"Astronomy with the Space Telescope" is a course designed to show scientists/engineers how this instrument can make important advances in astrophysics, planetology, and geophysics. A description of the course (taught to 11 students working for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and sample student paper on black holes are…

The application of very sensitive electronic detecting devices during the last decade has revolutionized and revitalized the study of polarization in celestial objects. The nature of polarization, how polaroids work, interstellar polarization, dichroic filters, polarization by scattering, and modern polarimetry are among the topics discussed. (JN)

This study was concerned with the reliability and validity of subjective judgments about five characteristics of multiple-choice test items from an introductory college-level astronomy test: (1) item difficulty, (2) language complexity, (3) content importance or relevance, (4) response set convergence, and (5) process complexity. (Author)

A "grazing occultation" occurs when a star or other astronomical body is covered up by the extreme northern or southern limb of the moon in its easterly motion about the earth. Graze phenomena, organizing a graze expedition, and the scientific/educational value of observing grazes are among the topics discussed. (JN)

Detection of neutrino decay may have profound consequences for both particle physics and cosmology, providing a deep connection between physics of the very large and physics of the very small. Describes this link and discusses the nature and status of the search for decaying neutrinos. (Author/JN)

Activities for teaching about the solar system, the earth's rotation, plants, pendulums, and animal adaptation are described. Included are suggestions for building scale models to illustrate the solar system's proportions and the earth's rotation speed, and for using playground swings to demonstrate pendulum motion. (PP)

Highlights major science news stories of 1982 reported in "Science News." Categories include space/astronomy, biology, chemistry, medicine, energy, physics, anthropology/paleontology, earth sciences, technology, behavior, science/society, and the environment. (JN)

In arguing that the earth circles the sun, Galileo adopted a mode of reasoning that led not only to his prosecution by the church but also to the scientific methodology of hypothesis testing. (Author/JN)

In the 1930s, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar found a fundamental parameter that determines the density of stars. Although recognized as a major discovery, it was generally unaccepted by astronomers because the work was ridiculed by a preeminent astronomer (Arthur Eddington). The controversy and current understanding of stellar evolution are discussed.…

Describes an experiment with resolving ability and how it varies according to the aperture of the telescope used (including the human eye). Although designed for use in college laboratory classes, a method is included that amateur astronomers can use to determine the actual resolving powers of their telescopes. (JN)

Presents information on aerospace periodicals that are available from government and nongovernment sources. (SA)

Reviews the accomplishments in physics previous to 1931 and compares them to accomplishments during the past 50 years. (JN)

Following a discussion of scientific opportunities for astronomy (galaxies and the universe, stars, and planets/life/intelligence), four programs recommended by the National Academy of Sciences' Astronomy Survey Committee are described, indicating areas that must be strengthened before undertaking the programs. Ongoing projects are also…

Presents a theory concerning the orbital spacing of patterns in the solar system. The orbital distributions of the planets and major satellite systems are fitted with a Bode-type form. Accordingly, the Saturnian system requires vacant orbitals if the best fit is to have an accuracy comparable to that of other systems. (Author/GA)

Presents listings of selected reference materials relevant to symmetry and group theory in college physics and chemistry. Entries are classified according to a scheme involving 34 subject areas divided into four major groups. Comments on these materials and suggestions for future topics will be welcomed. (Author/SK)