Philosophy
Frank B. McDonald
August 31st, 2012
"Frank McDonald, NASA scientist, astrophysicist 50 years"
by
Adam Bernstein
September 15th, 2012
Washington Post
Frank B. McDonald, an astrophysicist and former NASA chief scientist who helped design scientific instruments for research flights into space and who was a key force behind several initiatives and programs that helped scientists peer into the reaches of the solar system, died Aug. 31 at a scientific symposium in Ypsilanti, Mich.
Dr. McDonald, 87, had been a senior research scientist at the University of Maryland’s Institute for Physical Science and Technology. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage after giving a speech, said his wife, Irene.
Dr. McDonald’s career in space physics spanned more than a half-century, starting with experimental research in the mid-1950s to measure the radiation above the Earth’s atmosphere. His mentor in this effort was James A. Van Allen, a University of Iowa physicist who became a leader in space research and for whom the radiation belts encircling the Earth were later named.
With the help of the Navy, he and Van Allen concocted ‘‘rockoons,’’ small rockets lifted to 70,000 feet by balloons that would then thrust up to 350,000 feet. The rockoons carriedequipment to learn more about cosmic rays, high-energy particles in Earth’s magnetic field.
In the 1970s, Dr. McDonald was a leader on experiments that have gone to the remotest corners of the solar system. For the Pioneer 10 and 11 and Voyager 1 and 2 crafts, he helped design, build, and use instruments to measure cosmic rays.
- Roughly 865 Million Dollars...not Bad For Voyager 1 And 2...good Investment
"Voyager 1 set to burst solar system bubble, move to parts unknown" by Amy Hubbard September 4th, 2012 The Los Angeles Times How long does it take to fly to the edge of the solar system? At least 35 years. Voyager 1 is there now, carrying...
- Happy Meal Law Suit Now
"Is McDonald's Breaking the Law by Putting Toys in Happy Meals?" by Sean Gregory July 2nd, 2010 Time Millions of parents know the drill. Stevie wants to go to McDonald's for a Happy Meal, because along with his burger and fries comes the...
- Mcdonald Observatory's Newsletter
Here's an opportunity to catch up on current sky observation tips and information about the McDonald Observatory. They offer a free newsletter. February 28th... The Moon has two bright companions tonight. The star Regulus rises above it, with the...
- Lunar Mirror To Be Retired
"Among the project's unlikely achievements has been the discovery that the moon is moving away from Earth at a rate of two-and-a-half inches a year." A significant disclosure. In time the moon will lose its effect on the Earth and will alter Earth's...
- Deceased--frank J. Low
Frank J. Low November 23rd, 1933 to June 11th, 2009 "Frank J. Low, Who Helped Drive Field of Infrared Astronomy, Dies at 75" by Dennis Overbye June 21st, 2009 The New York Times Frank J. Low, who helped astronomers extend their vision beyond visible...
Philosophy
Deceased--Frank B. McDonald
Frank B. McDonald [right] with astronomer James A. Van Allen.
Frank B. McDonald
August 31st, 2012
"Frank McDonald, NASA scientist, astrophysicist 50 years"
by
Adam Bernstein
September 15th, 2012
Washington Post
Frank B. McDonald, an astrophysicist and former NASA chief scientist who helped design scientific instruments for research flights into space and who was a key force behind several initiatives and programs that helped scientists peer into the reaches of the solar system, died Aug. 31 at a scientific symposium in Ypsilanti, Mich.
Dr. McDonald, 87, had been a senior research scientist at the University of Maryland’s Institute for Physical Science and Technology. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage after giving a speech, said his wife, Irene.
Dr. McDonald’s career in space physics spanned more than a half-century, starting with experimental research in the mid-1950s to measure the radiation above the Earth’s atmosphere. His mentor in this effort was James A. Van Allen, a University of Iowa physicist who became a leader in space research and for whom the radiation belts encircling the Earth were later named.
With the help of the Navy, he and Van Allen concocted ‘‘rockoons,’’ small rockets lifted to 70,000 feet by balloons that would then thrust up to 350,000 feet. The rockoons carriedequipment to learn more about cosmic rays, high-energy particles in Earth’s magnetic field.
In the 1970s, Dr. McDonald was a leader on experiments that have gone to the remotest corners of the solar system. For the Pioneer 10 and 11 and Voyager 1 and 2 crafts, he helped design, build, and use instruments to measure cosmic rays.
- Roughly 865 Million Dollars...not Bad For Voyager 1 And 2...good Investment
"Voyager 1 set to burst solar system bubble, move to parts unknown" by Amy Hubbard September 4th, 2012 The Los Angeles Times How long does it take to fly to the edge of the solar system? At least 35 years. Voyager 1 is there now, carrying...
- Happy Meal Law Suit Now
"Is McDonald's Breaking the Law by Putting Toys in Happy Meals?" by Sean Gregory July 2nd, 2010 Time Millions of parents know the drill. Stevie wants to go to McDonald's for a Happy Meal, because along with his burger and fries comes the...
- Mcdonald Observatory's Newsletter
Here's an opportunity to catch up on current sky observation tips and information about the McDonald Observatory. They offer a free newsletter. February 28th... The Moon has two bright companions tonight. The star Regulus rises above it, with the...
- Lunar Mirror To Be Retired
"Among the project's unlikely achievements has been the discovery that the moon is moving away from Earth at a rate of two-and-a-half inches a year." A significant disclosure. In time the moon will lose its effect on the Earth and will alter Earth's...
- Deceased--frank J. Low
Frank J. Low November 23rd, 1933 to June 11th, 2009 "Frank J. Low, Who Helped Drive Field of Infrared Astronomy, Dies at 75" by Dennis Overbye June 21st, 2009 The New York Times Frank J. Low, who helped astronomers extend their vision beyond visible...