PAGE RIGHT,
THE MICHIGAN DAILY
WEDNESDAT. DECEIMER 12,195r,
I'AGE EIGHT TIlE MICHIGAN DAILY WE~)NESDAY. DECEMBER 12 1~EI
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SURROUNDED BY PAST:
Modern Man Looks At Universe
(Editor's Note: This is the last in
a series of three interpretive articles
discussing the development of as-
tronomy and its effects on human
thought.)
By WILLIAM SPODAK
Entering the present phase of
astronomy, one encounters such
expressions as light-year, inter-
stellar matter and red-shift or ex-
panding Universe.
The commonly-used term "light-
year" has been somewhat -mis-
understood by the general public.
A light-year may be defined as the
distance light travels in a year at
a speed of 186,000 miles per sec-
ond, approximately six trillion
miles.
But when one views a star at
100 light-years distance he is see-
ing it as it was 100 years ago. Thus
when gazing up at the evening
sky one is looking back in time.
Though we think we live in the
present we are nevertheless inex-
orably surrounded by the past.
Static Relations
The relation between astronomy
and the public has remained quite
static throughout almost all of
history.
Prof. Dean B. McLaughlin of the
astronomy department has re-
marked, "people have isolated bits
of information concerning astron-
omy but they are not connected in
thought."
The list of practical applications
of astronomy, such as time deter-
mination, has been mentioned in
a previous article.
We can add to this list today the
study of meteors to determine
upper atmospheric conditions, ob-
servation of sun spots for their in-
fluence on terrestrial radio trans-
mission and the study of solar
radiation for its relation to tem-
perature variations on earth.
Astrophysics
Astrophysics has also indirectly
contributed much needed infor-
mation in the construction of the
Hydrogen bomb. The reason for
this is that astronomers are able'
to study in stars anomalous atomic
conditions that can not be dupli-
cated in terrestrial laboratories.
Another aspect of astronomy
that should be noted in the con-
stant reference made in poems,
plays, songs and paintings to cel-
estial phenomena, thus manifest-
ing astronomy's cultural value.
At present the Universe is be-
lieved to be in a state of rapid ex-
pansion with all the galaxies, or
"cities of stars," "running away"
from each other.
By the use o~ various techniques
it is possible t6 arrive at an esti-
matidn of five billion years for the
age of the Universe.
Star Evolution
Stars are also believed to under-
go, during this time,various evolu-
tionary processes. Some stars are
thus found that are quite old
while others are considered to be
relatively new.
The earth is but one of the
minor members of what is called
the solar system. Countless other
such systems probably permeate
space and there is the definite pos-
sibility that some of these contain
life as we know it-the only kind
of life.
The Sun is considered one of
the average members of its "city"
located at about 35,000 light-years
from the center.
The most recent theory concern-
ing the origin of the Universe,_
and one that has reeived much
favorable attention, pictures it in
a state of constant evolution.
The original elements were prob-
Organization
Notices
Newman Club, panel discussion "Idea1
of a University" 8 p.m., Father Richard
Center. *
Sociedad Hispanica, poetry recital
contest, 7:30 p.m., League.
Sociedad Hispanica, coffee hour, 3:30-
5 p.m., Union Snack Bar.
Ballet Club, meeting, 7 p.m., begin-
ners, 7:50 p.m., advanced, Barbour gym.
BIG EYE-Prof. Dean B. McLaughlin stands next to the 37-inch
reflecting telescope at the Main Observatory. Its primary function
is to gather large quantities of light. Attachment at bottom is a
spectroscope.
ably hydrogen and helium with
the heavier elements built up in
the interiors of the first genera-
tion stars resulting from this pri-
modial matter.
These theories indicate a defi-
nite connection between astron-
omy and philosophy.
Astronomy Foundation
Any metaphysical philosophy
must take into account and rest on
a foundation of astronomy. The
Universe in its entirety, its past,
present, and future as revealed by
the astronomer must be consid-
ered.
One cannot argue about a "first"
cause unless the subsequent re-
sults of this cause are known and
appreciated.
Thus these two subjects are so
closely connected that for no other
reason than this, astronomy is
worthy of attention.
Astronomy is now embarked on
a great adventure, the exploration
of the Universe. Countless prob-
lems are at hand and a rich and
long future is predicted for this
science.
As man achieves space travel,
attention will once more be focused
on astronomy. But as Prof. Mc-
Laughlin points out, astronomy is
not primarily concerned with the
problem of space travel.
Moon Observatory
The main advantage that it can
derive from the "conquest of
space" is the establishment of an
observatory on the Moon, where
due to the absence of an atmos-
phere, observations can be car-
ried out with more precision and
a greater range of the spectrum is
obtainable.
Whether people wish to con-
sciously recognize the influence
astronomy has had on the develop-
ment of civilization, they cannot
escape the fact it is there.
"The Heavens declare the Glory
of God." the Psalmist says and it
is the astronomer, in his mountain
top observatory, who reveals thie
glory..
Prof. Weller's Medical
AccomplishmentsLauded
-
/ r-
Gent lemen ...
MEN'S NIHI
at
Is
7 to 9 P.M.
TONIGHT!1
Your annual "stag" shopping night.. unham-
pered, unhurried with everything arranged to
make your gift-selecting easy and pleasant. Our
helpful people will be on hand to assist you in
solving your "what-to-give-her" problems. Have
every purchase glamour-wrapped ready to put
under the tree on Christmas morning.
? *
t. .* .
1 'P
i'YJS : fif ^a''i~'0f'
brilliant fashion game . Christmas blouses from Jacobson's
You know she'll be delighted with blouses like these from our wondrous Christmas collection ... classics,
soft dressmakers, evening froths, gala prints and so many more beautiful styles from which to choose! Left:
Soft.modern classic pure silk shirt with a smart convertible collar . . . a handsome, versatile print with
multicolor houndstooth checks on white. Yellow, orange or grey. Sizes 10 to 18. 1 11.95
i 4Center: Delicately feminine white dacron-and-cotton blouse, sweetly yoked and ruffled in front with
exquisite lace .. . a drip-dry darling she'll love for day and evening wear. Sizes 10 to 16. 11.95
Right: Dainty print shirt of polished cotton, a-glow with a sprinkling of jewels on the front and on the con-
vertible collar. Wine with pink, lilac with turquoise, green with orange. Sizes 10 to 18. 9,95
9.
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Associates of the late Prof. Carl
a great nersonal and nrofessional
V. Weller, chairman of the Uni-
w ga..wV F.+ :uvaawa wsau, Na
a va v..sr.aavaawa
versity pathology department for
25 years, yesterday paid tribute to
his accomplishments in the field
of medical science.
On hearing of Prof. Weller's
death Monday, University Presi-
I
Prof. Carl V. Weller, late chair-
man of the University pathology
department.
dent Harlan Hatcher said, "Dr.
Weller was one of the most dis-
tinguished and honored members
of the University faculty. His work
has had a profound influence upon
the development of medical sci-
ence.
"It lives on in the ,men who
trained under him. His passing is
DAILY OFFICI
(Continued from Page 4) f
loss," Hatcher declared.1
Acclaiming the nationally known
pathologist's work in Michigan,
Dr. A. C. Kerlikowske, director of
University H o s p i t a 1 explained,
"Pathology in Michigan owes a
great deal to Dr. Weller. He was
renowned in his field, and the pre-
mature loss of his guidance and
counsel will be deeply felt.
"His mark of service to Michi-
gan hospitals will be long remem-
bered. For years, hospitals in
Michigan called upon him directly
to see their patients. He was 'our
pathologist' to many hospitals.
"His mai'k as a leader is shown
by the increasing number of Mich-
igan hospitals which now have
resident pathologists, most of
whom trained under him," Dr.
Kerlikowske concluded.
Prof. Albert C. Furstenberg, dean
of the medical school, praised Dr.
Weller saying, "The medical school
has lost a valiant and faithful
member of its faculty. Those of
us who have had the good fortune
and rare privilege of studying
under Dr. Weller's direction found
in him a most inspiring teacher.
"His students and colleagues
will long continue to reap full
benefits of his inspiration and
rich resources which he has left
with us," Prof. Furstenberg con-
cluded.
AL BULLET"IN]
Manistee, Michigan -- Manual Arts.
For additional information contact
the Bureau of Appointments, 3528 Ad-
ministration Building, NO 3-1511, Ext.
489.
Personnel Interviewts
Representatives from the following
will be at the Engrg. School:
Mon., Dec. 17
Rand Corp., Santa Monica, Calif.
MB Mfg. Co., New Haven Conn. - all
levels in Aero, Ch. E., Civil, Elect.,
Ind., Instru., Mat'ls, Math., Mech.,
Engrg. Mech., Metal., Nuclear, Physics
and Science for development and de-
sign, production and sales. U.S. citi-
zen.
Radiation, Inc. Melbourne, Florida -
all levels in Aero., Elect., Ind., Instr.,
Math., Mech,, Nuclear, and Physics for
research, development, design and sales.
Tues., Dec. 18
Diamond Alkali Co., Painesville, Ohio
-all levels in Ch. E. for exploratory and
applied research and development.
Wed., Dec. 19
Hazelet & Erdal, East Lansing, Mich.,-
all levels in civil and construction for
'C
* * *
al
Generation, reorganizational meeting
for winter issue, 7:30 p.m., Publications
Building.
' * .s
Finance Club, meeting, 4:15 p.m. 131
Business Administration Bldg., speaker:3
Mr. Raymond MacDonald, "Problems
Facing International Business."
Dec. 12, 1139 Natural Science, 4:15 p.m.
Refreshments at 4:00.
* 1'___r__r
Hillel, cultural committee meeting, Chemistry Department Orientation
4:15 p.m. Hillel. Seminar. Thurs., Dec. 13. 7:00 p.m.,
4 * * Room 1300, Chemistry Building. Dr. B.i
Hillel, religious committee meeting, 4 Jaselskis and Dr. A. Shilt will be the
p.m., Hillel. speakers.
* * *
Hillel, elementary Hebrew, 7:45 p.m., Chemistry Department Colloquium,
Hillel. Thurs., Dec. 13, 8:00 p.m., Room 1300,
* * e* Chemistry Building. A. Emery will speak
on "Raman Spectra of Metal Borohy-
Hillel, musicfil program, 'An Evening drides"; S. Reid will speak on "Studies
With GershwIn, 8 p.m., Hillel. I in the Synthesis of Alstonine".
Physics Club, meeting, 7:30 p.m., 2038
Randall, speaker: Ralph Goodman,
"The Aplication of Acoustics to an
Oceanographic Problem."
Spring Weekend, special events sub-
committee chairmen meeting, 4:15 p.m.,
Union.
* * *
Doctoral Examination for Alice Knar
Barter, Education; thesis: "A Study of
Elementary School Teachers' Attitudes
Towards the Woman Principal and To-
wards the Elementary Principalship as
a Career", Wed., Dec. 12, 1600 University
Elementary School, at 9:00 am. Chair-
man, R, S. Fox.