Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-08-27
UNCLE SANS STAR-GAZERS
The Men Who Study the Skies for the
National Government.

Washington, Aug. 3G-Cncle sam is to
lose one of his most famous star-gazers
Professor Aaron H. Skinner, United
States Navy. has withdrawn from the
service. although he will remain ION tho
job a few weeks longer to complete Il
series of important astronomical calcula-
tons. His going calls for real regret.
He has not kept his eye glued to the. small
opening OF a telescope to the exclusion of
the practical end that could be derived
from his observations, but he has applied
to the uses of the navy the discoveries
he has made.
His place will be well filled. however.
Assistant Astronomer Herbert Louis Rice,
of Illinois, viii be appointed to the posi-
ton. lie was appointed assistant in the
Nautical Almanac, United States Observa-
tory in 1872, and assistant observer in the
observatory two years later. II there's
ton or in advancing the cause of science
Mr.. Rice is entirely capable OF under
taking the contract.
Incidentally Prof. Rice has been in
Strlimental in training up a corps of re-
cruits for the service in his capacity as
instructor and professor of Astro-P Physics,
in the George Washington University He
has held Il profeSsorShp in that insIitu-
ton for a number Of years. and, in fact
he received his educational degrees at
I hat institution.
While Prof. Rice will continue to teach
The students of tho George Washington
University to turn their eyes and thong hit S
toward the heavens he has number Of
fellow scientists in the government to aid
him In his missionary work. In this es-
pee ial department Of the university n
large number OF federal experts are to
he found. Like a number of other depart
ments. the Weather Bureau and the Navy
look 10 me local university as recruit
ing ground for it's skilled help.
Among the government scientists teach
ing me mystery of the winds and tides
and stars are Cleveland Able and Frank
H. lIUplpW- boil nf tho bpv
The former is professor of Meteorology,
While The last named eXpOunds the in
tricacies Of Astro-P PHYSICS In addition
the Naval Observatory contributes Its
Iiall. Jr.: who teaches Astronomy while
tho Smithsonian Institution is represent
ed on the faculty by Frederick F. Fowler,
Jr.. as professor of Astro-Physics.
The Importance of the work being done
by these scientists Is not generally APP
pr"ciated. They have evolved system
whereby, through the assistance Of the
wireless telegraph, ships hundreds Of
insure their safety. of the approach Of
hurricanes and danCerous storms and
fog There is no b doubt that this has
sea in ships" much more attractive risks
to the life insurance companies than ever
has been the case before in the history Of
the world.
A notable discovery that these scientists
have made Is the system recently adopted
for signalling at sea. 1t always has been
understood that water offered one of the
best known conductors of sound but with
very few exceptions has it been utilized
Realizing the vast benefit to shipping such
a utilization would prove. the scientists
recently turned their attention to eyperi-
menting with this element. The results
have been everything that could be ex-
pected.
Now it is possible to advise every vessel
equipped with apparatus (and every shin
soon will he equippeCD of the existence Of
shoals and dangerous reefs. The signals
are sent under sea from shore. and ara
received aboard Soon ship captains will
not have to rely upon the moaning of n
warning fog horn or the muffied clangor
of bell-nuoy.