INFORMATION ON SOVIET BLOC INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL COOPERATION - 1959

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• Publication Date: September 4, 1959
• Content Type: REPORT

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September 4. 1959
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INTERNATIONAL GEOPIflBICAL COOPERATION PROGRAM --
Table of Contents
I. Rockets and Artificial Earth Satellites
II. Upper Atmosphere
III. Meteorology
IV. Seismology
V. Oceanography
VI. Arctic and Antarctic
page
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];. ROCKETS AND ARTIFICIAL EARTH SATELLITES
Pokrovskiy on Engines for Space Craft
An article by Prof G. Pokrovskiy, Doctor of Technical Sciences, which
appeared in Sovetskaya Aviatsiya and deals with engines for cosmic rockets,
in based on materials in the foreign press. Discussing the possibilities
of building thermal rocket engines, Prof Pokrovskiy states that one of the
most important theoretical problems is finding the moans for speeding up
the velocity of the jet gases. He rejects some of the suggestions for
achieving this, as for example, that of using unstable-type molecules, the
so-called free radicals, as being inefficient and yielding too low an ac-
celeration. As for the use of nuclear energy for additional heating of
the jet gases, Pokrovskiy explains that the heated gas molecules move
chaotically in all directions, not only forming a jet, but also striking
the walls of the combustion chamber and heating them to such high tempera-
tures that they melt and are destroyed.
Pokrovskiy suggests a method of controlling the movement of the mole-
cules involving the producing of ions through preliminary heating of the
molecules. This means that the thermal jet engine would need to be replaced
by an electric accelerator o1` elementary particles. The ions can be made
to move in strong electrical fields. This is the ion rocket. It consists
of an ion accelerator, the electric power for which would be produced from
a compact atomic power plant in the body of the rocket. A possible obstacle
to such a rocket is that the rocket and the ion stream will have opposite
electrical charges which will cancel one another. This can be avoided by
simply using two accelerators in the rocket, one emitting positive and the
other negative ions.
It should be remembered tbaty in.certain cases, the presence of a con-
;i.dcrablo electrical charge on a space craft can be "t significant factor
..n apace navigation, says Pokrovskiy. As is known, there are magnetic and
electrical fields of force in the Universe which can be used for moving a
space ship if a sufficiently large electrical charge (positive or negative)
is imparted to it.
Pokrovskiy then discusses the photon rocket, saying that all present
designs for such rockets are infeasible in that the photons cannot be con-
trolled and given direction. They move chaotically, as do the heated mole-
cules. Therefore, all plans of making a photon rocket are useless until
this problem is solved.
The most promising form of rocket power, in view of present technical
conditions, is the prospect of using the ion motor. This does not mean,
says Professor Pokrovskiy, that the ion motor will completely supplant the
thermal rocket motor. The latter will, no doubt, fully retain its value
for slowly moving rockets and for the first stages of cosmic rockets. The
ion rockets themselves will be used as the last staga of rockets intended
for flights beyond the limits of the solar system. ("Cosmic ocket Motors,"
by G. Pokrovskiy; Moscow, Sovetskaya Aviatsiya, 7 Aug 59, p 43
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II. UPPER ATMOSPHERE
Measurement of the Polarization of Skylight
The measurement principle, design, and operation of a new photoelectric
poLarimeter is described. The instrument operates together with a secondary
electron multiplier and gives the degree of polarization immediately and
directly. The special measuring procedure eliminates the influence of the
sensitivity fluctuations of the multiplier on the measurement results.
The general design and the mechanical and electrical assembly of the
measuring device were done by H. Krecker, special mechanic at the Gotha
Research Station. His predecessor, K. Eichler, built the amplifier.
Sekera and his associates (Investigation of Polarization of Skylight,
Final Report (1955), Contract No 19 122 -239 developed independently,
at about the same time, a recording polarimeter which operates on a very
similar principle. ("The Measurement of the Polarization of Skylight by
a Photoelectric Quotient Method," by 0. Dietze, Gotha Research Station;
Berlin, Zeitschrift fuer Meteorologie, No 11/12, Nov/Dec 58, pp 344-352)
III. METEOROLOGY
Soviet Book on Aperiodicity of Cynoptic Processes
The 196-page book Pre emctvennost' Nekotorykh Tipov Sin ticheskikh
Protsessov (The Aperiodicity of Certain Types of Synoptic Processes)), by
E. A. Isayev, published in 1958 by Gidrometeoizdat, Leningrad, presents
an exhaustive treatment of the data and evidence to support the theory of
the eperiodicity of synoptic processes.
Chapter 1, which presents a general survey of the literature, dis-
cusses the Shuleykin theory of thermobaric waves, the dynamic peculiarities
of waves and of synoptic processes, the application of peridogrammic ana-
lysis in meteorology, and a study of the rhythmic, as well as the aperiodic,
properties of synoptic processes, including the rhythmic properties of sy-
noptic processes according to B. P. Mul'tanovskiy.
Chapter 2 gives a brief account of the mechanisms of atmospheric cir-
culation and discusses the interrelationship of activity centers and the
mechanism of cold and heat waves from the viewpoint of rhythm (periodicity)
or aperiodicity.
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Chapter 3 discusses the aporiodicity of the various types of seasonal
circulation.
Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 discuss the aperiodicity of the microsynopt-
ical processes, which lead, in both spring and fall, to steady changes of
temperature through 0 degrees, and divide these processes into four classes:
early-accelerated, early-retarded, late-accelerated, and late-retarded.
Chapter 6 points out the aperiodicity of certain types of seasonal
circulation leading to a drop of temperature over the European territory
of the USSR and in Western Siberia. The discussion includes the aperiod-
icity of ultrapolar synoptical processes.
Chapter 7 gives synoptical data, including charts of the recurrence
of cyclones and anticyclones. The probability of aperiodicity of synopt-
ical processes and the probability of the recurrence of temperature within
certain limits in the case of different types of processes are discussed.
Chapter 8 discusses the aperiodicity of synoptical processes which
lead to a rise in temperature over the European territory of the USSR and
Western Siberia. The aperiodicity of heat waves caused by southern pro-
cesses and by western processes are emphasized.
An appendix gives 14 pages of data on which the probability of aperi-
odicity was established.
Machine Weather Forecasts Being Developed
The day is not far off when weather forecasts will be made entirely
with the aid of machines, says L. Pubanova, in Sovetskaya Aviateiya, in
reporting on a trip to the Central Institute of Forecasts, where new, more
accurate methods of weather prediction are being developed.
The idea of making meteorology a precise science was advanced 40 years
.Co. Standing before scientists was the problem of giving weather forecasts
by a quantitive method. This was accomplished by the use of mathematical
equations describing the physical processes. Involved. Solving these equa-
tions makes it possible to obtain a representation of how these processes
take place.
The first attempt to work out equations was attempted in the 1920s but
was not successful. A number of difficulties confronted researcher, one of
which was that science lacked sufficient data on the different states of the
atmosphere. In addition, technology was not sufficiently advanced to be
able to quickly solve the complex equations.
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The first correct approach toward the solution of this problem was
made by the Soviet scientist Prof I. A. Kibel'. He succeeded in defining
the most essential of the factors which form weather and, for the first
times, pointed out a practically admissible method of solving equations
for a short-range forecast.
The use of high speed computers made the rapid solution of difficult
equations possible.
Specialized computers, designed for the solution of a specific class
of problems, are now gaining wide circulation, along with universal com-
puters. One such machine is the "Pogoda," which is being operated by the
Central Institute of Forecasts.
The Pogoda contains about 400 tubes, several thousand semiconductor
diodes, etc. The machine automatically carries out operations of addition,
subtraction, derivation of square roots, etc. It produces calculations of
certain elements of the weather necessary for the compilation of forecasts
for different periods of time.
A system of command is employed by the 'machine, consisting of 14 in-
structions. Mathematical operations with five-digit numbers are carried
out at a speed of 200 operations per second.
Engr P. Potievskiy described the machine's operation in calculating
weather forecasts. Initial numerical material is placed on tape with the
aid of a special code and is transferred by means of a keying device into
a perforator by the operator. Here, the material is automatically placed
on another tape. Two identical perforated tapes are prepared independently
of each other in order to avoid errors in plotting. A control-reading de-
vice automatically checks them; the tapes pass under photodiodes and, in
the case of an error, are stopped. The errors are corrected. Instructions
to the machine, that is, the program of its operation, are plotted on these
same perforated tapes. Then, the prepared tapes are introduced into the
input device of the machine. If the results are the final aim of the so-
lution of the problem, then they are given out by a printing apparatus.
If these same results are only initial data for another problem (intermed-
iate results), then they are placed in the machine for further calculations.
An enormous quantity of operations (over a million) are necessary for
the solution of one of the problems of forecasting and require about 2 hours.
However, the mathematical possibilities of the machine are still not exhausted.
("A Machine Will co pute Weather Forecasts," by L. Rubanova; Moscow, Sovet-
.skaya Aviatsiya, 5 Aug 59, p 4).
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Now Soviet Instrument for Determining the Turbulent Flow of Heat
A new apparatus for direct measurement of the turbulent flow of heat
by the pulse method was developed in the Institute of the Physics of the
Atmosphere. The results of testing the instrument are given. The apparatus
makes it possible to obtain directly the value of the turbulent flow of
heat owing to the linearity of the transducers (acoustical microanemometer
and a pulse resistance thermometer) being used and with the use of a corre-
lometer. Pulse measurements are accompanied by gradient; measurements.
Dimensionless empirical functions, entering in the formula for deter-
mining the turbulent flow of heat according to the data of gradient observa-
tions, are constructed. The case of unstable stratification is studied,
and the value of a universal constant characterizing the regimen of free
convection close to the value found by Priestley ("Free and Forced Convec-
tion in the Ground," Quart. Jour. Roy. Meteorol Soc., No 348, 1955, p 81),
is obtained. ("Determination of the Turbulent Flow of Heat," by A. V.
Perepelkina, Institute of the Physics of the Atmosphere, Academy of Sciences
USSR; Moscow, Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Geofi'zichesk4Ya,, No 7,
Jul 59, pp 1026-1035)
Electrical Charges of Cloud Droplets
The results of the investigation of the distribution of electrical
charges in natural clouds in relation to the time of their existence are
presented by A. P, Sergieva, Institute of Applied Geophysics, Academy of
Sciences JSSR.. It is shown that the charges of the droplets affect their
coagulation. The preferential charging of the cloud droplets is related to
the ratio of the concentration of ions in the air during the period preceed-
ing the formation of the cloud. ("Electrical Charges of Cloud Droplets,"
by A. P. Sergieva; Moscow, Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Geofiziche-
skaya) No 7, Jul 59, pp 1018-1025)
i3 ider
Device
Webs No Longer Ma
eration of Potsdam Vertical-Current Measur
The vertical-current meter described by the author in 1952 (Zeitschrift
fuer Meteorologie, Vol 6, 1952, p 271) operated incorrectly during the sum-
mer months as a result of spider webs in the pick-up mechanism. Ordinary
measures to keep the device free of spider webs met with only limited success.
In a new pick-up device, those portions of the instrument which are vulner-
able to spider webs now rotate, tearing apart the webs as they are formed.
The time constant of the pick-up device vas also calibrated for the mean
atmospheric cgnductivityy value at the ground in Potsdam. This latter value
is 1.1 . 10-16 Ohm-lcm-l; the time constant for the air at the ground in Pots-
dam is, therefore, 805 seconds. ("Improvement of the Pick-Up Device of the
Potsdam Vertical Current Instrument," by E. von Kilinski, Main Meteorological
Observatory, Potsdam; Berlin, Zeitschrift fuer Meteorologie, No 1112, Nov/Dec
58, PP 352-354)
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Origin of Vertical Movements in the Atmonphare
In an article, the text of a lecture delivered at a section meeting of
the East Gelman Meteorological Society in Leipzig on 27/28 November 1958,
the origin of vertical movements is approached from the equation of motion
in vectorial form, from which, through individual derivations according to
time, a re..ationship is obtained which indicates which variables can effect
the initiation of vertical motions. These variables are: divergence and
its vertical distribution, the vertical change of the horizontal wind, the
ageostrophic portion of the north-south component of the wind, and the heat
sources. ("On the Question of the Origin of Vertical Movements," by K.
Kohlache, Institute for Large-Scale Weather Research, Potsdam; Berlin, Zei-
tschrift fuer Meteorologie, No 11/12, Nov/Dec 58, pp 339-344)
Observation of a Luminous Column in the Atmosphere in Wittenberg in December
1956
Following is the text of a report on the observation of a luminous
column at Wittenberg, East Germany, on 22 December 1958.
"I. The weather at the time of the observation: clouds --; 1/10 Cir-
rus densus, 8/10 As tra (altostratus translucent), Ac tra (altocumulus
translucent), and lenticular; Wind:#tthe ground -- NE 1 Bf (Beaufort); visi-
bility -- 2 kilometers.
"II. Condition of the sky: The entire sky was covered with an
altostratus-altocumulus layer which was open only in the southeast. Here,
there were dense cirrus clouds and individual altocumulus-lenticular clouds.
"With all types of clouds, the structure showed clearly a uniform direc-
tion from northeast to southwest.
"III. The light column: It appeared in the above-mentioned Southeast
direction, 0810 hours: From about 10 degrees to approximately 30 degrees
above the horizon, a bright vertical streak appeared in the sky and slowly
became brighter and brighter.
"0813 hours: About 20 degrees above the horizon, i.e., in the middle
of the streak, an oval spot began to form in the horizontal position.
"0815: The phenomenon was completely formed. The parhelion-like spot
was a brilliant white light. Its brilliance remained constant. The column
of light, on the other hand, showed the colors of the rainbow, but the red
and yellow were considerably dominant. The column light was somewhat darker
than that of the spot, and the light of the column fluctuated in intensity
several times from pronounced bright colors to a pale white light. Both ends
of the column were obscured by the altostratus-altocumulus layer.
CPYRGHT
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"0818: The fading out began.
e lower part of the column faded first.
"0820: The bright spot faded o t of eight.
"0822: The upper portion of th
vanishing of the phenomenon from bot
by the rising sun.
"0828: The sun was visible ove
column also vanished. The progressive
an to top might well bave been caused
"From the time of the beginning
risen, the entire cloud cover showed
all directions almost to the horizon
D 'Observation of a Luminous Column
on 22 December 1958 in Witte "
(observer) Schuette; ?.eitechrift fuer
f the observation until the sun had
briaht red color
Meteorologic, No 11/12, Nov/Dec 58, p 373)
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IV. SEISMOLOGY
Study on Diffraction of P-Waves in Earth's Core
The possibility of estimating the shear modulus of the Earth's
core on the basis of studying the character of the decrease in the
amplitudes of P-waves in the shadow zone is considered. The investi-
gations were conducted by a method of modeling because of the consider-
able difficulties arising in theoretical considerations of the diffrac-
tion of seismic waves in the Earth's core.
The studies revealed the possibility of estimatin the shear modulus
of the Earth's core (near its boundary with the mantle) according to
the character of the P-waves diffracted in the core. It w shown that
this value is close to zero or, in any case, less than 107 dynes per
square centimeter. ("P-Waves Diffracted in the Earth's Core and Hard-
ness of the Earth's Core," by L. N. Rykunov, Moscow State University
imeni N. V. Lomonosov; Moscow, I2,vestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya
Geofizicheskaya, No 7, Jul 59, pp 956-964)
V. OCEANOGRAPHY
Chinese Studies on Tidal Currents
An article, designated as "Research Report go 81 of the Institute
of Oceanography, Academia Sinica," states that the institute, in June
1958, launched the third and fourth series of synchronized, continuous
24-hour' observations from 48 observation points established in the Gulf
of Chihli and the western part of the Northern Yellow Sea. Two research
vessels of the institute, the Chin-hsing (i . - ) and the Shui-
being (7~_ ), were used. The sea current at the surface and at
depths of 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 meters, as well as close to the
sea bottom, were measured with different types of current meters. The
data thus obtained were used to determine the characteristics and the
distribution systems of the tidal currents in the area under study. A
method for compiling a perpetual tide table is discussed.
The authors mention two previous series of continuous 24-hour ob-
servations which were made from these ;stations in March and June 1958,
respectively. ("The Distribution E,vstr%m and the Forecasting of the
Tidal Currents of the Gulf of ,Chihli ant the Western Part of the Northern
Yellow Sea," by Yu Fang-hu ( f h 3? ), Chong I-fang ( X A )S,
and. Pien Chia-ch' i institute of Oceanogra , Academia
Sinica; Peiping, K'o-hsueh T'un'-pao (Scientia), No 13, 11 Jul 59,
pp 433-434)
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VI. ARCTIC AND ANTARCTIC
Soviet Scientist Reports Warming of Arctic Weather
L. S. Petrov, scientific associate of the Hydrometeorological In-
stitute, recently wrote his dissertation for the academic degree of
Candidate of Geographical Sciences. In this dissertation, he makes the
following statements: "...During a past 50 years, ere have been
our p e r i o d s waves o warmer weather, of about equal duration, in the
uropean-Asian sector f the Arctic. The first and most pronounced of
C PYRG HT hose warmer periods b gan in 1915-1916 and reached its highest point
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At present, the average annual temperature at all polar stations
is higher than before the beginning of the last "warmer period." For
example, in Barentsburg, the average temperature of the 6-month winter
season during the past 5 years was 7-8 degrees higher than about 50
years ago. On Spitsbergen, on Zemlya Frantea Iosifa, and in the
northern part of Novaya Zemlya, the maximur average annual temperatures
for the 20th Century were recorded during 1952-1956."
Petrov notes that the rise in temperature In the high latitudes of
the Northern Hemisphere has been exceptional in the last 200-300 years,
both as to its extent and consequences. As a result, the glaciers have
rapidly retreated to the north, there have been changes in the flora and
fauna of the Arctic, the ice regime of the seas has changed, and con-
ditions of navigation have improved.
L. S. Petrov is of the opinion that the period of warmer weather
has now reached its highest point; in a number of regions, temperatures
have dropped. In the next few decades, cold and warm periods will
probably alternate. ("The Arctic Is Getting Warmer," Leningradskaya
Pravda, 26 Jul 59)
Activities in Antarctic
On 26 July, the present staff at Mirnyy completes 6 months of work
in Antarctica. The present antarctic winter is more severe than it was
last year. The average temperature at Vostok Is minus 70 degrees cen-
tigrade. At the newly built station Lazarev, heavy snowstorms and
hurricane winds have covered the buildings with snow. However, work
at all stations is proceeding successfully. The scientific groups and
teams of the expedition have obtained much valuable information on the
nature of Antarctica.
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The Mirnyy observatory maintains regular radio contact with many
foreign scientific stations in Antarctica. Weather reports are ex-
changed daily.
Early in May, Soviet pilots flew to the Australian station Wilkes,
about 800 kilometers east of Mirnyy, on Knox Land, to bring medical
aid to one of the Australian scientists. The flight was made under
extremely difficult conditions. The plane had to fly over mountains
which were considerably higher than indicated on existing maps. (Such
instances happen frequently in Antarctica. Even now, after 3 years of
persistent explorations by many expeditions, the relief of the continent
is still less known than that of the moon.) ("Antarctic Winter," Moscow,
Vechernyaya Moskva, 25 Jul 59)
Winter Operations at Soviet Stations
During the first half of the antarctic winter, the weather at Mirnyy
and at the new station Lazarev, 3,500 kilometers west of Mirnyy, was
extremely windy. There were continuous snowstorms. All of the buildings
at Mirnyy, except a few situated on elevated spots, and at Iazarev,
were covered by snowdrifts.
The staff members at Mirnyy now consider that the weather tb calm
if the wind velocity is 15 meters per second. Frequently, the winds
reach hurricane force. At such times, it io impossible to walk from
one building to the next without holding on to the cables strung
between them.
At the interior station Vostok, the air temperature recently dropped
to minus 79.5 degrees centigrade. In such weather, it is hard to re-
main outdoors for more than 15-20 minutes. Breathing is possible only
with special masks. Kerosene freezes, and diesel fuel becomes so
thick that it cannot be pumped. The rubber casings of radiosondes
crumble like glass at the slightest vibration. Despite these difficult
conditions, the ten Soviet polar scientists headed by V. S. Ignatov,
Candidate of Technical Sciences, are conducting regular complex sci-
entific observations. Most of the scientific instruments at Vostok have
beeci converted to remote-control operation.
In addition to planned research activities, a large number of
observations are being conducted in Mirnyy, with the joint efforts of
several teams.
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The aerometeorological team, headed by V. I. Shlyakhov, Candidate
of Sciences, has been studying the velocity of winds blowing oft the
interior (stochnyye vetry) at several remote points and at different
altitudes. For this purpose, radar was used, in addition to anemometers.
Observations of ice temperature at various depths were conducted, to-
gether with the glaciological team.
The aerometeorologisas and machine shop workers constructed and
set up an original "over-all" (summarnyy) snowstorm meter (metelemer).
This instrument enables one to study the movement of snow during snow-
storms, with different wind velocities and at different altitudes.
During a 2-month period, expedition members worked on Drygelski
Island, 90 kilometers from Mirnyy. The climate and weather conditions
on this island are very different from Mirnyy and even more different
from the interior regions. The studies made on the island are of great
interest. In the center of the island, a 43-meter hole was drilled for
recording the temperature in various layers of the glacier. These ob-
servations, conducted parallel to those at Mirnyy, will provide new ma-
terial for comparisons of weather in regions "at sea" (moristyye) and
coastal regions.
For the first time, observations of auroras with the help of radar
were organized at Mirnyy? Reflections of auroras can be observed in
Mirnyy mainly from the region where the Australian station Wilkes is
located (about 800 kilometers east of Mirnyy). Contact was established
with this sty;tion, and it was decided -to conduct joint-studies of auroras.
The fall-and-winter interior expedition with "Pingvin" snow vehicles
and trailers was completed successfully? A group of geophysicists,
headed by S. -N. Shcheglov, had to overcome great difficulties during
this trip. Continuous snowstorms, strong winds, and temperatures of
minus 40 degrees centigrade or even lower presented almost insurmount-
able obstacles. The members of the traverse party conducted a large
r.,mber of meteorological, glaciological, and general geographical ob-
servations. They traveled 150 kilometers from Mirnyy and reached an
altitude of over 1,500 meters above sea level. The whole trip lasted
78 days.
The transantarctic expedition to the three poles, i.e., the south
geographic, south geomagnetic, and pole of relative inaccessibility,
will take place during the spring and summer ,eason of 1959-1960 and
will complete the work of the present staff' of the Antarctic Expedition.
The traverse will be carried out with three "Khar'kovchanka" snow
vehicles and one heavy tractor from the station Komsorol'skaya, where
the snow vehicles are now located.
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The aviation team ur,ier B. V. Osipov has given strong support to
the scientists during the first half of the winter. The planes are now
being prepared for spring and summer flights. In the near future, as
soon as calm weather sets in, some of the planes will be transferred to
the shore ice.
The Fourth Antarctic Expedition is considerably exceeding its work
plan under the program of the IGC-1959. An extensive exchange of in-
formation with foreign antarctic stations is continuing. -- A. Dralkin,
Chief of the Expedition ("On the Sixth Continent," Moscow, Pravda,
16 Aug 59)
The Work of the Czechoslovak, Antonin Mrkos, in the Antarctic
The large-scale action of the International Geophysical Year has
given rise ti lively interest in research work in the Antarctic. A
whole series of scientific expeditions have been sent there. by various
countries, that of the Soviet Union occupying a foremost place with
regard to its equipment and the extent of scientific work carried out.
Owing to extensive support and understanding by the Soviet Union,
Czechoslovakia was enabled to partlcipate?'in'this great work by sending
scientific worker Antonin Mrkos in the Third Soviet Antarctic Expedition,
at the suggestion of the Czechoslovak Committee for the 1GY. His task
was to carry out the Izechoslovak program of observing airglow and
twilight phenomena under the difficult Antarctic conditions. A. Mrkos
left Czechoslovakia on 5 October 1957 and returned home, after 19
months, on 5 May 1959.
Observation of airglow and twilight phenomena, as well as aurora,
was carried out by A. Mrkoi at the Soviet' Antarctic Station, Mirnyy,
with an adapted photo-eleceric photometer of the sale type that is used
in Czechoslovakia at the Lomnicky Stit and Ondrejov stations. Before
his departure, the necessary tests were carried out with his instrument
and a comparison made with the photometer at Lomnicky Stit. The actual
measurements in the Antarctic were carried out from September 1957 to
mid-October 1958, when the Pblar night ended. The results of the ob-
servations include measurements from 94 nights and 67 twilights and are
now being processed and prepared for publication.
Apart from the above-mentioned work, A. Mrkos accompanied Soviet
scientists on a march of 2100 kilometers into the interior of Antarctica,
from mid-October to the end of December 1958. -During this journey, thayr
made, primarily, meteorological observations and ensured astronomical
navigation.
r
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On 30 January 1959, A. Mrkos sailed on the ship "Ob" to the coast
of Queen Maud tend, where he took part in building the now Soviet
Antarctic station "Iwzarev." Ile left the Antarctic for home on
10 March 1959, continuing his observations of airglow and twilight
phenomena right up to the coast of Great Britain, where fogs then made
this impossible. He arrived at Murmansk on 20 April 1959, from which
he returned, through Moscow, to Czechoslovakia.
It should be said,'in conclusion, that the program drawn up for
A. Mrkos by the Czechoslovak Committee for the IOY before his departure
for the Antarctic was completely fulfilled. ("The Work of the Cze4!+o-
slovak, Antonin Mrkos, in the Antarctic," by Jan Picha, Studia 0ev-
physica it Oeodaetica, No 3, X959, pp 295-296)
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