The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1871-02-25
Remarkable Solar Phenomenon.

Prof Langley, writing from the Observa-
tory, Allegheny, September 2G, to the Pitts
burgh Commercial, says:
The appearance of spots on the sun large
enough to be visible to the naked eye, is a
rare occurrence, but it may now be noticed
by any one who takes the trouble to observe
them. The aspect of the sun, through a
large telescope, is one, just now, of singular
interest, and it seems to claim special
attention from the observers.
Here, where the remarkable changes of
the solar surface have formed the subject
of remarkable observation, daily maps of
the position Of the spots are made, and
their singular variations have been the
object of most interested scrutiny.
The side of the sun now turned toward
us is, to-day, covered with hundreds of
them, of all sizes, and in all stages of
growth, while the opposite side, to be pre-
scented to us 4 few days later, is compare
lively bare.
The area Of one Of the spots which is
now near the centre of the disk, has been
computed from careful measurements and
found to exceed $500, 600 square miles
Such immense numbers convey no very
definite impressions, and perhaps more
vivid idea of the size may be gained by
comparing it with that of the earth, whose
entire area is less than tenth part of that
just given.
This is the area of the penumbra-an
immense expanse of variegated form, cross
ed by channels and convergent streams of
luminous matter, all shifting under some
action like that of some whirlwind which
is tristing them from one position to
another, and changing their forms from
hour to hour. The current sometimes
appears to rush downward, carrying with
it great masses of luminous matter to
lower depths, and opening, as it does So
black cavities of size commensurate with
the scale on which this action is carried.
The largest of these cavities is seen to be
overhung with parts of the brilliant surface
which visibly break away in enormous por-
tons and sink in it, out of sight; indeed, it
is quite within the truth to say that a globe
the size of the world might be dropped in
without touching either side. 1t is imposs-
BILE to convey an adequate idea of the
impression of infinite and exhaustless
energy, of which one is conscious, while
bcholdlng this with adequate optical aid.
Masses, the size of whole continents, are
utterly changed in shape or disappear from
one day to another, sometimes the observer
watches them, and the whole 'tspot,' is,
to all appearance, being slowly rotated by
the cyclones which are visibly working
there.
This is one of many centcrs of similar
action, not all on the same scale, but baf-
fling the eye by their number and incessant
change of form, which the craftsman
labors after in vain, and which even the
photographer can but imperiectly render.
At one of our largest observatories, the
photographer is employed to make daily
chart of these changes, and an inspection
of its truthful and unbiased record will
convey more conclusive sense OF the
almost awful magnitude and energy of the
solar forces, than the most vivid descrip-
ton.
One who has been accustomed to watch
them must feel the inadequacy of any
attempt to describe these 'spots, and still
more SO of the fatality of trying to convey
his own impression by any extravaganza of
description or comparison.
The wonder must lie in the consideration
of authentic measurements, which are left
to tell their own story.
The public may not share the interest OF
/ the professional observer in such matters,
/ but our own planet is too intimately con
ncctcd with these phenomena not to make
them claim some interest from all of us
4 Why these magnetic needles move respon,
sively to these great changes in the sun, OF
why auroras will light up our winter sky,
at intervals more frequently repeated as
this solar action is more violent, are ques-
tons which astronomy is now trying to
answer The fact that they do so is Ger.
tain; the cause is still wholly unknown tc
science.