From the Annals of Popular Astronomy
October 2024 :
In the late 1800s the astronomical publication of the time was the Sidereal Messenger started at Cincinnati Observatory and later moved to Goodsell Observatory of Carleton College in Minnesota. The Sidereal Messenger was a modest publication in size, catering to those interested in astronomy, the primary science of the time. The Messenger continued to be published for a few years only to be replaced by a new, more comprehensive journal, Popular Astronomy.
Popular Astronomy became the leading astronomical publication with extensive worldwide circulation. It catered to professional and amateur astronomy audiences. Published on a monthly basis, its many pages contained extensive articles, calendar of astronomical events, observational reports, reports on amateur societies, and a modest amount of advertising.
Over the last several months I have been reviewing the issues at Seagrave Observatory which belonged to Frank E. Seagrave. I have found much reference to Rhode Island astronomy and Skyscrapers, Inc. I thought copies of these entries would be of interest to our members as to our rich early history. Space permitting each issue of the Skyscraper will have a reprint.
Popular Astronomy December 1935
Notes from Amateurs (monthly column)
The Third Year of the Rhode Island Skyscrapers
The annual dinner of the Skyscrapers Amateur Astronomical Society of Rhode Island was held at Faunce House, Brown University, on June 6, 1934. Following this, the annual election and business meeting was held at Ladd Observatory. The following officers were elected: President, Dr. Harry L. Koopman; vice-presidents, Mr. Harry A. MacKnight and Ralph C. Patton; secretary-treasurer, Miss Grace Cragin.
The program of the third year was as follows:
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July 27, 1934 |
Outdoor meeting at the home of Mr. Frank P. Sherman, Johnston, Rhode Island. |
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August 10, 1934 |
Visit to Oak Ridge Station of the Harvard College Observatory. |
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August 30, 1934 |
Outdoor meeting at the home of Mr. Franklin S. Huddy, Chepachet, Rhode Island. |
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September 12, 1934 |
Mr. Paul Eberhart of Ladd Observatory spoke on “A Summer at Yerkes Observatory.” |
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September 29, 1934 |
A large delegation attended the first annual convention of the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston at Oak Ridge Station, Harvard College Observatory. |
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October 1, 1934 |
Mr. C.F. Stiles of Boston spoke on “Photographing Meteor Spectra.” |
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November 7, 1934 |
Dr. Fred L. Whipple of Harvard College Observatory spoke on “Celestial Photography.” |
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December 3, 1934 |
Miss Maribelle Cormack spoke on “Time.” |
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January 9, 1935 |
Mr. H. A. MacKnight spoke on “The Grinding and Testing of a Telescope Mirror.” |
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February 4, 1935 |
Dr. W.V. MacGilvra of Worcester, Massachusetts spoke on “The Eye as an Optical Instrument.” |
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March 6, 1935 |
Mr. Donald S. Reed spoke on “Nova Herculis.” |
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April 1, 1935 |
Dr. A.B. Focke of Brown University spoke on “Aluminizing Astronomical Mirrors,” then demonstrated the modern method of evaporation. |
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May 1, 1935 |
After the annual dinner, Dr. Harlow Shapley, Director of Harvard College Observatory, spoke on “Galactic Exploration.” |
Among the projects planned and started during the third year of the organization, were the acquisition of a library; the sponsoring of an astronomical radio broadcast; the making of a 400-foot film of 16mm motion pictures showing the making of reflecting telescopes by amateurs; the construction, in cooperation with Ladd Observatory of Brown University, of a Schmidt camera of focal ratio f/1. Professor C.H. Smiley of Brown University designed the camera and Mr. H.A. MacKnight and D.S. Reed are constructing it.
