Theory for the Secondary Eclipse Fluxes, Spectra, Atmospheres, and Light Curves of Transiting Extrasolar Giant Planets

We have created a general methodology for calculating the wavelength-dependent light curves of close-in extrasolar giant planets (EGPs) as they traverse their orbits. Focussing on the transiting EGPs HD189733b, TrES-1, and HD209458b, we calculate planet/star flux ratios during secondary eclipse and compare them with the Spitzer data points obtained so far in the mid-infrared. We introduce a simple parametrization for the redistribution of heat to the planet's nightside, derive constraints on this parameter (P_n), and provide a general set of predictions for planet/star contrast ratios as a function of wavelength, model, and phase. Moreover, we calculate average dayside and nightside atmospheric temperature/pressure profiles for each transiting planet/P_n pair with which existing and anticipated Spitzer data can be used to probe the atmospheric thermal structure of severely irradiated EGPs. We find that the baseline models do a good job of fitting the current secondary eclipse dataset, but that the Spitzer error bars are not yet small enough to discriminate cleanly between all the various possibilities.Comment: 14 figures, 7 text pages (in two-column emulateapj format); Accepted to the Ap.J. June 26, 2006; one cosmetic change made to astro-ph version

Planetary Fabry-Perot spectroscopy

Application of high spectral resolution, Earth-based Fabry-Perot spectroscopy to the study of planetary atmospheres, for which current topics are outer planet HD and H2 spectra (atmospheric structure, D/H ratio), Mars CO2, CO, O2, and H2O spectra (atomspheric photochemistry), Venus H2O and HDO, associated laboratory spectroscopy (especially H2 overtone bands, HDO) was accomplished. Monochromatic charge coupled device (CCD) imaging photometry of the Jovian nebula, with images taken in rapid sequence among the diagnostic spectral lines of ionized sulfur species, provided self-supporting snapshots of the Jupiter/Io plasma conditions (spatially resolved electron and ion densities and temperatures), covering the post-Voyager period from 1981 and leading up to the Galileo tour in the early 1990s. High spectral resolution Fabry-Perot/charge coupled device (CCD) imaging of comets (OI, CI, and H2O(+) velocity maps and spatial distriubtions), and Io's charge exchanged neutral jet was studied

The Transesterification of Hickory Nuts into Biodiesel Fuel

• Biodiesel fuels can be produced from a fat and an alcohol via transesterification • Hickory nuts have a high fat content (~60 % by weight) • Can nuts from shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) be used to produce a biodiesel fuel using existing acidcatalyzed transesterification methods

Spectra and Diagnostics for the Direct Detection of Wide-Separation Extrasolar Giant Planets

We calculate as a function of orbital distance, mass, and age the theoretical spectra and orbit-averaged planet/star flux ratios for representative wide-separation extrasolar giant planets (EGPs) in the optical, near-infrared, and mid-infrared. Stellar irradiation of the planet's atmosphere and the effects of water and ammonia clouds are incorporated and handled in a consistent fashion. We include predictions for 12 specific known EGPs. In the process, we derive physical diagnostics that can inform the direct EGP detection and remote sensing programs now being planned or proposed. Furthermore, we calculate the effects of irradiation on the spectra of a representative companion brown dwarf as a function of orbital distance.Comment: submitted to the Astrophysical Journal, 19 pages, 11 color figure

Two searches for primeval galaxies

A number of active galaxies are now known at very large redshifts, some of them even have properties suggestive of galaxies in the process of formation. They commonly show strong Ly-alpha emission, at least some of which appears to be ionized by young stars. Inferred star formation rates are in the range approximately = 100-500 solar mass/yr. An important question is: are there radio-quiet, field counterparts of these systems at comparable redshifts? Whereas, we are probably already observing some evolutionary and formative processes of distant radio galaxies, the ultimate goal is to observe normal galaxies at the epoch when most of their stars form. We have, thus, started a search for emission-line objects at large redshifts, ostensibly young and forming galaxies. Our method is to search for strong line emission (hopefully Ly alpha) employing two techniques: a direct, narrow-band imaging search, using a Fabry-Perot interferometer; and a serendipitous long-slit spectroscopic search

Speckle noise reduction techniques for high-dynamic range imaging

High-dynamic range imaging from space in the visible, aiming in particular at the detection of terrestrial exoplanets, necessitates not only the use of a coronagraph, but also of adaptive optics to correct optical defects in real time. Indeed, these defects scatter light and give birth to speckles in the image plane. Speckles can be cancelled by driving a deformable mirror to measure and compensate wavefront aberrations. In a first approach, targeted speckle nulling, speckles are cancelled iteratively by starting with the brightest ones. This first method has demonstrated a contrast better than 1e9 in laboratory. In a second approach, zonal speckle nulling, the total energy of speckles is minimized in a given zone of the image plane. This second method has the advantage to tackle simultaneously all speckles from the targeted zone, but it still needs better experimental demonstration.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, in Optical techniques for direct imaging of exoplanets (a special issue of Comptes Rendus de Physique

EFFICIENT NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF ADVANCE MULTI-COPTER CONFIGURATIONS IN CRUISE FLIGHT

Aqua-Quad is a Naval Postgraduate School-designed quad-copter intended for anti-submarine warfare use. It utilizes a tethered acoustic sensor and solar panels to charge the battery in order to track submarines and other underwater targets over significant periods of time. The concept utilizes a “flock” of Aqua-Quads that will be distributed in a grid over the ocean to detect and track underwater targets. Aqua-Quad floats on top of the water while it searches for targets, and then flight is used for rapid repositioning to actively track the underwater target while communicating with other Aqua-Quads. In this thesis a modified version of Actuator Disk Theory (ADT) is implemented in the form of velocity boundary conditions in lieu of rotating propellers, to model advance multi-copter configurations in cruise flight using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This will allow for a better understanding of the pressure field surrounding the body of the aircraft as well as the interaction of flows through the propellers. Furthermore, ADT will then be used to analyze a traditional quad-copter motor architecture with the addition of horizontal pusher motors. The goal would be to develop advanced configurations to extend the range and endurance of multi-copters, in this case, with direct application to Aqua-Quad.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Outstanding ThesisEnsign, United States Nav