Pope Pius XI Prize To Astronomer Shapley

Harlow Shapley, Paine Professor of Practical Astronomy and Director of the Harvard College Observatory, has been awarded the Pope Pius XI prize for astronomy, totaling 50,000 lire, about $2,500, according to an United Press bulletin from the Vatican City.

Professor Shapley, last night, was completely ignorant of the reason for his citation. "I know nothing about the award, therefore I can make no statement," he said nervously.

A native of Nashville, Missouri, Professor Shapley joined the Harvard faculty in 1921. He holds degrees from the universities of Missouri, Princeton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Toronto, Oglethorp, and Brown and from 1914 to 1921 was on the staff of the Mt. Wilson Observatory.

In an effort to obtain more specific information about the award, the United Press tried with futile results to make wireless connections through Boston, New York, Long Island, and Rome with the Vatican City.