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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (April 21, 1983)
Panel blasts ‘Star Wars’ Idea By Michele Matassa Of llw Emerald Pres. Ronald Reagan’s recent "Star Wars" proposal — a request for study on a space based defense against nuclear attack — came under the gun Wednesday as three University experts reviewed its feasibility and cost effectiveness. Physics professor Rudolph Hwa pointed to problems with the systems implementation. The defense system under consideration involves 50 space stations. Eight to ten of these would be placed over the Soviet Union, and would be responsible for blocking 1000 Soviet nuclear missiles, Hwa said. The missiles would have to be destroyed above the Earth’s hemisphere so air particles wouldn’t interfere with the combat. Because the stations could only fire at missiles within a certain time period, each sta tion would have to destroy one missile every half-second, Hwa said. A particle-beam defense would not be feasible because the particles would either spread too thin or bend off course, missing the targeted missiles, Hwa said. Because it would need to detect an object, identify it as a missile, track it, aim and fire in pulses to gather momentum, a laser system would be difficult to implement, he said. The pulses would require 700 tons of fuel on each space station. Since space shuttles can carry only 30 tons of fuel in one trip, Hwa estimated “you would need 50 years to transport all the fuel you need to those sta tions. That’s a long time. "You can quibble with the numbers I’m giv ing you, but if anything I’m giving underestimates,” Hwa said. Dave Soper, also a physics professor, said even if some space defense could be developed, the Soviets could deploy a number of countermeasures. Soper referred to Hwa’s sample defense system: "I’m willing to say that’s possible. But remember, we’re not talking about something simple like going to the moon, here. We're talk ing about war, where people are generally try ing to stop what you’re doing.” He said the Russians could easily build more missiles, make decoy missiles, or send up “confusing” radar signals to disturb the U.S. tracking device. Alternate deployment methods also would serve the Soviets’ purpose of avoiding the American defense system. The missiles could be deployed on sub marines, cruise missiles that fly low to the ground. "They could send the bombs in boxes marked ‘TV,’ ” Soper joked. Steve Johnson, a doctoral candidate in sociology, said the actual implementation of a space-based defense system would devastate the 1972 anti-ballistic missile (ABM) Treaty. Historic house given breathing spell The Eugene city historic review board bought a little time for the former Alpha Tau Omega house Wednesday night, deciding to try for city funding sources to save the historic house from demolition. During a special meeting, the board voted 3-0 to recom mend the city consider ap propriating $125,000 in various city and federal loans available this year for development projects. Possible funding sources include $20,000 from the city’s historic restoration loan fund, $50,000 from the federally supported commercial redevelopment loan program and $55,000 in community development block grant funds. The motion delayed for 60 days a permit granting demoli tion of the 73-year-old house, located on Oak Street between 11th and 12th Avenues in downtown Eugene. However, the board noted the 60-day period began two weeks ago when a public hearing was held on the house issue. The house owners, Eugene residents Julius and Marian Hessel, recently applied to the WEEKLY torium specials! TROPICAL FISH Bleeding Heart Tetras, reg. 1.69.85e Blind Cavefish, reg. .99.50c Dom. Fantail Goldfish, reg. 1.69.85c choose some interesting new tish from this specieI selection end sere! ALL BIRDS! 50% OFF! All birds in our stock are now specially priced at half their original price! We Scarry many varieties-both large and small come early for best selection Regularly Priced From $11 50 to $999 99 8 in 1 MINERAL BLOCK Provide your bird with a healthful mineral treat now at a special savings Vi PRICE! 75c reg 1 49 Boxed CATNIP LEAVES Treat your cat to a box of catnip and watch the fun 1/2 PRICE! 80' reg 159 SLICKER BRUSH Keep youi dog s coal healthy and ‘hiny will the help ol one of these brushes 3 sties from which to choose Small, reg. 4 29 $2.15 Medium, reg 5.69 $2.85 Large, reg 8 39 $4.20 All items subject to stock on hand sapr,lN2?s OTroriwm Valley River Center • Springfield Mall • Willamette board for a demolition permit because they have been unable to find a feasible use or a buyer for the house. They owe $47,000 in back taxes and have not received any income from the property in three years. San Francisco State University Extended Education Wildlands Research Institute Join a Backpacking Research Team in the Mountain West or Alaska Summer, 1983 3-9 units On-site explorations to preserve: • Wildlife Species • Wilderness Environments Course details: WILDLANDS RESEARCH INSTITUTE 407 Atlantic Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (408) 427-2106 Sale on all Sekai bicycles $25 - *65 off during April V\ ill.tntritc i ^ cffirfis 663 E. Thrteenth Eugene, Oregon 97401 - 343-7086 ® 5WS B£“7 On your birthday get together with some friends to celebrate at Shoji’s. With a party of 4 or more 1 Dinner will be Free Dinners starting at $6.50 Open ft days a week 2(t4S Willamette St, Eugene Tuesday-Sunday .W-KUi.l T^cA,'cf •ftee*'*'® Who Owns the Bookstore? It’s your bookstore: University of Oregon students, faculty, and classified staff are all members. And because you "own stock” in the non-profit corporation, you are entitled to hear the corporation’s annual report, reviewing it’s policies and giving comments and suggestions. Attend the Bookstore’s Annual Meeting for the membership and hear what the officers of the Bookstore are doing to meet and serve your needs. The proposed bylaw changes will be explained and discussed at the meeting. Who makes decisions for the Bookstore? The Board of Directors and Bookstore management work together to serve its membership. The Board of Directors, 8 students, 2 faculty and 1 classified staff, work as the main policy making body. Five unpaid positions on the Board are open for nomination. One freshman position for a two year term Two sophmore positions for two year terms One graduate position for a two year term One faculty position for a two year term Nominations will be taken at the annual meeting. Your involvement and/or suggestions make the Bookstore work for you. All members are invited to attend the Annual meeting for the membership. Eight gift certificates, totaling $100 will be given away, and donuts and soft drinks will be served. April 21, 1983 3:30 p.m. 231 Gilbert Hall The meeting is limited to members only. Please bring your UO identification.
