Radio observations show that the gigantic clouds of molecules where stars are born are distributed in various ways in spiral galaxies, perhaps accounting for the variation in their optical appearance. Research studies and findings in this area are reported and discussed. (JN)

Discusses the nature of and current research related to binary stars, indicating that the knowledge that most stars come in pairs is critical to the understanding of stellar phenomena. Subjects addressed include aberrant stellar behavior, x-ray binaries, lobes/disks, close binaries, planetary nebulas, and formation/evolution of binaries. (JN)

Helioseismology (similar to geophysicists' study of seismic waves) makes it possible to penetrate the sun's opaque brilliance by measuring surface oscillations. Their pattern and period hold clues to temperature, structure, composition, and dynamics of the sun's interior. Scientists have used data to build models (evolved mathematically) to…

Discusses the chemistry of comets. How comets provide clues to the birth of the solar system, photolytic reactions on comets involving water, chemical modeling, nuclear chemistry, and research findings are among the areas considered. (JN)

Estimates between 750 and 1,000 potentially dangerous asteroids in orbits crossing that of the earth. Discusses how space probes armed with warheads can be used to rendezvous with these asteroids (or comets) to divert them from the earth. (BC)

Collision of a comet with Jupiter beginning July 16, 1994 will be observed by astronomers worldwide, with computerized information relayed to a center at the University of Maryland, financed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and National Science Foundation. Geologists and paleontologists also hope to learn more about earth's…

In preparation for the Voyager flybys in 1989, the pace of ground-based investigations of the moons of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto has quickened considerably. Information derived from these investigations is presented. (JN)

Presents a selection from a revised and updated version of "The Red Limit" by Timothy Ferris. The book is a completely nontechnical introduction to 20th century cosmology, the study of the large-scale properties of the universe. (JN)

Following a short review of the history of cosmic-ray astrophysics and a discussion of the accumulated data, pointing to the need for isotope measurement, the theory of heavy-element nucleosynthesis is reviewed to provide a basis for the interpretation of the cosmic-ray data. (Author/JN)

Gives a short biography of James E. Keeler, and describes some of his outstanding discoveries, and his pioneering work in observational research where he applied physical methods to the analysis of planets, stars and nebulae. (GA)

Discusses various topics related to planetary geomorphology, including: research techniques; such geomorphic processes as impact, volcanic, degradational, eolian, and hillslope/mass movement processes; and channels and valleys. Indicates that the subject should be taught as a series of scientific questions rather than scientific results of…

From an understanding of how the solar system was formed, scientists have determined the conditions under which life probably originated on earth and, by experiment, have demonstrated a number of possible theories. These conditions, experiments, theories, and related topics are discussed. (JN)

Discusses major developments in radioastronomy since 1945. Topics include proposed facilities, very-long-baseline interferometric array, millimeter-wave telescope, submillimeter-wave telescope, and funding for radioastronomy facilities and projects. (JN)

The second of two parts (part 1 in v20 n4, p222, Apr 1982) focuses on experimental techniques used to study cosmic-ray isotopic composition, experimental results, and comparison between cosmic-ray source matter and solar-system material. Several models for nucleosynthesis and evolution of cosmic-source matter are also discussed. (Author/JN)

Presents a description of the world's largest radio/radar antenna, the Areciba Observatory in Puerto Rico. Activities at the observatory are discussed as well as the scientific research in the field of radio astronomy. (SA)