The Press., 1892-07-14

The Recent Occulation of Mars by the Moon.
 Those who failed to see this astrono> mical phenomenon missed wonderful sight
 A brief account of the event, as seen in this vicinity, may prove a reminder to many of what is going on outside our "little earth. :"
 The following extract from the Boston Herald for July 8, 1899, will very fittingly introduce the reader to closer acquaint- ance with the event as anticipated by as- tronomers
 "A beautiful astronomical phenomenon will occur next Monday night, July Il, which will be visible throughout the east, .ern part of the United States. An occul- tation of the planet Mars by the moon takes place under very favorable circum- stances. The first contact of the moons eastern limb with Mars occurs at II hours, 20 minutes, 75th meridian time.. The last contact with the moons western dark limb will occur at 12 hours, 22 min- utes, same time. Duration one hour and two minutes. At the close of this occu- lation Mars will be nearly at it's least dis tance from the earth, ol about 35,0O0,O ,O00 miles in round numbers. The present opposition, which occurs on Aug. 3, is the most favorable one that has oc- turred since September, 1877. Every opposition following the one of next month will occur under less favora- ble conditions until the one of February, 1901, which will occur under the least fla vorable circumstances possible. At this opposition Mars will be distant from us somewhat over 60, 900, ,O0O miles. * Every opposition succeeding this one will grow more favorable again until the one in 1909 is reached, when the planet will once more be favorably situated, as at present.
 It is of the greatest importance that Mars should be carefully observed during the latter part of July, and during August and September. The planet will be near est to the earth, so that it's satellites will be easily seen in good telescopes"
 The clouds which obscured the sky in the east were anxiously watched, lest they should cover the portions of the heavens where the expected phenomenon would occur. However, before ii p. m., all doubts disappeared with the clouds, and the condition of the atmosphere was excellent for the observations which were made by astronomers in localities where the same were possible.
 Close observation with good field glass detected the apparent contact of the moons eastern limb with the planet at 11.20 p. m., the time indicated. At this point the unaided eye could not distin- guish between the brightest portion of the lunar halo and the planet. At 11.26 the moon hid it wholly from view. An excellent opportunity for careful study of the lunar landscape was afforded dur ing the interval before the reappearance of Mars; even holding the attention of those less interested.
 With the means of observation at hand the time for the expected last contact with the moons western limb, viz. 11.22 8. m., seemed about 4 minutes too great, but accurate apparatus doubtless gave a result similar to that predicted. As the planet came into view it's distance beyond the moon was far more apparent than when it passed from sight. In reality it was considerably over a hundred times farther away than our. Luna.
 To casual observer the occultation of our heavenly body by another may seen a commonplace affair. However it is far otherwise when certain facts are kept in mind, as, for example, the. occur renee of such phenomena can be calcu- lated with high degree of mathematical certainty, such that the exact moment at which given event will occur may be known within certain limitations. More over, due recognition of the order and regularity in the movements of most of the heavenly bodies, with knowledge of the general known laws upon which the same depend, places these celestial phe- nomena in 8 position far removed from the commonplace.
 May the day speedily come when a deeper and more general interest in these phenomena may prevail, especially among those hitherto uninterested.
 AN OBSERVER