History of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory-Astronomy/Telescopes/HB/DJ

Description: A HISTORY OF THE SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORYLIGHTHOUSE OF THE SKIESBy Bessie Zaban Jones1965 First edition with photographic illustrations. Near fine condition. Description: Bessie Zaban Jones LIGHTHOUSE OF THE SKIES: A History of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution, 1965, 6.5 x 9 in., 339 pp. . Several pages of illustrations. Condition: Hardbound in original dark blue cloth with gilt title on spine and gilt Smithsonian seal on cover. Original pictorial dustjacket. DJ a bit frayed at edges with a few chips missing (see photos). Book is otherwise in near fine condition: Clean, tightly bound, crisp, and unmarked throughout. Information: A readable and informative history of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory until the mid 1900s. From the book publisher’s blurbs: “The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is one of the oldest enterprises of the Smithsonian Institution. Officially in existence since 1890—with a modest annual appropriation of $10,000—the Observatory was anticipated as early as 1838, when Congress was debating how to make use of James Smithson's bequest of $505,000 to ,"found at Washington . . ...an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men." In that year John Quincy Adams stated that an observatory, it "lighthouse of the skies," would be the most fitting way to carry out the wishes of the American people's benefactor. Adams hoped to see initiated a "systematic and continued scientific series of observations on the phenomena of the numberless worlds suspended over our heads—the sublimest of all physical sciences, and that in which the field of future discovery is as unbounded as the universe itself." When Congress established the Institution in 1846 no provision for an observatory was included, yet among the earliest experiments, sponsored by the Smithsonian's first Secretary, Joseph Henry, were several intended in a small_ way to uncover the mysteries Of the heavens. The efforts of later Smithsonian Secretaries, with small staffs and smaller budgets, continued Henry's pioneering work. Establishment of solar radiation observation stations throughout the world, invention of solar observation instruments, pioneering work in long-range weather forecasting, sponsorship of Robert H. Goddard's rocket experiments—these are but a few of the Observatory's efforts during its early years. Transfer to Cambridge and association with Harvard University in 1955-56 marked the beginning of a new and more publicly active role for the Observatory. Participation in the International Geophysical Year and the setting up of satellite tracking stations around the globe for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration brought an international prominence to the Observatory that was the deservedly gratifying result of many years of painstaking effort on the part of countless men, and which this year is celebrating its 75th anniversary. One of the largest branches of the Institution today, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory continues its dedicated quest to further man's knowledge of the universe of which he is such a minuscule part.” Chapter Titles include: Foreword by Paul H. Oehser; Preface; 1. A Legacy and an Establishment;2. The First Secretary: Program for American Science; 3. Outline for an Observatory; 4. The Second Secretary: Promise of an Observatory; 5. The Third Secretary: Founder of the Observatory; 6. Early Years of the Observatory;7. Experiments in Aerodynamics; 8. Eclipses and Annals; 9, First Field Stations;10. "Helioscopian in the Height of Gehir"; 11.. Experiments in Rocketry; 12.Prelude to Change, 1945-1955; Appendix 1: Staff Members of the Observatory 1890-1955; Appendix 2: Leading Operations of the Observatory 1895-1955, compiled by Charles Greeley Abbot. About the Author: Bessie Zaban Jones has been engaged in editorial and literary work for many years, both as a free-lancer and in association with university presses. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago and a master's from the University of Michigan. She has been associated with the University of North Carolina Press, Harvard University Press, and the Atlantic Monthly Press. Recently she edited for the Harvard Press's John Harvard Library a reissue of Louisa Alcott's Hospital Sketches. For the past ten years she has served as a part-time editor in the editorial and publications division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she became interested in the history of astronomy VISIT MY EBAY STORE FOR OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST(Click This Link) All reasonable offers will be considered. Please inquire about discounts for purchases of multiple items. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Shipping: Free media rate shipping in US. Higher international postage as appropriate (See the Shipping and Payment tab on this listing for an estimate and contact us before bidding if you have questions). We make every attempt to describe items clearly and completely. Please read our listings carefully, inspect posted images of the item, and let us know if you have any questions before you bid. All buyers must pay according to Ebay policies. If you have any questions about this, please email me. 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Price: 18 USD

Location: Riverside, Rhode Island

End Time: 2024-08-04T23:47:10.000Z

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