1953 10 10 Nature - Vol 172 No 4380 - Flying Saucers

Magazine Overview

Title: NATURE
Issue: No. 4380
Date: October 10, 1953
Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of NATURE features several significant announcements and articles covering scientific research, meteorological education, and contemporary issues in science and society.

Research Fellowships Awarded

The issue details awards made by Nuffield, including a Professorial Research Fellowship in Gerontology to Dr. P. L. Krohn of the University of Birmingham. His research will focus on the causal analysis of ageing, including interactions of tissues and factors controlling reproductive life in primates. A Nuffield Gerontological Research Fellowship was also awarded to Dr. D. A. Hall of the University of Leeds, who will study changes in connective tissue associated with ageing.

Vacation Course in Synoptic Meteorology

Since 1950, the Royal Meteorological Society, in conjunction with the Council for the Promotion of Field Studies, has organized an annual vacation course in elementary synoptic meteorology. The fourth such course took place from September 9-16 at the Council's field-centre at Malham Tarn, attended by approximately thirty students. The course instructors included Mr. James Paton and Mr. C. D. Ovey. Visiting lecturers such as Mr. F. E. Lumb, Prof. R. F. Peel, Mr. N. Pye, and Mr. R. G. Veryard presented on various aspects of meteorology, geography, and climatology. Practical observation work was a key component, facilitated by instruments on loan to the Centre. The course is supported by various education authorities and the R.A.F. A similar course is planned for late August 1954.

"Flying Saucers"

An article by C. C. Wylie of the State University of Iowa, published in Science (118; 1953), presents an investigation into 'flying saucers'. Wylie concludes that these phenomena are simply reflected sunlight, characterized by being visible only when the sun is shining, appearing in the part of the sky opposite the sun, and typically being a single sighting due to the small critical angle.

Oil Pollution of the Sea

An international meeting of private citizens from ten nations is scheduled to convene in London on October 27 to address the issue of oil pollution of the sea. The meeting, held at the Institution of Electrical Engineers, Savoy Place, from 11 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., has been convened by an independent committee working to raise public awareness. The committee's efforts have been aided by an official report to the Minister of Transport, which concluded that prohibiting ships from discharging waste oil into the sea is the only effective solution, requiring international agreement. The conference aims to present the report's findings to the public. Notable speakers and attendees include Mr. James Callaghan, M.P., the Minister of Transport, Lord Hurcomb, Sir Douglas Ritchie, Mr. Mogens Black, M. Leon Lippens, Mr. Banks Belt, and Prof. J. Berlioz. Local authorities are sending representatives, and the Minister of Housing and Local Government will sanction expenses for one delegate per local authority.

Modern Science and Christian Thought

A series of ten lecture-discussions is being held at St. Anne’s House, Soho, on successive Thursdays until December 17, exploring the relationship between science and religion. The lectures cover topics such as creation and the expanding universe (Prof. C. A. Coulson), the scientific approach to historical study and Christian presuppositions (Miss C. V. Wedgwood), the relationship between body, brain, mind, and spirit in light of modern physiology and Christian views of man, the scientific approach to psychology and Christian presuppositions about human nature, the scientific approach to social science and Christian presuppositions about human relations, and man and evolution in the context of modern biological science.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a commitment to reporting on advancements in scientific research, professional development in scientific fields (like meteorology and gerontology), and the societal implications of scientific and technological issues (such as oil pollution). It also engages with the intersection of science and broader cultural and philosophical questions, as evidenced by the lecture series on modern science and Christian thought. The editorial stance appears to be one of objective reporting on scientific findings and societal concerns, while also facilitating discussions on complex interdisciplinary topics.