Topological and statistical properties of nonlinear force-free fields

We use our semi-analytic solution of the nonlinear force-free field equation to construct three-dimensional magnetic fields that are applicable to the solar corona and study their statistical properties for estimating the degree of braiding exhibited by these fields. We present a new formula for calculating the winding number and compare it with the formula for the crossing number. The comparison is shown for a toy model of two helices and for realistic cases of nonlinear force-free fields; conceptually the formulae are nearly the same but the resulting distributions calculated for a given topology can be different. We also calculate linkages, which are useful topological quantities that are independent measures of the contribution of magnetic braiding to the total free energy and relative helicity of the field. Finally, we derive new analytical bounds for the free energy and relative helicity for the field configurations in terms of the linking number. These bounds will be of utility in estimating the braided energy available for nano-flares or for eruptions.     

On the occurrence and strength of multi-frequency multi-GNSS Ionospheric Scintillations in Indian sector during declining phase of solar cycle 24

This study presents unique perspectives of occurrence and strength of low latitude ionospheric scintillations on multiple signals of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and its frequency dependence using continuous observation records of 780 nights. A robust comparative analysis is performed using scintillation index, S4 and its variation during pre-midnight and post-midnight duration from a GNSS receiver located at Waltair (17.7°N, 83.3°E), India, covering period from July 2014 to August 2016. The results, generally exhibit the impact of declining phase of solar cycle 24 on occurrence and strength of scintillations, which, however, is evidently different over different frequencies transmitted from different GNSS systems. A deeper quantitative analysis uniquely reveals that apart from the solar cycle and seasonal effects, the number of visible satellites of a selected GNSS markedly affect the occurrence and also the strength. Processing scheme of adopting 6 hourly time windows of pre-midnight and post-midnight brought a novel result that the strength and occurrence of strong scintillations decrease with declining solar activity during pre-midnight hours but remarkably increase for moderate and weak scintillations during post-midnight. The physical processes that dominate the post-midnight equatorial ionosphere are invoked to explain such variations that are special during declining solar activity. Finally, inter-GNSS signal analysis in terms of the effect of strong, moderate and weak scintillations is presented with due consideration of number of satellite passes affected and frequency dependence of mean S4. The quantitative results of this study emphasize for the first time effect of low latitude scintillation on GNSS signals in Indian zone under changing background solar and seasonal conditions.     

Validation of space-born Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer remote sensors aerosol products using application of ground-based Multi-wavelength Radiometer

The measurements of aerosol optical properties were carried out during April 2006 to March 2011 over Mohal (31.9°N, 77.12°E) in the northwestern Indian Himalaya, using the application of ground-based Multi-wavelength Radiometer (MWR) and space-born Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) remote sensors. The average (±standard deviation) values of aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 500 nm, Ångström exponent and turbidity coefficient during the entire measurement period were 0.25 ± 0.09, 1.15 ± 0.42 and 0.12 ± 0.06 respectively. About 86% AOD values retrieved from MODIS remote sensor were found within an uncertainty limit (Δτ_pλ = ±0.05 ± 0.15τ_pλ). In general, the MWR derived AOD values were higher than that of MODIS retrieval with absolute difference ∼0.02. During the entire period of measurement space-born MODIS remote sensor and ground-based MWR observation showed good correspondence with significant correlation coefficient ∼0.78 and root mean square difference ∼0.06. For daily observations the relative difference between these two estimates stood less than 9%. However, satellite-based and ground-based observation showed good correspondence, but further efforts still needed to eliminate systematic errors in the existing MODIS algorithm.     

A novel wireless light sensing device for planetary and astronomical observations

A novel and versatile wireless light sensing device has been designed and tested for stellar and planetary photometric observations. The device weighing few 10 s of grams finds a number of potential applications in the fields of astronomy and in situ planetary exploration. A Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) using a number of these devices has been deployed to successfully carry out simultaneous photometric observations under different conditions viz. sunlight, twilight, moonlight etc. Observation of a star of known magnitude for flux calibration at low intensity has been carried out by coupling the device to a 1.2 m telescope which demonstrates its sensitivity. A WSN using these devices is further capable of spatio-temporal investigations of sky background intensities. Such a network can also be used to effectively monitor certain astronomical events (lunar eclipse, asteroid occultation etc.) simultaneously from several locations. The capability of the device, level of miniaturization and its versatility makes it a potential tool for many photometric applications.     

Conceptualizing an economically,legally, and politically viable active debris removal option

It has become increasingly clear in recent years that the issue of space debris, particularly in low-Earth orbit, can no longer be ignored or simply mitigated. Orbital debris currently threatens safe space flight for both satellites and humans aboard the International Space Station. Additionally, orbital debris might impact Earth upon re-entry, endangering human lives and damaging the environment with toxic materials. In summary, orbital debris seriously jeopardizes the future not only of human presence in space, but also of human safety on Earth. While international efforts to mitigate the current situation and limit the creation of new debris are useful, recent studies predicting debris evolution have indicated that these will not be enough to ensure humanity?s access to and use of the near-Earth environment in the long-term. Rather, active debris removal (ADR) must be pursued if we are to continue benefiting from and conducting space activities. While the concept of ADR is not new, it has not yet been implemented. This is not just because of the technical feasibility of such a scheme, but also because of the host of economic, legal/regulatory, and political issues associated with debris remediation. The costs of ADR are not insignificant and, in today?s restrictive fiscal climate, are unlikely/to be covered by any single actor. Similarly, ADR concepts bring up many unresolved questions about liability, the protection of proprietary information, safety, and standards. In addition, because of the dual use nature of ADR technologies, any venture will necessarily require political considerations. Despite the many unanswered questions surrounding ADR, it is an endeavor worth pursuing if we are to continue relying on space activities for a variety of critical daily needs and services. Moreover, we cannot ignore the environmental implications that an unsustainable use of space will imply for life on Earth in the long run. This paper aims to explore some of these challenges and propose an economically, politically, and legally viable ADR option. Much like waste management on Earth, cleaning up space junk will likely lie somewhere between a public good and a private sector service. An international, cooperative, public-private partnership concept can address many of these issues and be economically sustainable, while also driving the creation of a proper set of regulations, standards and best practices.     

Atmospheric electrical conductivity measurements and modeling for application to air pollution studies

The experimentally measured ground level atmospheric electrical conductivity is validated from a simplified ion–aerosol model for which the inputs are ionization rate from surface radioactivity, aerosol density and meteorological parameters. Also estimated from the model is the reduction in conductivity for assumed aerosol levels. It is seen that for an increase of ambient aerosols by threefold the percent reduction in conductivity is 7% and it is 10% for an increase by sixfold. Thus, the variations in the measured ground level conductivity can be used to examine the atmospheric pollution, if any.     

Dependability terminology: similarities and differences

The terminology of the field of dependable computing is used non-uniformly by many authors and standards. This paper presents a survey of definitions drawn from a variety of sources in an attempt to abstract away from the terminology and focus instead on the fundamental concepts underlying the definitions. Two results are reported: first, a characterization of `dependability' as a subjective portmanteau of `entities' and `attributes;' second, a simple, yet rigorous, model for `errors, `failures' and `faults.' The latter model leads to a careful examination of the mechanisms by which undesired situations occur and propagate in complex integrated computer systems. The significance of these results is discussed     

Solar wind governing the response of Venusian atmosphere and ionosphere

The ionosphere of Venus is primarily formed by photoionization of a gaseous blanket around Venus. The impact ionization by energetic solar charged particles also plays an important role in the variability of Venusian ionospheric ion, electron density and their temperature profiles. The microscopic variations in the solar wind velocity, particle flux and orientations of frozen-in interplanetary magnetic field determine the solar wind interaction with the Venusian ionosphere. The ion and electron density profiles obtained by Pioneer Venus Orbiter and Pioneer Venus Entry Probes have been analysed in the light of simultaneous solar wind velocity and particle flux. Marked changes in height profiles of ion, electron densities and their temperatures have been found to correlate with the simultaneous changes in the solar wind velocity and particle flux. It is shown that the solar wind plays a more important role in controlling the physical properties and behavior of daytime as well as nighttime ionosphere of Venus, whereas the solar xuv sustains the primary ionization process.     

A simplified D-region ion chemistry scheme and its possible use for IRI lower ionosphere modelling

Ion composition of the D region is principally characterized by the existence of two distinct regions of predominant molecular ions and predominant cluster ions, separated from each other by a rather sharp ‘transition height’, which is proposed to be included in the IRI as an additional parameter, supplementing the electron density models. It is possible to predict the position of this ‘transition height’ at a given place and time with the aid of a simplified ion chemistry scheme which is shown to be satisfactorily compatible with experimental ion composition data available in the literature. Our suggested method of this prediction makes use of the (IRI or experimental) electron density profile at the location and season in question, together with an effective clustering rate coeeficient calculated from corresponding temperature and density profiles taken from a suitable reference model of the neutral atmosphere.     

An evaluation of Jacchia and MSIS 90 atmospheric models with CBERS data

“CBERS” (China Brazil Earth Resources Satellite) was put into orbit on 14^th of October 1999. The atmospheric drag is the major non-gravitational perturbation affecting the control of ground track. As accuracy requirements increase, greater reliance is placed on the empirical techniques. During the initial operational phase of CBERS, the solar activity is almost at its peak. This phenomenon has provided an opportunity to carry out an evaluation of the atmospheric density models. The study puts emphasis on two commonly used atmospheric density models viz. Jacchia and Mass Spectrometer Incoherent Scatter (MSIS). The analysis is based on the decay histories of CBERS to choose the accurate density model. Density models used for orbit propagation are usually derived empirically from actual flight data. Brief synopsis of some of the models is presented along with some of the density tables and orbit solutions of CBERS. Typical plots of density are presented. The study indicated that the drag estimation is relatively precise using MSIS based models. Among them MSIS-90 density model is observed to be a better compromise in terms of accuracy, flexibility and computational aspects. The analysis would be useful in mitigating the impact of solar activity on orbit prediction and maintenance.