Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1885-07-21
Star Of Bethlehem
Specially Prepared for American Rural Home
bY Prof. w K. Brooks Phelna n Y

| Specially Prepared for American Rural Home,
by Prof. W X. Brooks, Phelps, MY.
The "Star of Bethlehem and "The
Pilgrim" are the fancifui names
which have been applied TO a won
derful star which ives observed by
TychO Brahe, about the middle of
November, 1872. Many incorrect an
nouncements have been made during
the last few months 10 the effect that
the loOked-fOr Star of Bethlehem had
appeared, and was visible in the ear
ly morning sky. The star referred
To was simply the beautiful planet,
J Venus, performing its customary,
| though always brilliant and inter-
esting role, Of Lucifer, or Morning
Star.
The star, however. which has been
designated as "The Pilgrim" or "Star
of Bethlehem" has not yet appeared,
but is looked for, by many astrono-
lners with great interest, it being the
temperance of the celebrated star
observed by Tycho, referred to above.
lie himself has written of it in the
following language: "One night as |
was examining, as usual, the celes-
tial vault, the aspect of which is so
familiar to me, saw with unspeaka-
bic astonishment, near the zenith, in
Casslopea, star of extraordinary
brightness. Struck with surprise |
could scarcely believe my eyes. To
convince myself that there was no il
lusion, and to obtain the testimony of
other persons, | called the workmen
occupied in my laboratory, and |
asked them as well as all the passers
by, if they saw, as | did, the star
which had SO suddenly made its ap-
pearance. | learned later, that in
Germany the coach drivers and 9TH
erS of the people, had acquainted the
astronomers of Il strange appearance
in the sky"
In the map of the constellation of
Cassiopea, the location of the won
derful star is plainly shown, and may
be readily found in the heavens by
any interested person. 1t is at this
point that the star is again expected
to burst forth. In a large telescope
faint star is seen to hold the eX-
act position occupied by Tycho
Drahe's star. The star as obsel we'd
by Tycho was at first of eXtraordin-
airy brilliancy, equaling Venus at
quadrature. 1t flashed and twinkled
unusually, was seen through moder-
ately thick clouds, and remained Wis
ible i'll the day time. In a few
months it began to lose brilliancy in
January, 1873, it was less brilliant
than Jupiter; during the months of
April it passed to the second magni-
tude, and rapidly decreasing in
brightness, it disappeared during the
month Of March, 1914. The color of
the star fluctuated greatly. 1t was
first of dazzling whiteness, then
changed TO yellow followed by red,
and before disappearance was Of a
leaden hue.
Now, astronomical records indicate
that bright stars were seen in this
same region of the heavens in The
years 945 and 1864 from which it is
believed that this is what is called "a
caiidble star (of which we have
many other interesting examples
with period of about 3l5 years. It's
reappearance about this time may
therefore be reasonable expected. AS
il is branch of astronomical obser-
vation that all intelligent and care
full persons may engage in, it should
become Of popular interest. Nightly
scanning of this region ofthe heavens
would tend to interest the devout OBJ
server in other branches of astrono-
my. A telescope is not really neces-
sary, although the increase of light
might first be detected, perhaps, with
a good instrument. A field or opera
glass is not to be despised.
Cassiopea is a northern constella-
ton, and with the aid of the accom-
panying map, the position of this
expected heavenly visitor may readi-
ly be determined.
Red House Observatory, Phelps,
N. T., June, 1885.