21,002 research outputs found

    Phase-resolved far-ultraviolet HST spectroscopy of the peculiar magnetic white dwarf RE J0317-853

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    We present phase resolved FUV HST FOS spectra of the rapidly rotating, highly magnetic white dwarf RE J0317-853. Using these data, we construct a new model for the magnetic field morphology across the stellar surface. From an expansion into spherical harmonics, we find the range of magnetic field strengths present is 180-800MG. For the first time we could identify an absorption feature present at certain phases at 1160A as a ``forbidden'' 1s_0 -> 2s_0 component, due to the combined presence of an electric and magnetic field.Comment: 15 pages including 4 figures. Accepted for publication in ApJ Letter

    Analysis of Skylab 2 S193 scatterometer data

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    SKYLAB II S193 Scatterometer data for the passes of June 5, 1973, over the Gulf of Mexico and June 6, 1973, over Pacific Hurricane AVA were analyzed. The S193 scatterometer measured the radar cross section of the ocean at 13.9 GHz (Ku-band) as a function of incidence angle. The fields-of-view of the scatterometer were known. In the absence of a large body of Ku-band ocean radar data, the results of the NRL experiments at X-band (8.9 GHz) were used for comparison. The S193 data of June 5, 1973, when a practically uniform wind field was present, show reasonable agreement with the NRL empirical and theoretical models

    Editorial: Learning from lockdown special collection

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    In this collection, after almost a year of the Covid-19 pandemic, authors reflect on its impact on higher education, world-wide; including, amongst other topics, challenges for staff and students; new approaches to teaching; accessibility and the support provided by communities

    An astronomical search for evidence of new physics: Limits on gravity-induced birefringence from the magnetic white dwarf RE J0317-853

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    The coupling of the electromagnetic field directly with gravitational gauge fields leads to new physical effects that can be tested using astronomical data. Here we consider a particular case for closer scrutiny, a specific nonminimal coupling of torsion to electromagnetism, which enters into a metric-affine geometry of space-time. We show that under the assumption of this nonminimal coupling, spacetime is birefringent in the presence of such a gravitational field. This leads to the depolarization of light emitted from extended astrophysical sources. We use polarimetric data of the magnetic white dwarf REJ0317853{RE J0317-853} to set strong constraints on the essential coupling constant for this effect, giving k^2 \lsim (19 {m})^2 .Comment: Statements about Moffat's NGT modified. Accepted for publication in Phys.Rev.

    Synthesis of calculational methods for design and analysis of radiation shields for nuclear rocket systems

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    Eight computer programs make up a nine volume synthesis containing two design methods for nuclear rocket radiation shields. The first design method is appropriate for parametric and preliminary studies, while the second accomplishes the verification of a final nuclear rocket reactor design
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