SOVIET BLOC INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL YEAR INFORMATION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 19
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 27, 1999
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: November 14, 1958
• Content Type: REPORT

C I.ne ro j.3j.D 54-$w
NIMR'SS I`F' I ED- ., -,,)uv t ET 'BLOC
GEOPMYSII.-HL
NQ~EMBER ~~ ~/ ~~ i .. ~ Cr?
 F Iprlved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
PB l3j.632..4o
SOVIET BLOC INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL YEAR INFORI"IATION
November 14, 1958
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Office of Technical Services
Washington 25, D. C.
Published Weekly from February 11, 1958, to January 2, 1959
Subscription Price $10.00 for the Series
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
PLEASE NOTE
This report presents unevaluated information on Soviet Bloc
International Geophysical Year activities selected from foreign-
language publications as indicated in parentheses. It in sib-
lished as an aid to United States Government research.
SOVIET BLOC INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL YEAR INFORMATION
Table of Contents
I. General:`
II. Rockets and Artificial Earth Satellites
III. Upper Atmosphere
IV. Seismology
V. Arctic and Antarctic
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
Report on Meeting of Hungarian Geophysicists
A report on the It-day meeting of the Hungarian Geophysicists Society,
held in Budapest and Tihany from 10 to 13 September, given by Tibor Dombai,
ICossuth Prize Winner and director of the Hungarian State Lorand Eotvos
Geophysical Institute (Magyar Allami Eotvos Lorand Geofizikai Intezet),
appeared in the 23 September issue of Magyar Nemzet.
A great improvement in the conference over that of last year was
noted. The number of participants from other countries, among whom were
geophysicists from the Soviet Union, the People's Republic of China, and
the Federal Republic of Germany, was larger and the scope of the reports
was broader.
Prof R. Tomaschek of Munich spoke on his gravitational study of wave
phenomena. This report was supplemented by one by Szilard Oszlaczky, a
department chief of the Lorand Eotvos Geophysical Institute, who described
measurements he had made in Hungary under the IGY program. Oszlaczky said
that the gravitational forces which cause tides at sea also deform the
solid surface of the Earth by as much as one half meter drawing it out
into a cigar shape.
A paper by Prof Laszlo Egyed, Kossuth Prize winner, and Lajos Stegena,
both department chiefs at the Lorand Eotvos Geophysical Institute was
related to Prof Tomaschek's paper. This study provides new proof for the
theory presented by Professor Egyed 3-4 years ago, that the Earth is not
shrinking but expanding.
Dr G. Richter of Halle University reported on examinations which
support the theory that a certain type of earthquake wave originates in
the Earth's core.
Prof Ye. F. Savarenskiy, Moscow University seismologist, spoke on
marine artificial seismic measurements made during the IGY to determine
the thickness and structure of the Earth's crust. Prof E. Vesanen of
Helsinki reported on similar work done in Finland.
D. P. Zidarov, a scientific worker in one of the research institutes
of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences revealed a principle for an interest-
ing new analog computer. Zidarov asked for ideas on practical applications
of it.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
Ku Kure;-110U, chief geophysicist of the Chinese Ministry of Geology
and deputy director of the Institute of Geophysics of the Academia Sinica,
reported on the methods caned in China to discover ore and mineral deposits.
The papers of Viktor Scheffer chief geophysicist of the Petroleum
Industry Trust (Koolujipari Trouzt); Laszlo Gacsinai, chief geophysicist
of the National Geological Main Directorate (Oro altos Foldtani Foigaz-
gatosay); and Dalint Balkay, a scientific worker of the geophysical faculty
of the Lorand Eotvor: Science University, all received great acclaim.
("Why is the World Sometirr:~s Cigar-Shaped," by Ictvan Vig; Budapest, Magyar
Nemzet, 23 Sep 58) p 5)
Soviet Scientist Discusses Psychological Problems of Space'Flight
A description of the simulated "Moon flight" test recently conducted
by the US Air Force appeared in a July issue of the newspaper Sovetskaya
Aviatsiya. Prof K. Platonov, Doctor of Medical Sciences, writer of the
article, says that it is regretful that this interesting psychological
experiment was conducted by the US not for the sake of the progress of
^ CPYRGHT
peaceful. science, but for the solution of purely military problems.
contrast to e m arcs c si-ant or e work or scienz, SCS 111 U1.1
field of cosmonautics, Soviet investigations of the cosmos and in par-
ticular our satellites, solve the most important scientific problems,
strengthening man's power over nature."
Platonov then turns to a discussion of those characteristics of space
flight which will confront the first cosmonauts in their future flights
around the world and to other planets.
The main role in the accomplishment of manned interplanetary flights
belongs to scientists and engineers---the creators of rockets and future
space ships which will be capable of not only going beyond the boundary
of the atmosphere but of returning to Earth. However, in the solution
of the psychological problems of mans' flight in the cosmos, the important
role is played by the investigations of medical workers.
What probems stand before psychological science?
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
It must study the effect of various factors of cosmic flights (accel-
er.Ation, weightlessness, isolation, etc.) on the psyche of the astronaut.
Work with control instruments and control levers, the creation of condi-
tions for adaptation to weightlessness, and work with rescue methods,
must also be investigated. The selection and training of personnel for
cosmic flights merits attention.
The specific characteristics of the cosmonaut's actions will manifest
themselves in emotional tensions. The manifestation of emotions at dif-
ferent stages of the interplanetary flight will be co::tplex and varied.
The feeling of complete dependence of a human on the automatic operation
of mechanisms during the launching of rocket obviously does not ensure
a calm state in the cosmonaut inasmuch as he will strive not to lose con-
trol, both for his on condition and for reading the instruments.
Radio communication with the Earth will have a great positive psycho-
logical effect on the cosmonaut in fliglr:;. It is extremely important
for science to obtain information from tlr~ ship, and the transmission of
voice signals from Earth to the ship gill be of substantial value.
In addition to cosmonauts, the control instruments and the devices
guiding the ship will be the objects of investigations by psychologists.
Difficult movements of a human in conditions of weightlessness will
be disrupted. Special investigations in the field of engineering psycho-
logy will make it possible to develop, and then to compare various methods
of coping with weightlessness and in the plan to estimate their effect
on the capability of the cosmonaut. For example, it is necessary to test
special magnetic boots, and also the creation of an artificial force of
gravity by means of rotating the ship around its own axis.
The results of experiments conducted on high speed elevators which
were recently published, showed that a human can well adapt himself to
a medium with a changing force of gravity. Training in the control of
one's own body in jumping during nose-overs from planes and during delayed
parachute jumps can play an important role in this. Swimming underwater
can also be considered as one of the methods of training for movements
in conditions of weightlessness.
A means of combating "stillness and monotony" will also be of great
value. It is uncertain whether it is necessary to draw "the usual doors
and windows" on the walls of the cabin as some foreign psychologists
recommend, but it will. be necessary to provide for changes in sounds and
colors, and the illumination of the cabin imitating the change from day
to night, etc.
-3-
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
The first cosmonauts will obviously be test pilots who will be able
to quickly arrive at correct decisions under the new conditions, possessing
varied capabilities and knowledge, and who have a mastery of aviation engi-
neering.
The newest achievements of science and engineering and especially
the successful launching of the gigantic Soviet artificial earth satellites
render mans cosmic flight all the more tangible. There is no doubt that
the difficulties connected with these flights will be successfully over-
come by the efforts of scientists with different specialities, among whom
will be psycho'Lonists. ("Man on the Road to the 'Cosmos," by Prof
K. Platonov, Doctor of Medical Sciences; Moscow, Sovetskaya Aviatsiya,
30 Jul 56)
The Mountain Astronomical Station Near Kislovodsk
The Mountain Astronomical Station of the Main Astronomical Observatory
of the Academy of Sciences USSR completed 10 years of operations in autumn
of this year. The station was created for observations of the solar corona
during noneclipse periods.
The station is located 30 kilometers from Kislovodsk on one of the
highest summits of a mountain range, at an altitude of 2,130 meters. The
plane of the summit and the absence of turbulence aids in obtaining good
pictures.
. Although the principal task of the station is the development and
the conduction of systematic observations of the solar corona in noneeclipse
periods, it also has instruments for the observation of conditions in the
deeper layers of the solar atmosphere, the chromosphere, and the photo-
sphere. The reason for this is that the active processes arising in the
Sun's atmosphere include all the layers, and for their investigation, it
is necessary to study the spatial distribution of the physical character-
istics and changes of this distribution with time. In addition to the
coronagraph, the station operates a photoheliograph, a chromosphere tele-
scope, a large diffraction spectrograph fed by a horizontal solar apparatus,
and a radio interferometer operating on a ],.7-meter wave length. There
is a laboratory equipped with instruments for geometric and photometric
measurements.
- 4 -
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
All equipment works as a unified complex. The obtained materials
cluppJ ernerrl; one another and give an all-around presentation of the processes
,'lcvel.oping on the Sun.
Part of the equipment was built by forces of associates of the Main
Astronomical Observatory in Pulkovo and in the station itself. The photo-
heliograph, the chromosphere telescope, and the large diffraction spectro-
E;.raph were built under the supervision of P. V. Dobychin. The majority
of optical items were made in the optical shops of the Pulkovo Observatory
under the supervision of V. G. Shreyber. The diffraction gratings used in
the spectrograph, which was connected to the coronograph, and the large
spectrograph were of the F. M. Gerasimov type. For observations in mono-
chronytic light type A. B. Gil'barg (in the coronagraph) and S. B. Ioffe
(in the chromosphere telescope) type interference-polarization filters were
used.
In the organization of the work special attention was given to seeing
to it that the daily program of investigations is fulfilled not only on a
high level of accuracy but also as rapidly as possible. It is possible
to observe the solar corona only in exceptionally favorable conditions.
The experience of past years has shown that there are considerably more
favorable days - here than in any other similar station in Europe or Asia.
Especially of great value is the fact that the majority of clear days here
occurs in autumn, when the possibility of observations in the majority of
observatories is greatly decreased. In addition to this, the maximum clear
weather falls in the morning, when the images are especially quiet.
Continuous observa:,ions are of great value. Therefore they are con-
ducted by all Soviet observatories, and in this way gaps in the observa-
tions caused by poor weather and the approach of night are filled. The
compilation of a single complete observation series is only possible with
the strict agreement of the methods of observations and the processing
of their results. The general supervision of these operations (Sun service)
is carried out by the Commission for the Investigation of the Sun, Academy
of Scienres USSR. The station took a leading part in the system of the
Sun Service, the importance of which greatly increased in connection with
the IGY, tince the processes originating in the Earth's atmosphere depend
to a considerable degree (and in the upper layers, as a whole) on the
state of solar activity.
The program of work of the Mountain Station also includes systematic
observations for spots, faculae, flocculi in hydrogen and calcium rays,
the magnetic fields of spots, filaments, protuberances and the distribu-
tion of the intensity of illurination in the corona around the Sun in the
spectral lines 5,303, 51964, 6,371+, 10,7+7, and 10,798 and radio emis-
sions of the corona on a wave length of 1.7 meters. '
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
Special observations for investigating the physical state of the
corona led to the discovery in 1954 that at certain moments, helium line
luminescence can be observed in the corona. Later these observations
were confirmed by other observatories. A number of facts were gathered
by which can be considered the possible existence of matter in greatly
differing physical states in the corona. The further study of these phe-
nomena being conducted by the station is of great interest.
Observations of the infrared coronal lines 10,747, and 10,798
with the aid of an electron-optical transducer joined to a si;ectrograph
of a noneclipse corona were begun in collaboration with the State Astro-
nomical Institute imeni P. K. Shternberg. Systematic measurements of the
magnetic fields of sunspots on the large diffraction spectrograph were
set up jointly with the Division of the Physics of the Sun, Pulkovo Observa-
tory, and undertaken jointly with the Division of Radio Astronomy of the
same observatory were systematic observations of the radio emission of the
solar corona on a wave length of 1.7 meters, with the aid of a radio inter-
ferometer.
At the station, continuous practical training of students in the
highest courses of the universities of Moscow, Leningrad, Kiev, and Lvov
is conducted, :.tnd here the qualifications of associates from different
observatories not only in. the USSR but also in China, Rumania, Hungary, and
Czechoslovakia are raised. ("In the Mountain Astronomical Station Near
Kislovudsk," by M. N. Gnevyshev; Moscow, Vestnik Akademii Nauk SSR, No 8,
1958, pp 107-109)
Mg II Emi.si~ion Lines in Solar Spectrum Measured by Soviets
Photographs of the ultra violet spectrum of the Sun obtained by
spectrographs mounted in rockets showed an emission reversal in the middle
of the strong fraunhofer absorption lines of Mg II, 'N 2795.5 and A 2802.7 .R.
The luminescence of the Mg II resonance doublet is a unique case when
the indicated emission lines are observed in the solar spectrum if the
weakly expressed emissions in the II and K lines of CaII are not considered.
The investigation of Mg II emission, especially the study of contour lines,
is of great interest in solar physics.
Certain spectrograms were selected and processed by G. S. Ivanov-
Kholodnyy. Mg II emission lines were obtained and identified. It was
shown that the intensity of emission lines does not depend on the Sun's
activity and is equal to 1.05 and 0.75 microwatts per millimeter squared
for lines with a wave length of 7 2795.5 and T 2802.7 X correspondingly.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
?1ht1f width lines AA 0.5-0,6 R. Emission lines are formed in the chrotno-
.phere in a layer with an optical thickness of ^'40, The effect of self
.J)corption was calculated the number of Mg II atoms on the basis of the
condition N(3S) = 9 X 101J / cm2 was found, the perturbation temperature
Tg=5,300 degrees was determined, and the density of hydrogen atoms in
the chromosphere was evaluated. '("Spectrophoto:netric Measurement of Mg
tI Emission Lines in the Solar Spectrum," by G. S. Ivanov-Kholodnyy; Mos-
cow, Izvesti Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Geofizicheskaya, No 9, Sep 58)
pp 1105-1110
IV. SEISMOLOGY
Soviet Studies on Tsunami
The problem of tsunami is a comparatively new one for the Academy of
Sciences USSR. It arose in connection with the disastrous occurrence Of
two such gigantic waves on the Kurile-Kamchatka shore on the night of
4-5 November 1952. The strong earthquake from which they resulted had its
focus east of Kamchatka in the Pacific Ocean. The amplitude of its elastic
oscillations recorded in Moscow was 2 millimeters. The earthquake itself
caused no great damage on land but after 20 minutes in the vicinity of the
epicenter, and later in the majority of shore points, several gigantic
waves struck. The second wave was especially strong, in a great number
of points reaching a height of 20 meters. On the Kurile-Kamchatka shore,
the wave averaged 7-8 meters over a distance of 1,000 kilometers. The
wave swept far inland, at several places for a distance of more than one
kilometer. A number of populated points, were damaged.
The process of earthquake origin conformable to the Kurile-Kamchatka
arc can be reduced to this, that parts of the Earth-with a thickness of
possibly a hundred kilometers, to the west of the Kurile depression undergo
a geologically slow upheaval and to the east, a sinkage. In a limited
zone the first experiences an increasing compression and the second, a
stretching. This process episodically compl?tes faults with an extent of
tens and even hundreds of kilometers. Thus earthquakes originate. Some-
times a fault is not localized in the depths of the Earth but reaches its
surface on land or at the bottom of the ocean. Faults are then formed
on the surface; their amplitude can reach 10 meters. This occurs in the
Kurile depression, where the foci of earthquakes are not deep, in contrast
to the western part, where the depths of the foci reach 600-700 kilometers
and the earthquakes do not cause surface damage.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
The speed of the formation of faults is very great, (it can exceed
the speed of sound In water) and therefore a rapid change of volume occurs
in the ocean. This disturbance reaches the surface of the water and
causes ordinary but very long waves.
Tsunami waves in the open sea have a length of over 100 kilometers,
a period of more than 10 minutes, and can even be unnoticed by ships.
Their speeds depend on the depths, and is about 0.2 meters per second, The
velocity of the wave increases as it approaches &'alicw water. It can
be focussed and scattered depending on the influence of the bottom relief.
Approaching the shore, the waves are deformed, the steepness of their
forward slope increases sharply, and the waves are transformed into a wall
of water.
Elastic seismic waves travel faster and leave the tsunami behind.
The minimum lead time consists of about 10-15 minutes for conditions in
the USSR. Consequently observations of seismic waves, being forerunners
of tsunami, can serve for announcements of danger.
In the USSR since October 1956, the duty of tsunami has rested on
members of the GUGNE'(NS9.in Administration of the Hydrometeorological Serv-
ice) and the fulfillment of seismic observations and the determination
of epicenters, on the Academy of Sciences USSR (Sakhalinsk Complex Scien-
tific Research Institute). It was decided to build the first GUGMS tsunami
warning stations in Petropavlovsk, Yuzhno-Sakhalansk and Kuril'sk. The
Institute of the Physics of the Earth was commissioned to develop particu-
larly high-speed seismic apparatus with which the location of the epicenters
of tsunami-forming earthquakes could be determined in a few minutes.
The second no less important problem entrusted to the Academy of Sci-
ences USSR was the setting up of a system of regioning zones according
to the danger from tsunami. This extremely important work for the rational
mastering of the shores of the islands of Kamchatka and the Kuriles was
conducted by the Institute of the rhysics of the Earth, the Marine Hydro-
physical Institute, the Institute of Oceanology and the Sakhalinsk Scien-
tific Research Institute. The role of the latter remains especially impor-
tant in the seismic service. The coordination and supervision of all the
operations was performed by the Council on Seismology.
The first version of the proposed scheme has been compiled at present.
As a result of the generalization of seismological, geomorphological, and
oceanological data, the most probable zones of tsunami-forming earthquakes
were determined, the shore regions for varying degrees of possible flood-
ing by the tsunami shown, and the regions where waves increase were estab-
lished.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
These generalities are necessary but they are inadequate, and to
ietermine the degree of danger threatening specific, points, each care
requires a refinement of the data in relation to the local relief condi-
tions of the coastal belt, the shore outline and the economic considera,
Lions.
A special apparatus for the rapid determination of the location of
earthquakes epicenters was developed by the Institute of the Physics of
the Earth. Three types of instruments are used in it. An azimuthgraph
? is included, consisting of a pendulum with two degrees of freedom, which
marks the first movement at the moment of the arrival of the longitudinal
wave on a blackened plate. This movement, as is known, occurs in the
direction of the epicenter. A vertical seismograph with luminophor stor-
age recording the fluctuations serves for a well-defined determination of
the direction. After recording the first longitudinal wave, the automatic
seismograph lowers the plate with the recording and switches on &light
projector with the aid of which the azimuthal direction to the epicenter
is determined. A separate seismograph registers the arrival times of
longitudinal and transverse waves. The distance to the epicenter is
determined according to these.
Thus the possibility is created for very rapidly determining the loca-
tion of earthquake epicenters according to the data of even one station
(either on the ocean or cn land.) and also to evaluate their intensities.
Calculations and instructions for determining the force of earthquakes
from which considerable tsunami can appear will be completed in the near
future by the Sakhalin Institute of the Physics of the Earth.
The results of the first stage of the work are inadequate. The scheme
of regioning the danger of tsunami is much too general. More accurate
data on the coastal relief, the shore structure, a more detailed study
of the routes of wave phenomena and previous tsunami, and the firmness
of recent depositions are necessary for its greater detail. These blanks
in the information can be filled by expeditionary investigations on spe-
cialized ships.
At present, it is impossible on the basis of seismic data to determine
whether an earthquake is a tsunami-forming one or not. It must be possi-
ble to effect an explanation of whether the earthquake's epicenter falls
in the "tsunamigenic" zone or, to a sufficient degree, to determine whether
it is strong enough for a considerable tsunami. The physical processes
of elastic oscillations of the Earth during faulting at the surface and
considerable wave pressures in water must have special characteristics,
and a knowledge of these is necessary.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R0002U0410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
Hydroacoustical observations which will indicate the wave pressures
generated by tsunami are also very important. Since sound waves are prop-
agated rapidly they can serve as a second indication of tsunami. Tide
gunge observations are of great value both for detecting rapid backsweeps
during false tsunami, which frequently cause strong ones, for seeking
seismic indications of tsunami and the investigation of the phenomenon
itself. ("The Study of Tsunami," by Ye. F. Savarenskiy, Doctor of Physico-
mathematical Sciences; Moscow, Vestnik Akademii Nauk SSSR, No 9, Sep 58,
pp 11-15).
Antarctic Activities in October
During the first half of October, the weather in the Soviet expedition
area of Antarctica was unfavorable for tractor operations. The fJ.::?st train
from Mirnyy to Pionerskaya traveled during a continuous purga and with
lack of visibility. The temperature dropped to minus 40-50 degrees Centi-
grade. The "Pingvin" oversnow vehicles and tractors had difficulty in
pulling the heavily laden sledges.
Large sastrugi, reaching heights of 1.5 to 2 meters, were encountered
frequently along the way. The vehicles skidded from time, to time, and it
was necessary to pull out one of the sledges by coupling together two or
three tractors. However, the train reached the station Pionerskaya safely.
From here, four "Pingvin" vehicles proceeded farther south, and one "Pingvin"
vehicle with four tractors returned to Mirnyy. The blizzard continued,
and the course had to be determined by instruments.
At the same time, two truck-tractors with sledges left Mirnyy. The
sledges were taken to the 75th kilometer from Mirnyy. The reason for this
is that the first few kilometers of the route into the interior of Antarctica
pass over a very steep ascent.'..To. facilitate the ascent of the
train up the mountain, it was decided to dispatch several sledges ahead.
The members of both traverse parties returned to Mirnyy after over-
coming great difficulties on the way.
On 23 October, the main component of the train headed for the interior
left Mirnyy. At the station Komsomol'skaya, the train will meet with the
"Pingvin" vehicles, which arrived there earlier. At this point, the freight
and, the vehicles will to redistributed over two trains. The principal
train will travel by a planned route to Sovetskaya and from there, in the
direction of the pole of relative inaccessibility.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
The second -train from Konwomol' L ka1a will deliver about 50 tons of
,rr rious freight to the station Vostok for the work of, the new staff.
At the invitation of US scientists who had visited Mirnyy in January
1958, a Polar Aviation 11-12 transport, plane flew out from Mirnyy on
24 October, carrying a group of Soviet scientists on a visit to the US
ntation McMurdo. The plane was piloted by V. M. Perov and carried aboard,
in addition to the expedition chief, the'leaders of the aerometeorological
detachment, V. A. Bugayev and biologist V. M. Makushok. The plane made
a nonstop flight to the McMurdo base. The course of the plane passed
over the interior station Sovetskaya.
After 9 hours 20 minutes, the 11-12 reached the South Pole. It circled
the pole and headed for the Ross, Sea, passing over the Beardmore Glacier.
On 25 October, at 0050 Moscow time, the plane arrived safely at the US
base McMurdo. The transantarctic flight from the coast of the Indian
Ocean to the Ross Sea, a distance of over 4,000 kilcmeters. was made in
about 13 hours 50 minutes.
During the flight, a survey was made from the air of the route to be
taken by the sled-tractor train, traveling in the direction of the pole
of relative inaccessibility.
At McMurdo, the Soviet polar scientists will become acquainted with
the work done by the US scientists and will then return to Mirnyy by
plane. "Over the South:Pole," by Ye. Tolstikov, chief. of Soviet Antarctic
Expedition (report by radio); MoscowPravda, 26 Oct 58)
Astronomical Deteririnations in Antarctica
A large part of the program for the exploration of Antarctica during
the IGY period is devoted to astronomical determinations. In the area
studied by the Soviet Antarctic Expedition, the boundaries of the continent
had formerly been determined only roughly; many important geographic
objects, both on Soviet and foreign small-scale sea and land maps of Ant-
arctica, were incorrectly represented or not mapped at all. Therefore,
together with a study of the geological-geographical and geophysical
peculiarities of these objects, it was necessary to determine their loca-
tion by astronomical methods.
This work in Antarctica presented great difficulties. There was no
experience in work of this-kind in the Southern Hemisphere, especially
in regions of the Far South; there were no available working ephemerides
for observations of latitude and time and no special tables for their
calculation.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
The physical and geographical conditions of Antarctica, i.e., low
temperatures and strong, almost continuous winds, were not favorable to
astronomical work. The heavy ice sheet, the absolute elevation of the
continent, the vest' low atmospheric pressure, and the heavy snowstorms, all
tend to complicate working conditions. In the summer, solar radiation
impedes the work, and there are many other complications.
The determination of time by the Soviet expedition was done by the
zinger method, and the determination of latitude, by measuring the zenith
distances of southern and northern stars, with one circle of the instru-
ment. These methods were chosen because in using them, it is not neces-
sary to have particular azimuth stability of the instrument and therefore
it is possible to make observations from moving, glaciers.
Before leaving for the Antarctic, working ephemerides of zinger pairs
for latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere from minus 64 to minus 72 degrees
were compiled and, in addition to the Astronomical Calendar, a list of
visible locations of 86 stars to be included in these pairs was set up.
The selection of zinger pairs was made from a specially compiled star map
of the Southern Hemisphere. For the mean latitude, equaling minus 68
degrees, 247 pairs were selected, which were completely adequate for the
normal program of observations during a 24-hour period, i.e., they made
it possible to observe not less than eight pairs during a 2-hour interval.
The pairs were compiled mainly from stars of the third magnitude.
The calculation of ephemerides and visible locations of 86 stars,
supplementary to the Astronomical Calendar, was done by the Institute of
Theoretical Astronomy of the Academy of Sciences USSR.
The working ephemerides of 241 pairs of stars (out of 247) were calcu-
lated for the period 1960.0. The time interval between observations of
stars in a pair was taken to equal 5 minutes.
The processing of astronomical observations conducted in the Southern
Hemisphere was done according to the same equations and rules as in the
Northern h?misphere.
In addition to the above-mentioned working aids, the astronomical
detachment had tables of the elevations and azimuths for 12 bright stars
of the Southern Hemisphere. There were also analogous British tables of
elevations and azimuths for 15 bright stars of the Southern Hemisphere.
The astronomical detachment had two complete sets of tools, instru-
ments, and equipment. The following instruments were used for obsernrations
in Antarctica: 5-second astronomical theodolites star chronometers,
.(one
contact and 'one half), an aneroid barometer ,for altitudes up to 5,000
meters), a "Geodezist" radio receiver, an optical theodolite, mercury
barometers of the Blokhin system, maximum and minimum thermometers for
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
low tempetaturea (to minus 80 degrees Centigrade), a mobile radio
;tation, magnetic instruments, special heaters for chronometers and mercury
li,trometera, lighting equipment, an astronomical tent-pavilion, an ice
(trill, etc. The theodolites and chronometers were ltibricatcd with a
rpocial compound which does not freeze at temperatures to minus 60 degrees
Centigrade and tested in a refrigeration chamber. This assured faultless
operation of the instruments at low temperatures in Antarctica.
The astronomical detachment arrived in Antarctica early in January
i.e., during the antarctic mid-summer. The high-precision astronomical
determinations were to be made first of all in areas of major importance
for geological-geographical and geophysical research. Such areas included
mainly the ice-free regions, i.e., so-called oases, individual islands and
cliffs emerging to the surface. Usually such areas are found near the
coast. However, in the opinion of some scientists, ice-free areas const;i-.
tuts only 0.02? percent of the total area of the continent.
It was planned to determine two points on the borders of Queen Mary
Land, Knox Coast, and the Shackleton Ice Shelf, and two points on the
West Ice Shelf. The region where the first two points were located is
300 kilometers east of Mirnyy. In this area the Denman and 'Scott glaciers
join together, and there are outcrops of bedrock in the form of rocky.
islands, rising above the glacier surface from several meters to 100 and
more meters in height.
The astronomical points were distributed in such a way as to serve
simultaneously as an elevation bench mark for aerial photography. The
outcrops of bedrock, surrounded by glaciers, can be recognized easily
o.: the aerial photographs.
The scientists were transported into the interior by AN-2 plane.
Observations begun at the end of January at a point on David Island, at
the south edge of the Shackleton Ice Shelf.
The work on Mount Strathcona and at the last point, on West Ice Shelf,
was performed under extremely difficult conditions. Mount Strathcona is
in the upper portion of the'Denman and Scott glaciers, 150 kilometers
south of the coast, at, an elevation of about 2,000 meters above sea level.
These are the most southern outcrops of bedrock on the meridian of David
Island.
The observations conducted at thic, point were made exceedingly difficult
because of a heavy blizzard and the fact that the atmospheric pressure on
that particular day was almost 200 millimeters below normal. The scien-
tists were forced to pause after every 50 steps on their ascent to the
summit and to rest for at least 15-20 minutes.
- 13
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
The observations at this point were completed during one night. Next
moc?ri:ing the wind died down completely and a heavy snowfall began. During
8 hours, 123 centimeters of snow fell. By night, a strong wind began to
blow again, the whole mass of fallen snow was once more blown into the
air, and a violent blizzard continued for several days.
The only spot suitable as a landing strip for a ski plane was covered
during those days with masses of loose snow; therefore it was necessary,
in leaving, to abandon part of the things belonging to the detachment,
except the instruments. To lighten the weight of the plane, it was even
necessary to dump some of the gasoline.
The longitudes of points, as a rule, were determined according to
program "A" from observations of 5-8 Zinger pairs at 2-hour intervals.
Rhythmic time signals were received from radio stations in Moscow, Tashkent,
Irkutsk, Shanghai, and Canberra. The audibility of signals was very good.
In observing latitudes by southern and northern stars with one instru-
ment circle, six sightings were made of each star. At some points for
example Mount Strathcona, the latitudes were determined by near-zenith
stars, which were observed with two positions of the circle (four sightings
of each). The azimuths of terrestrial objects at all points were deter-
mined by the Sun, in three stages. The final coordinates of points were
received out of three to five determinations of longitude and four to
eight determinations of latitude.
Special attention was given to the securing of points, in view of
the fact that in the wastelands of Antarctica these points will serve
for many years as the only witness to the gradually occurring changes in
the regime of the ice cover. The problem was to make solid, permanent
markers out of light materials, which would be easily transportable by
plane. The centers of the points consisted of tanks which had been used
for heating gas (weighing 76 kilograms each), which were placed in deep
rock fissures. Next to the center a 3-meter duralumin pipe with a dia-
meter of 3 inches was placed. The tank and the pipe were set in the crack
at a depth of not less than 1-1.5 meters and covered with large stones.
A Duralumin plate was screwed to the upper part of the pipe bearing the
engraved inscription "AP No.....
KAE AN SSSR
1957"
(Probably "Astronomical Point No......., Complex Antarctic Expedition of
the Academy of Sciences USSR]
A solid mound of rocks was piled up above the center and a trihedral
pyramid of six bamboo poles was erected, the ends of which were secured
in the rock cracks and covered with stones. It may be assumed that the
astronomical points, secured in this way, will be preserved tbrmany yeeza in
these regions, where the temperatures do not rise above freezing point.
-14-
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
The azimuthal signs were secured in the dame manner, but withaut
pyramids. In this case, a glass container etas used for the center. The
plates attached to the azimuthal signs bore engraved inscriptions with
the number of the astronomical point and Of the azimuthal sign, as well
as the year it was set up.
A network of microtriangulation was developed around some of the
astronomical points, for example on David Island. The points and azimuthal
signs at the sJ.te of operation of the detachment were identified by aerial
photographs and were firmly attached.
At all points the scientific workers collected samples of various
types of rocks, moss and lichen, prepared descriptions of the locality,
and conducted around-the-clock meteorological observations and magnetic
determinations simultaneously with the central observatory. Results of
the observations were transmitted twice daily by radio to Mirnyy. These
data were used, mostly, in compiling weather forecasts for aviation. The
altitudes of astronomical points were based on data for pressure measure-
ments.
The working coordinates of the points were computed locally. In
deducing the longitudes, corrections were taken into consideration for
the speed of propagation-of electromagnetic waves. For Antarctica these
corrections vary -between Os.01E (Tashkent) and 06 -07 (Irkutsk).
In addition to high-precision astronomical work in Antarctica, deter-
minations were made (with a precision of } 0' .1) of the geographic coor-
dinates of a number of poir."ts: Drygalski Island, coast of Depot Bay,
Binger Oasis, Greerson archipelago, and the permanently operating scien-
tific stations Pionerskaya, Komsomol'skaya, Vostok, and Sovetskaya. For
these determinations were used methods of approximation to measure the
;:cnith distances of the Sun and observations of aeronavigational stars
according to the Somner method.
Astronomical determinations in Antarctica, conducted by the Soviet
expedition, constitute a very important part of the extensive research
on the Sixth Continent, planned by. the IGY program. The astronomical
points made it possible to correct or to determine anew the locations of
many geographical objects. For .example, it was determined that the longi-
tude of Gaussberg, formerly explored by the German Antarctic Expedition
of E. Drygalski in 1901-1903, was off by 7 miles the latitude of Mount
Strathcona was incorrectly placed by 29 miles, the coastline of the con-
tinent in the area of the Shackleton Ice Shelf was placed too far south
by 30 miles, etc. The astronomical points determined by the Soviet Expedi-
tion will help to compile a current map of Antarctica. ("Astronomical
Determinations on the Continent of Antarctica During the IGY Period," by
V. Kh. Galeyev; Moscow, Geodeziya i Kartografiya, No 8, Aug 58, pp 22-31)
- 15 -
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7
Second Sled Train Leaves Mirnyy
The second sled-tractor train left Mirnyy on 23 October for the pole
of relative inacces9ability. ("From Every Corner of the Country"; Moscow
Izvestiya, 25 Oct 58)
16
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141R000200410001-7