Detection of artificial sources of nuclear radiation in space, revision

Details Detection of artificial sources of nuclear radiation in space, revision Detection of artificial sources of nuclear radiation in space, revision

May 1989

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1989nrl..reptq....s&link_type=abstract

Memorandum Report, Feb. 1980 - May 1981 Naval Research Lab., Washington, DC. Gamma and Cosmic Ray Astrophysics Branch.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Detection, Extraterrestrial Radiation, Gamma Rays, Geomagnetism, Nuclear Radiation, Scattering, Trapped Magnetic Fields, Electron Sources, Gamma Ray Spectra, Military Spacecraft, Neutron Sources, Positrons, Radiation Measurement

Scientific paper

The gamma-ray experiment on board NASA's Solar Maximum Mission Satellite (SMM) has detected nuclear radiation emitted from the reactor on COSMOS 1176. Direct observations of gamma-rays and possibly neutrons from this reactor were made at distances as close as about 350 km. Nuclear line features were observed in the gamma-ray spectrum. Explanations for some of these features are presented. The absolute power of the reactor is difficult to estimate at present; however, there is evidence that both the intensity and spectral shape of the emitted radiation changed significantly during the operational period of COSMOS. The reactor was also detected at distances of greater than or = 6,300 km in an indirect manner. Positrons and electrons escaping from the COSMOS spacecraft following production by the intense gamma-radiation are stored temporarily in the Earth's magnetic field and unambiguous signal due to their characteristic annihilation into gamma-rays at 511 keV. Details of these observations and their implications are discussed.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Detection of artificial sources of nuclear radiation in space, revision does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Detection of artificial sources of nuclear radiation in space, revision, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Detection of artificial sources of nuclear radiation in space, revision will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1874968