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Fine energy resolution survey of the sky with a germanium gamma-ray spectrometerA fine-energy-resolution survey (38 to 2700 keV) of the sky has been performed from a spinning polar-orbiting satellite with a cooled germanium spectrometer. The measurements, performed with a fast time resolution (32 ms), permit one to analyze the energy spectra from repeated noon-midnight orbits in selected portions of the local daytime or nighttime sky. During the initial period of the experiment, the sky was surveyed in two broad intervals spanning the galactic plane at longitudes of approximately 255 to 328 deg and 99 to 168 deg, respectively. In the former interval a significant increase in counting rate was observed when the spectrometer viewed the galactic plane. Locally generated backgrounds were removed from the galactic-plane spectrum by subtracting, on a spin-for-spin basis, the contribution measured at a viewing direction with a comparable declination north of the celestial equator. The net spectra from the galactic plane have been examined for evidence of gamma-ray lines. The possible presence of lines near 1121 and 1369 keV emitted from the galactic plane over the galactic longitudinal interval approximately 255 deg to approximately 328 deg is suggested by the data, but better statistics are needed to establish their existence firmly. Comparisons are made with previously reported extraterrestrial lines with assumed normalizations made for the different viewing directions in the two experiments.
Document ID
19770049800
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Imhof, W. L.
(Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. Palo Alto, CA, United States)
Nakano, G. H.
(Lockheed Research Laboratories Palo Alto, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
May 15, 1977
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
77A32652
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-2861
CONTRACT_GRANT: N00014-69-C-0372
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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