t
8A--The Malakoff News, Thursday, Feb. 19, 1981
•
By WILLIAM WALLER with our telegraph service, we can alert
8mlthsonian News Service virtually all of them within 24 hours of a
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.-In the heavens, discovery."
as on the Earth, the unexpected can oc- Over the past 12 years, Marsden has
cur at any time. Without warning, a become synonymous with the high.
fast-moving comet can dramatically speed communications service
brighten, a previously unidentified headquartered at the Smithsonian
asteroid can briefly come into view or Astrophysical Observatory here in
an otherwise undistinguished star can Cambridge, Mass. A spirited Britisher,
suddenly explode into a dazzling nova. he runs an essentially one-man show,
Alerting the world's astronomers to using TWX machines, one in his obser-
these new and often short-lived vatory office and the other neatly
celestial wonders is the task of the Cen- tucked into his study at home. On these
tral Bureau for Astronomical machines, Marsden receives
Telegrams, an internationalastronomical news around the clock
clearinghousefor the hottestfrom observers around the world.
astronomical news fit to print. After quickly checking and refining
For scores of skywatchers around the the raw reports of discoveries, Marsden
globe, the century-old Telegramsends out "observing alert" messages
Bureau, now operated by the via coded telegrams to his main sub-
Smithsonian Institution for the Inter- scribers, primarily the world's major
national Astronomical Union, has observatories. Later--usually within a
become an indispensable early- day--he recomposes the telegrams into
warning system for the scientific cam- printed versions, the official "IAU Cir-
munity, culars." More comprehensive and
Receiving and disseminating infer- more readable, these 3-by-5 announ-
mation on all new celestial discoveries cement cards go by mail to a much
and, in some cases, determining who broader group, including amateur
will get the credit for the finds, the astronomers, libraries and news
Telegram Bureau plays a vital role in organizations.
international astronomy. Because of its rapid and accurate
"We have subscribers throughout the coverage, the Telegram Bureau often
world--from the United States to the breaks some of the most exciting news
People's Republic of China, from New in astronomy. In 1980, for example, the
Caledonia to Barbados," says Dr. Brian Bureau reported the discoveries of
Marsden, the Smithsonian astronomer eight new comets, two Jovian moons
who serves as Bureau director. "And, and at least seven Saturnian moons as
New for Spring
Cotton, poly dusters $10.95 Pants $10.95
Terry, poly tops $6.95 & $7.95
Short Sleeve Smocks - ,Jackets $9.95
Tailored short sleeved shirts 34-40 $7.95 & $8.95
S & H GREEN STAMPS MALAKOFF LAY-AWAYS
well as a handful of supernova ex-
plosions in distant galaxies.
Although it carries a wide range of
astronomical information, the
Telegram Bureau's real bread-and-
butter is news about comets. Comets
are sometimes defined as "dirty snow-
balls"--hardpacked conglomerations of
frozen gases and dust whose eccentric
orbits around the sun bring them
precariously close to the sun's
vaporizing rays. The solar radiation
causes the comet's icy outer shell to
vaporize into a long stream of gas and
dust, sometimes millions of miles long.
"Comets, even the faint ones, have
always held a special fascination for
amateur astronomers," Marsden says.
This fascination is in part due to the
unique tradition of naming comets after
their discoverers. No other
astronomical objects are so named.
Usually, the naming process is fairly
straightforward. "If all goes well, it'S a
first-come, first-served situation,"
Marsden says. "However, if two or
three claims of discovery are submitted
within a few hours of each other, we
give a combined name."
But when more than three claims are
received, the Bureau is forced to limit
the designation to the first three names.
"Though somewhat unfair," Marsden
admits, "it has to be done. After all,
even three names in a row is a mouthful
to pronounce."
Perhaps the most problematic
episode of comet-naming came in 1975,
when two comets were discovered
almost simultaneously. The first, tem-
porarily designated 1975j, had three
Japanese discoverers within 70
minutes. It was formally dubbed
Speedy Spinach Soup tastes great on
a cold day. Combine 1 can (10 '/' oz.)
condensed cream of chicken soup and 2
cups milk in a 2-quart saucepan. Add
half a 10-oz. package of frozen, chopped
spinach, I/4 cup chopped onion, I/4
teaspoon nutmeg a dash of pepper.
Heat- to serving temperature. Yield: 4
cups.
"Comet Mori-Sato-Fujikawa." The
second, temporarily designated 1975k,
had five discoverers within 30 minutes.
Alas, the last two discoverers missed
their chance for fame, and the final
designation became "Comet Suzuki-
Saigusa-Mori." Incidentally, Hiro-Aki
Mori's discovery of two comets within
70 minutes was the first time anyone
had discovered two successive comets
in such a short time.
Because of such situations, Marsden
emphasizes that the only good way to
report a discovery is via telegram. In
fact, to ensure that a discoverer
receives credit for finding a comet, a
telegram with date and time clearly
marked is absolutely essential. (The
Central Bureau's TWX number is: 710-
320-6842. )
Besides tending to comets, moons
and novae via the IAU's Telegram
Bureau, Marsden also shepherds the
Minor Planet Center, the official
recipient and certifier of all asteroid
observations. Asteroids, or minor
planets, are small, primarily rocky
bodies that orbit the sun between Mars
and Jupiter ane are thought to be relics
of the early solar system.
"In a typical year, we receive obser-
vations of about 1,000 unidentified
asteroid candidates, as well as several
thousand observations of already
known asteroids," Marsden says. Sincb
1801--when astronomers started
keeping track-2,321 distinct asteroids
have been catalogued in the "definitive
list." Of these, only 12 have been lost
from view. "Right now, we are iden-
tifying about 100 new members a year,"
Marsden comments.
Once numbered and catalogued, each
new asteroid is named by its
discoverer--after someone else.
Although less ego-satisfying, this
procedure can be just as much fun as
the comet-naming practice. For
example, John Huchra, an astronomer
at the Smitbsonian Astrophysical Ob-
servatory, named his asteroid
discovery after Asmodeus, the
Babylonian god of lust.
The grace ye are saved through,
The substance of things hoped for,
The evidence of things not seen.
ii I
THE MALAKOFF
NEWS
489-0531
If your church is not
included please
call 489-0531.
HARBOR HOUSE
RESTAURANT, CLUB
AND MARINA
Star Harbor 489-0810
K&K
KOATINGS, INC.
Highway 31 East 489-1920
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Hopkins
SUNNY GLENN
RESORT
"Rough it in comfort"
Hiway 90 489-0715
MALAKOFF
PRESCRIPTION
SHOPPE
106 N. Terry 489-1909
Marlin and Karen Perkins
MALAKOFF
INSURANCE AGENCY
102 South Terry 489-0512
Mr. and Mrs, Jerry Garrison
DAIRY QUEEN
OF MALAKOFF
Highway 31 West 489-1895
Faye Parkins
East
THE BARBER
SHOP
Royall Blvd. 489-0455
Lea Williams and
Earl Gentry
CITY BUILDING
SUPPLIES, INC.
West Royall Blvd.
489-0891
-i
TANNER
MOTOR COMPANY
105 East Mitcham
489-1292
The Tanner Family
BIGGS SHEET METAL
SHOP
Highway 31 E. 489-0741
Mr and Mrs V.gd BIggs & son
THE CARPET &
APPLIANCE DEPOT
212 Terry
Mr, and Mrs. Heal Hampy
Mr. and Mrs, Joe Haney
ROYALL CHEVROLET
& BUICK CO.
510 W. Royall Blvd.
489-0529
CEDAR LAKE
NURSING HOME
West Royall Blvd. 489.1702
Management and Staff
FOOD FARE
MALAKOFF, INC.
Highway 31 W. 489-0538
Open Sun.-Thurs. 8 to 7
Fri~ and Sat. 8 to 8.
DULANEY
AUTO SUPPLY
"Pleasing You Pleases Us"
611 Highway 31 East 489.1533
Mr and Mrs Bud Dulaney
PERRY BROS.
E. Highway 31
489-0482
i,,¸,
FRED SONNTAG
FORD, INC.
303 W. Royall Blvd.
489-0506
Mr. and Mrs, Fred Sonntag
McKEE
LUMBER CO.
206 East Royall Blvd.
489.0527
Gene Berry, manager
Jl
CITIZENS JIM DAY
STATE BANK ELECTRIC
North Terry Mslakoff
489-0530 489.0910
J&J
ENTERPRISES
R.H. Lee Park
Your Host ....
Jude and Judy Glasscock
ACTION REALTY
211 E. Royall Blvd.
489 1519
This Feature is published with the thought that more people will attend
church. It is sponsored by firms 100% interested in our community.
Textbook committee at
By LIONEL DUNCAN wants to select the one that
Within a few days of this writing a do the best job for us.
textbook committee composed of local All regular Malakoff
teachers will be making some impor- Teachers are being involved
taut decisions concerning new tex- selection although only six,
tbooks that will be in use for the next from the Junior High, will
several years, real recommendation. If
Student textbooks are provided in dif- division of opinion it will be ai
recent ways throughout the United rule, but they can norm
States. Until recent years when some one.
court cases declared it discriminatory, The adoption is usually for
some states required students to pur- period but with the rapid
chase textbooks much like college books the policy for the
students have to do. Many states still has been to extend the
leave it to the local school district to additional two or three
secure their own. Some of those require some instances extend it
their schools to purchase through a depends on the subject
state purchasing agency from an ap- pearance, or absence as the a
proved list, while some actually permit be, of new materials or
purchasing on the open market. There is no chance to
I have been told by representatives of until a new one is adopted.
nationwide publishers that the system begin to wear out they can
Texas follows is the best and I am in- Austin and exchanged for
clined to agree, ones in good condition.
The State Board of Education calls We place our order in Ma
for the adoption of books for specific tbooks we think we will
subjects a year or more in advance, opening of school in the fall
Such was the case for reading, for present enrollment
example, in grades one through eight, reasonably easy to have
The call was issued in 1979, with local when school begins for the
adoptions to be made in March of this grades if the population
year, for use this fall. A committee of stable. A large unexpected
very knowledgeable people in the sub- the summer can cause
ject are appointed for screening, students may sign up for
Almost a dozen publishers, in the case course than anticipated,
of reading, presented their program to for. You wind up with a
the committee and at the appointed book and shortage of
time made their pitch. In some subjects with pre-registration the
only three may be selected. This varies, which often amounts to
depending somewhat upon the number a survey, shortages in some
of publications available, going to happen. We are
Before the State Board will approve surplus books.
those five, public hearings are held to
allow and hear those who wish to Emergency orders are
protest one or more on the list, giving Textbook Division in
their reasons. Science and history district's TextbookCustodian,
usually get some objections, due to the other schools are doing
nature ofthesubjectmatter, at the same time so it
If the.State Board does not consider awhile. I explained this
the complaint serious, the five are ap- der to ask the indulgance
proved and samples are shipped to whose child failed to get a
public schools in January. A local book the first day of school.
committee of teachers already appoin- The textbooks we have are t
ted examine the samples in order to to us and we are held
make a recommendation to the local
school board.
As mentioned earlier, new reading
programs are now being examined
carefully. I use the term "program"
because it is more than just a textbook.
Publishers plan the teaching of reading
eight. The programs vary slightly,
depending on the philosophy of the
publisher as to the best way to teach
reading. All are good but the committee
strict and accurate running
kept. If a student looses one il
paid for before the student
another. When the money
Austin our record is
will replace the book
request. We urge parents to
children to take care of
Early this year Malakoff I.S. I
loan from the State $63
textbooks.
QUESTIONS ANI) ANSWERS
SOCIAL SECURITY
By Jimmy VanBevers
Tyler District Manager
Social Security Administration
Q. During a recent stay in a hospital, disabled widows and
I was charged over $200 as a medicare have a nlne-month trial
deductible. I have since learned from llke other disability
neighbors that the medicare deductible trial work period allows
this year is only $60. If I have paid too return to work in spite of a
much, how may I be reimbursed? dltlon to test their
A. From what you say, beth the without losing their
hospital and your friends are correct, change for widows and
Medicare has two deductibles. Anyone part of the 1980 Social
who stays in a hospital for at least one dments.
full day as an inpatient will be charged Q. My 24-year-old son was
the current hospital {Part A) insurance auto accident. About how
deductible, currently $204. This is ~hat wife and two small children e
happened in your case. The medical in- receive?
surance deductible of Medicare (Part A. If a worker who has
B) is applicable whenever a beneficiary average earnings dies at
requires services as a hospital out- leaves a wife and two youn!
patient, or by a doctor regardless the socialsecuritybenefit
whether the services are performed in would be $840.40 a month.
an office, a hospital operating room, or If the worker's earnings
a private home. The Part B annual to the taxable maximum
deductible is $60. A Medicare han. security, the benefit for
dbook, available at any social security would be $1,132.30 a month.
office, will explain this and other Q. I'm3years older than
valuable tips on this subject. Call or and I will be 65 next March.
write. One will be sent to you. Medicare based on m
Q. Although my neighbor and I have under social security even
each worked and paid social security won't be 65 for 3 years?
taxes for the same number of years, his • A. Yes. You can get MedicSr
retirement benefits are considerably long as beth you and your ha
higher than mine. Why is it that two eligible for monthly
people with equally fully insured status husband must be eligible for
receive monthly checks of different first before you can
amounts? Medicare off his record.
A. A fully Insured status is only one Q. I am going to have to
requirement for determining benefit my benefits as a mother stOP
en-titlemeat. The fact that a retiring my child is 18. Will my
person has been found to be fully in- benefits end affect the checks
sured means that he has been credited received this year?
with the required number of quarters of .,,~. No. Ea0r~nings you have
coverage. The amount of the monthly a~y~'~l~enefits stop will
benefit check, however, is based on fect on benefits paid before
average annual earnings during a per- Q. When we were
son's working lifetime. Someone with Europe, my husband beca~¢
an average income of $3,000 over the and had to be hospitali:
past 20 years will receive considerably Medicare help
less than someone who averaged $7,000 No. Medicare cannot
over the same period of time. hospital
Q. I have heard from many sources United States, Puerto Rico,
that government employees may no Islands, Guam, and
longer receive both social security unless you receive
benefits and civil service annuity quallfiedCanadlanorMexicS~
checks. What happens to the social and only if certain c
security taxes I have paid over the
years ? Bible Correspondence
A. You are referring to one of our
recent amendments, the government QUESTION: Where did
pension offset. The government pression "A little bird
retirees who may be ineligible to originate? ANSWER:
receive social security benefit checks Ecclesiastes 10:20. This
are those who have not worked suf- example of some of th~
flclently under social security covered facts that are found in
employment. A retired person will Perhaps yo~ would benefit
receive beth the annuity and the social better understanding of
security check if beth benefits are book.Now
based solely on one person's work. lesson, full crier Bible
dence course. Study in the]
From what you say, It appears that you
are potentially entitled to both. For in- of your own home at
formation regarding your specific pace. Certificate
situation, contact any social security completion. First lesson
office, mediately by mail. This
offered free without
Q. I receive benefits as a disabled obligation to you. For more
widow on the record of my deceased mation write: Corres
husband. If I try to work, will my Course, P.O. Box 193,
checks stop right away? 75163.
A. Beginning In December 1980,
