Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1880-12-11

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brought to bear upon that planet, in
the hands of Professor Hall, that
what had before been mere conjec-
ture, was ascertained to be an un-
doubted reality. The telescope is
very large, and is directed to partic-
ular views Of the heavens by inge-
NOUS and complicated machinery.
Mr.. Faulkner says they reached the
Observatory about 8 O'Clock in the
evening, not cloud to be seen, and
the stars presenting a bright and
beautiful appearance. They were
ushered into the library, the Profess
sor beingsat that moment examining
a small comet, so far removed in dis
tant space as to be scarcely more
than visible. About half past eight
he was ready for them, and the tel
escope was so adjusted as to give
them an observation Of the planet
Jupiter. The view was indeed mag
nifcent. Although now nearer to
the earth than it will be again for
twelve years, and still four hundred
millions of miles distant, the surface
of the planet appeared as large and
distinct as the full moon does to the
naked eye. Its belts produced by
clouds floating in its atmosphere,
were plainly visible. They had a
clear view of it's four moons, three
of which were bright and easily seen
while the fourth was crossing it's
disk, between the planet and them
selves, presenting a dark spot upon
its surface. Senator Thurman who
who claims to be gifted with extra
ordinary length of vision, who says
that from Cincinnati he could easily
read the sign boards across the river
in Covington, stated that he had
seen what perhaps no other mortal
could boast to have seen, the four
moons Of Jupiter, all at the same
time, with the naked eye. Professor
Hall shrugged his shoulders as if
he thought the fact incredible, but
the word of a Senator was not to be
doubted. After repeated observa-
tions of this magnificent orb, the
telescope was then pointed to that
greatest wonder of the planetary
system, Saturn. Mr.. Bancroft was
the first to take that view, and when
that marvellous body begirt with its
luminous and stupendous rings, and
with six of its satellites out of eight
in full view, he shouted aloud with
wonder and admiration.
For near an hour they took their
turns in surveying that inexplicable
specimen of celestial machinery, al
ternating and repeating their obser-
vations. They could distinctly see the
dark spaces that separated the rings
from each other. When it is admit
ted that Saturn is nine hundred mil
lions of miles distant from the earth,
we may form some idea of the power
of an instrument that can bring it so
distinctly and clearly within the
range OF our vision.
During all this time, Professor
Hall, who is one of the most eminent
astronomers of the age, was I'M
wearied in his attentions-regulat-
ing the machinery, adjusting the
focus to their differen teyes and max
ing delightful and instructive re-
marks upon the objects of their eX-
animation. Senator Thurman's and
Mr.. Faulkner's eyes required the
same focus; Mr.. Bancroft's differ
ent one. After returning to Pro-
fessor Hall and his attendants their
sincere thanks for the pleasure and
instruction afforded on that evening
they took their leave Of the observa-
tory, much pleased with their visit
and with desire to repeat it when
ever an opportunity shall present
itself.
The obelisk is creeping through
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