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NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
REPORT OF THE ASTRONOMY COMMITTEE 
The present report relates only to the scientific needs of Astronomy. Its 
applications to the possible services that astonomers can render in the war, as 
a part of the work done by the National Research Council in connection with 
the Council of National Defense, will be made the subject of a separate study. 
The report of the Committee on Astronomy of the Committee of One Hun- 
dred {Science, 45, 135) gives the views of a majority of the members of the 
present Astronomy Committee. It shows the uses that could be made at 
once of a fund for astronomical research. They need not all be repeated here, 
but two are of such importance and general application that attention may be 
called to them. 
First, aiding existing southern observatories, or establishing new observing 
stations to render our knowledge of the southern stars comparable with that 
of the northern stars. As the resources of northern observatories are far 
greater than of those south of the Equator, much might be accomplished by 
taking photographs of the southern stars, and sending them north for meas- 
urement, reduction, and perhaps discussion. 
Secondly, securing the aid of very large reflectors, both north and south, 
for the extension of nearly every research to very faint stars. This is especially 
the case in clusters, or other objects, where photographs with short exposures 
would furnish material for prolonged study. Experts all over the world might 
thus be provided with material of the greatest value, while the owners of the 
telescopes would have the satisfaction of having their photographs discussed 
by those best qualified to do so. The continuation of the investigation with 
large reflectors of the radiation of stars and planets is regarded by many as 9f 
paramount importance. 
Letters are published in Science, 41, 82, giving the needs of twelve leading 
American astronomers. In almost every case, the demand was for more as- 
sistants to aid in extensive routine observations. A relatively very large in- 
crease of output could thus be secured. Six of these astronomers are members 
of the present Committee. 
The publication each year of a brief statement of the work done by every 
American observatory engaged in research, as is now done by European 
observatories, would aid greatly in forming plans for cooperation. 
Examples are given below of large routine investigations needed at the 
present time. Several of them, such as 2, 4, 8, 17, and 20, are already making 
excellent progress, according to a definite system. In many cases, plans could 
best be carried out by small committees of experts. The American Astro- 
nomical Society, which, with few exceptions, includes among its members all 
the leading astronomers of the country, has already appointed several such 
committees. 
