Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1883-03-29

The temperance of the variable star
POLITICALLY known as the Star OF Bethle-
hem is among the possibilities OF the
present year; for. unless astronomical
calculations are in fault, this long looked
fer star must fash forth from the sky
depths before the year 1855 has complet-
ed ite course, and it may appear at any
time, az its period, if II have any, is very
near completion.
In the year 1872 Tycho Brahe, Dutch
astronomer, discovered lew star near
Caph, in the constellation Cassiopea. 1t
was Of the first magnitude when first
seen, increased rapidly in briIliancy, out
shining Sirius and soon equaling Venus,
and was easily detected at MONDAY by
GOOD observers. The color of the great
star was at first of dazzling white, then
il changed to yellow, and finally became
red. II shone brightly for very nearly q
month, then gradually faded, and in
sixteen months disappeared from view
entirely.
There were at the time variety Of
opinions concerning the cause of this
remarkable phenomenon. Some OBJ
servers looked upon Il as a fresh crea-
ton, new conner in the universe. Other
observers, aud the larger portion, con-
sidered it as sun on fire, a grand celea-
tial confagration, symbolizing the fate
sure to overtake our sun and his retiDue
Of worlds when the end Of all things ar
riyes. Astronomers were content with
various speculations Or the subject with
out coming TO any definite conclusion,
though it was the general opinion that
the bright star in CassIopea had fulfilled
its mission and would meyer again shine
in the star depths.
A few stars with similar history had
been observed at long intervals, and
these, az we'll as the brilliant newcomer,
were included in class known as new
or temporary stars.
Forty years after the occurrence Of
this event the telescope was invented.
When it was turned to the position in
the heavens occupied by the blazing star,
. telescopic star WAS found within a
minute Of tho identical spot which had
been carefully mapped out by Tych0
Brahe. This telescope star is still
found there, and Ia probably the same
star that 20 suddenly famed forth in
1872.
The discovery that the famous star
had not ceased to exist stimulated inves-
tigation. Astronomical annals were dill
igently searched, and it was found that
similar bright stars were recorded as
appearing in the same region of tho sky
IN the years 945 and 1854. 1t IL there
fore inferred that the great now star of
1b72 il variable, with n period of few
more than three hundred years. II this
theory prove true, we may soon hope TO
witness repetition of this incompre-
hensible phenomenon. The last period
was three hundred and eight years. The
star was therefore due in 1890, and, II II
appears at all, must dazzle our admirinq
eyes in the immediate future. By count
ing back three periods from the stars
first recorded appearance, In N5. We are
brought to the near vicinity of the birth
Of Christ. Observers gifted with poetic
fancies have not failed TO connect the
two events, and to infer tina. the star in
the East pointing to the place Of the
nativity was the sudden outburst of this
extraordinary star. Hence il has re-
ceived the name Of the "Star of Beth
lohem."
About twenty-four temporary stars
have appeared from time to time in the
last two thousand years. II is nearly
certain that they all existed in tho skies
- very small stars before they blaxed
forth, and that, though apparently blot
ted ont, they still exist there, ready to
blaze forth again when the same con-
ditions induce another confagration.
They are now classified as variable
stars, though their long periods are Of
An incompreheuaihle and irregular char
00E6f.