Astronomical Phenomena in 1872

Abstract

THIS brochure consists of some general remarks on astroncmical observing, and some forty pages of data almost entirely taken from the “Nautical Almanack” for 1872. The former are addressed to the simplest tyro, and are so meagre as to give the impression of a want of accurate knowledge. In the section touching upon instruments we are told that “with regard to the spectroscope, micrometer, and other astronomical appliances, it will be better to say but very little.” Accordingly very little is said, and that little is unimportant. Speaking of objects, Mr. Denning staitles us with the announcement that “Comeis are not interesting objects in a telescope” (we should like to hear upon what experience he grounds this assertion); and he deals with the hypothetical plant Vulcan by naïvely telling his disciples that when a total eclipse of the sun “is in progress, the region of the heavens in the immediate vicinity of the solar orb should be subjected to very careful scrutiny.” For such untutored gazers as are addressed in the earlier pages the data in the later sections are insufficient There are no times of rising and setting of the moon and planets, no positions of Jupiter's satellites at times of eclipse, no information upon the punts on the moon's limb at which occulted stirs will disappear and reappear, no warning of the effects which change of geographical position will produce in some phenomena which are computed for Greenwich only. Altogether the book is a very weak production.

Astronomical Phenomena in 1872.

By W. F. Denning, Hon. Sec. of the Observing Astronomical Society. (London: Wyman and Son.)