The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-11-25
ASTRONOMICAL USE OF THE MAGNET
&c TELEGRAPH. .p


We have received copy of the volume contain
ing the Astronomical Observations" for the year
ls45 as conducted at the Observatory in this city,
under the superintendent Of Lieutenant Maury,
We propose to give, at another time, some more
special account of this volume, which we regard as
in all respects most creditabe to the science Of our
country. We have been particularly impressed
by the evidence which is presented Of the aid which
the wonderful invention Of Professor Morse is des-
tined to render hereafter in astronomical pursuits
and researches. .s..., ... ..... .... .a.....
The intimate connexion Of different departments
of science has often astonshed men of research and
as often been the subject of surprise and remark to
the general reader. We do not recolect a more
striking instance than that afforded in this volume
between electro magnetism and astronomy. What
has Morse's telegraph to do with practical astrono-
myi might well be asked Certainly no two sub
jects would seem to be more dissimiar yet we are
reminded by Lieut.. Maury that the electric telegraph
is the most exquisite Of astronomical instrument,
The ecpses of Jupiter and his satellites; the transit
Of the planets across the disk Of the sun; solar
eclipses, occultutions, and moon EXAMINATIONS have
all been appealed to by astronomers for an accurate
determination of their longitude. For the purpose
of observing some Of these phenomena, and assist
ing in the solution of the grand problem, expedi.
tons, great cost Of time, labor, and money have
been fitted out and sent to distant parts of the
world. Still the astronomer lamented over the i'm
perfection of his MEANS the of accuracy in his
results. yr,@ .r#,. Ea a
The speed of the magnetic fluid surpasses the We
locity of light. The superintendent Of the National
Observatory, in this city, proposes to avail himself
Of this principle for the purpose of determining diff
ference of Longitude between the capital Of the re-
public and the principal cities of the Union soon
as the telegraph lines shall cross the Potomac and
the mountains for the cities Of the south and west
which we understand they will soon do.
Having the advantage of all other nations in ex-
tent Of country and length of lines to be embraced
in the application of the magnetic principle, such
determination of the longitude with US would be OF
great practical importance in giving accuracy geo
graphical positions, and highly interesting and useful
in many points of view. Instead Of sending out an
expedition, at great cost it 10 contemplated only to
send ON officer with small instrument from place
to place. Being at his station he advises, by tee-
graph, his principal at the Observatory Of the ia Ct,
and receives to be ready, that the star lie APP
preaching the meridian Of Washington; at the mo-
ment Of elimination here the signal is given, and the
time is noted there also. In little while, the wiry
messenger brings word from the west that the star
is approaching that distant meridian and at the in
slant Of its transit there the signal is repeated The
interval of time between these two transits is the
diarence of ref,,,ired How a;y,,la