Demonstrations in astronomy classes seem to be more necessary than in physics classes for three reasons. First, many of the events are very large scale and impossibly remote from human senses. Secondly, while physics courses use discussions of one- and two-dimensional motion, three-dimensional motion is the normal situation in astronomy; thus,…

This paper examines how the exploration of space has affected life on earth. Examined are milestones in space, war or peace in space, learning about earth from space, the satellite communications revolution, space industrialization, and the ownership of space. The real beginning of the Space Age was the October 1957 Soviet launch of a 184-pound…

Eleven articles from "Scientific American" are reprinted in this volume. The articles describe various aspects of our search for an understanding of the universe as a whole. Included are descriptions of galaxies, of the pervasive background radiation, and of non-Euclidian space. Also included are two recent articles on black holes. The final…

Primary research journals and meetings have long been the principal vehicles for communicating science information within the physics and astronomy community. Both vehicles have been slowly and subtly running into major problems because of expanding sizes and goals of the community, growing interdependencies of subject areas and increasing need…

This publication is part of the "Space in the Seventies" series and reviews the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) earth orbital scientific research programs in progress and those to be pursued in the coming decade. Research in space physics is described in Part One in these areas: interplanetary monitoring platforms, small…

Presents a theory about the origin of the elements and the evolution of the stars. Relates the nucleosynthesis of nuclides to stellar evolution. (GS)

Traces the history of various theories about Mars that were derived through direct observation. (MLH)

The author, a physicist, chemist, and geologist, describes the new frontiers of scientific research. (Editor/RK)

Asserting that the skills required to tell time by the Big Dipper necessitate both considerable classroom preparation and outdoor practice, this article is designed to help teachers and students prepare for both. Written for students at the fourth grade level, this article includes simple instructions and illustrations. (JC)

A short history of Newton's work in optics, mathematics, and astronomy. (BB)

Describes a method of acquainting physics and astronomy students with the general theory of relativity. (SL)

Provided is a schematic diagram of the projector and a circuit diagram of the optical and electrical components of a simple planetarium that will seat 12 people. There is also a simple map showing major concepts of introductory positional astronomy. (AJ)

Last article in a series reviews online databases in fields of astronomy, earth sciences (geology, oceanography, other geosciences), and materials science (interdisciplinary subject encompassing ceramics, polymers, metals, glasses, etc.), noting coverage and search strategies. A table of 28 databases citing major subjects, producers, and starting…

Presents a condensed version of textbook account of cosmological theory and principles. Topics discussed include quasars, general and special relativity, relativistic cosmology, and the curvature of spacetime. Some philosophical assumptions necessary to the theory are also discussed. (JM)

Describes science activities which have been successful with nonscience majors. Each activity requires students to make observations, record the data gathered, interpret data, and prepare a written report. Subject areas include motion of stars, sunspots, lunar orbits, sunset points, meteor showers, and sun shadows. (JN)