THE OBSERVATORY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 263, 6 November 1934, Page 4

THE OBSERVATORY

N.Z.’S FINEST TELESCOPE AN ASSET TO WANGANUI AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. Among the various institutions of which VS anganui is justly proud, is the little-mentioned but nevertheless scientifically and culturally important astronomical observatory. Situated in Cook’s Gardens, near the Guyton Street entrance, the observatory houses the finest refracting telescope in New Zealand, not even excepting that at the Dominion Observatory in. Wellington. Quietly aud unobstrusivcly astronomical work is carried on, and special attention is paid to the educational aspect of the science. On Monday and Thursday evenings, provided the sky is reasonably clear, the observatory is open to the public, a small charge being made for admission, when the director is in attendance and delivers popular talks on the wonders of the universe, graphically illustrated by observation through the big telescope. It is not possible for many to engage in an intimate study of the stars, but one and all should certainly gain some general conception of the wonders of the universe, of which our earth is such a tiny unit. The moon is always an object of interest, and some wonderful views are obtained. The best time for observation is at about half moon, when the various features such as the mountain ranges, mighty peaks and enormous ringed craters are thrown into relief. It is possible, when conditions are favourable, to approach optimally to within 350 miles of our luminary. Just at present the wonderful ringed planet “Saturn” is in an excellent position for observation, and the opportunity should be taken of making an intimate acquaintance with this remarkable member of the sun’s family. Then, too, one may observe the light concentrated in the telescope of some of the immense star clusters, so distant that the light which left them 20,000 years ago, at the speed of 186,000 miles a second, is just reaching us. Every month brings new wonders into view, and a visit to the observatory is always full of interest. Finally, the observatory, together with its equipment, is the property of the citizens of Wanganui, and it is for them to avail themselves of the intellectual benefits it can bestow.