Headlines of Issue No 121 (May 2003)

• Report from Japan at AGM of WHS
  Please read the "Main article of the issue".
  
  
• Broadband line to the Toranomon Astronomers' Hall
  ADSL is available now.
  
  
• A unit "herschel"
  Mr N Takeishi, a member of the Society, found the unit "herschel" to measure radiant emittance from light source.
  
  
• Financial report of the Society
  
  
• The Shelton astronomical regulator used by William Herschel
  Contribution by Mr J Hershel-Shorland. Contained in Archive.
  
  
• Herschels in 21st century (2)
  A photograph of Mr and Mrs Ellingworth, and their children at their golden wedding.
  
  

Main article of the issue

Report from Japan at AGM of WHS

Three members first arrived to London by BA008 departed from Narita on 26th March. We enjoyed the performance of National Opera and Royal Ballet in the night. Next day visited National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory Greenwich and Royal Astronomical Society, and then moved to Bath. Soon we were invited to afternoon tea by Mr and Mrs Ellingworth, the Herschel descendants. Other two members later departed by BA006 on 28th and directly arrived to Bath to get together with us. In the night of the day we attended Herschel Lecture and met Mr and Mrs Herschel-Shorland. Then went to Herschel Museum and took a photograph. The tour moved to London via Oxford. Three members went back home by BA007 from Heathrow on 2nd April, and so did two by the same flight three days later. In this issue I quote the speech made by two members at AGM of WHS.

We've been having two creations produced in Japan. One is Iizawa's cloisonné artistic works challenging the astronomical world, especially connected with Herschels including Caroline's eight comets and back stars. This coming July, thanks to Prof Ring, her mini-exhibition will be held in the City Library. Another is Ogane's metal mirror or speculum, the size of which is the same as that of William Herschel's 7-ft telescope with which he had discovered Uranus. The object has been not yet completed. But you can expect him to complete and bring it in the future AGM. It's my pleasure to have here today our third creation, what kind of creation - this lady will let you know with her own words. (S Kimura)

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. It's my pleasure to have the opportunity to address before you, distinguished and talented people. I am now a postgraduate student of an university in Tokyo. I've been majoring in history of women's education. Last month I passed the graduate thesis on history of Caroline Herschel and Mary Somerville. I'll continue to study in the doctoral course from April. In Graduate-school of Education, I have to make a harder study of history of science. Having met with Caroline Herschel in the books on women in science about 4 years ago, I was so attracted by love of her brother, her nephew and astronomy. Especially, I had a strong interest in her educational environment. I have a lot to learn from her painstaking efforts and limitless motivation through her long years. Last August I became acquainted with the Herschel Society of Japan, finding the web site. Today I am becoming a member of the William Herschel Society. I look forward to obtaining a copy of Dr Hoskin's recent book, "The Herschel Partnership" which, I trust, help me to widespread the life of Caroline in Japan. With love of Caroline I'll do my best keeping up the study of her contemporary scientific ladies. In closing, I am grateful to you for listening. Thank you. (A Fujii)