PLANETARIUM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23558, 22 July 1938, Page 2

PLANETARIUM

FIRST PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION On Tuesday evening, at the Museum, the astronomical branch of the Royal Society held the first public demonstration of the recently-acquired working model of the solar system. There was a large attendance, and the chairman (Mr W. D. Anderson) expressed pleasure that the donor of the apparatus (Sir Louis Barnett) was among those present. The demonstration was conducted by the honorary director of the observatory (Mr W. H. B. Hobbs). Lantern slides were shown of some notable astronomers of the past, and Mr Hobbs briefly reviewed the history of astromony from the days of Capernicus to the present day He then demonstrated the working of the planetarium and the uses to which it could be put. The various pfcmetary phenomena were clearly illustrated, such as the causes of day and night, successions of seasons, the tides eclipses, occultations. transits oppositions, conjunctions and so on At the conclusion of the demonstration questions were invited and answered by Mr Hobbs On the motion of Mr W. A. H. Drew, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Hobbs for his address. During an interval, the chairman made reference to the gift. He said the apparatus was a valuable addition to the equipment of the society and would undoubtedly prove of great value in teaching the rudiments of the science to beginners On the motion of the chairman, a motion was carried expressing thanks and appreciation to Sir Louis for his public-spirited action in providing this apparatus In responding. Sir Louis, m a brief speech, said that his desire was to encourage young people to employ more of their leisure in the study of the wonders of Nature and gain an understanding about the universe, of which the world is but a small part