ASTRONOMY IN OTAGO

Evening Star, Issue 23374, 18 September 1939, Page 11

ASTRONOMY IN OTAGO

ANNUAL REPORT OF BRANCH The following is the report of the committee on the year’s work of the, Astronomical Section of the Koval Society of New Zealand (Otago Brandi), which is to be submitted at the annual meeting to be held at the Museum tomorrow evening:— A full syllabus was carried out, addresses being delivered as follows; ‘ Work of the Carter Observatory,’ Mr M. Geddcs, M.A., F.R.A.S.; ‘ Some Travpl Notes,’ Mr J. C. Begg, F.R.A.S.; ‘Methods and Instruments for Novice and Amateur,’ Mr G. S. Smith; ‘Structure of the Univcrce,’ Dr C. M. Focken; ‘The Sidereal Clock,’ Mr E. G. M'George; ‘The t’UOiu Telescope,’ Mr W. D. Anderson. As usual the Beverlcy-Hegg Observatory was open to the public on Wednesday and Saturday nights from May to September when overhead conditions were suitable. Adverse weather conditions caused abandonment this season of more public nights than usual. The • outstanding event was the very interesting opposition of the planet Mars, in July. Unfortunately at the date/of closest approach clouds obscured the red planet, but excellent observations were made on favourable nights prior and subsequent to July 23. Jupiter is now coming well into view in our evening skies. Next season, the ringed planet Saturn will bo well placed lor observation, and the rings will be at a favourable angle as seen from the earth.

In addition to the ordinary public nights special evenings at the observatory were arranged tor the benefit of various parties and organisations throughout the season, and much appreciation was expressed by the visitors for the fare provided. During the year a good deal of systematic work was carried out by Air F. G. M'George and the Director of fho Observatory in observing and recording occnltations as set forth in the Nautical Almanac. This work calls for a high degree of skill and alertness, and wo are proud to think that the local observatory is co-operat-ing to such good effect with observatories in other parts of the world in this manner.

As mentioned in last year’s report, representations wore made to the Government as to the desirability of providing an extension to the observatory building so that our educational work could be carried out with greater convenience and efficiency. The branch was advised by the authorities, however, that the time was not opportune and that the commitments of the Government prevented favourable consideration being ' given to our proposals. The matter, nevertheless, has not been lost sight of. and the committee intends to take it up again when conditions are more favourable and the prospects brighter than they arc today. _ . . , The committee is ever mindlul of tnc desirability of keeping the equipment of the observatory in good order and adding to it from time to time within the limited scope of its finance. By careful conservation of its funds, aided bv the interest and generosity of some of our members, the branch is now possessed of a fairly comprehensive range of instruments and other scientific equipment which is of great help, and lends so much of interest in furthering our astronomical work in this city. .The latest acquisition is a l‘2in celestial sphere mounted on a metal stand, with half-meridian marked oil in degrees depicting the configurations of the heavens, the constellations and principal stars, clusters, etc. This sohere is now installed at the observatory, and will be useful in demonstrating the facts of astronomy to beginners.

The roll membership now 7 stands at 62 full members and 19 associate members of the branch. The thanks of the society are due to the bon. director of the .observatory for his devoted service and untiring efforts in the interests of the society, also (n those members id the commitlee who aitended al ilie public liiglds throughout lie; year.