TON IN A MATCHBOX

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16914, 1 April 1929, Page 11

TON IN A MATCHBOX

NEW TACTS ABOtTT STABS LOXPON, February 8. A ton of the materia! of tW star known as the Companion of Sirias would go inside a matchbox. The star, th* influence of which was perceived before it was actnattv seen, has » {tensity of 60.000 times inat of water. In its life. 10,003 vears was a mere nothing. These interesting facts. revealed by Professor Bddinßton. the astronomer. dining the fifteenth Thomas Hswksley lecture at the Institution of Mechanical Kngineers, were ascertained with the new large telescopes now in use. Such instruments, said Professor Fddington, ww responsible for the great advance in astronomical research. ••The greatest telescope at present, existing," he added, "the lOOin. reflector at Mount Wilson, is a marvel of engineering. But it is expected that in a few years a SQOin. reflector will he at work, with a tube, I suppose, not less than 80ft. long. "The new instrument will bring a rapid and, perhaps, sensational advance of astronomical knowledge. It is trn© that problems are confronting its for which even a 50Kn. mirror would be insufficient, but there is ranch urgent work that lies jnst outside the capacity of present instruments, and the increasft of power will be a most monwntous aeotssjon u mt mma «l resairck."