COSMIC BLANKET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22269, 23 May 1934, Page 10

COSMIC BLANKET

EXPERIMENTS FROM DAVENTRY SOLVING WIRELESS PROBLEMS A London cablegram published yesterday gave particulars of experiments which are to be conducted from Daventry with a view to the detection of echoes from what is called the “ cosmic blanket,” A recent article on this subject in the Daily Mail states: — Leading authorities on radio science are convinced that the data collected by the massed body of listeners—-of which at least 500,000 will be required in the British Isles—will lead to revolutionary developments In broadcasting and in the study of some of radio’s deepest mysteries. The plan is the culmination of years of secret experiments into the laws governing the transmission of wireless waves millions of miles into space. Professor E. V. Appleton, of King’s College, Strand, the leading scientist in this section of radio research, has established that in addition to the three layers which surround the earth there is a mysterious blanket of cosmic matter situated at varying distances from the earth’s surface. -Because of this hitherto unknown blanket —the exact nature of which cannot yet be defined by scientists -—•wireless short waves are echoed back to the earth.

Professor Appleton has found that ho can receive one broadcast signal three times over on an ordinary wireless set. The second and third receptions are due to the wireless waves impinging on the blanket of cosmic matter and returning as echoes at different intervals. One such echo was not heard until 25 seconds after the signal had been transmitted. Professor Appleton’s calculations show that the particular part of the cosmic matter which caused this echo must have been more than 2,000,000 miles away from the earth. The first task which scientists will tackle in co-opera-tion with massed listeners will be a study of reception of these echoes in various parts of the earth’s surface. Listeners will be asked to supply information as to the exact time at which they receive a given signal transmitted from this country. Some will receive the signal direct. Others will hear the echo.

The data supplied from all parts of the world will enable scientists to track the blanket and harness its reflective powers for the use of radio science. Mr Ralph Stranger, one of the authorities who will be closely concerned in the organisation of mass listening, explaining the new system to a Daily Mail reporter claimed that it would: “ Allow a closer study of the phenomena in the stratosphere and in the space beyond than has ever been achieved; establish principles that will make it possible to broadcast at greater distances, using a fraction of the power now required; open up unexpected possibilities in short-wave transmission; and provide British scientists with an opportunity of leading the world in radio research.

*' The 8.8.C.’s engineers are cooperating with Professor Appleton, who has already arranged with a number of research authorities in this country and in all parts of the world to assist. “ One of the Empire short wave stations will be placed at our disposal, and we anticipate that every country in Europe will co-operate in the transmission of signals. “ Professor Appleton will himself conduct the transmissions, and the National Physical Laboratory is being approached.” Professor Appleton is the scientist wiio discovered the “ Appleton Layer,” the farthermost known layer around the earth. He headed the British Radio Expedition to the Arctic, and in 1929 became chairman of the British National Committee for Radio.