Space Review - vol 1 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE REVIEW
Issue: Volume I No. 2
Date: April 1962
Editor: S. R. Stebbing, F.I.L.S.

This issue of SPACE REVIEW presents a collection of articles and news items focused on astronomy, space exploration, and the burgeoning field of UFO research. The magazine aims to provide a platform for scientific discussion and the dissemination of information on these subjects.

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the growth of the newsletter, acknowledging the constraints of duplicating costs while expressing enjoyment in producing the publication. The editor encourages reader feedback and contributions, noting that the earlier appeal for articles has successfully filled the needs for the upcoming two issues. The editorial also addresses the editor's dissociation with LUJOR, bringing a large number of enquiries, and briefly touches upon the successful orbital flight of Col. John Glenn, highlighting the unidentified luminous particles observed during his mission.

Articles

Lunar Dust May Be Hazardous to Spacecraft By J.l. Huberts

This article discusses studies by the Armour Research Institute in the United States concerning the lunar surface. It highlights that loose dust on crater floors could pose a hazard to landing spacecraft, as rockets might blast a deep hole. The article suggests that the maria (plains) are believed to be rigid and smooth, offering a better landing target. Lunar highlands and crater rims are noted as being free from dust. The dust on the lunar surface is described as free-flowing, similar to 'silver sand,' due to electrostatic forces and the Moon's low gravity. Craters are said to have thick layers of dust, potentially miles deep, which could trap spacemen. There is also a mention of potential moisture on the Moon, possibly from impacted meteors, which might act as a 'cement' for building materials. The findings align with visual and radio observations, and research scientists are confirming them in laboratory vacuum conditions.

On the Problem of Present Lunar Vulcanism By Dr. Peter Hédervári

This piece examines the phenomenon of lunar volcanism, specifically referencing an observation by Kozyrev on November 3rd, 1958, of a volcanic gas eruption in the ring-mountain Alphonsus. A subsequent observation of a new red spot near the central peak is discussed. The author hypothesizes that the new spot might consist of lava from the ring-mountain, possibly originating from two volcanic pipes—a thicker one forming the central peak and a thinner one through which gas and lava exploded, creating a parasitic crater. The article also briefly mentions an alternative explanation for the red spot from a group of linguists, suggesting it was a spaceship.

Extra-Terrestrial Life By Dr. Dominic Fidler

Dr. Fidler explores the possibility of life beyond Earth, starting with the advent of space travel. He discusses the general dismissal of UFOs by scientific bodies until the late 1950s, despite some evidence. Regarding the Moon, he states its conditions are hostile to known life forms, though some believe in the existence of insects. More promising are Mars and Venus. Researches suggest abundant water-vapour on Venus, making marine life probable, and the possibility of a highly organized marine civilization. The article also touches upon Mars, with spectroscopic investigations supporting a 'habitable Mars' theory due to a potential underground hydrosphere and sufficient oxygen. The author concludes that while UFOs might be interplanetary craft, they are certainly extra-terrestrial and could originate from Mars, Venus, or Titan, urging an open mind.

Books

Springtime of the Stars by Georges Beau, translated by Dr. Hector J. Chiselsharpe:
This book presents a new theory on universal evolution based on cosmic cycles, covering topics like the end of the world, galactic seasons, and UFOs. It is recommended for those interested in astronomy, geology, and other sciences.

The Challenge of Unidentified Flying Objects by Prof. Charles [nd R chard Hall:
This book attempts to apply a scientific method to the UFO problem. It exposes secrecy surrounding UFO information and discusses electro-magnetic interference, radiation effects, and other phenomena. The authors emphasize that UFO reports from reputable witnesses deserve attention and that scientists are best equipped to study the data objectively.

Do Super-Dense Stars Have a Crystalline Centre?

This section discusses a hypothesis by Soviet physicist David Kirzhnits, suggesting that at stellar temperatures, the compressed substance of stars is crystalline rather than gaseous. He claims forces emerge at super-high densities that can stop atoms, aligning them into crystalline structures. This is applied to white dwarfs, which have great density.

More Meteors

Research by Soviet scientists has established a greater number of meteoric particles in the solar system than previously believed. This was announced at the astronomical council of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. Astronomers have determined the orbital paths of thousands of meteors and are preparing a catalogue. Experiments using electronic-optical devices are also being conducted to register meteoric phenomena.

Dense Clouds

A four-man team at Manchester University is planning a three-year project to study the secrets of Mars, Venus, and space. They intend to use giant balloons to lift instruments to 10,000 ft. for infra-red studies of planets, aiming to discover the 'missing link' in interstellar space—molecular hydrogen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are space exploration, astronomical phenomena (lunar surface, stars, meteors), and the investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation and discussion of potentially controversial topics like UFOs and extraterrestrial life, while maintaining a grounded, evidence-based approach. The magazine positions itself as a source for those interested in the frontiers of scientific discovery and the mysteries of the universe.