Astronomical fundamentals are presented in this unit of the Project Physics text for use by senior high students. The geocentric system of Ptolemy is discussed in connection with Greek concepts including Aristarchus' heliocentric hypothesis. Analyses are made of Copernicus' reexamination, leading to Tycho's observations and compromise system. A…

This sixth edition of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) bibliography presents an updated list of books, references, periodicals, and other educational materials related to space flight and space science. To find materials on a particular subject and for a specific reading level, users are advised to refer first to Part…

This book is the second of three experimental editions for use in the ninth grade portion of the Intermediate Science Curriculum Study (ISCS) Program. The volume is divided into three units: "In Orbit,""Well Being," and "What's Up." The unit, "In Orbit," consists of eight chapters of activities related to…

A high school student builds a simple drive mechanism for making extended photographic exposures of star clusters. Second and third place winner's projects are described. (EB)

This is one of a series of resource letters on different topics intended to guide college physicists, astronomers, and other scientists to some of the literature and other teaching aids that may help improve course content in specified fields. (Author/CP)

The subject of parallax can motivate learning related to measurement of lengths and angles as well as provide an introduction to trigonometric concepts. (SD)

Describes the current understanding of the structure and evolution of the white dwarf stars that was gained as a result of the increasingly sensitive and detailed astronomical observations coupled with calculations of the properties of matter under extreme conditions. (Author/GA)

Urges the restructuring of astronomy-astrophysics courses to accommodate nonastronomy majors. Outlines an alternative approach to teach astronomy. (GA)

Describes a dynamical system which is stable at potential maxima. The maxima, called L-4 and L-5, are stable locations of the restricted three-body problem. Energy loss from the system will tend to drive it away from stability. (GA)

Pierre Gassendi asserted, and for the first time successfully defended, the notion of an independently real space and time, thus providing seventeenth century physics with its needed philosophical foundation. This paper introduces the reader to Gassendi's work in physics and philosophy and describes some of his relationships to Galileo and his…

Two methods are described for the quantitative description of the motion of the sun as observed from Mercury. A listing of a computer subroutine is included. The combination of slow rotation and high eccentricity of Mercury's orbit makes this problem an interesting one. (BB)

Exercises for introductory to intermediate level college students are proposed. Observations of pulsars can be used to illustrate the phenomena of dispersion and Faraday rotation of radio waves, and to illustrate the differential rotation of the galaxy. (BB)

The survey shows a definite improvement in the number of jobs which were available for the holders of a Bachelors' Degree in Physics and Astronomy in 1967-77 as compared to 1968-69. The number of students majoring in physics and astronomy is on the rise, and many of them pursue graduate programs in those fields. (GA)

Reviews the Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope project being constructed in New Mexico. (SL)

Examination of the snowfall and total precipitation data for Rochester, New York, suggests a correlation with sunspot activity. Data from other locations tend to support the thesis, but the ability to predict yearly snowfall or total precipitation amounts from sunspot activity has yet to be developed. (Author/CP)