Scientific Objectives of the Oriented Scintillation Spectrometer Experiment

Abstract

The Oriented Scintillation Spectrometer Experiment (OSSE) will undertake a broad range of scientific observations in the 0.05 - 10 MeV energy region. These include observations of supernovae and SN remnants, novae, collapsed objects (neutron stars, black holes, and white dwarfs), other galactic discrete and diffuse emissions, gamma-ray burst sources, active galactic nuclei, solar flares, and the opportunity for a partial or complete sky survey. OSSE will provide a line gamma-ray sensitivity of .00002 to .00005 photons/ sq. cm. for 1 million-second observation and a corresponding continuum sensitivity of < .005 Crab. For the initial sky survey comprised of two-week viewing periods, OSSE will undertake detailed investigations of about 50 targets per year. Examples of the capabilities of OSSE to meet several of these scientific objectives are discussed and the tentative observation program for the first 15 months of the mission is presented. Opportunities for Guest Investigations using OSSE are also discussed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA236226

Entities

People

  • G. H. Share
  • J. D. Kurfess
  • M. D. Leising
  • R. L. Kinzer
  • W. N. Johnson

Organizations

  • Northwestern University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cosmic Rays
  • Data Analysis
  • Detectors
  • Emission
  • Energy
  • Gamma Rays
  • Hard X Rays
  • High Energy
  • Neutron Stars
  • Novae
  • Positrons
  • Radiation
  • Scintillation
  • Solar Flares
  • Spacecraft
  • Stars
  • X Rays

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.