Science et vie

Magazine Overview

Title: Science et vie
Issue: N°558
Date: April 1964

This issue of *Science et vie* delves into two primary areas: the physics of space travel and celestial mechanics, and the intriguing phenomenon of unexplained luminous events observed on the Moon.

Space Travel and Celestial Mechanics

The article begins by discussing the principles of celestial mechanics, particularly concerning spacecraft maneuvers. It highlights the significant energy expenditure required for a spacecraft to change its trajectory, contrasting this with the effortless flight of birds. The author explains that while a powerful rocket can execute a maneuver quickly, a low-thrust engine can achieve the same over a longer period. The core argument is that maneuverability necessitates energy reserves, which translate to weight, thus requiring powerful launch rockets. This is used to explain the USSR's past advantage in astronautics and suggests that the US's current focus on powerful Saturn rockets might shift this advantage.

Strange Lights on the Moon

The main feature of this issue focuses on unusual luminous phenomena observed on the Moon. On October 29, 1963, astronomers James A. Greenacre and Edward Barr at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, witnessed two distinct red-orange luminous spots on the Moon, located near the Aristarque crater. These spots, measuring 2.7 km and 2.7 km by 9 km respectively, intensified significantly before fading. Later, a third brilliant rose-colored spot appeared, covering a 20 km stretch of the Aristarque crater's rim.

Further observations occurred on November 27, 1963, when the same astronomers, joined by Fred Duggan and Dr. John S. Hall, Director of Lowell Observatory, observed a single, elongated red-orange spot measuring 22 km on the Aristarque crater's rim. This phenomenon lasted for an hour and was also confirmed by Peter Boyce using the large Perkins telescope. Black and white photographs were taken.

The article questions the long-held belief that the Moon is a static body, presenting these observations as evidence of transient luminous phenomena. It explores potential causes for these lights:

• Reflective Crystals: The possibility of the lunar soil being covered in crystals that selectively reflect solar rays is considered, but dismissed because the observed lights did not display a spectrum of colors.
• Gas Emissions: The hypothesis of gas emissions from lunar rocks, made luminous by meteorite impacts or solar radiation, is discussed. However, this raises questions about the continuous emission needed to sustain the lights and the synchronized triggering of multiple sources.
• Solar Radiation: The effect of solar radiation on lunar soil, potentially releasing gases after the long lunar night, is also suggested.
• Artificial Origin: The article entertains the speculative idea that these lights could be artificial, originating from intelligent extraterrestrial beings on the Moon.

Lunar Surface and Exploration Challenges

The issue also touches upon the challenges of studying the Moon's surface in detail. It notes that while large telescopes can theoretically resolve objects of about 20 meters, atmospheric turbulence limits practical observation to objects around 150 meters, and only under exceptional conditions. Even these details are large compared to the dimensions of a space capsule. The article mentions that American programs are using lunar space capsules designed to crash-land and transmit images of the lunar microrelief just before impact, particularly in regions illuminated by a grazing sun angle.

The Lunar Landscape

A section describes the familiar lunar features like craters, 'seas' (maria), mountain ranges, and rilles. It explains that craters are formed by the impact of large meteorites. The article also points out white halos around smaller craters and bright streaks radiating from larger ones, such as Tycho and Copernicus, attributing these to secondary impacts from meteorite explosions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and investigative approach to unexplained phenomena. It encourages critical thinking by presenting theoretical physics alongside observational data, such as the lunar lights. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, willing to explore even speculative hypotheses like extraterrestrial intelligence while grounding discussions in established scientific principles and observational evidence. The publication aims to inform its readers about the latest advancements and intriguing mysteries in science and technology, particularly in the fields of space exploration and astronomy.