Laboratory set-up for studying ices at the MIR and FIR region

H₂O, CO and CO₂ ices are condensed on carbonaceous and silicate dust grains in dense interstellar clouds and circumstellar environments. The presence of these ices is inferred by analysing their infrared (IR) spectra. The upcoming Herschel space observatory (HERSCHEL) and ground-based astronomy project (ALMA) will provide new spectral data in the unexplored far infrared (FIR) and sub-millimetre range. In our laboratory we are developing instrumentation to study ices at IR region. One of the key components of our laboratory is a silicon composite bolometer in our IFS. This detector allows us to obtain spectra with a sensitivity much greater than that obtained with a standard deuterated triglycine sulphate (DTGS) detector working at room temperature and under vacuum conditions. We plan to collect mid infrared (MIR) and FIR spectra of simple ices and their mixtures and compare these with observational data. It is also planned to do a systematic laboratory study of the effects that ultraviolet (UV) photolysis and thermal annealing have on the ice band profiles and their structure.     

Proton flux and radiation dose from galactic cosmic rays in the lunar regolith and implications for organic synthesis at the poles of the Moon and Mercury

Galactic cosmic rays are a potential energy source to stimulate organic synthesis from simple ices. The recent detection of organic molecules at the polar regions of the Moon by LCROSS (Colaprete, A. et al. [2010]. Science 330, 463–468, http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1186986), and possibly at the poles of Mercury (Paige, D.A. et al. [2013]. Science 339, 300–303, http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1231106), introduces the question of whether the organics were delivered by impact or formed in situ. Laboratory experiments show that high energy particles can cause organic production from simple ices. We use a Monte Carlo particle scattering code (MCNPX) to model and report the flux of GCR protons at the surface of the Moon and report radiation dose rates and absorbed doses at the Moon’s surface and with depth as a result of GCR protons and secondary particles, and apply scaling factors to account for contributions to dose from heavier ions. We compare our results with dose rate measurements by the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation (CRaTER) experiment on Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (Schwadron, N.A. et al. [2012]. J. Geophys. Res. 117, E00H13, http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2011JE003978) and find them in good agreement, indicating that MCNPX can be confidently applied to studies of radiation dose at and within the surface of the Moon. We use our dose rate calculations to conclude that organic synthesis is plausible well within the age of the lunar polar cold traps, and that organics detected at the poles of the Moon may have been produced in situ. Our dose rate calculations also indicate that galactic cosmic rays can induce organic synthesis within the estimated age of the dark deposits at the pole of Mercury that may contain organics.     

A super-high angular resolution principle for coded-mask X-ray imaging beyond the diffraction limit of a single pinhole

High angular resolution X-ray imaging is always useful in astrophysics and solar physics. In principle, it can be performed by using coded-mask imaging with a very long mask-detector distance. Previously, the diffraction-interference effect was thought to degrade coded-mask imaging performance dramatically at the low energy end with its very long mask-detector distance. The diffraction-interference effect is described with numerical calculations, and the difffraction-interference cross correlation reconstruction method (DICC) is developed in order to overcome the imaging performance degradation. Based on the DICC, a super-high angular resolution principle (SHARP) for coded-mask X-ray imaging is proposed. The feasibility of coded mask imaging beyond the diffraction limit of a single pinhole is demonstrated with simulations. With the specification that the mask element size is 50 × 50 μm2 and the mask-detector distance is 50 m, the achieved angular resolution is 0.32arcsec above about 10keV and 0.36arcsec at 1.24keV (λ = 1 nm), where diffraction cannot be neglected. The on-axis source location accuracy is better than 0.02 arcsec. Potential applications for solar observations and wide-field X-ray monitors are also briefly discussed.     

Photometric observations of three high mass X-ray binaries and a search for variations induced by orbital motion

We searched for long period variation in V-band,IC-band and RXTE X-ray light curves of the High Mass X-ray Binaries(HMXBs) LS 1698 /RX J1037.5-5647,HD 110432 /1H 1249-637 and HD 161103 /RX J1744.7-2713 in an attempt to discover orbitally induced variation. Data were obtained primarily from the ASAS database and were supplemented by shorter term observations made with the 24-and 40-inch ANU telescopes and one of the robotic PROMPT telescopes. Fourier periodograms suggested the existence of long period variat...     

Studying methane and other trace species in the Mars atmosphere using a SOIR instrument

Solar Occultation in the InfraRed (SOIR) is one of three spectrometers of the SPICAV/SOIR instrument suite (Bertaux et al., 2007b) on board the Venus Express orbiter (VEX). VEX has been in orbit around Venus since April 2006 and to date SOIR has carried out over 674 measurements. Pre-launch and in-orbit performance analyses allow us to predict what SOIR would be capable of at Mars. SOIR spectra through the Martian atmosphere have been simulated with ASIMUT, a line-by-line (LBL) radiative transfer code also used for the retrieval of vertical profiles of atmospheric constituents of Venus (Vandaele et al., 2008, Bertaux et al., 2007a). The code takes into account the temperature and pressure vertical profiles as well as those of the atmospheric species, but also the instrument function and the overlapping of the diffraction orders of the echelle grating. We will show these spectra and the detection limits of species that could be studied using a SOIR spectrometer making solar occultation or nadir measurements in Mars orbit.     

A search for the optical and near-infrared counterpart of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar XTE J1751−305

We have obtained optical and near-infrared images of the field of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar XTE J1751−305. There are no stars in the 0.7-arcsec error circle (0.7 arcsec is the overall uncertainty arising from tying the optical and X-ray images and from the intrinsic uncertainty in the Chandra X-ray astrometric solution). We derive limiting magnitudes for the counterpart of   R > 23.1, I > 21.6, Z > 20.6, J > 19.6  and   K > 19.2  . We compare these upper limits with the magnitudes one would expect for simple models for the possible donor stars and the accretion disc subject to the reddening observed in X-rays for XTE J1751−305 and when put at the distance of the Galactic Centre (8.5 kpc). We conclude that our non-detection does not constrain any of the models for the accretion disc or possible donor stars. Deep, near-infrared images obtained during quiescence will, however, constrain possible models for the donor stars in this ultracompact system.     

Spatial modulation search applied to the search and confirmation of highly scintillated pulsars at FAST with a pulsar discovered in M3

We present a pulsar candidate identification and confirmation procedure based on a position-switch mode during the pulsar search observations. This method enables the simultaneous search and confirmation of a pulsar in a single observation, by utilizing the different spatial features of a pulsar signal and radio frequency interference(RFI). Based on this method, we performed test pulsar search observations in globular clusters M3, M15 and M92. We discovered and confirmed a new pulsar, M3 F, and detected the known pulsars M3 B, M15 A to G(except C) and M92 A.     

A deep search for Martian dust rings and inner moons using the Hubble Space Telescope

It has long been suspected that Mars might be encircled by two faint rings, one originating from each of its moons Phobos and Deimos. Meteoroid impacts into these moons should release clouds of dust that quickly spread out to become rings; similar dust rings have been associated with several small inner moons of the gas giants. On May 28, 2001 Mars’ hypothetical ring plane appeared edge-on to Earth within weeks of its opposition, providing the best Earth-based opportunity to detect these rings in several decades. Using the Wide Field/Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) on the Hubble Space Telescope, we obtained a set of deep exposures off the east and west limbs of Mars to search for these hypothetical rings. No rings were detected. This result limits normal optical depths to ∼3×10⁻⁸ for the Phobos ring and ∼10⁻⁷ for the Deimos ring. These limits fall at the low end of prior dynamical predictions and a factor of 1000 below previous observational limits. However, our limit for the Deimos ring is more tentative because of large uncertainties about this ring's expected shape, size and orientation. Our data set is also sensitive to small, previously undetected inner moons. No moons were detected down to a radius limit of 75–125 m. Longitudinal coverage of the region near and between Phobos and Deimos is 40–80% complete. We conclude by describing a promising opportunity for further Martian ring viewing in December 2007.     

f-values for Tb ii and a search for terbium in the solar photosphere

Oscillator strengths have been obtained for the first time for 12 transitions of Tb ii. Solar implications based on these f-values and on recent hyperfine structure data are discussed. More especially, a detailed investigation of a weak absorption feature located around 3658 is presented.     

Diagnostics of the early explosion phase of a classical nova using its X-ray emission: A model for the X-ray outburst of CI Camelopardalis in 1998

We have computed a spherically symmetric model for the interaction of matter ejected during the outburst of a classical nova with the stellar wind from its optical component. This model is used to describe the intense X-ray outburst (the peak 3–20 keV flux was ～2 Crab) of the binary system CI Camelopardalis in 1998. According to our model, the stellar wind from the optical component heated by a strong shock wave produced when matter is ejected from the white dwarf as the result of a thermonuclear explosion on its surface is the emission source in the standard X-ray band. Comparison of the calculated and observed time dependences of the mean radiation temperature and luminosity of the binary system during its outburst has yielded very important characteristics of the explosion. We have been able to measure the velocity of the ejected matter immediately after the onset of the explosion for the first time: it follows from our model that the ejected matter had a velocity of ～2700 km s^?1 even on 0.1–0.5 day after the outburst onset and it flew with such a velocity for the first 1–1.5 day under an external force, possibly, the radiation pressure from the white dwarf. Subsequently, the matter probably became transparent and began to decelerate. The time dependence of the mean radiation temperature at late expansion phases has allowed us to estimate the mass of the ejected matter, ～10^?7–10^?6 M _⊙. The mass loss rate in the stellar wind required to explain the observed peak luminosity of the binary system during its outburst has been estimated to be \(\dot M\) ～ (1 ? 2) × 10^?6 M _⊙ yr^?1.     

An analysis of Apollo lunar soil samples 12070,889, 12030,187, and 12070,891: Basaltic diversity at the Apollo 12 landing site and implications for classification of small‐sized lunar samples

Lunar mare basalts provide insights into the compositional diversity of the Moon's interior. Basalt fragments from the lunar regolith can potentially sample lava flows from regions of the Moon not previously visited, thus, increasing our understanding of lunar geological evolution. As part of a study of basaltic diversity at the Apollo 12 landing site, detailed petrological and geochemical data are provided here for 13 basaltic chips. In addition to bulk chemistry, we have analyzed the major, minor, and trace element chemistry of mineral phases which highlight differences between basalt groups. Where samples contain olivine, the equilibrium parent melt magnesium number (Mg#; atomic Mg/[Mg + Fe]) can be calculated to estimate parent melt composition. Ilmenite and plagioclase chemistry can also determine differences between basalt groups. We conclude that samples of approximately 1–2 mm in size can be categorized provided that appropriate mineral phases (olivine, plagioclase, and ilmenite) are present. Where samples are fine‐grained (grain size <0.3 mm), a “paired samples t‐test” can provide a statistical comparison between a particular sample and known lunar basalts. Of the fragments analyzed here, three are found to belong to each of the previously identified olivine and ilmenite basalt suites, four to the pigeonite basalt suite, one is an olivine cumulate, and two could not be categorized because of their coarse grain sizes and lack of appropriate mineral phases. Our approach introduces methods that can be used to investigate small sample sizes (i.e., fines) from future sample return missions to investigate lava flow diversity and petrological significance.     

Evidence for objects of lunar mass in the early solar system and for capture as a general process for the origin of satellites

The problem of the accumulation of the Moon is discussed on the assumption that the Moon is a captured object. If it is such, it is highly improbable that it is the only object of this kind present in the early solar system. Evidence indicating that other massive objects were present at that time is presented. Also, it is pointed out that the interior of the Moon must contain normal solar proportions of the elements of intermediate volatility in the lunar interior, if the Moon accumulated in a gas sphere.     

Observations of OCS and a search for OC3S in the interstellar medium

Observations of OCS and a search for OC3S are reported, with particular reference to cold dust clouds. OCS has been detected for the first time in dark clouds with a mean fractional abundance relative to hydrogen of approximately 3 x 10(-9); this is approximately 4 times greater than that observed for giant molecular clouds. This results is discussed in the context of molecule formation mechanisms. Observations of the J = 1 --> 0 transition of OCS indicate that this transition is amplifying the background continuum radiation in the direction of Sgr B2.     

Assessment of Raman spectroscopy as a tool for the non-destructive identification of organic minerals and biomolecules for Mars studies

Several characteristic geological features found on the surface of Mars by planetary rovers suggest that a possible extinct biosphere could exist based on similar sources of energy as occurred on Earth. For this reason, analytical instrumental protocols for the detection of biomarkers in suitable geological matrices unequivocally have to be elaborated for future unmanned explorations including the forthcoming ESA ExoMars mission. As part of the Pasteur suite of analytical instrumentation on ExoMars, the Raman/LIBS instrument will seek elemental and molecular information about geological, biological and biogeological markers in the Martian record. A key series of experiments on terrestrial Mars analogues, of which this paper addresses a particularly important series of compounds, is required to obtain the Raman spectra of key molecules and crystals, which are characteristic for each biomarker. Here, we present Raman spectra of several examples of organic compounds which have been recorded non-destructively—higher n-alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carotenoids, salts of organic acids, pure crystalline terpenes as well as oxygen-containing organic compounds. In addition, the lower limit of β-carotene detection in sulphate matrices using Raman microspectroscopy was estimated.     

The structure and intensity evolution of a solar burst at 2.8 cm and the relation with the soft X-ray emitting region

The decay phase of a microwave burst was observed with a one-dimensional angular resolution of 16″ at 2.8 cm. The structure was found to be composed of several bursting regions with different evolution. The event was also observed in soft X-rays by full-disk detectors. The joint analysis of these data suggests that the complete event has thermal origin and that the soft X-ray emission is associated with the rapidly varying component of the radio structure. From these results the average values of the electron temperatures and densities were computed for each component.     

Evidence for a common origin of the electrons responsible for the impulsive X-ray and type III radio bursts

Observations of impulsive solar flare X-rays 10 keV made with the OGO-5 satellite are compared with ground based measurements of type III solar radio bursts in 10–580 MHz range. It is shown that the times of maxima of these two emissions, when detectable, agree within 18 s. This maximum time difference is comparable to that between the maxima of the impulsive X-ray and impulsive microwave bursts. In view of the various observational uncertainties, it is argued that the observations are consistent with the impulsive X-ray, impulsive microwave, and type III radio bursts being essentially simultaneous. The observations are also consistent with 10–100 keV electron streams being responsible for the type III emission. It is estimated that the total number of electrons 22 keV required to produce a type III burst is 10³⁴. The observations indicate that the non-thermal electron groups responsible for the impulsive X-ray, impulsive microwave, and type III radio bursts are accelerated simultaneously in essentially the same region of the solar atmosphere.     

A search for amino acids and nucleobases in the Martian meteorite Roberts Massif 04262 using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry

The investigation into whether Mars contains signatures of past or present life is of great interest to science and society. Amino acids and nucleobases are compounds that are essential for all known life on Earth and are excellent target molecules in the search for potential Martian biomarkers or prebiotic chemistry. Martian meteorites represent the only samples from Mars that can be studied directly in the laboratory on Earth. Here, we analyzed the amino acid and nucleobase content of the shergottite Roberts Massif (RBT) 04262 using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. We did not detect any nucleobases above our detection limit in formic acid extracts; however, we did measure a suite of protein and nonprotein amino acids in hot‐water extracts with high relative abundances of β‐alanine and γ‐amino‐n‐butyric acid. The presence of only low (to absent) levels of several proteinogenic amino acids and a lack of nucleobases suggest that this meteorite fragment is fairly uncontaminated with respect to these common biological compounds. The distribution of straight‐chained amine‐terminal n‐ω‐amino acids in RBT 04262 resembled those previously measured in thermally altered carbonaceous meteorites (Burton et al. 2012; Chan et al. 2012). A carbon isotope ratio of ?24‰ ± 6‰ for β‐alanine in RBT 04262 is in the range of reduced organic carbon previously measured in Martian meteorites (Steele et al. 2012). The presence of n‐ω‐amino acids may be due to a high temperature Fischer‐Tropsch‐type synthesis during igneous processing on Mars or impact ejection of the meteorites from Mars, but more experimental data are needed to support these hypotheses.     

Detection of ferric iron in an exsolved lunar pyroxene using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS): Implications for space weathering and redox conditions on the Moon

To shed light on the mechanism of formation of nanophase iron particles (npFe) in space-weathered materials from airless bodies, we analyzed exsolved and unexsolved space-weathered lunar pyroxenes from Apollo 17 sample 71501. The exsolved pyroxene allowed for the observation of the effects of space weathering on similar mineral phases with variable composition. Using coordinated scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), we determined that two coexisting pyroxenes in the exsolved grain showed systematic variations in response to space weathering, despite equivalent exposure conditions. The npFe in the space-weathered rim of augite lamellae were smaller and fewer than the npFe in the rim of pigeonite lamellae. EELS spectrum imaging revealed the presence and heterogeneous distribution of Fe⁰, Fe²⁺, and Fe³⁺ in the exsolved pyroxene. Metallic iron occurred in the npFe, a mixture of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ occurred in the pigeonite lamellae, and the augite lamellae contained virtually all Fe³⁺. Approximately 50% of the total Fe measured in the exsolved pyroxene grain was ferric. Partitioning of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ among the lamellae is invoked to explain the difference in npFe development in pigeonite and augite. The results of this study, the first to identify Fe³⁺ in a crystalline lunar ferromagnesian silicate, have implications for our understanding of how space weathering might proceed in oxidized phases. Furthermore, the discovery of an Fe³⁺-rich pyroxene also supports attribution of the 0.7 μm absorption feature observed in Galileo Solid State Imager data to oxidized Fe in clinopyroxenes.