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

这一建议是由美国国家科学基金会支持的先前的气球飞行发展而来的，在此期间，在下午扇区的极光区观测到MeV 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区域进行的测量很少能揭示这些现象。本提案源于美国宇航局国家科学气球设施决定在1998年夏天再次发射一个北极长航时气球。x射线仪器在这次飞行中是可以重新使用的。这将使几个星期的连续观测成为可能，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结合进行，特别是POLAR卫星，该卫星包括极地成像仪器以及等离子体、波和野外仪器。这个提议主要是为了硬件翻新，使飞行成为可能。随后将提交一份提案以分析数据。NASA和NSF正在考虑这一提议，两家机构都在进行正常的审查程序。然而，由于准备飞行仪器和将其集成到气球包装中的时间至关重要，我们已经联系了审查员，要求加快审查。

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.