MeV Terrestrial X-ray Bursts with an Arctic Long Duration Balloon Flight and ISTP

这项建议是由NSF支持的以前的气球飞行发展而来的，在此期间，在下午的极光区观察到MeV的X射线。 这些观测结果是出乎意料的，尽管在当地时间和纬度部门进行的测量很少会揭示这些现象。 本建议是美国航天局国家科学气球设施决定于1998年夏季再次发射一个北极长期气球的结果。 在这次飞行中有可能更换X光仪器。 这将使几个星期的连续观测，主要是为了寻找额外的MeV X射线爆发，以了解这些现象的意义和性质。 气球观测将与航天器观测，特别是包括极地成像仪器以及等离子体、波和场仪器的POLAR卫星一起进行。 该提案主要旨在进行硬件翻新，以实现飞行。 随后将提交一份关于数据分析的提案。 美国航天局和国家科学基金会正在考虑这一建议，两个机构都在进行正常的审查程序。 然而，由于准备飞行仪器和集成到气球包中的时间紧迫，我们已经联系了评审员，要求加快评审。

This Proposal has developed out of a previous balloon flight supported by NSF during which MeV X-rays were observed within the auroral zone in the afternoon sector. These observations were unexpected, though there have been few measurements taken in this local time and latitude sector which would reveal these phenomena. The present proposal results from decision by the NASA National Scientific Balloon Facility to again launch an arctic long duration balloon in the summer of 1998. It will be possible to refly the X-ray instruments on this flight. This will enable several weeks of continuous observations, motivated largely to search for additional MeV X-ray bursts in order to understand the significance and nature of these phenomena. The balloon observations will be made in conjunction with spacecraft observations, particularly the POLAR satellite which includes polar imaging instruments as well as plasma, wave, and field instruments. This proposal is primarily aimed as hardware refurbishment to enable the flight. A subsequent proposal will be submitted for analysis of the data. This proposal is being considered by both NASA and NSF and both agencies are undertaking the normal review process. Because, however, of the time critical needs for preparing flight instruments and integration into the balloon package, we have contacted reviewers to request an expedited review.