Space Review - Volume 3 number 2 - 1954 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Space Review
Issue: VOL. III NO. II
Date: April 1954
Publisher: "A SCIENCE NEWS-LETTER"
Location: P. O. BOX 241, BRIDGEPORT 4, CONN., U. S. A.
Type: A LIMITED AND RESTRICTED PUBLICATION

This issue of Space Review delves into profound questions about humanity's place in the cosmos and the potential fragility of our existence.

Are We Living on Borrowed Time?

The lead article, "Are We Living on Borrowed Time?", explores numerous scenarios that could lead to the destruction of Earth. The most immediate threat discussed is a hydrogen bomb war, which could not only cause vast destruction but also contaminate the atmosphere. The article mentions the even more powerful "cobalt bomb" as a potential weapon leading to the annihilation of all mankind. Beyond man-made disasters, the article considers natural cosmic events: the sun exploding, which would destroy the entire solar system and leave planets as frozen matter; changes in the mutual pull between planets, potentially causing them to be ejected into space or fall into the sun; and a comet or meteor strike, which could cause immense destruction and alter Earth's orbit.

More speculative threats include the Earth suddenly stopping its rotation, leading to extreme temperature differences between the sunlit and dark sides, potentially causing an ice age. The possibility of the moon losing its attraction and falling to Earth due to Earth's gravitational pull is also raised. A peculiar theory suggests that the increasing size of Earth's ice caps might make the planet "top heavy" and cause it to tip. Finally, the sudden cessation of rain or moisture in the atmosphere is presented as a path to a vast desert and universal death.

The article concludes by noting that while some of these events might occur billions or millions of years in the future, others could happen "THIS YEAR."

The Pitted Windshields and Eyeglasses

This section reports on a phenomenon observed in Seattle, Washington, and other western cities, where windshields and eyeglasses were pitted by a strange black substance. Initially dismissed by scientists as unrelated to recent hydrogen bomb tests, further investigation by a scientist suggested that the material removed from a car's convertible top contained radioactive ingredients, pointing to the H-Bomb as the likely cause. The article emphasizes that the H-Bomb and A-Bomb are not toys and should be abandoned as destructive weapons, warning that humanity might learn of their power too late.

Excerpt from Recent Letter to "Space Review"

A contributor's letter addresses a previous article about the "atmosphere of the moon." The writer asserts that the moon cannot have a significant atmosphere, suggesting that any ions of Argon would not be an advantage. Instead, the lack of atmosphere would allow meteoric dust to hit the surface at high velocity, pitting telescopic lenses and mirrors. The letter also touches upon the structure of the universe, describing the galactic system revolving around a galactic center, and the existence of supergalactic systems composed of groups of galaxies, all part of an expanding universe.

The Mystery Planet---Venus

This section describes Venus as the second planet from the sun, with a mean distance of 67,200,000 miles and a revolution period of 224.7 days. It is noted for being the most Earth-like planet in the solar system. Venus is completely covered by vaporous clouds, making observation difficult. Shaded and white areas have been seen through telescopes, but their nature (surface or clouds) is uncertain. The planet has no moons and experiences very dark nights. The article speculates that Mercury might have once been Venus's moon. It is believed Venus has ice caps similar to Earth's and that intelligent life could exist there, stating that denying this possibility is "not commonsense."

Our Nearest Neighbor

This article focuses on the Moon, describing it as one of the most interesting bodies in the universe and a subject of discussion for thousands of years. Its features, including craters, are observable by the naked eye. While astronomers generally attribute the craters to meteor impacts, some theories suggest they were caused by a superior race that destroyed itself in a great war using powerful weapons. The article estimates a trip to the Moon at 200 miles per hour would take about a month and a half. It highlights the lack of atmosphere and water on the Moon as significant challenges for life. The article also discusses how the Moon affects Earth's tides and suggests it may have acted as a brake, slowing the Moon's rotation, and potentially Earth's as well, leading to longer days. Strange glowing lights have been observed on the Moon's surface. Radar contact with the Moon was made years ago. The Moon is believed to be a rich source of valuable minerals, with gold potentially being the most common ore. The article notes that only one side of the Moon is visible from Earth. It questions whether trips to Mars and Venus should be considered before reaching the Moon and anticipates "great many revelations" in the near future.

Space Review Reviews Recent Science Books

This section reviews three books:

1. Your Trip Into Space by Lynn Poole: Published by Whittlesey House, McGraw Hill Book Co. Inc. Price $2.75. It is described as fascinating and accurate, answering questions about space travel, accommodations, dangers, and the effect of such trips on Earth. The illustrations are noted as expressive. The book is called "A Fascinating Science Course in Itself."
2. The Complete Book of Outer Space: Published by Maco Magazine Corporation. Price $.75. This magazine-type publication features articles by notable authors like Willy Ley, Dr. Wernher Von Braun, Dr. Heinz Haper, and Hugo Gersback. The article "Space Medicine" by Dr. Heinz Haber is particularly recommended. It is deemed "Wall Worth the 'Space' it Takes Up."
3. The Conquest of Space by Willy Ley, with paintings by Chesley Bonestell: Published by Viking Press. Price $3.95. This book is praised for its text and paintings portraying the universe for children, covering places like the Moon, Venus, Jupiter, Mars, and a planet of the double star Mira. It is considered a "collector's item."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the precariousness of human existence, both from self-inflicted nuclear destruction and natural cosmic events. There's a strong undercurrent of caution regarding nuclear weapons, urging their abandonment. The magazine also promotes interest in space exploration, highlighting recent scientific literature on the subject and discussing celestial bodies like the Moon and Venus. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry mixed with a sense of awe and concern about humanity's future and its place in the vast universe. The recurring theme is that of uncertainty and the unknown, with a call for greater understanding of the universe and our planet's vulnerability.

Notable Quotes

• "Man will learn too late of the power he has harnessed and then what can we do about it."
• "WE ARE NOW LIVING IN THE AGE OF UNCERTAINTY. ONE NEVER KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE NEXT SECOND."
• "THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE WILL SOMEDAY BE THE UNDOING OF ALL MANKIND"
• "MANKIND WILL SOMEDAY FIND THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COPE WITH THEM"