Abstract
THE Milky Way, “that broad and ample road, whose dust is gold and pavement stars” almost defies accurate delineation. Its irregular outlines and indefinite structure tease the eye of the artist, and renders his task most difficult. In all probability the largest amount of information with regard to this celestial zone “powdered with stars” will be obtained from photographs taken by means of portrait lenses having a wide field, similar to that employed by Prof. Barnard for his beautiful pictures. There is much to be gained, however, by the multiplication of maps such as those of M. Easton, in which the aspect of the Galaxy to an observer having normal eyesight is shown. The maps are finely drawn and reproduced, and well show the delicate gradations of galactic light. A detailed description and historical notice give the atlas additional interest, while a catalogue of the patches and streams of luminosity, and the dark regions, will be of use to those who theorise on the structure of the stellar universe. A comparison of the maps with those drawn by Boeddicker reveals many differences, but it cannot be said on this account that either of the observers is wrong. No two observers have eyes exactly alike, or are favoured with precisely the same observing conditions, hence drawings of the Milky Way, like those of nebulæ, simply represent the appearances presented to certain visions, and are only approximations to the truth. M. Easton's maps are published in a very handy form, and may be added with advantage to every astronomical library and observatory.
La Voie Lactée dans l'Hémisphère Boréal.
By C. Easton. With a preface by Prof. H. G. van de Sande Bakhuyzen. (Paris: Gauthier Villars et Fils, 1893.)
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Our Book Shelf. Nature 49, 99 (1893). https://doi.org/10.1038/049099a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/049099a0