Binary Stars

Abstract

WHEN, a few months ago, Dr. Aitken retired from the directorship of the Lick Observatory and from active observational work, he had completed forty years of observation and study of binary stars. During this time he had carried to completion a survey, commenced in conjunction with Prof. Hussey, but carried on single-handed from 1905, of all stars down to magnitude 9-0 on the B.D. scale and north of 18° south declination, for the discovery of double stars; he had discovered more than 3,000 double stars with a separation not exceeding five seconds of arc; he had remeasured most of these stars, after suitable intervals, at two later epochs for the discovery of orbital motion, and had also made a considerable number of measures of known binaries. In addition, he had computed many orbits and had completed the preparation of a new general catalogue of double stars. Seldom can the energies of a lifetime have been devoted more continuously and enthusiastically to the advancement of one chosen branch of astronomy.

The Binary Stars

By Robert Grant Aitken. (McGraw-Hill Astronomical Series.) Second edition. Pp. xii + 309. (New York and London: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 1935.) 21s. net.