Matthew Beasley

The Type Ia Supernova 1998bu in M96 and the Hubble Constant

We present optical and near-infrared photometry and spectroscopy of the Type Ia SN 1998bu in the Leo I Group galaxy M96 (NGC 3368). The data set consists of 356 photometric measurements and 29 spectra of SN 1998bu between UT 1998 May 11 and July 15. The well-sampled light curve indicates the supernova reached maximum light in B on UT 1998 May 19.3 (JD 2450952.8 ± 0.8) with B = 12.22 ± 0.03 and V = 11.88 ± 0.02. Application of a revised version of the Multicolor Light Curve Shape (MLCS) method yields an extinction toward the supernova of AV = 0.94 ± 0.15 mag, and indicates the supernova was of average luminosity compared to other normal Type Ia supernovae. Using the HST Cepheid distance modulus to M96 and the MLCS fitted parameters for the supernova, we derive an extinction-corrected absolute magnitude for SN 1998bu at maximum, MV = -19.42 ± 0.22. Our independent results for this supernova are consistent with those of Suntzeff et al. Combining SN 1998bu with three other well-observed local calibrators and 42 supernovae in the Hubble flow yields a Hubble constant, H0 = 64 -->img1.gif km s-1 Mpc-1, where the error estimate incorporates possible sources of systematic uncertainty including the calibration of the Cepheid period-luminosity relation, the metallicity dependence of the Cepheid distance scale, and the distance to the LMC.

Cosmic Origins Spectrograph Observations of the Chemical Composition of SNR LMC N132D

We present new far-ultraviolet (far-UV) spectra of an oxygen-rich knot in the Large Magellanic Cloud supernova remnant N132D, obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST)-Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS). Moderate-resolution (Δv ≈ 200 km s–1) spectra in the HST far-UV bandpass (1150 A λ 1750 A) show emission from several ionization states of oxygen as well as trace amounts of other species. We use the improvements in sensitivity and resolving power offered by COS to separate contributions from different velocity components within the remnant, as well as emission from different species within the oxygen-rich knot itself. This is the first time that compositional and velocity structure in the ultraviolet emission lines from N132D have been resolved. No nitrogen is detected in N132D, and multiple carbon species are found at velocities inconsistent with the main oxygen component. We find helium and silicon to be associated with the oxygen-rich knot and use the reddening-corrected line strengths of O III], O IV], O V, and Si IV to constrain the composition and physical characteristics of this oxygen-rich knot. We find that models with a silicon-to-oxygen abundance ratio of N(Si)/N(O) = 10–2 can reproduce the observed emission for a shock velocity of ~130 km s–1, implying a mass of ~50 M ☉ for the N132D progenitor star.

The SLICE, CHESS, and SISTINE Ultraviolet Spectrographs: Rocket-Borne Instrumentation Supporting Future Astrophysics Missions

NASAs suborbital program provides an opportunity to conduct unique science experiments above Earths atmosphere and is a pipeline for the technology and personnel essential to future space astrophysics, heliophysics, and atmospheric science missions. In this paper, we describe three astronomy payloads developed (or in development) by the Ultraviolet Rocket Group at the University of Colorado. These far-ultraviolet (100 - 160 nm) spectrographic instruments are used to study a range of scientific topics, from gas in the interstellar medium (accessing diagnostics of material spanning five orders of magnitude in temperature in a single observation) to the energetic radiation environment of nearby exoplanetary systems. The three instruments, SLICE, CHESS, and SISTINE form a progression of instrument designs and component-level technology maturation. SLICE is a pathfinder instrument for the development of new data handling, storage, and telemetry techniques. CHESS and SISTINE are testbeds for technology and instrument design enabling high-resolution (R > 100,000) point source spectroscopy and high throughput imaging spectroscopy, respectively, in support of future Explorer, Probe, and Flagship-class missions. The CHESS and SISTINE payloads support the development and flight testing of large-format photon-counting detectors and advanced optical coatings: NASAs top two technology priorities for enabling a future flagship observatory (e.g., the LUVOIR Surveyor concept) that offers factors of roughly 50 - 100 gain in ultraviolet spectroscopy capability over the Hubble Space Telescope. We present the design, component level laboratory characterization, and flight results for these instruments.

Imaging spectrograph for interstellar shocks: a narrowband imaging payload for the far ultraviolet

We present an imaging spectrometer developed for narrowband imaging at 1035 A with high (approximately 1-arc sec) spatial resolution over a modest field of view (approximately 5 arc min). The instrument is based on a conventional Gregorian telescope with aberration-corrected holographic rulings on the secondary optic. These aberration-correcting rulings enable stigmatic imaging in diffracted light with a minimum number of optical elements, thereby maintaining a high system efficiency. The capabilities of this instrument allow us to map the distribution of UV-emitting material in the hot (approximately 300,000 K) plasma from shocks in supernova remnants. Although this design is optimized for imaging near 1035 A, the basic concept can be applied to provide narrowband imaging or long-slit imaging spectroscopy at any wavelength. In addition, a larger field of view is possible with a corresponding loss in spatial resolution.

H2 EXCITATION STRUCTURE ON THE SIGHTLINES TO δ SCORPII AND ζ OPHIUCI: FIRST RESULTS FROM THE SUB-ORBITAL LOCAL INTERSTELLAR CLOUD EXPERIMENT

We present the first science results from the Sub-orbital Local Interstellar Cloud Experiment (SLICE): moderate resolution 1020-1070 A spectroscopy of four sightlines through the local interstellar medium. High signal-to-noise (S/N) spectra of η Uma, α Vir, δ Sco, and ζ Oph were obtained during a 2013 April 21 rocket flight. The SLICE observations constrain the density, molecular photoexcitation rates, and physical conditions present in the interstellar material toward δ Sco and ζ Oph. Our spectra indicate a factor of two lower total N(H2) than previously reported for δ Sco, which we attribute to higher S/N and better scattered light control in the new SLICE observations. We find N(H2) = 1.5 × 1019 cm–2 on the δ Sco sightline, with kinetic and excitation temperatures of 67 and 529 K, respectively, and a cloud density of n H = 56 cm–3. Our observations of the bulk of the molecular sightline toward ζ Oph are consistent with previous measurements (N(H2) ≈ 3 × 1020 cm–2 at T 01(H2) = 66 K and T exc = 350 K). However, we detect significantly more rotationally excited H2 toward ζ Oph than previously observed. We infer a cloud density in the rotationally excited component of n H ≈ 7600 cm–3 and suggest that the increased column densities of excited H2 are a result of the ongoing interaction between ζ Oph and its environment; also manifest as the prominent mid-IR bowshock observed by WISE and the presence of vibrationally excited H2 molecules observed by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Technique for narrow-band imaging in the far ultraviolet based on aberration-corrected holographic gratings

We have developed a new family of imaging spectrometer designs that combine the imaging power of two-element telescopes with the aberration control of first-generation holographic gratings. The resulting optical designs provide high spatial resolution over modest fields of view at selectable wavelengths. These all-reflective designs are particularly suited for narrow-band imaging below 1050 A, the wavelength below which there are no transmitting materials in the UV. We have developed designs to efficiently map the spatial distribution of UV-emitting material. This mapping capability is absent in current and future astronomical instruments but is crucial to the understanding of the nature of a variety of astrophysical phenomena. Although our examples focus on UV wavelengths, the design concept is applicable to any wavelength.

The assembly, calibration, and preliminary results from the Colorado high-resolution Echelle stellar spectrograph (CHESS)

The Colorado High-resolution Echelle Stellar Spectrograph (CHESS) is a far ultraviolet (FUV) rocket-borne experiment designed to study the atomic-to-molecular transitions within translucent interstellar clouds. CHESS is an objective echelle spectrograph operating at f/12.4 and resolving power of 120,000 over a band pass of 100 – 160 nm. The echelle flight grating is the product of a research and development project with LightSmyth Inc. and was coated at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) with Al+LiF. It has an empirically-determined groove density of 71.67 grooves/mm. At the Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy (CASA) at the University of Colorado (CU), we measured the efficiencies of the peak and adjacent dispersion orders throughout the 90 – 165 nm band pass to characterize the behavior of the grating for pre-flight calibrations and to assess the scattered-light behavior. The crossdispersing grating, developed and ruled by Horiba Jobin-Yvon, is a holographically-ruled, low line density (351 grooves/mm), powered optic with a toroidal surface curvature. The CHESS cross-disperser was also coated at GSFC; Cr+Al+LiF was deposited to enhance far-UV efficiency. Results from final efficiency and reflectivity measurements of both optics are presented. We utilize a cross-strip anode microchannel plate (MCP) detector built by Sensor Sciences to achieve high resolution (25 μm spatial resolution) and data collection rates (~ 106 photons/second) over a large format (40mm round, digitized to 8k x 8k) for the first time in an astronomical sounding rocket flight. The CHESS instrument was successfully launched from White Sands Missile Range on 24 May 2014. We present pre-flight sensitivity, effective area calculations, lab spectra and calibration results, and touch on first results and post-flight calibration plans.

Development of the Colorado High-resolution Echelle Stellar Spectrograph (CHESS)

A key astrophysical theme that will drive future UV/optical space missions is the life cycle of cosmic matter, from the flow of intergalactic gas into galaxies to the formation and evolution of exoplanetary systems. Spectroscopic systems capable of delivering high resolution with low backgrounds will be essential to addressing these topics. Towards this end, we are developing a rocket-borne instrument that will serve as a pathfinder for future high-sensitivity, highresolution UV spectrographs. The Colorado High-resolution Echelle Stellar Spectrograph (CHESS) will provide 2 km s-1 velocity resolution (R = 150,000) over the 100 - 160 nm bandpass that includes key atomic and molecular spectral diagnostics for the intergalactic medium (H I Lyman-series, O VI, N V, and C IV), exoplanetary atmospheres (H I Lyman-alpha, O I, and C II), and protoplanetary disks (H2 and CO electronic band systems). CHESS uses a novel mechanical collimator comprised of an array of 10 mm x 10 mm stainless steel tubes to feed a low-scatter, 69 grooves mm-1 echelle grating. The cross-disperser is a holographically ruled toroid, with 351 grooves mm-1. The spectral orders can be recorded with either a 40 mm cross-strip microchannel plate detector or a 3.5k x 3.5k δ-doped CCD. The microchannel plate will deliver 30 μm spatial resolution and employs new 64 amp/axis electronics to accommodate high count rate observations of local OB stars. CHESS is scheduled to be launched aboard a NASA Terrier/Black Brant IX sounding rocket from White Sands Missile Range in the summer of 2013.

The opto-mechanical design of the Colorado High-resolution Echelle Stellar Spectrograph (CHESS)

We present the Colorado High-resolution Echelle Stellar Spectrograph (CHESS) sounding rocket payload. The design uses a mechanical collimator made from a grid of square tubing, an objective echelle grating, a holographically-ruled cross-disperser, a new 40 mm MCP with a cross strip anode or a delta-doped 3.5k x 3.5k CCD detector. The optics are suspended using carbon fiber rods epoxied to titanium inserts to create a space frame structure. A preliminary design is presented.

Flight performance and first results from the sub-orbital local interstellar cloud experiment (SLICE)

We present the flight performance and preliminary science results from the first flight of the Sub-orbital Local Interstellar Cloud Experiment (SLICE). SLICE is a rocket-borne far-ultraviolet instrument designed to study the diffuse interstellar medium. The SLICE payload comprises a Cassegrain telescope with LiF-coated aluminum optics feeding a Rowland Circle spectrograph operating at medium resolution (R ~ 5000) over the 102 – 107 nm bandpass. We present a novel method for cleaning LiF-overcoated Al optics and the instrumental wavelength calibration, while the details of the instrument design and assembly are presented in a companion proceeding (Kane et al. 2013). We focus primarily on first results from the spring 2013 launch of SLICE in this work. SLICE was launched aboard a Terrier-Black Brant IX sounding rocket from White Sands Missile Range to observe four hot stars sampling different interstellar sightlines. The instrument acquired approximately 240 seconds of on-target time for the science spectra. We observe atomic and molecular transitions (HI, OI, CII, OVI, H2) tracing a range of temperatures, ionization states, and molecular fractions in diffuse interstellar clouds. Initial spectral synthesis results and future plans are discussed.