Abstract
CHANGE OF COLOUR IN A STAR.—Dr. Klein of Cologne first directed attention to a periodical change of colour in the star α Ursæ Majoris, from yellow to an intense fiery red, and estimated the duration of the period to be about five weeks. In a communication to the Astronomische Nachrichten, he gives observations by Herr Weber from August 22, 1876, to October 24, which support his inference. Thus on September 5 and October 10 the star was considered “stark feuerroth” and “feuerroth, tief”, while on August 22 and October 24, it was notec “weissgelb” and “gelb, schwach blaulich” respectively: from September 5 to October 10 is a period of thirty-five days, confirming the earlier estimation by Dr. Klein. Herr Weber observed with a Steinheil achromatic of 2 inches aperture, and 3½ feet focal length with a power of 90. Probably since the suspicion of a regular change of colour was made known, the star has engaged the attention of other amateurs, who may be able to add something to the evidence pro or con.
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Our Astronomical Column . Nature 15, 107 (1876). https://doi.org/10.1038/015107a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/015107a0