Harlan Smith, chairman of the University of Texas's Astronomy Department, discusses a mobile lunar laser ranging station which could help determine the exact rates of movement between continents and help geophysicists understand earthquakes. He also discusses its application for studying fundamental concepts of cosmology and physics. (Editor/RK)

Discusses the embargo hypothesis--the theory that Earth is apparently free from alien exploitation because of a presumed cosmic quarantine against this planet--which implies that, instead of being only a few hundred years technologically in advance of earthly civilization, extraterrestrials in charge are likely tens of thousands of years in…

Describes the major components of the solar system and proposes several features that a theory about the solar system should include. Contains explanations of several theories about the origin of the solar system. (TW)

This bibliographic essay evaluates six books on Halley's Comet as science writings that fall into three categories: middle school and junior high-level books; senior high to adult-level books; and advanced level. Author, number of pages, publication date, price, International Standard Book Number, and publisher information are provided. (EJS)

This exploratory study determined whether a mathematical model of mastery learning provided a good fit for achievement data obtained from student progress in an introductory, college-level astronomy course for nonmajors. Results provide positive but not compelling evidence that the model of mastery learning is correct. (JN)

Presents a technique for obtaining a rough measure of the brightness among different stars. Materials needed include a standard 35-mm camera, a plastic ruler, and a photo enlarger. Although a telescope can be used, it is not essential. (JN)

In preparation for the Voyager flybys in 1989, the pace of ground-based investigations of the moons of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto has quickened considerably. Information derived from these investigations is presented. (JN)

Highlights major accomplishments and developments in various disciplines during 1984. These disciplines include: genetics; medicine; the biosciences; astronomy; evolution; the geosciences; behavior; physics; chemistry; the environment; mathematics; and the space sciences. (JN)

Presents a selection from a revised and updated version of "The Red Limit" by Timothy Ferris. The book is a completely nontechnical introduction to 20th century cosmology, the study of the large-scale properties of the universe. (JN)

Reviews a six-part series (available as 16mm film or videocassettes) in which actors portray scientists lecturing on various topics/issues. Scientists portrayed include Louis Pasteur, Charles Darwin, William Harvey, Gregor Mendel, William Beaumont, and Hans Spemann. Also reviews a film detailing construction of the Multiple Mirror Telescope on…

Suggests using the planetarium as an educational resource for all ages. Discusses various planetarium teaching techniques and planetarium programs (with objectives) at Ball State University. They include programs for school children, college students, and the general public. (DH)

Discusses properties of epicycloids. (The easiest way to picture them is to think of a piece of radioactive bubble gum attached to a wheel which is rolling around the outside of a larger wheel.) Includes a computer program (TRS-80 color computer) that will graph any epicycloid with integer values for the radii. (JN)

Presented is the index to The Physics Teacher journal for January-December 1976 (Volume 13). Index is by subject and by author. (SL)

This issue of Exploratorium Magazine focuses on the topic of motion. Contents include: (1) "First Word" (Zach Tobias); (2) "Cosmic Collisions" (Robert Irion); (3) "The Mobile Cell" (Karen E. Kalumuck); (4) "The Paths of Paths" (Steven Vogel); (5) "Fragments" (Pearl Tesler); (6) "Moving Pictures" (Amy Snyder); (7) "Plants on the Go" (Katharine…

This textbook is designed to aid teachers who are using the "Fourteen Weeks Course." The problems contained in all the books are solved. The book contains answers in natural philosophy, chemistry, descriptive astronomy, experiments in chemistry, human physiology, physics, and astronomy.