Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-07
MARS IS THE TARGET
For Thousands of Eyes That Want
to Explore His Mysteries.
NOT MUCH OF VALUE LEARNED,
Though Scientists Hope to Be Able to Tell
something Soon.
PROPOSED WAYS OF COMMUNICATION

Prot Keeler's observatory IN Allegheny
was the center of attraction of the two
cities last night. Fully 1000 people focked
there to get a view of the ruddy planet,
Mars
As early as 8 o'clock people began to
climb the steep hill in order to be the first
to view the great planet By 9 o'clock
fully 1000 people were congregated
about the building waiting for the doors
to be opened. Owing to the fact
chat Mars was not plainly visible before
10 o'clock those who had been successful in
gaining admission were given chance to
view the moon. The night was clear and
bright, and under the powerful lenses of
the telescope an excellent view could be
had.
Promptly at 1915 o'clock the great dome
was shifted and the telescope was brought
to bear on Mars The spectators strung out
in line, and one by one climbed the steps
from where the star could be seen About
one minute was allowed each person, after
which they would pass out to the reception
room, where they were treated to short
lecture concerning the planet by Prot.
Frank Very.
Remarks on the Map OF Mars.
He had an excellent drawing of the
planet, showing distinctly the hills, val
leys, rivers and oceans which Mars is sup
posed to contain. Said he:
''The present appearance of the plan t
shows that it has been visited by heavy
SHOWS during the past season. The app ear
ance of the white substance in the region of
the poles is much greater than it has been
for years, and especially at this season.
"The mists," he said, "were evidently
vapors rising from the rivers and valleys
which, like our own earth, came forth from
the heat of the sun. As to Mars being in
habited, that has not yet been determined
by scientific men,"
After hearing Prof very's lecture many
of the people wanted to 60 back into the
observatory and get another view, but on
account OF the limited amount OF time
they were not allowed to do so.
Toward midnight the view became much
better, and the people began to linger about
the room. One OF Chief Murphy's finest
was there, and was equal to the occasion in
keeping the crowd moving.
The amusing Side Of 1t.
There were many amusing scenes and
remarks during the evening. While
manv came to view the great planet and to
be enlightened on scientific subject, there
were fully as many who did not know what
they came for. 'sWho is Mars" asked one
man.
81 don't know, but I guess if you wait we
see, replied another.
One weighty woman who could not climb
the steps, wanted the Professor to bring the
telescope down to her, so that she could
look, too. When informed that the instru-
ment weighed 5000 pounds and could not
be moved, she walked out, apparently
greatly disappointed.
One man stood looking intently into a
| rain barrel at the corner of the house. He
was evidently looking for Mars there, as he
! did not fall into line when it was formed.
The observations will be continued
| throughout the coming week, and it is ex.
pected that good views can be bad.