IMPORTANT SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2436, 26 February 1909, Page 4

IMPORTANT SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY.

DIURNAL OSCILLATIONS OF THE EARTH. GERMAN PROFESSOR'S OBSERVATIONS. United Peess Association. Coptbight BERLIN, Feb. 25. Professor Hecker, of Potsdam, after six years’ observations, has measured the diurnal oscillations of the solid' earth as being analagous to the tides, rising and falling cignt inches. Professor George Darwin and the Kimberley Observatory confirm the observations, though the latter doubt the tidal analogy. (Received Feb. 26, 12.40 a.m.) MELBOURNE, Feb. 26. Signor .Barrachi, Government Astronomer, referring to Professor.Keeker’s discovery, says that Professor Hecker was at one time in Australia taking observations of the Pacific Ocean to determine, questions of the relative variations in gravity.-.. Professor Hecker informed him that the instrument he had made had been in position since 1902, and that accurate records of the minutest variations had been obtained by means of photography. Signor Barrachi added that such discoveries as Professor Heckor’s may have a most profound bearing upon knowledge., especially in regard to earthquakes, and might possibly make scientists to anticipate dreadful calamities.