The use of solar eclipse timings to compare the reference systems of Newcomb's Tables of the Sun and of the Improved Lunar Ephemeris

Photoelectric, photographic, and visual observations of second and third contacts of the total solar eclipses of 12 November, 1966 and 7 March, 1970 are analyzed. The observations indicate a difference in the reference system of Newcomb's Tables of the Sun as compared to the reference system of the Improved Lunar Ephemeris (J = 2) of 0^s.911 ± 0^s.034 m.e. The correction is to be applied in the sense of reducing the value of T as tabulated in the American Ephemeris when interpolating the position of the Moon.     

Distribution of pollutants from a new paper plant in southern Lake Champlain,Vermont and New York

From November of 1973 to May of 1974, 15 arrays of sediment traps were placed along 33 km of southern Lake Champlain to sample the distribution of effluent from a large paper plant located on the western shore which had commenced operation in 1971. In the arrays located near the effluent diffuser pipeline as much as 2.3 cm of sediment accumulated, whereas elsewhere in the lake less than 1 cm accumulated. In the area of accelerated accumulation, sediments contained high concentrations of several components used in or derived from paper manufacturing. Values for kaolinite, expressed as the ratio of kaolinite to chlorite, for example, were as high as 1.4, anatase (TiO₂) concentrations were as high as 0.8%, organic carbon 8.7%, and phosphorus 254 μg/g; all were more abundant than in sediments collected in traps to the south or north. In surficial bottom sediments collected near each array organic carbon and phosphorus were also higher (4.2% and 127 μg/g respectively) near the diffuser than elsewhere. Thus, the new plant after three years of production measurably affected the composition of suspended sediment and surficial bottom sediment despite the construction and use of extensive facilities to reduce the flow of pollutants to the lake.