Needs in Astronomy

The National Academy of Sciences has established a panel under the chairmanship of Albert E. Whitford, director of the Lick Observatory, to estimate the need for major new astronomical facilities in the United States during the next five to ten years. Its task will be to recommend to the federal government a set of guiding principles and estimates of cost for effective use of federal funds in promoting the advance of astronomy. The panel will be concerned in particular with possible imbalances in federal support of independent and university‐connected observatories, solar and galactic astronomy, optical and radio astronomy, and ground‐based and space‐based astronomical programs. It will also consider manpower needs and requirements for new ancillary devices such as high‐speed computers, electronic image tubes, and radio‐astronomy receivers.