Elements of Astronomy: Illustrated with Plates, for the Use of Schools and Academies, with Questions |
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Page 2
... known to youth as stars . The observations of a short period are sufficient to establish the appa- rent truth , that most of them are fixed and stationary , always preserving the same apparent distance and di- rection from each other ...
... known to youth as stars . The observations of a short period are sufficient to establish the appa- rent truth , that most of them are fixed and stationary , always preserving the same apparent distance and di- rection from each other ...
Page 6
... known of all , except the earth , by their always appear- ing nearly round to the naked eye , or through a tele- scope . It is known of the earth , by its shadow on the moon in an eclipse , which is always circular . Pl . I , fig . 4 ...
... known of all , except the earth , by their always appear- ing nearly round to the naked eye , or through a tele- scope . It is known of the earth , by its shadow on the moon in an eclipse , which is always circular . Pl . I , fig . 4 ...
Page 9
... which often change their size and figure , is not known . 16. The Zodiacal light is a singular phenomenon , accompanying the sun . It is a faint light which often f appears to stream up from the sun a little after Of the Sun.
... which often change their size and figure , is not known . 16. The Zodiacal light is a singular phenomenon , accompanying the sun . It is a faint light which often f appears to stream up from the sun a little after Of the Sun.
Page 10
... known . In Almanacks , the sun is usually represented by a small circle , with the face of a man in it . SECT . 3. Of Mercury . 17. Proceeding from the sun , the grand centre of the system , the first planet is Mercury . It revolves ...
... known . In Almanacks , the sun is usually represented by a small circle , with the face of a man in it . SECT . 3. Of Mercury . 17. Proceeding from the sun , the grand centre of the system , the first planet is Mercury . It revolves ...
Page 17
... known . 31. Juno , the planet next to Vesta , was discovered by Mr. Harding , near Bremen , September 1 , 1804. Its colour is red , and its atmosphere appears cloudy . Its mean distance from the sun is about 253 millions of miles . Its ...
... known . 31. Juno , the planet next to Vesta , was discovered by Mr. Harding , near Bremen , September 1 , 1804. Its colour is red , and its atmosphere appears cloudy . Its mean distance from the sun is about 253 millions of miles . Its ...
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Common terms and phrases
angle aphelion apparent magnitude appear to move Aries ascertained astronomers atmosphere axis Boston called celestial equator celestial poles centre of gravity circle clock comets consequently constellation dark declination degree of heat diameter difference direction disk Dominical Letter earth's surface east eastward eclipse Epact equal equinoxes fall Golden Number heat and light heavenly bodies heavens hemisphere Hence horizon hour Illustrate inhabitants Jupiter latitude length less London longitude lunar lunar eclipse Mars Mercury meridian meteor minutes moon's nodes moon's orbit motion move round nearer nearly night noon o'clock obliquely observed parallax passing penumbra phenomena primary planets prime meridian PROB reckoned refraction retrograde motion revolution revolve round right ascension round the earth round the sun satellites Saturn secondary planets SECT seen shadow signs solar system solstice south latitude stars stone sun and moon sun's place sun's rays supposed telescope tides tion Uranus Venus visible zenith
Popular passages
Page 29 - The two great stars which mark the summit and the foot of the Cross having nearly the same right ascension, it follows hence, that the constellation is almost perpendicular at the moment when it passes the meridian.
Page 28 - We saw distinctly, for the first time, the cross of the south, only in the night of the 4th and 5th of July, in the sixteenth degree of latitude. It was strongly inclined, and appeared, from time to time, between the clouds, the centre of which, furrowed by uncondensed lightnings, reflected a silver light. The pleasure felt on discovering the southern cross was warmly shared by such of the crew as had lived in the colonies.
Page 28 - A traveller has no need of being a botanist to recognise the torrid zone on the mere aspect of its vegetation ; and without having acquired any notions of astronomy, without any acquaintance with the celestial charts of Flamstead and De la Caille, he feels he is not in Europe when he sees the immense constellation of the Ship or the phosphorescent clouds of Magellan arise on the horizon.
Page 28 - ... of space remarkable for their extreme blackness, give a particular physiognomy to the Southern sky. This sight fills with admiration even those who, uninstructed in the branches of accurate science, feel the same emotion of delight in the contemplation of the heavenly vault, as in the view of a beautiful landscape, or a majestic site. A traveller...
Page 28 - I was agitated by a fear unknown to those who love a sedentary life. It seemed painful to me to renounce the hope of beholding those beautiful constellations •which border the southern pole. Impatient to rove in the equinoctial regions, I could not raise my eyes...
Page i - I shall detain you now no longer in the demonstration of what we should not do, but straight conduct you to a hill-side, where I will point you out the right path of a virtuous and noble education ; laborious indeed at the first ascent, but else so smooth, so green, so full of goodly prospect and melodious sounds on every side that the harp of Orpheus was not more charming.
Page 32 - All places between the equator and the north pole are in north latitude, and all places between the equator and the south pole are in south latitude. The latitude is greater, as the place is farther from the equator and nearer the poles.
Page 28 - Nothing awakens in the traveller a livelier remembrance of the immense distance by which he is separated from his country, than the aspect of an unknown firmament.
Page 112 - The most remote were about 9 or 10 miles distant from each other, in a line differing little from the course of the meteor. It is therefore probable that the successive masses fell in this order, the most northerly first, and the most southerly last. We think we are able to point out three principal places where stones have fallen, corresponding with the three loud cannon-like reports, and with the three leaps of the meteor, observed by Mr.
Page 29 - It has been observed at what hour of the night, in different seasons, the Cross of the South is erect, or inclined. It is a time-piece that advances very regularly near four minutes a day, and no other group of stars exhibits, to the naked eye, an observation of time so easily made. How often have we heard our guides exclaim in the savannas of Venezuela, or in the desert extending from Lima to Truxillo, " Midnight is past, the Cross begins to bend!