NEW VAULT PROVIDES MORE RESEARCH SPACE

"The new Astrophotographic Building will provide space and facilities for scientific workers in the search for further knowledge of chemistry of the stars," declared Harlow Shapley, professor of practical Astronomy in an interview recently.

"To protect its famous photographic collection," he said, "the plates will be taken out of their wooden stacks in a crowded non-fireproof building and stored in vaults safe from fire and moisture. The total number of usable photographs in the Observatory is approximately 350,000. The collection is now growing at the rate of 5000 plates a year. The Harvard collection is five or ten times the size of the next largest; but size is not its only distinction. The maintenance since 1890 of a station in the southern hemisphere has made the Harvard collection unique in that it comprehensively covers the whole sky".

"New equipment", he added, "which will supplement that which is now available, will enable the Observatory to explore more deeply into the fundamental problems of the nature and evolution of the planets and stars. There are fascinating researches under way or clearly outlined--projects that range from direct studies of terrestrial chemistry and physics to inquires into the dimensions, structure, and meaning of the galaxy of galaxies.

Scientists from all over the country will gather on Wednesday, March 23, to dedicate the building which has been completed as an addition to the Harvard Observatory. At a session held in the morning and beginning at 10 o'clock, H. B. Plaskett, professor of Astrophysics, and Savillian professor of Astronomy, will preside. The meeting is open to the public.