Super-elite plasma rings and the orbits of planets and satellites isomorphic to the orbits of electrons in the Bohr’s model of the hydrogen atom

This paper continues the series of papers [1–5] and generalizes the previous results to a proto-ring of magnetized plasma whose density decreases in the radial direction. The problem of quantization of the sector and orbital velocities, and of the radii and periods of revolution of elite plasma rings is considered. A new concept of super-elite rings is introduced. Their isomorphism with the orbits of the planets and planetary satellites in the Solar System is proved. This isomorphism also extends to the orbits of electrons in the Bohr’s model of the hydrogen atom.     

Features of whistling electromagnetic wave propagation descending from above upon the night ionosphere

The results of numerical solution of the wave equations for the oblique incidence of whistling electromagnetic waves upon the night ionosphere from above have been obtained and analyzed. In the studied region of altitudes, within the wavelength scale, charged particle concentration varies drastically, and damping caused by collisions between the charged and neutral particles decreases considerably. Below, the sharp lower boundary of the ionosphere, the refractive index of the whistler wave approaches unity, and plasma turbulence transform into atmospheric electromagnetic waves. The dependences of the whistler reflection factor are found in terms of energy and horizontal magnetic component of the electromagnetic wave near the Earth’s surface on the frequency and the wave vector transverse component for the plain-layered medium model at two values of latitude. Strong dependences have been found on the wave angle of incidence and frequency. At rather small angles of incidence, the wave disturbances reach the Earth’s surface, and the module of reflection coefficient logarithm is in the range of 0.4–1. At large angles of incidence, the reflection coefficient module varies over a wide range depending on specific conditions. The obtained results explain the absence of oscillation modes of plasma magnetosphere maser in the night magnetosphere.     

Control of the Onboard Microgravity Environment and Extension of the Service Life of the Long-Term Space Station

The problem of control of the on-board microgravity environment in order to extend the service life of the long-term space station has been discussed. Software developed for the ISS and the results of identifying dynamic models and external impacts based on telemetry data have been presented. Proposals for controlling the onboard microgravity environment for future long-term space stations have been formulated.     

Cluster observations showing the indication of the formation of a modified-two-stream instability in the geomagnetic tail

This study presents several observations of the Cluster spacecraft on September 24, 2003 around 15:10 UT, which show necessary prerequisites and consequences for the formation of the so-called modified-two-stream instability (MTSI). Theoretical studies suggest that the plasma is MTSI unstable if (1) a relative drift of electrons and ions is present, which exceeds the Alfvèn speed, and (2) this relative drift or current is in the cross-field direction. As consequences of the formation of a MTSI one expects to observe (1) a field-aligned electron beam, (2) heating of the plasma, and (3) an enhancement in the B-wave spectrum at frequencies in the range of the lower-hybrid-frequency (LHF). In this study we use prime parameter data of the CIS and PEACE instruments onboard the Cluster spacecraft to verify the drift velocities of ions and electrons, FGM data to calculate the expected LHF and Alfvèn velocity, and the direction of the current. The B-wave spectrum is recorded by the STAFF instrument of Cluster. Finally, a field aligned beam of electrons is observed by 3D measurements of the IES instrument of the RAPID unit. Observations are verified using a theoretical model showing the build-up of a MTSI under the given circumstances.     

Diurnal and seasonal variations of F2 layer characteristics over Irkutsk during the decrease in solar activity in 2003–2006: Observations and IRI-2001 model predictions

The diurnal and seasonal variations of F2 layer characteristics (critical frequency, peak height and bottomside thickness) over Irkutsk, Russia (52.3 N and 104.3 E) are studied by the method of running medians. The comparison with the IRI-2001 model during the decrease in solar activity in 2003–2006 revealed cases of both close agreement and systematic differences between predictions and observations. The systematic difference is not the only reason for disagreement between IRI and observations; there are also intrayear variations which are not associated with seasonal behavior. The period of observation was too short to make conclusions about solar activity dependence of the noon bottomside thickness and the modification of its diurnal behavior with decreasing solar activity.     

Observations of the interplanetary plasma

Observations bearing on the nature and properties of the interplanetary plasma are reviewed, and consideration is given to possible fruitful directions for further work. The observations are classified according as they involve traditional (comet tail, optical, geomagnetic, cosmic ray), radio (solar noise, radar, radio-source scattering and scintillation, space-probe transmission) or direct (space-probe) measurements. A fairly complete set of references up to September 1967 is given for the cases of comet tail, radar, radio-source scattering and scintillation, and space-probe measurements.An important development concerns observations of the composition of the solar wind. High-resolution measurements of the positive ion energy per charge spectra have been made using the Vela-3 satellites (Bame et al., 1968). Ionic components other than H⁺ and He⁺⁺ have been detected, notably the various ions of oxygen, O⁺⁵, O⁺⁶, O⁺⁷, (Hundhausen et al., 1968). A promising technique for unambiguously distinguishing H⁺ and He⁺⁺ ions, based on velocity as well as energy per unit charge, has been flown successfully on the satellite IMP-F by Ogilvie and Williamson (1968).This research was supported by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (Project DEFENDER) and was monitored by the U.S. Army Research Office — Durham under Contract DA-31-124-ARO-D-257.     

High resolution time profile of decimetric type-III bursts

Type-III bursts are signatures of the electron beams accelerated during the solar flares, their observation and investigation provide information of the acceleration processes, the characteristics of the exciting agent and the acceleration site. The Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS), in operation at INPE, Brazil, have recorded type-III radio bursts in decimetric range (2050–2250 MHz) with high time resolution of 20 ms. Decimetric reverse drift bursts are possibly generated in a dense loop by electron beams travelling towards the photosphere. Hence their time profiles should carry signatures of the density inhomogenities in the loop. Here the temporal and spectral characteristics of decimetric type-III bursts are presented.     

The Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM) on ASTROSAT

The Scanning Sky Monitor is one of the experiments onboard the ASTROSAT, an Indian multiwavelength astronomy satellite mission. This experiment will detect and monitor X-ray transients in the energy band 2–10 keV. It is similar in design to the ASM on RXTE. It consists of position-sensitive proportional counters with one-dimensional mask. We describe the configuration of the experiment. We also discuss some of the results obtained using a detector which has already been fabricated and tested in our laboratory.     

Engineering concepts for inflatable Mars surface greenhouses.

A major challenge of designing a bioregenerative life support system for Mars is the reduction of the mass, volume, power, thermal and crew-time requirements. Structural mass of the greenhouse could be saved by operating the greenhouse at low atmospheric pressure. This paper investigates the feasibility of this concept. The method of equivalent system mass is used to compare greenhouses operated at high atmospheric pressure to greenhouses operated at low pressure for three different lighting methods: natural, artificial and hybrid lighting.