Bulletin of the American Physical Society
2009 Annual Meeting of the California Section of the APS
Volume 54, Number 18
Friday–Saturday, November 13–14, 2009; Monterey, California
Session F1: Astrophysics |
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Chair: Thomas Gredig, California State University Long Beach Room: Spanagel 117 |
Friday, November 13, 2009 1:00PM - 1:12PM |
F1.00001: An Alternative Explaination to CMBR based on Curvature Richard Kriske The author would like to propose an alternative explaination to the CMBR based on curvature instead of temperature. When one looks at the horizon of a curved surface such as the earth, that horizon is non-magnifiable due to the fact that objects not only shrink but tilt away from the observer as well. This clue applied to horizons in 3 dim. of curved space and one perp. time dimension (which would tilt backward, away from the observer and result in a nonmagnifiable 2 dim. surface, in all directions). The temperature of the resulting area (similar to the look of the resulting line of the earth's horizon) would tell the observer the mass and the curvature of the surface. The reason that the time vectors on the other side of the Universe do not contribute is that they are backward in time and the parallel displaced vectors would result in a particle that we would not interpret as a photon (it would appear to be a photon moving backward in time - and thus adding a correction to QED/QCD). The implications of this may shake the foundations of Physics in that it gives a direct connection between the shape of the Universe and spin. Pilots use the Horizon to determine up and down, in a 4 space this would give absolute meaning to spin and tell the correct number of dim. of the manifold. The author submits that there may be enough evidence to conclude that this is the correct interpretation of the CMBR and the Big-Bang in its simple form is not. [Preview Abstract] |
Friday, November 13, 2009 1:12PM - 1:24PM |
F1.00002: Fermi-LAT Sensitivity to Dark Matter Annihilation in Via Lactea II Substructure Brandon Anderson, Michael Kuhlen, Robert Johnson, Piero Madau, Juerg Diemand We present a study of the ability of the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope to detect dark-matter annihilation signals from the Galactic subhalos predicted by the Via Lactea~II N-body simulation. We implement an improved formalism for estimating the boost factor needed to account for the effect of dark-matter clumping on scales below the resolution of the simulation, and we incorporate a detailed Monte Carlo simulation of the response of the Fermi-LAT telescope, including a simulation of its all-sky observing mode integrated over a ten year mission. The results are less optimistic than previous estimates that did not fully account for the variations of the LAT effective area and point-spread function. Nevertheless, for WIMP masses up to about 150~GeV/$c^2$ in standard supersymmetric models a few subhalos could be detectable with $>5$ standard deviations significance and would likely deviate significantly from the appearance of a point source. [Preview Abstract] |
Friday, November 13, 2009 1:24PM - 1:36PM |
F1.00003: The Search for Ultra High-Energy Neutrinos With The ANITA Experiment Abigail Vieregg The ANITA (ANtarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna) experiment is an innovative balloon-borne radio telescope, designed to detect coherent Cherenkov emission from cosmogenic ultra high-energy neutrinos with energy greater than $10^{18}$ eV. The second flight of the ANITA experiment launched on December 21\textsuperscript{st} 2008, and collected data for 30 days. This large data set allows for the most sensitive investigation into the exciting GZK (Greisin-Zatsepin-Kuzmin) neutrino flux regime to date. I will present the status of the first pass analysis of the ANITA-II data set. I will discuss calibration techniques, analysis methods, and background rejection. [Preview Abstract] |
Friday, November 13, 2009 1:36PM - 1:48PM |
F1.00004: Observation of UHE Cosmic Rays from a Balloon-borne Neutrino Telescope Stephen Hoover The ANtarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) is a balloon-borne array of radio antennas designed to detect coherent radio Cherenkov radiation from ultra-high energy (UHE) neutrino-induced particle showers in the Antarctic ice sheet. The first flight of ANITA has produced limits on the UHE neutrino flux, and analysis of data from the second flight is underway. I will describe the neutrino search and concurrent observations of geosynchrotron radio emissions from UHE cosmic ray extensive air showers. [Preview Abstract] |
Friday, November 13, 2009 1:48PM - 2:00PM |
F1.00005: Can Dark Matter explain the WMAP Haze? Tim Linden There is currently a significant effort to observe indirect evidence of dark matter annihilation in our galaxy. One interesting finding was an unexpected synchrotron haze (the ``WMAP haze'') with a similar intensity and morphology to those predicted by dark matter models. This might also be connected to another recent puzzle in cosmic ray physics: the excess of high energy positrons reported by the Pamela satellite. We evaluate a wide variety of well motivated dark matter particle physics setups as well as cosmic ray propagation models, and compare the simulated dark matter driven synchrotron signal against the observed WMAP haze. Further analyzing several reasonable dark matter fits to the WMAP haze, we determine the expected inverse-Compton scattering and positron/electron signals which should be detectable by cutting edge Fermi and Pamela observations. [Preview Abstract] |
Friday, November 13, 2009 2:00PM - 2:12PM |
F1.00006: Waves in an accretion disk: nodal superhumps versus permanent superhumps in V378 Pegasi Kenia Velasco, F.A. Ringwald, Jonathan Roveto First science results from a new observatory, Fresno State's station at Sierra Remote Observatories, are presented.~ The nova-like cataclysmic variable V378 Pegasi (PG 2337+300) is discovered to show variable, often sawtooth-wave variations in its light curve, which have a period of 3.22 hours.~ These variations are present in light curves taken in 2001, 2008, and 2009, and have amplitudes between 0.2 and 0.4 magnitudes, as detected through a clear filter.~ We identify these as waves in this close binary star system's accretion disk, which are related to the superhump phenomenon shown by SU UMa stars.~ We also present the results of a radial velocity study to measure the orbital period, and discuss physical models for the variation in V378 Peg: either permanent superhumps, in which the disk is made elliptical and precessed by tidal forces from the stars' pronounced mass ratio, or nodal superhumps, from a tilted disk.~ We also discuss the evolutionary status of V378 Peg: at just above the period gap, this system may provide a critical test of cataclysmic variable evolution theory. [Preview Abstract] |
Friday, November 13, 2009 2:12PM - 2:24PM |
F1.00007: Quantum Universe Theory Bruce Cunningham The Initial Condition (that which existed prior to the universe) is compared as an infinite thermodynamic system (reservoir and system) to a two-component blackbody system, where one component, composed of unbound bosons, contained a symmetry breaking potential. Symmetry breaking resulted in the moment of inflation in a subsystem (small part) of one component, which in turn ignited an unloading wave. The ensuing Big Bang Unloading Wave created a continuously expanding cavity in that component. The cavity is the universe. Within the expanding unloading wave, the first energy cascade has continuously produced intense plasma effects, superelectric fields, and supermagnetic effects. The intense plasma produces violent pinch effects propelling superelectric-magnetic particles to the speed of light c impacting them within the other component (bound boson Fermi-Dirac particles) as original energy particles representing the apex of the spectral ladder and the beginning of the second energy cascade. Here quench factors freeze persistent superconducting current vibrations into place prior to application of the algorithmic ladder of the quantum field theory time line. Energies evolve to include the formation of std model physics (QM,QED,QCD) general theory of relativity (GRT), special theory (SRT), linear momentum, and angular momentum, etc. [Preview Abstract] |
Friday, November 13, 2009 2:24PM - 2:36PM |
F1.00008: Video Crosstalk in Kepler CCDs Jason von Wilpert Kepler is the first mission capable of detecting Earth-size planets in the habitable zone of solar-like stars, and is at the forefront of the exciting field of extrasolar planets. Kepler looks for planetary transits in F-M main-sequence stars, ranging from 7$^{th}$ to 14$^{th}$ magnitude. I investigate video crosstalk, which is the noise due to coupled readout of CCDs. Video crosstalk is modeled as a linear coefficient multiplied by the signal from the source CCD, and can be as large as 0.066{\%} of the signal. The transit of an Earth-size planet in Kepler's field of view is a 0.01{\%} drop in flux, so video crosstalk can significantly skew planet mass estimations. It produces both positive and negative images, and is not symmetric between two CCDs.~ While the exact cause for this phenomenon remains to be clarified, the undesirable effects of video crosstalk have been mitigated, and specific stars in Kepler's field of view with high amounts of crosstalk have been flagged for more thorough analysis of flux measurements. [Preview Abstract] |
Friday, November 13, 2009 2:36PM - 2:48PM |
F1.00009: An Overview of Hubble's Newest Addition: WFC3 Lucy McLaurin The newest camera on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), opens a new window into the Universe. WFC3's two channels (UVIS and IR) provide HST with improved imaging capabilities in the ultraviolet and near-infrared wavelengths and allow for clearer and more detailed images of the universe compared to previous generations of instruments. A review of instrument specifications, features, and operation of the IR and UVIS channels work is provided. Advancements of WFC3 are described, including enhancements of CCD and IR detector technology. WFC3 has many benefits and few drawbacks compared to past and future instruments. With improved spatial resolution, a large field of view, and reduced noise, WFC3 is capable of reaching many scientific goals for the first time. New science goals include studies of galactic evolution and improved resolution of high redshift galaxies. I will illustrate the capabilities of WFC3 with specific examples relating to the study of galaxy formation. [Preview Abstract] |
Friday, November 13, 2009 2:48PM - 3:00PM |
F1.00010: Theoretical Derivation of Equations Governing the Coupled Distributions of Dark and Baryonic Matters Jacques Leibovitz A dark matter (DM) particle is yet to be detected. Milgrom's modified Newton dynamics (MOND) successfully models much of the observed DM phenomena. Unfortunately, the modification conflicts with general relativity. Exploring here an alternative model of DM leads to the sequential derivation of an equation of state (EoS) for such DM in a gravitation field, of an equation governing the coupled distributions of DM and baryonic matter around galaxies, of galactic flat rotation curves, of the Pioneer anomaly, of a Tully-Fisher relation, of a possible mechanism of black hole formation at the center of a large galaxy, and of Milgrom's MOND relation. The conflict between the PA and the Viking ranging data is resolved in an appendix. Results are discussed. [Preview Abstract] |
Friday, November 13, 2009 3:00PM - 3:12PM |
F1.00011: A Different Reason Why Black Holes are Black Noha S. Farghal Although it is true that black holes appear to be black on the outside due to the fact that the escape velocity from the event horizon is even higher than that of light, black holes may be black on the inside as well. A recent paper by Zach Adams (2009) presents a new model which provides evidence of gravitons actually being a result of a fusion of 2 photons, which manifests in 4-D space. In fact, the duality between gravitons and photons has been suggested in earlier works as well. Falling Photon Experiment shows that as photons approach a massive body, their energies increase, and their wavelengths decrease. Photon-graviton conversions occur when the wavelengths of photons decrease to Planck's length. As a result, the photons approaching the event horizon of a black hole may gain energy enough for photon pairs to fuse and become gravitons. Therefore, as we will discuss in this work, there exists a probability that photons cannot survive within the event horizon of a black hole. It is true that nothing can escape a black hole, which is the reason why it looks black on the outside, but also the possibility that photons may not be able to survive on a black hole means that black holes may be black on the inside as well. [Preview Abstract] |
Friday, November 13, 2009 3:12PM - 3:24PM |
F1.00012: Quantum trajectories for entanglement phenomena Edward Floyd Quantum trajectories are used to investigate entangled systems. Herein, we present a procedure or recipe for applying the quantum trajectory representation to entanglement. We may synthesize the wave function for an entangled system from the wave functions of the individual anyons comprising the entangled system. The reduced action (generator of the motion) for the entire entangled system may be extracted from entangled system's wave function rather than from solving the quantum Hamilton-Jacobi equation if, for sufficiency, all the wave functions for the individual anyons are complex. Applying Jacobi's theorem to reduced action renders the quantum trajectory for the entangled system. We exhibit quantum trajectories for entangled systems that give insight into EPR, wave packet spreading, and the quantum Young's experiment. Dissection of the trajectory equation for the entangled system reveals the emergence of an ``entangalon" that maintains entanglement within the system. [Preview Abstract] |
Friday, November 13, 2009 3:24PM - 3:36PM |
F1.00013: Tutorial Device Illustrating A Spin One-Half Object Vladislav Bevc Hawkins (The Universe in a Nutshell) illustrates a spin 1 and a spin 2 object with the ace of spades and queen of spades playing cards. Rotation by 360 and 180 degrees respectively reproduce the original appearance of these two objects. A spin 1/2 object requires a rotation of 720 degrees to reproduce the original appearance. Apart from a Moebius band such object can be constructed. However, it differs from the above mentioned playing cards by the fact that it has an internal mechanism operating on the original picture. It is thus somewhat different than the original two illustrations. [Preview Abstract] |
Friday, November 13, 2009 3:36PM - 3:48PM |
F1.00014: Acoustic Attraction Eric Oviatt, Konstantinos Patsiaouris, Bruce Denardo A sound source of finite size produces a diverging traveling wave in an unbounded fluid. A rigid body that is small compared to the wavelength experiences an attractive radiation force (toward the source). An attractive force is also exerted on the fluid itself. The effect can be demonstrated with a styrofoam ball suspended near a loudspeaker that is producing sound of high amplitude and low frequency (for example, 100 Hz). The behavior can be understood and roughly calculated as a time-averaged Bernoulli effect. A rigorous scattering calculation yields a radiation force that is within a factor of two of the Bernoulli result. For a spherical wave, the force decreases as the inverse fifth power of the distance from the source. Applications of the phenomenon include ultrasonic filtration of liquids and the growth of supermassive black holes that emit sound waves in a surrounding plasma. An experiment is being conducted in an anechoic chamber with a 1-inch diameter aluminum ball that is suspended from an analytical balance. Directly below the ball is a baffled loudspeaker that exerts an attractive force that is measured by the balance. [Preview Abstract] |
Friday, November 13, 2009 3:48PM - 4:00PM |
F1.00015: Effect of Dynamic Compression on Accelerating and Sustaining Over-Driven Explosive Detonation Joshua Lusk, Paul Murch, Mike Sapienza, Dave Amondson, Ronald Williams, Kevin Vandersall, Frank Garcia, Ray Gamache, Jose Sinibaldi, Ronald Brown A novel circumferential initiation technique is used to create pseudo-steady-state convergence conditions at rates faster than those attainable by conventional means. Once established, the convergent front envelops and pre-compresses un-reacted explosive to a continuum of higher von-Neumann spike condition prior to chemical reaction. The mechanism will be described along with specific experiments with high-energy and extremely insensitive explosives. Measured velocity increases achieved to-date range between 35 and 65 percent faster than Chapman-Jouguet: Predicted peak pressures increases are greater than 300 percent and well-beyond the detection range of traditionally employed piezo-electric gauges. Very good correlation between experimentally observed detonation front geometry and computational modeling will also be shown. The background of work leading to these accomplishments and details of the experimentation and simulation will be reported. The Office of Navel Research supported this work. [Preview Abstract] |
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