Changes between Version 78 and Version 79 of SavinGroup

Timestamp:

10/15/09 12:41:42 (17 years ago)

Author:

savin@…

Comment:

--

SavinGroup

@@ -24 +24 @@
 === Atomic Processes in Winds from Supermassive Black Holes ===
 
-Recent X-ray satellite spectroscopic observations by Chandra and XMM-Newton of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) have detected a previously unobserved set of spectral features. These features are attributed to the winds emanating from the supermassive black hole lurking in the center of each AGN. However, our ability to reliably interpret these features to infer the properties of this wind and the embedded black hole is limited by uncertainties in our understanding of the atomic physics which produces the observed spectrum. Especially important is determining correctly the ionization structure of the gas. This in turn depends on understanding the electron-ion recombination process known as dielectronic recombination (DR). 
+Recent X-ray satellite spectroscopic observations by Chandra and XMM-Newton of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) have detected a previously unobserved set of spectral features.  These features are attributed to the winds emanating from the super-massive black hole lurking in the center of each AGN.  However, our ability to reliably interpret these features and infer the properties of this wind and the embedded black hole is limited by uncertainties in our understanding of the atomic physics which produces the observed spectrum.  Especially important is determining correctly the ionization structure of the gas. This in turn depends on understanding the electron-ion recombination process known as dielectronic recombination (DR) at low electron temperatures. 
 
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 === Characterizing the origins of the solar wind ===
 
-Investigating the dynamics of the solar corona is crucial if one is to understand fundamental solar and heliospheric physics. The corona also greatly influences the Sun-Earth interation as it is from here that the solar wind originates. The solar wind can have a profound effect on the Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere, disrupting power grids and commmunication. Hence characterizing the origins of the solar wind is of obvious importance. This is done, in part, through a combination of solar spectroscopic observation, spectral analysis codes, and theoretical models for the transport of energy and particles from the photosphere through the corona and into the solar wind. Recently we have developed a new approach for analyzing solar spectra which yields more reliable determinations for the relative elemental abundances in the corona. We are also carrying out a series of DR and electron impact ionization (EII) measurements so that we can generate more accurate ionization balance calculations of the corona and thereby better spectral models. 
+Investigating the dynamics of the solar corona is crucial if one is to understand fundamental solar and heliospheric physics.  The corona also greatly influences the Sun-Earth interaction as it is from here that the solar wind originates. The solar wind can have a profound effect on the Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere, disrupting power grids and communication.  Hence characterizing the origins of the solar wind is of obvious importance.  This is done, in part, through a combination of solar spectroscopic observation, spectral analysis codes, and theoretical models for the transport of energy and particles from the photosphere through the corona and into the solar wind.  Recently we have developed a new approach for analyzing solar spectra which yields more reliable determinations for the relative elemental abundances in the corona.  We are also carrying out a series of high temperature DR and electron impact ionization (EII) measurements so that we can generate more accurate ionization balance calculations of the corona and thereby better spectral models. 
 
 === Atomic data and ionization balance calculations ===