NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Simultaneous X-ray, ultraviolet, optical, and radio observations of the flare star Proxima CentauriResults of coordinated program of observations in the X-ray, UV, optical and radio regions of the dM5e flare star Proxima Centauri are presented. Simultaneous observations of the star were obtained on March 6 and March 7, 1979, by the Einstein Observatory IPC, the IUE SWP and LWR cameras at low dispersion, three ground-based optical telescopes in Australia and the Parkes 64-m radio telescope. A total of 10 radio bursts and six optical flares was detected during three nights of simultaneous radio and optical observations, which appear to be broadly correlated. A major X-ray flare event was detected with temperatures of 1.7 x 10 to the 7th and 1.2 x 10 to the 7th K during the rise and decay phases, respectively, respective X-ray fluxes of 3.0 x 10 to the -11th and 3.7 x 10 to the -11th ergs/sq cm per sec, and changes in spectral flux distribution. No radio, optical or UV flare emission corresponding to the X-ray flare was detected. The X-ray flare is interpreted in terms of an arch model with cooling predominantly by X-ray radiation, with an electron density of 1.0 x 10 to the 11th/cu cm during the decay phase and a total arch length comparable to the size of the star itself. The X-ray flare observed is thus more similar to a typical strong solar flare than heretofore seen on a flare star.
Document ID
19810050492
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Haisch, B. M.
(Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization Sydney, Australia)
Slee, O. B.
(Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization Sydney, Australia)
Siegman, B. C.
(Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization Div. of Radiophysics, Sydney, Australia)
Nikoloff, I.
(Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization Sydney, Australia)
Candy, M.
(Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization Sydney, Australia)
Harwood, D.
(Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization Sydney, Australia)
Verveer, A.
(Perth Observatory Bickley, Australia)
Quinn, P. J.
(Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization Sydney, Australia)
Wilson, I.
(Mt. Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatories Canberra, Australia)
Linsky, J. L.
(Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization Sydney, Australia)
Date Acquired
September 4, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1981
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal
Subject Category
Astronomy
Report/Patent Number
PB81-248957
Accession Number
81A34896
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-23274
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-33333
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available