DISTANCE FLIERS.

Matamata Record, Volume X, Issue 884, 19 December 1927, Page 7

DISTANCE FLIERS.

SHOULD KNOW STARS. No man should navigate a long-dis tance plane, and particularly at night over the ocean, unless he is well grounded in the fundamentals of nautical astronomy, says Professor S. L. Boothroyd of Cornell University. J “The sextant, a good watch and the Nautical Almanac are still the only equipment,’ ’ Professor Boothroyd do; dares, “which can be depended upon for finding one’s location when known landmarks are unavailable or the radio substitute for natural sight fails.” In explaining the importance of astronomy to civilisation and particularly to aviation, Professor , Boomroyd said: “From its earliest beginings astronomy has always opened to man large/ physical worlds, larger intellectural worlds and larger moral worlds. By so doing it has stimulated him to devise means whereby he could investigate the larger worlds. “Radio communication and aviation are two of the.most potent material means yet devisod" for enriching human life. While the. direct .practical uses 01 astronomy in surveying and navigation and in giving correct time to mankind are important, the .most important aspect of the science is in stimulating our intellectual activity and leading us to understand more completely me wonider, • the • beauty and the glory of the universe 'in which we live.

“If aviation can help to stimulate man in high intellectual achievement in all spheres of human interest and increase our faith in these immeasurable things of the spirit, mankind is fulfilling its highest mission on earth.”