The Manawatu Daily Times Mechanised Astronomy

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7271, 26 September 1933, Page 6

The Manawatu Daily Times Mechanised Astronomy

That picturesque figure huddled at his telescopic eyepiece under a chilly dome, scanning winter skies, belongs to a passing epoch; the dome itself is giving way in much important work to garage-like structures with Sliding roofs that house the tireless photographic equipment of the modern observatory. “Visual astronomy is practically dead with the exception of certain observations still made by eye in the fields of meteoric and variable star activity, “ said Dr. Harlow Shapley, of Harvard Observatory, in a recent lecture on a century of progress in astronomical research.

Automatic control of telescopic movement through electric motor drives designed to compensate for the earth’s rotation has won an impregnable place in observatory technique. Availability of the radio makes it unnecessary for many an observatory to spend the energies of its staff in checking time by star transits; and the photographic plate has outmoded notebook and pencil. Astronomy has become highly mechanised, but if the poetry of old..methods has been relegated, to history, the revelations of the now technique have many times repaid for abandonment of earlier ways and means.

The sacrifice of picturesqueness is always calling for readjustment of ideas to the new era. As one looks below the surface, compensations appear. Improved methods aid the professional astronomer to an untold degree, but they also reveal fresh wonders to the layman. On a single photographic plate hundreds of tiny dots representing island universes in remote space may be identified so that the veriest tyro can take off his mental hat on this threshold of the skies and thank mechanism for showing him sights of incomparable impressiveness. Out of what sometimes looks like a frenzy of instrumentation come results which not only enrich the lore of astronomy but also stimulate the imagination of the man in the street and broaden his appreciation of the cosmic mysteries.

A strange epidemic affecting the finger nails, which in most instances have to bo removed, lias been prevalent in this district during the past six months. In some cases more than one member of a family of children and adults have been affected. Ono doctor suggests that it may be caused by soap which contains caustic soda.

“The Noseless Man” is the Eov. D. J. Davies' subject for the Citizen’s Lunch Club today. Mr G. G. Priest presides. The total export of scrap metal from New Zealand to Japan this year was 21,577 tons of a value of £25,091. The Asama Maru, now loading at Wellington, is taking 5500 tons, including 2000 tons from Wellington. Tko Nan* kura Mara takes 500 tons next month. It is stated that practically all thescrap purchased will be used for reinforcing concrete. A Japanese private company is buying ,tho metal and selling it to strengthen concreto structures, as the Japanese law now requires some metal to be used in building new shops.

As usual, the Australian football team which, arrived at Auckland on Saturday has its particular comedian, whose ability to entertain has been well demonstrated since the Monterey cleared Sydney Heads. When requested by the team manager to dot down a few points about his playing career, this is what C. Itice wrote: —“JSTame, 'Chika’ —ago 23—rcpped 1932, weight 12st 2ib Spectators at the Milson aerodrome —l4 years a cook and never broke a on Sunday morning were treated to a plate-struck the poker machine twice raro exhibition of stunting when a on the trip over.” When Customs P llofc took offi 111 , tae club Motll Officer Graham asked the players on P\ ane * many, owever, is sur the wharf to “declare” the contents f\ s ° ould * een f , ater „ , ~ . had they realised that Squadronof their luggage, they affirmed tha ± McGrcgor 4t thc their baggie was just “0.K.” but Qn Eecond solo flight they hoped to be taking away souven- since Wg disch * rge from iospital a ire. “Sir, you’ll find a packet of fw wec p s agoj te proved definitely opium in that box there,” said Rice, that had losfc aono of h ; 3 skill in amid a roar of laughter. With the ex- idling ’planes, and for 15 minutes ccption of the manager, Mr. J. EL Mos- demonstrated the fact unconscioustyn, and the coach, Mr. R. Johnston, no ]y {q delight of a host of admirers, member of the party has been “out of It s k o uld not be long now before the Sydney harbour,” as one of the players Manawatu Aero Club again has Squadput it, until this crossing of the Tas- ron-Leader McGregor back as its pilotJ.' • ' instructor.^