The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-05-24

moon is in the zenith, we view her
from the earth surface, and in line
joining the centers of the earth and moon.
When the moon is on the horizon we see
her. not on that part of the earth's surface
joining the centers, but we are removed
away from that point by distance nearly
equal to the earth's radius.
The moons increased diameter attains
its maximum when she is in the, zenith !;
but at any point above the horizon her
diameter appears larger by actual measure
ment than when she il on the horizon.
This is true for ali ATTITUDES; but she is
never seen at her maximum enlargement
either north or south OF the parallel of
about 28H degrees.
If any one supposes that the increase Of
the moons diameter on account of her al
tltude above the horizon is too small q
matter to deserve attention, have only to
say that this increase of the moons dia-
meter on account of altitude must be taken
into account in computing the phases Of
solar eclipses when accuracy is required.
The greatest enlargement the moons dia-
meter receives on &c cunt of attitude is
about 81 seconds, or little more than one
half minute of an arc.
the moon. which has grown into a strong
belief with many people, but which is
nevertheless clear failacy. | refer to the
weather indications supposed 10 reside in
the varying positions of the moon horns,
or cusps, soon after new moon. That the
position OF the moons cusDs can have any
influence on the weather appears absurd
the moment we consider the relation at
all times existing between the sun and the
ms In ion ha ssI
follows: A straight line joining the CEN
tiers OF the discs of the SUI and moon al
ways divides the moons enlightened arc
into two equal parts, and is perpendicular
to the line Joining the GUS s. How does
this proposition affect the position of the
cusps of the moon? If the line joining
the centers of the sun and moon is per-
pendicular to the horizon the line joining
the cusps will be parallel to the horizon.
If the line joining the centers is strongly
inclined to the horizon, the line Joining
the cusps will be strongly inclined also.
Suppose, for example, that the line join
ing the centers makes an angle of 10 de-
grees with the horIs on, then the line
joining the cusps will make an angle of so
degrees with the horizon, or be nearly per-
pendicular to it; and this can happen in
high ATTITUDES.
SO also the nor.herly or southerly posi-
ton OF the moon, soon after new moon, is
supposed to have an influence on the
weather. Now, If we remember that the
moon travels through The heavens in
nearly the same path with the sun, we can
readily see how easy it is to predict the
moons northerly or southerly position.
We have only to know the time of the
year when the new moon occurs, and the
N oon's place in the heavens soon after
new moon can be easily calculated.
suppose. for instance, that new moon
occurs near the vernal equinox, or March
20. Then the moons path in the heavens,
as seen soon after shutdown, will be pretty
well north, and the crescent moon will also
be north.
Suppose. however, that new moon hap
pens about the time of the autumnal
equinox. or September %; then the moons
path in the heavens as seen soon after sum
down, lies pretty we'll SOUTH and the cres-
cent moon takes a southerly course in
moving away from the sun.
The northerly or southerly position of
the moon for every day in the year is
readily fouLd in the Nautical Almanac:
and this place of the moon, together with
the suns place, the time of the year and
hour of the day furnish data from which
the position OF the moons cusps are easily
computed, always consider ring the latitude
OF the place. So this matter of the moons
appearance Is, after all, q matter of pure
mathematics so far as this appearance is
supposed 10 influence the weather.
Again, II 1t were true that the moons
appearance, either in its northerly or
southeriy place, and the consequent posi-
ton of the moons cusps, does influence
the weather, the effect should be the same
for any given parallel of latitude the
world over; whereas, in fact, we well
known that at the same instant of time
different sorts of weather exist in different
places, but in the same degree of latitude.
The temperature that exists on the
moons surface has long been subject of
careful inquiry, and it IS interesting to
trace the varying opinions on this subject.
The lunar day and night are each about
fifteen days In length. as measured by our
time. As a consequence il has long been
supposed that during the long lunar night
the temperature must be exceedingly cold
and during the lunar day exceedingly hot.
cannot call this prevalent belief pop
uiar fallacy, because it is held by so many
eminent astronomers. The researches of
Samuel 2. Langley, former director of the
Allegheny observatory. have brought to
light theories concerning the moons
temperature quite consistent and probable
When Professor Langley announced
that he believed the moons surface to be
very cold during the lunar day as well as
during the lunar night, his announcement
was received with great reserve and his
theory was pronounced by great astron-
omer, Richard 4. Proctor as "inconsist-
ent with physical possibilities
In considering the temperature of the
moons surface, rs effected by the heat of
the sun, the absence of an atmosphere
from the moon has never been duly
weighed. Reasoning from terrestrial
standpoint We find that the earth's Of
mosphere serves as an important factor in
maintaining the heat received from the
sun. What then, is the probable effect Of
sun heat on the moons surface whore
there Is no atmosphere? Professor Lane
ley answers the inquiry very clearly. [
quote from his charminc book The New
Astronomy AS we ascend the highest
terrestrial mounra ms ami get partly above
our own protecting blanket OF air things
do not grow hotter and hotter. hut colder
and colder, and it SEEMS contrary to the
teachings ot common sense to believe that
4 We could ascend higher vet. whore the
ar ceases aitoE", her. We should not find
that II grow 60. Ter stiI.
But this last condition fof airiessressl
IS the one which does prevail. beyond a
doUot IN thc uoOn on whose whole sur
face, then, there must lie (uuiess there are
sources Of internal heat. OF which one
knows nothlnel conditions nj telureraturc
which are an eNaECcraticn OF those We ey-
perlDDCe on the summit Of z very lofty
mountain. where We have the curious re-
suit that the skin may te burned uDde.
the solar RAYS. while We are shlyerinc 81
the same time IN what the thermometer
shows i an arctic cold
oRAIY T. HARMON.
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