The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-27
MOVEMENTS OF THE PLANETS.
MARS.

MARS.
To-day this planet, for some time so very con-
spicuous by its brilliant red light in the southeast
will come into opposition to the sun and be at its
least distance from the earth during the two next
years. and alter the 9th will rise before sun.
set. The oppositions Of this planet take place
az intervals OF about twenty-six months, but
Its distance from US when in opposition
greatly varies, as It's orbit is very eccentric.
At the opposition in February, 1871, its distance
was about sixty millions OF miles. At the end OF
this month it will be about hty.two; In June, 1875,
forty millions, and in August, 1877, still less. At
the opposition in June 1875. this planet will have
large southern declination, and viii therefore be
very lavorably situated Tor many daily observa-
lions when east and west, at the observatores in
the southern hemisphere, and thus afford what
may prove to be an excellent opportunity for the
determination Of the distance OF The sun.
VENUS.
On May this planet, which has been several
months so brilliant IN the west after sunset, Will
come into line with the sun OF be IN inferior con-
junction, and afterwards, until next February,
visible IN the east, before the sun rises
As the interval between two inferior conjunc-
tons OF TINS planet Id about five hundred and
eignty-three days, the next after that on May
viii take place IN the night OF December s, 1874;
and ~ the planet VIII then also be so near
be less than quarter oil degree, 10
viii appear 10 pass across the sun, or
ia other words, there will be, in Asia, Australia,
&C., an annular eclipse Of the sun by the planet
Venus, Tor the first time in 1857. years, or since
June ltU9 Tor the very careful observation OF
which astronomers have long been making great
preparation, as they generally hope that with the
aid OF the new instrument, the spectroscope, and
OF photography, &c, the times o the beginning and
end may be mere accurately ascertained than they
could be In june 76l and 1902 The transits OF Venus
always take place in June or December, at the very
unequal but constantly recurring intervals or
l2lla, $, 1861. s. l2lh, &C., years. Only three Of
them have been seen; the tlrst In December, 1889,
by Mr.. Horrox only, near Liverpool, England; the
second and third IN June, 1901 and 1859, by many
astronomers sent expressly for the purpose to dis
tant parts OF the earth, where they were visible;
the fourth VIII take place. already stated in the
night, Boston time, Of December s. 1874, and can
not, therefore, be seen IN any part or our CONT
nent; the hlth, on December G, 1882 for observing
which our Atlantic States, the West Indies and
South America are very fayorably situated: then
the sixth and seventh on June 7, A. ID. 2004,
and June o. 20l2 both OF which VIII be partly WIS.,
ibe In New England.
MERCURY.
The transits OF Mercury, the only other known
Inferior planet, are OF much more frequent occur
renee than those OF Venus and two OF them have
been seen here within few years; they, how
ever, are OF little Importance, for the determi
nation OF the SUMS. distance quite useless The
transits Of Mercury always occur In May and No
vember, at intervals ranging from three to thirteen
years. The last one took place on November 4,
1865: the next one VIII haDDen MAY G. 1878.