Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1907-08-29
TEACHES
STUDY OF
THE SKY
Washington Astronomer Retired But
viii Continue Star.Gazlng

washington, Aug. Z9,-Uncle sam
ia to lose one of his most famous
star-gazers. Because he has reached
the age limit Professor Aaron. N.
Skinner. United States navy, has
withdrawn from the service, al
though he will remain ION the Job"
a few weeks longer to complete a
series of important astronomical cal
culations. His going calls for real
regret. He has not kept his eye
glued to the small opening of tele
scope to the exclusion of the prac-
tical end that could be derived from
his observations, but he has applied
to the uses of the navy the discov-
cries he has made.
His place will be we'll filled, how
ever. Assistant Astronomer Herbert
L. Rice of Illinois will be appointed
to the position. He was appointed
assistant in the nautical almanac,
United States observatory in 1892,
and assistant observer in the obser-
vatory two years later. II there's
any star-gazing that will aid In navi-
cation or In advancing the cause of
science, Mr.. Rice is entirely capable
of understanding the contract.
Incidentally, Prof. Rice has been
instrumental in training up a corps
of recruits for the service In his ca
paclty as instructor and professor
OF astro-physics in the George Wash
ington university. He has held q
professorship in that institution for
number of years, and. In fact, he
received his educational degrees at
that institution.
While Professor Rice will continue
to teach the students OF the George
Washington university to turn their
eyes and thoughts toward the heav-
ems, he has number of fellow scien-
lists in the government to aid him In
his missionary work. In this spe-
clal department of the university a
large number OF federal experts are
10 be found. Like a number of other
departments, the weather bureau
and the navy look to the local uni
verslty as recruiting ground for
It's skilled help.
Among the government scientists
teaching the mystery of the Winds
and tides and stars are Cleveland
Able and Frank II. Blgelow. both OF
the weather bureau. The former Is
professor of meteorology. while the
last named expounds the intricacies
of astro-physics. In addition, the
naval observatory contributes It's rep
resentative in the person of Asaph
Hall, Jr., who teaches astronomy,
while the Smithsonian institute IL
represented on the faculty by f. u.
Fowler, Jr., as professor OF astro-
physics.
The Importance OF the work being
done by these scientists is not gener'
ally appreciated. They have evolved
system whereby, through the as
sIstance OF the wireless telegraph,
ships hundreds of miles at sea can
be advised. in time TO insure their
safety, OF the approach of hurricanes
and dangerous storms and fog.
There is no doubt that this has rem
dered "those who go down to the
sea In ships" much more attractive
risks In 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. II always has been understood
that water offered one OF the best
known conductors OF sound. but
with very few exceptions has IL been
utilized. Realizing the vast benefit
to shipping such a utilization would
prove, the scientists recently turned
their attention to experimenting with
this element. The results have been
everything that could be expected.
Now It is possible to advise every
vessel equipped with apparatus (and
every ship soon will be equipped)
of the existence of shoals and dan
gerous reefs. The signals are sent
under-sea from shore, and are re-
ceived abroad, Soon ship captains
will not have to rely upon the moan
ing of warning for horn or the
mufiied clangor of bell-buoy.