"Rings" (by astronomer James Elliot and science writer Richard Kerr) is a nontechnical book about the discovery and exploration of ring systems from the time of Galileo to the era of the Voyager spacecraft. One of this book's chapters is presented. (JN)

This report, the third and final part of a three-part study of Soviet space programs, provides a comprehensive survey of the Soviet space science programs and the Soviet military space programs, including its long history of anti-satellite activity. Chapter 1 is an overview of the unmanned space programs (1957-83). Chapter 2 reports on significant…

Offers a selected bibliography pertaining to black holes with the following categories: introductory books; introductory articles; somewhat more advanced articles; readings about Einstein's general theory of relativity; books on the death of stars; articles on the death of stars; specific articles about Supernova 1987A; relevant science fiction…

Presents an annotated list of nontechnical astronomy books in these categories: amateur astronomy; children's books; cosmology; galaxies; general astronomy; history of astronomy; life in the universe; physics and astronomy; pseudoscience; quasars and active galaxies; solar system; space exploration; stars/stellar evolution; sun; astronomy…

Included in this bibliography are over 3,200 references to publications on Halley's Comet, its history, orbital motion, and physical characteristics, meteor streams associated with it, preparations for space missions to study it in 1986, and popular reaction to its appearances. Also cited are a few papers that, although they devote little…

This booklet describes the Pioneer Program and its role in exploring the solar system. Sections include: (1) "Pioneers in Space to Understand Our Earth" (describing the background of the program); (2) "First Pioneers"; (3) "The Interplanetary Pioneers"; (4) "Planetary Pioneers"; (5) "Outer Solar System…

Provides a 13 item, multiple choice test relating to aerospace science history. (SL)

Describes the Cygnus Loop, one of brightest and most easily studied of the older "remnant nebulae" of supernova outbursts. Discusses some of the historical events surrounding the discovery and measurement of the Cygnus Loop and makes some projections on its future. (TW)

On the occasion of the publication of the fifth edition of his book "The Milky Way," the author presents information on this galaxy and his life-long interest and research in this area. (SK)

This booklet describes the history of the space shuttle, especially after the Challenger accident. Topics include: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Return to Flight: The Recovery"; (3) "Space Shuttle Chronology"; (4) "Examples of Other Modifications on Shuttle's Major Systems"; (5) "Space Shuttle Recovery…

Presents an excerpt from the book entitled "Lonely Hearts of the Cosmos." Provides narration of behind-the-scenes events in the lives, the scientific debates, and the intellectual triumphs of the two physicists responsible for inventing the concept of the black hole. (JJK)

Focuses on past achievements of physicists beginning with the discovery of gaseous nebulae and listing seven commonly found characteristics of this and other observational discoveries which can foster further discovery. Suggests how theory is related to observation and where physicists make their greatest contributions to astronomy. (Author/JN)

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 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)

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…