The discovery of low-level iron line emission from Cyg X-1

Summary We present the results of seven observations of the X-ray spectrum of Cyg X-1, made with the GSPC on board the EXOSAT observatory. We report the discovery of an iron emission line in its spectrum. The likely origin of this feature is discussed.     

The variable iron line in cygnus X-3

Cygnus X-3 was observed with the GSPC on board EXOSAT on several occasions, one observation lasting for 7 orbital cycles. The width W and centroid energy E of the iron emission feature near 6.7 keV show a smooth, correlated, sinusoidal-type modulation, the iron line being widest and E being lowest just before X-ray maximum. The line profile may show a low-energy wing, but apart from this does not deviate strongly from a symmetric, Gaussian-type shape. The continuum at higher energies than the line is not completely smooth, but shows bumps which remain stable in time. Two possible explanations are discussed for the correlated variation of E and W as a function of orbital phase.     

Inhibition of denitrification by ultraviolet radiation.

It has been shown that UV-A (lambda=320-400 nm) and UV-B (lambda=280-320 nm) inhibit photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation and nitrification. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects, if any, on denitrification in a microbial community inhabiting the intertidal. The community studied is the microbial mat consisting primarily of Lyngbya that inhabits the Pacific marine intertidal, Baja California, Mexico. Rates of denitrification were determined using the acetylene blockage technique. Pseudomonas fluorescens (ATCC #17400) was used as a control organism, and treated similarly to the mat samples. Samples were incubated either beneath a PAR transparent, UV opaque screen (OP3), or a mylar screen to block UV-B, or a UV transparent screen (UVT) for 2 to 3 hours. Sets of samples were also treated with nitrapyrin to inhibit nitrification, or DCMU to inhibit photosynthesis and treated similarly. Denitrification rates were greater in the UV protected samples than in the UV exposed samples the mat samples as well as for the Ps fluorescens cultures. Killed controls exhibited no activity. In the DCMU and nitrapyrin treated samples denitrification rates were the same as in the untreated samples. These data indicate that denitrification is directly inhibited by UV radiation.     

Spectral variability of scorpius X-1, as observed with EXOSAT

EXOSAT measurements of Sco X-1 have been carried out with the 500 l/mm and 1000 l/mm grating spectrometers and simultaneously with the gas scintillation proportional counter (GSPC) on two occasions in August 1983. The first observing period, part of the instrument performance verification phase, on August 7 and 8, 1983, lasted for about twenty two hours and showed the source flaring during the first six hours. During the second observing period, August 29 and 30, 1983, the source was again active during part of the time. The lightcurves of the spectrometers and the GSPC show some correlation during the flaring activity. The grating spectra show clear emission features between 12 and 20 Å, which vary with time. When fitting the observed spectra to a thermal bremsstrahlungs model (exponential with gaunt factor) together with absorption by neutral matter, a reduced abundance of oxygen in the absorbing matter with respect to Solar is required.     

Artificial Noise in Adaptive Arrays

"Artificial noise," or the connection of feedback paths around the the integrators, is shown to be an effective method of dealing with the problem of multiplier offsets in adaptive antennas. This probl which was analyzed by Compton [1] is particularly troubles when the covariance matrix is singular or nearly so. Like added real noise, the artificial noise improves the condition number of the underlying matrix. The artificial noise, however, avoids the obvious disadvantage of adding to the real noise level. As a result the output-signal-to-interference ratio is much less degraded.     

Wideband Interference Cancellation in Adaptive Sidelobe Cancellers

This paper presents numerical results from a study of sidelobe cancellers operating against wideband interfering signals. The study was designed to provide information that would be useful to system designers. Among other things, we address the question of whether it is best to enhance the bandwidth capability of the canceller by using tapped delay lines or simply by using more auxiliary elements. We also develop guidance rules to help the designer determine the number of adaptive loops required for a given environment.     

Data From the Precision Solar Photometric Telescope (Pspt) in Hawaii From March 1998 to March 1999

Two Precision Solar Photometric Telescopes (PSPT) designed and built at the U.S. National Solar Observatory (NSO) are in operation in Rome and Hawaii. A third PSPT is now in operation the NSO at Sunspot, NM. The PSPT system records full disk solar images at three wavelengths: K line at 393.3 nm and two continua at 409 nm and 607 nm throughout the observing day. We currently study properties of limb darkening, sunspots, and network in these images with particular emphasis on data taken in July and September 1998. During this period, the number of observations per month was high enough to show directional properties of the radiation field surrounding sunspots. We show examples of our PSPT images and describe our study of bright rings around sunspots.     

Direct Intercept Guidance using Differential Geometry Concepts

This paper examines the application of differential geometry to the engagement of both nonmanoeuvring and manoeuvring targets. The kinematics of the engagement for both manoeuvring and nonmanoeuvring target are developed and expressed in differential geometric terms. Two-dimensional geometry is then used to determine the intercept conditions for a straight line target and a constant manoeuvre target. The intercept conditions for both targets are developed for the case when the interceptor missile guides onto a straight line interception. These two cases are shown to have a common set of core conditions such that it enables a unified guidance law to be developed. The guidance law is shown to be globally stable using Lyapunov theory, so that guidance capture is assured for any initial condition. The analysis and guidance law design does not rely on local linearisation and can be shown to produce guidance trajectories that mirror proportional navigation for the straight line interception of a nonmanoeuvring target for which proportional navigation was originally developed. The paper finishes with simulation in two dimensions, illustrating the convergence and solution properties of the approach.     

Fostering links between environmental and space exploration: the Earth and Space Foundation

The links between Earth and space exploration occur across a broad spectrum, from the use of satellite technology to support environmental monitoring and habitat protection to the study of extreme environments on Earth to prepare for the exploration of other planets. Taking the view that Earth and space exploration are part of a mutually beneficial continuum is in contrast to the more traditionally segregated view of these areas of activity. In its most polarized manifestation, space exploration is regarded as a waste of money, distracting from solving problems here at home, while environmental research is seen to be introspective, distracting from expansive visions of exploring the frontier of space. The Earth and Space Foundation was established in 1994 to help further mutually beneficial links by funding innovative field projects around the world that work at the broad interface between environmental and space sciences, thus encouraging the two communities to work together to solve the challenges facing society. This paper describes the work of the foundation and the philosophy behind its programmes.     

Controlling denitrification in closed artificial ecosystems.

Denitrification, the dissimilatory reduction of NO3- to N2O and N2, is found in a wide variety of organisms. In closed artificial systems, especially closed plant growth chambers, a significant loss of fixed-N occurs through denitrification, thereby decreasing the efficiency of the system and fouling the atmosphere with N2O. Denitrification is a form of anaerobic respiration. Whenever available, however, denitrifiers preferentially use O2 as their terminal electron acceptor. As a result, rates of denitrification and growth are a function of O2. Typically, in closed systems O2 consumption is greater than the diffusion of O2 through the medium to the cell, decreasing the O2 level near the cell and denitrification occurs. Using Pseudomonas fluorescens (ATCC # 17400) as a model organism grown in a two L bioreactor under varying levels of O2 we studied its effects on population growth and its ability to mitigate denitrification in closed systems. The results indicate that denitrification occurs in a closed system even when it is considered aerobic, that is well mixed and sparged with either air, or sufficient pure O2 to cause a complete turnover in the gaseous atmosphere in the bioreactor vessel every five minutes.