PUBLIC INTEREST IN TALKS ON ASTRONOMY

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 May 1947, Page 4

PUBLIC INTEREST IN TALKS ON ASTRONOMY

“From many sources comes news of the growing interest in the heavens, and this interest in astronomy has been borne out by the sales of reading matter, increased interest in the schools, large attendances at the observatory, and numerous inquiries concerning the making of amateurs' telescopes,” said Mr. L. R. H. Beaumont, 8.A.. in a public address given at the Ctiy Council Chambers last night. The address was part of a series of 11, which have been prepared for delivery during the course on astronomy begun during Education Week. “Manv of you question the purpose behind the study of astronomy,” said Mr. Beaumont, “but the sky is a real factor in our experience, and adds much to our environment. “There is revelation in the sky undreamed of by the person who does not observe it," said Mr. Beaumont, "and there is no better hobby than the observance of the changing celestial scenery. Astronomy is one of the oldest, of the sciences, and the most exact of all.” Through the Adult Education Course, Mr. Beaumont hopes to acquaint students with the structure of the universe, instil into their minds a more intimate knowledge of the solar system of which the earth forms a part, and also tc arouse in them an appreciation of the constitution and grouping of the star", with aduei knowledge of the instruments In everyday use , , , Discussions will deal with the famous observatories of the world, with which will be linked the names of famous men who have made a study ol astronomy. As far as possible, lectures will be illustrated with s-ides, and one of such films, which was screened last night, dopi?ted a partial eclipse of the sun, taken bv New Zealand observers in 1931. The Wanganui Adult Education Centre has been sponsored by the Victoria University, and the scheme ts being introduced to this city through a series of public lectures "This function to-night was arranged as an observatory affair, and the introduction of the formation of an Astronomical Society in Wanganui.- ’ said Mr. W. H. Ward. hon. director of the Wanganui Observatory. The suggestion was made by the Adult Education Centre that last nigljt’s function should bw a good introduction to the course of lectures in connection with their scheme. Mr. Ward said that it gave him great pleasure Jo see uo many people in attendance, people who were interested in one of the purer sciences. "It makes me feci that, after all. our civilisation is not slipping, ao many people think it may be." he said. “I feel that I would like to speak about and compliment Mr. Beaumont on his introductory remarks this evening. and his enthusiasm is most contagious,’’ said Mr. T. A. Buxton. B.A . Dip. Ed., lecturer in psychology. "1 c:»n some very excellent reasons v.hy we should study astronomy." said Mr. Buxton.