An Update on Ultra-Heavy Elements in Solar Energetic Particles above 10 MeV/Nucleon

Measurements below several MeV/nucleon from Wind/LEMT and ACE/ULEIS show that elements heavier than Zn (Z=30) can be enhanced by factors of ∼100 to 1000, depending on species, in ³He-rich solar energetic particle (SEP) events. Using the Solar Isotope Spectrometer (SIS) on ACE we find that even large SEP (LSEP) shock-accelerated events at energies from ∼10 to >100 MeV/nucleon are often very iron rich and might contain admixtures of flare seed material. Studies of ultra-heavy (UH) SEPs (with Z>30) above 10 MeV/nucleon can be used to test models of acceleration and abundance enhancements in both LSEP and ³He-rich events. We find that the long-term average composition for elements from Z=30 to 40 is similar to standard solar system values, but there is considerable event-to-event variability. Although most of the UH fluence arrives during LSEP events, UH abundances are relatively more enhanced in ³He-rich events, with the (34<Z<40)/O ratio on average more than 50 times higher in ³He-rich events than in LSEP events. At energies >10 MeV/nucleon, the most extreme event in terms of UH composition detected so far took place on 23 July 2004 and had a (34<Z<40)/O enhancement of ∼250–300 times the standard solar value.     

Study of the seasonal ozone variations at European high latitudes

The geographic area at high latitudes beyond the polar circle is characterized with long darkness during the winter (polar night) and with a long summertime insolation (polar day). Consequentially, the polar vortex is formed and the surrounding strong polar jet is characterized by a strong potential vorticity gradient representing a horizontal transport barrier. The ozone dynamics of the lower and middle stratosphere is controlled both by chemical destruction processes and transport processes.     

Limits of photosynthesis in extrasolar planetary systems for earth-like planets.

We present a general modeling scheme for investigating the possibility of photosynthesis-based life on extrasolar planets. The scheme focuses on the identification of the habitable zone in main-sequence-star planetary systems with planets of Earth mass and size. Our definition of habitability is based on the long-term possibility of photosynthetic biomass production as a function of mean planetary surface temperature and atmospheric CO2-content. All the astrophysical, climatological, biogeochemical, and geodynamic key processes involved in the generation of photosynthesis-driven life conditions are taken into account. Implicitly, a co-genetic origin of the central star and the orbiting planet is assumed. The numerical solution of an advanced geodynamic model yields realistic look-up diagrams for determining the limits of photosynthesis in extrasolar planetary systems, assuming minimum CO2 levels set by the demand of C4 photosynthesis.     

An Overview of the Origin of Galactic Cosmic Rays as Inferred from Observations of Heavy Ion Composition and Spectra

The galactic cosmic rays arriving near Earth, which include both stable and long-lived nuclides from throughout the periodic table, consist of a mix of stellar nucleosynthesis products accelerated by shocks in the interstellar medium (ISM) and fragmentation products made by high-energy collisions during propagation through the ISM. Through the study of the composition and spectra of a variety of elements and isotopes in this diverse sample, models have been developed for the origin, acceleration, and transport of galactic cosmic rays. We present an overview of the current understanding of these topics emphasizing the insights that have been gained through investigations in the charge and energy ranges Z≲30 and E/M≲1 GeV/nuc, and particularly those using data obtained from the Cosmic Ray Isotope Spectrometer on NASA’s Advanced Composition Explorer mission.     

The Cosmic-Ray Isotope Spectrometer for the Advanced Composition Explorer

The Cosmic-Ray Isotope Spectrometer is designed to cover the highest decade of the Advanced Composition Explorer's energy interval, from ∼50 to ∼500 MeV nucl−1, with isotopic resolution for elements from Z≃2 to Z≃30. The nuclei detected in this energy interval are predominantly cosmic rays originating in our Galaxy. This sample of galactic matter can be used to investigate the nucleosynthesis of the parent material, as well as fractionation, acceleration, and transport processes that these particles undergo in the Galaxy and in the interplanetary medium. Charge and mass identification with CRIS is based on multiple measurements of dE/dx and total energy in stacks of silicon detectors, and trajectory measurements in a scintillating optical fiber trajectory (SOFT) hodoscope. The instrument has a geometrical factor of ∼r250 cm2 sr for isotope measurements, and should accumulate ∼5×106 stopping heavy nuclei (Z>2) in two years of data collection under solar minimum conditions. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The High Energy Telescope for STEREO

The IMPACT investigation for the STEREO Mission includes a complement of Solar Energetic Particle instruments on each of the two STEREO spacecraft. Of these instruments, the High Energy Telescopes (HETs) provide the highest energy measurements. This paper describes the HETs in detail, including the scientific objectives, the sensors, the overall mechanical and electrical design, and the on-board software. The HETs are designed to measure the abundances and energy spectra of electrons, protons, He, and heavier nuclei up to Fe in interplanetary space. For protons and He that stop in the HET, the kinetic energy range corresponds to ～13 to 40 MeV/n. Protons that do not stop in the telescope (referred to as penetrating protons) are measured up to ～100 MeV/n, as are penetrating He. For stopping He, the individual isotopes ³He and ⁴He can be distinguished. Stopping electrons are measured in the energy range ～0.7–6 MeV.     

Flunking on space station cooperation?

This article looks at the collaboration between the USA and Europe to develop a permanently manned space station. The US view was initially somewhat conjectural and European involvement has become a matter of dispute. The problem started with President Reagan's vague invitation which has not been followed up. NASA, directed by Congress, has already established a programme to which European contributions would appear as afterthoughts. While, on the other hand, the Europeans have asked for a collaboration, at the same time insisting on separate ownership, jurisdiction, use and control of the elements they intend to provide.     

Unilateral centrifugation of the otoliths as a new method to determine bilateral asymmetries of the otolith apparatus in man

Ten healthy subjects were eccentrically rotated with constant speed on a Barany chair. Setting of a luminous line (LL) to the subjective vertical and ocular counter-roll (OCR) were evaluated. During eccentric position rotation subjects consistently reported illusory rotation and set the LL to an angle correlating to centrifugal force. At the same time an OCR of opposite direction was measured. In one patient, labyrinthectomized on the right side, only counterclockwise rotation of the luminous line was observed. Differences between "inner" and "outer" eye were evident for luminous line settings and OCR in some subjects. The results indicate that eccentric rotation is a valuable method to test for bilateral otolith asymmetries. The method can be applied to preflight tests of astronaut candidates for susceptibility to spacesickness. It is also offered for clinical evaluation of unilateral otolith impairments.