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ASTRONOMY ON THE PACIFIC COAST
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of interest only to the scientist. Of the results of general interest I may mention the discovery of magnetic fields in sunspots; the fact that "the sun is a magnet, with magnetic poles at or near the poles of rotation"; "the polarity of the sun corresponds with that of the earth—a conclusion which may prove to have an important bearing on theories of terrestrial magnetism"; "the evidence that has been amassed in support
The 150-foot Tower, Mt. Wilson Solar Observatory.
of the view that light is absorbed in space." The last, as Dr. Hale points out
not only offers an explanation of otherwise obscure phenomena, but promises to give what appears to be the only possible method of measuring the most profound depths of the universe.
The investigations of the solar observatory are carried on not only by the regular staff, but also by other scientists who are invited to make use of the wonderful equipment there.
