Assessment of modified surface temperatures and solar reflectance using meteorological satellite and aircraft data

Changes in surface temperature resulting from the activities of man are evaluated using meteorological satellite (NOAA and HCMM) and aircraft data. Study sites were located in Florida and Michigan. Thermal data showed that day surface temperatures over large areas could be increased by 10–15°C by modifications resulting from agricultural practices. Changes in reflected solar radiation as a function of agricultural practices were detectable using HCMM data.     

Homologous flares and the evolution of NOAA active region 2372

A detailed record of the evolution of NOAA Active Region 2372 has been compiled by the FBS Homology Study Group. It was one of the most prolific flare-producing regions observed by SMM. The flares occurred in distinct stages which corresponded to particular evolutionary phases in the development of the active region magnetic field. By comparison with a similar but less productive active region, we find that the activity seems to be related to the magnetic complexity of the region and the amount of shear in the field. Further, the soft X-ray emission in the quiescent active region is related to its flare rate. Within the broader definition of homology adopted, there was a degree of homology between the events within each stage of evolution of AR2372.     

Correlation Function for a 1/f Spectrum

The performance of ground surveillance radars depends on the spatial correlation, or spectrum, of the radar returns. Many radar terrain images are suspected to have a I/f spatial spectrum. This spectrum is thought to be difficult to handle mathematically in modeling and analysis because of its singularity at zero frequency and its infinite energy. A two-dimensional, band-limited I/f spectrum has neither of these problems: this is convenient for modeling and analysis in any practical system because the sensor measuring of an image always introduces band limiting, even if the natural phenomena are not band limited. Also shows the presence of terrain with a 1/f spectrum will not be readily apparent from the correlation function of the terrain image because the shape of the correlation function is largely determined by the sensor band limit and not by the underlying spectrum.     

The absorption of solar energy and the heating rate in the atmosphere of Venus

The Solar Flux Radiometer (LSFR) experiment on the large probe of the Pioneer Venus (PV) mission made detailed measurements of the vertical profile of the upward and downward broadband flux of sunlight at a solar zenith angle of 65.7°. These data have been combined with cloud particle size distribution measurements on the PV mission to produce a forward-scattering model of the Venus clouds. The distribution of clouds at high altitudes is constrained by measurements from the PV orbiter. Below the clouds the visible spectrum and flux levels are consistent with Venera measurements at other solar zenith angles. The variations in the optical parameters with height and with wavelength are summarized in several figures. The model is used to evaluate the solar heating rate at cloud levels as a function of altitude, solar longitude, and latitude for use in dynamical studies.     

VLF line radiation observed at Halley and Siple

Power Line Harmonic Radiation and associated emissions observed at Siple [1, 2] are compared with line radiation activity observed at Halley, Antarctica [3]. We discuss the evidence for a Sunday decrease in magnetospheric VLF wave activity at the two stations. Other properties of line radiation relating to bandwidth, diurnal variation, wave echoing and frequency spacing are reviewed.     

Digital data over video channels: Techniques for Spacelab

Various techniques for transmitting digital data over a composite video channel are examined, with a view to transmitting data from experiments on the Space Shuttle orbiter. PSK (phase-shift keying), MPSK (m-ary PSK), or PAM (pulse-amplitude modulation), which can be transmitted on visible lines of a frame, unassigned lines of the VBI (vertical blanking interval), or during the HBI (horizontal blanking interval), are all found to be attractive under the proper conditions. However, PAM on visible lines or during the VBI should be relatively easy to implement, provide adequate average data rates, and give acceptable BERs (bit error rates)     

Recent materials problems relating to catastrophic balloon failures

Balloons fabricated of thin polyethylene materials have provided relatively inexpensive and reliable scientific research platforms for approximately three decades. Reliability of the modern day balloon, as launched by the U.S.A. National Scientific Balloon Facility (NSBF), has been approximately 85%. Recent balloon failures, coupled with an increased occurrence of catastrophic failures, created grave concern over the integrity of the present balloon inventory of the U.S.A National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). An investigative team was established by NASA to review the circumstances surrounding the catastrophic balloon failures, determine the cause and to make recommendations to correct the problem and to prevent its reoccurrence. The most probable cause of failure as determined by the investigation was the polyethylene balloon film, although the film had passed the established standard quality control measures of the film manufacturer. The approach, findings, and conclusions of the investigation are presented along with planned procedures to assure future quality balloon film for NASA balloons.     

A proportional counter/image intensifier system for the detection of low energy X-rays

Proportional counters (PC's) and gas scintillation proportional counters (GSPC's) currently used for detection of low energy X-rays provide information on event position and energy. Although at 1.5 keV PC's have good position resolution (～ 200 μm FWHM) they have relatively poor energy resolution (～ 40% FWHM). Conversely GSPC's have reasonable energy resolution (～ 20% FWHM), but poor spatial resolution (～ 1mm FWHM).We describe a scheme in which a parallel plate PC with a transparent anode deposited on a fibre optic substrate has been used. This allows the light emitted by electron avalanches caused by X-ray events in the PC to be detected by an image intensifier with electronic readout. Using this scheme spatial resolution better than that of conventional PC's should be attainable. In addition avalanches induced by single electrons can be resolved through observation of the time structure of the light flash. Using the ability to count the number of primary electrons created by each X-ray event, it is shown that energy resolution can be achieved which is comparable to that of the GSPC.     

Lunar base CELSS design and analysis.

This paper describes the conceptual development of a hybrid biological-physical/chemical (P/C) life support system model for a lunar outpost. It presents steps that lead to loop closure and determines mass flow characteristics for an inedible biomass enzyme reactor and an activated sludge bioreactor. Computer modeling techniques were used to determine that the cellulose reactor has the design capabilities to provide significant increases in the plant harvest index. Activated sludge was found to fit design demands for a small, continuous-flow, steady-state system. Systems analysis and component sizing for these two bioreactors and information regarding supporting bioregenerative and physical/chemical components are presented.     

Multipath Tracking Errors in Elevation-Scanning and Monopulse Radars

The tracking performance of elevation- scanning and monopulse radars in the presence of multipath propagation are compared. The key difference between these two generic types of radars is the way they respond to moving targets. There are no significant differences between their responses to pure specular multipath, nor to diffuse multipath for targets on radial courses. However, they are found to respond quite differently to the diffuse com ponent for low-altitude crossing targets. For these conditions the tracking errors for elevation-scanning radars may be several times those for monopulse radars.