Evening star., 1923-05-17
SCIENCE REFUTES
COOL SUN RUM0RS
Smithsonian Experts Point
Out Glaciers Continue
NorthWard Retreat.

While hearthstone scients are
seizing upon the present unusual
spring as proof of their claim that
another ice age is about to engulf
this sphere, the glaciers of the frozen
north are continuing their march
back toward the north pole at the
rate Of more than 112 feet per year.
according to observations made by
experts from the Smithsonian Insti-
tuition.
This process Of nature is continu-
ing with unabated speed despite the
fact that last October the sun radiat-
ed per cent less heat than It's nor
rial minimum and continued to do so
for an entire week, it was pointed
out in the annual pamphlet Of the in
stitution. describing it's field expedi-
tions. which was issued today.
Dr. Charles D. Walcott. secretary of
the Smithsonian Institution. and Mrs.
Walcott conducted geological explora-
tions in the Canadian Rockies. In
the course of the work Mrs. Walcott
measured the recession of the famous
Tllecillawaet glacier. at Glacier. Brit
ish Columbia. which she first recorded
in 1887. She discovered that the ice
mass has been crawling back into
the arctic fields at the rate of 112.o
feet year.
Sets RumOrs at Rest.
In the same pamphlet is contained
an official report of the fall in solar
temperatures last October. which has
been made the basis of weird stories
attempting to connect the uncomfort-
ably chilly spring with a sudden cool
ing of the sun. The solar radiation
fiuctuation was observed by the in
stitution's station on Mount Harqua
Hala. Ariz. The official report of the
experts there sets at rest sensational
rumors, and. as printed in the PAM
phlet, follows:
"a notable case of fuctuation in
the solar radiation was reported from
Mount Harqua Hala. fall OF .
per cent in the solar heat occurred
beginning about October 10. l922'
and then quickly recovering to nor.
NAL by October 25. BY inquiry at
the United States Naval Observatory
it is learned that very notaple
first indication appearing about octo-
ber II. The group reached great ul-
mensions by October Il. when !.
neared the limb of the SUI sun e5Is and
due to solar rotation.
Tells OF Expeditions.
The Smithsonian Institution's pam
phlet this year contains twenty-five
separate brief accounts OF eXpedl-
tions initiated or cO-operated in by
the institution and it's branches. The
reports represent the sciences Of ge-
ology. paleontology. astrophysics. BIZ
ology. zoology, botany and anthro-
noIoay Many parts of the world
were visited by the explorers in their
researches.
the Mesa Verde, the ancient home OF
the antique cliff dwellers of the West
ern United States. was reported by
DR. ]. Walter Fewkes. DR.. Fewkes
and a group Of prominent archeolo-
gists are unearthing the buried ruins
of the city that once thr1ved atop
the great mesa. He named his latest
found temple the Pipe Shrine House,
after finding a number of pipes scat
tered on the ceremonial altar.
skeletons Found.
Other conditions found around the
shrine led DIR. Fewkcs to the conclu-
sion that the ancient priests engaged
in ceremonial smoke, probably
sat around this altar. and after smok-
ing threw their pipes into the fire
as offerings to their gods. number
of skeletons Of inhabitants of the pre-
historic dwelling. pottery, stone idols
and other material were found. Dr..
Fewkes' report was accompanied by
an illustration showing how the tenn
pie probably looked before its de-
Struction.