Dec 28 1962
From The Space Library
Preliminary results of particle-flux-detectors onboard MARINER II were reported by Dr. L. A. Frank and Dr. H. R. Anderson at American Geophysical Union meeting, Stanford Univ. The instruments showed absence of particles near Venus, indicating the planet's magnetic field does not extend out as far as trajectory of MARINER II; this observation was confirmed by onboard magnetometer. Cosmic-ray measurements during the probe's interplanetary flight indicated cosmic-ray flux was a constant, measurement throughout the flight (approximately 3.0 particles per sq. centimeter per sec.). High-energy solar particles were generally absent except for a single solar-flare event beginning Oct. 23; low-energy solar-particle counter detected this event and at. least eight others. Total radiation dose recorded in Oct. 23 event was only about 0.24 roentgens inside ionization chamber's 0.01-in,-thick steel wall, and radiation was very non-penetrating.
At national conference of American Geophysical Union at Stanforal Univ., scientists D. Anderson and George Null of JPL reported MARINER II fly-by of Venus produced the most accurate estimate yet. of the mass of that planet-0.81485 times the mass of the earth, with probable error of 0.015 per cent.. Final analysis might slightly alter value and further reduce error.
Preliminary results of solar-wind experiments by MARINER II were reported by Dr. Conway W. Snyder of JPL at American Geo- physical Union meeting. Experiment measured velocity, density, and temperature of solar plasma using electrostatic analyzer onboard the probe. Results showed energies of gas atoms in solar wind are very low as compared to cosmic-ray particles, but number of solar-wind particles is about a billion times greater than number of cosmic rays, making total energy content of solar wind much greater than of cosmic rays. Solar flares eject plasma clouds which may have higher velocity, density, and temperature than undisturbed solar wind—which MARINER II found to be little less than 250 mi. per see. velocity, 10-20 particles per cu. in. density, and few hundred thousand deg. temperature. MARINER also found solar wind appears to be "supersonic"—and supersonic effects such as plasma shockwave ahead of the earth and other planets would be objects of study of future NASA space vehicles.
Scientists again attempted to turn on RELAY communications equipment, but the satellite's power level was still too low.
Interaction of winds in lower atmosphere and turbulence in upper atmosphere was reported at AAAS meeting by Univ. of Chicago scientist Colin O. Hines. Hines said wave motions ("internal gravity waves") from earth appear to generate whirlpool turbulences up to 50 mph and sweeping upward as high as 50 mi. As strength of upper atmosphere varies, so too does its chemical composition; changes may react back to lower atmosphere.. Hines said turbulence seems to provide heat to upper air at rate of one degree a day—and perhaps as high as 10 degrees a day. He also noted that turbulence ends rather abruptly at altitudes from 60 to 70 mi., the abrupt change altering upper air's chemical composition: whereas presence of turbulence mixes chemicals in atmosphere, absence of turbulence separates chemicals into distinct layers. Hines concluded further study of turbulence could contribute to better long-distance radio communications which use ionospheric irregularities, partially produced and controlled by the whirlpools.
Dr. Sheldon J. Korchin of National Institutes of Health and Dr. George Ruff of Univ. of Pennsylvania reported at AAAS conference that American astronauts are typically Protestants, natives of small towns, members of middle or upper-middle class families, and have average IQ of 135. Summing up results of testing astronauts, two psychiatrists concluded astronauts have normal anxieties but above normal ability to control them. Average astronaut prefers outdoor sports to indoor; is oriented to action rather than thought ; prefers facts to speculation; has abiding belief in his own competence and willingness to strive for perfection.
Efforts of special Presidential board to settle dispute between Boeing Co. and International Association of Machinists (IAM) were unsuccessful, board chairman Saul Wallen announced, and no further mediation sessions were planned. Dispute centered around IAMB’s demand for union shop and Boeing's unwillingness to grant it.
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