A SPANISH JESUIT ASTRONOMER

New Zealand Tablet, 8 December 1910, Page 2011

A SPANISH JESUIT ASTRONOMER

While the ignorance and obscurantism of the clergy of Spain (remarks the Boston Sacred Heart Review) are still favorite subjects of editorial comment in the secular press of- the world, it is interesting to note that a Spanish priest—what is more, a Spanish Jesuithas been in this country, taking an active part in the session, on Mount Wilson, California, of the International Union of Cooperation in Solar Research. This priest, Father Cirera, still a comparatively young man, is founder and director of the most complete astrophysical and meteorological observatory in the worldthe observatory at Tortosa, Spain. William H. Knight, writing in the Los Angeles Sunday Times, says of this notable Spanish astronomer: The story of Father Cirera (for he writes S.J. after his name), like that of all men who are notable for achievement, has elements of romance. Born in a hamlet on the banks of the beautiful Ebro River in 1864, educated for the priesthood, but with a mind of scientific bent, at the early age of twenty-four, he was intrusted with a mission to the Philippine Islands, and at once established at Manila, under the Spanish Government, a station for meteorological and magnetic observation. While engaged in that work during the six years from 1888 to 1894, he conducted magnetic observations covering the entire group of islands, and published many magnetic maps of great value to navigators in those waters. It was there that he first observed what he believed was some physical connection between solar storms and atmospheric disturbances on the earth. Impressed with the importance of pursuing those investigations under more favorable conditions, be returned to Spain and projected a bold plan for establishing a comprehensive cosmic-physical observatory, for solar, magnetical, electrical, meteorological, and seismological investigations. In order to carry out this ambitious scheme he needed not only Government sanction, but large financial aid from private sources. Fortunately he enlisted the hearty interest of an old friend—a Spaniard of great wealth living in —Senor Pedro Gil Moreno de Mora, son of a noted banker, and young Cirera was encouraged to proceed with his scientific enterprise and provide a suitable and adequate physical equipment for the purpose. The next step of the young astronomer was to inform himself thoroughly of the best methods, instruments,- and conditions necessary for producing the best results. Accordingly, he spent four years in visiting and studying the various features of the principal observatories of Europe, taking ample notes with a view to selecting and combining those features that would be most useful and efficient for his purpose.

Securing an extensive tract of land in an eligible location, he constructed around a park-like enclosure a series of buildings, of striking architecture, yet each perfectly adapted for a special department of astronomical work or , physical investigation. They were completed in 1907, and during the last three years Director Cirera has been doing important work in solar and terrestrial physics. At the sessions of the International Solar Union, Cirera has been placed on the most important committees, and his views are solicited and deferred to by the most prominent members of that body. Personally, Director Cirera is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, with keen eyes, rapid utterance, a quick grasp of scientific problems, enthusiastic in his work, and certain of a career which will bo closely watched by his fellowastronomers.