On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
In the transactions of the Royal Astronomical Society of London, lately published, Mr. Alvan Clark, of Boston, Mass., celebrated for his skill as an astronomical instrument maker, is paid a liigh compliment by the Rev. W. R. Dawes, for his 'astronomical discoveries, especially of new double stars. Regarding one of these, he says, "This star is about as difficult as the closest of the Poulkova catalogue, and though on a fine night visible with the eight-inch object glass I now have in use, it would require the full power of a fifteen-inch refractor to divide it. That it attracted Mr. Clark's attention as a double star, is sufficient to prove that his eye, as well as his telescope, must possess extraordinary power of definition." This was accomplished by Mr. Clark with an object glass whose aperturo is only seVen and three-quarter inches.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.