Space Review - vol 1 no 4

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE REVIEW
Issue: Volume 1 No. 4
Date: 1962, July/August
Publisher: Space Review
Country: England
Price: 1/- (35¢)

This issue of Space Review is 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 opinion of the editor.

Contents

Editorial

S. K. Stebbing, the editor, addresses recent newspaper reports regarding the U.S. Government's high-altitude experimental H-test. He notes strong objections from scientists like Prof. Sir Bernard Lovell and Prof. Martin Ryle, who fear the test could disrupt the Van Allen radiation belt, wasting years of research and potentially subjecting Earth to additional dangerous ultraviolet radiation. The editorial also briefly mentions 'Project Test Ford 2,' which involves metal needles forming a luminous belt to disrupt radio communications, clarifying that a UK satellite is not involved.

Satellites - Orbiting Solar Observatory & Tiros IV

Orbiting Solar Observatory (OSO) by J. G. Roberts

This article details the launch of the first in a series of astronomical satellites, OSO, on March 7th, 1962, from Cape Canaveral. Launched into a 330-inclined orbit, OSO is equipped with various scientific instruments from different institutions, including neutron flux sensors, electron-proton analyzers, and spectrometers for ultraviolet and X-ray bands. The satellite, weighing 440 pounds and standing 37 inches high, uses a rotating wheel section for stability and a stabilized section with silicon cells for solar energy conversion and pitch control. OSO orbits Earth every 96.15 minutes and is designed to study the Sun's spectra. This is highlighted as the first time scientists can aim a scientific instrument at a celestial body in space while it is in orbit. OSO 2 is planned for launch later in the year. The data collected by OSO is freely available to all nations.

Tiros IV by J. G. Roberts

The article also covers the launch of Tiros IV, a weather satellite, on February 8th, 1962, from the Atlantic Missile Range. Tiros IV features TV cameras designed to transmit cloud cover images of Earth. One camera has a wide-angle lens covering 700 miles square, while another has a medium-angle lens for 450-mile square coverage with minimal distortion. Early photographs showed the Great Lakes area, including ice-free regions of Lakes Superior and Michigan, suggesting potential for mapping ice-free areas. Future Tiros launches (V, VI, VII) are planned, along with the meteorological satellite Nimbus and the advanced weather satellite Aeros.

Spacecraft and the Old Straight Track

By Philip Heselton

This article explores the concept of 'orthoteny' and its potential connection to extraterrestrial spacecraft. Heselton references the work of Alfred Watkins, an archaeologist who discovered that many prehistoric landmarks, such as mounds, mark stones, and ancient camps, fall in straight lines, termed 'leys.' These leys are not limited to ancient sites, as churches, crosses, and even moats and castle mounds can align. The article suggests that these alignments might be used by spacecraft as guides. It discusses the mathematical proof of leys' existence, showing a low probability of coincidence. Heselton mentions his research in Surrey, where he found numerous leys, some intersecting at a single point. He provides a list of ley centers with grid references and the number of leys passing through them. The pattern of leys is compared to orthotenic lines observed in France in 1954, noting the multitude of parallel lines. Heselton proposes forming a 'Ley Hunter's club' to compile a National Ley Index.

Atmospheric Pressure and Aeronautics

By Henry Gallart

Gallart discusses atmospheric pressure as a powerful, yet underutilized, source of energy and propulsion. He explains that pressure is a force exerted on a body, varying with altitude. The article posits that spacecraft observed in the skies might use a 'pro-gravity principle,' jet propulsion, atomic energy, or atmospheric pressure. The latter method involves creating a vacuum around the craft using powerful cathodic rays emitted from projectors. This system is described as ideal for saucer-shaped craft. The thrust generated by atmospheric pressure is calculated to be immense. Gallart suggests that this method could lead to cheaper and easier travel, fostering better understanding among people. He also touches upon the concept of 'Free Energy' and the potential for discovering practical methods of using it.

Book Reviews

• The Planet Saturn by A. F. O'D. Alexander: Hailed as a comprehensive study and a leading textbook on Saturn, this book includes hitherto unpublished works of Tycho Brahe in English and covers observations from 650 B.C. to the present.
• 1962 Yearbook of Astronomy: Edited by Dr. J. G. Porter and Patrick Moore, this yearbook is recommended for predicting astronomical events in 1962 and includes articles of popular interest, such as one on the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory.

Letters

• C. D. Allan, Coventry: Comments on an article about fireballs and Patrick Moore's reply, disputing the USAF's classification of a sighting in New Mexico as unexplained and referring to Tacker's book for details.
• J. G. Roberts, Blackpool: Expresses satisfaction with the magazine's content but questions the scientific knowledge of Pamela Green regarding astroscience. He also comments on 'Project Vest Ford 2,' noting its military rather than scientific links with Britain.
• John J. Robinson, Jersey City: Comments on Prof. Sir Bernard Lovell's emphasis on the dangers of space contamination by orbiting metal needles, quoting him: "If space is turned into another military sphere we can forget about scientific research."
• Henry Brinton, Selsey, Sussex: Expresses intrigue with an article by 'S. Erpent' regarding 'dimolecular polystyrenes' in Saturn's atmosphere, seeking more information. He also notes the originality of the magazine's contributors and their names.
• Peter Hédervári, Budapest: Praises the magazine's latest issue, particularly the title page artwork, and congratulates David Hardy on his drawing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of scientific advancement, speculative theories, and unexplained phenomena. There's a clear interest in space exploration, satellite technology, and astronomical discoveries. Simultaneously, the publication delves into more fringe topics like UFOs, ancient mysteries (leys), and alternative energy sources ('Free Energy'). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and encouraging reader participation, as evidenced by the 'Letters' section and the call for a 'Ley Hunter's club.' The magazine also voices concerns about the militarization of space and its potential negative impact on scientific research.

This document is a scanned page from a publication titled "SPACE LOG" by Brian S. Dean. It appears to be a log of space-related events, astronomical news, and other scientific and unusual reports, likely from the early 1960s, given the dates mentioned.

Space Log: April-May 1962

Satellite and Spacecraft Launches:

The "SPACE LOG" section details numerous satellite launches and space missions during April and May 1962. A special note highlights the U.S. Defence Department's new policy, announced on March 23rd, of not revealing information on military satellite launchings, classifying them as such.

• April 6th: Cosmos II was launched into a highly elliptical orbit to improve space vehicle construction and for scientific investigation of the outer space environment.
• April 9th: A classified satellite was successfully launched by an Atlas-Agena B from Point Arguello. It carried an unclassified proton damage experiment to measure space radiation effects.
• April 12th: A classified satellite launch aboard a Blue Scout from Cape Canaveral failed when the second stage did not ignite. The satellite was intended to provide data for the Vela Hotel programme for detecting nuclear explosions in space.
• April 17th: A classified satellite was launched by a Thor-Agena B from Vandenberg.
• April 25th: A Saturn space-booster had its first launch from Cape Canaveral. This was a first stage with dummy upper stages, intended for future 1.3 million lb. thrust boosters for large manned satellite and moon vehicles.
• April 23rd: Ranger IV was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, but due to a timer malfunction, no useful data was obtained. It ultimately hit the far side of the moon.
• April 24th: Cosmos III was successfully launched to measure radiation belts, cloud patterns, and other phenomena.
• April 26th: Four launchings occurred: (1) The international satellite Ariel, carrying a British payload of 6 experiments, was launched by a Thor-Delta booster. (2) Cosmos IV was launched on a 1.25 million-mile trip and was later returned to Earth. (3) Two classified satellites were launched from Point Arguello, using Blue Scout and Atlas Agena B boosters.
• May 8th: The Atlas-Centaur prototype disintegrated 54 seconds after launching from Cape Canaveral. The Centaur vehicle is designed for a series of U.S. lunar and planetary exploration programmes.
• May 10th: The ANINA geodetic satellite failed to orbit when the second stage of its Thor-Able-Star booster failed to ignite. The satellite contained a flashing light beacon and instruments to increase the accuracy of Earth's surface measurements.
• May 15th: A classified satellite was launched from Vandenberg using a Thor-Agena B booster.
• May 24th: Scott Carpenter successfully orbited the Earth in his Aurora 7 Mercury capsule, but overshot the target by 200 miles.
• May 27th (speculated): Cosmos V was launched into a polar orbit, speculated to transmit data on the Van Allen Belt.

Panorama and Late News:

• Ion-Propelled Satellites to Mars by 1980: Dr. Ernst Stuchlinger, an American space researcher, stated in Paris that men might make return trips to Mars in ion-propelled vehicles by 1980 or 1985. Five ships would travel together for mutual support. The journey would utilize ionized atom propulsion, with laboratory tests completed and first space tests planned for the end of the year. (Reported by The Province, April 2nd, 1962).

Science Nears Earth Origin:

Professor Sir Bernard Lovell, a British astronomer, stated in Halifax on April 14th, 1962, that science is close to deciding between two conflicting theories about the universe's origin: either it began with a Big Bang 10 billion years ago, or it has always existed in its current form. Radio telescopes have so far been unable to prove either theory. (Ref: The Vancouver Sun, April 16th, 1962).

Matter and Anti-Matter:

During the third week of March, two significant events occurred in nuclear physics: the creation and measurement of the anti-xi-minus (anti-particle of the xi-minus, also known as the anti-cascade hyperon), and the operations of a new anti-proton beam sponsored jointly by Harvard University and the Institute of Technology. Anti-matter is charged oppositely to everyday particles. It is estimated that an anti-universe exists, which would instantly annihilate our universe upon contact. (Reference: The New York Times, March 18th, 1962).

8-Hour Shake of Globe Told by Geologists:

Dr. Jack Oliver of Columbia University's Lamont Geological Observatory disclosed on April 6th, 1962, that the Earth experienced a "storm" of tremors for 8 hours on June 6th, 1961, greater than any previously recorded. The disturbance, occurring at 27-second intervals, remains unexplained but is theorized to be caused by ocean waves or shifting molten material beneath the Atlantic floor. (Ref: C.A. Honey, Hughes Research Laboratories, California, 1962).

300,000-Year-Old Skeleton Found:

In Oita, Japan, on May 3rd, 1962, the skeleton of a Stone Age man, believed to be the most ancient found in Japan, was discovered on the southernmost island of Kyushu. Researchers, led by Takashi Tomikite, unearthed over 30 primitive stone implements near the skeleton, found about 12 feet deep near the mouth of the Ono River. The skeleton and tools are estimated to be as much as 300,000 years old.

Luminous Hydrogen Cover Discovered In Milky Way:

Soviet astrophysicists at the Crimean Observatory have discovered huge clouds of luminous hydrogen in gigantic stellar systems of the Milky Way type. Photographed for the first time with a new 98-inch telescope using electronic optical photography, these clouds suggest that hot stars emitting ultraviolet radiation are not always responsible for hydrogen luminosity. The photographs show jets or ejections of luminous hydrogen originating in galactic centers. This discovery is seen as additional evidence supporting the theory of eternal star formation in galaxies.

London Meeting:

The British Astronomical Association scheduled an extra meeting for July 25th at Burlington House, Piccadilly, to discuss observations of Jupiter. Attendance is limited, and interested visitors should write to the editorial address for details.

Lunar Section Meeting:

The BAA Lunar Section held its annual meeting on June 2nd. Director Dr. Gilbert Fielder emphasized the need for continued lunar observations, even with potential future moon landings. He noted that astronauts might not be able to conduct the same types of observations as astronomers. The section aims to promote lunar study, with related articles to be published in the BAA Journal. SCOPE magazine from University College London Astronomical Society is available for 1/- plus postage. The Venus Section is divided into a sub-section for filter observers, with results to be published in Sk.

Watch Out:

The next issue will feature an article titled "The Universe as a Finite Isolated System" by Dr. Peter F. Browne of the National Physical Laboratory.

V.M.-Day?:

An American astronomer, Dr. John Merrill, and his wife, were studying the "liberation of the Moon" with telescopes at the Bosscha Observatory in Lembang, Indonesia. (Antara News Bulletin, November 15th, 1961; The Observatory, February, 1962).

Pink Snow for Italy:

Cueneo, Italy, experienced pink snow, speculated to be caused by minute particles of Sahara sand carried by warm air currents mixed with a cold front. Similar phenomena, including yellow rain and pinkish-yellow snow, were reported in Russia and Bulgaria during March 1962.

Pilot and Astronauts Observe Unknown Objects in Space:

American X-15 pilot Joe Walker reported sighting mysterious discs during a 50-mile-high flight, which showed up on film. Astronaut John Glenn and Soviet cosmonaut Herman Titov also reported sighting strange objects during their orbital flights. (Ref: Daily Mail, May 12th, 1962).

Hovercroft in Service This Summer:

The Soviet Union's first hovercraft, a 12-ton craft capable of carrying 38 passengers, will go into service this summer. It is 58-ft long and 21-ft wide and can travel a few inches above water or hover over the ground. (Soviet News, May 17th, 1962).

Announcement:

Due to the low original subscription fee of 4/-, the publication is facing financial difficulties. Advertising has been minimized, and articles with diagrams, illustrations, or photographs cannot be reproduced due to extra expense. Readers are kindly asked to donate towards these costs to enable the publication to increase its pages and reproductions. Donations can be sent to SPACE REVIEW, 2 Station Road, Frimley, Nr. Aldershot, Hants.

Earth is Pear-shaped:

Recent data from satellite probes, reported by The Daily Mail on May 29th, indicates that the Earth is pear-shaped, not an oblate sphere. Further satellite data suggests the solar atmosphere extends at least 95 million miles.

Meteorite & Fireball Reports in Brief:

A glowing red fireball smashed through the window of a diesel train near Nottingham on March 14th, 1962. Other objects were reported in northern England, Ireland, and Canada during March and mid-April.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "SPACE LOG" are the rapid advancements in space exploration, particularly satellite launches and the development of new propulsion systems. There is a strong focus on reporting both official and unofficial accounts of space activities, including classified missions and astronaut observations. The publication also covers a range of astronomical and scientific discoveries, from the origin of the universe to the properties of anti-matter and the composition of interstellar clouds. The inclusion of unusual sightings, such as "mysterious discs" and "pink snow," suggests an editorial stance that is open to reporting phenomena that may be outside conventional scientific explanation. The announcement regarding the need for reader donations indicates a publication that relies on its readership for support, possibly suggesting a niche or independent publication.