Science Report

Venus has always been regarded as the mystery planet of our solar system. Surrounded by a layer of opaque clouds, little is known of the planet itself, and much speculation about its ability to support life has been indulged in over the years.

Scientists have yet to rind evidence of a magnetic field or of rotation. Nothing is known of its surface features or the elements of which it is composed, except that the shielding cloud contains a high proportion of carbon dioxide. Mr J. L. Thomsen. Director of the Carter Observatory, has stated ("Evening Post," March 14) that he doubts the existence of life on Venus, particularly of the form we know on earth. With regard to plant life, he did not express a personal opinion and his observations indicated that the absence of information prevented any definite conclusion being reached on the matter.

In view of this lack of information, the Soviet space vehicle launched on February 12 and now on its way to Venus is of great interest to astronomers The recording of much basic information with the simplest of instruments should be relatively easy if a Venus satellite does, in fact, eventuate. (Russian scientists have indicated that their vehicle, apart from measuring various physical properties of inter-planetary space, is to test communication and guidance systems at extreme distances). Only two days after firing, "Venusnik" was observed to be behaving differently from what was planned, and it has now been calculated I hat it will pass within 62,000 miles of Venus and then continue on around the sun in an elliptical orbit. It seems also that they are having difficulty in establishing radio contact although it has an accurately aimed parabolic antenna for transmitting when closest to Venus. Obviously these problems must be solved before it is possible to "get at" Venus and extract information from it. But whatever results from this vehicle's journey, the near future should see us increasing our meagre knowledge of one of our closest yet least known of planets.

Thereupon the Golden Goose rose, shook his wings three times, and said: "Nan stud, nan stud," which means "That prolongs the bondage, that prolongs the bondage."

"To strive for purity of vision and yet be blinded by a faulty judgment—that prolongs the bondage.

To try to understand one's inner mind while still chained to hopes and fears—that prolongs the bondage."

Then from the centre of the ranks rose the Parrot, skilled in speech, who said:

"Listen you beings of this samsaric world;

Strip off the veil that clouds your thoughts.

This life like dew on grass is but impermanent, and your remaining here lorever out of question.

Our thoughts provoked by diverse apparitions, are all like flowers in autumn, mists on a lake,

Clouds across a southern sky,

Spray blown by wind above the sea.

So here and now, think on these things and make your effort!"

—From the Buddhist Scriptures.