APPENDIX 8 

 Report on the Astrophysical Observatory 



Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report on the opera- 

 tions of the Astrophysical Observatory for the fiscal year ended 

 June 30, 1951 : 



The two divisions of the Astrophysical Observatory, the division 

 of astrophysical research engaged in the study of solar radiation 

 and the division of radiation and organisms concerned with radiation 

 effects on organisms, report improvement in instrumentation and in 

 results obtained. 



Dr. R. B. Withrow, chief of the division of radiation and organisms, 

 with a staff of six research men, has augmented the program outlined 

 in last year's report to include a new biochemical investigation of 

 photomorphogenesis in green plants, under contract with the Atomic 

 Energy Commission. 



Dr. Withrow's division occupies offices in the tower of the Smith- 

 sonian building, with laboratories in the west end of the basement. 

 The laboratories, recently completely reconditioned, form an excel- 

 lent setting for the specialized work of the division. 



The division of astrophysical research and part of the shop fa- 

 cilities occupy a group of small structures just south of the Smith- 

 sonian Building. These buildings were this year sheathed in asbestos 

 shingles, not only to improve their appearance but also to make them 

 warmer in winter and cooler in summer. 



On February 24 and 25, 1951, the Director attended a conference 

 at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Boston, on "The Sun 

 in the Service of Man." The stimulating program and discussions 

 emphasized one fact— that man must learn to make better use of the 

 energy received daily from the sun if he is to avoid hunger and dis- 

 comfort in the not too distant future. Sixty years ago this fact was 

 uppermost in the mind of Samuel P. Langley when he founded the 

 Astrophysical Observatory. 



DIVISION OF ASTROPHYSICAL RESEARCH 



Two high-altitude field stations for solar observations— at Monte- 

 zuma, Chile, and Table Mountain, Calif.— have continued in operation 

 throughout the year. Reestablishment of a third station was still 

 uncertain at the close of the fiscal year, inasmuch as the requested 



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