Correlations between GPS and USNO Master Clock time

The U.S. Naval Observatory Master Clock is used to steer the Global Positioning System (GPS) time. Time transfer data consisting of the difference between the Master Clock and GPS time has been acquired from all satellites in the GPS constellation covering a time period from 10 October 1995 to 12 December 1995. A Fourier analysis of the data shows a distinct peak in the Fourier spectrum corresponding to approximately a one day period. In order to determine this period more accurately, correlations are computed between successive days of the data, and an average of twenty five correlation functions shows that there exists a correlation equal to 0.52 at delay time 23 h 56 min, which corresponds to twice the average GPS satellite period. This correlation indicates that GPS time, as measured by the U.S. Naval Observatory, is periodic with respect to the Master Clock, with a period of 23 h and 56 min. An autocorrelation of a five day segment of data indicates that these correlations persist for four successive days     

The dynamics of chromospheric spicules

We present the observational results on chromospheric spicules obtained at the Sayan observatory 50 cm coronograph. To investigate the evolution of chromospheric spicules, we analysed spicule spectra of strong chromospheric lines measured simultaneously at three altitudes above the solar limb during 5–60 min with a time resolution of 10 to 20 s. The spatial resolution was better than 1, and the spectral resolution was 0.03Å in 6563Å. The appearance of a spicule at a given altitude is preceded by an sharp increase in line-of-sight velocity and/or in line half-width at a lower level. Generally, the evolution has a non-monotonous impulsive character. Changes of line-of-sight velocities and other parameters of the line profile can be represented as the superposition of slow, evolutionary changes and fluctuations with periods of about 80 to 120 s. The amplitude of line-of-sight velocity fluctuations is 2–3 km/sec and tends to increase with height. By studying the phase delays of the fluctuations at different heights, we found that the propagation velocity exceeds 300 km s^–1, and that the disturbances do not necessarily propagate upwards.     

Electrodynamic forces in tethered satellite systems. I. Systemcontrol

Part I of this work deals with the use of electrodynamic forces for control of tethered satellite system. A system formed by two massive end-bodies connected to each other by a current carrying tether is to be kept in an Earth-pointing orientation by means of joint actions of thrusters on one of the end-bodies and electrodynamic forces acting on the tether     

Source and loss processes in the magnetotail

Space Science Reviews -     

Plasma transfer processes at the magnetopause

Space Science Reviews -     

Why explore Venus?

This paper develops the rationale for a program of Venus exploration by man.     

Behavioral science: a progress report

A prominent neuroscientist A. Damasio has observed that “More may have been learned about the brain and the mind in the 1990s... than during the entire previous history of psychology and neuroscience” (1999). This progress, which should continue at an exponentially increasing pace as we move into the 21^st century, sets the stage for another revolution-in the scientific formulation of intentional behavior. Just as applied sciences such as fluid mechanics and solid-state electronics benefited from breakthroughs in physics, so it may be expected that social psychology and economics, for example, will similarly benefit from our expanding knowledge of psychosomatic and psychological function. Economics, however, with its basic concepts dating from the nineteenth century, must endure an extensive renewal. Toward this end, a new mathematical theory of behavior was formulated in the early 1990s based on the contributions of prominent psychologists and economists over the past two centuries. Presentation of the new approach at international conferences continued in 2000 with attention moving beyond the fundamentals into macroeconomic concerns including business cycles, productivity, and unemployment     

Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis integrated with GIS and remote sensing for astronomical observatory site selection in Antalya province,Turkey

Astronomical observatory site selection is a complex problem that involves evaluation of multiple factors from different sources. The aim of this study is to select the best possible candidates for astronomical observations sites using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis integrated with Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing technologies. The study was implemented in the Antalya province of Turkey, which is convenient for astronomical site observatory facilities with its appropriate climate properties and weather conditions. Eleven factors (cloud cover, precipitable water, earthquake zones, geology, landslide inventory, active fault lines, Digital Elevation Model, city lights, mining activities, settlement areas, roads) were determined, splitting into three categories; meteorological, geographical and anthropogenic criteria. These factors were evaluated using Analytical Hierarchy Process method and the weights of criteria layers were determined. As a result, the most suitable areas were located extensively in western and eastern part of Antalya. This study offers a robust, accurate, cost and time effective procedure for preliminary site selection for astronomical observatory. However, for a final decision of the best location of astronomical observatory, site testing measurements and atmospheric seeing observations will be further required in these preliminary areas.