Outlines the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) mission to measure celestial radiation. Describes the instruments used and experiments involving differential microwave radiometers, and a far infrared absolute spectrophotometer. (YP)

This study examined the impact of three conditions on how subjects (105 college students) generated ideas about imaginary extraterrestrials. Results are discussed in terms of constraints on innovation, ways of overcoming those constraints, and the general tendency for new ideas to preserve many of the central properties of existing concepts.…

Describes the experiences of students and teachers involved in space shuttle experiments. Aims to spark student interest in the space program and careers in science. (ASK)

This amply illustrated booklet provides a physical description of the sun as well as present and future tasks for solar physics study. The first chapter, an introduction, describes the history of solar study, solar study in space, and the relevance of solar study. The second chapter describes the five heliographic domains including the interior,…

This booklet describes the manned space flight record of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Sections include: (1) "The Early Days" (describing the Mercury and Gemini missions); (2) "Going to the Moon" (summarizing the Apollo missions); (3) "An Orbital Workshop" (discussing three manned skylab…

This booklet discusses image processing from spacecraft in deep space. The camera system on board the spacecraft, the Deep Space Network (DSN), and the image processing system are described. A table listing photographs taken by unmanned spacecraft from 1959-1977 is provided. (YP)

President Richard Nixon decided in 1970 to commission the construction of a fleet of reusable space shuttles. Nixon's rhetoric on the space shuttle program (examined here in the light of Kenneth Burke's theory of symbolic action) shows how a philosophy of pragmatism was crafted out of a philosophy of wonderment. That one cannot now remember…

These proceedings, based on a symposium which examined the motivations, implications, accomplishments, and social impacts of the first 25 years in space, are presented in four sections. Section 1 includes an introduction by John Logsdon, a paper titled "Motivations for the Space Program: Past and Future" by Harvey Brooks, and comments by Bernard…

The history of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Skylab program is provided in this three-part book. Part I (chapters 1 to 5) traces the origins of the Skylab concept from its emergence in the period 1962-65 through its evolution into final form in 1969. Part II (chapters 6 to 13) focuses on the period from 1969-73, considering the…

Presents a summary of papers on lunar and space industrial and technological development that were given at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. (MR)

Describes cosmic flukes which offer a unique window on new information about the universe. Discusses the historical background, theory, and detection of this effect. Proposes the importance of information found by the examination of these phenomena. (CW)

Presents recent findings obtained by the Voyager 2 mission on Uranus. Updates information on the planet's moons, rings, atmosphere, and magnetic field. Illustrations and diagrams of selected aspects of Uranus are included. (ML)

Describes the basic components of a space telescope that will be launched during a 1986 space shuttle mission. These components include a wide field/planetary camera, faint object spectroscope, high-resolution spectrograph, high-speed photometer, faint object camera, and fine guidance sensors. Data to be collected from these instruments are…

The Challenger Center for Space Science Education uses space exploration as a theme to create a positive learning experience that raises students' expectations of success; fosters in them a long-term interest in math, science, and technology; and motivates them to pursue studies in these areas. This document is a feasibility report for…

This videotape recording answers key questions about the Moon such as, What keeps it revolving around the Earth?, Why do we see only one side of the Moon?, and What is the origin of the Moon? Students learn about how the Moon has been studied throughout history, including recent lunar missions, its phases, eclipses, and how it causes tides on…