University Of Canterbury Team To Observe Eclipse

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30745, 8 May 1965, Page 16

University Of Canterbury Team To Observe Eclipse

(N.Z. Press Association)

AUCKLAND, May 7.

A United States Military Air Transport Globemaster is due at Whenuapai early tomorrow morning, carrying high-altitude rockets and scientific equipment for studies during the total solar eclipse on May 31. | The rockets will be fired from Cape Karikari, in the far north, to measure electron densities in the upper atmosphere while the sun is eclipsed. The joint scientific programme will be carried out by physicists from Canterjbury University, under Dr. J. B. Gregory, and the United

States National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The R.N.Z.A.F. will be responsible for clearing aircraft and shipping from the area.

Caravans Leave

Two caravans full of equipment from Canterbury University left Hobsonville for Kaitaia this morning. Technicians from the university, with members of the N.A.S.A. party and the cooperation of the Mangonui County Council, will prepare two concrete launching pads and erect 14 radio masts for receiving telemetry signals from the rockets. “We hope to make the first test firing on May 26, and possibly a second on May 28.” Dr. Gregory said in Christchurch today “They will be made about 7.40 a.m., the same time as the eclipse on May 31." On the day of the eclipse at least four rockets, and possibly more, will be fired. An area a mile in radius will be cleared around the firing point to allow the rocket boosters to fall safely to the ground.