Astronaut Scientific Debriefings, 1962-1963

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In reply refer to: SGC:ML:ml

21 February 1962

MEMORANDUM

Subject: Possible Scientific Visual Information Obtained by J. H. Glenn

1. Two (2) interesting observations were reported in the Press, as described by Colonel Glenn during the MA-6 flight. It is of vital interest to obtain a more detailed description of these observations in order that the accuracy and the details of what was observed may be properly recorded for scientific evaluation. The two observations were:

(a) The report of the great number of luminous particles apparently travelling with the spacecraft at Friendship-7 sunrise; and

(b) The altitudes or angular view of the upper limb of the atmosphere.

2. The thousands of luminous particles were described as travelling with the spacecraft. It is important that Glenn describe in detail precisely the observational characteristics under which he saw the particles in order to obtain an estimate of the brightness of these particles. The questions that we would like answered are what was the basis of Glenn's determination of that the particles were actually travelling with the spacecraft and whether this condition persisted on subsequent orbits. In addition, the geometry of the observations should be further described in order to derive the geometric distribution of the particles relative to the spacecraft's window. (The precise observational time and the position of sunlight luminosity can readily be determined from the orbit of the spacecraft itself). These particles may be geocentric in origin and may be suspended in the atmosphere. There are at least two hypothesis for explaining particles travelling with the spacecraft. The intensity compared to starlight should be determined also as this information is of importance in determining further information about the absolute number and cross-sections of the particles and may relate to the dust content of zodiacal light as well as the gegenсchein.