Science: Sun-Seeker

Scientists have long known that the sun sends out powerful ultraviolet waves that never reach the earth's surface. One sign: the layers of ionized air high in the atmosphere which are formed by electrical disturbances kicked up by the sun's ultraviolet. But no one has been able to photograph these inaccessible waves.

The U.S. Air Force Cambridge (Mass.) Research Center now tells of a gadget specially designed to do the job from a high-flying rocket. Developed at the University of Colorado, the "sun-seeker" has 21 photoelectric cells that peek from doors opened in the nose of the rocket as it climbs toward...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!