SOLAR OBSERVATORY.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1978, 7 February 1914, Page 3

SOLAR OBSERVATORY.

MR. CAWTHRON'S GIF!. MR; J. EVERSHED ON KELSON AS A SITE. Matters in connection with the establishment of tho Cavrtliroii Solar Physics Observatory at Nelson are now rapidly taking definite shape, Mr. J. Evershed (Director of the Kodaikanal Observatory in India), after a'stay of some weeks at Nelson, has concluded his investigations into the suitability of the locality for purposes of solar physical research, and passed through Wellington yesterday on. route to Australia and India. He informed a reporter who interviewed him yesterday morning that the result of liis investigations ! had been-satisfactory. . "We found sev* oral suitable sites," he said, "but one really can't settle it all in a moment.. The matter will have to be considered ' carefully, and further, observations are necessary before a .final Selection can be made. Investigations would bs carried on meantime, Mr. ISvershed stated, by Mr. P.- G. Gibbs, of Nelson. None of the suggested sites are in Gawthron Park, which was proposed some time ago as a location for the observatory. One point of interest which Mr. Evershed's investigations brought I to light was that definition was found to be better, near the- sea than it was back in the country. . Mr. Evershed considers that Kelson is a very suitable locality hi. which to establish a solar physics observatory, both on account of its geographical po* •sition and its climatic conditions. "Wo .were alt-pleased with it," he remarked, "although we got badly drenched with rain on several occasions. On tho whole there can be no doubt that it is a really good place and that good work ,can be done there." It would be two years at least, Mr, Evershed stated, before the observatory could be completed arid equipped, but he had no reason to doubt that it would bo established upon an adequate financial basis and that tho, equipment Would bo first rato. As to the- nature of the. researches which will be Carried out when the observatory is in .working • order, Mr, Evershed had some interesting ohsefvations to make. One' task imposed upon tho astronomers will be that of taking daily photographs.of the sun and so maintaining a continuous record. Spectre* heliographio photographs will also be take. The various elements in the- eun, hydrogen,, calcium, iron and so form, all have their different radiations and the method followed in spectro-heliographic photography is to photograph aiiy"one element by its own characteristic light. One of tho main activities at the Cawthron Observatory, Mr. Evershed hopes, will bo the investigation of sun-spots. There is wide scope for investigations ■relating to the movctowrts taking place in sun-spots. It is hoped that aitinjately the study of the suit will lead to a mueli better understanding of tho earths meteorological conditions, The first thing to be done is to equip the observatory for observation of the sun, hut later on it will no doubt he equipped for star work as well. As the whole of the life in tiro earth depended on the sun,. Mr. Evershed remarked in conclusion., it was of extreme scientific interest to understand what was going on in the sun. It w;as impossible to say what solar physios research would lead to, tat there cnuld he no doubt about tho paramount importance of the. work. Mr. Bwershed and Mrs. Evershed left by the-ulimaroa yesterday far Sydney.