Mariner 6 and 7 picture analysis

Analysis of Mariner 6 and 7 far-encounter (FE) pictures is discussed. The purpose of the studies was to devise ways to combine digital data from the full set of FE pictures so as to improve surface resolution, distinguish clouds and haze patches from permanent surface topographic markings, deduce improved values for radius, oblateness, and spin-axis orientation, and produce a composite photographic map of Mars. Attempts to measure and correct camera distortions, locate each image in the frame, and convert image coordinates to martian surface coordinates were highly successful; residual uncertainties in location were considerably less than one pixel. However, analysis of the data to improve the radius, figure, and axial tilt and to produce a composite map was curtailed because of the superior data provided by Mariner 9. The data, programs, and intermediate results are still available (1976), and the project could be resumed with little difficulty

Design and construction of prototype radio antenna for shortest radio wavelengths

A paraboloid radio antenna of 10.4 meters diameter, 0.41 meter focal length was constructed and its successful completion is described. The surface accuracy of the antenna is at least four times better than any existing antenna in its class size (50 micrometers rms). Antenna design specifications (i.e., for mounting, drive motors, honeycomb structures) are discussed and engineering drawings and photographs of antenna components are shown. The antenna will be used for millimeter-wave interferometry and sub-millimeter wave radiometry over a full frequency range (up to approximately 860 GHz). The antenna will also be moveable (for interferometric use) between reinforced concrete pads by rail. The effects of the weather and gravity on antenna performance are briefly discussed

The Richtmyer Memorial Lecture: A Physicist Looks at Mars

Response of the Richtmyer Memorial Lecturer to the American Association of Physics Teachers, 1 February 1972

Small Cloud Chamber for Use with Unmanned Balloons

A small lightweight cloud chamber, designed for high altitude cosmic-ray researches, has been operated successfully in unmanned balloon flights up to an 80,000-ft. altitude. In view of the current interest in high altitude cosmic-ray studies, it seems appropriate to describe briefly some of the design features of the present apparatus

Trans women and aging: A qualitative study

Data from interviews with 11 transgender women ages 55 to 77 were used to examine the experiences of gender-diverse individuals throughout the lifespan. Specifically, qualitative methods were used to examine how participants had experienced discrimination, developed strengths and resiliencies as a response to discrimination, and employed strategies predicted by Hobfoll\u27s Conservation of Resources Theory. Focused coding of the data revealed significant and pervasive discrimination in multiple settings and throughout the participants\u27 lives. The data also, however, revealed a wide range of strengths and resiliencies and indicated that participants employed a variety of strategies that allowed them to amass, maintain, and conserve resources as predicted by Hobfoll\u27s theory

Anisotropic Projector

An optical projector having different magnifications, 5× and 50×, in two rectangular directions is described. Although the device is designed principally for rapid measurement of cloud‐chamber track curvatures, it has been applied to various situations in which plane‐to‐plane imaging at constant magnification is desired. Simple plano‐convex cylindrical lenses are used as the image‐forming elements. These give quite satisfactory linearity and resolution at the maximum magnification

One year's processing and interpretation — An overview

A total of 201 complete television frames of Mars were returned by Mariners 6 and 7 in late July and early August of 1969. During the subsequent year over 3500 different versions of those frames were generated by computer processing involving the production of about 35,000 individual photographic prints and large amounts of computer printout as well. This extensive data processing and distribution required the significant participation of about fifteen scientists, engineers, and technicians, mainly at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. During that same year, the processed data were analyzed and interpreted by approximately twenty-five scientists and technicians at six different institutions. The special supplement of which this is the introductory paper presents most of the scientific findings that have accrued during the first year following the Mariner 6 and 7 flybys of Mars. It constitutes a final report on the television experiment, although significant efforts are continuing. Preliminary results were presented in three papers published in August and October of 1969 [Leighton et al., 1969a, b, c]. Smith [1970] presented information about the size, shape, and surprisingly low albedo of the martian satellite Phobos. Information concerning various aspects of the camera and data systems has also been published recently [Danielson, 1970]

Linear Air Trough

The construction and operation of a linear air trough, a device for floating small rectangular blocks (called gliders) on an air film, is described. The apparatus is useful for demonstrations and laboratory study of one-dimensional particle mechanics. The very small friction that is present is due to the viscosity of the air film, and causes the speed of a glider to decay with a time constant of the order of a few hundred seconds. A type of bumper has been designed which yields a coefficient of restitution greater than 0.99. Ten of these air troughs have been used in a student laboratory for a year, and have proved quite successful in experiments involving Newton's laws, collisions, damped harmonic motion, and motion on an incline