Rees Doubts the Theory

Other Explanations Must Fail Before Idea of Signa’s Is Accepted

John K. Rees, professor of astronomy at Columbia University, was asked his opinion on Professor Fonvielle’s theory of a signal from Mars and of Nikola Tesla’s declaration that he had received signals at the top of Pike’s Peak.

“It has been established, I believe,” he said, “That Douglas observed some phenomena similar to those described. That is not, however, a justification for the conclusion that Mars has been signalling the earth.

“No particular cause for these peculiar lights has been accepted as entirely satisfactory. There are several explanations of the phenomena.

“Some atmospheric disturbance of the earth may have come between the observer and Mars and given a normal condition on that planet the appearance reported by Professor Douglas. Again, there may have been some unusual change on Mars similar to those sometimes observed on other planets.

“Scientists are conservative. They are loath to jump to conclusions and ascribe to some unusual phenomena a sensational cause. Others, however, seize every opportunity to do so, and are willing to exaggerate.

“Until natural and normal causes fail to explain the lights which Professor Douglas observed and Professor Pickering reported, there is no reason to make a sensation of it. Neither Professor Pickering nor Douglas has done so. They simply reported the facts.

“Of Tesla’s reported observation of signals I do not care to express an opinion.”

Mars was in opposition to the earth on December 8. It will be again on February 22. If the inhabitants of that planet really lighted signal fires for our observation last mouth they will have another favorable opportunity on Washington’s birthday.