3,889 research outputs found
The Correlation between X-Ray Line Ionization and Optical Spectral Types of the OB Stars
Marked correlations are reported between the ionization of the X-ray line
spectra of normal OB stars, as observed by the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, and
their optical spectral types. These correlations include the progressive
weakening of the higher ionization relative to the lower ionization X-ray lines
with advancing spectral type, and the similarly decreasing intensity ratios of
the H-like to He-like lines of the alpha ions. These relationships were not
predicted by models, nor have they been clearly evident in astrophysical
studies of a few objects; rather, they have emerged from morphological analysis
of an adequate (albeit still small) sample, from which known peculiar objects
such as magnetic stars and very rapid rotators have been isolated to reveal the
normal trends. This process is analogous to that which first demonstrated the
strong relationships between the UV wind profiles and the optical spectral
types of normal OB stars, which likely bear a physical as well as a historical
connection to the present X-ray results. Since the optical spectral types are
calibrated in terms of fundamental stellar parameters, it follows that the
winds and X-ray spectra are determined by the latter. These observations
provide strong guidance for further astrophysical modeling of these phenomena.Comment: 19 pages, 7 figures, 2 tables; ApJ accepte
Ionic charge distributions of energetic particles from solar flares
The effects which solar flare X-rays have on the charge states of solar cosmic rays is determined quantitatively. Rather than to characterize the charge distribution by temperature alone, it is proposed that the X-ray flux at the acceleration site also is used. The effects of flare X-rays are modeled mathematically
A search for outflows from X-ray bright points in coronal holes
Properties of X-ray bright points using two of the instruments on Solar Maximum Mission were investigated. The mass outflows from magnetic regions were modeled using a two dimensional MHD code. It was concluded that mass can be detected from X-ray bright points provided that the magnetic topology is favorable
Phase-dependent X-ray observations of the beta Lyrae system: No eclipse in the soft band
We report on observations of the eclipsing and interacting binary beta Lyrae
from the Suzaku X-ray telescope. This system involves an early B star embedded
in an optically and geometrically thick disk that is siphoning atmospheric
gases from a less massive late B II companion. Motivated by an unpublished
X-ray spectrum from the Einstein X-ray telescope suggesting unusually hard
emission, we obtained time with Suzaku for pointings at three different phases
within a single orbit. From the XIS detectors, the softer X-ray emission
appears typical of an early-type star. What is surprising is the remarkably
unchanging character of this emission, both in luminosity and in spectral
shape, despite the highly asymmetric geometry of the system. We see no eclipse
effect below 10 keV. The constancy of the soft emission is plausibly related to
the wind of the embedded B star and Thomson scattering of X-rays in the system,
although it might be due to extended shock structures arising near the
accretion disk as a result of the unusually high mass-transfer rate. There is
some evidence from the PIN instrument for hard emission in the 10-60 keV range.
Follow-up observations with the RXTE satellite will confirm this preliminary
detection.Comment: to appear in A&A Letter
Physical modeling of flow and sediment transport using distorted scale modeling
As coastal Louisiana\u27s land loss problem continues to grow unabated, many different solutions have been proposed. One such solution is the concept of diverting fresh water and sediment from the river into the coastal wetlands. Louisiana State University has a Small Scale Physical Model (SSPM) for the study of the potential of such diversions; it is deisgned to study the bulk movement of sediment in the river and diversions. The model is a distorted scale model with a horizontal scale of 1:12,000 and a vertical scale of 1:500; this extreme distortion has brought into question the applicability of the model. The purpose of this study is to help determine to what extent SSPM experimental results can be considered quantitative, and what can be done with said results. This was done by testing the scaling and similarity laws by ensuring the model elevation data was correct, and by measuring and comparing river gradients, gaging station rating curves, and velocities at and below the surface. The measured gradients and Froude numbers show hat the SSPM adheres to the similarity criteria necessary for its intended purpose; i.e. to investigate the bulk 1D sediment transport over long time scales. Also, a 1D HEC-RAS model has been developed and calibrated for the study area. This model will be useful for studying the impacts of large-scale diversions on the river hydraulics and potential shoaling
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