Space Review - vol 1 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE REVIEW
Issue: Volume I, No. I
Date: February, 1962
Editor: S. R. Stebbing

This inaugural issue of SPACE REVIEW presents a diverse collection of articles and news items, aiming to connect scientifically minded individuals and groups interested in astronomy, space exploration, and UFO phenomena. The publication is distributed bi-monthly and offers subscriptions and advertising opportunities.

Editorial

In the editorial, Editor S. R. Stebbing apologizes for the delay in publication due to a change of address and the resulting moving chaos compounded by harsh weather. He outlines the publication's purpose: to establish a link with scientifically minded groups and individuals in Britain and overseas, encouraging the circulation of new astronomical theories, news, and discoveries. The magazine also invites other groups to exchange information and publications and to advertise in its "Panorama" feature. The issue is edited by S. R. Stebbing with the help of cooperating contributors. David A. Hardy, known for his space paintings, has agreed to design the cover for a future issue.

Subscription details are provided: 4/- for six issues or $1.00 for the U.S. and Canada. Donations are welcome. Advertising rates are also listed, with a full page costing £3. 10. 0.

Space Age News

This section promises to cover all aspects of space age news, including new developments in space travel, cosmology, extraterrestrial life, planetary atmospheres, interplanetary and atmospheric phenomena, geophysics, astrophysics, and meteorology. Readers are encouraged to submit news clippings and articles.

Featured Articles and Reports

Missile Painting Found in Ruins of Augustus' Home

A report from Rome (AP) details the discovery of a painting on the Palatine Hill depicting what appears to be a modern interspace missile, possibly from the era of Augustus. Archaeologists believe the painting, found on the wall of a room thought to belong to Augustus himself, is of a cylinder with fins and a needle nose pointing upwards.

Has the Earth Two Natural Moons?

On September 21, 1961, The New Scientist reported the discovery by K. Kordylewski of the Cracow Observatory of a second natural satellite of Earth. These objects are described as two cloud-like formations in the same orbit as the Moon, approximately 60 degrees behind it. References are made to Scientific American and H. Bunting of Stockport.

Russia Discovers Tracks of an Ocean Monster

According to Reuters, Pravda published a photograph of the ocean bed showing what is described as a "gigantic trace of an animal so far unknown to science." The trace was reportedly found nearly 10,000 feet down by the research ship Vityaz in the Indian Ocean.

Dead Sea in Antarctica

A recently discovered lake in Antarctica, despite sub-zero temperatures (sometimes dropping to -60°), does not freeze due to its high salt content.

Canals of Mars

Washington (Associated Press) reports that research chemist Allan Webb of Berkeley, California, described the canals of Mars as similar to a large railway network, unlike ordinary geological cracks. He suggests that attempts to visit Mars should be preceded by unmanned probes to detect intelligent life.

Once in an Orange Moon

Contrary to popular songs and fairy tales, the moon is not blue but appears orange to a moon traveler. Research conducted at David Dunlap Observatory over the past year indicates the moon is redder than the sun. These findings were presented at a symposium on interplanetary explorations.

New Books

Two books on lunar study are reviewed:

1. Structure of the Moon's Surface by Gilbert Fielder (Pergamon Press Ltd., 1961, 50/- net). This book is aimed at knowledgeable professionals and amateurs. It covers lunar librations, height determination, luminous intensity, temperature, atmosphere, surface nature, ray systems, grid systems, and various surface features. Dr. Fielder, Director of the Lunar Section of the British Astronomical Association, is a professional astronomer from Manchester University. The book includes photographs from the Lick, Palomar, and Pic-du-Lidl observatories.

2. The Surface of the Moon: its structure and origin by V. A. Firsoff (Hutchinson & Co., 1961, 21/- net). This book is also recommended, with the author providing his own interpretation under the title "Selenologie Love." It discusses the Lunar Grid system and its implications for the moon's surface and origin, possibly caused by tidal shifts. The book is noted for its concise and systematic combination of data on lunar geology.

Both books are highly recommended and available from The Editor, 2 Station Road, Frimley, Nr. Aldershot, Hants.

The Great Planetary Conjunction of 1962

On February 4th/5th, a conjunction of five major planets will occur near the Sun in Capricornus, coinciding with a total solar eclipse. While the total eclipse will not be visible from Greenwich, a partial eclipse will be seen in parts of Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and western North America. The article discusses astrological prophecies of disaster associated with the conjunction, as well as a cosmobiological perspective on the effects of cosmic radiations on the brain. It mentions theories about the influence of planetary weights and magnetisms on cosmic radiations and energies, and the potential for seismic outbreaks due to meteoric impacts. Prof. Benioff of the California Institute of Technology warns of a potential heavy earthquake in Los Angeles. The article also notes that the conjunction will be observable from the Pacific Islands region during the total eclipse period.

News Briefs

• A saucer convention held at Giant Rock, California, indicated a decline in saucer clubs.
• Mr. George van Tassel's "Integretron," invented for rejuvenation, is incomplete despite significant expenditure.
• An article on Fireballs in Hermes (Journal of the U.S.A.) prompted a comment from Patrick Moore comparing them to earwigs and sparking plugs.
• B. Warner stated that atomic, not molecular, oxygen has been detected in Venus's night spectrum, but this does not imply life.

The Rings of Earth

This section discusses theories about a halo of dust surrounding Earth. One theory suggests a lunar origin, with meteorites hitting the moon and spraying dust that is captured in orbit. Another theory by Dr. J. H. Fremlin proposes that tiny meteorites grazing the upper atmosphere are slowed down and captured by Earth's gravitational field.

Flying Saucers in 1962?

This brief article poses the question of whether flying saucers visit Earth every 4.03 years, noting previous "flaps" in 1947, 1952, and late 1957. If sightings occur in early 1962, it would support a theory by Prof. Hermann Oberth.

Research in Antarctica

Czechoslovakia joined the seventh Soviet Antarctic expedition with a four-man team of astronomers and physicists. Their work includes photometric measurements of aurora australis and polar light to determine if it is weaker than the aurora borealis, and to understand the cause of aurora shifts. They will also conduct measurements of the Sun's altitude for mapping the Antarctic and use a new device for high-speed measurement of cosmic radiation. Solar radiation measurements are being made to determine astronaut safety.

Outer Space Research Vital

Mr. Zemla of the Czechoslovak delegation emphasized the importance of outer space research due to its complexity and impact on life. He suggested that coordinated research, particularly in biological aspects, could accelerate investigations into interplanetary space and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Earth satellites are seen as crucial for global radio and television transmissions, meteorology, and weather forecasting.

Was this a Super Novae?

Frenk J. DeKinder, Director of observations at the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, reported a bright object spotted in the western sky that may be a super nova, an event occurring approximately every 200 years.

Panorama Feature

This section highlights various astronomical activities and societies:

• The Royal Astronomical Society: The editor attended a meeting featuring speakers like the Astronomer Royal, R. v. d. R. Woolley, Fowler, and Dr. Reddish. The society received an anonymous donation of £1,000.
• University of London Observatory: Several visits have been organized for the public to view the observatory's telescopes and equipment. Demonstrations are provided, and visitors can ask questions.
• The Prostor & District Astronomical Society: This society is open to all interested in astronomy and offers lectures, film shows, and visits. Membership is 15/- per year.
• The Dutch Interplanetary Scientific Committee: Their publication, DISC DIGEST, will be published in English from March 1962, featuring articles on space and time, cosmogony, space phenomena, and more. Subscription rates are 18/- for four issues.
• JUNIOR ASTROLOGICAL SOCIETY: A local group is forming, with informational meetings and discussions planned.

Letters

Several letters from readers are included:

• An "Astronomer" from Glastonbury, Somerset, understands the difficult position of those studying UFOs and the need to avoid the "lunatic fringe."
• An "Astrophysicist" from the University of Manchester expresses an open mind on UFOs but suggests that the lack of recent reports might indicate mass hysteria in earlier years.
• Lt. Col. G. F. B. Stephenson, F.R.A.S., wishes the publication success.
• K. G. Wyld from Northwood wishes the publication success.
• The Hon. Brinsley le Poer Trench congratulates the editor on the efficient organization of obtaining books.
• H. Lord from Newcastle-on-Tyne encloses 4/- for six issues and expresses hope for the publication's future.
• Mollie Thompson from Darwen wishes success amidst "upheavals within Luforo."
• J. G. Roberts from Preston & District Astronomical Society sees the publication as overdue and expresses willingness to help.

London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation

The editor clarifies that SPACE REVIEW is not connected with LUFORO in any way, nor is it a branch publication for any group. The editor sees no reason to endorse LUFORO's methods or expect financial support from UNESCO for flying saucer study.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mysteries of space, the possibility of extraterrestrial life and phenomena, and the scientific investigation of the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded scientific inquiry, encouraging the sharing of information and theories while maintaining a critical perspective, as evidenced by the clarification regarding LUFORO and the discussion on distinguishing serious research from the "lunatic fringe."