ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 January 1922, Page 2

ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY.

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. The executive council of the New Plymouth Astronomical Society met on Monday evening to deal with Mr. J. T. Ward’s report upon the proposed improved mounting for the six-inch telescope. Mr. Ward, who is the director of the Wanganui observatory, and a very successful maker of telescopes and mountings, recently visited the local observatory at the invitation of the executive, and made a careful examination of the present equatorial, which has never given satisfaction, being quite unworthy of the excellent telescope which it carries. Mr. Ward reports that “the mounting is a very inconvenient one and difficult of correct adjustment.” He has sent plans and specifications for an up-to-date equatorial of very solid and correct workmanship, and by means of which the local observers will be able to take correct positions, measurements and photographs of celestial objects, and to readily find such as are reported from time to time. The price named is £74 10s, which is regarded by the executive council as a very reasonable figure. It was decided to close with the offer, and to ask Mr. Ward to take the work in hand forthwith. The treasurer, Mr. T. M. Avery, reported sufficient cash in hand to warrant commencing the work, s and stated that when outstanding subscriptions are paid by members '.he whole needed amount would be available.

It is desired to point out that the observatory is a public instigation to a very large extent, and is available for visitors on Thursdays and Sundays of each week. During the year 1921'over 1200 visitors were received at the observatory, and shown objects of outstanding interest. Large numbers of scholars from the local schools have received instruction, and have been ■Jiown the heavenly bodies. The evident interest taken :n the institution, and the valuable asset which the observatory is to the town, warrants the hope that all public-spirited people will readily assist in making it possible for the executive to improve the instrumental equipment, and so make the observatory of greater value to the community.

Five, very remarkable photographs of portions of the moon’s surface were received from the Mt. Wilson observatory in California. These are to be framed and hung in the observatory. They were secured by means of the giant 100-inch reflecting telescope at Mt. Wilson, and show detail which has never before been recorded. The photographs will act as standards of reference at the observatory. It is Intended to display them in town as soon as they are framed. Some valuable additions to the astronomical library haVe recently been received. Members who desire to study the subject of astronomy, more closely can obtain books on loan at the observatory.

Sympathy was expressed with Mr. E. Andprson, one of the society’s most able and active observers, who lias been laid aside at the hospital for several months. At the next meeting, which is to be held in March, the president will read a paper upon variable stars.