Our Astronomical Column

Abstract

THE APPROACHING MAXIMUM OF o CETI.—According to prediction, o Ceti or Mira will be at its maximum brightness on February 11 next, but it should be noted that both the star's period and brightness are not always the same at each return to its full brilliancy. As the star remains at its maximum brightness (2.0 mag.) for about fourteen days, it will be at a maximum on February (approx.). At the present time it is a conspicuous ruddy object in a 4-in. telescope (mag. about 6.0), and its spectrum discloses the strikingly brilliant fiutings and the bright hydrogen lines. The variable is best situated for observation in the earlier part of the evening, and the following is its position:—