Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-12-12
iMArrERs CELESTIAL.

The occurrence of the transit of Venus has
attracted attention toward the stars and the
sublime phenomena they present. No sub.
ject in physical science is as fascinating as
those presented in the science of astronomy.
These phenomena have also the advantage Of
being, to a considerable extent, accessible TO
all. The unassisted eye has much more
within its reach of observation among the
gliltering orbs of night than is usually be-
lieved. True, the possession of telescope
OF even moderate powers confers great adj
vantages, and it is pity that efforts are not
made by manufacturers to produce plain
but fairly good instruments at low cost, so
that the number of observers of celestial
phenomena might be increased. But even
with an opera-glass much that is very in
teresting may be observed with pleasure, az
the objects, though not greatly msgni6ed,
are more clearly defined by their use.
A book, such as is used in the
schools, Containing maps of the con-
s,ellations is essential, howe yer, in
order that the observer may find what he
wants to examine, and when any object
among the stars attracts his attention he may
be able to ascertain what il is. The first
thing to be done is to become acquainted
with the principal consultations in our hem
isphere, and to be able to distinguish the
principal stars. With the maps this is an
easier task than those who have not tried
the experiment are aware. Those who can
find their way in a strange city, and discover
the principal buildings and churches, by
studying the map of the city, can do just /
the same in searching for objects in the sky. |
If the seven stars, or Pleiades, are known, for l
instance, Orion can be found by looking |
lower down in the horizon, where the three /
bright stars of his belt, commonly known as
'the yard band" show themselves conspicu-
ously. Carrying the eye downward on line
mentally drawn through these three
bright stare, a star near the eastern
horizon between 9 and 10 O'Clock,
brighter still, brighter than any other
fixed star, attracts the attention.; that
star is the beautiful Sirius, the dog star. In
this way every object ascertained becomes a
means of finding others. The long, clear
nights of winter are especially favorable 10
the prosecution of this fascinating pursuit,
which we strongly COMMENT 10 our youlliiui /
readers. Let them only begin, and have
over the first difficulties, and with a
little perseverance, they will find source of
renewable pleasure opened TO
Them that will make their minds thank us
for having called their attention to il. Many
Of our readers have no opportunity of visit
ing Niagara, the mountains, or even the sea-
shore; few can visit the pyramids, the ruins
Of Babylon, or the sacred spots of the Holy
Land, but all can view the multitude OF
stars on which Abraham gazed, and see the
bands of Orion" OF which Job spoke
in words of sublime poetry. Stay
at-home travellers can, at least, en-
Joy the delights of jourDeying with
their eyes among the mazes of the
heavenly bodies, can unravel their intricacies
and make discoveries among their innumera- ,
BILE wonderz. At this time the Bull with the
Pleiades and Aldebaran, and all the glories !
Of Orion, are to be seen toward the east in the {
evening sky, and not far from "the flaming {