The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-10-27
RICHMOND, October 80, 1877.
A Star-Gazer and AstronOmy-Lovcr
Has n Word 10 Say. '>-'s-'-'

RICHMOND, SABBATH NIGHT, >.
October 81, 1877. Il
Editors Dispatch: Your astronomical
correspondent was kind enough to give us
some days ago few facts in regard to the
four planets-Ycnus, Jupiter, Mars, and
Saturn. These facts are always interesting
to me. I should like to know at what ve-
locity the last two are approaching each
other; and when they shall be<in opposi-
ton I'D November(, how much further will
Saturn be from us than Mars. have often
thought that The bright band that spans
the heavens Of Saturn at night must be truly
magnificent. To think OF continuous
chain Of moons extending from east to
west on n clear night, and throughout the
whole night, must be beautiful indeed.
would like to know in this connection
whether the following figures, are correct
according to modern science. 1should like
also to know the velocity of these planets
and wi hat others there are now in the tami-
"? Can Uranus be seen with the unaided
eye? The diameter OF Mars is singular il
my figures are correct-only hall that OF the
earth, though farther from the sun. -
3fercury-DiamGter, 8, III miles; distance
from sun, 100000 miles; year, 80 days.
Tenus-Diameter, 100 miles; distance
from sun, 6S,000,000 miles; year, 22A days.
Earth-Diameter, 5000 miles, distance
from sun, 95,000,OO0; year, 365 days.
Kars-Diameter, 1000 miles; distance,
IA, 100000 year, -. ... ..
Jupiter-Diameter, $4,000 miles; dis
lance, 490,0O0,000; year, II years.
Saturn-Diameter, 10000 miles; dis
lance, 9o0,000,0 900 miles; year, 30.years.
Uranus-Diameter, $4,000 miles; dis
lance, 100000, 900; year, 81 years.
A very strong argument used by Sir Da-
vid Brewster, I think, is that as there
is nothing peculiar in the size, position, and
length Of days or years OF our planet, why
should we indulge the conceit that this is
the only planet worthy OF being inhabited
He proves that beings like ourselves can
live in all the planets, though a different
option know is held by some. am not,
however, sufficiently acquainted with mo-
dern science to know how this question
stands to-day. I hope your learned CORE
spondent will enlghten us, on this point.
The man who does not often look upon
the heavens with thoughtfulness must have
but little brains. From o little reading
years ago am satisfied that these planets
are inhabited. 1t is a great thonghtif we
get it into our minds SO thoroughly as to
realize it, As our blazing planes rolls up
every night upon the horizon of Mercury,
Venus, and Mars, they look upon us with
wonder and admiration. -
OF what Importance are the movements of
little men or Of great men-the' e personals:
OF our ewspapers-compared to the great
orbs that are rushing above us with the
force and speed OF ten times ten thousand
locomotives.
So What tho no real voice nor sound
Amid these radiant orbs be found,
In reasons ear they all rejoice ,,.,
And utter forth glorious voice,
Forever singing rs they sIines .,e-'i
The hand that made US is-diuine."
You are aware that the eyes OF most ami
mails are constructed to look down, while
mans are adapted to look up. Let Us use
ours Alright. Nothing is so important to
the young rs get great ideas into their
heads. It is cure Tor conceitand narrow
1nindedness. A man who can sea nothing
larger than dollar must be ignorant in
deed Yours, Fl, - ..,.. tp'rr Z.