STUDY OF THE STARS

Taranaki Daily News, 17 October 1927, Page 10

STUDY OF THE STARS

NEW PLYMOUTH ACTIVITIES. A meeting of the executive coamcil of the New Plymouth Astronomical Society met last week, when further correspondence from Dr. L. J. Comrie anal Dr. 0. E. Adams was read, dealing with the suggested observation of lunar occultations. The Government astronomer stressed the necessity of having facilities for obtaining absolutely exact time at the observatory if the observations are to be undertaken. Dr. Adams mentioned that an electrical astronomical clock was being made in Wellington foi the local society, and offered facilities for obtaining particulars of construction and cost. It was decided to defer consideration pending a reply from Dr. Home, who ha.s been asked by the secretary to make inquiries with a view to purchasing an astronomical clock in Great Britain for the local observatory. Miss Ethel Smith was welcomed as a member of th» council; and Mrs. C.

H. Burgess and Mr. Sidney F. Burgess were elected life members of the society. Mr. G. H. Dolby was nominated to be ft vice-president, and Air. D. Wilkinson as an ordinary member of tlje council, both nominations being sustained by the meeting. Mr. S. Crompton Smith was elected a member. The. directors' report advised a continued appreciation by the public of the facilities offered for observing the heavenly bodies. The planets Saturn and Jupiter had caused considerable interest amongst visitors, and the surface of the sun appeared to be in a state of considerable activity. Mention was made of the gratuitous assistance given by Air, L. F. Blinns, who directed the erection of the masts and aerial and completed and tested the radio receiving set. In thia connection, Alessrs. Boon Bros. ; donated one mast and a member’the other, the New Plymouth Hardware Co. the aerial wire, Air. Croker, junr., and Mr. T. M. Avery one radio coil each for the installation. The report stated that at present the observatory is open to the public on | Sunday nights when fine. This night is . inconvenient for the observers on many | oeeaaiona, and the director suggested 1 fhan^ r fi> Tnn«tL»v iiU-bH. Thi j •

subsequently decided upon by the council. The director was reluctant to malto tlio change, in view of the fact that Sunday night has always been a popular night with the public. This change will operate from Tuesday, November 1. and the observatory will be open publicly for the last time under the old arrangement on Sunday, October 39, provided weather conditions are favourable on each date.