Cj Ransom: Surprising Solar System | EU201
In 1950, it was expected that space probes would confirm existing concepts about the origin of the solar system, the atmospheres and surfaces of planets as well as the space between the planets. Instead, the subsequent reports announced “surprises,” “unexpected findings,” and things “not well understood.” Numerous examples will be given.
Dr. Cj Ransom received his PhD in Plasma Physics from The University of Texas at Austin. He joined an engineering group at General Dynamics in Fort Worth, Texas and developed electro-optics equipment, infrared (IR) detection devices and simulated infrared (IR) guided missiles using analog and digital methods. He also developed non-destructing testing techniques for crack detection in aerospace vehicles. This included IR, ultrasonic and magnetic techniques. Dr. Ransom later joined Bell Helicopter where he managed a technical computing group. He also directed the Department of Defense’s Continuous Acquisition and Life-cycle Support (CALS) program for Textron, the parent company of Bell Helicopter. Dr. Ransom taught graduate software testing in the Texas Christian University Computer Science Department. He was on the committee that developed a software engineering graduate program at Southern Methodist University. After retiring, Dr. Ransom founded Vemasat Research Institute. Since its origin in 2004, Vemasat personnel have published a number of papers. The work is mainly concerned with analysis of the plasma effects in the Solar System and Universe.
