Space Review - vol 1 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE REVIEW
Volume: I
Issue: 3
Date: June 1962
Publisher: Not specified
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Price: 1/- (35c)

'Space Review' is presented as a non-political and non-sectarian publication aimed at promoting interest in astronomy and allied sciences. The views expressed in signed articles do not necessarily reflect the editor's opinion.

Editorial

The editorial discusses the possibility of extraterrestrial life, referencing a 'secret meeting' of scientists and industrialists reported in the New York Times. This meeting, sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences, explored the detection of signals from other worlds, with scientists believing such signals might already be reaching Earth. Dr. Philip Morrison of Cornell University suggested the need for unique communication channels and 'language lessons' for potential extraterrestrial messages. An alternative idea from Ernest H. Wells proposed sending a probe to jam alien broadcasts to attract attention. The meeting was attended by representatives from manufacturers and included scientists like Dr. Melvin Calvin and Dr. John C. Lilly, whose research on porpoise communication might shed light on communicating with alien intelligences.

The editorial also notes the high costs of postage, printing, and stationery, leading to an increase in the price of 'Space Review' to 1/- per single copy or 6/6d for a six-issue subscription. The dollar rates are 35c for single copies and $1.50 for a subscription. Future issues are promised to be slightly larger.

The Energy Necessary to Produce Lunar Craters and Ring-Mountains

By Dr. Peter Hédervári, F.I.L.D., F.G.S. (Geophysical Institute, Budapest)

This article explores the energy sources behind the formation of lunar craters and ring-mountains. Dr. Hédervári posits that while terrestrial volcanoes differ morphologically from lunar craters, the volcanism on the Moon might be responsible for central peaks and domes. The energy for lunar crater formation is believed to originate from the Moon's interior, with smaller craterlets possibly formed by meteor impacts. The author adapts a formula from Japanese volcanologist Dr. I. Yokoyama, which relates thermal energy to the volume and density of volcanic structures. Calculations using data from Dr. R. B. Baldwin estimate the energy required for crater walls. The article suggests that the source of this energy was the expansion of the Moon, a hypothesis based on Professor L. Egyed's theory of Earth's expansion. This expansion is linked to the Earth's core being in a metallic state, which decreases in pressure as gravity decreases over time, causing the metallic material to transform and the Earth to expand. The Moon, having had a metallic core in the past, would have also expanded. The calculations indicate that the transformation of the Moon's metallic core supplied significantly more energy than that needed for tectonic processes.

1962 Space Log

By Brian S. Dean

This regular feature provides updates on recent events in astronautics and space research. Key events in early 1962 include:

• January 13th: U.S. Air Force's discoverer satellite launch failed.
• January 15th: NASA's sub-orbital test of a communications satellite failed.
• January 23rd: U.S. Navy's Composite 1 satellite launch failed.
• January 26th: NASA's Ranger III mission to the Moon missed its target.
• February 8th: Tiros IV weather satellite was launched, providing cloud cover and heat balance data.
• February 20th: Col. John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth in the Mercury/Atlas.
• February 21st: U.S. Air Force launched a secret satellite.
• February 27th: U.S. Air Force launched Discover 38, carrying metal samples.
• March 7th: NASA orbited its first Solar Observatory.
• March 16th: Russia launched a new sputnik transmitting ionosphere data.

Evidence for the Propagation of Extraterrestrial Life

By Dr. Erpent, M.A.

This article explores the possibility of widespread extraterrestrial life. It discusses recent analytical studies of the Orgueil meteorite, which fell in France in 1863, revealing traces of organic matter. The author, along with colleagues at Harvard, proposes a theory that this organic matter originates not from a disrupted planet, but from Jupiter. This hypothesis is supported by Jupiter's proximity during the meteorite's fall and spectroscopic analysis of Jupiter's atmosphere, which, along with data on Venus, suggests that planets may be more Earth-like than previously thought. The article suggests that Jupiter might have a solid surface beneath its outer mantle, potentially supporting life, and that volcanic activity could eject material into space. The presence of organic matter consistent with this idea, despite Jupiter's high escape velocity, is considered plausible. The author concludes that meteorite analyses provide proof that life is not confined to Earth.

The article also touches upon Dr. Carl Sagan's view that Jupiter's clouds act as a greenhouse, trapping heat and making it potentially more habitable than Venus, which has a surface temperature of 600°F due to a similar effect. It mentions the detection of molecular oxygen in Venus's atmosphere as a significant finding supporting the possibility of life there.

Oxygen in Atmosphere of Venus

This section reports on the discovery of molecular oxygen in the upper layers of Venus's atmosphere by Vladimir Prokofyev of the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory. Using unique spectra obtained with a solar telescope, Prokofyev detected absorption in the Sun's light, indicating the presence of oxygen. This discovery is considered a major step in understanding Venus. The article notes that Venus's atmosphere is known to contain carbon dioxide, and previous evidence for nitrogen has also been found. Further studies by scientists at the Crimean Observatory are planned. The article also mentions experiments by Dr. Dollfus and spectroscopic analysis by Gordon Newkirk and N. A. Kozyrev, which identified molecular nitrogen and atomic oxygen in Venus's atmosphere. Mr. V. Firsoff's conclusion that Venus could be very Earth-like under its cloud mantle is strengthened by the discovery of oxygen, as oxygen's reactivity suggests a photosynthesis source, possibly vegetation, which would require water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen (N2).

UNKNOWN MONSTER PUZZLES SCIENTISTS

This section reports on the inspection of a mysterious carcass found on a beach in Tasmania by Australian scientist Dr. B. C. Mollison. The 'body' is described as 20-ft long, 18-ft wide, and 4.5-ft thick, circular in shape, with no eyes, head, or bone structure. Its skin is thick, rubbery flesh covered with woolly hair, and it is unaffected by heat. Dr. J. R. Simons suggests it might be a rayfish or a mollusc without its shell. The article also mentions a report from Moscow Radio about two 'Loch Ness Monsters' seen by Soviet geologists and geographers in Siberia, described as large, finned creatures.

NEW BOOKS

The Earth, the Planets and the Stars by Lieut-Col. K. Edgeworth, D.S.O., M.C., F.R.A.S., F.R.I.E.E.
Published by Chapman & Hall Ltd., London, 1961. Net Price 25s.

This book is described as unorthodox, presenting arguments against widely accepted theories of planetary and stellar evolution. It covers astronomy and geophysics comprehensively, making it accessible to non-technical readers, with an appendix for those with technical training. The reviewer found the discussion on planetary instability particularly interesting, suggesting it might explain the 'galactic spring' and overall changes in Earth's meteorological conditions, possibly even hinting at the rise of Atlantis. The book's contention that the future might involve a 'big jolt' is supported by various aspects discussed.

LETTERS

This section contains letters from readers:

• Brian S. Dean congratulates the publication on its first issue, suggesting that some statements, like "the moon is redder than the Sun but would appear orange to a moon traveller," might need further explanation for scientists.
• Gene Duplantier from Toronto expresses enjoyment of the new bulletin and wishes it continued success.
• David A. Haray from Birmingham also congratulates the editor on the first issue, noting that while he usually relies on 'SPACEFLIGHT' and 'SKY & TELESCOPE', 'Space Review' provides interesting news items he might otherwise miss.
• Dr. P. Hédervári from Budapest thanks the editor for the useful copy of 'Space Review' and expresses eagerness for future issues.
• P. Sterkey from Kingston Hill, Surrey, notes that the issue is an American review, different from others he has seen, and thanks the editor for sending it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes interest in astronomy and space exploration, with a particular focus on the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the scientific investigation of planets. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and receptive to new theories, as evidenced by the inclusion of articles on lunar expansion and Jovian origins of life, while also maintaining a commitment to scientific reporting through features like the 'Space Log'. The publication aims to bridge the gap between technical and general readership, making complex subjects accessible. There is also an underlying theme of the vastness and mystery of the universe, encouraging readers to consider unconventional ideas alongside established scientific knowledge.

This document is page 9 of an issue of "UFO News", dated approximately April 13, 1962, based on the "Soviet News" reference. It features a "Late Nev-Flashes and Gossip" section, presenting a collection of short reports and comments on various scientific and unusual phenomena.

Late Nev-Flashes and Gossip

Our Universe an Atomic Particle?

Dr. Peter F. Browne, a physicist at the National Physical Observatory, proposes a radical theory that the universe might be a single electron, with smaller particles like neutrinos forming micro-universes. He challenges Professor M. Kyles's expansion theory, suggesting that the red shift in light is caused by 'fatigue' as it travels through the universe's gravitational field. This lost energy, he posits, is absorbed by the universe and reappears as matter, which then undergoes nuclear reactions, releasing light and radiation.

Does Comet Seki-Lines Exist?

A group of Danish astronomers reported their inability to observe a new comet, Seki-Lines, which was expected to be visible in early April from northern latitudes. Their failure to detect the comet led them to conclude that it is non-existent.

Fish Suicide Complex

In Sydney, Australia, on December 21, 1961, a baffling phenomenon occurred where thousands of fish were found dead along nearly 200 miles of coastline. The cause of this mass suicide remains unexplained. Lester Cribb, Chairman of the Evans Head Fisherman's cooperative, noted that whatever caused the event had disappeared.

Lars May Not Be Red Planet

Dr. Nikolai Kozyrev, an astrophysicist at Pulkova Observatory, has conducted spectral observations of Mars. He concludes that the planet's red color is not due to its surface but rather to the absorption of blue and violet rays in its atmosphere. This finding suggests that Mars' atmosphere might be denser than previously estimated.

No Junk in Space Says Woolley

During an April meeting, the Astronomer Royal, R.v.d. R. Woolley, commented on discussions about the upcoming launch of a British-made satellite by the U.S.A. While acknowledging that the release of metal needles might form a temporary belt around Earth, he stressed the need for extreme caution to prevent "any old junk" from being launched into orbit in the future.

Comment

A comment is included, seeking confirmation about another publication with a similar title in the U.S.A., specifically asking for details about its publisher and address, and noting that it is likely an astronomical publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this section are the exploration of unconventional scientific theories (Dr. Browne's universe model, Dr. Kozyrev's Mars atmosphere theory), the investigation of unexplained phenomena (fish suicide, non-existent comet), and practical concerns related to space exploration (space junk). The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on current scientific discussions, astronomical observations, and intriguing, unexplained events, encouraging further inquiry and detail, as evidenced by the comment seeking more information.