Walter S. Adams Papers

Collection

Identifier: AdamsWS

Staff Only

Abstract

This collection chiefly consists of the administrative, scientific, and personal correspondence of astronomer and Mount Wilson Observatory Director Walter S. Adams (1876–1956), spanning the years 1921 to 1956, and including his work during World War II. There is also material from Adams’ retirement years and his astronomical work. The World War II materials reflect the secret work of Adams and the Observatory staff for the United States government to help create prisms and optics for various types of binoculars and gun sights; the staff also assisted with aerial and naval defense and attack strategy.

Dates

Creation: 1921 - 1956

Creator

Adams, Walter S. (Walter Sydney), 1876-1956 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection has not been digitized. The original paper copies of this collection are located at the Huntington Library, where they are available to qualified researchers by application through their Reader Services Department. Access to Caltech’s microfilm copy is available to anyone conducting research for which it is necessary; please contact the Caltech Archives to make an appointment.