Spatial variation of the supersonic thermal plasma flow downstream of the termination shock

In this paper we start from the most recently observed fact that the solar wind plasma after passage over the termination shock is still supersonic with a Mach number of about 2. To explain this unexpected phenomenon and to predict the evolution of properties of the downstream plasma flow we here consider a two-fluid proton plasma with pick-up protons as a separate suprathermal, second proton fluid. We then formulate a self-consistent system of hydrodynamical conservation equations coupling the two fluids by dynamical and thermodynamical coupling terms and taking into account the effects of newly incorporated protons due to charge exchange with the H-atoms in the heliosheath. This then allows us to predict that in the most probable case the solar wind protons will become subsonic over a distance of about 30 AU downstream of the shock. As we can also show, it may, however, happen that the plasma mixture later again reconverts to a supersonic signature and has to undergo a second shock before meeting the heliopause.     

中纬电离层暴时形态的理论模式研究

结合观测结果对中纬电离层暴时形态进行理论模式研究.分析了两次电离层暴变事件中影响其基本形态的原子－分子含量比、上部输运通量和中性风等因素的行为,发现在这两次具有不同特点的事件中,中性风较为平稳,而原子－分子含量比和耦合输运通量的相对作用则各不相同.      

Ⅱ类甲醇脉泽的红外抽运研究

本文研究了Ⅱ类甲醇脉泽与周围红外源的关系,发现它们有很强的相关性。分析认为红外源很可能是Ⅱ类甲醇脉泽的抽运源。      

日球层内外能量中性原子的探测

能量中性原子(Energetic Neutral Atoms, ENA, 简称能原子)是指在日球层内外空间, 拥有>0.1keV动能的原子.在此空间领域并没有温度>106K的中性气体, 但却充满动能>0.1keV的正离子.因此能原子A应该是A+离子与原地稀薄气体B原子或分子交换电荷所产生的, 即A++B→A+B+. 电荷交换涉及极小的动能变化, 新生的能原子A和离子B+基本上各自保持原有动能. 离子B+随即被当地磁场俘获, 能原子A则脱离磁场约束并携带其原属离子群的成分和能量信息而直线运动, 成为遥测空间等离子体的有效媒介. 美国人造卫星 IBEX (Interstellar Boundary Explorer) 直接探测得到来自日球层以外星际空间的能原子, 大幅延伸了利用能原子遥测空间等离子体的领域. 本文据此论述了空间能原子的发现, 综述了探测空间能原子的基本概念与实例、取得的主要成果、仪器设计和研制进展以及未来空间利用能原子遥测的发展趋势.      

Search for high-proper motion objects with infrared excess

The possibility of interstellar migration has been theorized during the past thirty years in the form of “Dysonships” that, using non-relativistic propulsion systems, are able to colonize the Galaxy in a relatively short time compared to the age of the Galaxy and consequently penetrate inside our solar system too. Observational evidence of this can be potentially obtained using the present state of the art of telescopes and related sensors, by following aimed searches and an expanded SETI protocol. Some transient and unrepeated radio signals recorded during standard SETI observations might be due to the transit of high-proper motion artificial sources of extraterrestrial origin, which are expected to show a very weak optical emission, a strong infrared excess and occasional high-energy bursts in the X and Gamma-ray wavelength ranges. Such artificial sources might show an interest to Earth by sending probes to visit it: such a possibility can be investigated scientifically as well.     

Interstellar planetary protection

In the coming decades the detection of Earth-like extrasolar planets, either apparently lifeless or exhibiting spectral signatures of life, will encourage design studies for craft to visit them. These missions will require the elaboration of an interstellar planetary protection protocol. Given a specific dose required to sterilize microorganisms on a spacecraft, a critical mean velocity can be determined below which a craft becomes self-sterilizing. This velocity is calculated to be below velocities previously projected for interstellar missions, suggesting that an active sterilization protocol prior to launch might be required. Given uncertainties in the surface conditions of a destination extrasolar planet, particularly at microscopic scales, the potential for unknown biochemistries and biologies elsewhere, or the possible inoculation of a lifeless planet that is habitable, then both lander and orbiter interstellar missions should be completely free of all viable organisms, necessitating a planetary protection approach applied to orbiters and landers bound for star systems with unknown local conditions for habitability. I discuss the case of existing craft on interstellar trajectories – Pioneer 10, 11 and Voyager 1 and 2.     

一种双基站低轨道区域覆盖δ星座设计

在双基站理论研究基础上 ,进行了定倾角区域性覆盖双基站δ星座设计 ,采用倾角为 41°的回归轨道 ,用点覆盖数值仿真的方法设计了对地面站与空间站的一重覆盖与二重覆盖下的星座构型。且星座中各星之间 ,各星与空间站之间均可建立星际链路 ,保证数据在空间站、地面站及星座之间连续传递     

Spectral properties of backscattered solar Ly-α radiation in the heliosphere: A search for heliospheric boundary effects

We explore the imprints of the solar wind interaction with the local interstellar medium on spectral properties of backscattered solar Ly-α radiation. We employ a newly developed effective model for the interstellar H atom velocity distribution function in the heliosphere ( Katushkina and Izmodenov, 2011). The model takes into account both global effects of H atom perturbations at the heliospheric boundaries and local (i.e. within 10–20 AU from the Sun) effects of the solar ionization, charge exchange, solar gravitation and radiation pressure.     

An ISO View on Interstellar and Cometary Ice Chemistry

The ISO-SWS instrument offering a large wavelength coverage and a resolution well adapted to the solid phase has changed our knowledge of the physical-chemical properties of ices in space. The discovery of many new ice features was reported and the comparison with dedicated laboratory experiments allowed the determination of more accurate abundances of major ice components. The presence of CO₂ ice has recently been confirmed with the SWS (Short Wavelength Spectrometer) as a dominant ice component of interstellar grain mantles. The bending mode of CO₂ ice shows a particular triple-peak structure which provides first evidence for extensive ice segregation in the line-of-sight toward massive protostars. A comparison of interstellar and cometary ices using recent ISO data and ground-based measurements has revealed important similarities but also indicated that comets contain, beside pristine interstellar material, admixtures of processed material. The investigation of molecules in interstellar clouds is essential to reveal the link between dust in the interstellar medium and in the Solar System. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A scalable bus-based attitude control system for Solar Sails

Recently, there has been a renewed interest in Solar Sails as an alternative means of space propulsion. Many different attitude control systems have been designed for Solar Sails taking advantage of the centre-of-mass (CM)/centre-of-pressure (CP) offset while utilising the main sail structure to position the actuators. However, by attaching actuators to the main sail, these systems increase the risks involved in the deployment subsystem.