Space Review - vol 1 no 5-6

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE REVIEW
Issue: Volume 1, Nos. 5-6
Date: September/November 1962
Publisher: Space Review
Country: England
Language: English
Price: 2/6

This issue of Space Review is a non-political publication aimed at promoting interest in astronomy and allied sciences. The editorial board clarifies that the views expressed in signed articles do not necessarily reflect their own opinions.

Editorial

The editorial addresses a reader's perturbation regarding an "announcement" in the previous issue and provides a brief account of the magazine's expenses and receipts. The publication has incurred a deficit of £4. 8. 11. To avoid further losses, subscription rates are increased to 14/6 for six issues or $2.00 for U.S. and Canada subscribers. Single issues will cost 2/6 plus 4d postage. The editor expresses a plan to print a higher quality magazine using photo-offset methods if sufficient support is received. The last two issues of Volume I have been combined to reduce costs. Readers who originally paid 4/ for Vol. I are kindly asked to send the additional 2/6 to meet the full rate. The editorial also apologizes for over-exposure on figures related to the planet Venus in an article, noting that the subject is difficult to photograph accurately.

Submissions for original articles, news items, letters, and constructive criticisms should be sent to the Editor. Mail will not be answered unless a stamped return envelope is enclosed. Readers are encouraged to send news items for the "Panorama" and "Late News" features, and reports on space news observed in local or daily newspapers. Reports of events and unusual data connected with various sciences are also requested and should be sent to the editorial address with the publication name and date clearly stated.

Contents

• Editorial (Page I)
• Satellites - Project West Ford & Voyager Spacecraft, by J. G. Roberts (Pages 2 & 4)
• Anomalies in Nature, by Harry Lord (Page 5)
• The Universe as a Finite Isolated System, by P. F. Browne, Ph.D. (Page 7)
• The Appearance of Venus 1959 - 1961, by C. M. Pither (Page 11)
• New Books (Page 15)
• Space Log, by Brian S. Dean (Page 16)
• Letters (Page 17)
• Panorama and Late News (Page 19)

Satellites - Project West Ford & Voyager Spacecraft

Project West Ford

This article details the controversial Project West Ford, an American space project proposed in late 1959 by W. E. Morrow and D. C. Maclellan of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The project aimed to place over 300 million tiny copper dipoles, each measuring 1.77 cm long and 0.00286 cm in diameter, into a circular polar orbit around the Earth. The purpose was to test the feasibility of using these orbiting dipoles as passive reflectors for long-range communications and to assess their effect on space activities. The Space Science Board of the National Academy of Sciences conducted an investigation and initially indicated no adverse effects on astronomy. The primary experiment involved transmitting and receiving radio signals reflected by the dipoles. Unlike conventional satellites, a continuous belt of needles would require only one launch and would be virtually unjammable, though replenishment might be needed.

On October 21, 1961, an Atlas D. Agena B. rocket launched from Point Arguello, California, carrying the Midas 4 payload, which included the Project West Ford canister. The Midas 4 satellite achieved a nearly circular orbit with an inclination of 95.9 degrees. Shortly after orbital injection, the naphthalene package containing the 350 million copper dipoles was ejected.

The naphthalene was intended to vaporize, deploying the dipoles at a velocity of approximately 10 feet per second, forming a 5-mile-wide band around the Earth. However, subsequent radar and radio investigations proved negative. The Millstone Hill radar antenna detected an object at an altitude of 2,100 miles, matching the size and orbit for the West Ford belt, but the signal was too weak for positive identification. It was assumed the needles failed to disperse.

Further investigation by the Lincoln Laboratory revealed that the failure of West Ford I was due to insufficient rotational velocity of the naphthalene package upon ejection and low-temperature conditions. The satellite is now designated 1961 alpha delta 2, with Midas 4 as 1961 alpha delta 1, accompanied by two undisclosed objects.

Despite the project's proposal in 1959 and announcement in 1960, protests from astronomers worldwide intensified upon the intention to launch. Astronomers described it as an "intellectual crime" and a "stain on the U.S. space programme." The Soviet Academy of Sciences warned of dangerous consequences to artificial satellites. The International Astronomical Union's Commission on radio astronomy unanimously condemned the project. President Kennedy's science adviser, Dr. Jerome B. Wiesner, assured that no further launches would be planned until the results were analyzed. However, astronomers argued that even a harmless experiment could set a precedent for launching denser belts.

West Ford 2

Due to the failure of West Ford I, a second attempt is planned. Lincoln Laboratory will incorporate a redesigned ejected device, a command radio link, and a VHF beacon for tracking. The number of needles has been reduced to 250 million, and the weight to 50 lbs. The article suggests that the protests may continue, with some astronomers overlooking potential benefits, such as defense against thermonuclear attack.

The Voyager Spacecraft

NASA's space efforts over the next decade will heavily focus on unmanned exploration of the moon and planets. The Voyager spacecraft, currently under design at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is scheduled to orbit Mars and Venus. The first Venus mission is planned for late 1962. Voyager will be launched by a Saturn rocket and, after achieving escape velocity, will make mid-course corrections. A 700 lb capsule will be ejected to land on the planet's surface via parachutes, equipped with a heat shield. Data will be transmitted either to the orbiting spacecraft or directly to Earth. Voyager may be equipped with a thermionic solar power conversion system. The spacecraft is being tested in JPL's new space simulator. While not the first interplanetary probe (the Soviet Union launched an automatic interplanetary station in 1961), Voyager is expected to significantly enhance knowledge of interplanetary space, distances, and communication problems.

Anomalies in Nature?

This article by Harry Lord explores various unexplained phenomena often reported in daily newspapers under headlines like "MYSTERY BLAST," "YELLOW RAIN," "WHIRLWIND HITS TOWN," and "MYSTERY CYLINDER EXPLODES." The author notes that these incidents are often dismissed with vague explanations or left unexplained, suggesting that something may be withheld from the public.

• Examples cited include:
• A metal cylinder falling through a hospital roof in Moorhaven, South Devon, in 1959, which was tentatively identified as an aircraft coupling.
• Reports of falling "ice" from aircraft and "mystery sky blasts" attributed to jets breaking the sonic barrier. Lord references Charles Fort's records, indicating such phenomena occurred long before jets.
• A case in Stebbing, Essex, in 1950, where a substance weighing one pound, described as transparent but not ice or glass, was found. It did not melt and was removed by the Air Ministry.
• Colored rain (yellow, red, blue, purple) reported in Bulgaria and Huddersfield.
• An explosion in a house in East Grinstead in 1953, which broke glass objects without any apparent cause, gas leakage, or fire.

Lord questions whether these phenomena can be explained by current scientific understanding and suggests associating them with other unexplained events. He mentions the case of a "weird creature" found on a beach in Tasmania, which an Australian scientist initially described as something never seen before, unlike whale or crayfish meat, yet later implied it might be whale meat. Lord criticizes the tendency to dismiss or "explain away" such mysteries.

He concludes by referencing Charles Fort's work, advocating for the study of phenomena that cannot be explained by current knowledge of matter and the universe, and urging readers to pay attention to such overlooked events.

The Universe as a Finite Isolated System

This article by Dr. Peter F. Browne delves into theoretical physics, focusing on the concept of inertia and the radius of the Universe (Ru). The author proposes an alternative to Einstein's geometrical theory of gravitation, suggesting a framework based on Maxwell-Lorentz theory applied to gravitation.

(a) Theory of Inertia

Browne posits that while Einstein's equations are covariant as a whole, individual terms are not, implying that general covariance is valid only for a perfectly isolated system, such as the Universe itself. He suggests that for local mass, preferred inertial frames of reference exist. He proposes treating mass as a gravitational charge, with the motion of mass generating gravitational magnetic forces. Inertial force is described as analogous to the inductive force in electricity, opposing acceleration due to the influence of distant mass in the Universe. This explanation of inertia implies that the mean density of mass in the Universe is related to its radius.

The article suggests that this theory can remove difficulties in astrophysics, such as the instability of rotating fluid bodies like stars. Gravomagnetic inductive forces could explain the generation of ordinary magnetic fields in stars, which oscillate as observed.

(b) Hubble's Law and Matter Creation

Browne's derivation of Einstein's equations, which includes the energy-momentum tensor, connects local and distant parts of the Universe and addresses issues in applying energy conservation to gravitational phenomena. The article discusses how radiation passing through a gravitational field is red-shifted and loses energy, implying that the total energy inside a volume must increase or that undetected energy flux must cross the surface to conserve energy.

The Appearance of Venus 1959 - 1961

This article by C. M. Pither discusses observations of the planet Venus between 1959 and 1961. The text mentions that the "sheing on figures d, e, and f has been over-exposed during the printing process," but the points made in the article are still discernible. The author notes that Patrick Moore commented that Venus is always a difficult object to observe accurately, and he has not found a proper solution to the problem. The magazine apologizes to readers, especially astronomers, for any inaccuracies due to the printing issue.

New Books

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Space Log

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Letters

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Panorama and Late News

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Space Review demonstrates a strong interest in space exploration, particularly in satellite technology and planetary missions like Project West Ford and Voyager. There is a clear engagement with scientific controversies, as seen in the detailed discussion and reporting of protests against Project West Ford. The magazine also exhibits a commitment to exploring unexplained phenomena and challenging conventional scientific explanations, as highlighted in Harry Lord's article on "Anomalies in Nature." The editorial stance emphasizes promoting interest in astronomy and allied sciences, while maintaining a degree of editorial neutrality regarding the views expressed by individual contributors. The financial challenges of publishing are also openly addressed, indicating a pragmatic approach to maintaining the publication.

SPACE REVIEW, Vol. 2, No. 1, published in England in 1962, is an exciting new bi-monthly interplanetary journal aimed at exploring all areas of research in the Space Age. The magazine aims to analyze concepts scientifically, explain scientific phenomena in realistic terms, and present the Space Age as a means of salvation from outdated orthodox beliefs. It is presented as the only magazine of its kind published in England and promises an increased number of pages and varied material in its revised form.

Theoretical Physics and Cosmology

The issue delves into theoretical physics, proposing that gravitational radiation is the form of energy flux in the universe. It suggests that the gravitational field is quantized into 'gravitons' of constant energy, representing a basic uncertainty in energy. This energy is theorized to represent a neutrino pair. The graviton field is described as an ether where motion forms vortices, analogous to electrons and positrons, which constitute all matter. Disturbances in this field propagate as waves, identified as electromagnetic radiation, implying a gravitational sub-structure for the electromagnetic field.

The Einstein gravitational red shift is explained as the successive scattering of gravitons. The cosmological red shift is attributed to the transformation of electromagnetic into gravitational radiation, which then acts as a sink for radiation from which matter can be created. It is posited that all photons decay over a distance of the order of the Universe's radius (Ru), requiring approximately 4 x 10¹⁷ seconds. The theory predicts an exponential relationship between red shift and distance, which is suggested to be supported by optical and radio source data.

The concept of matter creation is linked to vortex-type motion in the graviton field, which is replenished by red shift and gravitational radiation from interacting masses like white dwarf stars. Macroscopically, the Universe is described as being in a steady state due to an evolutionary cycle of matter and radiation. The connection between the Universe's radius and the decay of photons is linked to Wheeler and Feynman's absorber theory of radiation, which suggests that the force of radiative reaction can be calculated by assuming the Universe absorbs all radiation emitted by an accelerated charge.

A previous suggestion that the Universe, electron, and neutrino are consecutive members of an infinite series of similar isolated systems is revisited. This idea is supported by the relationship between electromagnetism and gravitation, particularly their analogous mathematical forms in the weak field approximation. The concept of electromagnetic mass is introduced, defining mass as related to electromagnetic energy. This suggests a Cosmos with an alternating gravitational and electromagnetic structure, where the Universe is an elementary particle within a super-universe.

Observation of Venus (1959-1961)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to detailed observations of Venus made between March 25, 1959, and August 12, 1961. The observations were conducted using white light and later with special filters (red, green, and blue).

Challenges in Observation

Venus presents several observational challenges: thick carbon dioxide layers, extreme brilliance, and the difficulty in observing its phase, especially when the planet is far from Earth. The apparent size of the image varies significantly with its phase.

Dichotomy and the Schröter Effect

The theoretical dichotomy of Venus (when exactly half the planet is illuminated) often does not match observed dichotomy, a discrepancy known as the Schröter Effect, which can be up to four days. This effect is linked to the thick cloud layers and the scattering of sunlight. Observations with filters suggest that during western elongations, dichotomy occurs first in red, then white, then blue light, indicating different atmospheric levels. The order is reversed during eastern elongations.

Features Observed

• Cusps: The cusps of Venus can appear extended or rounded. In red light, they are sharper, while in blue light, they are truncated. This suggests that deeper penetration into the atmosphere leads to clearer cusps.
• Cusp Caps: These are bright areas at the cusps, varying in size, shape, and brightness. They can appear at both north and south cusps simultaneously, though not identically. Their size decreases from blue to red light, suggesting their origin is at higher atmospheric levels. They are believed to be caused by solar activity and magnetic fields.
• Offset Cusp Caps: Lighter areas observed away from the cusps, appearing in green or blue light, indicating origin in upper layers. They do not follow the 'size-colour law' of true cusp caps.
• Dark Collar: A dark ring occasionally observed around true cusp caps, its height in the atmosphere is uncertain.
• Limb Brightening: A brightening of the general hue of the disc at the limb.
• Terminator Shadings: Dusky shadings on the terminator, appearing between medium and lower atmospheric levels.
• Disc Shadings: Darker shadings on the visible disc, generally longitudinal or latitudinal in orientation.
• Dark Markings: The darkest features, appearing at lower atmospheric levels. They can form large 'Bays' near the terminator.
• Large Light Areas: High in the atmosphere (in blue light), large white areas cover significant portions of the disc, sometimes subject to light scattering.
• Bright Oval 'Cloud-like' Features: Rare features observed extending from limb brightening.
• Bright Spots: Rare, circular, and the brightest features observed, appearing to be short-lived.

The summary concludes that darker features are found at lower atmospheric levels, while lighter and brighter features are in the higher regions.

New Books Reviews

The issue includes reviews of two recent astronomy books:

• The Fascinating World of Astronomy by Robert S. Richardson (1962): This book is aimed at the ordinary layman, presenting astronomical facts in a question-and-answer format. It covers topics like telescopes, the Moon, planetary conditions, star formation, galaxies, and cosmology. The review notes that due to rapid progress, some information may be outdated, such as details on planetary conditions and measurements of surface temperature. It also mentions the omission of recent findings on Venus and Jupiter's radio noise transmitters and the Martian atmosphere.
• Physics and Astronomy of the Moon edited by Prof. Zdenek Kopal (1962): This book is a compilation by internationally known scientists, focusing on methods for detecting the nature of the lunar surface. It includes interesting plates of lunar maps from the 17th century.

Regular Features and Subscription Information

Regular features include Book Reviews, Panorama & Late News, Space Log or Satellite Launchings, Comments & Letters, and Editorials. Manuscripts are accepted from subscribers, subject to editorial amendment. Authors are entitled to one copy of the issue in which their article appears. Gift subscriptions are offered at reduced rates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around theoretical physics, particularly gravitation and its relation to electromagnetism, and detailed observational astronomy, exemplified by the extensive report on Venus. The editorial stance, as conveyed by the editor's letter and the magazine's stated aims, is to promote a forward-looking, scientific exploration of the Space Age, challenging conventional beliefs and presenting complex topics in an accessible manner for both scientists and laymen. There is a strong emphasis on the potential of the Space Age and a belief in its salvific power.

Title: SPACE REVIEW
Issue: Vol:I No.4
Date: July/August, 1962
Publisher: SPACE REVIEW
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of SPACE REVIEW delves into a variety of topics related to space exploration, astronomy, and UFO phenomena. It features contributions from scientists and researchers, alongside reader correspondence and news briefs.

Lunar Observations and Atmosphere

The issue opens with a piece by Dr. N.A. Kozyrev, who discusses his contributions to understanding the physical nature of the Moon and nearby planets, including a spectroscopic analysis of the Alphonsus eruption on November 3rd, 1958. Dr. A. Dollfus of the Paris Observatory is mentioned for his work on the polarization of moonlight and the detection of a lunar atmosphere, estimating its density to be considerably low compared to Earth's. A concluding thought from Kozyrev questions the rationale of sending rockets to the Moon if it proves hostile to life.

Space Log: Satellite and Rocket Launches

Brian S. Dean's 'Space Log' provides a detailed chronicle of space activities in May and June 1962. Key events include:

• May 23rd: U.S. Air Force launches a Blue Scout booster with a classified satellite from Point Arguello.
• May 31st: Another Blue Scout launch from Point Arguello.
• June 1st: The 10 lb. Oscar II satellite is launched by the U.S. Air Force on behalf of the American Radio Relay League, piggy-backed on a Discoverer satellite via a Thor-Agena B from Vandenberg.
• June 17th: U.S. Air Force launches a Thor-Agena booster with a classified satellite from Point Arguello.
• June 18th: A second classified satellite is launched by the U.S. Air Force aboard an Atlas Agena from Vandenberg.
• June 19th: NASA's 285 lb. weather satellite Tiros V is launched from Cape Canaveral by a Thor-Delta booster, intended for hurricane and ice break-up information. It has an elliptical orbit with an apogee of 604 miles and perigee of 367 miles.
• June 30th: Cosmos VI is successfully launched by the Soviet Union, the sixth in its series.
• July 3rd: The 651 ft high balloon Stratoscope II fails to reach its target altitude of 80,000 ft during its final test flight.
• July 8th: The U.S. explodes a thermonuclear bomb of over one megaton at an altitude of 200 miles, launched by a Thor booster. This was the third attempt, with previous attempts on June 4th and 20th failing, and the explosion drew criticism.
• July 10th: The Telstar satellite is launched from Cape Canaveral by a Thor-Delta booster for trans-atlantic television and telephone experiments. It has a highly elliptical orbit with an apogee of 3,502 miles and perigee of 593 miles.

Letters to the Editor

Letter from David Wightman: Wightman comments on an article by P. Heselton, finding the discussion of 'ley tracks' in relation to UFOs to be "much to do about nothing." He references Alfred Watkins' "The Ley Hunter's Manual" and argues that ley courses are adequately explained by common sense, not mystery. He criticizes the 'orthoteny' theory, stating that observations must be taken at the zenith for accurate placement on a map, and suggests that while it might complement evidence for intelligently controlled objects, it doesn't prove it. He draws a parallel to an article on sand martin migration, where bird flight patterns also formed straight lines, questioning the significance of such patterns.

Wightman expresses a desire to believe UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft but remains unsatisfied, noting that no one has advanced beyond speculation about their motives or propulsion. He muses on the idea of forming a 'Ley Hunter's Club' but deems it unoriginal.

Letter from David C. Jones: Jones congratulates the magazine on its production and contributing authors. He discusses the idea of a national UFO investigation federation, advocating for a dynamic leader and considerable work. He notes the current "stale-mate in the UFO field" and suggests more interest can be found in space research. He mentions Scott Carpenter's explanation of 'space particles' as frost on his capsule, and a similar explanation for 'objects' photographed by X-15 pilot Joe Walker, which NASA attributed to ice flakes from the liquid oxygen fuel tank.

Letter from Brian S. Dean: Dean critiques Henry Gallard's article "Atmospheric Pressure and Aeronautics." He questions Gallard's information source and reasoning, particularly regarding "cathodic rays" (assumed to be cathode rays) creating a vacuum, fluorescence, and control by rheostats. Dean finds the idea of occupants being unaffected by sudden changes in acceleration/deceleration to be "nonsense," citing evidence from rocket sled experiments. He also questions why, if a vacuum collapsing doesn't crush a vehicle, atmospheric pressure doesn't cause everything on Earth to collapse.

Panorama and Late News

This section provides a collection of brief news items:

• ORBIT: A publication covering space-age news, philosophy, and aerial phenomena, available in four issues for 7/-.
• Canadian Publication: A publication from the Canadian overseas editor covering space, general science, and paranormal subjects, available in six issues for $2.15.
• Preston & District Astronomical Society: Publishes a quarterly journal and holds monthly meetings.
• Convention on Astronomy: Scheduled for September 7th, 8th, and 9th at Ratcliffe College, Leicester, featuring professional speakers.
• Soviet Views on Mars & Moon: Soviet astronomer Prof. Vsevolod Sharnov suggests yellow fogs on Mars are dust (limonite). Scientist Vsevolod Troitsky believes radio wave research indicates the Moon's surface has a deep, porous layer.
• Hungarian Book on the Moon: "A Hold rizikája" by P. Hedervari is noted as the first Hungarian book devoted to lunar study, focusing on the geophysical viewpoint.
• Radar UFOs--an explanation?: P. J. Harney of Cambridge Research Laboratories theorizes that certain cloud formations can create dish-like reflecting surfaces in the atmosphere, causing radar beams to reflect back and create "false targets" mistaken for UFOs.
• Rocket Data Upsets Astronomers: Research by three scientists indicates stars existed longer than expected, have lower temperatures, and different evolutionary processes. Their findings suggest stars are created faster from space dust.
• Giant Fireball Trails Sky: A large fireball was observed over British Columbia, Alberta, Washington State, and Idaho on May 28th, 1962, identified as a giant meteor by Dr. K. M. Petrie. It caused panic at a baseball game in Vancouver.
• Sea Yields 45-foot Monster: In Japan, a 45-foot long, snake-like monster with a head about 1 foot in circumference was spotted on the beach.
• Canada and U.S.A. Seek Data on Meteors and Fireballs: Government agencies are collecting eyewitness accounts to find meteor material for the National Research Council's committee.
• Two "Robots" Frighten Woman: In Buenos Aires, a woman reported seeing an unidentified saucer-shaped object and two robot-like men. Experts confirmed singed grass in the area.
• Solar Atmospheric Oxygen Abundance: Astrophysicists D.F. Faulkner and D. Mugglestone detected oxygen lines in the solar spectrum.
• Venus Nears Dichotomy ahead of Time: Observers are urged to monitor Venus as it nears dichotomy sooner than expected.
• Two Up - Three Lore to Go?: Major Andrian Nikolayev and Lt. Col. Pavel Popovich have broken space records orbiting Earth in tandem, sending back valuable scientific information. It is speculated that three more launchings are expected.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of space, the scientific study of celestial bodies, and the persistent mystery of UFOs. The magazine appears to present a balanced view, featuring scientific observations and theories alongside reports of unexplained phenomena and reader speculation. The editorial stance, as inferred from the letters and content, is one of open inquiry into UFOs and space, while maintaining a critical perspective on unsubstantiated claims and encouraging rigorous scientific investigation. The inclusion of diverse news items, from satellite launches to alleged monster sightings, reflects a broad interest in the unusual and the unknown within the context of space and aerial phenomena.