Aug 28 1965
From The Space Library
Prof. Robert H. Dicke of Princeton Univ. suggested in the Astronomical Journal that a way to map the sun's shape as a test of Einstein's theory of relativity would be to use measurements of the orbit of the asteroid Icarus as it passed within 4 million mi, of earth on June 15, 1968. Two peculiarities would make Icarus, discovered in 1949, valuable for such an experiment: (1) Icarus was the only body in the solar system known to pass inside the orbit of Mercury; and (2) Icarus' orbit was highly inclined to that of the other planets, Dr. Dicke proposed that measurements be taken when the planet cut across the plane of the earth's orbit, If the two measured points changed with each close passage to the sun, then the sun would be known to be less than a perfect sphere. And, the amount by which it was not truly spherical would be known precisely. If the sun's radius at the equator exceeded its polar radius by as little as 0.005%, the distortion of the sun's gravitational field that this would cause would be enough to account for 10% of the predicted effect on Mercury's orbit. But the general theory of relativity had already accounted for the peculiarities in Mercury's orbit. Therefore, if the distortion were found, the theory must be incorrect, In other words, said Dr. Dicke, gravitational attraction of one body for another must be accounted for, not by relativity, but by some other mechanism. (AIP News, 8/28/65)
Three gold religious symbols which Astronaut Edward H. White, II (L/Col. USAF) carried with him on his walk in space on June 4 during the GEMINI IV mission were displayed at the New York World's Fair: a cross, a Star of David, and a St. Christopher medal. (Wash, Post, 8/28/65, C6)
Astronaut M. Scott Carpenter (Cdr, USN) and four aquanauts began a 45-day, USN-sponsored experiment in 12 x 58-ft, Sealab II to test how well man can function at 205-ft, depth in the Pacific under pressure six times that at the surface. Carpenter would try to stay down 30 days to set a record; the other aquanauts would remain below for varying periods. The group would collect and study marine specimens, map the ocean floor, and explore a deep marine canyon. (Wash. Post, 8/29/65)
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