The Hawaiian gazette., 1873-02-05

MOVEMENT IN THE STAR DEPHs-0ue of the
most striking features in the series of star mo-
tons observed and measured by DR.. Higgins is
the amazing velocity with which some of the stars
are moving. Astronomers have ascertained that
Sirius is moving athwart the line of vision much
more RAPIDLY than the sun is travelling through
space. But Sirius is so exceptional both in its
brightness and in its estimated bulk, that its
enormous velocity did not appear altogether sur
prising. 1t did not lead the generality Of astron-
omers to consider that the suns velocity and the
average velocity of the stars had been greatly un
derestimated. But now we learn that method
of research which is far more trustworthy than any
applied to the measurement of athwart motions,
that some of the stars are moving from or toward
the earth with q velocity far exceeding that of
Sirius. If we take the thwart motion of Sirius at
% miles per second, and his motion of recession
at % miles, this being the value assigned by the
latest and best measurement, we find for his alb
solute motion the amazing velocity of 80 miles
per second. But DR.. Higgins finds that Arcturus
is receding from the sun at the rate of So miles
per second, Vega at the rate of about so, Aridad
(the chief brilliant Of the Swan at the rate of
80 miles, Pollux 40 miles, and Dubhe of the Great
Bear at the rate Of from &c to so miles per sec
ond. Beside such motions as these. our suns
estimated velocity Of about AZ miles per second,
which seemed so imposing when it was consid-
cred that he bore with him at this enormous rate
his whole family Of planets, sinks into relative
insgnifcance. We here recognize stellar rates of
motion nearly equalling that at which our earth
circuits around the sun. But velocity which,
considered with reference to q minute orb ike
the earth, is Ineligible, is startling in the of
orbs like Arcturus and Vega, which undoubtedly
exceed our own sun many times in volume. use
the word q ineligible" with purpose; for am
not considering here what is conceivable or the
reverse. We can in reality understand why the
earth should be possessed of the velocity she &C.
tually displays. We know that the suns attrac-
ton is competent to generate such velocity, or
a much greater velocity. But in the case Of
star these swift motions cannot be thus explained
The stars are too far apart to be so influenced by
their mutual attractions that great veloeities
would be generated. And thus the thoughtful
mind can not but recognize in the stellar motions
a subject of contemplation far more impressive
than the subordinate. though even swifter mo-
tons Of the earth, Venus, or Mercury. Whence
sprang that amazing energy which is represented
by the proper motions Of the sun? II we admit
the possibility that forces of eruption or expulsion
conld account for the Observed motions, we shall
have to answer the startling question-Of what
order are the orbs whence the giant suns we're
expelled? and the yet more difficult questions
Where are these orbs and how is it that, inordi-
nately large though they be, We are yet unable to
distinguish them from ordinary suns? If, on the
other hand we prefer to regard the stellar veloci-
ties as generated by the attractions Of larger or
ders of bodies than the stars las planetary veocl-
ties may be regarded as generated by their pa
rent suns. we still have the two last questions to
answer; and. so far as can be judged, these ques-
tons are at present unanswerable.-F rdSeT's
Magazine.