Physics Bulletin

Magazine Overview

Title: Physics Bulletin
Issue Date: November 1968
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Country: UK
Language: English
ISSN: 0031-9112

This issue of Physics Bulletin features a prominent cover story on 'Flying saucers', alongside articles discussing 'SI omissions' and the relationship between 'Industry and the universities'. The content reflects scientific discourse and societal interests of the late 1960s.

Flying Saucers

The article titled 'Flying saucers' is a personal reflection by G. H. Bryant, apologizing for a previous hyperbolic statement. He recounts an experience from around 1926 when he knew a married couple who stayed up all night watching Venus. He details the astronomical conditions of July of that year, noting Venus's magnitude of -3.4 and its rising time in the early hours of the morning. The couple's interest was piqued by its appearance, and they waited the following night for it to appear again, which it did. The piece is attributed to the Department of Natural Philosophy, University of Aberdeen.

SI Omissions

Authored by P. H. Borcherds of the Department of Physics, University of Birmingham, this section addresses the ongoing transition to SI units. Borcherds expresses support for the conversion but identifies two perceived omissions. Firstly, he argues that the range of prefixes for powers of 10 (from 10-18 to 1012) is insufficient to cover the vast scales encountered in physics, such as the mass of a proton (approx. 10-27 kg) or the distance across a galaxy (approx. 1021 m). He proposes new prefixes (u, v, w, X, Y, Z, A, B, C, D, E, F) for powers of 10 from 10-15 to 10-48 and (z, y, x, w, v, u, t, s, r, q) for powers of 10 from 10-21 to 10-48, suggesting that names for these could be invented. Secondly, he points out the lack of a unit of volume other than the cubic meter (m³) and that its preferred multiples increase in steps of 109. He suggests a possible name for such a unit, the 'euclid' (E), unless it is already designated for a unit of area.

Industry and the Universities

Written by Professor J. C. Anderson, F Inst P, this article critically examines the relationship between government policy, universities, and industry. Anderson likens government policy to an 'axe' rather than a 'scalpel', suggesting that a directive to push 'best' science and engineering graduates directly into industry could harm university research. He emphasizes that universities have a dual role of education and training, and it is crucial for graduates to engage with real-world industrial problems during their professional training. While academics are generally receptive to industry cooperation, Anderson notes that university research should not be solely dictated by immediate industrial needs. He argues that it is nearly impossible for students to reach the frontiers of knowledge in a first-degree course, and postgraduate studies are essential for this. He believes that innovators will emerge from those working at these frontiers. Anderson states that university research has an important educational function, but its relevance to industry could be enhanced if industrial needs were clearly articulated. He observes that academics often face 'massive industrial indifference' when choosing research directions. He urges academics to take the initiative to demonstrate how scientific research can solve industrial problems and improve products. Simultaneously, academics should identify current industrial problems relevant to their research fields and be prepared to adapt their programs. Anderson stresses that this collaboration requires active engagement, such as regular visits to industrial laboratories and factories, and encouraging industrialists to visit universities through invitations, open days, and conferences.

News and Comment

This section appears to be a general heading for the articles that follow, indicating a focus on current affairs and commentary within the scientific community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the public fascination with unexplained phenomena ('Flying saucers'), the standardization and evolution of scientific measurement systems (SI units), and the critical importance of the symbiotic relationship between academic research and industrial application. The editorial stance, as reflected in the articles, appears to be one of critical inquiry, advocating for clarity and improvement in scientific practices and policy, and emphasizing the practical relevance of scientific endeavors.