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Vistas in astronomy vol. 5
218
Book reviews
The standard of binding and general presentation is of the refined elegance long associated with the publishers; obviously a great deal of care has been taken with the 187 figures illustrating the test. Incidentally 33 photographs are included in this total. Apart from one exception each section contains a short bibliography or list of general references. In all cases comprehensive references are appended in the form of footnotes. Turning now to the actual articles, the one on Solar Instruments by the late R. R. McMath and 0. C. Mohler describes the major types of instruments used in solar research together with problems peculiar to solar observation. Radio Astronomy Techniques are discussed by R. N. Bracewell. It is the intention of the author that his treatment of the current techniques of radio astronomy should be sufficient to provide a good basis for understanding and following developments over the next few years. He has made an excellent choice of material suitable for the physicist or astronomer, rather than the radio specialist, from the vast literature on the subject. Certain radio astronomy concepts could, as Bracewell points out, be correctly classified under the heading of classical optics: on the other hand it is interesting to realize that some of the more recent advances in optics have originated as a result of research at radio wavelengths. Receivers, aerials and interferometer techniques are a8 discussed, along with observing procedures aid analysis of observations. The third section is bv H. Weaver and concerns Photoeraohic Photometrv. Rieht awav we are reminded that the introduction of the photographic process into ob&&ational astrono’my w&just a’simportant as the discovery of the telescope. By recording simultaneously all the features in the area of sky examined, the telescope observing time has been eno~ously increased. Little space is devoted to the historical aspect of the subject, the emphasis being entirely on technique. Commencing with a description of the physics of the photographic process we are taken through the whole gamut of the several photometric systems, due cognizance being accorded to the difficult task of completely allowing for the effects of atmospheric extinction. A consideration of photometry as an aid to both qualitative and quanti~tive stellar cl~si~~tion concludes this chapter. An excellent summary of observations of the surfaces of the Moon and planets is provided by A. Dollfus. For obvious reasons the major portion of this account is devoted to the Moon. Photometric, polarization and thermal emission studies are all discussed, together with topographic features and speculation as to the physical properties of the lunar surface. Mercury, Mars, the asteroids, and the satellites of Jupiter receive rather less mention. The section about Mars is greatly enhanced by the several line photo~phs of surface markings. In the final chapter A. E. Whitford writes on the photoelectric techniques of observation. The past decade has seen an appreciable increase in their application to astrophysical problems. The discussion is concerned primarily with the actual measurement of radiation; slight consideration is given to the basic physics of the various detecting devices. The ground covered is extensive, including amplifying and indicating instruments, the photometer on the telescope, photoelectric spectrophotometry and electron image tubes. Many astrophysical problems benefit from the increased precision of photoelectric methods, but of course there is the limitation that at a particular time only one selected component is recorded, as against the ability of the photographic plate to deal simultaneously with numerous features. In this respect electron image tubes have already achieved some success and promise great strides forward in the future. A. H. JARRETT
A. BEER(Ed.)., Fistas in Astronomy Vof. 5. Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1962. pp. 230. 84s. Vistas in Astronomy began as a festschrift to the late Professor F. J. M. Stratton. Later volumes have gone beyond that and, in the Editor’s own words, they now provide “. . . a complete survey of contemporary astronomy and its allied sciences . , , “; also “Each article is designed to be a self-contained unit, and to add a new and significant facet to the whole.” In the present writer’s opinion these are very co~endable aims. It is already difficult enough properly to keep up with the literature even in a restricted part of the subject and yet leave adequate time to do one’s own work. As far as the whole subject of astronomy is concerned, the incoming mass of print is now so considerable as to defeat all but the most enthusiastic readers. There is a crying need for periodical and wellwritten reviews of the various branches of the subject. These should not be Iong and, if mathematical, should only use fully interpreted equations of a type that the general scientific reader is likely to understand. Volume 5 contains 7 articles. The longest is “Ancient and Mediaeval Observations of Comets and Novae” by Ho Peng Yoke and occupies 1OOiages. The next longest is by G. I. Thompson on “The Profiles of Weak Fraunhofer Lines”, extending to 60 naees. The remaining 5 articles are short ones. The first article should not have ap”Fred fn *k’istas. It contains”75 pages of translated extracts from old Chinese sources. Interesting though one old and dated reference to a nova or comet may be, 581 such references are out of place and will only be read by a student of the particular subject. Thisis obviously a massive and comprehensive work, but should have been published elsewhere.
Book reviews
219
The second long article, by G. I. Thompson tries to follow the Editor’s aims. The subject is, however, an extremely technical one and a complete and intelligent reading of the article would only be possible by the very limited number of those fully conversant with the subject. It would seem that Dr. Thompson has reviewed much of the literature, has made his own contribution and indicated future “vistas”. However this article also would have been better in one of the learned journals. As mentioned earlier, the other contributions are short and appear to be more in keeping with the aim of the book. The present writer’s opinion is that this particular volume does not come up to the Editor’s self-expressed aims. Further, possibly because some of the authors are evidently not English speakers by birth, many parts are woolly and lack simple, clear, expression. Much editing has been carried out. Even more would have been justified. It is further suggested that future volumes of Vistas should be understandable to the general astronomical reader rather than the specialist. H.E. BUTLER
Vistas in Astronautics Vol. III: Society of Automotive Engineers, New York. Pergamon Press, New York, 1961. pp. vi + 266, 55/-. THIS volume might more prosaically be called the Proceedings of the Third Astronautics Symposium of the U.S. Air Force OtIice of Scientific Research, containing as it does the papers and discussions of this meeting, which was held in Los Angeles in October, 1960. Altogether twenty-seven papers are included, grouped in six sessions each covering a different area of study. The first session dealt with the uses of astronautical vehicles, and the presentation seems intended primarily for a lay audience. A paper by G. W. Sutton of the General Electric Company on the design of an MHD generator is a particularly distinguished contribution to a group of papers on electrical and nuclear low-thrust propulsion in space. The discussion of bio-medical problems of space flight suffers perhaps most of all from the passage of time between the meeting and this review, and serves to remind one forcibly of the limitations of ground-based simulation in these problems. Quite the most workmanlike and informative group of papers is concerned with the physical nature of the earth’s environment. Jack Green, a geologist of N. American Aviation, gives a substantial and carefully reasoned account of his speculations concerning the surface of the Moon, coming out strongly in favour of a volcanic origin. Donald Menyell of Harvard reports on his study of the atmosphere of Venus and though, in common with that of Green, such work must be doomed to be superseded as space flight increases our knowledge of the solar system, it yet remains a persuasive interpretation of the scant data available. The remaining papers of this session discuss the Earth’s radiation belts. The final sessions covered, rather briefly, aspects of Space Communications and Guidance, with the accent on optical techniques. T. R. F. NONWEILER
B. MAEHLUM(Ed.). EIectron Density Profiles in the Ionosphere and Exosphere. Pergamon Press, Oxford 1962. x + 418 pp. 105s. THE volume contains the proceedings of a NATO Advanced Study Institute held in Norway during late April 1961. It is divided into the following nine sections (with the number of contributions in each given in brackets): Electron densities in the normal D layer (2); Electron density observations during polar blackouts (3); Electron densities in the E region (4); Theories on electron production and recombination in the D and E layers (4); Electron density profiles in the F region (9); Electron density distribution in the upper F region (6); Theories of the F region (6); Incoherent scattering from the outer ionosphere (6); Theory and observations on the exosphere (3). The discussions which took place are briefly summarised. A subject index is provided - as it should be in all such volumes. Some of the contributors have given surveys; others have recast original papers which have already been published or have described research in progress. Scientists engaged in the study of the physics of the ionosphere will fmd the compilation useful. D. R. BATES
BERNARD L~VJXLL:The Exploration of Outer Space. Oxford University Press, Oxford 1962. Pp. 87. 16s. EXCEPTfor its final chapter, this book is based on a series of four lectures given by the author to an undergraduate audience. Emphasis is given to the discoveries of the past decade and in particular to those in which the radio-astronomer has played a dominant role. Among topics considered in the solar system, are
Book reviews
The standard of binding and general presentation is of the refined elegance long associated with the publishers; obviously a great deal of care has been taken with the 187 figures illustrating the test. Incidentally 33 photographs are included in this total. Apart from one exception each section contains a short bibliography or list of general references. In all cases comprehensive references are appended in the form of footnotes. Turning now to the actual articles, the one on Solar Instruments by the late R. R. McMath and 0. C. Mohler describes the major types of instruments used in solar research together with problems peculiar to solar observation. Radio Astronomy Techniques are discussed by R. N. Bracewell. It is the intention of the author that his treatment of the current techniques of radio astronomy should be sufficient to provide a good basis for understanding and following developments over the next few years. He has made an excellent choice of material suitable for the physicist or astronomer, rather than the radio specialist, from the vast literature on the subject. Certain radio astronomy concepts could, as Bracewell points out, be correctly classified under the heading of classical optics: on the other hand it is interesting to realize that some of the more recent advances in optics have originated as a result of research at radio wavelengths. Receivers, aerials and interferometer techniques are a8 discussed, along with observing procedures aid analysis of observations. The third section is bv H. Weaver and concerns Photoeraohic Photometrv. Rieht awav we are reminded that the introduction of the photographic process into ob&&ational astrono’my w&just a’simportant as the discovery of the telescope. By recording simultaneously all the features in the area of sky examined, the telescope observing time has been eno~ously increased. Little space is devoted to the historical aspect of the subject, the emphasis being entirely on technique. Commencing with a description of the physics of the photographic process we are taken through the whole gamut of the several photometric systems, due cognizance being accorded to the difficult task of completely allowing for the effects of atmospheric extinction. A consideration of photometry as an aid to both qualitative and quanti~tive stellar cl~si~~tion concludes this chapter. An excellent summary of observations of the surfaces of the Moon and planets is provided by A. Dollfus. For obvious reasons the major portion of this account is devoted to the Moon. Photometric, polarization and thermal emission studies are all discussed, together with topographic features and speculation as to the physical properties of the lunar surface. Mercury, Mars, the asteroids, and the satellites of Jupiter receive rather less mention. The section about Mars is greatly enhanced by the several line photo~phs of surface markings. In the final chapter A. E. Whitford writes on the photoelectric techniques of observation. The past decade has seen an appreciable increase in their application to astrophysical problems. The discussion is concerned primarily with the actual measurement of radiation; slight consideration is given to the basic physics of the various detecting devices. The ground covered is extensive, including amplifying and indicating instruments, the photometer on the telescope, photoelectric spectrophotometry and electron image tubes. Many astrophysical problems benefit from the increased precision of photoelectric methods, but of course there is the limitation that at a particular time only one selected component is recorded, as against the ability of the photographic plate to deal simultaneously with numerous features. In this respect electron image tubes have already achieved some success and promise great strides forward in the future. A. H. JARRETT
A. BEER(Ed.)., Fistas in Astronomy Vof. 5. Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1962. pp. 230. 84s. Vistas in Astronomy began as a festschrift to the late Professor F. J. M. Stratton. Later volumes have gone beyond that and, in the Editor’s own words, they now provide “. . . a complete survey of contemporary astronomy and its allied sciences . , , “; also “Each article is designed to be a self-contained unit, and to add a new and significant facet to the whole.” In the present writer’s opinion these are very co~endable aims. It is already difficult enough properly to keep up with the literature even in a restricted part of the subject and yet leave adequate time to do one’s own work. As far as the whole subject of astronomy is concerned, the incoming mass of print is now so considerable as to defeat all but the most enthusiastic readers. There is a crying need for periodical and wellwritten reviews of the various branches of the subject. These should not be Iong and, if mathematical, should only use fully interpreted equations of a type that the general scientific reader is likely to understand. Volume 5 contains 7 articles. The longest is “Ancient and Mediaeval Observations of Comets and Novae” by Ho Peng Yoke and occupies 1OOiages. The next longest is by G. I. Thompson on “The Profiles of Weak Fraunhofer Lines”, extending to 60 naees. The remaining 5 articles are short ones. The first article should not have ap”Fred fn *k’istas. It contains”75 pages of translated extracts from old Chinese sources. Interesting though one old and dated reference to a nova or comet may be, 581 such references are out of place and will only be read by a student of the particular subject. Thisis obviously a massive and comprehensive work, but should have been published elsewhere.
Book reviews
219
The second long article, by G. I. Thompson tries to follow the Editor’s aims. The subject is, however, an extremely technical one and a complete and intelligent reading of the article would only be possible by the very limited number of those fully conversant with the subject. It would seem that Dr. Thompson has reviewed much of the literature, has made his own contribution and indicated future “vistas”. However this article also would have been better in one of the learned journals. As mentioned earlier, the other contributions are short and appear to be more in keeping with the aim of the book. The present writer’s opinion is that this particular volume does not come up to the Editor’s self-expressed aims. Further, possibly because some of the authors are evidently not English speakers by birth, many parts are woolly and lack simple, clear, expression. Much editing has been carried out. Even more would have been justified. It is further suggested that future volumes of Vistas should be understandable to the general astronomical reader rather than the specialist. H.E. BUTLER
Vistas in Astronautics Vol. III: Society of Automotive Engineers, New York. Pergamon Press, New York, 1961. pp. vi + 266, 55/-. THIS volume might more prosaically be called the Proceedings of the Third Astronautics Symposium of the U.S. Air Force OtIice of Scientific Research, containing as it does the papers and discussions of this meeting, which was held in Los Angeles in October, 1960. Altogether twenty-seven papers are included, grouped in six sessions each covering a different area of study. The first session dealt with the uses of astronautical vehicles, and the presentation seems intended primarily for a lay audience. A paper by G. W. Sutton of the General Electric Company on the design of an MHD generator is a particularly distinguished contribution to a group of papers on electrical and nuclear low-thrust propulsion in space. The discussion of bio-medical problems of space flight suffers perhaps most of all from the passage of time between the meeting and this review, and serves to remind one forcibly of the limitations of ground-based simulation in these problems. Quite the most workmanlike and informative group of papers is concerned with the physical nature of the earth’s environment. Jack Green, a geologist of N. American Aviation, gives a substantial and carefully reasoned account of his speculations concerning the surface of the Moon, coming out strongly in favour of a volcanic origin. Donald Menyell of Harvard reports on his study of the atmosphere of Venus and though, in common with that of Green, such work must be doomed to be superseded as space flight increases our knowledge of the solar system, it yet remains a persuasive interpretation of the scant data available. The remaining papers of this session discuss the Earth’s radiation belts. The final sessions covered, rather briefly, aspects of Space Communications and Guidance, with the accent on optical techniques. T. R. F. NONWEILER
B. MAEHLUM(Ed.). EIectron Density Profiles in the Ionosphere and Exosphere. Pergamon Press, Oxford 1962. x + 418 pp. 105s. THE volume contains the proceedings of a NATO Advanced Study Institute held in Norway during late April 1961. It is divided into the following nine sections (with the number of contributions in each given in brackets): Electron densities in the normal D layer (2); Electron density observations during polar blackouts (3); Electron densities in the E region (4); Theories on electron production and recombination in the D and E layers (4); Electron density profiles in the F region (9); Electron density distribution in the upper F region (6); Theories of the F region (6); Incoherent scattering from the outer ionosphere (6); Theory and observations on the exosphere (3). The discussions which took place are briefly summarised. A subject index is provided - as it should be in all such volumes. Some of the contributors have given surveys; others have recast original papers which have already been published or have described research in progress. Scientists engaged in the study of the physics of the ionosphere will fmd the compilation useful. D. R. BATES
BERNARD L~VJXLL:The Exploration of Outer Space. Oxford University Press, Oxford 1962. Pp. 87. 16s. EXCEPTfor its final chapter, this book is based on a series of four lectures given by the author to an undergraduate audience. Emphasis is given to the discoveries of the past decade and in particular to those in which the radio-astronomer has played a dominant role. Among topics considered in the solar system, are