Station Science Top News: June 29, 2023

Short-term variability in the flow of soft X-ray emissions from the X-ray binary star LS 5039 may be caused by the effect of winds from the companion star. This observation could help answer fundamental questions about the nature of these stars and some of the most extreme conditions in the universe.

NICER takes high-precision measurements of neutron stars and other X-ray astrophysics phenomena from outside the space station. This paper analyzed observations of LS 5039 performed during four NICER runs. Gamma-ray binaries are a sub-class of X-ray binaries, which consist of a normal star and a neutron star, white dwarf, or other collapsed star. Neutron stars emit X-ray radiation that provides insight into their structure, dynamics, and energetics. X-rays do not penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere, making the International Space Station a critical platform for these observations.

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Scientists completed calibration and preliminary validation of EMIT hardware and reported on instrument characteristics, ground calibration, in-orbit performance, and early scientific results. The data EMIT collects are expected to address gaps in knowledge about the radiative effects of dust in the atmosphere and help predict changes in dust sources under future climate scenarios.

EMIT, the latest in a series of more than 30 imaging spectrometers and testbeds developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, uses imaging spectrometer technology to determine the type and distribution of minerals in dust from Earth’s arid regions. Results could improve understanding of how mineral dust affects the planet’s energy balance (local warming or cooling), atmosphere, surface, and oceans.

Read more here.

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A new analysis method that can distinguish between clouds and aerosols in Earth’s atmosphere showed that Earth’s tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS), a transition region between the two atmospheric levels, is dominated by aerosols. Continuous monitoring and identification of these layers of the atmosphere helps quantify their effect on Earth’s climate.

This study used observations in the tropical UTLS made by the SAGE-III detector, which studies aerosols and clouds. Continuous, long-term data from this detector help climate scientists understand Earth’s atmosphere. Data from its predecessor, SAGE II, contributed to the 1987 Montreal Protocol banning certain chemicals that were harmful to Earth’s ozone layer.

Read more here.