Los Angeles herald., 1910-08-29
80 STAR GAzERs
REACH PASADENA
Astronomers of Worldwide Fame
Arrive in Crown City on
Special Train

PASADENA, Aug. 29.-FRty OF the
worlds most prominent astronomers
out of eighty who are expected to at
tend the conference here this week
have arrived at Hotel Maryland. Most
of them came yesterday afternoon in
the two special cars which had been
engaged to carry the noted visitors
across the country from the Atlantic
coast. In the Maryland lobby last
evening good cheer and enthusiasm
over the prospects of a successful
meeting seemed on the surface to per-
meate the place, but there was an
undercurrent of, regret which often
found expression in words of disap-
pointment when 1t was learned that
DR.. George e. Hale, director of the
Carnegie observ atory on Mount Will
son, will be unable on account of
sickness to attend the sessions of the
conference except to deliver an open
ing address at the gathering on Mount
Wilson "Wednesday morning.
4 DIR. Hale is 10 ked upon as one of
the leading lights in astronomical
circles, he having constructed many
special instruments for solar research
at the local observatory. Prominent
among these Is q spectro-heliograph
for observing prominences on the sun
without waiting for an eclipse.
While the astronomers hail from
many nations most Of them are con-
versant with the English language.
Those who speak in foreign tongues
seem to have no difficulty in convers-
ing with their fellow scientists, owing
to the fact that practically all can
speak more than ono language, but
II is said there was some confusion
among the bellboys a1d the telephone
exchange operator at the hotel before
they "got their bearings"
REPORTS ARE IMPORTANT
One interesting feature of the arrival
of the scientists was the array of bag
gage with its many labels from all
parts of the world from which the
visitors hail Another feature was the
method OF handling mail for the visit
ors. Instead of numerous parcels one
large envelope was awaiting each
guest as he registered, and in this
envelope was all personal correspond
ence which had been received for the
individual, copy of the program of
the weeks conference and numerous
invitations to the social events which
have been arranged for the week.
The gathering here this week is the
fourth conference of the International
UnfAn for Cooperation in Solar Re-
search and an astrophysical atmosphere
is expected 10 SuTTOulQ lllS NlO"u NitJ
for a few days. The manner of con-
ducting the meetings of the society is
the essence of simplicity No formal
papers will be presented at the ses-
sions, the time being devoted to re-
ceiving reports of committees previous
ly appointed to chronicle various spe-
cific observations.
It is said these reports usually are
received without amendment. Follow
ing the reports suggestions are received
from the various members as to sub
sequent work in the line of solar re-
search and in each instance volunteers
agree to make a speciality of the sub
iect under consideration and report at
the next meeting. The gatherings are
more like formal visits than conven-
tions. all business being transacted In
committee of the whole. BY this meth
cd 1t enables a broader field to be COW
cred and after notes are compared the
work can be arranged 50 as to prevent
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