The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-05-07
BILL NYE STUDIES STARS.
The Astronomical Observa-
tionS Of a HumoriSt.
He Rummages Around Among the Heav
ems in Search of Brand New Stars.


ems in Search of Brand New Stars
We are told that there has been no
perceptible growth or decay in the
star business since man began TO roam
around through space, in his mind,a
make figures on the barn door with
red chalk, showing the celestial time
table.
No serious accidents have occurred
in the starry heavens since 1 began to
observe and study their habits. Not IA
star has waxed. not star has waned
to my knowledge. Not planet has
season-cracked or shown any of the in
furious effects of our rigorous climate.
Not a star has ripened prematurely or
fallen off the trees. The varnish on
the very oldest stars l find on close
and critical examination to be in
splendid condition. They will all no
doubt wear as long as we need them,
and wink on long after we have ceased
to wink back.
In 1866 there appeared suddenly in
the northern crown a star of about the
third magnitude and worth at least
$3.50. 1t was generally conceded by
astronomers that this was brand new
star that had never been used, but up
on consulting Argelander's star cata-
logue and price list it was found that
this was not new star at all, but an
old faded out star of the ninth magni-
tude, with the front breadths turned
wrong side out and trimmed with
moonlight along the seams.
After few days of phenomenal
brightness it gently ceased to draw a
salary as star of the third magnitude
and walked home with an "Uncle
Toms Cabin" company.
Then, again, you take certain style
of star, which you learn from Prof.
imon Newcomb is at such distance
that it takes $4,000 years for its light
to reach Boston. Now we will sup
pose that after looking over the large
stock of new and secondhand stars,
and after examining the spring cata-
logue and price list decide that one
of the smaller size will do me and /
buy it. How do know that it was
there when bought it? Its cold and
silent rays may have ceased $4,000
years before l was born and the intel
ligence be still on the way. There is
too much margin between sale and de-
livery. Every now and then another
astronomer comes to me and says:
professor, 1 have discovered another
new star and intend to file it. Found
it last night about a mile and half
south of the zenith running loose
Haven't heard of anybody who has
lost star of the fifteenth magnitude,
about thirteen hands high, with light
name and tail, have you?" Now, how
do know that he has discovered a
brand new star? How can discover
whether he is or not playing an old,
threadbare star on me for new one ?
1t is surprising that every little
while l contemplate withdrawing
from scientific research to 60 and skin
an eight-mule team down through the
dim vista of relentless years.
There is much in the great field OF
astronomy that is discouraging to the
savant who hasn't the time nor means
to rummage around through the heav
ems. At times l am almost hopeless
and feel like saying to the great yearn
full. hungry world: "Grope on forever
Do not ask me for another scientific
fact. Find it out yourself. Hunt uE
your own new-laid planets, and let me
have a rest. Never ask me again tc
sit up all night and take care Of new
born world while you lie in bed and
reck not"
I get no salary for examining the
trackless void night after night when
ought to be in bed. 1 sacrifice my
health in order that the public may
know, at once, of the presence of red
hot comet, fresh from the factory
And yet, what thanks do get?-Bu
Nye.