206 
ent types of experiments to measure 
the intensity of the earth’s magnetic 
field at different points in space. 
Three very interesting experiments— 
one to measure temperature, a second 
to take samples of the atmosphere, and 
a third to measure wind direction and 
velocity at various altitudes are to be 
conducted by the Signal Corps in a 
July firmg. The measurement of 
temperature is to be accomplished by 
measuring the velocity of the sound 
generated by explosive charges deto- 
nated at various altitudes up to 60 km. 
between the rocket and the ground. 
Samples of the atmosphere are to be 
obtained at various altitudes up to 
80 km. by opening and sealing sample 
bottles at various altitudes. Wind 
velocities will be measured between 
the altitudes of 30 and 60 km. by 
releasing smoke from a specially in- 
stalled smoke generator after the 
rocket has reached approximately 
30 km. altitude. The smoke will then 
be tracked by optical instruments on 
the ground. 
The next several years should see 
very interesting developments in the 
field of upper-atmosphere research, 
now that the techniques and ground 
work therefor have been laid. At the 
present rate of firings there is a sufhi- 
cient number of V—2’s on hand to last 
for another 2 years. Because of this, 
numerous long-range experiments are 
planned which are more complex 
than any that have been performed 
sofar. The rocket has opened the door 
to vast regions of space which at 
present are known to us primarily 
through the astronomer’s telescope. 
When one considers the large amount 
of work that has been done by the 
astronomers and the greater under- 
standing of the universe that this work 
has given us, one cannot help being 
impressed by the research potentialities 
of this new field. 
LITERATURE CITED 
1. SHaptey, H., and Howarrn, H. E. 
1929. A source book in astronomy. 
McGraw-Hill, New York. 
ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1948 
2. Husurt, E. O. 
1947. Upper atmosphere of the 
earth. Journ. Opt. Soc. 
Amer., vol. 37, p. 405. 
3. FLeminc, J. A. 
1939. Terrestrial magnetism and 
electricity, p. 148. Mc- 
Graw-Hill, New York. 
4. O'BRIEN, BRIAN. 
1936. Vertical distribution of ozone 
in the atmosphere. Pt. 1, 
Spectrographic results of 
the 1934 flight. Nat. 
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1946. Upper atmosphere research 
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1946. Upper atmosphere research 
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10: Smers; C2 He Jr. 
1946. Upper atmosphere research 
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General description of V—2 
and the firing program of 
the Army Ordnance De- 
partment. Naval Res. Lab. 
Rep: (R—2955.5peai- 
11. Herren, V. L., Hoeppner, C. H., 
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SHIFFLETT, P. R. 
1947. Telemetering from V-—2 rock- 
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Situ, C. R. 
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Frep L., 
