IS THE MOON PEOPLED ?

Bruce Herald, Volume XXXXI, Issue 50, 27 June 1905, Page 2

IS THE MOON PEOPLED ?

The popular impression is that the moon is a burnt-out-world— a sort ofleinder plant I glistening in tha heaven — but astronomers I are by no means persuaded that snch is the case, and some among them are hopeful that the question as to whether it is not inhabited will shortly be determined. a This hope is 'based upon the fact that the great 50 -inch telescope whioh is being constructed in the Bra«»hear establishment in Pittsburg, under the superintendence of Professor Keller of - Allegheny Observatory, will shortly be ready for uee. The tube of this giant inntrnment will bs fully seventy feet in length, and for its operation will require a dome more than sixty feet in diameter. Professor Keller has declared that he sees 'no reason why the question as to the habitation of the moon should not be finally settled : when this wonderful instrument is erected.' Professor Plympton of Cooper Institute is equally sanguine that the decisive results so long looked for are destined to be shortly realized. Such hopes will doubtleps seem extravagant to many, but when ifc is remembered that the Lick telescope, which has done so much for science, is but thirty inches in diameter, and that the new glas* will be twenty inches larger} it is easy to see that the great expectations of the astronomers are not -without a reasonable basis. In any case, it is fairly, certain that the 50 inch telescope will add vastly tq^ur knowledge of the firmament; and the news of its completion will theref ore,be awaited with the widoat popular interest.