Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-07-20
FROM OUT THE SKIES.
Lessons in Astronomy Obtained in
Public 0bservatories.
ONE NAY BE ESTABLISHED HERE.
A Pittsburg Millionaire Has Just Such q
Project in Mind.
CHABOTS INSTITUTION AT OAKLAND

The premature publication last year of the
contemplated intention of certain Pitts
burg millionaire to found a public observa-
tory here had the effect of shelving the
project for the time, but, from what is
learned in well-informed quarters, there is
possibility that this gentleman may yet
carry out his public-spirited proposition.
OF the several hundred regular observa-
tories in various parts of the world, there
are but two which are entirely devoted to
the public use. One of these is In Germany
and the other in Oakland, Gal. 1t was
when visiting the latter institution a year
ago, that the Pittsburg gentleman alluded
to conceived the idea of establish
ing similar institution here.
The astronomical observatory at Oakland
was completed in 1888, and was donated to
the city by Anthony Chabot. Chabot was
a French Canadian by birth, and became a
pioneer Californian, one Of those whose
names will 60 down into history with more
than purely local interest and reputation.
The Chabot Observatory.
His fortune was made by the exercise of
his talents as hydraulic engineer, and was
largely expended in charity. The observa-
tory which bears his name is a simple edi-
flee, placed in the center of a public square.
Ii is furnished with telescope of moderate
power, with all needful accessories; fine
transit instrument, with clocks, chronom-
eter, chronograph, etc.; books, charts,
globes, and meteorological instruments, and
all devoted to the public use,
and to the public school instruction.
The reception room," which occupies
the central portion of the structure, is very
modest apartment, of barely sufficient size
the observatory, with desk, gas stove and
chairs. The walls are covered with star
maps, spectroscopic charts, photographs and
a fine oil painting of the late Mr.. Chabot,
who died about three years ago. The stairs
leading to the dome wind around a solid
pier of masonry, extending 30 feet above
the surface and 10 or IL feet be-
meath the surface of the ground.
This pier tapers from six feet
square at the base to about one-third of
that measurement at the top, and is every
where distinct from the woodwork. On it
is mounted the Clark equatorial, with an
object-glass 81% inches in diameter, which is
of course the main instrument of the OBJ
servatory. 1t is provided with fine spec
troscope, a micrometer and large battery
of eye pieces.
How Visitors Are Entertained.
The visitors are entertained with views
OF whatever good objects may be visible
at the time, interspersed by explanations
in response to the inquiries invariably made.
Surrounding the dome is an open platform
from which the location of any object
among the consultations may be pointed
out. In the transit room are exhibited the
4-inch Fauth transit, an exact counterpart
of the instrument used at the Lick Observa-
tory, the meantime and sidereal clocks the
chronograph for recording observations of
star transits, and the more familiar instru-
ments which are used to indicate the varying
conditions of wind and weather.
Visitors are shown the different applica-
tions Of all these instruments to the study
of astronomy They have explained to them
the practical workings of time service"
for the astronomers at the Chabot institu-
tion furnish the city of Oakland with stand
ard time after the most orthodox fashion.
Another piece of routine work which has
recently been undertaken at this little OBJ
servatory is systematic meteorological
record on the plan of the signal service OBJ
servstions A self-registering barometer,
thermometer and thermometer are included in
the instrumental equipment, and for over a
year the Oakland weather service has been
in charge of the city astronomers Outside
of these two duties, the whole time of the
observatory is devoted to the public enter
tainment and instruction. On two nights of
the week the High and Grammar schools
receive instruction in astronomy.
Public Lectures in Berlin.
One night is devoted to the ''time OBJ
servations' necessary to the proper regula-
tion of the clocks. The other three even
ings of the week are entirely given over to
visitors A list is kept on file at the Office
of the School Superintendent, and for any
disepgaged evening card OF admission is
given to the first applicant. These ad-
mission cards are in great demand. The list
is usually filled up for three or four months
ahead of date
The Urania Gesellschaft, in Berlin, Ger
many, is scientific academy of 375 SUBJ
scribing stockholders, with capital stock
of 100000. Five telescopes are at the dis
posal Of visitors every clear night; nearly
200 short lectures are annually given in
theater attached and 40 assistants are en-
ployed about the institution. A small ad-
mission fee, adapted to the means of the
various classes, being the equivalent of
cents for school children and workingmen
is charged to defray running expenses
During the first year 95, 900 visitors were
admitted on 262 days. The sum of S2600O
was received in the matter of fees. The in
was first opened to the people in
July, 1889.
From conversations had with scientific
gentlemen of the two cities there is a ready
belief that an educatiye public observatory
here would be cordially received and used
,r-;% II