The 200-inch telescope at Mt Palomar in California is complete and in process of adjustment prior to commencing a programme of observations. The large mirror, after successful figuring, has been transported to the observatory without mishap and it is expected that some months at least will be spent on adjustments to its supports and in testing its performance and that of the associated gear.

The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, is to move to Herstmonceux near the south coast of England. The conditions at Greenwich have deteriorated steadily over many years and the new site offers as good conditions climatically as can be found in Great Britain and is well removed from industrial glare or fog as there are no towns near the new site, which consists of a fine old moated brick castle in some 200 acres of ground.