吸两相流体环路（ＣＰＬ）系统在正常稳态运行时的状态进行分析,知反向式蒸发器在此情况下主要以芯层表面蒸发的方式传热。在此基础上,提出等厚膜层计算方法,且利用此模型对蒸汽在膜层内的流动阻力进行计算,知此阻力大小对一般ＣＰＬ回路来说,是应该予以考虑的。并从计算中知道,蒸发器芯层渗透率的大小对此流动阻力的影响甚大。     

多回路耦合CPL系统的几种失效情况分析

毛细抽吸两相流体回路(CPL,CapillaryPumpedLoop)在运行过程中可能会发生蒸发器失效的现象,严重影响了其可靠性。文章对CPL在变工况过程中可能引起蒸发器失效的一些因素进行了分析,并通过实验研究了一个多回路耦合CPL系统在某些热边界条件发生骤变时,系统的瞬态响应以及部分蒸发器失效的过程。     

上行离子源区卫星探测的轨道需求分析

极区从电离层到磁层的上行粒子流探测研究是空间天气建模中的重要问题,其起源和加速机制是磁层-电离层-热层耦合小卫星星座计划的主要科学目标. 磁层-电离层-热层耦合小卫星星座计划拟定由两颗磁层星和两颗电离层/热层星组成星座对极区进行联合观测. 其中,上行粒子源区附近的就位探测是电离层-热层耦合机制研究的重点,也是电离层/热层星轨道设计的关键. 根据相关空间探测计划和卫星观测结果,通过比较圆轨道和椭圆轨道两种方案,确定电离层/热层星采用椭圆轨道.      

Voyager photopolarimeter observations of Saturn and Titan

The Voyager 2 photopolarimeter experiment observed the intensity and polarization of scattered sunlight from the atmospheres of Saturn and Titan in the near-UV at 2640 Å and in the near-IR at 7500 Å. Measurements of Saturn's limb brightening and polarization at several phase angles up to 70° indicate that a significant optical depth of UV absorbers are present in the top 100 mbar of Saturn's atmosphere in the Equatorial Zone and north polar region, and possibly at other latitudes as well. UV absorbers are prominent in polar regions, suggesting that charged particle precipitation from the magnetosphere may be important in their formation.The whole-body polarization of Titan is strongly positive in both the UV and near IR. If spherical particles are responsible for the polarization, no single size distribution or refractive index can account for the polarization at both wavelengths. The model atmosphere proposed by Tomasko and Smith [1], characterized by a gradient in particle size with altitude, seems capable of explaining the Voyager observations. If non-spherical particles predominate, the Voyager observations place important constraints on their scattering properties.     

镜像生物分子

生物分子的手性均一性是地球上生命的重要标志.生命对D型核糖和L型氨基酸的依赖究竟是生命起源的必然,还是早期地球上发生的一次偶然事件,目前尚无定论.地球上生命手性均一性的原因还未能被很好地解释,但一些实验证据已显示基于L型核糖和D型氨基酸的镜像生命被合成出来的可能性.本文简要总结了当前对镜像生物分子的研究进展和方向,并探...     

CPL蒸发器毛细芯非饱和流动与传热的场协同分析

在非饱和三层模型基础上,从场协同的角度,对工质在CPL蒸发器毛细芯中的流动与传热情况进行了详细分析。对蒸发器的几何结构参数、毛细多孔芯特征参数以及热负荷变化对工质传热传质效果的影响进行了数值模拟。结果表明,利用场协同原理,可以解释不同的蒸发器结构参数和热负荷对蒸发器传热效果的影响,从而为优化蒸发器结构,提高CPL效能提供理论依据。     

Progress in demonstrating homochiral selection in prebiotic RNA synthesis

The dual properties of RNA as an enzyme catalyst (ribozyme) and its ability to store genetic information suggest that early life could have been based on RNA. We have synthesized RNA oligomers up to 50-mer chain lengths by Na⁺-montmorillonite catalyzed reactions of 5′-activated mononucleotides. For studying chiral selectivity, the reactions of racemic mixtures of D, L-ImpA and D, L-ImpU were carried out on Na⁺-montmorillonite. The dimer, trimer, tetramer and pentamer fractions (yields 43.3%, 14.5%, 5.8% and 3.0%, respectively) were investigated for homochiral selection. These products were collected via ion exchange HPLC, their terminal 5′-phosphate was cleaved by alkaline phosphatase and further analyzed by reverse phase HPLC. Twelve linear and three cyclic dimers were isolated and characterized. The homochirality of dimers was 63.5 ± 0.8%. Out of the sixteen trimers isolated, ten were homochiral with an overall homochirality of 74.2 ± 1.6%. The tetramers and pentamers were separated into 24 and 20 isomers, respectively. Their co-elution with those formed in the binary reactions of D-ImpA with D-ImpU on Na⁺-montmorillonite revealed 92.7 ± 2.0% and 97.2 ± 0.5% homochirality, respectively. These results suggest that Na⁺-montmorillonite not only catalyzes the prebiotic synthesis of RNA but it also facilitates homochiral selection. Work is in progress to determine chiral selectivity in the reaction mixtures of activated nucleotides of racemic A, U, G and C on Na⁺-montmorillonite.     

Observations of solar radio bursts from meter to kilometer wavelengths

Using the Clark Lake Radioheliograph data we present direct evidence that type III electron streams propagate in dense coronal streamers. We also present imaging observations of meter-decameter microbursts, which appear to be similar to those observed in hard X-rays. At meter-decameter wavelengths, these microbursts appear to be due to plasma radiation. From observations made with ISSE-3, we discuss the characteristics of hectometer and kilometer wavelength radio bursts. In particular, we show that from studies of type III storms that the exciter electrons propagate along spiral structures, where the density is enhanced and that there is an acceleration of the solar wind. We discuss type II bursts at kilometer wavelengths, compare them with meter type II bursts and discuss their association with interplanetary shocks. We show that the interaction between type III electron streams and shocks at kilometer wavelengths can provide information on the interplanetary shock geometry. Finally, we discuss the possibility that some shock associated (SA) events may be emissions caused by electrons accelerated lower in the atmosphere rather than high in the corona in type II shocks.Recent advances in solar research have resulted from new work on plasma radiation theory, new observations of active regions and flares across the electromagnetic spectrum and the availability of spacecraft in situ measurements of solar ejecta. In this paper, we review some results obtained with the Clark Lake multifrequency radioheliograph at meter-decameter wavelengths and from satellite multifrequency directive observations at hectometer and kilometer wavelengths. We present evidence that type III electrons propagate in dense coronal streamers, and that frequently observed microbursts (presumably of type III) at meter-decameter wavelengths are due to plasma radiation. We discuss observations of hectometer and kilometer type III radio storms which reveal information about active region structures, interplanetary magnetic field configuration, and solar wind acceleration. We also discuss kilometer type II bursts, interactions between type III electrons and interplanetary shocks, and present some new results on shock associated (SA) events.     

GNSS-Reflectometry: Forest canopies polarization scattering properties and modeling

Nowadays, GNSS-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) can be a new promising remote sensing tool in the ocean, snow/ice and land surfaces, e.g., vegetation biomass monitoring. Although GNSS-R provides a potentially special L-band multi-angular and multi-polarization measurement, the theoretical vegetation scattering properties and mechanisms for GNSS-R are not understood clearly. In this paper, the GNSS-R vegetation polarization scattering properties are studied and modeled at different incidence angles (specular direction). The bistatic scattering model Bi-mimics is employed, which is the first-order radiative transfer equation. As a kind of forest stand, the Aspen’s crown layer is composed of entire leaves, and its parameters in Mimics handbook are used as model input. The specular circular polarizations (co-polarization RR and cross-polarization LR) are simulated. For cross-polarization, the received polarization is assumed as a linear (horizontal and vertical) polarizations and ±45° linear polarizations. Therefore, the HR VR, +45R and −45R polarizations are simulated here. Contributions from different scattering components at RR, LR and VR polarization are also presented. For co-polarization, it is large in the whole specular angles (10–80°). The scattering trends of the other cross polarization (HR, LR, +45R and −45R) are a little similar when compared to the RR and RV. Therefore, the RHCP and V polarizations are more favorable to collect the reflected signals. The trunk heights and crown depths do not affect the scattering trends of RR, RV and RL, while the trunk height has some effect on the scattering amplitude of different polarizations. The azimuth angle has more effects on RR, RL and RV scattering, especially in lower than 50°. The observation angles and polarization combinations are extremely important for GNSS-R remote sensing.     

毛细泵环中两相循环回路的初步分析研究

本文初步分析研究了在微重力或失重情况下毛细泵环中两相循环回路的稳态流动，情况，提出了基于力平衡的两相循环回路一维稳态数学描述。从计算结果得出了最佳有效毛细孔半径等结论。     

Tropical storm structure revealed by stereoscopic photographs from Skylab

A stereo pair of photographs taken by Skylab astronauts over Hurricane Ellen, September 19, 1973, resulted in the first stereo analysis over tropical storms. This pair is also the first evidence to indicate the existence of “supercell” convection in developing tropical storms. The photos are analyzed to determine the cloud top structure of the intense convection occurring in one quadrant of the storm. This type of supercell convection in tropical storms has recently been correlated with subsequent rapid deepening. The stereo analysis revealed that a circular cloud feature over the storm center was a dome which protruded 3–4 km above the undisturbed cirrus clouds. The center of the dome was capped by smaller scale convective turrets which protruded another 1–2 km above the dome. The existence of shear induced waves in the cloud tops is shown with wave amplitude ranging from 150–300 m and wave lengths ranging from 2–4 km. The existence of gravity waves at the cloud tops is also shown with wave amplitudes of 500–600 m and wavelengths of 10–12 km.