This collection documents George Ellery Hale's role in planning and developing major observatories in the U. S., and in founding the California Institute of Technology and the Huntington Library. The collection also illustrates the role Hale took in organizing the National Research Council, and in promoting international cooperation among scientists. Records relating to Hale's work on the spectrohelioscope are also included.

George Ellery Hale's papers reflect the wide diversity of his activities and accomplishments. Born in Chicago in 1868, he received his B.S. from M. I. T. in 1890. Active in the development of astrophysics, he quickly established a distinguished scientific reputation for his invention of the spectroheliograph. He made important contributions to the study of solar phenomena, organized and co-edited the Astrophysical Journal, and was the leading figure in the design, funding and construction of the Kenwood, Yerkes, Mount Wilson and Palomar Observatories.

80 linear feet

Requests for permission to publish material from the Hale papers located at Caltech should be addressed to: Archivist, California Institute of Technology, Mail Code 015A-74, Pasadena, CA 91125.

The collection is open for research. Researchers must apply in writing for access.