Contemporary Geodesy

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1 Geophysical Monograph Number 4 Contemporary Geodesy Proceedings of a Conference Held at the Harvard College Observatory Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge, Massachusetts, December 1-2, 1958 C&nducted under the Joint Sponsorship of ike Two OBSERVATORIES AND THE AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION WITH THE AID OF A GRANT FROM THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Edited by CHARLES A. WHITTEN AND KENNETH H. DRUMMOND GEOPHYSICAL MONOGRAPH SERIES WALDO E. SMITH, MANAGING EDITOR PUBLISHED BY AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES- NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL Publication No

2 Geophysical Monograph No.4 CONTEMPORARY GEODESY Charles A. Whitten and Kenneth H. Drummond COPYRIGHT 1959 BY THE AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION 1515 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N. W. WASHINGTON 5, D. C. Library of Congress Catalogue Card No List Price, $5.50 PRINTED BY THE WAVERLY PRESS, INC. BALTIMORE, MD.

3 Table Of Contents Foreword Milton O. Schmidt, Chairman v Introduction by Director of the Smithsonian Observatory Fred L. Whipple vii Welcome by Director of the Harvard College Observatory Donald H. Menzel vii GEODETIC FUNDAMENTALS Introduction Milton O. Schmidt 1 Evolution of the Geodetic Concept Alwyn R. Robbins 2 Geometric Techniques in Geodesy Lansing G. Simmons 4 Discussion Some Aspects of Physical Geodesy Maurice Ewing, J. Lamar Worzel, and Manik Talwani 7 Discussion PROBLEMS OF MODERN GEODESY Introduction Charles A. Whitten 22 Some Remarks on Geodetic Astronomy Roman K. C. Johns 23 Discussion Geodetic Networks Buford K. Meade 30 Discussion Orthometric, Dynamic, and Barometric Heights.. Norman F. Braaten 36 Discussion, Gravity and Gravity Reduction Donald A. Rice 40 Discussion Ellipsoid Parameters from Satellite Data John A. O'Keefe, Nancy G. Roman, Benjamin S. Yaplee, and Ann Eckem 45 Discussion iii

4 IV GEODESY AND SPACE Introduction Fred L. Whipple 52 Rocketry A. B. Mickelwait 53 Discussion Satellites J. Allen Hynek 58 Discussion Optical and Electronic Tracking Raymond H. Wilson, Jr. 67 Discussion Orbits in Contemporary Geodesy C. A. Lundquist 79 Discussion Computations Don A. Lautman 83 Discussion Space Navigation in the Solar System Walter Wrigley 87 Discussion APPENDIX List of Participants

5 FOREWORD The successful launchings of high-altitude rockets and artificial Earth satellites have opened a new era in the collection of geophysical data. The application of these new techniques will require the combined ideas, experiences, and services of scientists in a wide variety of disciplines. As an example, any efforts in the collection of geodetic data will necessarily draw together several fields of endeavor outside of geodesy, such as astronomy, rocketry, and electronics, to name a few. In recognition of this, many American geodesists anticipated the need of a Conference on Contemporary Geodesy for the interchange of knowledge and ideas among scientists in certain fields related to the new space age. The purpose of such a conference was not merely to orient other scientists in modern geodesy, but just as importantly to enlighten the geodesist in those sciences required in space application to his problem. With this in mind, an Organizing Committee was formed under the Section of Geodesy of the American Geophysical Union. Arrangements were made with Dr. Fred L. Whipple and Dr. Donald H. Menzel, Directors, respectively, of the Smithsonian Astrophysical and the Harvard College Observatories, Cambridge, Mass., to sponsor and act as hosts to such a conference on December 1 and 2, Many thanks are due Dr. Whipple and Dr. Menzel for their wholehearted cooperation without which the conference would not have been a success. Thanks are also due the National Science Foundation for its moral and financial backing in this venture. The Organizing Committee is grateful to the officers of the 'American Geophysical Union for accepting the proceedings of this conference for publication in its Monograph Series and is very appreciative of the editorial assistance furnished by members of the staff of Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and by Waldo E. Smith, Executive Secretary of the A.G.U., and members of his staff. The list of those in attendance and those actively participating in the conference should alone attest to the merit and success of this undertaking. Organizing Committee MILTON O. SCHMIDT, Chairman KENNETH H. DRUMMOND, Secretary ROMAN K. C. J QHNS JOHN A. O'KEEFE CHARLES A. WHITTEN v

6 INTRODUCTION by the Director of the Smithsonian Observatory FRED L. WHIPPLE I am delighted to see that so many of you could come this morning. I will not waste any time in welcomes and introductions but merely say that Dr. Donald H. Menzel, Director of the Harvard College Observatory, will say a few words of greeting for both Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. WELCOME by the Director of the Harvard College Observatory DONALD H. MENZEL Gentlemen, I am very glad to welcome you to the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Science, like women's hats, tends to go in cycles. Fifteen years ago interest in geodesy was near the vanishing point and I would have said that the possibility of gathering together a group like this today was as improbable as finding a live dodo bird. However, conservation laws in astronomy have had a rejuvenating effect. For quite some time there has been a closed season on scientists interested in fundamental astronomy. I have been warned several times against poaching these areas in an attempt to find somebody who might go into the astrophysics section. The closed season has helped but we have improved our native variety by the importation of a hardier species from abroad. It is fitting that Harvard Observatory should be acting as host, because Harvard has long had the tradition in fundamental astronomy. About thirty years ago, and for seventy years prior to that, one of the fundamental instruments was a meridian circle, installed in the building next door. This instrument was finally retired some thirty years ago and put to rest in a museum. Perhaps you will recommend that it be taken out of storage and put back to work. I welcome you on behalf of both the Harvard and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatories. As you all know, several years ago we agreed to pool our scientific resources and work on a joint and closely coordinated program. I am delighted that you are all here. vii

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