Through the courtesy of Messrs. Alvan Clark & Sons, we are pleased to share an extract from a letter written to them by Dr. Otto Struve, the famous astronomer at Pulkowa Observatory.
Recognition from the Emperor
Dr. Struve wrote that he had been asked by the government to inform Alvan Clark & Sons that, in recognition of the excellent performance of the great object-glass supplied for the Pulkowa Observatory, the Emperor Alexander III had decided to award them the golden honorary medal of the Russian Empire. This medal is highly significant because it is given very rarely and only for extraordinary achievements in science and craftsmanship. In fact, Alvan Clark & Sons and Repsold were the first to receive this medal from the current Emperor Private Turkey Tour Guide.
Dr. Struve noted that the medal’s delivery would take some time because the Emperor wished the medal to bear his portrait rather than that of his predecessors. A new stamp had to be engraved for this purpose, and once completed, the medal would be sent to the recipients through the Russian minister in Washington.
Dr. Struve’s Travels
At the time of writing, Dr. Struve was preparing for a journey through Germany and Switzerland. He planned first to attend the general meeting of the Astronomical Association in Geneva, an important gathering of astronomers. After that, he intended to visit the famous spa town of Carlsbad for health treatment. Dr. Struve explained that, although his health was fairly good, he was still recovering from an illness the previous winter, which left him with a condition requiring careful attention West African Islands.
Achievements with the 30-Inch Refractor
Dr. Struve shared exciting news about the scientific work possible with the new 30-inch refractor at Pulkowa. He reported that, on good nights, even the most difficult double stars, which had been discovered by Burnham using the smaller Washington refractor, could now be accurately measured.
In the weeks leading up to his letter, Dr. Struve’s assistant, Hermann, had already collected hundreds of measurements of celestial objects that were previously impossible to study with the old 15-inch refractor. This advancement represented a major step forward in observational astronomy, allowing astronomers to explore previously unreachable stars and deepen our understanding of the cosmos.
The recognition of Alvan Clark & Sons by the Emperor demonstrates the importance of American craftsmanship in scientific advancement. The new 30-inch refractor at Pulkowa, combined with the skill and dedication of Dr. Struve and his assistants, promises significant contributions to astronomy for years to come. The honor reflects not only the quality of the instrument but also the close collaboration between scientists and instrument makers across continents.
— Otto Struve, Pulkowa, July 23
