Experts Stunned: Uncovering Science History

Mysterious Gamma Rays (1975)

In 1975, a phenomenon that would baffle scientists for years to come was discovered. Mysterious gamma rays were detected coming from space, triggering a flurry of theories as to their origin. The detection was made possible by satellites launched by the U.S. as part of the Partial Test-Ban Treaty of 1963, which prohibited nuclear explosions in space. Each satellite was equipped with a detector designed to respond to gamma rays from a nuclear explosion. The records showed that the detectors had been triggered by occasional bursts of gamma rays, but the source could not possibly be anything near Earth.

Each burst lasted about 10 seconds and did not seem to recur. An average of four bursts per year have been detected since 1967. The sources appear to be distributed randomly over the sky. Theories about their origin have proliferated. Perhaps the gamma rays were produced in events that gave rise to the radio outbursts of quasars. Or perhaps they originated in the shock waves from supernovas. Or they were associated with flare stars or X-ray sources within our own galaxy. There are even more exotic theoretical possibilities.

Implications for Space Exploration

The discovery of mysterious gamma rays has significant implications for space exploration. Understanding the origins of these bursts could provide valuable insights into the workings of the universe. It could also have practical applications for space travel and research. For example, if scientists could pinpoint the sources of these bursts, they could potentially use them as navigation aids or even as sources of energy.

The detection of gamma rays also raises questions about the safety of space travel. If these bursts are powerful enough to be detected from Earth, they could potentially pose a radiation hazard to spacecraft and astronauts. Further research is needed to fully understand the risks and implications of these mysterious gamma rays.

Cosmic Mapping and Understanding (1974)

In 1974, scientists made significant progress in mapping the galaxy and understanding its dynamics. A map of the galaxy’s center showed the distribution of emission from un-ionized hydrogen. The different colors indicated intensity, from violet (lowest) to red (highest). The vertical axis indicated the velocity of hydrogen lying in the galactic plane: velocities toward us were negative; velocities away from us were positive.

Gassy Galaxy

The map provided valuable insights into the structure and evolution of the galaxy. It showed that the galaxy is a dynamic, constantly moving system, with gas and stars orbiting the center. The map also revealed the presence of a massive black hole at the galaxy’s center, which is thought to play a key role in the galaxy’s evolution.

Herbicidal Warfare in Vietnam

In the 1960s and 1970s, the U.S. military engaged in herbicidal warfare in Vietnam, spraying millions of gallons of herbicidal chemicals on the countryside. The objectives were primarily to defoliate trees and uncover enemy troop concentrations and to destroy crops destined for enemy stomachs. However, the environmental war has now been assessed by the national academy of sciences.

Among the conclusions are that serious long-term damage was done to Vietnamese forests, that the fertility of cropland was probably not adversely affected, and that it is too soon to be sure whether or not humans were made sick or genetically damaged, or will be in the future. Research since then has determined that many people in Vietnam were harmed, short-term and long-term.

Biological Advances and Mysteries (1924, 1874)

In the early 20th century, scientists made significant advances in understanding the natural world. In 1924, researchers explored the origins of crude oil, debating whether it was of vegetable or mineral origin. In 1874, French engineers proved that the surface of the great Desert of Sahara is below the level of the ocean, in fact, that it is the bottom of an ancient freshwater lake which has dried up.

Crude Oil: Vegetable or Mineral?

No authority was prepared to state definitely whether oil should be spoken of as organic or mineral. It is possible that in remote geological times, during some convulsion, animal life, whether of the land or sea, together with much vegetable growth, died and was submerged with the sandy formation in which the oil is now found, and that the heavy petroleum oil represents what is left of these organic materials.

This, however, was no more than a surmise. But how is it that oil is classed by the geologists as among the minerals? It is found in mineral formation, and the process by which it is recovered is among the mining activities. Someday investigation may establish its true origin. Until that time, it will be correct to speak of it as a mineral.

Chromosome Cats

In the 1920s, researchers made significant advances in understanding the genetics of tortoiseshell and calico cats. A ‘tortoiseshell’ cat is a mixture of orange and black, usually blended together rather than in patches; a ‘calico’ cat is tortoiseshell and white, usually in patches. Most tortoiseshell and calico cats are female. Males are rare and tend to be infertile.

It appears that the existence of most, and perhaps all, tortoiseshell and calico male cats can be explained by abnormalities in their sex-chromosome complement. This research has significant implications for our understanding of genetics and the natural world.

Sahara Lake, Not Desert

French engineers have proved that the surface of the great Desert of Sahara is below the level of the ocean, in fact, that it is the bottom of an ancient freshwater lake which has dried up. It has been therefore suggested to change this desert back into a lake. This would create a moist atmosphere in place of the burning hot, dusty whirlwinds which are the curse of that region.

There are, however, no rivers to be turned into the basin. It has, therefore, been proposed to make a channel to the ocean, and lead the ocean water into the desert; but in consequence of vigorous evaporation in that latitude, the water, when spread out over any considerable surface, would probably disappear as quickly as even the largest canal could pour it in.