It's a fact

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Video

Abstract

Lynn Poole opens the program by summarizing a letter from viewers who are members of the Science Club at Monclair State Teachers' College in New Jersey. Baltimore Polytechnic Institute teacher Malcolm Davies proves that perpetual motion does not exist. The device purporting it is actually a Crookes' radiometer that merely demonstrates the facts of radiation. Davies then discusses the navigational issues confronting Columbus and his sailors, such as the differences in distances from the magnetic poles to the actual poles and the strength of the tradewinds. Poole exhibits a copy of "The Story of Maps", written by Peabody librarian Lloyd A. Brown, which mentions an astrolabe, like that used by Columbus. Davies displays an astrolabe and shows how it's used in conjunction with the north star for navigation. He also demonstrates Gunter's quadrant and a marine sextant. The camera views through the sextant eyepiece as Davies makes adjustments, allowing viewers to experience its operation. Finally, using several examples, Davies explains Bernoulli's Principle, which occurs when vehicles at high velocity pass on roads and atmospheric pressure appears to push them together. Lynn Poole concludes the program by announcing that the current "Look" magazine has a preview of the next program, "Troubled People Meet."

In all weather, radar

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Video

Abstract

This film provided by the British Information Service details the developmental history of marine radar. The creation of a plan position indicator (PPI), or radar output display, made shipborne radar possible. In 1946, the minimum requirements for radar equipment were established at an international meeting in London. A year later, the international standard for marine radar, built to withstand sea-going conditions, was set. This navigational aid saves time, money, and often lives. A ship entering the harbor of St. John, New Brunswick, Canada is shown using radar to navigate in the fog. Title from label on videocassette.