2006 06 00 Physics World - Vol 19 No 6 - UFOs debunked

Magazine Overview

Title: Physics World
Issue: June 2006
Volume: 19
Date: 2006-06
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Country: UK
Language: English
ISSN: 2058-7058

This issue of Physics World, dated June 2006, features a cover story titled "UFOs debunked." The magazine covers a range of scientific news and commentary, including updates on physics research, astronomy, energy, and space exploration.

Key Articles and Features

For the record

This section presents brief updates on various scientific discussions:

• General Relativity: Peter Saulson, a physicist at Syracuse University and spokesperson for the LIGO gravitational wave observatory, is quoted in The New York Times stating that it is unlikely the initial run of the $300m LIGO experiment will observe any gravitational waves, which are ripples in space-time predicted by general relativity.
• Proton-to-Electron Mass Ratio: John Webb, a physicist at the University of New South Wales, Australia, is mentioned in Nature for research suggesting that the proton-to-electron mass ratio may have changed very slightly over billions of years. While impressive, the findings require confirmation.
• UK Energy Market: Jim Watson, an energy analyst at the University of Sussex, UK, speaking to New Scientist, refutes the idea of a "gap" in the market system, arguing that it is artificial and fails to acknowledge market dynamics. He believes there will not be a shortfall of electricity in the UK and US if old nuclear power stations are not replaced.
• Sedna and Binary Stars: Walter Cruttenden, an amateur astronomer and founder of the Binary Research Institute, suggests that the unusual elliptical orbit of the recently discovered planet-like object Sedna provides evidence that the Sun is part of a binary star system.

Pick of the Web

This section highlights a resource for space enthusiasts:

• Huygens Probe Descent Film: The website ipl.arizona.edu/DISR is recommended for a new film detailing the descent of the Huygens probe towards the surface of Titan, Saturn's largest moon. Released by the European Space Agency, NASA, and the University of Arizona, the film uses data collected by the probe's Descent Imager/Spectral Radiometer to show its plunge through Titan's atmosphere.

Seen and heard

This section contains shorter news items and commentaries:

• Changing Times: The UK's national time signal will move from Rugby to Cumbria in March of the following year. The 60 kHz radio signal, currently generated by atomic clocks at Rugby, ensures the punctual operation of various services. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has awarded the new contract to VT Communications. Katherine Robinson of the NPL assures that the move will not affect users or the signal's accuracy.
• UFOs Debunked: A newly unearthed report from the UK's Ministry of Defence, obtained by academics at Sheffield Hallam University via the Freedom of Information Act, suggests that UFO sightings may be caused by rare "plasmas" created by weather and electrical conditions, or by meteors. The report also notes that these sightings might be enhanced in the viewer's perception due to plasmas causing responses in the human brain's temporal lobe. The author of the report is unknown, and it was written between 1996 and 2000.
• Muslim Astronauts Pray for Help: The challenges for devout Muslims in space, particularly regarding prayer times and direction (towards Mecca), are discussed. With Malaysia planning to send an astronaut to the International Space Station, the Malaysian space agency is interested in this issue. Zainol Abidin Abdul Rashid of the National University of Malaysia has developed a computer program to assist astronauts, but challenges remain with pre-prayer ablutions and performing prayers in zero gravity.
• Art-Science Stitch Up: An alliance of artists, scientists, and members of the Women's Institute (WI) is producing visual representations of diseases for an installation called "Designs for Life." This project coincides with the opening of the Diamond synchrotron device in Oxfordshire. Led by textile artist Anne Griffiths, the work uses quilting, stitching, and embroidery techniques. Griffiths aims to involve scientists and WI members in the project, stating, "Just like science, stitching is for everybody."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines, from theoretical physics and astronomy to applied science and technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on current research, debates, and developments in a clear and accessible manner, often highlighting both the achievements and the ongoing challenges within the scientific community. The "Seen and heard" section, in particular, showcases a diverse range of topics, from debunking popular myths like UFOs to exploring the practicalities of space travel for different religious groups and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations like the art-science project. The magazine encourages reader engagement through a call for quotes, website recommendations, and gossip via email.