Science Sittings

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 26, 1 July 1909, Page 1035

Science Sittings

BY 'VOLT

SOLAR RESEARCH IN NEW ZEALAND. Praise for a Priest-Scientist. , Last week the Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy, of Meanee, gave an interesting lecture before the members of the Hawke's Bay Philosophical Institute on the subject of recent advances in solar research. The lecturer (says the Hawke's Bay Herald) explained the organised efforts which were now being made in various countries to solve the problems connected with the astronomy of the sun. -He hoped that some day this country might take its share in the work. At present the most important centre of research was the Mount Wilson Solar Observatory, in California, a branch of the Carnegie Institution, at the head of which was Professor Hale, one of the leading authorities in this branch of study. Pictures of the observatory, of its instruments, laboratories, and machine workshops were shown, and enabled one to understand the very complete arrangements and the great outlay which they necessitated. Then the lecturer went on to show by pictures the kind of work the observatory did, the study of sun spots, and the granular markings of the sun's surface. The spectro-heliograph was then explained, and it was shown how, by taking pictures with light of one color only, it was now possible to take photographs at any time of solar phenomena which hitherto could only be studied at periods of eclipse. Finally, photographs taken at the Meanee Observatory were shown. With regard to these he read extracts from letters received from Professor Hale. ' I congratulate you on the remarkably sharp photographs of the solar granulations which you were kind enough to send me,' wrote the professor. ' They certainly can be measured with great advantage.' And, again : ' I was glad to receive your excellent photograph of sun spots. This clearly indicates that both your instrumental equipment and atmospheric conditions are such as to permit you to do work of the first order. I congratulate you on this fact,, and also upon the great amount of clear weather which yqu enjoy. The conditions during the months of June, July, and August must be very similar in New Zealand to those we have here during the same period.' That is to say, that the winter conditions here were as good as summer conditions in California. Mr. H. Hill thanked Dr. Kennedy for his interesting lecture. This was the last time they would hear him before departure from Meanee, although he hoped they would have opportunities from time to time of seeing and perhaps hearing him. He wished to express their regret at Dr. Kennedy's departure. The doctor was a willing worker and a willing helper, and he had done much to promote an interest in science in Napier. They would miss him very much, and find it difficult to fill his place. He moved, 'That the members of the Hawke's Bay of the New Zealand Institute desire to convey to the Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy, their appreciation of the great services rendered by him to the cause of science in thid district, and, whilst congratulating him upon his promotion to another field of labor, they regret his departure as representing a serious loss to the community, especially in the astronomical and meteorological work for which his observatory at Meanee has become famous.' Mr. W. Dinwiddie seconded the motion, and spoke cf the high standard set by Dr. Kennedy's work. The President (Dr. Leahy) also added his person il expression of regret. The motion was carried by acclamation. Dr. Kennedy thanked the meeting for the resolution it had passed. He would always have kindly recollections of his association with the institute, which had appreciated all that -he had done, and had encouraged him to persevere with his scientific work. He was glad to think that, although he was leaving the district, the work at Meanee would not cease. There were others who could carry on the work he had begun. The meteorological observations would be continued, and the solar work as far as opportunity offered. He hoped that before long arrangements would be made by which more time and attention could be given to that work, which it must be recognised could not be allowed to drop. He was sorry he had to go, but orders must be obeyed, and he had no doubt that what now seemed hard would turn out to be the best for himself and for the work he had taken so much interest in.