The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-03-03
The Picket Line of Science

The Picket Line Of Science.
The Smithsonian Institute, Washington
has collected statistics concerning the pro-
gress ofastronomy in the United States, which
are published in an interesting report. In the
tall of 1870 circulars were scattered over the
country, requesting professional and amateur
astronomers to send to Washington brief &C
counts of their instruments and their observa-
tons. Replies were received from forty -one
observatories. ofwhich twenty-four are private,
and the others are connected with colleges or
academies. Several of the observers have
constructed their own telescopes, and many
have made their observations from door yards,
windows and roofs. The story of their expe-
riences is all the more interesting on that ac-
count.
Many of the most important discoveries in
the heavens have been made by observers
who had to deprive themselves of needed
sleep, and to work without any of the costly
equipments of an observatory. This report
shows that the astronomers of the door yard
and the roof have fairly kept pace with those
who make their observations seated in the
padded chairs of the big observatories. They
may comfort themselves with the recollection
that William Herschells observatory was a
garden.
The various objects chosen for special obser-
walton indicate the direction in which the
science is being chiefly developed This is un-
mistakably toward the practical side Thus
fifteen of the forty-one observers have given
special attention to the determination of the
exact time. This is a matterJof the first i'm
portance, for what Edward Everett called the
eternal clockwork of the skies is the source of
all our calculations that depend upon the lapse
of time. Thirteen of the observers have de-
voted themselves especially to the study of
the sun. Recent observations tend more and
more to prove that the sun influences the
earth's weather, and that when the causes that
produce sun spots are most active, the earth is
subject to the most violent meteorological dis
turbances.
Twelve observers have spent most of their
pointed sentinels are by no means to be re-
garded as mere curiosity hunters Astrono-
mers admit that the earth may be in danger
from comets. If one should fall into the sun it
would, in all probability, produce such an out
burst of heat as to destroy every living thing
on the earth.
The comet Of 1850 was aimed so close to the
sun that even Newton feared it would strike it.
The great comet of 1913 went yet closer In
fact, it grazed the sun, and the great sun spot
that appeared that year is believed to have
been caused by the fall of an enormous meteoric
mass following in the track of the comet 1t
has also been suggested that the outburst OF
light in the sun on September 1, 1859, which
was accompanied by an electric shock that pro-
duced startling effects in various quarters the
earth, was caused by the downfall of other
meteors belonging to the train of the same
comet
The next most interesting celestial object
for our star gazers appears to have been Jupi-
ter. Eleven observers have paid special at
tention to him. The wonderful red spot that
has adorned the disk of the giant planet for
over two years has attracted many telescopes,
and has given rise to great number of spec
ulations. The conclusion seems to be that Jul
pi1er is not yet a habitable globe, but is red
hot ball that is gradually cooling down, so that
ages hence, when the earth is dead, like its
comrade, the moon, life may bloom out in Jul
piter.
Next to Jupiter in popularity comes Sa-
turn. Seven observers have taken particu-
lar pains to study the splendid rings and
the little swarm of eight moons circling about
him.
Four have watched Mars, three Mercury ,one
Uranus, and one Neptune Two have spent
much time among the barren mountains OF
the moon, measuring the heights of lofty
peaks, triangulating in the beds of dried up
oceans, ard searching in hooks and corners
from the Bay of Rainbows to the crater of Ty-
cho for some possible indications ofremaining
life.
Three observers have been watching for a
glimpse of the shy planet Vulcan, which, as its
name implies, does not fear to face the fiery
sun at close quarters; one has been looking out
for asteroids, and three have kept watch fol
meteors and shooting stars
The nebula have attracted special attention
from only one observer though it is probable
that since Prof. Draper has recently succeeded
in photographing the nebule they will be
more studied. The gaseous nebule are be-
lieved to be solar systems, yet in state Of
chaos, without form and void. Three observers
have paid special attention to photographing
the moon, stars and planets, and four have
spent most of their time with the double
stars, which are among the most beautiful Of
all celestial objects. Counting and making
charts has chiefly occupied the time of fou1
others.
The Smithsonian Institute has sent out
new circulars, and next year still more in
teresting report may be looked for.-Neao York
Sun.
Advice to young politican:-Th wasp never
drives mean bargain. When he stings he never
cheats. He lets you know Just what he does