We have computed the charge that develops on an SQN in space as a result of balance between the rates of ionization by ambient gammas and capture of ambient electrons. We have also computed the times for achieving that equilibrium and binding energy of the least bound SQN electrons. We have done this for seven different settings. We sketch the calculations here and give their results in the Figure and Table II; details are in the Physical Review D.79.023513 (2009).
Since Wittens seminal 1984 paper on the subject, searches for evidence of strange quark nuggets (SQNs) have proven unsuccessful. In the absence of experimental evidence ruling out SQNs, the validity of theories introducing mechanisms that increase their stability should continue to be tested. To stimulate electromagnetic SQN searches, particularly space searches, we estimate the net charge that would develop on an SQN in space exposed to various radiation baths (and showers) capable of liberating their less strongly bound electrons, taking into account recombination with ambient electrons. We consider, in particular, the cosmic background radiation, radiation from the sun, and diffuse galactic and extragalactic $gamma $-ray backgrounds. A possible dramatic signal of SQNs in explosive astrophysical events is noted.
Bounds on masses and abundances of Strange Quark Nuggets (SQNs) are inferred from a seismic search on Earth. Potential SQN bounds from a possible seismic search on the Moon are reviewed and compared with Earth capabilities. Bounds are derived from the data taken by seismometers implanted on the Moon by the Apollo astronauts. We show that the Apollo data implies that the abundance of SQNs in the region of 10 kg to one ton must be at least an order of magnitude less than would saturate the dark matter in the solar neighborhood.
We present a discourse on the stages of discovery that have led to a deeper understanding of the role played by strange quarks in the structure of the nucleon.
A few Galactic classical Cepheids were observed in the programmes of space missions as Coriolis, MOST and Kepler. An appealing opportunity was to detect additional nonradial modes, thus opening the possibility to perform asteroseismic studies and making the pulsational content of Galactic Cepheids more similar to that of Magellanic Clouds ones. However, only hints of cycle-to-cycle variations were found, without any strict periodicity. In this context the potential of the CoRoT exoplanetary data base was not fully exploited despite the wide area covered on the Galactic plane. Therefore, we investigated all the candidate Cepheids pointed out by the automatic classification of the CoRoT curves. At the end we could identify seven bona-fide Cepheids. The light curves were investigated to remove some instrumental effects. The frequency analysis was particularly delicate since these small effects can be enhanced by the large amplitude, resulting in the presence of significant, but spurious, peaks in the power spectrum. Indeed, the careful evaluation of a very attracting peak in the spectra of CoRoT 0102618121, allowed us to certify its spurious origin. Once that the instrumental effects were properly removed, no additional mode was detected. On the other hand, cycle-to-cycle variations of the Fourier parameters were observed, but very small and always within 3 sigma. Among the seven Cepheids, there are two Pop. I first-overtone pulsators, four Pop. I fundamental mode pulsators, and one Pop. II star. The CoRoT colours allowed us to measure that times of maximum brightness occur a little earlier (about 0.01 period) at short wavelengths than at long ones.
This work continues our program of lattice-QCD baryon physics using staggered fermions for both the sea and valence quarks. We present a proof-of-concept study that demonstrates, for the first time, how to calculate baryon matrix elements using staggered quarks for the valence sector. We show how to relate the representations of the continuum staggered flavor-taste group $text{SU}(8)_{FT}$ to those of the discrete lattice symmetry group. The resulting calculations yield the normalization factors relating staggered baryon matrix elements to their physical counterparts. We verify this methodology by calculating the isovector vector and axial-vector charges $g_V$ and $g_A$. We use a single ensemble from the MILC Collaboration with 2+1+1 flavors of sea quark, lattice spacing $aapprox 0.12$ fm, and a pion mass $M_piapprox305$ MeV. On this ensemble, we find results consistent with expectations from current conservation and neutron beta decay. Thus, this work demonstrates how highly-improved staggered quarks can be used for precision calculations of baryon properties, and, in particular, the isovector nucleon charges.