ChemiX: a Bragg crystal spectrometer for the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Interhelioprobe</Emphasis> interplanetary mission

Interhelioprobe (IHP), an analogue to the ESA Solar Orbiter, is the prospective Russian space solar observatory intended for in-situ and remote sensing investigations of the Sun and the inner heliosphere from a heliocentric orbit with the perihelion of about 60 solar radii. One of several instruments on board will be the Bragg crystal spectrometer ChemiX which will measure X-ray spectra from solar corona structures. Analysis of the spectra will allow the determination of the elemental composition of plasma in hot coronal sources like flares and active regions. ChemiX is under development at the Wroc?aw Solar Physics Division of the Polish Academy of Sciences Space Research Centre in collaboration with an international team (see the co-author list). This paper gives an overview of the ChemiX scientific goals and design preparatory to phase B of the instrument development.     

Thermodynamics of selected solar flares as determined from the analysis of the spectra obtained with the RESIK instrument

The RESIK instrument is an X-ray spectrometer with bent crystals onboard the CORONAS-F satellite. It was used to observe the spectra of solar flares, active regions, and quiet corona. During the period of the instrument’s operation, many spectra were collected in four energy channels covering the wavelength range from 3.2 to 6.1 Å. For the present analysis, we selected solar flares of various X-ray classes (B, C, and M in the GOES notation), which were observed during moderate level of solar activity (from January to March 2003). The analysis of the RESIK spectra fulfilled with different techniques allowed us to determine the temperature, emission measure, and temperature distribution of the differential emission measure, as well as to examine their time variability.     

Resik: A Bent Crystal X-ray Spectrometer for Studies of Solar Coronal Plasma Composition

We describe the RESIK (REntgenovsky Spektrometr s Izognutymi Kristalami) instrument, consisting of two double-channel X-ray spectrometers, designed to observe solar active region and flare plasmas. RESIK is one of the instruments making up the scientific payload of the Russian CORONAS-F solar mission. The uncollimated spectrometer uses two silicon and two quartz bent crystals observing flare, active region and coronal spectra in four wavelength bands with a resolving power (/ ) of 1000. The wavelength coverage, 3.3–6.1 Å, includes emission lines of Si, S, Cl, Ar, and K and in the third diffraction order, the wavelength range includes He-like Fe lines (1.85 Å) and Ni lines (1.55 Å) with dielectronic satellites, emitted during intense, hot flares. The instrument is believed to be the best calibrated space-borne crystal spectrometer flown to date. The spectrometer dynamically adjusts the data gathering intervals from 1 s to 5 minutes, depending on the level of solar X-ray emission at the time of observation. The principal aims of RESIK are the measurements of relative and absolute element abundances in the emitting plasma and the temperature distribution of plasma (differential emission measure) over the temperature interval 3 and 50 MK. This paper summarizes the scientific objectives of RESIK and describes the design, characteristics, and performance of the instrument.     

Heating of the solar corona

The suggestion is advanced that heating of the solar corona results from Landau damping of ion-acoustic waves generated in the motion of photospheric granules. Laboratory experiments relevant to the question of corona heating are discussed, together with the available observational information on the extent of energy deposition in the corona.Of the European Space Research Organization (ESRO).     

Spectra of solar flares from 8.5 Å to 16 Å

X-ray spectra of solar flares in the spectral range from 8.5 Å to 16 Å have been obtained from a Naval Research Laboratory crystal spectrometer flown on the sixth Orbiting Solar Observatory (OSO-6). A list of emission features is presented and tentative identifications of some of the features are suggested. The time-behavior of the emission lines during flares is discussed, and the possibility of determining electron densities in flare plasmas using density sensitive lines of highly ionized iron is considered. Approximate calculations are performed for a density sensitive line of Fexxii.     

ASO-S卫星HXI量能器探测单元的标定

先进天基太阳天文台卫星(Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory, ASO-S)是中国科学院第2批空间科学先导专项之一,其主要目标是同时观测太阳磁场、耀斑和日冕物质抛射,并对3者之间的相互关系和内在联系进行研究.硬X射线成像仪(HXI)是ASOS卫星的3大载荷之一,它通过对太阳活动发射的硬X射线进行傅里叶调制成像,实现高空间分辨率和高时间分辨率的太阳能谱成像观测.量能器单机是HXI的关键单机之一,其主要任务是精准测量通过每对光栅后太阳硬X射线的能量和通量.主要介绍了量能器单机的工作原理及其关键指标要求、标定设备及标定方案,最后给出了标定结果,从而验证了量能器单机方案设计的合理性.     

Multitemperature analysis of solar X-ray line emission

In this paper we propose and test a new method of multitemperature analysis of solar X-ray spectra. The method, which is based on a technique developed by Withbroe (1975), is designed to be used in the interpretation of spectra, to be measured by the X-Ray Polychromator on the Solar Maximum Mission. Various tests of the method on simulated temperature models establish its usefulness, generality, and stability. The possibilities of deriving the relative element abundances are analysed. The results of the present paper extend the possibility of the multitemperature analysis of X-ray spectra as compared with the results of Craig and Brown (1976a, b) and Craig (1977).On leave from Polish Academy of Sciences, Space Research Center, Wrocaw, Kopernika 11, Poland.     

Influence of the Return Current on the EUV and X-Ray Flare Line Emissions

Electron beams accelerated during solar flares carry electric currents which should be neutralized by so-called return currents. Both the electron beam and return current modify the electron distribution function in the solar transition region and low corona. Thus, they influence the intensities of the spectral lines formed in these layers. Synthetic spectra for the solar flare atmosphere are computed from model conditions and the possibilities of diagnostics of the return current from the EUV and X-ray line spectra are discussed.     

On the physics of a long decay X-ray event

A long decay X-ray event (LDE) which appeared as an expanding loop system on the solar limb on 13–14 August 1973 was well observed temporally (with Skylab ATM S056 and S054 X-ray telescopes) and spectrally (with S082A XUV spectroheliograph). We summarize and supplement the extensive discussion in the literature. In addition, a one-dimensional hydrodynamic study is undertaken to investigate both increasing and decreasing phases of the event. Results indicate that the inferred temperature gradients along the loops during the heating phase are consistent with unrestricted dynamic and conductive flows along magnetic field lines. Furthermore, we conclude that it cannot be unequivocally stated that enhanced emission at the tops of loops is due to pressure gradients along the field lines. Finally, the large emission measure variations in the 10⁵–10⁶ K plasma during the event's decline may be due simply to the temperature dependence of radiative decay within a multi-loop configuration.Presently a NRC Associate at NASA/MSFC, Space Sciences Laboratory, MSFC, Ala. 35812, U.S.A.Presently at NASA/MSFC, Space Sciences Laboratory, MSFC, Ala. 35812, U.S.A.     

SAGE测光巡天数据处理方法研究

元素丰度与星系演化(Stellar Abundance and Galactic Evolution,SAGE)是自主设计的能够准确计算恒星大气参数以及消光的新测光系统。对北天除银盘外共计约12 000 deg2的天区开展了SAGE系统测光巡天,计划获取约5亿颗恒星的高精度测光数据。单次曝光条件下100σ完备星等uSC～17. 3,vSAGE～16. 8(AB星等),这些为研究银河系提供宝贵的测光资料。介绍了巡天专用的数据处理程序的研究和开发,主要研究了针对单幅图像的快速自动化处理过程,重点介绍数据改正、天体测量校正、测光和流量定标过程,以及数据结果和数据质量检测等。     

Coronal change at the south-west limb observed by Yohkoh on 9 November 1991, and the subsequent interplanetary shock at Pioneer Venus Orbiter

A spectacular change in the lower corona on the south-west limb has been found in solar images taken by the Yohkoh soft X-ray telescope. The event is characterized by a large topological change in magnetic field and a large intensity decrease observed after the X1. 1/1B flare on 9 November, 1991. A coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed by the Mark III K-coronameter (MK3) at the HAO/Mauna Loa Observatory. Both the MK3 (white-light) and soft X-ray observations showed that one leg of this CME was located above the flare site. An interplanetary shock associated with this event was observed by Pioneer Venus Orbiter, and, possibly, by IMP-8.Also Cooperative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences (CIRES), University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, U.S.A.     

嫦娥四号低频射电频谱仪降低背景噪声方法的研究

嫦娥四号着陆器将搭载低频射电频谱仪在月球背面进行低频射电天文观测,低频射电频谱仪的观测波段为0.1~40 MHz。根据着陆器在中国空间技术研究院的微波暗室进行的电磁兼容性试验结果,着陆器平台在该频段内自身存在非常强的噪声,其强度甚至淹没大部分来自太阳爆发的信号,难以探测有效信号,实现预期的科学目标。通过模拟仿真分析谱减法、维纳滤波及自适应滤波3种方法对着陆器噪声消除的效果,从而选择更为有效的噪声消除方法,为低频射电频谱仪在轨探测任务的数据处理提供依据。     

非合作目标激光测距预报的实时修正方法研究

非合作目标的激光测距预报一般是基于双行根数(TLE)外推出来的,往往有较大偏差,对激光测距的成功率有较大影响。结合空间目标的轨道理论和实测的数据分析,预报的偏差主要是预测模型外推的空间目标在运行轨道上的平近点角与实际平近点角存在偏差。根据非合作目标在望远镜跟踪视场中的脱靶量,利用相关算法可以找到一个最佳的时间根数偏差量修正空间目标的平近点角。经过修正,空间目标的视位置偏差得到改善,距离偏差能够从几百米减小到几十米,提升了预期回波到达时刻的准确度,可以给单光子探测器提供更高精度的距离门控,提高测距成功率。     

The Solar-A mission

The Institute for Space and Astronautical Sciences (ISAS) is developing a satellite dedicated to high-energy observations of solar flares. The Solar-A will be launched in August–September, 1991, from the Kagoshima Space Center on board a M3S-II vehicle. The instrument complement emphasizes hard X-ray and soft X-ray imaging, and contains instruments supplied in part by U.S. and U.K. experimenters. This paper describes the instrumentation and the tentative observing program.

     

The Solar-A mission

The Institute for Space and Astronautical Sciences (ISAS) is developing a satellite dedicated to high-energy observations of solar flares. The Solar-A will be launched in August–September, 1991, from the Kagoshima Space Center on board a M3S-II vehicle. The instrument complement emphasizes hard X-ray and soft X-ray imaging, and contains instruments supplied in part by U.S. and U.K. experimenters. This paper describes the instrumentation and the tentative observing program.     

MESSENGER Observations of Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in the Solar Corona from Faraday Rotation

During the declining phase of the longest solar minimum in a century, the arrival of the MESSENGER spacecraft at superior conjunction allowed the measurement of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves in the solar corona with its 8 GHz radio frequency signal. MHD waves crossing the line of sight were measured via Faraday rotation fluctuations (FRFs) in the plane of polarization (PP) of MESSENGER’s signal. FRFs in previous observations of the solar corona (at greater offset distances) consisted of a turbulent spectrum that decreased in power with increasing frequency and distance from the Sun. Occasionally a spectral line, a distinct peak in the power spectral density spectrum around 4 to 8 mHz, was also observed in these early data sets at offset distances of about 5 to 10 solar radii. The MESSENGER FRF data set shows a spectral line at an offset distance between 1.55 to 1.85 solar radii with a frequency of 0.6±0.2 mHz. Other possible spectral lines may be at 1.2, 1.7, and 4.5 mHz; MHD waves with these same frequencies have been observed in X-ray data traveling along closed coronal loops at lower offset distances. An initial analysis of the MESSENGER spectral line(s) shows behavior similar to turbulent spectra: decreasing power with increasing frequency and distance from the Sun. Here we detail the steps taken to process the MESSENGER change in PP data set for the MHD wave investigation.     

X-ray and EUV diagnostics of active plasma structures with the RES spectroheliograph in the SPIRIT experiment onboard the CORONAS-F satellite

We provide a brief overview of the main methods and results of spectroscopic studies of several active plasma structures in the solar corona with the RES spectroheliograph in the SPIRIT experiment. This instrument has allowed ～ 150 monochromatic images of the entire Sun in extreme UV (EUV) lines in the 175-to 205-and 280-to 330-Å spectral bands and in the X-ray Mg XII 8.42-Å line to be simultaneously obtained for the first time. The RES instrument has taken ～ 300000 spectroheliograms with a high time resolution over the period of its operation since the launch of the satellite on July 31, 2001. The accumulated data were used to construct and calibrate the spectra of solar flares and compact active regions with a spectral resolution of 0.04 Å. Based on EUV spectra, we determined the temperature distributions of the electron density and differential emission measure (DEM) for several active plasma structures observed in the RES X-ray channel: active regions, flares, and spiders. The results of modeling the physical conditions in an emitting plasma were used to analyze the formation and dynamics of plasma structures detected in the monochromatic X-ray images of the entire Sun.     

X射线天体源观测时间估计方法

空间探测器对X射线天体源的有效观测时间主要受空间环境因素的制约,制约有效观测时间的主要因素包括太阳避免角、地球对源的遮挡及南大西洋异常区等。然而卫星处于一些高粒子本底区域,太阳与地球之间的光照区及视场指向接近地球时,本底水平很高而且难以确定,这些时间的数据也难以使用。利用orbitTools函数库预测轨道,HEAsoft的attitude函数库计算空间环境变量,利用这些空间环境变量对源的观测时间进行估计,并通过与实际观测比较,证明本方法估计的观测时间与实际情况一致。     

On the Envelope Soliton – Like Fine Structure in Solar Radio Emission

Several quasi-periodic, milliseconds fine structures in the metric wave band occurring during the evolution of solar type IV bursts have been observed by Yunnan Radio Telescope, Trieste Radio Telescope and IZMIRAN dynamic spectrometer. The envelope of these quasi-period modulational fine structures have a soliton pattern, so it is called an envelope soliton-like fine structure. A modulational instability model of electromagnetic wave has been adopted here. It is found that the longitudinal modulational instability can occur only in the solar coronal region of low magnetic field and high temperature, as well as high density plasma, which will give rise to the envelope soliton-like fine structures in the solar metric and decimetric radio emission. The propagation effects of envelope soliton-like fine structure from corona to the observer on the Earth have been briefly considered. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Determination of the surface-averaged composition of the regolith of phobos by measurements of the secondary ion flux during the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phobos-Grunt</Emphasis> mission in the MANAGA-F experiment

The onboard time-of-flight mass reflectron MANAGA-F is described which is aimed at measuring the elemental and isotopic composition of the secondary ion fluxes generated under the influence of solar wind. It is shown that by using this apparatus, the composition of the surface regolith layer averaged over a considerable area can be determined while approaching Phobos. After the landing of the spacecraft on the surface of Phobos, the measurements will be aimed at examining the local characteristics of the regolith and a new mechanism for water synthesis in the process of ion collisions. The apparatus allows for the mass of the secondary molecular ions to be detected and determined, including organic ones which arise during the bombardment of the regolith by ions of different origins. The main scientific problems to be solved using the given apparatus are considered in the paper. The working principle of the apparatus together with its analytical and technical characteristics and design particularities are presented. Information concerning the range of its applications for solving a number of challenging tasks of contemporary science is given. The MANAGA-F apparatus is shown to be the first realization of an original new-generation onboard device that has been invented, developed, and produced at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SRI RAS).