The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-10-15
NEW SUN THEORIES ARE NOW ADVANCED Director C. c. Abbot Has
 Written New Book NEW INFORMATION Subject of Astrophysics Has Advanced
 With Enormous Strides
 During Past Few
NEW INFORMATION

Washington, October 14.-(Special.)-A book on the sun has just been pub lished by Charles G. Abbott director of the astrophysical observatory of the Smithsonian Institution, which will ex- cite a wide interest since it is compre- hensible to the general reader as well as the scientist. Not since the issue of Professor Young's book on the sun. first published 20 years ago, and now out of print, has anything as compreheh- sive been published on this newly de- veloped and vital subject.
 No subject of modern research has ad- vanced with such gigantic strides as the comparatively new study of astrophysics, known as the new astronomy or celes'iai physics. In 1873 MT. s. P. Langley, then director of the Allegheny observatory began his investigations on the sun. lie had not progressed far when he realized the necessity of more delicate lhstru- ments for the measurement oI the neat given off by the solar rays and begun working on a design for bolometef, which he completed in 1880. This new instrument proved to be great advance all lDSIfulDtllS piSNiNH'hi'
 this purpose. His invention practically opened a new subject which was called astrophysics. since it coupled astronomy with phvsics. Later when MT. Langley became secretary of the Smithsonian In stitution he organized the Smithsonian Astrophysical observatory for solar re- search The utility Of thls study was at first questioned by Congress, put De ing approved by the leading scientists oi lHpaa Britain Congress eventually made an approprla- tion which has been renewed annually. In 1894 Mr. Charles G. Abbot, S. M.' q graduate of the Massachusetts lnsti- ute of Technology, was appointed aio in the Astrophysical observatory, where he has continued to carry on researches to the present day. In 1907 he succeeued Alr. Langley as director of the opserVa- tory. Mir Abbot has accomplished a great deal in the science of astrophy- sics, not only by carrying out MT. Lang ley's plans but through investigations which he originated himself. The worK soon passed beyond local bounds ana was also taken up by other investigators. Both MT. Langley and MT. Abpot mace observations on the top Of Mount " ni'- ney. the highest point Of land III the United States, and 1t was here that .he Smithsonian Institution recently erected a shelter available to scientific observers
 The many researches conducted Dy SUCH men as Campbell, Hale, Langley ana ROW land: the investigations of the Snilthsoii- ian institution, to ascertain the apsoiuto intensity of the solar radiation outside the eart th's atmosphere; as well as the worh of the Yerlxes, Kodaillanal, and Mount Wilson observatories, have resulted III me establishment of the lnternatlonai Solar union. an organization numbering among ite ,,,a,nhers the foremost investigators Of the world. The subjects these men stucy are most attractive and fascinating. The great light and heat of the solar rays suggesting a tremendous temperature; tie dlmness and brown shade of the nmb or edge of the sun; the changing spots which march across it's disk. the brilliant markings. called faculae, which accoh- pany the spot: the varying rotation al different latitudes, and the weird yet beau- tiful appearance of the corona at totaf eclipses: have all beg carefully studied. In latter years the development of the spcctroscope has led to a more intimate and satisfactory knowledge of the sun, it's chemical composition the temperature of the surface. the motion and pressure of the surfaee vapors, the character ana structure of sun spots and many other details.
 It is evident to every one how impoiN ant the functions of the sun are 10 us. It is a virtual power plant, furnishing light and heat, and also the original source of all mechanical and electrical power which is derived from either fuel or water. The enumeration of the comforts, luxuries and beauties due to the solar rays, is unnecessary because all men acknowledge and many worship the sun as the source of these benefits.
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