Russia Donates New Moon to University of Alaska

Friday, October 4, people in all parts of the world were shocked by news confirming reports that the Soviets had succeeded in launching the first man made satellite. As a result of this astounding news, Dr. Ernest N. Patty, President of the University, called a special assembly on Monday and extended an invitation to the student body and those outside the University who were interested.

Dr. Patty opened the meeting to a standing-room-only crowd and introduced the speaker, Dr. Gordon C. Little, Assistant Director of the Geophysical Institute, here on campus.

Dr. Little began by explaining exactly what a satellite is and cited several examples such as the moon to the earth and the planets around the sun.

The Russian satellite travels in an approximate orbit at an elevation of 560 miles. The diameter is two feet and the weight is approximately 85 pounds.

The satellite makes one complete revolution around the earth every 96 ½ minutes. Dr. Little went on to say that the main objective of the Institute is to determine the satellite’s exact orbit. This can be done only by compiling data and comparing it with material gathered by other observatories.

Dr. Little paid tribute to the Institute’s staff for work that was completed during the hectic weekend.

Visualteks installed in library
By Rodger Eckuart

The efforts of people with weak vision to effectively use the vast amount of printed material available were given a considerable boost recently when the Rasmuson Library acquired a new device making it easier for them to read. The Visualtek, a machine that enlarges material up to 60 times without losing its sharpness, has been installed and is ready for use in the library.

The Visualtek works by placing reading material underneath a scanning lens, where it is enlarged and projected onto a 19-inch television screen. The size of the enlargement can be changed to suit the individual’s needs, and the material can be viewed normally as black print on a white background, or reversed to white on black to make it easier on the eyes when reading for long periods of time.

Besides reading materials, the machine can be used to magnify other objects as well. One user in California, where the Visualtek was designed, uses it to do needle point. The machine can also be adapted for use with typewriter, where a split image on the screen allows the user to view one line of already typed material, and read from another yet to be typed.

The two Visualteks, which are located on the third floor of the library, are available to anyone in the Fairbanks community. The library staff has been briefed on using the machines and can help anyone that wants to use one.