Cosmos in the head?

‘Cosmos in the head’ contains a criticism of the neuroconstructivist epistemology, according to which phenomenal reality is to be understood as an internal modelling of the outer world in the brain. As it turns out, the idealistic theory of representation is still the basis of this conception. The criticism emphasizes, in contrast, the enactive character of perception which is always connected with the engagement of the body in the world. In order to show that the subjective space of the lived body is not only virtual, its coextension with the space of the objective body or the entire organism is demonstrated. On this basis, the objectifying achievement of perception, which brings us into direct connection with the world by means of circular interactions, can be recognized. Finally, taking the example of colours, the claim of a mere virtuality of perceived qualities is rejected.

On spatial modelling

Spatial modelling concerns both the case when spatial structures have a modelling function and the case when such structures become modelled objects. In the article, spatial models are considered as the means of human activity in both external and internal aspects. External spatial models are tangible objects which have structural similarity with something different from them and can represent it for a subject. These external models can be interpreted on various mental levels: sensorial, perceptual, apperceptual and conceptual ones. Each of them is connected with a peculiar way of internal modelling. Both external and internal spatial models can have a productive or a reproductive character, which depends on whether they serve as patterns for reproduction or if they are copies of originals. It is possible to consider external models as spatial texts if they can be divided into a plane of expression and a plane of content which are connected with each other by a semiotic system. In particular, such division can be revealed in depictions in which the two planes of both depicting and depicted spaces are open for the eye and their connection is regulated by indexes of a special perceptographic code. So, depictions can be treated as spatial texts interpreted firstly on the perceptual level of internal modelling and, secondly, on the higher mental levels by means of other visual-spatial codes.The article is divided into three parts. The first part contains a description of the basic concepts introduced in the author’s interpretation. In the second part, these concepts are applied to description of spatial modelling and its semiotic means. In the third part an important special case of spatial modelling – combination of mimetic and semiotic means in formation of depictions – is discussed.

The Mark IIIA Correlator System

The Mark IIIA correlator system, developed at Haystack Observatory, is a second-generation version of the original Mark III correlator which adds significant new capabilities, such as double-speed operation, longer integration periods, and improved internal modelling. One Mark IIIA correlator is currently operational at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., and another is being readied to replace the Mark III correlator at Haystack.The Mark IIIA correlator can simultaneously process up to 10 baselines of 24-MHz BW data from 5 stations. Experiments including more than 5 stations may be processed with multiple passes through the correlator. The architecture of the correlator allows a future expansion to a maximum of 16 stations. Due to a simple modular design and the low cost of required computer-support equipment, expansion is straightforward and relatively economical.Both astronomy and geodetic data processing are supported by the Mark IIIA system, including spectral line and pulsar gating. In addition, recent work has led to support of space-based VLBI observations; this capability was critical in supporting the first successful space-based VLBI astronomy observations between ground-based antennas and an orbiting satellite in August 1986.