The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-07-17
Extracts from Recent Publica-
tions.

IRE The Planets Iahdbited.-Are the planets
inhabited? is a question which naturally
presents itsefto the human mind, and for a
solution of which we as usually look 20 the
science of Astronomy. But when the i'm
mense distance which separates us even from
the nearest of the planets is remembered, il
can seal cely he matter ofsurprisc that the
Telescope affords no direct evidence on
the question, whether the planets like the
earth are inhabited globes. Yet, though it
gives no direct answer to the inquiry, mod
crn astronomy has collected together mass
oftacts, connected with the positions and
motions, the physical character and condi-
tons, and the parts played in the solar sys-
TEN by the several globes ofwhlch that sys-
tenn is composed which forms Il vast body of
analogy, leading the intelligent mind TO the
conclusion that the planets are worlds full
filling in the economy of the universe the
same functions, and created by the same
Divine hand, for the same moral purposes,
and with the same destnes, as the earth
Thus, for example, we find that these orbs,
like our own, roll in regulated periods round
the sun; that they have nj ghts and days, and
SUGGESTIONS of seasons; that they are pro-
vded with atmospheres, supporting clouds,
and agitated by winds and that thus, also,
their climates and seasons arc modified by
evaporation, and that showers refresh their
surfaces. fOf we KNOW lnut Wherever Tue
existence of clouds is made manifest there
water may exist; there evaporation must go
on: there electricity, with its train of phenom-
ena, must reign; there rain must fall there
hail and snow must descend. Notwith-
standing the dense atmosphere and thick
clouds with which Venus and Murcury are
constantly enVelopcd, the telescope has eX-
hibited 10 lis great irregularities on their sur
faces, and thus proved the existence ofmoun
tains and valleys. But it is upon the planet
Mars, which approaches nearest to the earth,
that the greatest advances bavc been made
in this department ofinquiry. Under favor
able circumstances its dis is seen to be map
ped out by a varied outline, some portions
being less reflective oflight than others, just
as water would be less reflective than land
Beer and MaedIer, two Prussian Astronomers,
have devoted many years labor to the exam
nation Of Mars, and the result has put us in
possession of a map of geography of that
planet, almost rs exact and well defined rs
that which we possess OF our owns IN TACT,
the geological outlines of land and water
have been made apparent upon IT.. But
still more extraordinary fact, in relation TO
this planet, remains to be considered
Among the shaded markings which have
been noted by the telescope upon its disk,
remarkable region of brilliant white light,
standing out in boldest relief has been OBJ
served surrounding the visible pole. This
highly Illuminated spot is to be seen most
plainly when 1t energies from the long night
ofthe winter season; but when 1t has passed
slowly beneath the heat ofthe solar beams, it
is found to have gradually contracted its di-
mansions and at last, before it has plunged
into light on the opposite side, to have en-
tirely disappeared. But the opposite pole,
then coming into similar relations, is found to
be furnished with like luminous spot which,
in its turn, dssolves rs it becomes heated by
the summer sun. Now these facts prove to
us, incontestbly, that the very geographical
regions ofNlars are fac-smiles of our oWn.-
In its long polar winters the SHOWS accumu-
late in the desolation Gifts high northern and
southern attitudes, until they become visible
to us in consequence of their reflective prop
critics; and these are slowly melted as the
SUMS rays gather power in the advancing sea-
son, until they cease to be apprecin'!ie to ter
restal eyes This fact is Il most striking one
in reference to the present question. If the
moon has proved to us, ncontroverlibly, that
one of the celestial lumnaries is solid
sphere, carved into elevations and depres-
sions analogous to those familiar to us as tine