SECRETARY'S REPORT 73 



A research program based on the optical tracking of artificial earth satellites 

 (with J. A. Hynek). Proc. Inst. Radio Eng., vol. 44, pp. 760-764, 1956. 



On meteors and rainfall (with G. S. Hawkins). Journ. Meteorol., vol. 13, No. 3, 

 pp. 236-240, June 1956. 



A new series, Smithsonian Contributions to Astrophysics, has been 

 initiated to provide a proper outlet for the research contributions of 

 the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and to provide an addi- 

 tional avenue of publication for a limited number of contributions by 

 other investigators with interests in common with those of our ob- 

 servatory. These contributions will contain research papers specifi- 

 cally in astrophysics, with particular attention to problems of the sun, 

 the earth, and the solar system. 



The first number of the Smithsonian Contributions to Astrophysics, 

 in galley proof at the end of June, is entitled "New Horizons in 

 Astronomy." It is a collection of scientific papers by leaders in the 

 various fields of astronomy who present their concepts of the research 

 problems that should prove most important to the advancement of 

 astronomy during the next decade or two. These papers are published 

 with partial support by the National Science Foundation. An ad hoc 

 committee of the National Science Foundation, on the "Needs of 

 Astronomy," has devoted its attention to methods of increasing the 

 potential of astronomy. One of the methods is the publication of the 

 "New Horizons" series of papers. There is hope that the Smithsonian 

 Contributions to Astrophysics will serve to further our understanding 

 and appreciation of this part of the universe in which we are privileged 

 to live. 



OTHER ACTIVITIES 



During the course of the year, the Director attended and contributed 

 to the following international congresses : The International Feder- 

 ation of Astronautics at Copenhagen, Denmark, in August 1955; a 

 symposium on radio astronomy at the Jodrell Bank Experimental 

 Station, University of Manchester, England, in August 1955 ; and the 

 Congress of the International Astronomical Union held at Dublin, 

 Ireland, in early September 1955. He was appointed President of 

 the Subcommission on Meteoritics of the IAU commission No. 22. 



In national science and defense, the Director contributed by serving 

 in the following capacities: Chairman of an ad hoc committee on 

 "Needs of Astronomy" on the Panel on Astronomy of the National 

 Science Foundation ; chairman of a working group to set up a stand- 

 ard atmosphere for national and international use ; as chairman of the 

 Panel on Rocketry of the International Geophysical Year, U. S. 

 Council of the National Academy of Sciences ; member of the Tech- 

 nical Panel on the Earth Satellite Program of the International 

 Geophysical Year; member of the working group on the Tracking 



