Word: makes
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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Using the same distance-measuring technique, with the moon as a reference point, scientists will, during the next several years, also be able to make precise measurements of the wobbling of the earth on its axis. This motion, called Chandler's Wobble, should tend to damp out with the passage of time, but is periodically reinforced by unknown forces?possibly earthquakes. More accurate measurements of the wobble with the aid of the laser reflector might someday lead to a technique for earthquake prediction...
...eager investigators have been assigned the job of measuring the age of the lunar specimens by radioactive dating methods. By determining the ratio of radioactive elements (say, rubidium and uranium) in a moon sample to the amounts of their products of decay (strontium and lead, respectively), scientists can make a good approximation of its age. Thus, because the Apollo 11 samples will be taken from the surface of the Sea of Tranquillity, researchers may well be able to estimate the age of the moon's maria, or seas. This, in turn, might settle a longstanding controversy among selenologists: Were...
...produced from silica?if it exists on the moon?and giving it a more accurate surface than terrestrial mirrors by shaping it with ion beams (which are effective only in a vacuum) instead of abrasives. Several astronomers have pointed out that round lunar craters lined with chicken wire would make ideal reflectors for radio telescopes similar to the 1,000-ft. Cornell University radio dish, set in a rounded valley near Arecibo, Puerto Rico...
...beginning with carbon and calcium, can lead to the manufacture of medicines, plastics, dyes, food additives, rubber, ceramics, even fertilizers and textiles. "Naturally, we're going to insist that the girls go with us to the moon," grins Levitt, "and when we get there we'll be able to make all of their lipsticks, perfumes, nail polishes?you name...
Like so much else at NASA, the selection of the moon-landing crew seemed totally routine. Indeed, when the crew was selected in January, there was no assurance that Apollo 11 would make the first moon landing. Apollo 10 was then still a candidate for the mission; there was also the distinct possibility that if problems developed, the attempt would be postponed until Apollo 12, 13 or even 14. "There isn't any big magic selection that goes on for each mission," says Slayton, whose crew recommendations have never been overruled. "It is like every squadron of fighter pilots...