Abstract
SPOTS ON VENUS.—The present very favourable evening apparition of Venus has been noted for an unusual number of observations of markings on the disc. One was seen in February by Dr. W. H. Steavenson: some others are noted in Astr. Nachr. 5286 by A. Nissen and A. Foch. On February 10 and on February 24 there were several distinct spots, some bright, some dark. There was a bright spot near the south pole, and another in the northern hemisphere crossed by a dark band which the authors regarded as a shadow of an upper cloud on a lower one. Conclusions as to rotation time are discordant. A. Nissen concluded that it was in the neighbourhood of 23h 56′ °, but W. H. Steavenson saw no motion while he watched the spot, and favoured a longer period. The question is of such interest and importance that observers should utilise to the utmost any opportunities that may present themselves. The planet will again be well placed as a morning star after the inferior conjunction on July 1.
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Our Astronomical Column . Nature 113, 799 (1924). https://doi.org/10.1038/113799a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/113799a0