Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-10

OSlINO he FOL
Hence, from its very foundation, the
Naval Observatory has functioned as q
national observatory.
| Even as the Weather Bureau under
the Department of Agriculture makes
no attempt to restrict meteorological
atory serves not only the aeronaut and
navigator, but also the general astrono-
mer, engineer, surveyor geodesist. geolo-
gist. photographer, physicist and geo.
physicist.
For its particular field, the observa-
tory has chosen po6itional astronomy,
which is opposed to aStrophySical work.
We aim to make continuous observations
of the sun, moon, planets and funda-
mental stars for the purpose of deter
mining absolute positions, including the
position Of equator and equinox.
The observatory prepares and pub
fishes the American Ephemeris and
Nautical Almanac annually, and is now
engaged in assembling a special supple
nient of moon tables for the use of
aerial navigatorS. 1t will be issued
every four months. Our other studies,
dealing with eclipses, stars and planets,
are published in special volumes.
Every gyro and magnetic compass
every sextant and chronometer used on
American warships is provided by the
observatory. Last year more than Co.
600 instruments and parts we're re-
ceived, while 10000 were shipped. Our
instrument shop repairs disabled in
struments and special STAFF cleans
and overhauls all those devices that
have been in continuous use on ships
for four years.
The speed of modern vessels, their
increasing numbers and the develop
ment of aerial navigation require nau-
tical instruments of high and delicate
refinement And demands for exact
position in connection with long-range
firing, night deployments without lights,
maneuvers Of submarines and aircraft
make it essential that vessels have the
most precise instruments 1t Is possible
to devise.
"A common fallacy, accepted by scien-
lists. too spreads belief that naviga-
tional instruments have been brought to
state Of perfection that exceeds that
necessary for modern nautical require
ments. That is not true. And this no.
ton has handicapped the research activ-
tiles necessary to produce better inStru-
ments. I believe 1t is appropriate for
the Navy to initiate experiments and
construct devices that will point the
way to great improvements Especially
in aviation, this work is highly essential.
1T is the astronomical branch, how
ever, that enforces the observatory's
claim to a place In science. Our as
tronomers supply data that make us in
dependent of foreign or private enter
prise. Irrespective Of low salaries, the
men here are consultantS to the Gov
eminent in all matters touching as
tronomy."
A MERICA declared her astronomical
independence from the mother
country soon after she declared civil in
dependence. The whole world felt the
dominance Of Greenwich Observatory,
near London. A new notion of freedom
caused Congress to subscribe to star
gazing.
Compared with other Federal scien-
tific bureaus the observatory has not
expanded proportionately. Capt. Free
man tells why in a succinct statement:
THE difficulty Of presenting the case
Of pure research and investigation lies,
OF course, in convincing legislators Of
, their application to some aspect of gov
eminent.
"Basically, Federal scientific bureaus
promote the general welfare If the Ma
ton The geologic survey Of waste land
may yield or give no economic return.
The Weather Bureau cannot make
faultless predictions. Likewise, in as
Economical work the most painstaking
observations often show no immediate
results. The standard, therefore, on
which the observatory should be main
tanned must be different from a purely
IL
power. the United States deserves a
| first-class observatory"
Already the national astronomers
have presented a claim to Congress
asking an appropriation of $225,000 to
equip the institution for astrographic
research and place it on q par with
other nationally owned observatories.
/ For Photographic the heavens the
i observatory has little equipment to
/ carry on important work. Il Is o field
now left almost completely to publicly
owned telescopes, the private institu-
tons being concerned with other as
f, poets. Positional astronomy, such as
| the observatory practices, involves sus-
tanned and tedious endeavor and pro-
duces little in the way Of spectacular
results. Therefore, in the past 80 years
, private observers have left it almost
, entirely to governmental agencies and
gone over into star-gaZing that involves
distant detectives and unexplored
| galaXies.
Our national observatory is unable to
make use of the latest equipment, and
/ its astronomers have driven the insti-
tuition to the forefront with antiquated
| instruments long since discarded by
national observatories abroad.
X y \
p ECENTLY returned from a lengthy
Az European, trip DR.. Robertson. ar
| observatory astronomer, had excellent
opportunity to compare the American
| institution with those In England
France and Germany.
81 was particularly. struck" he said
with the modern equipment OF Meu