TO READ THE STARS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 86, 12 April 1911, Page 2

TO READ THE STARS.

ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY'S VENTURE. For some time since its formation the astronomical section of the Wellington iPhilosophical Society has been steadily moving towards its ultimate goal— tho pofisassion of an observatory with proper instruments for the study of the movements of the celestial spheres. Last evening there was a distinct step forward in .the decision of a gathering held to request the Museum authorities, through the director, to grant the society the uso of a shed and portion of the Kelburn© Reserve. Discuscion then took place on the best method of mounting and liousing the sjnch reflector telescope in the Museum. The chairman (Dr. Hector) suggested the shed in the reserve at Kelburne just below the brow of tie hill. The Rev. Dr. Kennedy did not think they would bo justified in g/ung to any v great expense over tho mounting and housing of a 5-inch instrument. He suggested the observatory should in the form of a shed with a sliding roof. Mr. W. S. La. Trobo submitted a sketch of a simple observatory, consisting of a small square shed with a slot in the roof for the instrument, and a circular track, round which the shed might be revolved on wheels. The cost of such a building would be not more than 1 £30, the amount the section had in hand. Various suggestions were thrown out, arid one old stargaaer recounted his experiences with a tabernacular observatory. He found the wind was the chief trouble, and he urged that whatever the society did, they should make the new telescope house comfortable, snug, p.nd warm for the long vigils of the chilly nights.. He was in favour of a hemispherical or conical roof to meet the wind pressure. It was agreed, that- the section should visit the site at an ea-rfy opportunity.