January 14, 1974

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Special Report: The Sun

Theoretical Picture of Sun Still Evolving

San Francisco—Man’s closest star, the sun, has been the object of his curiosity for as long as he has populated the earth, but its intense light and heat masked its true character for centuries. Where the sun was recognized in antiquity as the giver of light and heat and the sustainer of life, it also in modern times has become known as the source of geomagnetic storms that disrupt radio communications.

By Benjamin M. Elson26 min

Special Report: The Sun

Skylab Solar Data Funds Stir Concern

Houston, Tex.—Skylab Apollo telescope mount (ATM) scientists, elated over the performance and solar data return of their equipment, are concerned that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration will not provide necessary funds to reduce the data in the post-splashdown analysis period lasting several years.

By Craig Covault18 min

Special Report: The Sun

Technology Spawning New Data on the Sun

Space-age man is beginning to understand what the ancient sun-worshippers may have sensed perfectly well all along: that the sun is the nearest thing man has to an abundant and inexhaustible supply of energy. Fuel shortages and cries of crisis are an arresting reminder that the sun’s energy stored or converted in coal, oil, wood, water or wind is man’s first source of power.

By William H. Gregory12 min

Special Report: The Sun

Man Turns to Sun as Energy Alternative

Washington—Present demands for electricity and petroleum have generated renewed interest in using the sun’s energy as a partial alternative. Companies with aerospace systems experience, rather than electric utilities and oil producers and refiners, are now virtually alone in solar energy research.

By William A. Shumann11 min

Aeronautical Engineering

Navy, Dod Weigh Fate of F401 Engine

Washington—Navy and Defense Dept. are wrestling with the dilemma of whether to continue development of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft F401 engine for the Grumman F-14B fighter. Engine test problems and rising costs figure in the development decision, but the engine dilemma is heightened because it is linked to the proposed VFX aircraft, the F-14X and Rockwell International XFV-12A vertical/short takeoff and landing aircraft.

By Clarence A. Robinson6 min

January 71974

January 211974

January 14, 1974

January 14, 1974