Search Publications
Validation of PSF models for HST and other space-based observations
Schrabback, Tim; Massey, Richard; Rhodes, Jason +4 more
Forthcoming space-based observations will require high-quality point spread function (PSF) models for weak gravitational lensing measurements. One approach to generating these models is using a wavefront model based on the known telescope optics. We present an empirical framework for validating such models to confirm that they match the actual PSF…
Soft X-ray emission lines in the X-ray binary Swift J1858.6-0814 observed with XMM-Newton Reflection Grating Spectrometer: disc atmosphere or wind?
Díaz Trigo, M.; Altamirano, D.; Knigge, C. +11 more
We find soft X-ray emission lines from the X-ray binary Swift J1858.6-0814 in data from XMM-NewtonReflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS): N VII, O VII, and O VIII, as well as notable residuals short of a detection at Ne IX and other higher ionization transitions. These could be associated with the disc atmosphere, as in accretion disc corona source…
Prediction and Understanding of Soft-proton Contamination in XMM-Newton: A Machine Learning Approach
Tiengo, Andrea; Allen, Robert C.; Kuntz, K. D. +10 more
One of the major and unfortunately unforeseen sources of background for the current generation of X-ray telescopes are few tens to hundreds of keV (soft) protons concentrated by the mirrors. One such telescope is the European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton). Its observing time lost due to background contamination is ab…
The Solar Event of 14 - 15 July 2012 and Its Geoeffectiveness
Gil, Agnieszka; Modzelewska, Renata; Moskwa, Szczepan +5 more
During Solar Cycle 24, which started at the end of 2008, the Sun was calm, and there were not many spectacular geoeffective events. In this article, we analyze the geomagnetic storm that happened on 15 July 2012 during the 602nd anniversary of the Polish Battle of Grunwald, thus we propose this event to be called the "Battle of Grunwald Day Storm"…
Mission Data Processor Aboard the BepiColombo Mio Spacecraft: Design and Scientific Operation Concept
Barabash, Stas; Moncuquet, Michel; Saito, Yoshifumi +25 more
BepiColombo Mio, also known as the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO), is intended to conduct the first detailed study of the magnetic field and environment of the innermost planet, Mercury, alongside the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO). This orbiter has five payload groups; the MaGnetic Field Investigation (MGF), the Mercury Plasma Particle Exp…
Magnetospheric "Penetration" of IMF By Viewed Through the Lens of an Empirical RBF Modeling
Tsyganenko, N. A.; Andreeva, V. A.
The spiral structure of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is known to induce intramagnetospheric azimuthal magnetic field By, which strongly correlates with the IMF By. We reconstruct this effect for the first time in 3-D, using a large set of data taken in the near/inner magnetosphere and a flexible magnetic field model based on expansions …
Proper-motion Membership Tests for Four Planetary Nebulae in Galactic Globular Clusters
Bond, Howard E.; Sahu, Kailash C.; Bellini, Andrea
Four planetary nebulae (PNe) are considered to be probable or possible members of Galactic globular clusters (GCs). These are Ps 1 = K648 in M15, GJJC 1 = IRAS 18333-2357 in M22, JaFu 1 in Palomar 6, and JaFu 2 in NGC 6441. In addition to lying close to the host GCs on the sky, these PNe have radial velocities that are consistent, within the error…
Temporal evolution of the permanent shadowed regions at Mercury poles: applications for spectral detection of ices by SIMBIOSYS-VIHI on BepiColombo mission
Massironi, Matteo; Lucchetti, Alice; Cremonese, Gabriele +9 more
Radar observations from the Earth and multi-instrument measurements by MESSENGER mission have indicated the presence of large quantities of ices within the permanent shadowed regions (PSRs) located at Mercury poles. The detection and mapping of the distribution of volatile species on PSRs are among the primary scientific goals of the Spectrometer …
The Galactic LMXB Population and the Galactic Centre Region
Krivonos, R.; Sazonov, S.; Wilms, J. +21 more
Seventeen years of hard X-ray observations with the instruments of the INTEGRAL observatory, with a focus on the Milky Way and in particular on the Galactic Centre region, have provided a unique database for exploration of the Galactic population of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs). Our understanding of the diverse energetic phenomena associated wi…
Ice Permafrost ``Oases'' Close to Martian Equator: Planet Neutron Mapping Based on Data of FREND Instrument Onboard TGO Orbiter of Russian-European ExoMars Mission
Mitrofanov, I. G.; Golovin, D. V.; Litvak, M. L. +8 more
We present the first results of Mars neutron sounding by FREND instrument onboard ESA's Trace Gas Orbiter data analysis. Neutron flux mapping is performed with high spatial resolution, which allows to match epithermal neutron flux variation with relief's geomorphological structures. Local regions with suppressed neutron flux indicate the presence …