Litchfield enquirer., 1870-07-21
THE SUNS CORONA.

4AG 6O4N " 00AsS4NAs
 ass
 The enthusiastic astronomer of the Lon- don Spectator gives. in recent article. some suggestions with regard to the suns corona, which have the merit of being both interesting and plausible. Astrono- mers and physicists have solved problem after problem in their faithful study of the sun, till many facts in it's physical or ganization as are the corresponding facts in the physical organization of the earth itself They have ascertained through the revelations of the spectroscope, the mate rials which make up the constituents of the solar globe, and the condition in which these substances exist on the sur- face. They have discovered that the "ro- sy protube berances" which spring into be- ing during . total eclipse, are seething masses of hydrogen gas. They have gone still farther. Two astronomers, Jannsen and Lockyer, one in India and one in Eng land, detected simultaneously the impor- tant fact that these prominences could be seen when the sun was not eclipsed; that their amazing changes of form and won derful variety of coloring could be stud jed and even photographed under the di- ism of the sun has been reduced to a sys- to440e4S 04ANAA8SAA4OAkp1 ek4O tU0 0DOC0S Ol magnetic storms, recurring once in eleven years, are studied with the same interest as we study the meteorological conditions of our own globe. The aurorse which light our skies are now supposed to be only re- sponsive flashes from the grand solar auro- ras, comparatively faint reflections from the source that rules every movement of the system of dependent planets.
 Ruf 0 OrANf nhenOm1nOn rnmoino +o fo interpreted; this is the corona which bursts into view when the sun is totally ecipsed, and which those who have wifi messed it describe as the most sublimeIy beautiful sight which is ever seen by nor tai eyes. During the eclipse of August, 1868, although many important obserya- tions were made, nothing was discovered with regard to the nature of the corona During the eclipse of 1869, the most care full study failed to throw any light upon the celestial wonder. The ingenious the- ory was, however, advanced, that the spec trum of the corona was identical with that of the aurora. and that it might be mag nifcent auroral display revealed by the obscuration of the suns rays.
 Here the matter rested, but not so the interest in the problem, for the constitu- tion of the corona seems now to be the question involving, more than any other, knowledge of the physical condition of the sun, and affecting it's relation to the solar system. The amazing extent of the corona invests it with peculiar interest. It has been seen to extend several degrees from the sun; and, in an object at the suns distance, degree represents 1,7OO.- 900 miles. When we remember also. that 1t is not plain surface, but surrounds ev cry portion of the suns vast circumfer- enee, we can form some idea of this most stupendous object in the whole planetary scheme. It's structure, moreover, is made up of radlations of every conceivable form, petalold curves abounding, and the whole suggestive of revolution, but not a single circular revolution around the sun.
 The old theories with regard to the CO., roma, associated it with the atmosphere of the moon, and with that of the earth. The more modern theory, which makes it the atmosphere of the sun, is full of difficulty. The rosy protuberance" could hardly exist under such measureless pressure, for If our atmosphere, with an average height of hundred miles, exert a pressure of a ton to square foot, what would be the tremendous force of solar atmosphere of such inconceivable dimensions under an attractive force twenty five times as great!
 The latest theory in regard to the core. na lss that 1t is composed of material sub- stances travelling about the sun; that the irregularities of it's appearance indicate that these particles travel in orbits of eve ry variety of form; and that boundless systems of meteoric bodies, like those which reach our atmosphere, form this brilliant celestial crown.
 We know how eccentric is the vast oval which forms the path of the November meteors, and that many of these bodies which have come to us, have travelled from regions beyond the planet Uranus; and that great numbers which are not inter- cepted in our atmosphere must pass to the immediate neighborhood of the sun. Where the earth intercepts one meteor, millions pass her path; and where one meteor sys. tenn passes the earth's track, millions do not come near it. Millions of millions of meteor systems may then exist near the sun, describing orbits of every variety of form, and becoming visible only during the short continuation of total solar eclipse. If this be the case, we might ex- pect to find some trace of the outlaying portions of this vast conge.ies of systems, ln the morning and evening twilight. What could better support the theory than the faint luminous gleam known as the Aooalcal uSnG, Wnlcn can be traced Ill the evening towards the west, or lights with purer radiance the morning dawn!
 The next total eclipse of the sun occurs on the 22d of December. It is invisible in this part of the earth. but can be watch ed at some of the Mediterranean astro- nomical stations. The Royal Astronomi. cal Society are already arranging corps of observers. and the British government will probably furnish means of transit to and from the observatories to party of sixty. The society invited all who are in. terested in the eclipse, and who are vii. ling and able to take part in observing it. to send in their names to the secretaries before tue last meeting of the society on the 18th of May, and the invitation was not restricted to the Fellows of the Socie- ty. The question of the suns corona is one of the problems to which special at tention will be. directed, and with the meansaof observation, and the devoted fn- terest of the men of science in the work, we may hope for q solution of this charm ing celestial mystery. Jour.
 BONEDUST AND PLASTER.