>> Contents

REPORT OF SCIENCE 1996-1997


REPORT OF SCIENCE
AT
WILLIAMS



A RECORD OF THE PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES OF FACULTY AND STUDENTS IN THE NATURAL SCIENCES




Williamstown, Massachusetts l997




Comet Hale-Bopp photographed in early April 1997 by astronomy professor Jay M. Pasachoff. The photo was taken from Hill Province in Williamstown, less than a mile from the campus. Hundreds of students and townspeople viewed the comet through the telescopes of the Hopkins Observatory on top of the Thompson Physics and Astronomy Laboratory, primarily aided by Observatory Supervisor Stephan Martin and senior Christina Reynolds '97. The comet showed two tails: a whitish tail made up of dust given off by the comet and repelled by sunlight and a bluish tail made up of gas given off by the comet and blown away from the sun by the solar wind, an outflow of the solar corona.

A view of the southeastern portion of the construction site for the Unified Science Facility photographed by Nicolas Whitman in early August 1997. The view is taken from the second floor of Jenness House which was moved to this site from its original location behind Thompson Chemistry Laboratory (left of center in the photo.) The dome of the 24" telescope can be seen on top of Thompson Physics Laboratory. Rice and Hardy Houses are visible at the right of the photo. Phase I of the project will be concluded by the beginning of September. It has included major excavation of the site behind the Thompson Labs and installation of new utility connections in preparation for the construction phase that begins in the fall.





The Science Executive Committee wishes to express its gratitude to the extensive efforts of all the science department secretaries in preparing contributions for this publication, and to Alice J. Seeley for assembling this material in its final form.

Editor: Dr. Bryce Babcock






Williams College admits men and women of any background to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the College. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, or national ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other college administered programs. The College does not discriminate on the basis of sex in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1973, or the regulations thereunder, in the education programs or activities which it operates, including employment therein. The College does not discriminate on the basis of handicap in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 1973, or the regulations thereunder, in admission or access to its programs and activities. Inquiries concerning the College's non-discrimination policies may be referred to the Dean of The College, Hopkins Hall, Williamstown, MA 01267.


<< >> Up Title Contents