INFORMATION ON SOVIET BLOC INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL COOPERATION - 1959

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• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00141R000200920001-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 19
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 11, 1999
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: November 6, 1959
• Content Type: REPORT

ForRef?9Pf~~-~~'~~a9~~?4 01~ t~ R T I 0 N :.0 N 5~~ I E T
BLOC I NTERNRT I ONRI. GEOPHYSI'CRL ,'CaOPERRT,I ON
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INFORMATION QN SOVI1'P B10C INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL COOPPRATION - 1959
November 6, 1959
U,, St. DTPARTMENT OF CO1rIl1MCT
Buainess and Defense Services Administration
Office of Technical Services:
Washington 25, D. C..
Published Weekly
Subscription Price $12.00 for the Series
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INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL COOPERATION PROGRAM --
SOVIET'-BLOC ACTIVITIES
Table of Contents
Page
I.
General
1
II.
Rockets and Artificial Earth Satellites
5
III.
Upper Atmosphere
12
IV.
Geomagnetism
12
V.
Arctic and Antarctic
14
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 fCPYRG Tnd the achievement of all people'living on the Earth."
on the Moon as our achievement. And in the word our' we imply the coun-
tries of the whole world that is we imply that this is our hievement
CPYRGH eider the sending of a rvaket Taw ace an e p ac ng o ou pennant
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I. GENERAL
Fedorov Charges Lack of Cooperation in Release of US Satellite Data
Responding to a question of an American Journalist, on whether the
Soviet Union's placing of a pennant on the Moon reflects the intention to
put forward a claim to possession of the Moon, N. S. Khrushchev said that
the notion "my" is obsolete for the Soviet people and that a new notion,
"our " has taken root. Therefore, Khrushchev said further, we con-
CPYRGHT
The practical activities of Soviet scientists in the region of space
research are in complete accordance with the position stated by the head of
the Soviet government.
The mutual exchange of information, the application of uniform meth-
ods of research, and the extensive discussion of the results at inter-
national conferences are unquestionably useful in any region of study.
However, this is of particular importance in geophysical research and in
the investigation of interplanetary space.
Geophysical phenomena occur in the space of the entire globe. The
organization of systematic observations at many points of the Earth's
surface is necessary for their study. These observations must be made
in a coordinated manner under a single program, with uniform instruments
and at definite times. Only in this way will it be possible to compare
results and. will the conclusions be well founded.
Investigations of cosmic space are of an analogous character. The
use of artificial Earth satellites for scientific purposes is more effec-
tive if observations on them are conducted in a coordinated manner at
various points on the globe. Thus, the first artificial satellite, which
was launched in the Soviet Union, has already permitted scientists in
many countries to determine the density of the atmosphere by observing the
constant slowing down of the satellite and to investigate the structure
of the ionosphere by studying the propagation of the satellite's radio
signals.
The launching of high altitude geophysical rockets and, in particu-
lar, artificial Earth satellites and cosmic rockets is a very complex and
expensive business. Such experiments can be carried out only by countries
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which are highly developed in the scientific and technical sense. It is
obviously their duty to transmit to the scientific community of the world
those new data on the nature of our planet and other celestial bodies and
information on the properties of cosmic space which were obtained as a
result of these unique experiments.
Soviet scientists assumed a considerable portion of the investigations
conducted in the course of the International Geophysical Year. However,
the Soviet Union made a particularly great contribution to the study of
'the upper layers of the Earth's atmosphere and cosmic space through the
use of rockets and artificial Earth satellites.
All 125 rockets determined by the IGY program were launched in Franz-
Josef Land, in the middle latitudes of the Soviet Union, and in the Antarc-
tic. Many of these launchings were important scientific achievements.
Highly advanced rocket systems were used for many of these. I have in mind,
for example, the well-known flights to altitudes of 200 and 500 kilometers
made by heavy rockets profusely equipped with various measuring devices.
At the time, these flights were thoroughly covered in the Soviet press.
The list of investigations conducted on the second and third Soviet
satellites exceeds everything that was assigned for study in the upper
layers of the atmosphere by the IGY program. The results of these inves-
tigations were not kept secret. Soviet scientific institutions system-
atically published and distributed all of the information needed to organize
observations on the flight of the satellites in any country. The great
size of the Soviet satellites and the considerable power of their trans-
mitters extremely simplified the problem, and such observations were actu-
ally conducted in various countries with comparatively simple instruments.
The Academy of Sciences USSR qulOdy published the basic results of
the scientific investigations conducted with rockets and artificial Earth
satellites. The first data were printed in the central newspapers, which
willingly gave their pages for purely scientific material. More complete
articles on the composition and density of the atmosphere, new ionosphere
data, the propagation of radio waves, the unique results of biological
experiments, radiation belts, and many other subjects were published in
the scientific publications.
Soviet scientists follow this rule of informing their foreign col-
leagues in respect to the cosmic rockets also, the firing of which was
outside of the IGY program. The most important results were discussed
at several international conferences, at the IGY Assembl-y- in August 1958
in Moscow, at the Conference on the Study of Cosmic Rays conducted in
Moscow in 1959, and at many conferences abroad.
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The joint discussion of the information obtained in the flights of
the Soviet and American satellites and cosmic rockets demonstrated the
idea of international cooperation in sciences which permeated the whole
IGY program. In this connection, it is impossible not to be surprised at
statements appearing, at times, in the American press to the effect that
Soviet scientists did not give out information obtained as a result of
cosmic investigations, particularly a statement of this nature made at
one of the press conferences to N. S. Khruehchev. This reproach should
rather be applied to the scientific establishments of the US.
In 1959, for example, it became known that certain US artificial
Earth satellites, which were launched in 1958 in conjunction with the
IGY program, were actually intended to establish the results of nuclear
explosions conducted by the Americans at high altitudes in the fall of
1958. In 1959, the US was able, for the first time, to launch in polar
orbits satellites which pass over the whole surface of the Earth. These
satellites were of the Discoverer type and, according to newspaper re-
leases, .-ere considerably larger and, better equipped than those earlier
used in the US. They pass over the territory of the USSR, and observation
of them could be very useful.. The US scientific establishments, however,
refused to give the necessary information (with ephemerides and transmitter
frequencies), saying that the firing of these satellites was outside of
the IGY program.
Attention should also be given to problems of the organization of inter-
national cooperation in investigation of the upper layers of the atmosphere
in cosmic space during the period following the IGY. Even in 1958, the
Soviet government proposed negotiation concerning the use of cosmic space
for peaceful purposes and coordination of the investigation of cosmic
space. At a session of the UN General Assembly a year ego, the problem
of the coordination of investigations of cosmic space was discussed. It
would seem that all countries, particularly the US, would be interested
in the broad and equitable coordination of the various states in this im-
portant matter. However, in discussions of the composition of a committee
which was to be created for this coordination, the US attempted to obtain
a composition which would permit it to dictate its will to the Soviet
Union and other socialist countries. The Soviet Union, naturally, could
not accept this and did not become a part of the committee.
During this same period, at the initiative of the National Academy
of Sciences of the US, the International Council of Scientific Unions
adopted a resolution to organize a scientific nongovernmental inter-
national committee to coordinate investigations of cosmic space. However,
even COSPAR (this committee), which was created at the initiative of the
US, ',ras constructed in such a way that, of the 19 members, the Soviet
Union was the only socialist country and was given one voice, which the
US was given 3 voices, England 4, France 2, and &:lgium 2.
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In discussing the plan for the regulations of COSPAR, in the spring
of 1959 at the Hague, the committee itself unanimously recognized that
such a structure could not provide any broad international cooperation
in investigations of the cosmos and resolved to change this structure.
In the way, the persistent desire of certain influential circles in
the US to provide for themselves, at all costs, a dominating influence
in all matters concerning cosmic apace interferes with international co-
ordination of the investigations.
Many scientists and a number of political figures in the US Great
Britain, and other Western countries feel that international scientific
cooperation in investigations of cosmic space must be constructed on a
broad basis, with the equitable participation of the various states, and
are sincerely striving to attain this. It is hardly necessary to show
?that the contribution of the Soviet Union to the investigation of cosmic
space is sufficiently important. Attempts, therefore, to limit artifi-
cially the participation of the Soviet Union and socialist countries in
questions of the organization of investigations of cosmic space and to
place them in an inequitable subordinate position will inevitably fail.
This situation is, necessarily, beginning to receive some recogni-
tion. As is known, the American representative in the UN supported the
proposal of V. V. Kuznetsov that an international conference be conducted
on problems of scientific investigations of cosmic space. The Inter-
national Federation of Astronautics chose Soviet scientist Academician
L. I. Sedov as aits president. COSPAR intends to consider a new plan
for its composition.
The Soviet Union, as N. S. Krirushchev said in his answer to the Amer-
ican politician V. M. Anfuso, advocates and has always advocated inter-
national cooperation in the peaceful use of cosmic space, but only
cooperation in which the USSR and other socialist countries which are
carrying on extensive investigations in cosmic space are given an equi-
table position.
The firing of the second Soviet cosmic rocket, which completed a
broad program of scientific investigations and reached the Moon, and the
exceptional accuracy of operation of the automatic interplanetary station,
which has completed a flight, around the Moon and is now heading towards
Earth, are new evidences of the great success and tremendous capability
of Soviet science and technology.
The whole world sees that the Soviet people is directing these capa-
bilities toward peaceful purposes. Each achievement of the Soviet Union
brings closer the day when man will be able to pass beyond the limits of
the Earth and land on the surface of the Moon and planets. ("'Mine' and
'Ours' in Science,by Ye. Fedorov, Corresponding Member, Academy of Sci-
ences USSR: Moscow, azvestiya, 11 Oct 59; P 3)
4-
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II. ROCKETS AND ARTIFICIAL EARTH SATELLITES
Motion of Third Soviet Cosmic Rocket Discussed by Mikhaylov
The problem of studying the motion of celestial bodies, both natural
and artificial, is related to the field of celestial mechanics, says A.
Mikhaylov, Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences USSR and
director of the Pulkovo Observatory, in a Pravda article. The motion of
the third Soviet cosmic rocket is discussed in these terms by Mikhaylov,
and he speculates on the fate of the rocket.
The rocket, he says, at sometime near the Moon again and in passing
through its sphere of action, will be subject to a change in its orbit.
This may be to one side or another. It is possible that such a change,
in which the perigee distance is somewhat changed, will cause the rocket
to enter the dense layer of the Earth's atmosphere and fall to the Earth
or burn. But also possible, says Mikhaylov, is the rocket's impact with
the Moon.
All of these interesting phenomena, according to Mikhaylov, can be
predicted and calculated in detail after optical observations of the rocket
during its approach to the Earth. Near perigee, the rocket will be seen
as a slowly moving light in the firmament with a stellar magnitude of
about 12, which is insufficient to be seen by the naked eye, but fully
accessible for photographing with powerful astrographs. If photographs
of the rocket are obtained successfully, says Mikhaylov, then its orbit
will be defined so precisely that its future motion will become known for
a considerable period of time. Soviet observatories. are prepared to
"trap" the approaching rocket, and it is possible to expect that, in the
next few days, its future course will be successfully predicted.
A great quantity of the most valuable and unique information on the
physical properties of the media surrounding the Earth and the Moon and
also on the Moon has been radioed to Earth from the rocket during its
short existence, says Mikhaylov. In addition, the future study of its
motion is of enormous scientific interest. Its motion, continues, can
give information relating to such problems as determining the location
of the center of gravity of the Moon which, according to astrometrical
observations, does not coincide with the center of its figure. It can
assib;, in the study of irregularities in the Earth's rotation around its
axis and the resulting variations in the length of the terrestrial day.
It can help in more precisely defining the magnitude of the oblateness
of the Earth and in explaining a number of other actual problems of
celestial mechanics, astronomy, and geodesy.
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It is possible to expect, concludes Mikhaylov, that, soon, with further
perfection of rocket engineering, which is used in many scientific aims,
by Soviet scientists, engineers, and workers, much more new data on other
bodies of the solar system will be obtained. ("The Soviet Cosmic Rocket
Approaches Perigee," by A. Mikhaylov; Moscow, Pravda, 18 Oct 59, p 3)
Orbit of the Third Soviet Cosmic Rocket
A. A. Orlov, Candidate of Physicomathematical Sciences, writes as
follows on certain characteristics of the orbit of the third Soviet
cosmic rocket.
On the first day of the rocket's flight, while still far from the
Moon, the principal effect on its orbit was rendered by the Earth's
gravity. Consequently, the part of the orbit which the station described
during this period was close to the arc of an ellipse, in one focus of
which stood the Earth. If the Moon's attraction had not acted on the
rocket, it would have continued to move according to its initial ellipse,
now going away from our planet and then approaching it again. At present,
the cosmic station also moves according to an elliptical orbit. But this
is still another ellipse. The reason for this is that the nearer the
rocket , came to the Moon, the more the latter Is attraction acted upon it.
Under its influence, the orbit changed.
Finally, when the rocket neared the Moon at a distance of several
tens of thousands of kilometers, the force of the Moon's gravity became
dominant. At this time, the rocket's orbit underwent an especially
strong change: the magnitude and direction of the rocket's velocity was
sharply altered. In relation to the Moon, the rocket's orbit passed
close to the Moon and became hyperbolic with a focus in the center of the
Moon.
On 6 October at 1716 hours, the automatic interplanetary station
reached its closest approach to the on. It passed at a distance of
7,000 kilometers and then traveled away from it. Thereafter, the force
of the Moon's attraction became weaker and weaker until it was insignif-
icant. The principal force determining the motion of the station, again,
was the Earth's attraction. The third Soviet cosmic rocket was trans-
formed into an artifical earth satellite.
This orbit differs considerably from the orbits of earlier launched
satellites. No other satellite moved along an orbit of such a gigantic
size. This orbit's apogee is 470,000 kilometers, and its perigee, 47,500
kilometers. Its major axis is more than 517,000 kilometers.
C77RGHT
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CPYRGH-I!
The orbits of the preceding artificial earth satellites had a form
close to that of a cir le. Tho orbit of the third cosmic rocket is char-
acterized by its great elongation. It winor exis is about 275,000 kilo-
meters, almost one hal that of its larger diameter. The plane of its
orbit is almost perpen icular to the plane of the Moon 'a motion, and it
forms an angle somewha less than 80 degrees with the Earth's equator.
In the future, the form of the orbit and its position in space will
be changed considerabl under the influence of the attraction of the Moon
and the Sun. These al' rations will be especially strong if the cosmic
station will pass near the Moon. It is possible to assume that, under
the influence of lunar attraction., the cosmic station will acquire such
a large positive velocity that, having rounded the Moon, it will go aPf into
interplanetary space. hen it will be transformed into an artificial
planet. The possibili is not excluded that, as a result of a number of
changes in its orbit) e cosmic station will collide with the Moon later
on. However, the pr~ob ility of such a collision is small. Now it is
certain only that the smic station will exist for a long time as a
satellite o movi around it along a gigantic elongatp-d orbit,
("Investigation of the Cosmos Continues," by A. A. Orlov, Candidate of
Physicomathematical Sciences; Moscow, Sovetskaya Aviatsiya, 21 Oct 59,
p 3)
Information on Cosmic Rocket III From Daily Bulletins
The automatic interplanetary station was in the constellation of
Hercules on 15 October at 2000 hours Moscow time. Its coordinates were
17 hours 5 minutes 41 seconds right ascension and 25 degrees 33 minutes
declension. At this time, the station was over a point in the Atlantic
Ocean southwest of the Canary Islands. The points coordinates were 22.1 W
25.6 N. The station's distance from the Earth was 339,200 kilometers,
and its speed, about 0.9 kilometer per second.
Reduction of data on the stations trajectory confirmed that the sta-
tion is continuing along a trajectory which is very close to that calcu-
lated. All apparatus are functioning normally. ("On the Motion; of the
Third Soviet Cosmic Rocket"; Moscow, Pravda, 16 Oct. 59, p 1)
At 2000 hours Moscow time on 16 October, the station was at a distance
of 267,000 kilometers from the Earth, and its speed was about 1.2 kilo-
meters per second. At this time, the station was still in the constel-
lation of Hercules at a point whose coordinates were: 17 hours 15 minutes
01 15 seconds right ascension and 34 degrees 53 minutes declension. ("Ncket
in Motion"; Moscow, Izvestiya, 17 Oct 59, p 4)
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The autor.iatic interplanerary station was 166,500 kilometers from the
Earth at 2000 hours Moscow time on 17 October. The station's speed at
this time had increased to 1.7 kilometers per second. According to proc-
essed data, the station will reach its minimum distance from the center
of the Earth, about 17,500 kilometers, on 18 October toward 1950 hours
Moscow time. At this time, the station will be over a point on the
surface of the Earth in the Solomon Island region and will be moving in
a northwest to southeast direction.
The station will reach its greatest vral.ue, 3.91 kilometers per
second, while passing at the minimum distance from the Earth. All ap-
paratus are functioning normally. ("On the Motion of the Third Soviet
Cosmic Rocket"; Moscow, Pravda, 18 Oct 59, p 1)
On 18 October at 1950 hours Moscow time, the automatic interplanetary
station completed its first revolution of the Earth. Scientific Investi-
gations of the space near the Earth and Moon were made by the station.
During the flight around the Moon, the other side of the Moon, invisible
from the Earth, was photographed.
The data of the scientific measurements and the photographing are
being processed. The results of the processing will. be published. Having
completed the first revolution and going away from the Earth, the auto-
matic station will not be observed from the territory of the Soviet Union.
("On the Motion of the Third Soviet Cosmic Rocket"; Moscow, Pravda, 19 Oct
59, p 1)
At 2000 hours Moscow time on 21 October, the station will be over
a point on the surface of the Earth in the region of the city of Rio de
Janiero with coordinates of 37 W and 21 S. The station will be 312,000
kilometers from the Earth at this time, and its speed will be 0.89 kilo-
meter per second. ("On the Motion of the Thirl Soviet Cosmic Rocket"..
Moscow, Sovetskaya Aviatsiya, 22 Oct 59, p 1)
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Earth-Moon Routes Discussed by Pokrovskiy
The Soviets have mastered three variations of Earth-Moon region
routes, says Prof G. I. Pokrovskiy, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Major
General of the Engineer-Technical Service. This can be seen. he says,
from the successful flights of the first, second, and third Soviet cosmic
rockets.
The first cosmic rocket is now moving around the Sun along an el-
liptical orbit located between the orbits of Earth and Mare. The second,
launched on 12 September 1959, impacted the Moon. The third passed at
a comparatively close distance to the Moon and curved around it. Such a
rocket flight as the latter is very favorable..for initial investigations
of the Moon's far-side, says Prof Pokrovskiy. It makes it possible to
conduct various measurements using automatic apparatus., 'store the results,
and transmit them to Earth upon radio command from ground-based stations.
A flight around the Moon close to its surface requires no great expense
of energy in braking for a Moon landing or ?'or a return to Earth.
If, Pokrovskiy goes on to say, a version of rocket with apparatus for
a Moon landing were selected,. then a considerable part of the space craft
would be allotted for the fuel and motors intended for a soft-landing on
the lunar surface. The payload of the Moon ship would be low in comparison
with the payload it could carry on a flight around the Moon.
Flights with Moon-landing apparatus also are certainly not excluded
for the future, says Professor Pokrovskiy, although the first such flight
obviously will be made without provision for a return to Earth. This
version of a lunar flight is necessary for a detailed study of the com-
position and structure of matter located on the surface of the Moon.
One of the main possibilities of such a flight also is a study of
the Moon's mineral resources. For such a study, Pok?^ovskiy foresees! the
use of automatic drilling rigs and automatic analysis of samples of the
layers being drilled. It will be possible to use shot-hole methods, as
in seismic prospecting, also. Finally, it will also be possible to conduct
a luminescent analysis of the surface layer of the Moon. This will be
done by illuminating the Moon's surface with ultraviolet rays and record-
ing the natural illumination of the substances on it with*appropriate ap-
paratus.
Returning to his subject, Pokrovskiy says that in returning from the
region of the Moon to Earth, several variations in the motion of a rocket
are possible. The simplest is considered to be a flight around the Earth
without landing. This flight can be completed at an altitude of several
hundreds or +tousaads of kilometers over the Earth's surface. The passage
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at a comparatively small distance ensures the transmisEion of extremely
detailed scientific information from the rocket's automatic apparatus to
Earth by radio. In particular, says Pokrovskiy, television pictures,
preliminarily xecorded cn magnetic tape or by some other method, can be
transmitted.
Still another means, according to Pokrovskiy, would be for the rocket
to eject a small ecutainer. In this case, the container would have to
have small jet motors for braking its speed relative the Earth to ensure
its dropping to the Earth and also some form of aerodynamic brakes for
slowing it down during its entry into the upper atmosphere. In addition,
the '.usual parachute system for the last part of its descent would have to
be provided. The provision of a radio beacon facilitating its location
in case it landed at sea must also be foreseen.
In the realization of space flights, continues Pokrovskiy, both the
velocity and direction of the craft must be precisely controlled. All
the fuel must not be expended during the powered portion of the flight;
a reserve must be maintained for future corrections of the flight path.
To ensure such corrections, the rocket must be continually tracked with
special radio apparatus. The date of the observations must be fed into
computers which determine the necessary corrections in the trajectory
of the rocket. These corrections can then be transmitted to the rocket
by radio control. To achieve the necessary results through this control,
the axis of the rocket must be stabilized. in space and then turned in the
assigned direction. In principle, says Pokrovskiy, the solution of such
a problem is not difficult in modern conditions; however, its practical
solution requires a high scientific and technical know-how.
Pokrovskiy gives four possible variations of flights on the Ear-th-
Moon route, depending on the conditions of controlling the velocity and
direction of the rocket's flight in the initial portion of the trajectory.
The rocket can impact the surface of the Moon; with small changes in
direction and velocity, the rocket goes around the Moon, returns toward
and falls on the Earth; by increasing the rocket's velocity, it will also
go around the Moon and return toward the Earth, not falling upon it, but
circling around it and again going toward ,'*.Ye Moon; and fina -ly, if the
speed of the rocket is sufficiently great, then it only partially circles
the Moon and then goes off into space, leaving the region of the Earth
and the Moon.
Conditions for navigation between the Earth and the Moon being devel-
oped now are rather complex and varied, says Pokrovskiy. in the future,
he concludes, when rockets will possess considerable fuel reserves, the
variet;,r of routes and the possibilities for manuevers during Earth-Moon
flight:.a will increase. ("On the Earth-Moon Routes," by Prof G : 1. Pokrov-
skiy, Maj Gen Engineer-Technical Service, Doctor Technical Sciences;
Moscow, Sovetskaya Aviatsiya, 16 Oct 59, P 3)
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Use of Obturators in Satellite Photo,ra by Described
A device, the use of which makes it possible to obtain pictures
of a satellite trail with sufficient fineness and uniform thickness,
independent of its speed, visible motion, and brightness, is described
by D. A. Rozhkovskiy. The apparatus, in the form of an obturator with
rotating blades mounted in front of the objective of a powerful camera,
automaticall;, changes the effective opening of the objective from 0.05 of
the full opening up to 0.50. Twice each second, the obturator sends pulses
causing rapid oscillations of a plane-parallel plate, which ensures obtain-
ing sinusoidal parts of the track of a satellite. The obturator being
employed in the mountain astrophysical observatory in Alma-Ata decreases
to one tenth the brightness of a satellite during one cycle of the plate's
oscillation in comparison with the succeeding cycle. The design of the
obturators and the reduction of the effective exposure for stars and
satellites they produce must be selected in accordance with the optical
properties of the cameras with which they will be used. ("On the Applica-
tion of an Obturator in the Nature of a Variable Diaphragm in Photograph-
ing Artificial Earth Satellites," by D. A. Rozhkovskiy; Astron. Tsirkulyar,
No 193, 3 Jul 58) pp 10-12; from Referativnyy Zhurnal, Astronomiya,
Geodeziya, No 9, Sep 59, Abstract No 7317 by G. A. Manova).
Photographic Photometry of Sputnik II
The method of determining the brightness of an artificial earth
satellite according to the images of its track obtained with the NAFA
35/25 camera is described. Results of photometric processing for ten
positions of the second Soviet artificial earth satellite on 20 March
1958 are given. These results are based on two images of the track
obtained on one and the same frame on film bearing previously printed
standards. The period of the change in the brightness of the satellite
was determined as being equal to one minute 15 seconds. ("Photographic
Photometry of the Second Satellite," by V. I. Ivanikov; Astron. Tsir-
kulyar, No 193, 3 Jul 58, pp 8-10; from Referativnyy Zhurnal, Astronomiya,
Geodeziya, No 9, Sep 59) Abstract No 7326)
Precise Positions of Sputnik II
The processing of photographs of the second Soviet artificial earth
satellite obtained at the State Institute of Astronomy imeni P. K. Shtern-
berg has been conducted. Seven to nine reference stars and one star near
the optical center of the negative were selected along the satellite's
trail. Measurements were made on the KIM-3. The electronic computer
"Strela-4" was used for calculations. The error in position of Sputnik II
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consists of 4-6 minutes. Eighty-nine precise positions for Sputnik II were
determined for March-April 1953. ("Precise Positions of the Second Ar'ti??
f:leial Earth Satellite," by A. Sosnova; Astron. Tsirkulyar, No 194,
26 Apr 58, pp 3-5; from Referativnyy Zhurnal, Astronomiya, Gcodrziya,
No 9, Sep 59, Abstract No 7327)
February Issue of Kosmicheskiye Dannyyc Published
Kosmicheskiye Dannyye (cosmic Data), No 2(36), 1959, a monthly re-
view by the Scientific Research Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, the
Ionosphere, and Radiowave Propagation (NIZMIR), Academy of Sciences USSR,
has been published for February 1959.
The review contains the results of observations of geophysical phe-
nomena concerning the electric and magnetic state of the upper atmosphere
(geomagnetic variations, the ionosphere, cosmic rays, and earth currents)
and also data on solar activity.
The February issue contains the data for February 1959, the tables
o:C magnetic activity for the fourth quarter of 1958, and an explanation
for these tables. (Iosmicheskiye Dannyye, No 2(36), Feb 59)
Astrophysics Research Institute in High Tatra Mountains, Slovakia
Central Europe's Highest Observatory is being built in the High
Tatra Mountains under the guidance of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.
An astrophysics research institute will be built here also. ("Central
Europe's Highest Observatory'', Budapest, Nepszabadsag, 27 Sep 59, p 11)
Hungarian Research Links.Magnetic and Gravitational Changes in Earth
At the 12 May 1959 meeting of the Main Committee on Geophysics
of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Gyor r Barta reported on the re-
sults of his most recent research. According to his investigations,
there must be a close causal interdependence between the triaxia.Z el-
lipsoid shape of the Earth and the eccentricity of the magnetic field
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of the Earth. According to magnetic measurements, the magnetic center of
the Earth, that is, the inner core of the Earth, moves in relation to the
surface, and by this movement, one can explain, according to direction
and magnitude, the fluctuations in the Earth's rotational speed, as well
as a good part of the fluctuations of the sea level. Accordingly, it
can be hypothesized that the triaxiality of the Earth changes in time,
and, in this sense, new light is also thrown on the question of changes,
over the centuries, in the gravitational field. ("From the Life of the
Hungarian Academy of Sciences"; Budapest, Magyar Tudomany, Jul/Aug 59;
p 410)
Hungarian Astronomers Observe Morphological Changes on Moon
In a brief review of the history of lunar observations, especially
the observation of "volcanic activity" in the Crater of Alphonsus by
Soviet astronomer Kozyrev, which appeared in a Hungarian newspaper, the
author makes the following statement in connection with the morphological
changes, i.e., a spot which changed color, following the observation of
the emission of gas.
CPYRGHT
"Workers at the Budapest Urania Exhibition Observatory also observed
the change, using color fiyuers. The equipment used makes'it possible to
see a [lunar] formation 1.2 kilometers in extent, end since the new spot
in P_C; kil-omptArn in extent, neenrding to both local and other 6baer-vsL;-'
CPYRGH s the observations be considered realistic." ("Observations of
Lunar Vulcanism" by Jozsef Sinker; Budapest, Muszaki Elet, 9 Jul 59, p 2)
Hungarians Report Soviet Measurement of Earth's Tail
The following passage, discussing recent Soviet work, was taken from
a newspaper article dealing, in general, with the sort of scientific re-
search which could be conducted advantageously from the Moon.
"Fesenkov, the world-famous Soviet astronomer, proved, in the course
of his recently completed studies, that the Earth "loses" about 11,000
tons of air daily. At first glance, this appears to be a gigantic
quantity, but since we can estimate the entire mass of the Earth's atmos-
phere at 5.2 trillion tons,'the amount lost daily is insignificantly
small . ',
"A gigantic 'tail,' 100,000 kilometers long, is formed by the par-
ticles lost from the atmosphere. The 'tail' always points away from the
Sun because the repelling effect of the Sun's radiation forces the
CPYRGHT
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particles in the opposite direction fro
ticipate in the rotation of the Earth a
sembles the tail of a comet, and it is
and oxygen.
he Sun. The tail does not par-
d its axis. In form, it re-
e up primarily of nitrogen
"One of the tasks of observations AL
determine whether or not the Earth's tai
correspondence with sun spot activity."
Le from the Moon will be to
changes form or dimension in
Scientific Research Work on
the Moon," by Peter Hedervari, member of the International Lunar Society;
Budapest, Magyar Nemzet, 17 Sep 59, p 3)
Observations Made by Severnyy Polyus-6
The results of observations conducted by the last group of scientists
working on Severnyy Polyus-6, when compared with research materials of
preceding years, make it possible to dletermine changes which have occurred
in the nature and climate of the Arctic.
As the drift station Severnyy Polyus-6 approached the Greenland Sea,
abrupt changes in the ocean depth were noted. The depth was reduced from
5,200 to 840 meters, then it increased to 2,000 meters, and then once more
decreased ~9 September. The sudden decrease in depth in this area /i.e.,
about 230 kilometers north-northwest of Spitsbergen/ came as a surprise,
as the maps of this region indicate depths of about 3,000 meters.
The study of the soil of the ocean bottom along the route of the
drift made it possible to determine several sharply differing historical
periods indicating changes in the regime and ocean currents. and also to
determine annual deposits on the ocean bottom. A further processing
of materials will enable scientists to define the boundaries between the
spheres of influence of waters of different origin and the influence of
the Atlantic current.
Data collected on the interrelations between various water masses and
changing currents are also of interest. A great deal of noteworthy infor-
mation has been obtained in the field of terrestrial magnetism and the
ionosphere. ("Last Days on the Ice Island"; Leningradskaya Pravda, 9 Sep
59)
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Hydrographic Expedition Returns to Leningrad
The expedition of the Arctic and Antarctic Institute, which had been
conducting scientific research in the northern part of the Greenland Sea
on the hydrographic ship Shtorm, has returned to Leningrad.
According to expedition chief V. A. Shsmont'yev this was the third
voyage of the ship during 1959. The weather was frequently stormy;
therefore, it was often necessary to interrupt scientific observations
and to lay over near the west and northwest coast of Spitsbergen.
Despite these difficulties, the expedition members exceeded their
program for oceanographic work. Three hydrological sections were estab-
lished in the northern part of the Greenland Sea, and more than 30 deep-
water studies were made. The obtained material provides detailed in-
formation on the hydrological regime of water masses in this part of
the Greenland Sea.
The scientists were actively assisted by the crew of the Shtorm, under
Captain Yu. P. Kopytov. ("The Shtorm in the Greenland Sea"; Moscow, Vod-
nyy Transport, 15 Oct 59)
Antarctic Train Moving South
The sled-tractor train advancing into the interior of Antarctica has
passed the station Pionerskaya and is traveling further south.
Scientific observations were conducted during the stop at Pioner-
skaya. It was very interesting to note the readings of instruments
that had been left behind at this place 9 months ago by members of the
Third Antarctic Expedition. For example, the readings on the minimum
thermometer indicated that the air temperature in the area of Pionerskaya
during the 1959 antarctic winter dropped to minus 69.4 degrees centigrade.
This was 2.6 degrees lower than the minimum temperature recorded by Soviet
scientists at Pionerskaya in 1956.
On 14 October, the train was located 675 kilometers from Mirnyy, at
an altitude of 3,210 meters above sea level. On 13 October, the train
crossed'the area where the Soviet interior station Vostok-I has been in
operation during March-November 1957. The snow vehicles are traveling
over loose snow and meeting occasional sastrugi. Snowstorms are frequent.
Sixteen Soviet expedition members are taking part in this difficult
traverse. Some of then have wintered in Antarctica before, including
Kapitsa, seismologist; Gavrilov, physician; and Maksimov and Lyubarets,
radiomen.
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The train has about 200 kilometers left before reaching Komsomol '-
skaya and has to aicend a glacial slope to a height of 1,400 meters above
sea level. After that, the scientific research train will be formed. The
research train will proceed further into the interior of Antarctica, in
the direction of the station Vostok. From there, the train will head to-
ward a region which has not yet been explored by man and will proceed to
the South Pole, where Soviet explorers will meet with American scientists
wintering at the station Amundsen-Scott.
Station Lazarev Continuing IGC Program Activities
During the past month, the weather on Queen Maud Land was mostly fair
and relatively calm. The air temperature was about minus 30 degrees centi-
grade. The storms have abated, and the period of daylight has increased.
The sea near the coast is covered with ice. The shore ice reaches
a thickness of one meter.
The small group of scientists at the station Lazarev (chief) Yu.
Kruchinin) is successfully continuing scientific observations, under the
IGC program. A plane from Mirnyy is expected to arrive soon. This
will be the first flight from the Pravda Coast to the station Lazarev.
A landing strip has been built on the ice shelf. ("Today in Antarctica";
Moscow, Vodnyy Transport, 15 Oct 59)
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