NASA's Compton Gamma Ray Observatory re-entered the Earth's atmosphere at approximately 2:10 a.m. EDT on June 4, according to calculations made by controllers at Goddard in coordination with the U.S. Space Command's Control Center.

As planned, pieces of the observatory that survived the re-entry landed in the Pacific Ocean approximately 2,400 miles (3,862 km) southeast of Hawaii.

The fourth of final burn needed to re-enter NASA's Compton Gamma Ray Observatory was initiated at 1:22 a.m. EDT on June 4. Compton's Attitude Control thrusters and Orbit Adjust thrusters were fired for 30 minutes.

After the failure of one of Compton's three gyroscopes, NASA decided to bring the satellite back via a controlled reentry. NASA determined that it was much safer to bring the satellite back now to safe guard against further system failures in the spacecraft that might hinder a controlled reentry.

"This was a bittersweet day for NASA," said Al Diaz, Director of the Goddard Space Flight Center. "The end of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory mission marks the end of a remarkable spacecraft. Compton left a legacy of outstanding science and revolutionized our knowledge of the gamma ray sky. And while no one at NASA is ever happy to see the end of a science mission, prolonging this mission would have posed an unacceptable and increasing risk to human life. This was an extraordinarily complex task, involving both operations and engineering proficiency. I'm proud of this team and the job they did. They understood the significance of this task, and they performed it flawlessly."

For the complete press release: ftp://ftp.hq.nasa.gov/pub/pao/media/2000/CGRO_status_final_06-04.txt

More information on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, visit:

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The House of Representatives Appropriations Committee marked up the HUD-VA and Independent Agencies budget for FY 2001 on June 8 - including the President's budget request for NASA - but made no changes to the subcommittee's mark. NASA received a mark of $13.7 billion at the subcommittee level, which is $321.7 million below the President's request for FY 2001 but $112.8 million above the enacted in FY 2000. During the mark-up, Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-W.Va.) offered an amendment to restore much of the funding that had been deleted from the President's request level during the subcommittee mark but it was defeated 22-23.

Human Space Flight and Mission Support were marked at the President's request level while the Inspector General was marked at a $1 million increase over the request level.

Science, Aeronautics and Technology was marked $322.7 million below the request level but $25.8 million above the FY 2000 level. Space Science's Living With a Star program was cut by $20 million from the request level, while Life and Microgravity was increased by $25 million to fund ground based research in preparation for space flight opportunities.

Earth Science was marked at the requested level, while Aerospace Technology was reduced by $333.1 million from the requested level. Space Operations received the requested level and Academic program was increased by $5.4 million for Epscor.

The funding bill now goes to the House floor, which is expected to take place around June 14.

In the Senate, Full Appropriations Committee mark up is planned for June 15. A date for the measure to be taken up on the Senate floor has not been set.

To stay abreast of the status of NASA's funding bill in the Congress, visit http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/legaff/main.html

The first major milestone has been accomplished in the transfer of the IV&V Facility from Ames Research Center to Goddard management with the signing of the Business Plan. The Facility provides a center of expertise in the independent verification and validation (IV&V) of software systems, and has made significant contributions to EOSDIS, the Space Shuttle program, and other programs.

On June 2, Codes Y, R, and Q, and the Chief Engineer and Chief Information Officer at NASA Headquarters signed the plan that strengthens NASA policy for performing IV&V, and lays out the near term actions to complete the transfer and to establish a comprehensive plan for IV&V across NASA missions. The decision was made by NASA Headquarters in March to reexamine the Agency's approach to software systems development in order to improve the safety, productivity, and success of NASA missions.

By transferring management of the IV&V Facility, located in Fairmont, West Virginia, from a research center to a space flight center (Goddard),there is expected to be a stronger integration of the Facility's capabilities into the mainstream of software development for NASA programs and projects.

The IV&V Facility will be in a better position to leverage the strengths resident within other elements of the Goddard organization in operational software development, large-scale software systems management, and mission partnering. Building on this stronger base, the ultimate objective is to enhance the IV&V Facility's usefulness to the entire NASA community.

The formal transition is planned to be completed in early July, and the operational plan for broadening the IV&V Facility's role in NASA projects and programs planned for completion in early September.

An advertisement for a Director for the Facility at the SES level has been posted on the OPM web site-- http://www.usajobs.opm.gov , and closes on June 30. The IV&V Facility Business Plan can be found at: http://gsfc-artemis.gsfc.nasa.gov/cf/iv&v/businessplan/IVV_Rpt.pdf

Astronomers have spotted the dance of what may be energetic protons or iron atoms in a strange and rare class of objects known as soft gamma-ray repeaters (SGR). This observation, the first emission line spectrum for an SGR, may lend credence to the theory that these objects are highly magnetized neutron stars, capable of swiping clean a credit card and sucking pens out of pockets at a distance 100,000 miles away, or half the distance to the moon.

Dr. Tod Strohmayer of Goddard and Alaa Ibrahim, a George Washington University graduate student, used NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) to identify a specific emission line at the 6.4 keV energy band in SGR 1900+14. They presented their results at the American Astronomical Society meeting in Rochester, N.Y., and in an article in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

"Astronomers have debated about the nature of SGRs ever since their discovery in 1979," said Strohmayer. "For almost twenty years, the exact nature of these objects remained a big mystery. But in the last few years we have learned many new things about them, and many of these new findings have supported the idea that SGRs are magnetars, a theorized, highly-magnetic kind of neutron star. Our observations support the magnetar model, although they don't yet completely rule out other possibilities."

SGRs emit a series of enormous bursts of X rays, often hundreds of flashes that last only a second over a period of a couple of weeks to months. Then the bursting disappears for months or years before the SGR becomes active again. An SGR burst can release as much energy in a single second as the Sun does in a whole year. There are only four known SGRs, and they all lie within our galaxy or in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a neighboring galaxy.

SGRs are relatively young (less than 10,000 years old) and spin slowly, unlike the Crab and other young pulsars, which spin hundreds of times faster. Also, SGRs randomly emit bursts of soft gamma rays (synonymous with "hard" or high-energy X rays), uncharacteristic of X-ray pulsars. Pulsars, in this context, are spinning neutron stars -- the collapsed remains of a star once several times larger than the Sun -- which emit pulses of light at extremely consistent time intervals.

In 1992, astrophysicists Robert Duncan and Christopher Thompson suggested that SGRs were super-magnetized neutron stars -- a million billion times more magnetic than the Sun -- which they dubbed magnetars because they are a thousand times more magnetic than the already potent neutron star. The magnetar's strong magnetic field would act like stellar brakes on the ordinarily rapid spin process, explaining why such young objects spin so slowly. Another theory posits that SGRs are weakly accreting pulsars, either alone or in a binary star system. Very little matter falls onto the pulsar, so we do not see much activity.

With RXTE, Strohmayer and Ibrahim observed a 6.4 keV emission line in SGR 1900+14. ("keV" stands for kiloelectron volts, a unit of energy.) An emission line spectrum is a jagged plot that looks somewhat like an electrocardiogram. Specific elements, such as iron, can emit and absorb specific X-ray energies and reveal their presence by sharp peaks and valleys in such a plot. An emission line at the 6.4 keV energy level can denote the presence of iron or of a proton circulating in the magnetars' powerful magnetic field.

What's interesting about SGR 1900+14 is that it experienced a giant flare two days before the burst that Strohmayer and Ibrahim observed, likely caused by a realignment of the magnetic field. This was only the second flare of its kind ever detected from an SGR.

In one scenario, this flare before the burst could have flung plasma (atoms with missing electrons) off the surface of the SGR and into the magnetosphere, the region around the SGR bounded by the magnetic field. In the highly energized magnetosphere, larger atoms would be ripped apart into smaller ones, such as hydrogen, which is just a proton. The burst that came a few days later acted like a lamp that revealed these protons falling back to the surface and releasing X rays at 6.4 keV. This range of energy, for protons, matches what would be expected in the environment of a magnetar.

In a second scenario, the flare could have flung plasma past the magnetosphere. Large atoms such as iron, far from the terror of the magnetosphere, would not break down into hydrogen. The burst that followed illuminated the iron atoms, which emitted X rays at 6.4 keV. This energy range is typical for non-magnetized iron. Yet only a magnetar environment could produce conditions that would throw iron atoms into space in this fashion.

A third scenario, however, allows for the "accretion" theory of SGR origin, as opposed to the magnetar theory. The 6.4 keV emission line is typical of iron in accreting systems, where a black hole or neutron star steals globs of gas from a nearby, healthy star. The gravity from the black hole or neutron star supplies the power, in the form of gravity; and the healthy star supplies the iron. No strong magnetic field is needed.

Strohmayer and Ibrahim said that other factors favor the first and second scenarios over the third. They discuss these factors in their paper.

"The emission line sheds new light on the nature of SGRs," said Ibrahim. "It provides us with a better understanding of their environment and could be used to estimate their magnetic field, thus allowing us to test the magnetar model and other proposed theories for these mysterious objects."

RXTE was built at Goddard with university collaboration and launched by NASA in December 1995 to observe fast-changing, energetic and rapidly spinning objects, such as supermassive black holes, active galactic nuclei, neutron stars and millisecond pulsars. .

For images of SGRs and magnetars, refer to: http://science.nasa.gov/newhome/headlines/mag_pix/ssu_graphics.htm

For more background information, refer to: http://www.magnetar.com

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Once again, Goddard's Earth Sciences Directorate will host a competitively selected national radio intern on campus for the summer. This year's fellow, David Portree, arrived on June 5 for a ten weeks residency. His Goddard mentor is Dr. Richard Stolarski of the Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics Branch.

As in past years, active earth science researchers are encouraged to seek out the radio fellow and talk about their current research. (Write to: DSFPortree@aol.com ). David is eager to learn about your work so that he can share it with Earth & Sky's listeners around the world. He's personally interested in the polar regions, urban areas and the environment, climate change, evolution of Earth-like planets, and the effects of asteroid impacts, but he's also on the lookout for topics he hasn't tackled before. He plans to gather enough material for at least twenty 90-second radio programs on Earth Science to be aired in the coming year.

A Houston-based freelance science writer, Portree has written more than 200 scripts for radio since 1991, on topics ranging from recycling tin cans to the discovery of quasars. Formerly writer & historian at NASA Johnson, Portree is currently writing his third history for NASA Headquarters (this one is on piloted Mars mission planning). Additional information can be found by visiting his website: http://members.aol.com/dsfportree/discovery.htm

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John Deily has been selected for Associate Center Chief in Code 570, effective June 4, 2000.

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The Microwave Anisotropy Probe (MAP) Project achieved a major milestone as the microwave instrument system was married to the spacecraft in preparation for full observatory-level testing. "This significant accomplishment ushers in a new phase of the Project," says Liz Citrin, the MAP Project Manager. "I am extremely proud of our Team and their wonderful accomplishment."

This MAP milestone occurred nearly coincident with the issuance of a major new report from the National Academy of Sciences summarizing astronomy and astrophysics priorities in for the next decade. The National Academy of Sciences reiterated the importance of the MAP mission in their new report, "Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Millennium." The report states that, "the committee stresses the importance of studying the cosmic microwave background with the Microwave Anisotropy Probe mission," and that "NASA's MAP mission will revolutionize our knowledge of the microwave background." The report is consistent with an earlier National Academy of Sciences report from the Task Group on Space Sciences and Astrophysics, which ranked MAP's science as their number one priority.

"We are reaping the rewards of years of planning and hard work," reports Cliff Jackson, the MAP Mission Systems Engineer. "With the instrument married to the spacecraft we are on-course for a successful Observatory test program and launch. It is an exciting time for all of us."

Goddard employees are invited to hear Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski deliver the 2000 Wernher von Braun Memorial Lecture, "Space and the New Millennium: A View from Capitol Hill," on Monday June 12, 2000 at 8 p.m. in the Langley IMAX Theater at the National Air and Space Museum.

Tickets are required to attend this event. For no charge tickets, you may email Senator Mikulski's office and they can add your name to the "will call" list. Please send RSVP email to: johanna_ramos-boyer@mikulski.senate.gov. Tickets also are available through Pro-Tix by calling 800-529-2440, and are available at various walk-up outlets throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area, and through the Pro-Tix website at www.protix.com. There is no charge from the Smithsonian, but a $2.50 service charge from Pro-Tix will apply.

The Wernher von Braun Memorial Lecture is a forum for examining the role of space, science and technology in contemporary life. Through her work on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Mikulski has a deep understanding of America's space programs and their role in creating new educational and economic opportunities.

Visitor information for the Museum is available at: http://www.nasm.edu/nasm/visit/   Phone: 202-357-2700 (voice) or 202-357-1729 (TTY). The National Air and Space Museum is located on the National Mall at 7th and Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C., just west of the Capitol building. The closest metro stations are L'Enfant Plaza or Smithsonian.

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In tandem with the 2000 Graduate Student Summer Program (GSSP) in Earth System Science, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) and the Earth Sciences Directorate of Goddard have organized a lecture series to be held in bldg. 3 auditorium, June 12-14, 2000. The series is designed to foster scientific understanding of the challenges being addressed by national programs in global change and NASA's Earth Science Enterprise. For more information about the lectures, visit: http://scylla.gvsp.usra.edu/gssp/lecture.html

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The Wallops Flight Facility, home to Federal, state, and commercial organizations, will hold an Open House from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 24.

The Open House will include activities for people of all ages with an interest in research and operations on the sea and in to space.

The purpose of the Open House is to showcase the many operations conducted at Wallops by NASA, the U.S. Navy, NOAA, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Virginia Space Flight Center, and commercial organizations. It also will highlight the partnerships Wallops has with organizations in the community.

The day will include tours of facilities; more than 30 exhibits and 10 aircraft on display; a model rocket demonstration; a kids activity tent; and a fire fighting demonstration and the Millsboro Fire Department Smoke House. Also, the Navy Seals; a Navy band; the U.S. Coast Guard Drill Team; the Coast Guard sponsored NASCAR of Winston Cup Series driver Jerry Nadeau; and the NASA Benefits of Space Trailer will be on hand.

Also, general aviation enthusiasts will be allowed to fly in for the Open House. Pre-registration is required. For registration information, call (757) 824-1139.

The Facility was last opened to the public in 1995. Approximately 5,000 people attended the 1995 event and planning officials think that the 2000 Open House is bigger and better.

Areas that will be open for tours include the NASA Sounding Rocket Payload Facility, the Navy Surface Combat Systems Center, and the NOAA Command and Data Acquisition Station.

Exhibits will highlight the research conducted by NASA in aeronautics, Earth Science, and space research; the operations of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and the Virginia Space Flight Center; information on the area's environment and wildlife; and efforts of commercial organizations in naval and aerospace technology.

Aircraft that are expected to be on display include a Navy F-18, C-2 and Search and Rescue Helicopter; a NASA C-130; a Maryland National Guard A-10; a Maryland State Police Medivac and a Virginia State Police helicopter; Coast Guard aircraft; and two Unmanned Aerial Vehicles from Aurora Flight Sciences.

The day's schedule is:

Fun Run 8 - 9 a.m.

Wallops Main Base Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Millsboro Smoke House 9 a.m. - noon

Wallops Island open 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (self-driving tours)

Navy facility tours 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

NOAA tours 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (on the half hour)

NASA Sounding Rocket 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Facility tours

Aircraft departure 3:30 - 5 p.m.

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The re-entry of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, with live coverage from the GRO control center and commentary by Dr. Neil Gehrels, was picked up by over 160 national, cable and local news stations, including CBS Sunday Morning and ABC World News Sunday. Goddard hosted reporters from the Associated Press, The Washington Post, CNN, Space.com and the Prince George's Journal during de-orbit maneuvers. Dr. Ed Weiler, Associate Administrator for Space Science, Center Director Al Diaz, De-orbit Mission Manager Mansoor Ahmed and Re-entry Director Tom Quinn held a press conference on Sunday morning to announce the 17-ton spacecraft had safely re-entered the Earth's atmosphere.

Portions of a hurricane resource reel, with stunning visualizations of 1999 storms produced by Goddard's Science Visualization Studio, aired on ABC's Good Morning America June 1 as part of a story on the upcoming hurricane season.

Last week's American Geophysical Union meeting in Washington, D.C., resulted in numerous stories in print and broadcast. Results from the SOLVE campaign (which has two Goddard co-Principal Investigators) were featured in a June 3 Science News article, "Future Looks Cloudy for Arctic Ozone," The San Francisco Chronicle, "Ozone Hole Over Arctic Surprises Research Team," and a wire story in Reuters, "Acid Clouds Eating Away at Ozone." The SOLVE results were broadcast on Fox News Channel, and ABC NewsOne, and CBS Newspath distributed stories reaching an estimated 15 million viewers in the top 40 U.S. markets. NPR science correspondent Richard Harris covered the story for "All Things Considered." The story also was featured on Space.Com, Discovery.Com, CNN.Com, and MSNBC.Com web sites.

Members of the IMAGE Science Team presented their first images from the spacecraft at a press conference at the AGU. Among those participating in the briefing were Goddard's Dr. Thomas Moore, IMAGE Project Scientist and Dr. James Green, Deputy Project Scientist for IMAGE. The IMAGE pictures were aired on the FOX network and carried by about a dozen local stations.

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Who: MAD's Spring Drama Show, "2000 Evening of One-Act Plays"

What: "The Trysting Place," written by Booth Tarkington, is being directed by Karen Cannon. This is a fast-paced farce about three couples attempting to find a place to meet for a rendezvous in a large resort hotel. "Sorry, Wrong Number," written by Lucille Fletcher is being directed by Ted Ying. This is a thriller about a woman with a disability who overhears a conversation about a planned murder. Also on the program are, "Errman", directed by Karen Baver, "House of Wonders," directed by Cathy Tennyson, and "Living in a Hershey Bar," directed by Stephen Yednock

Where/When: Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17 at 8 p.m. in the Bldg. 8 auditorium.

Cost: Tickets are $6 in advance $7 at the door.

25th Annual Software Engineering Workshop

The Software Engineering Laboratory (SEL) is pleased to announce its Call For Papers for the 25th Annual Software Engineering Workshop (SEW25), which will be held on November 28 - 30, 2000, at Goddard. The SEW is sponsored by the NASA/GSFC SEL, in conjunction with the University of Maryland and Computer Sciences Corporation.

Topics of particular interest include:

Empirical Validation of Software Engineering-Related Technology in Practice

S/W Engineering Techniques

COTS

Product Line Architectures

Human Computer Interaction

In keeping with our theme, we are especially interested in the software applications and lessons learned at NASA

The deadline for submitting abstracts to Code 581 (jboger@csc.com ) is September 1, 2000. Visit our website at http://sel.gsfc.nasa.gov

For a schedule of launches coming up in the next few months, check out: http://pao.gsfc.nasa.gov/gsfc/newsroom/flash/flash.htm

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