315 



These broad areas were subdivided into 13 scientific areas, as shown 

 in table 4. Of these, first priority was given to those requiring con- 

 current, coordinated observation, as indicated in the table. The 

 remainder, including glaciology, gravity, and seismology, did not 

 require synoptic observations, but were included because scientists 

 would be available in areas where these fields, too, could be studied. 

 Comprehensive summaries of activities carried out in each of these 

 disciplines have been published by the National Academy of Sciences 

 and will not be described in detail here. 66 However, a capsule rationale 

 for inclusion of these particular disciplines is given below. 67 



Synoptic studies of the aurora were planned, particularly relative 

 to magnetic storms. Also planned were the improvement of auroral 

 charts, detailed spectrograph^ and photometric studies, and study 

 of airglow phenomena. Of particular interest was the detailed char- 

 acterization of the Antarctic aurora, of which little was known. 

 By the use of artificial earth satellites, scientists hoped to learn 

 more about the cause and formation of the aurora. Studies were 

 planned to determine the solar and geophysical effects of cosmi 

 rays, including their relation to the magnetic fields of the sun, the 

 earth, and space, as well as their interaction with the atmosphere. 

 Plans for geomagnetic studies included the morphology of magnetic 

 storms and transient effects, relations with the ionosphere, and the 

 equatorial electrojet. Particular interest was to be focused upon 

 greater understanding of the earth's magnetic field as it extended 

 into outer space. 



Glaciology studies were not originally planned as part of the IGY, 

 primarily because they did not meet the requirement for concurrent 

 sunoptic observations. The importance of such studies was well 

 recognized, however, because of their influence upon heat balance 

 and chemical problems of meteorology. Glaciers affect the world's 

 weather, although admittedly less than atmospheric disturbances 

 and changes in the oceans. However, since IGY activities would 

 necessarily result in the presence of many scientists in the Arctic 

 and Antarctic regions, it seemed reasonable to take advantage of 

 their presence to conduct glacier surveys to establish a data base 

 which would permit determination of glacial changes by comparison 

 with similar surveys in the future. 



Plans for ionospheric studies included extensive recordings of 

 layer heights, radio absorption and scatter effects, and galactic 

 noises. Of special interest were plans for conducting ionospheric 

 experiments northward from the South Polar plateau during the 

 long, total-night season to shed light on the physical characteristics 

 of the ionosphere during periods of prolonged absence of sunlight. 

 Studies of latitude and longitude were planned primarily to improve 

 time determinations and star catalogs, and to determine irregularities 

 in the earth's rotation. Plans for meteorological studies included 



* NAS IGY Program Report, pp. 3-661. 



" For more detail concerning the U.S. IGY program, see: Senate, Hearing* on H.R. 99S8, pp. 643-549; and 

 U.S., Congress, House, Committee on Appropriations, The Supplemental Appropriation Bill, 1969, Hearingt, 

 86th Cong., 2d sess., 2 July 1968, pp. 804-814. Much of the summary in the text is also based upon information 

 from: Sullivan, Atiault p. 346; Sullivan, "The International Geophysical Year," International Conciliation 

 (January 1969), p. 276; Roberts, "The IGY in Retrospect," pp. 266-268; Chapman, Year ofDiecovery, p. 12; 

 and Chapman, "International Cooperation," p. 174. 



