The San Francisco call., 1910-05-19
YERKES OBSERVATORY
TAKES PHOTOGRAPHS

YERKIES OBSERVATORY, WILL
LIAAIS BAY, Wis. May 1S.-As the
world passed through the tail of Hal
Iey's comet astronomers at the Yerkes
observatory tonight secured photo
graphs and accurate records of me-
teoric phenomena and varying heaven
ly illumination under atmospheric con-
ditions nearly perfect for work with
camera and telescope
Although a spectacular display of
aurora lights, which reached across the
sky from east to west. was observed
here. Professor Frost, in charge Of the
observatory. and Professor Mitchell of
New York do not connect the phenom-
cna directly with the comet.
While the glow of the comets tail
is readily discernible," said Professor
Frost shortly before midnight we
have observed little striking positive
phenomena that could be attributed to
Halley's comet. But that does not
lessen the value Of negative observa-
tions secured"
The pictures and data are consid-
cred of unusual value and may develop
scientific information and theories of
unexpected Importance.
Prof. Edward Z. Barnard. one of the
worlds greatest authorities on comets.
was much pleased with the result of
his observations. which have extended
almost without interruption for As
hours
A most painstaking search was made
through the tail of the comet for spots
where illumination might be lacking.
This lack of illumination, it was indi-
Gated. may aid greatly in determining
the substance of the glow that fol-
lows the comets head.
The passing of the comet" said
Professor Barnard, will greatly enrich
science L consider the negative phe-
nomena observed tonight of as great
value 10 science as positive phe-
nomena.
According TO first computations from
observations made here, the earth en-
tered the million mile broad tail of the
comet at a speed Of slightly more than
as miles per second. At this juncture
the eminent scientists gathered here
agreed that the passage would occupy
a period of little more than five hours.
Sixteen ca smeras, especially construct
ed for photographing the sky. and II
telescopes were trained from this point
on the passa ge of the comet. Pains
taking care was exercised in the ar
rangement and use Of the instruments
10 assure complete and accurate data
end pictures. Although they had slept
little on the previous night and were
busy all day with cameras and tele-
scopes. the astronomers spared not a
moment Tor steep IOnlSnl-
The party at the observatory includ-
ed the following scientists;
Prof s. A. Mitchell, Columbia univer-
sitv, New York; Prof. Edwin B. Frost
Prof Sherburne ". Burnham. Prof Ed
ward A. Barnard; Prof. John A. Park
hurst; Prof Storre B. Barrett. Prof
Frederick Slocum, Oliver J. Lee and
Mary L. Calvert.
The battery Of cameras covered every
visible foot of sky, and hundreds OF
plates were exposed. A number of the
cameras were fixed on axles. revolving
with extreme slOwness with lenses con-
Etantly on the comets glowing tail.
Although moonlight was q slight
handicap, the brilliantly clear sky and
favorable atmospheric conditions made
UP for st. The photographs secured are
considered invaluable. With the par
ticuiar object of photographing me-
teors. Professors Parkhurst and Barrett
took charge of the Carnegie outdoor
Photographic observatory, where a
number Of pictures were taken.
Unusuel displays of aurora lights at
$50 O'Clock tonight are said by Pro-
fessor Mitchell Of New York, who is
here to observe the passage Of Halleys
comet, TO be the direct result of the