Identifications of some highly-ionized iron and nickel lines in the 200–400 Å region of the solar spectrum

A number of previously unclassified multiplets of Fexiv, xiii, xii, and xi produced by transitions of the type 3s ²3p ⁿ -3s3p ⁿ⁺¹ are identified in the XUV spectrum of the Sun. The iron lines account for most of the previously unidentified strong lines between 330 and 370 Å. Solar observations of especial value for the investigation of the 300–400 Å region were the slitless spectroheliograms of September 22, 1968 (Purcell and Tousey, 1969) and November 4, 1969 (Tousey, 1971) — on which the image of a flare was recorded. Other solar identifications in the same spectral region include the resonance lines of Nixvii and Nixviii, and one 3p-3d multiplet of Fexiii. The solar blend at 417 Å involving the Fexv inter-combination line and Sxiv is resolved.     

Exploiting GNSS signal structure to enhance observability

There are a number of different error sources, such as multipath and thermal noise, which corrupt satellite navigation waveforms from their theoretical structure. However, even under ideal conditions the broadcast signals have some degree of deformation as a result of the practical individual hardware implementation. For the most demanding users of satellite navigation, such as aircraft navigation and landing systems, it is important to characterize the nominal signal structure in order to detect minimal variations resulting from hardware-based errors. Thus far such precorrelation Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal quality monitoring has been performed through high gain antennas, which allow for raising the GNSS spectrum above the thermal noise floor and observing the structure of the signal directly at the front end output. This paper describes a new approach to achieve such observability based on signal processing techniques, such as dithering and averaging, which leverage the repetitive nature of the GNSS signal. The paper presents how these techniques can drastically improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in postprocessing, allowing for the direct analysis of GNSS signals using traditional front end designs and conventional antennas. Results are predicted using the appropriate theory and validated using data collected from the Global Positioning System (GPS).     

Search radar detection and track with the Hough transform. II.detection statistics

For pt.I see ibid., vol.30, no.1, (Jan.1994). This paper describes the calculation of P_F and P_D for the Hough transform technique when the primary threshold crossings are weighted by their power before transforming (i.e., noncoherent integration). After expressions for P_F and P_D are derived, we examine the question of optimal granularity of the Hough accumulator space. We also investigate the relationship between primary and secondary thresholds and its effect on detectability     

Steady-state analysis of the constant-frequency clamped seriesresonant converter

A constant-frequency diode-clamped series resonant converter (CFCSRC) is proposed as a solution to problems associated with frequency-controlled resonant converters. This converter has two resonant frequencies, and control is achieved by varying the relative time spent at each switching frequency. Two zero-current-switching (ZCS) modes are examined and plotted in the output plane. An equation is given for the boundary between the two ZCS modes, as well as an expression for the boundary between ZCS and non-ZCS operation; both are plotted in the output plane. The output equation for the main mode is shown to be hyperbolic. Converter peak voltages limited to the input voltages, and peak currents are less than those of the frequency-controlled clamped series resonant converter over a large operating range. Data from a prototype converter are compared with theoretical data and are shown to be in good agreement with the theoretical model     

Investigation of corona initiation voltage at reduced pressures

The results of an experimental study of the 60 Hz ac corona inception voltage at reduced pressures for a cylindrical conductor and a parallel ground plane are presented. Several spacings and bare and insulated conductors of several diameters are considered. Empirical expressions from which a reasonably accurate prediction of the corona inception voltage (CIV) may be made have been inferred from experimental data     

On the relation between the mass loss rate and the stellar parameters of OB-type stars

We discuss mass loss relations for OB-type stars as a function of luminosity, effective temperature, and mass. We conclude that a simple first order linear regression relation is as good as any other more sophisticated relation, with the advantage that the simple form consumes much less computer time when used in evolutionary codes.     

Light scattering in planetary atmospheres

This paper reviews scattering theory required for analysis of light reflected by planetary atmospheres. Section 1 defines the radiative quantities which are observed. Section 2 demonstrates the dependence of single-scattered radiation on the physical properties of the scatterers. Section 3 describes several methods to compute the effects of multiple scattering on the reflected light.     

Hard rock cosmic ray archaeology

Recent examinations of extraterrestrial materials exposed to cosmic rays for different intervals of time during the geological history of the solar system have generated a wealth of new information on the history of cosmic radiation. This information relates to the temporal variations in

1. the flux and energy spectrum of low energy (solar) protons of ? 10 MeV kinetic energy;
2. the flux and energy spectrum of (solar) heavy nuclei of Z > 20 of kinetic energy, 0.5–10 MeV/n;
3. the integrated flux of protons and heavier nuclei of ? 0.5 GeV kinetic energy, and
4. the flux and energy spectrum of nuclei of Z > 20 of medium energy — 100–2000 MeV/n kinetic energy.

The above studies are entirely based on the natural detector method which utilises two principal cosmogenic effects observed in rocks, (i) isotopic changes and (ii) changes in the crystalline structure of rock constituents, due to cosmogenic interactions. The information available to date in the field of hard rock cosmic ray archaeology refers to meteorites and lunar rocks/soil. Additional information based on study of cosmogenic effects in man-made materials exposed to cosmic radiation in space is also discussed. It is shown that the natural detectors inspite of their extreme simplicity have begun to provide cosmic ray information in a very quantitative and precise manner comparable to the most sophisticated electronic particle detectors. The single handicap in using the hard rock detectors is however the uncertainty regarding their manner of exposure, geometry etc. At present, a variety of techniques are being used to study the evolutionary history of extraterrestrial materials and as this field grows, uncertainties in cosmic ray archaeology will correspondingly decrease.     

An Overview of the Fast Auroral SnapshoT (FAST) Satellite

The FAST satellite is a highly sophisticated scientific satellite designed to carry out in situ measurements of acceleration physics and related plasma processes associated with the Earth's aurora. Initiated and conceptualized by scientists at the University of California at Berkeley, this satellite is the second of NASA's Small Explorer Satellite program designed to carry out small, highly focused, scientific investigations. FAST was launched on August 21, 1996 into a high inclination (83°) elliptical orbit with apogee and perigee altitudes of 4175 km and 350 km, respectively. The spacecraft design was tailored to take high-resolution data samples (or `snapshots') only while it crosses the auroral zones, which are latitudinally narrow sectors that encircle the polar regions of the Earth. The scientific instruments include energetic electron and ion electrostatic analyzers, an energetic ion instrument that distinguishes ion mass, and vector DC and wave electric and magnetic field instruments. A state-of-the-art flight computer (or instrument data processing unit) includes programmable processors that trigger the burst data collection when interesting physical phenomena are encountered and stores these data in a 1 Gbit solid-state memory for telemetry to the Earth at later times. The spacecraft incorporates a light, efficient, and highly innovative design, which blends proven sub-system concepts with the overall scientific instrument and mission requirements. The result is a new breed of space physics mission that gathers unprecedented fields and particles observations that are continuous and uninterrupted by spin effects. In this and other ways, the FAST mission represents a dramatic advance over previous auroral satellites. This paper describes the overall FAST mission, including a discussion of the spacecraft design parameters and philosophy, the FAST orbit, instrument and data acquisition systems, and mission operations.