A FIELD BOOK OF THE STARS BY WILLIAM TYLER OLCOTT _Second Edition, revised and enlarged_ WITH FIFTY DIAGRAMS G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS NEW YORK AND LONDON The Knickerbocker Press COPYRIGHT, 1907 BY WILLIAM TYLER OLCOTT COPYRIGHT, 1914 BY WILLIAM TYLER OLCOTT (For Second Edition) [Illustration: The Knickerbocker Press, New York] _Printed in the United States of America_ INTRODUCTION. Considering the ease with which a knowledge of the constellations canbe acquired, it seems a remarkable fact that so few are conversantwith these time-honored configurations of the heavens. Aside from aknowledge of "the Dipper" and "the Pleiades, " the constellations tothe vast majority, are utterly unknown. To facilitate and popularize if possible this fascinating recreationof star-gazing the author has designed this field-book. It is limitedin scope solely to that purpose, and all matter of a technical ortheoretical nature has been omitted. The endeavor has been to include in these pages only such matter asthe reader can observe with the naked eye, or an opera-glass. Simplicity and brevity have been aimed at, the main idea being thatwhatever is bulky or verbose is a hindrance rather than a help whenactually engaged in the observation of the heavens. The constellations embraced in this manual are only those visible fromthe average latitude of the New England and Middle States, and owetheir place in the particular season in which they are found to thefact that in that season they are favorably situated for observation. With this brief explanatory note of the purpose and design of thebook, the author proceeds to outline the scheme of study. SCHEME OF STUDY. The table of contents shows the scheme of study to be pursued, and tofacilitate the work it is desirable that the student follow thetherein circumscribed order. A knowledge on the part of the reader of Ursa Major, or "the Dipper"as it is commonly called, and "the Pleiades, " the well-known group inTaurus, is presupposed by the author. With this knowledge as a basis, the student is enabled in any seasonto take up the study of the constellations. By following out the orderdictated, he will in a few nights of observation be enabled toidentify the various configurations making up the severalconstellations that are set apart for study in that particular season. A large plate, showing the appearance of the heavens at a designatedtime on the first night of the quarter, is inserted before eachseason's work. This should be consulted by the student before he makesan observation, in order that he may obtain a comprehensive idea ofthe relative position of the constellations, and also know in whatpart of the heavens to locate the constellation which he wishes toidentify. A knowledge of one constellation enables the student to determine theposition of the next in order. In this work, the identification ofeach constellation depends on a knowledge of what precedes, alwaysbearing in mind the fact that each season starts as a new and distinctpart to be taken by itself, and has no bearing on that which comesbefore. CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION iii SCHEME OF STUDY v The Constellations of Spring. MAP OF THE HEAVENS 9 P. M. , APRIL FIRST 3 1. URSA MAJOR 4 2. URSA MINOR 6 Located by the pointer stars in Ursa Major. 3. GEMINI 8 Located by a line drawn through designated stars in Ursa Major. 4. AURIGA 10 Located in the same manner as Gemini. 5. CANCER 12 Located by a line drawn from Auriga to Gemini and prolonged. 6. HYDRA 14 The head of Hydra is to be seen just below Cancer. 7. LEO 16 Located by a line drawn from Gemini to Cancer and prolonged. 8. COMA BERENICES 18 Position indicated by drawing a line through designated stars in Leo. 9. CANIS MINOR 20 Located by a line drawn from Auriga to Gemini and prolonged. 10. CORVUS 22 Located by a line drawn from Ursa Minor through Ursa Major and prolonged. 11. CRATER 24 Located south of Leo and just west of Corvus. METEORIC SHOWERS, APRIL TO JULY 26 The Constellations of Summer. MAP OF THE HEAVENS 9 P. M. , JULY FIRST 31 12. DRACO 32 Lies between Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, coiling about the latter. 13. LYRA 34 Vega, its brightest star, is 12° S. W. Of the Dragon's head. 14. CYGNUS 36 Deneb, its brightest star, is about 20° east of Vega. 15. AQUILA 38 Located by a line drawn from the Dragon's head through Vega and prolonged. 16. DELPHINUS 40 Located about 10° northeast of Altair in Aquila. 17. SAGITTARIUS 42 Located by a line drawn from Cygnus to Aquila and prolonged. 18. OPHIUCHUS AND SERPENS 44 Located by a line drawn from Delphinus to Aquila and prolonged. 19. SCORPIUS 46 Located just under Ophiuchus, and west of Sagittarius. 20. LIBRA 48 Located about 15° west of the head of Scorpius. 21. CORONA BOREALIS 50 Located just above the head of Serpens. 22. HERCULES 52 Located by lines drawn from either Vega or Altair to Corona. 23. BOÖTES 54 Located just west of the Crown. Arcturus, its brightest star, is about 30° southeast of η Ursae Majoris. 24. VIRGO 56 Spica, its brightest star, is located by a line drawn from Antares in Scorpius through α in Libra and prolonged about 20°. 25. CANES VENATICI 58 Cor Caroli, its brightest star, is about 17° south of Alioth in Ursa Major. METEORIC SHOWERS, JULY TO OCTOBER 60 The Constellations of Autumn. MAP OF THE HEAVENS 9 P. M. , OCTOBER FIRST 65 26. CASSIOPEIA 66 Located by a line drawn from Ursa Major through the Pole star, the position of which is indicated by the pointer stars α and β Ursae Majoris. 27. CEPHEUS 68 Located by pointer stars in Cassiopeia. 28. PEGASUS 70 The great square of Pegasus is located by a line drawn from Polaris to Cassiopeia and prolonged. 29. ANDROMEDA 72 The star Alpheratz in Andromeda is at the northeast corner of the great square of Pegasus. 30. PERSEUS 74 Lies 9° east of γ Andromedae. 31. PISCES 76 The Circlet in Pisces is to be seen just below Pegasus. 32. TRIANGULUM 78 A line drawn from Pegasus to Perseus passes through β in Triangulum. 33. AQUARIUS 80 The position of the water jar of Aquarius is determined by pointer stars in Pegasus. 34. CAPRICORNUS 82 The head of the Sea Goat is located by a line drawn from α Pegasi through ζ and θ Pegasi and prolonged about 25°. 35. ARIES 84 Lies just south of Triangulum. A line drawn from γ Andromedae through β Trianguli points out α Arietis. 36. CETUS 86 The head of Cetus lies about 20° southeast of Aries. 37. MUSCA 88 Located between Triangulum and Aries. METEORIC SHOWERS, OCTOBER TO JANUARY 90 The Constellations of Winter. MAP OF THE HEAVENS 9 P. M. , JANUARY FIRST 95 38. TAURUS 96 Contains the celebrated and unmistakable group, The Pleiades, to be seen almost overhead in the early evening during the Winter months. 39. ORION 98 The tips of the horns of the Bull are pointer stars to Betelgeuze, in Orion. 40. LEPUS 100 Located just below Orion. 41. COLUMBA 102 Located south of Lepus, close to the horizon. 42. CANIS MAJOR 104 Located by a line drawn from the stars forming Orion's girdle. 43. ARGO NAVIS 106 Located by a line drawn from Orion to Canis Major and prolonged 18°. 44. MONOCEROS 108 Located just east of Orion. 45. ERIDANUS 110 Located just west of Rigel, in Orion. METEORIC SHOWERS, JANUARY TO APRIL 112 THE PLANETS 115 THE MILKY WAY 124 THE MOTIONS OF THE STARS 126 METEORS, OR SHOOTING STARS 130 NAMES OF THE STARS AND THEIR MEANINGS 133 INDEX 159 THE DIAGRAMS. The diagrams, it will be observed, are grouped under the seasons, andthey indicate the positions of the constellations as they appear at 9o'clock P. M. In mid-season. To facilitate finding and observing the constellations, the studentshould face in the direction indicated in the text. This applies toall constellations excepting those near the zenith. The four large plates are so arranged that the observer is supposed tobe looking at the southern skies. By turning the plate about from leftto right, the eastern, northern, and western skies are shownsuccessively. On many of the diagrams the position of nebulæ is indicated. These aredesignated by the initial letter of the astronomer who cataloguedthem, preceded by his catalogue number, as for instance 8 M. Signifiesnebula number 8 in Messier's catalogue. The magnitudes assigned to the stars in the diagrams are derived fromthe Harvard Photometry. When a star is midway between two magnitudesthe numeral is underlined, thus _2_, indicates a star of magnitude 2. 5. If a star's magnitude is between 1 and 1. 5 it is regarded as afirst-magnitude star. If it lies between 1. 5 and 2 it is designatedsecond magnitude. THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SPRING. [Illustration: Map showing the principal stars visible from Lat. 40°N. At 9 o'clock April 1st. ] URSA MAJOR (er´sa mā´-jor)--THE GREAT BEAR. (Face North. ) LOCATION. --Ursa Major is probably the best known of theconstellations, and in this work I presuppose that the reader isfamiliar with its position in the heavens. It is one of the most notedand conspicuous constellations in the northern hemisphere, and isreadily and unmistakably distinguished from all others by means of aremarkable cluster of seven bright stars in the northern heavens, forming what is familiarly termed "The Dipper. " The stars α and β are called the pointers, because they always pointtoward the Pole Star, 28¾° distant from α. Alioth is very nearly opposite Shedir in Cassiopeia, and at an equaldistance from the Pole. The same can be said of Megres, in Ursa Major, and Caph, in Cassiopeia. The star ο is at the tip of the Bear's nose. A clearly definedsemicircle begins at ο and ends in the pair ι and κ at the extremityof the Bear's right fore paw. This group of stars resembles a sickle. Note little Alcor close to Mizar. This star was used by the Arabs as atest of good eyesight. Mizar and Alcor are known as the horse and his rider. This plate shows the Bear lying on his back, his feet projected up thesky; three conspicuous pairs of stars represent three of his fourfeet. The Chaldean shepherds and the Iroquois Indians gave to thisconstellation the same name. The Egyptians called it "The Thigh. " α and η are moving through space in a contrary direction to theremaining five stars in "The Dipper. " [Illustration: URSA MAJOR] URSA MINOR (er´-sa mi´-nor)--THE LITTLE BEAR. (Face North. ) LOCATION. --The two pointer stars in Ursa Major indicate the positionof Polaris, the North Star, which represents the tip of the tail ofthe Little Bear, and the end of the handle of the "Little Dipper. " Inall ages of the world, Ursa Minor has been more universally observedand more carefully noticed than any other constellation, on account ofthe importance of the North Star. Polaris is a little more than 1¼° from the true pole. Its lighttakes fifty years to reach us. A line joining β Cassiopeiæ, and Megres, in Ursa Major, will passthrough Polaris. At the distance of the nearest fixed star our sun would shine as astar no brighter than Polaris which is presumably about the sun'ssize. Polaris revolves around the true pole once in twenty-four hours in alittle circle 2½° in diameter. Within this circle two hundred starshave been photographed. The North Star is always elevated as many degrees above the horizon asthe observer is north of the equator. Compare the light of the four stars forming the bowl of the "LittleDipper, " as they are each of a different magnitude. A standardfirst-magnitude star is 2½ times brighter than a standard secondmagnitude star, etc. [Illustration: URSA MINOR] GEMINI (jem´-i-ni)--THE TWINS. (Face West. ) LOCATION. --A line drawn from β to κ Ursæ Majoris and prolonged anequal distance ends near Castor, in Gemini. Gemini is characterized bytwo nearly parallel rows of stars. The northern row if extended wouldreach Taurus, the southern one Orion. Note the fine cluster 35 M. Herschel discovered Uranus in 1781 a short distance southwest of it. Two wonderful streams of little stars run parallel northwest on eachside of the cluster. Where the ecliptic crosses the solstitial colureis the spot where the sun appears to be when it is farthest north ofthe equator, June 21st. Castor is a fine double for a telescope, andPollux has three little attendant stars. An isoceles triangle isformed by Castor, Aldebaran in Taurus, and Capella in Auriga. There isa record of an occultation in Gemini noted about the middle of thefourth century B. C. The Arabs saw in this group of stars two peacocks, the Egyptians twosprouting plants, and the Hindus twin deities, while in the Buddhistzodiac they represented a woman holding a golden cord. Since classictimes, however, the figure has always been that of human twins. At the point indicated near θ a new star was discovered by Enebo inMarch, 1912. It attained a maximum of about magnitude 3. 5 and has atthis writing waned to the eleventh magnitude. [Illustration: GEMINI] AURIGA (â-ri´-ga)--THE CHARIOTEER. (Face Northwest. ) LOCATION. --A line drawn from δ to α Ursæ Majoris, and prolonged about45°, ends near the bright Capella, in Auriga, a star of the firstmagnitude, and one of the most brilliant in the heavens. It isunmistakable, having no rival in brightness near it. Auriga is abeautiful and conspicuous constellation. It is characterized by aclearly defined pentagon. Note the three fourth-magnitude stars nearCapella known as "The Kids. " The star β is common to Auriga andTaurus, being the former's right foot and the latter's northern horn. The field within the pentagon is particularly rich in clusters. Capella forms a rude square with Polaris, ε Cassiopeiæ, and ο UrsæMajoris, and forms an equilateral triangle with Betelgeuze in Orion, and the Pleiades in Taurus. A line from θ to α Aurigæ prolonged about 20° ends near α Persei. Capella is visible at some hour of every clear night throughout theyear. Of the first-magnitude stars it is nearest to the Pole, and itrises almost exactly in the northeast. To the Arabs Capella was "The Driver, " because it seemed to riseearlier than the other stars and so apparently watched over them, orstill more practically as "The Singer" who rode before the processioncheering on the camels, which last were represented by the Pleiades. [Illustration: AURIGA] CANCER (kan´-ser)--THE CRAB. (Face West. ) LOCATION. --Cancer lies between Gemini and Leo. A line drawn from Nathin Auriga to Pollux in Gemini, and prolonged about 15°, ends inPræsepe, the Manger, the great star cluster in Cancer, which is alsocalled "The Bee Hive. " It contains 300 stars. The stars γ and δ arecalled the Aselli--the ass's colts feeding from the silver manger. The star β lies about 10° northeast of Procyon. Acubens, α lies on thesame line the same distance beyond β. These two stars form the tips ofthe inverted "Y" which distinguishes Cancer. An imaginary line from Capella through Pollux will point out Acubens. Close to it are two faint stars. The Bee Hive lies within an irregularsquare formed by γ, δ, η, and θ, and looks like a nebula to the nakedeye. In June, 1895, all the planets except Neptune were in this quarter ofthe heavens, and Halley's comet was in this constellation on its firstappearance in 1531. The dimness of γ and δ is an infallible precursor of rain, and if theBee Hive is not visible in a clear sky, it is a presage of a violentstorm. [Illustration: CANCER] HYDRA (hi´-dra)--THE SEA-SERPENT. (Face South and Southwest. ) LOCATION. --The head of Hydra, a striking and beautiful arrangement ofstars, lies just below the Bee Hive, in Cancer, 6° south of Acubens inthat constellation, and forms a rhomboidal figure of five stars. Hydra is about 100° in length and reaches almost from Canis Minor toLibra. Its stars are all faint except Alphard, or the Hydra's heart, asecond-magnitude star remarkable for its lonely situation, southwestof Regulus, in Leo. A line drawn from γ Leonis through Regulus pointsit out. It is of a rich orange tint. Castor and Pollux, in Gemini, point southeast to it. The constellations Crater, the Cup, and Corvus, the Crow, both standon the coils of Hydra, south of Denebola, the bright star in the tailof the Lion. Hydra is supposed to be the snake shown on a uranographic stone fromthe Euphrates, 1200 B. C. The little asterism Sextans, the Sextant, lies in the region betweenRegulus and Alphard. It contains no stars brighter than the fourthmagnitude. [Illustration: HYDRA] LEO (le´o)--THE LION. (Face South. ) LOCATION. --A line drawn from Pollux, in Gemini, to γ in Cancer, andprolonged about 12°, strikes Regulus, the brilliant star in the heartof the Lion. Regulus lies about 9° east of Acubens, in Cancer, andabout 12° northeast of Alphard, in the heart of Hydra. Leo is one of the most beautiful constellations in the zodiac. It liessouth of the Great Bear, and its principal stars are arranged in theform of a sickle which nearly outlines the Lion's head. This group isso striking as to be unmistakable. Regulus is in the handle of thesickle. It is one of the stars from which longitude is reckoned, liesalmost exactly on the ecliptic, and is visible for eight months in theyear. Denebola, the bright star in the Lion's tail, lies 25° east ofRegulus, and about 35° west of Arcturus, in Boötes. It is the samedistance northwest of Spica, in Virgo, and forms with Spica andArcturus a large equilateral triangle. ζ is double, and has three faint companion stars. ε has two seventh-magnitude companion stars, forming a beautifullittle triangle. Regulus is white in color, γ yellow, π red. γ is a beautiful colored telescopic double star and has a companionvisible in an opera-glass. The figure of Leo very much as we now have it appears in all theIndian and Egyptian zodiacs. [Illustration: LEO THE SICKLE] COMA BERENICES (kō´-ma ber-e-ni´-sez)--BERENICE'S HAIR. LOCATION. --A line drawn from Regulus to Zosma, in Leo, and prolongedan equal distance, strikes this fine cluster, which is 18° northeastof Zosma, δ Leonis. The group lies well within a triangle formed by Denebola, Arcturus, inBoötes, and Cor Caroli, in Canes Venatici, which triangle is the upperhalf of the Diamond of Virgo. Twenty or thirty stars in this group can be counted with an opera-glass, and the group can be easily distinguished with the naked eye, when themoon is not visible. The first half of the month of April can be called the most brilliantsidereal period of the year. At this time eleven first-magnitude starsare visible in this latitude at 9 P. M. From east to west they are:Vega, Arcturus, Spica, Regulus, Pollux, Procyon, Sirius, Capella, Aldebaran, Betelgeuze, and Rigel, truly a glorious company, anincomparable sight. [Illustration: COMA BERENICES] CANIS MINOR (kā´-nis mi´-nor)--THE LESSER DOG. (Face West. ) LOCATION. --Procyon, the Little Dog Star, lies about 23° south ofPollux, in Gemini. A line drawn from Nath, in Auriga, to Alhena, inGemini, and prolonged about 18°, reaches Procyon. Procyon is equidistant from Betelgeuze in Orion, and Sirius in CanisMajor, and forms with them an equilateral triangle. It forms a largeright-angled triangle with Pollux and Betelgeuze. The light from Procyon is golden yellow. Four degrees northwest of itis the third-magnitude star Gomeisa. The glass shows two small starsforming a right-angled triangle with it. Procyon was distinctly mentioned by Ptolemy. It rises in this latitudea little north of east about half an hour before Sirius, the Dog Star, hence it was called Procyon from two Greek words which signify "beforethe dog. " Procyon is one of our nearest neighbors in space, at a distance of tenlight years, and is attended by a very faint companion which is onlyvisible in the largest telescopes. [Illustration: CANIS MINOR] CORVUS (kôr´-vus)--THE CROW. (Face South. ) LOCATION. --A line drawn from the Bee Hive, in Cancer, through Regulus, in Leo, and prolonged about 40°, ends near the conspicuousquadrilateral which distinguishes Corvus. The brightest star in thisregion of the sky is Spica, in Virgo. It lies about 10° northeast ofAlgorab. ζ is a double star for an opera-glass. A faint pair of stars lie closebelow and to the west of β. The Crow is represented as standing on, and pecking at, the coils of Hydra. The star Al Chiba is in the Crow'sbill. Corvus was known as the Raven in Chaucer's time. δ is an interesting telescopic double. A line drawn from γ to β Corvi and prolonged twice its length locatesthe third-magnitude star ι Centauri in the right shoulder of theCentaur. The brightest stars in this constellation are not visible inthis latitude. [Illustration: CORVUS] CRATER (krā´-ter)--THE CUP. (Face South. ) LOCATION. --Crater is situated 15° west of Corvus, and due south of θLeonis. It is easily distinguished by reason of a beautiful and verystriking semicircle of six stars of the fourth magnitude, forming thebowl of the cup. The constellation resembles a goblet with its base resting on thecoils of Hydra. The star Alkes is common to Hydra and Crater, and may be seen 24°southeast of Alphard in the heart of Hydra. It is distinguished by itsforming an equilateral triangle with α and γ, stars of the samemagnitude 6° south and east of it. Corvus and Crater are to be seen half-way up the southern sky duringthe early evenings in spring. δ is now the lucida. Crater is situated at about the centre of Hydra and is on themeridian, April 26th. Owing to its many faint stars it is best seen ona clear moonless night. The zodiacal light is well worth observing at this season of the year. It is to be seen in the western sky shortly after sundown, and is mostintense during the evenings of March. [Illustration: CRATER] METEORIC SHOWERS. APRIL TO JULY. +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ | | | | | Other Dates | | | Name of Shower | Date | Radiant Point |Characteristics| of |Location| | | | | | Observation | | +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ | Beta or Mu |Apr. 9-16| The Dragon's head | | | N. E. | | Draconids | Apr. 18 | | Sw. F. | Apr. 17-25 | | | Beta Serpentids | | The Serpent's head | | | S. E. | +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ | Lyrids, | | About 10° from | | | | | rich shower | Apr. 20 | Vega toward | V. Sw. | | N. E. | | | | Hercules | | | | +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ | Eta Aquarids, | May 6 | Near the Water | Sw. Sk. | After 2 A. M. | E. | | fine annual shower | | Jar | | | | +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ | Alpha Coronids, | May 11 | Near Gemma | Sl. F. | May 7-18 | N. | |well defined in 1885| | (α) Coronæ B. | | | | +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ | Iota Pegasids, | | Between Cygnus | | May 29- | | |well defined shower | May 30 | and the Great | Sw. Sk. |June 4 after | N. E. | | | | Square | | 10 P. M. | | +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ | Beta Herculids | June 7 | Near the Crown | Sl. B. | A fire ball | S. E. | | | | About 8°S. Of Ras | | radiant | | | Beta Ophiuchids | June 10 | Alhague | Sl. | June 10, 13 | S. E. | +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ | Delta Cepheids | June 20 | About 13° from | | June 10-28, | | | | | (β) Cassiopeiæ | Sw. |July 19, Aug. | N. | | | | | | 25, etc. | | +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ The Abbreviations under _Characteristics_ are as follows: V. --very. M. --moderately. Sw. --swift. Sl. --slow. Sh. --short. B. --bright. F. --faint. Sk. --streak-leaving meteors. T. --train-leaving meteors. THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER. [Illustration: Maps showing the principal stars visible from Lat. 40°N. At 9 o'clock, July first. ] DRACO (drā´-ko)--THE DRAGON. (Face North. ) LOCATION. --About 10° from α Ursæ Majoris--from α to δ is 10°--slightlysouth of, that is above, the line from α to Polaris, is Giansar, λ inthe tip of the Dragon's tail. Above λ, and almost in line with it, aretwo more stars in Draco, which form with two stars in Ursa Major aquadrilateral. (See diagram. ) Draco now curves sharply eastward, coiling about the Little Bear as shown, then turns abruptly southerly, ending in a characteristic and clearly defined group of four stars, forming an irregular square, representing the Dragon's head. Thisgroup is almost overhead in the early evening in summer. The star inthe heel of Hercules lies just south of the Dragon's head. Thebrilliant Vega will be seen about overhead, 12° southwest of theDragon's head. Eltanin, one of the Dragon's eyes, is noted for itsconnection with the discovery of the law of aberration of light. It isof an orange hue, while the star β, near it, is white. Note Thuban, once the Pole Star, at one corner of a quadrilateral that Draco formswith Ursa Major. Thuban could be seen by day or night from the bottom of the centralpassage of several of the Pyramids in Egypt. The rising of Eltanin was visible about thirty-five hundred years B. C. Through the central passages of the temples of Hathor at Denderah. TheEgyptians called Draco "The Hippopotamus. " Vega and the four stars in the Dragon's head offer an opportunity tocompare the first five stellar magnitudes with which all should befamiliar. [Illustration: DRACO] LYRA (lī´-ra)--THE LYRE. LOCATION. --Lyra may be easily distinguished because of the brilliantVega, its brightest star, which is situated about 12° southwest of theDragon's head. It is unmistakable, as it is the brightest star in thisregion of the heavens, and the third brightest in this latitude. InJuly and August Vega is close to the zenith in the early evening. The six bright stars in Lyra form an equilateral triangle on onecorner of a rhomboid. A very characteristic figure. ε is a pretty double for an opera-glass, and a 3" glass reveals theduplicity of each star of this pair. ε is therefore a double double. ζ is a double for a good glass. β is a variable, changing from magnitude 3. 4 to 4. 4 in twelve days. Atits brightest it is about equal to its near neighbor γ Lyræ. The noted ring nebula lies between β and γ. A 3" glass reveals it buta powerful telescope is required to render its details visible. If the distance from the earth to the sun equalled one inch, thedistance from the earth to Vega would be 158 miles. Vega was the first star to be photographed, in 1850. It is visible atsome hour every clear night, and has been called the arc-light of thesky. Its light has the bluish-white hue that suggests "a diamond inthe sky. " The spectroscope reveals that Vega is a star probably only in itsinfancy, as hydrogen is its predominating element. [Illustration: LYRA] CYGNUS (sig´-nus)--THE SWAN, OR THE NORTHERN CROSS. LOCATION. --Deneb, the brightest star in Cygnus, is at the top of thecross, and a little over 20° east of Vega. It forms a triangle withVega and Altair in Aquila--Altair being at the apex, about 35° fromDeneb and Vega. β Cygni is at the base of the cross, and a line drawn from Vega toAltair nearly touches it. It is a beautiful colored double for a smalltelescope. Note "61, " one of the nearest stars to us. It was the first star whosedistance was measured (by Bessel in 1838). It is a double star and10. 4 light years distant. The cross is nearly perfect and easily traced out. It lies almostwholly in the Milky Way. Note "The Coal Sack, " one of the dark gap in the Milky Way. Cygnus contains an unusual number of deeply colored stars and variablestars. ο Cygni has a sixth-magnitude companion, and γ is in the midst of abeautiful stream of faint stars. This region is perhaps richer than any similar extent in the heavens. An opera-glass will reveal many of its beauties. Herschel counted 331, 000 stars in an area of only 5° in Cygnus. [Illustration: CYGNUS] AQUILA (ak´-wi-lä)--THE EAGLE, AND ANTINOÜS. (Face Southeast. ) LOCATION. --Half-way up the sky in the Milky Way, you will see threestars in a line, the middle one much brighter than the other two. Thisbright star is Altair, in Aquila. It forms with Vega and Deneb anisosceles triangle. Altair is at the apex, about 35° from the othertwo. A triangle is formed by Vega, Altair, and Ras Alhague, in theSerpent Bearer, which is about 30° west of Altair. This is a double constellation composed of Aquila and Antinoüs. Altairis in the neck of the Eagle, Alschain in the head of Antinoüs. When the moon is absent, a rude arrowhead can be traced out, embracingalmost all the stars in Aquila. η is an interesting variable star, changing from magnitude 3. 5 to 4. 7and back again within a period of 7 days 4 hours 12 minutes. Altair rises about 8° north of the exact eastern point on the horizon. In A. D. 389 a wonderful temporary star flashed out near Altair thatequalled Venus in brightness and vanished within three weeks' time. [Illustration: AQUILA ANTINOÜS] DELPHINUS (del-fi´-nus)--THE DOLPHIN, OR JOB'S COFFIN. (FaceSoutheast. ) LOCATION. --The little cluster of five stars forming Delphinus is to beseen about 10° northeast of Altair, and, though there are no brightstars in the group, it can hardly escape notice. A line drawn fromVega to Albireo, and prolonged about 20°, strikes the star ε in thetail of the Dolphin. The four other stars of prominence in theconstellation are a little above ε, and form a diamond-shaped figure. The little asterisms Sagitta, the Arrow, and Vulpecula and Anser, theFox and Goose, are shown just above Delphinus. Delphinus is also called Job's Coffin. The origin of this appellationis unknown. In Greece, Delphinus was the Sacred Fish, the sky emblem ofphilanthropy. The Arabs called it the "Riding Camel. " The star γ Delphini is a fine double for a small telescope with amarked and beautiful contrast of colors. The names for α and β reversed spell "Nicolaus Venator, " the Latinizedname of the assistant to the astronomer Piazzi. [Illustration: DELPHINUS] SAGITTARIUS (saj-i-tā-ri-us)--THE ARCHER. (Face South. ) LOCATION. --A line drawn from Deneb, in Cygnus, to Altair, in Aquila, and prolonged an equal distance, terminates in Sagittarius about 10°east of its distinguishing characteristic, the Milk Dipper. Sagittarius is one of the signs of the zodiac, and lies betweenCapricornus, on the east, and Scorpius, on the west. The bow is easily traced out. γ marks the arrow's tip. Note the star μ, which serves to point out the Winter Solstice, wherethe solstitial colure intersects the ecliptic. On a clear night, the pretty cluster known as Corona Australis, theSouthern Crown, can be seen about 10° below the bowl of the MilkDipper. Its lucida, the fourth-magnitude star Alfecca Meridianaculminates at 9 P. M. , August 13th. Sagittarius is about due south, in a splendid position forobservation, during the month of July, between the hours ofnine-thirty and eleven o'clock P. M. Observe with an opera-glass the fine clusters 20 M. And 8 M. , also analmost circular black void near the stars γ and δ, and to the east ofthis spot another of narrow crescent form. The stars φ and ζ in the Milk Dipper are moving in oppositedirections. Future generations therefore will not have thistime-honored figure to guide them in locating the Archer in theirsummer night skies. [Illustration: SAGITTARIUS] OPHIUCHUS (of-i-ū-kus)--THE SERPENT BEARER, AND SERPENS. (FaceSouthwest. ) LOCATION. --A line drawn from ε Delphini to γ Aquilæ, prolonged about30°, strikes the star Ras Alhague, the brightest star in theconstellation and the head of Ophiuchus. It is at one angle of anisosceles triangle, of which Altair is at the apex, and Vega the thirdangle. Two constellations are here combined. Ophiuchus is represented as anold man, holding in his hands a writhing serpent. Ras Algethi, marking the head of Hercules, lies just west of RasAlhague. Equally distant southeast and southwest of Ras Alhague are to be seentwo stars close together, representing the shoulders of Ophiuchus. Hisfoot rests on the Scorpion just above Antares. The head of Serpens is the star group in the form of an "X" just belowthe Crown. 1604 indicates the spot where in that year a famous temporary starappeared, called Kepler's star. Note the asterism the "Bull of Poniatowski" just east of γ. The starmarked 70 is one of the most distant stars for which a parallax hasbeen obtained. Its distance from the earth = 1, 300, 000 radii of theearth's orbit, or 120 quadrillion miles. There is something remarkable in the central position of this giganticfigure. It is situated almost exactly in the mid-heavens, being nearlyequidistant from the poles, and midway between the vernal and autumnalequinoxes. [Illustration: OPHIUCHUS SERPENS] SCORPIUS (skôr´-pi-us)--THE SCORPION. (Face South. ) LOCATION. --Scorpius, one of the signs of the zodiac, is a beautifulstar group, and one that is easily traced out. It lies just under theSerpent Bearer, between Sagittarius and Libra. The resemblance to a Scorpion is not difficult to see, hence thisconstellation is perhaps the most aptly named of any. The ruddy star Antares, the brightest star in the constellation, is inthe heart of the Scorpion. It lies about 40° southwest of Ras Alhague, in Ophiuchus, and a little over 20° west of the bow of Sagittarius. The fact that it is the most brilliant star in this region of the skyrenders its identity unmistakable. It is one of the reddest stars inthe firmament. There are several star clusters and double stars to be seen in thisconstellation. Their position is indicated in the diagram. The curved tail of the Scorpion is very conspicuous. λ and υ are astriking pair and the fine clusters above them can be seen with thenaked eye. A record of a lunar occultation of β Scorpii in 295 B. C. Is extant. Note a pair just below β. They are known as ω¹ and ω². In this region of the sky have appeared many of the brillianttemporary stars, the first one in astronomical annals being discoveredin 134 B. C. Scorpius is mentioned by all the early writers on astronomy and issupposed to be so named because in Egypt it was a sickly time of theyear when the sun entered this sign. [Illustration: SCORPIUS] LIBRA (lī´-bra)--THE SCALES. (Face Southwest. ) LOCATION. --Libra is one of the signs of the zodiac, and lies betweenVirgo and Scorpius. Its two chief stars, α and β, may be recognizedwest of and above the head of the Scorpion. The star ι Libræ is about 20° northwest of Antares in the Scorpion. Spica in Virgo, a star of the first magnitude, is a little over 20°northwest of α Libræ. A quadrilateral is formed by the stars α, β, γ, ε, which characterizesthe constellation. The star α Libræ looks elongated. An opera-glass shows that it has afifth-magnitude companion. β is a pale green star. Its color is very unusual. Lyra, Corona, and Hercules are almost directly overhead in the earlyevening, during July and August, and can best be observed in areclining position. Thus placed, with an opera-glass to assist thevision, you may study to the best advantage the wonderful sight spreadout before you, and search depths only measured by the power of yourglass. When the sun enters the sign Libra the days and nights are equal allover the world and seem to observe a certain equilibrium like abalance, hence the name of the constellation. [Illustration: LIBRA] CORONA BOREALIS (kō-rō´nä bō-rē-a´-lis)--THE NORTHERN CROWN. LOCATION. --A line drawn from α Cygni, to α Lyræ, and projected alittle over 40°, terminates in the Crown, which lies between Herculesand Boötes, and just above the diamond-shaped group of stars in thehead of the Serpent. The characteristic semicircle resembling a crown is easily traced out. The principal stars are of the fourth magnitude excepting Gemma, whichis a second-magnitude star and known as the "Pearl of the Crown. " Gemma, sometimes called Alphacca, forms with the stars Seginus andArcturus, in Boötes, an isosceles triangle, the vertex of which is atArcturus. Close to ε a famous temporary appeared suddenly May 12, 1866, as asecond-magnitude star. It was known as the "Blaze Star" and wasvisible to the naked eye only eight days, fading at that time to atenth-magnitude star, and then rising to an eighth-magnitude, where itstill remains. The native Australians called this constellation "The Boomerang. " Tothe Hebrews it was "Ataroth" and by this name it is known in the Eastto-day. No two of the seven stars composing the Crown are moving inthe same direction or at the same rate. α Coronæ is seventy-eight light years distant and sixty times brighterthan the sun. [Illustration: CORONA BOREALIS] HERCULES (her´-kū-lēz)--THE KNEELER. LOCATION. --A line drawn from either Vega, in Lyra, or Altair, in Aquila, to Gemma, in Corona Borealis, passes through this constellation. Theleft foot of Hercules rests on the head of Draco, on the north, and hishead nearly touches the head of Ophiuchus on the south. The star in the head of Hercules, Ras Algethi, is about 25° southeastof Corona Borealis. α Ophiuchi and α Herculis are only about 5° apart. The cluster 13 M. , the Halley Nebula, can be easily seen in anopera-glass. In a recent photograph of this cluster 50, 000 stars areshown in an area of sky which would be entirely covered by the fullmoon. Hercules occupies the part of the heavens toward which the sun isbearing the earth and planets at the rate of twelve miles a second or373 million miles a year. On a clear night the asterism Cerberus, the three-headed dog, whichHercules holds in his hand, can be seen. This constellation is said to have been an object of worship inPhœnicia. There is a good deal of mystery about its origin. Theancient Greeks called it "The Phantom" and "The Man upon his Knees. " The stars ε, ζ, η, and π form a keystone shaped figure that serves toidentify the constellation. [Illustration: HERCULES] BOÖTES (bō-ō´tēz)--THE HERDSMAN, OR BEAR DRIVER. (Face West. ) LOCATION. --Boötes lies just west of the Crown, and east of Cor Caroli. It may be easily distinguished by the position and splendor of itsprincipal star, Arcturus, which shines with a golden yellow lustre. Itis about 35° east of Denebola, in Leo, and nearly as far north ofSpica, in Virgo, and forms with these two a large equilateraltriangle. A line drawn from ζ to η Ursæ Majoris and prolonged about30° locates it, as does one from δ Herculis to γ Coronæ prolonged itslength. The brightest stars in Boötes outline a characteristic kite-shapedfigure. Arcturus is mentioned in the Book of Job and is often referredto as "The Star of Job. " Three stars of the fourth magnitude are situated in the right hand. They are about 5° north of η Ursæ Majoris. Contrast the color of Arcturus with Spica, Antares, and Vega. The trapezium β, γ, δ, and μ, was called "The Female Wolves, " by theArabians; θ, ι, κ and λ, "The Whelps of the Hyenas. " They knew theconstellation as "The Vociferator. " Arcturus is the fourth brightest star in the northern hemisphere. Itis 1000 times the size of our sun and rushes through space towardVirgo at the astounding rate of ninety miles a second. It is fortylight years distant. The ancient Greeks called this constellation "Lycaon, " a name whichsignifies a Wolf. The Hebrew name for it was "The Barking Dog. " [Illustration: BOÖTES] VIRGO (ver´-gō)--THE VIRGIN. (Face West. ) LOCATION. --An imaginary line drawn from Antares in Scorpius through αLibræ and prolonged a little over 20° strikes Spica, the brighteststar in Virgo, which star is about 30° southwest of Arcturus. Arcturus, Cor Caroli, Denebola, and Spica form a figure about 50° inlength, called the Diamond of Virgo. The equator, ecliptic, and equinoctial colure intersect each other ata point close to the star η. This is called the autumnal equinox. The star ε is known as the "Grape Gatherer. " It is observed to risejust before the sun at vintage time. Within the rude square formed by Denebola, and ε, γ, and β, Virginis, the telescope reveals many wonderful nebulæ; hence this region of thesky has been called "The Field of the Nebula. " Spica is an extremely beautiful pure white star. It rises a verylittle south of the exact eastern point on the horizon. γ is a fine double star for a small telescope. Virgo is mentioned by the astronomers of all ages. By the Egyptians itwas intended to represent the goddess Isis, and the Greeks knew it asCeres. Spica represents the ear of corn held in the Virgin's lefthand. [Illustration: VIRGO] CANES VENATICI (kā´-nēz ve-nat´-i-cī)--THE HUNTING DOGS. (FaceNorthwest. ) LOCATION. --Cor Caroli, the bright star in this constellation, when onthe meridian is about 17° south of ε Ursæ Majoris. A line drawn from ηUrsæ Majoris, through Berenice's Hair, to Denebola, in Leo, passesthrough it. The dogs, Asterion and Chara, are represented as being held in leashby Boötes, the herdsman, in his pursuit of the Great Bear. Cor Caroli is in the southern hound, Chara, and represents the heartof Charles II of England. It is a beautiful double star in a smalltelescope. The so-called "Diamond of Virgo, " is clearly shown on this plate. Itis formed by connecting with lines the stars Cor Caroli, Denebola, Spica, and Arcturus. The fifth-magnitude star La Superba, about 7° north and 2½° west ofCor Caroli, is especially noteworthy because of the flashingbrilliancy of its prismatic rays. [Illustration: CANES VENATICI] METEORIC SHOWERS. JULY TO OCTOBER. +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ | | | | | Other Dates | | |Name of Shower | Date | Radiant Point |Characteristics| of |Location| | | | | | of Observation | | +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ | | | Between | | June 13-July 7 | | |Vulpeculids or | July 4 | Cygnus and | Sw. | Apr. 20, | E. | | Eta Sagittids | | Delphinus | | May 30 | | +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ | | | Near Deneb | | July 11-19, | | | Cygnids |July 19 | (α) Cygni | Sh. Sw. F. | Aug. 22, July | E. | | | | | | 6-Aug. 16 | | +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ | | | Between (α) | Sw. B. Sk. | July 23-Aug. 4 | | |(α)-(β) |July 25 | and | after | Sept. 15, | N. E. | |Perseids | | (β) Persei | 10 P. M. | Nov. 13 | | +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ |Aquarids, a | | Near the | | | | |conspicuous |July 28 | water jar of | Sl. B. | | E. | |shower | | Aquarius | | | | +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ |Perseids, fine |Aug. 10 | Near (α) | v. Sw. Sk. | | N. E. | |shower | | Persei | | | | +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ |Kappa Cygnids |Aug. 17 | Near the | Sw. B. T. Sh. |Jan. 17, Aug. 4, | S. E. | | | | Dragon's head | |Aug. 21-25 | | +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ | | | Near Capella | After 9. 30 | Sept. 22, | | |Alpha Aurigids |Aug. 21 | (α) Aurigæ | P. M. | Oct. 2 | N. E. | | | | | v. Sw. Sk. | | | +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ | Omicron | | Near the | | | | |Draconids. Rich|Aug. 22 | Dragon's head | Sl. T. | Aug. 21-25 | N | |shower in 1879 | | | | | | +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ | | |Between Capella | After 10 | Aug. 21, 25, | | | Epsilon |Sept. 7 | and the | P. M. | Sept. 6-8, 21, | N. E. | | Perseids | | Pleiades | v. Sw. Sk. | Nov. 29. | | +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ |Alpha Arietids |Sept. 21| Near Hamal | Sl. T. | Aug. 12, Oct. 7| E. | | | | (α) Arietis | | | | +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ |Gamma Pegasids |Sept. 22| Near and S. E. | Sl. | July 31, Aug. | E. | | | | of Great Sq. | | 25, etc. | | +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ The Perseids are of a yellowish color, and move with medium velocity. Their line of flight is from northeast to southwest. They are probablyvisible for more than a month, from the latter half of July to thelast week in August. The August meteors are known as the "Tears of St. Lawrence. " The Abbreviations under _Characteristics_ are as follows: v. --very Sl. --Slow Sk. --Streak-leaving meteors. M. --Moderately B. --Bright T. --Train-leaving meteors. Sw. --Swift F. --Faint Sh. --Short meteors. THE CONSTELLATIONS OF AUTUMN. [Illustration: Map showing the principal stars visible from Lat. 40°N. At 9 o'clock, October first. ] CASSIOPEIA (kas-i-ō-pē´-ya)--THE LADY IN THE CHAIR. (Face North. ) LOCATION. --A line drawn from δ Ursæ Majoris, through Polaris, strikesα Cassiopeiæ. It is situated the same distance from Polaris as UrsaMajor, and about midway between Polaris and the zenith in the MilkyWay. Cassiopeia is characterized by a zigzag row of stars which form arude "W, " but in mid-autumn, to an observer facing north, the "W"appears more like an "M, " and is almost overhead. Note the spot marked1572. This is where a very famous temporary star appeared in thatyear. It was bright enough at one time to be seen in full sunshine. The star η is sixteen light years distant. Caph is equidistant from the Pole, and exactly opposite the starMegres in Ursa Major; with α Andromedæ and γ Pegasi it marks theequinoctial colure. These stars are known as "The Three Guides. " The chair can be readily traced out; β, α, and γ mark three of thefour corners of the back, and δ and ε, one of the front legs. The word"Bagdei, " made up of the letters for the principal stars, assists thememory. The stars γ and β are pointer stars to a fifth-magnitude star thelucida of the asterism Lacerta, the lizard about 15° from β. Cassiopeia makes an excellent illuminated clock. When β is abovePolaris it is noon, when it is in the west at right angles to itsfirst position it is 6 P. M. At midnight it is on the northern horizon, and at 6 P. M. It is due east. This is sidereal time which agrees with mean time on March 22d, andgains on the latter at the rate of two hours a month. [Illustration: CASSIOPEIA] CEPHEUS (sē´-fūs) (Face North. ) LOCATION. --A line drawn from α to β Cassiopeiæ and prolonged about 18°strikes α Cephei. The nearest bright star west of Polaris is γ Cephei. Cepheus is an inconspicuous constellation, lying partly in the MilkyWay. A view of this constellation through an opera-glass will repaythe observer. Cepheus is characterized by a rude square, one side ofwhich is the base of an isosceles triangle. Look for the so-calledgarnet star μ, probably the reddest star visible to the naked eye inthe United States. The star ζ has a blue companion star. α forms an equilateral triangle with Polaris and ε Cassiopeiæ. It is claimed that Cepheus was known to the Chaldæans twenty-threecenturies before our era. Surrounding δ, ε, ζ, and λ, which mark the king's head, is a vacantspace in the Milky Way, similar to the Coal Sack of Cygnus. About 4° from γ, in the direction of κ is a pretty pair ofsixth-magnitude stars. Owing to precession, γ, β, and α Cephei will be successively the PoleStar in 4500, 6000, and 7500 A. D. Respectively. δ is a double whose components are yellow and blue. It is aninteresting variable changing from magnitude 3. 7 to 4. 9 at intervalsof 5 days 8 hours 47 minutes. As it is three times as bright atmaximum as at minimum and can be observed with the naked eye itsvariations are well worth observing. [Illustration: CEPHEUS] PEGASUS (peg´-a-sus)--THE WINGED HORSE. (Face South. ) LOCATION. --One corner of the Great Square is found by drawing a linefrom Polaris to Cassiopeia, and prolonging it an equal distance. The Great Square is a stellar landmark. Three of the corners of thesquare are marked by stars in Pegasus; the fourth, and northeastern, corner is marked by the star Alpheratz in Andromeda. Each side of thesquare is about 18° long. The horse is generally seen upside down, with his fore feet projectedup into the sky. Only the head, neck, and fore feet are represented. The star Enif marks the nose. π is an interesting double, easily seen in an opera-glass. All thestars of the Square are approaching us at an inconceivable speed. The position of the asterism Equus or Equūleus, the Little Horse, orHorse's Head, is shown in the diagram. Delphinus, the water jar of Aquarius, and the circlet in the WesternFish, are all in the vicinity of Pegasus, and indicated in thediagram. The winged horse is found on coins of Corinth 500 to 430 B. C. TheGreeks called this constellation ἱπποσ. Pegasus seems to have been regarded in Phœnicia and Egypt as the skyemblem of a ship. Within the area of the Square Argelander counted thirty naked-eyestars. Note a fine pair in Equūleus just west of the star Enif in Pegasus. The position of the equinoctial colure is defined by a line connectingPolaris, β Cassiopeiæ, α Andromedæ, and γ Pegasi. [Illustration: PEGASUS] ANDROMEDA (an-drom´-e-dä)--THE CHAINED LADY. LOCATION. --The star α Alpheratz is at the northeastern corner of thegreat square of Pegasus, one of the stellar landmarks. Running east from α, at almost equal distances, are four other stars, two of which are of the second magnitude. The most easterly one is βPersei, known as Algol, the famous variable. Lines connecting thestars γ Andromedæ, Algol, and α Persei form a right-angled triangle. The right angle is marked by Algol. The chief object of interest in this constellation is the greatnebula, the first to be discovered. It can be seen by the naked eyeand it is a fine sight in an opera-glass. Its location is indicated inthe diagram. The star γ is the radiant point of the Bielid meteors, looked for inNovember. It is a colored double visible in a 3" glass. The great nebula has been called the "Queen of the Nebulæ. " It is saidto have been known as far back as A. D. 905, and it was described 986A. D. As the "Little Cloud. " Andromeda is very favorable for observation in September, low in theeastern sky. Note the characteristic "Y" shaped asterism known as Gloria Frederikaor Frederik's Glory. It lies about at the apex of a nearly isoscelestriangle of which a line connecting Alpheratz and β Pegasi is thebase. A line drawn from δ to α Cassiopeiæ and prolonged a little overtwice its length points it out. [Illustration: ANDROMEDA] PERSEUS (per´-sūs)--THE CHAMPION. (Face Northeast. ) LOCATION. --α Persei lies on a line drawn from β to γ Andromedæ, and isabout 9° from the latter. The most striking feature in Perseus is theso-called "segment of Perseus, " a curve of stars beginning about 12°below Cassiopeia, and curving toward Ursa Major. Note the famousvariable Algol the Demon star. It represents the Medusa's head whichPerseus holds in his hand. It varies from the second to the fourthmagnitude in about three and one-half hours, and back again in thesame time, after which it remains steadily brilliant for two andthree-quarters days, when the same change recurs. Algenib and Algolform with γ Andromedæ, a right-angled triangle. Note a dull red star near Algol, and a pretty pair just above Algenib. An opera-glass reveals much that is worthy of observation in thisregion of the sky. It has been said of the clusters between Cassiopeiaand Perseus that they form the most striking sidereal spectacle in thenorthern heavens. They are visible to the naked eye. Algenib neversets in the latitude of New York, just touching the horizon at itslower culmination. It is estimated that Algol is a little over amillion miles in diameter, η has three faint stars on one side nearlyin a line, and one on the other--a miniature representation of Jupiterand his satellites. Algol, when on the meridian of New York City, is only one tenth of adegree from the zenith point. This remarkable variable has a darkcompanion star revolving near it obscuring its light in part from usat stated intervals. By means of the spectroscope the speed diameterand mass of this invisible star has been reckoned. [Illustration: PERSEUS] PISCES (pis´ēz)--THE FISHES. (Face Southeast. ) LOCATION. --This constellation is represented by two fishes each with aribbon tied to its tail. One, the Northern Fish, lies just below βAndromedæ, --the other, represented by the circlet, is just belowPegasus. The ribbons, represented by streams of faint stars, from a"V" with elongated sides, and terminate in the star Al Rischa, TheKnot. Below ω, and to the east of λ the spot marked (*) is the place whichthe sun occupies at the time of the equinox. It is one of the twocrossing places of the equinoctial, or equator, of the heavens, andthe ecliptic, or sun's path. Below Pisces is Cetus, the Whale. Pisces is thought to have taken its name from its coincidence with thesun during the rainy season. Three distinct conjunctions of Jupiter and Saturn took place in thisconstellation in the year 747 of Rome. Pisces was considered the national constellation of the Jews, as wellas a tribal symbol. In 1881, Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus were grouped together in Pisces. The Circlet is a very striking group forming a pentagon. The glassreveals two faint stars in addition, making the figure seven-sided orelliptical in form. As to the number of the stars as classified according to theirmagnitude, that is their brightness, it may be mentioned that thereare approximately 20 stars of the first magnitude, 65 of the second, 300 of the third, and 450 of the fourth. We cannot see stars fainterthan the sixth magnitude with the naked eye. [Illustration: PISCES] TRIANGULUM (trī-an´-gū-lum)--THE TRIANGLE. (Face East. ) LOCATION. --A line drawn from the star γ Pegasi to Algol in Perseuspasses through β Trianguli. The triangle is clearly defined and a beautiful figure. It lies justbelow Andromeda, and above Aries. Triangulum is a very ancient constellation, being formerly namedDeltoton, from the Greek letter Delta Δ. It was in this locality that Piazzi discovered the asteroid Ceres, January 1, 1800. α Trianguli is sometimes called "Caput Trianguli. " α and β Trianguli were known as "The Scale Beam. " According toArgelander the constellation contains fifteen stars. The Triangle has been likened to the Trinity, and the Mitre of St. Peter. [Illustration: TRIANGULUM] AQUARIUS (a-kwā´ri-us)--THE WATER CARRIER. (Face Southwest. ) LOCATION. --A line drawn from β Pegasi to α of the same constellation, and prolonged as far again, ends just east of the so-called water jarof Aquarius, which is formed by a group of four stars in the form of a"Y, " as indicated in the diagram. The Arabians called these four starsa tent. The jar is represented as inverted, allowing a stream of waterrepresented by dim stars in pairs and groups of three stars, todescend, ending in the bright star Fomalhaut, the mouth of theSouthern Fish. A rough map of South America can be traced in the stars θ, λ, τ, δ, 88, ι. A rude dipper can be made out in the western part of theconstellation, formed of the stars α, β, ν, ε. The stars τ and ζ are doubles. Of the former pair, one is white, theother orange in color. Fomalhaut was the object of sunrise worship inthe temple of Demeter at Eleusis in 500 B. C. The ancients called thisregion of the sky "the Sea. " In the vicinity of δ, Mayer observed in 1756 what he termed a fixedstar. Herschel thought it a comet. It proved to be the planet Uranus. ζ is almost exactly on the celestial equator. λ is a red star, the most prominent of the first stars in the stream. The stars in Piscis Australis can be traced out with an opera-glass. Fomalhaut and Capella, in Auriga, rise almost exactly at the sameminute. Fomalhaut is one of the four "royal stars" of astrology. The othersare Regulus, Antares, and Aldebaran. [Illustration: AQUARIUS] CAPRICORNUS (kap-ri-kôr´-nus)--THE SEA GOAT. (Face Southwest. ) LOCATION. --A line drawn from α Pegasi through ζ and θ in the sameconstellation, and projected about 25°, strikes α and β inCapricornus. This constellation contains three principal stars--α and β mentionedabove, and δ about 20° east of them. The water jar of Aquarius is about the same distance northeast of δCapricorni that Fomalhaut, in the Southern Fish, is southeast of it. α has a companion which can be seen by the naked eye. It is a finesight in an opera-glass. These two stars are gradually separating. β is a double star, one being blue, the other yellow. The constellation resembles a chapeau, or peaked hat, upside down. The stars in the head of the Sea Goat, α and β are only 2° apart, andcan hardly be mistaken by an observer facing the southwestern skyduring the early evening in autumn. Five degrees east of δ is the point announced by Le Verrier as theposition of his predicted new planet, Neptune. Flammarion claims that the Chinese astronomers noted the five planetsin conjunction in Capricornus, in the year 2449 B. C. The sign of the Goat was called by the ancient Orientalists "TheSouthern Gate of the Sun. " [Illustration: CAPRICORNUS] ARIES (ā´-ri-ēz)--THE RAM. (Face Southeast. ) LOCATION. --The star α in Aries, known as Hamal, and sometimes asArietis, a star of the second magnitude, is about 7° south of αTrianguli. A line drawn from the Pole Star to γ Andromedæ, andprolonged about 20°, ends at Hamal. Aries contains three principal stars, forming a characteristicobtuse-angled triangle. The star γ Arietis was one of the first double stars discovered. Atelescope is required to split it. Hamal lies near the path of themoon, and is one of the stars from which longitude is reckoned. Below Aries may be seen the characteristic pentagon in the head ofCetus, the Whale. More than two thousand years ago Aries was the leading constellationof the zodiac, and now stands first in the list of zodiacal signs. The Arabians knew this constellation as Al Hamal, the sheep. β and γ are one instance out of many where stars of more than ordinarybrightness are seen together in pairs, the brightest star beinggenerally on the east. [Illustration: ARIES] CETUS (sē´-tus)--THE WHALE. (Face Southeast. ) LOCATION. --A line drawn from Polaris, to δ Cassiopeiæ, and prolongedtwo and one third times its original length, reaches the centre ofthis constellation. It lies just below Aries and the Triangle, and resembles the figure ofthe prehistoric icthyosaurus, while some see in the outline an easychair. The head of the beast is characterized by a clearly tracedpentagon, about 20° southeast of Aries. The brightest star in theconstellation is α of the second magnitude. It is at one apex of thepentagon, about 15° east of Al Rischa in Pisces, and 37° directlysouth of Algol. The noted variable Mira also known as ο Ceti is the chief object ofinterest in this constellation. It was discovered by Fabricius in 1596 and varies from the ninthmagnitude to the third or fourth in a period of 334 days. It can beobserved during its entire range with a 3" glass. In 1779 Mira is reported to have been as bright as the first-magnitudestar Aldebaran. It lies almost exactly on a line joining γ and ζ Cetia little nearer the former. Ten degrees south of it are four faintstars about 3° apart forming a square. τ Ceti is one of our nearest neighbors at a distance of nine lightyears. ζ is a naked-eye double star. [Illustration: CETUS] MUSCA (mus´-kä)--THE FLY. (Face Southeast. ) LOCATION. --Musca lies between Triangulum and Aries, the diagramclearly defining its position. The four stars composing it form a group shaped like the letter "Y. " There is nothing of particular interest to be noted in this asterism. It does not appear on modern star charts and is considered obsolete. So great is the distance that separates us from the stars that as forthe great majority had they been blotted out of existence before theChristian era, we of to-day should still receive their light and seemto see them just as we do. When we scan the nocturnal skies we studyancient history. We do not see the stars as they are but as they werecenturies on centuries ago. [Illustration: MUSCA] METEORIC SHOWERS. OCTOBER TO JANUARY. +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ | | | | | Other Dates | | | Name of Shower | Date | Radiant Point |Characteristics| of |Location| | | | | | Observation | | +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ | | | Between Great | | | | | Ursids |Oct. 4 |Bear's head and | Sw. Sk. | Aug. 20-24 | N. | | | | Polaris | | | | +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ |Epsilon Arietids | | East of Hamal, | | Oct. 11-24, | | | Rich shower |Oct. 14| near Musca | M. Sw. | Oct. 30- | E. | | 1877 | | | | Nov. 4 | | +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ | Orionids |Oct. 18| Near Alhena in | After 11 P. M. | Oct. 16-22 | E. | | Fine shower | | Gemini | Sw. Sk. | | | +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ | | |Near Castor and | After 10 P. M. | Nov. 7, | | | Delta Geminids |Oct. 29| Pollux | v. Sw. Sk. | Dec. 4, | N. E. | | | | | | Oct. 16-22 | | +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ |(e) Taurids. Rich|Nov. 2 | About 13° S. E. | Sl. B. T. | Nov. 2-3 | E. | | shower in 1886 | | of Aldebaran | | | | +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ | Leonids | |Near (γ) Leonis |After midnight. | | | |Brilliant shower |Nov. 13| In the Sickle | v. Sw. | Nov. 12-14 | N. E. | | | | | Sk. | | | +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ | | | Near (μ) Ursæ | After 10 P. M. | Sept. 15, | | | Leo Minorids |Nov. 16|Maj. , the Great | v. Sw. Sk. | Oct. 16 | N. | | | |Bear's hind feet| | | | +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ | Andromedids. | | Near (γ) | | Nov. 17-23 | | | The Bielids. |Nov. 27| Andromedæ | Sl. T. | Nov. 21-28 |Overhead| | Fine display | | | | | | +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ | |Nov. 30|Between Capella | | Aug. 16 | | | Taurids | |and (α) Persei | V. Sw. | Sept. 15, |Overhead| | | | | | Nov. 20 | | +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ | Zeta Taurids. |Dec. 6 | Near the horns | | | | | Active shower | | of the Bull | Sl. B. | | E. | | in 1876 | | | | | | +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ | Geminids. |Dec. 10| Near Castor | Sw. | Dec. 1-14 | E. | | Fine shower | | | | | | +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ | Kappa Draconids |Dec. 22| Near Thuban | | Nov. 14-23 | | | | | (α) Draconis | Sw. Sk. | Dec. 18-29 | | +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ | Fire Ball Dates | | | | Nov. 29 | | | | | | |Dec. 2, 19, 21| | +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ The Andromedes are usually red, sluggish in their movements, and leaveonly a small train. Brilliant displays were seen in 1872 and 1885. The Leonids are characterized by their exceedingly swift flight. Theyare of a greenish or bluish tint and leave behind them a vivid andpersistent train. In most years the display is not especiallynoteworthy. Once in thirty-three years they afford an exhibition grandbeyond description as in 1833 and 1866. THE CONSTELLATIONS OF WINTER. [Illustration: Map showing the principal stars visible from Lat. 40°N. At 9 o'clock, January first. ] TAURUS (tâ´-rus)--THE BULL. (Face Southwest. ) LOCATION. --Taurus contains the well-known and unmistakable group thePleiades, on the right shoulder of the Bull. A "V" shaped group knownas the Hyades is just to the southeast of the Pleiades, in the face ofthe Bull, forming one of the most beautiful objects in the sky. The brightest star in Taurus is Aldebaran, a ruddy-hued star known as"The Follower. " It is at the beginning of the "V" in the Hyades, andis at the apex of a triangle formed by Capella, in Auriga, and αPersei, and equally distant from them both. The star β called Nath, is peculiarly white, and is common to Taurusand Auriga. It represents the tip of one of the Bull's horns, and theright foot of the Charioteer. The Pleiades are mentioned in Chineseannals in 2357 B. C. On a photograph of the group over 2000 stars havebeen counted. The ecliptic passes a little south of a point midway between the twohorns, where a scattered and broken stream of minute stars can beseen. Note two pretty pairs in the Hyades, one south of Aldebaran, the othernorthwest of it. There are rich clusters below the tip of the horn over Orion's head. Taurus was an important object of worship by the Druids. Aldebaran is near one eye of the Bull, and used to be called "TheBull's Eye. " An occultation of it by the moon, which not infrequentlyoccurs, is a striking phenomenon. The Eskimos regard the Pleiades as a team of dogs in pursuit of abear. The group is receding from us at the rate of thirteen miles asecond and has a common eastward motion of about ten seconds acentury. [Illustration: TAURUS] ORION (ŏ-rī´-on)--THE GIANT HUNTER. (Face South. ) LOCATION. --Orion is considered the finest constellation in theheavens. A line drawn from Nath to ζ Tauri (the tips of the Bull'shorns), and extended 15°, strikes the brilliant Betelgeuze in Orion, known as the martial star. It forms the northeast corner of aconspicuous parallelogram. The splendid first-magnitude star Rigel isdiagonally opposite Betelgeuze, and the girdle and sword of the Hunterlie within the parallelogram, a very striking group. The former isrepresented by three bright stars in a line 3° long known as the"Three Stars, " because there are no other stars in the heavens thatexactly resemble them in position and brightness. In the sword there is the most remarkable nebula in the heavens. Itmay be seen with an opera-glass and in a telescope it is a wonderfulsight. Bellatrix is called the Amazon star. Note the contrastingcolours of α and β. About 9° west of Bellatrix are eight stars in a curved line runningnorth and south. These point out the Lion's skin held in the Hunter'sleft hand. Below λ there are two stars forming a triangle with it. Flammarioncalls this region the California of the sky. The celestial equator passes nearly through δ. Orion was worshipped in China during the one thousand years before ourera, and was known to the Chinese as the "White Tiger. " The Eskimos see in the Belt stars the three steps cut by somecelestial Eskimo in a steep snow bank to enable him to reach the top. [Illustration: ORION] LEPUS (lē´-pus)--THE HARE. (Face South. ) LOCATION. --Lepus crouches under Orion's feet. Four stars in theconstellation form an irregular and conspicuous quadrilateral. γ is a beautiful double of a greenish hue. Four or five degrees south of Rigel are four faint stars which are inthe ear of the hare. They can be seen on a clear night with the nakedeye. The curved line of three stars θ, η, and ζ, are in the back of thehare. Lepus is about 18° west of Canis Major, and, by reason of the earth'smotion, the Great Dog seems to be pursuing the Hare around theheavens. The first-magnitude stars that are visible in the winter season inthis latitude present a fine contrast in color. Even the untrained eyecan see a decided difference between the bluish white color of thebrilliant Sirius, the Dog star that the Belt stars point south to, andRigel, and the ruddy Betelgeuze. Procyon has a yellowish tinge andresembles the condition of our sun, while Betelgeuze is surrounded byheavy metallic vapors and is thought to be approaching extinction. R marks the location of "Hind's crimson star, " a famous variable. [Illustration: LEPUS] COLUMBA NOACHI (co-lum´-bä nō-ä´-ki)--NOAH'S DOVE. (Face South. ) LOCATION. --Columba is situated just south of Lepus. A line drawn fromRigel, in Orion, to β Leporis, and prolonged as far again, ends near αand β, the two brightest stars in Columba. A line drawn from the easternmost star in the belt of Orion, 32°directly south, will point out Phaet, in Columba. It makes withSirius, in Canis Major, and Naos, in the Ship, a large equilateraltriangle. The star β Columbæ may be known by means of a smaller star just eastof it, marked γ. The Chinese call α Chang Jin, the old Folks. Lockyer thinks it was ofimportance in Egyptian temple worship, and observed from Edfu andPhilæ as far back as 6400 B. C. On a clear starlight night there are not more than a thousand starsvisible to the naked eye at one time. The largest telescope revealsnearly a hundred million. [Illustration: COLUMBA] CANIS MAJOR (kā´-nis mā-jor)--THE GREATER DOG. (Face South. ) LOCATION. --The three stars in Orion's girdle point southeast toSirius, the dog star, in Canis Major, the most brilliant star in theheavens. It was connected in the minds of the Egyptians with therising of the Nile, and is receding from the earth at the rate oftwenty miles a second. The star ν is a triple. The cluster (41 M. ) can be seen with anopera-glass, just below it. Between δ and ο¹ note a remarkable array of minute stars, also thevery red star 22. δ and ζ are doubles for an opera-glass. Below η there is a fine group. Betelgeuze, in Orion, Procyon, in Canis Minor, and Sirius form anearly equilateral triangle. These stars with Naos, in the Ship, andPhaet, in the Dove, form a huge figure known as the Egyptian "X. " From earliest times Sirius has been known as the Dog of Orion. It is324 times brighter than the average sixth-magnitude star, and is thenearest to the earth of all the stars in this latitude, its distancebeing 8. 7 light years. At this distance the Sun would appear as a stara little brighter than the Pole Star. [Illustration: CANIS MAJOR] ARGO NAVIS (är´-go nā´-vis)--THE SHIP ARGO. (Face South. ) LOCATION. --Argo is situated southeast of Canis Major. If a linejoining Betelgeuze and Sirius be prolonged 18° southeast, it willpoint out Naos, a star of the second magnitude in the rowlock of theShip. This star is in the southeast corner of the Egyptian "X. " The star π is of a deep yellow or orange hue. It has three littlestars above it, two of which form a pretty pair. The star ζ has a companion, which is a test for an opera-glass. The star κ is a double for an opera-glass. Note the fine star cluster (46 M. ). The star Markeb forms a small triangle with two other stars near it. The Egyptians believed that this was the ark that bore Osiris and Isisover the Deluge. The constellation contains two noted objects invisible in thislatitude, Canopus, the second brightest star, and the remarkablevariable star η. [Illustration: PUPPIS] MONOCEROS (mō-nos´-e-ros)--THE UNICORN. (Face South. ) LOCATION. --Monoceros is to be found east of Orion between Canis Majorand Canis Minor. Three of its stars of the fourth magnitude form astraight line northeast and southwest, about 9° east of Betelgeuze, and about the same distance south of Alhena, in Gemini. The region around the stars 8, 13, 17 is particularly rich when viewedwith an opera-glass. Note also a beautiful field about the variable S, and a cluster aboutmidway between α and β. Two stars about 7° apart in the tail of the Unicorn are pointer starsto Procyon. These stars are known as 30 and 31. The former is about16° east of Procyon, and is easily identified as it has asixth-magnitude star on either side of it. About 4° southwest of thisstar a good field-glass will reveal a beautiful star cluster. [Illustration: MONOCEROS] ERIDANUS (ē-rid´-a-nus)--OR THE RIVER PO. (Face Southwest. ) LOCATION. --Three degrees north and 2° west of Rigel, in Orion, lies βEridani, the source of the River. Thence it flows west till it reachesπ Ceti, then drops south 5°, thence east southeast, its total lengthbeing about 130°. The great curve the River takes, just east of the Whale, resembles ahorseshoe. Acherna, the first-magnitude star in Eridanus, is too far south to beseen in this latitude. Note the pretty star group around β and a pair of stars of an orangehue below ν. The asterism known as "The Brandenburg Sceptre, " consisting of fourstars of the fourth and fifth magnitudes, can be seen arranged in astraight line north and south below the first bend in the River justwest of Lepus. [Illustration: ERIDANUS] METEORIC SHOWERS. JANUARY TO APRIL. +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ | | | | | Other Dates | | |Name of Shower | Date | Radiant Point |Characteristics| of |Location | | | | | | Observation | | +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ | Quadrantids. | Jan. 2 | (44) Boötis, | | | | | Rich annual | |between Boötes and| M. Sw. B. | Jan 3. | E. | | shower | | Dragon's head | | | | +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ | Zeta Cancrids |Jan. 2-4| (ζ) Cancri, | | | E. | | | | near Bee Hive | | | | +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ | Theta Ursids | Jan. 5 | About 10° from β | Small | | | | | | away from γ | Sh. Sw. F. | Jan. 2-8 | N. | | | | Ursæ Maj. | | | | +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ |Alpha Draconids| Feb. 1 | Near Thuban | Sl. | Jan. 9 | N. | | | | α Draconis | | Dec. 8 | | +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ | | | Near Capella | | Aug. 21 |High in | |Alpha Aurigids | Feb. 7 | α Aurigæ | Sl. | Sept. 12-22 |Southern | | | | | | | Sky | +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ | Tau Leonids |Feb. 16 | τ Leonis, | | Nov. 27 | | | | | between Leo | Sl. Sk. | Dec. 12 | E. | | | | and Crater | | Mar. 1-4 | | +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ | Alpha Canum |Feb. 20 | Near Cor Caroli | | | | | Ven. Well | | and Coma | V. Sw. B. | | E. | | defined 1877 | | Berenices | | | | +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ | α-β |Mar. 1 | Between α | V. Sl. | July--Dec. | N. W. | | Perseids | | and β Persei | | Mar. 13-19 | | +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ |Beta Leonids or|Mar. 14 | Near Denebola | Sl. B. | Mar. 3, 4 | S. E. | |Beta Virginids | | β Leonis | | Dec. 12 | | +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ |Kappa Cepheids |Mar. 18 | Near Polaris | Sl. B. | Oct. 4-17 | N. | | | | | | Mar. 13-19 | | +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ | | | | | Apr. 10-16 | | | Beta Ursids |Mar. 24 | Near β | Sw. | Mar. 13-14 | N. | | | | Ursæ Maj. | | Dec. 2-9 | | | | | | | Precise | | +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ |Zeta Draconids |Mar. 28 | Near the | Sl. | July 29 | N. | | | | Dragon's Head | |Aug. 24, etc. | | +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ The Abbreviations under _Characteristics_ are as follows: V. Very Sh. Short M. Moderately B. Bright Sw. Swift F. Faint Sl. Slow Sk. Streak leaving meteors T. Train leaving meteors If you know the constellations, and memorize the following rhyme youwill have ever at hand for reference at night, a reliable time-piece, a compass, and a perpetual calendar. The numbers above the star names indicate consecutively the months ofthe year in which these respective objects rise about the firstinstant in the eastern sky. In addition to first-magnitude stars therhyme refers to the head of Capricornus, the Sea Goat, the GreatSquare of Pegasus, and Orion's Belt. All except Arcturus rise between9 and 9. 30 P. M. Arcturus rises at 10 P. M. , February 1st. 1 First Regulus gleams on the view, 2 3 4 Arcturus, Spica, Vega, blue, 5 6 Antares, and Altair, 7 8 9 The Goat's head, Square, and Fomalhaut, 10 11 Aldebaran, the Belt, a-glow, 12 Then Sirius most fair. Eight months of the year are identified by the position of the Dipperat 9 P. M. In April and May it is north of the zenith. During July andAugust it is west of north. In October and November it lies close tothe northern horizon and in January and February it is east of northwith the pointers highest. THE PLANETS. It is not within the scope of this work to dwell at length on adiscussion of the planets. Certain explanatory matter regarding themis necessary, however, to prevent confusion; for the student must bearin mind the fact that from time to time the planets appear in theconstellations, and unless identified would lead him to think that thediagrams were inaccurate. The reader is referred to any one of the four large plates thatprecede each season. He will observe that a portion of an ellipse hasbeen traced on each of them, and that this line has been designatedthe Ecliptic, which simply means the sun's apparent pathway across thesky. This pathway is divided into twelve equal parts of thirty degreeseach, and to these twelve divisions are given the names of theconstellations of the Zodiac in the following order: Aries (♈), Taurus(♉), Gemini (♊), Cancer (♋), Leo (♌), Virgo (♍), Libra (♎), Scorpio(♏), Sagittarius (♐), Capricornus (♑), Aquarius (♒), Pisces (♓). The sun, starting from the first degree of Aries, the first day ofspring, passes through one constellation a month. The planets followthe same pathway. Confusion, therefore, respecting their identity can only arise inconnection with a study of one of the twelve constellations namedabove, so that whenever a star of any size is seen in one of theseconstellations, not accounted for in the diagram, the student mayconclude that this is a planet; especially if the unknown star doesnot twinkle. It now remains to identify the planet. This can best be done by referring to an almanac, which states whatplanets are above the horizon, and which are morning and eveningstars. By morning star is meant that the planet is east of the sun; byevening star, that it is west of the sun. If the planet is in the west, and very brilliant, it is safe to assumethat it is the planet Venus. If it is brighter than any of the fixed stars, and is some distancefrom the sun, it is doubtless the colossal Jupiter. If it is very red, it will probably be Mars. Saturn is distinguished because of its pale, steady, yellow light. As for Mercury, Uranus, and Neptune, the former is very near the sun, and seldom seen; while Uranus and Neptune are so inconspicuous as tolead to no confusion on the part of the novice. A few notes of interest relative to the planets follow, taking them upin regular order passing outward from the sun: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. MERCURY. Mercury is the nearest to the sun of any of the planets. On thisaccount, and because of its rapid changes, it is seldom seen. The most favorable time for observing it is just after sunset, or justbefore sunrise, during the months of March, April, August, andSeptember, when it may be seen for a few successive days. The greatest distance it ever departs from the sun on either sidevaries approximately from sixteen to twenty-eight degrees. Its motionresembles a pendulum, swinging from one side of the sun to the other. VENUS. Venus approaches nearer to the earth and is more brilliant than anyother planet. It is bright enough to cast a shadow at night, and issometimes visible even at noonday. It is almost as large as the earth, and appears to oscillate, as Mercury does, on either side of the sun. It never appears more than three hours after sunset, and as longbefore the sunrise, and is never more than forty-eight degrees fromthe sun. MARS. Mars is most like the earth of any of the planets, and, although notas interesting an object to view as the more brilliant planets, Venusand Jupiter, it claims our attention chiefly because of the surmisesrespecting its habitability. Mars appears to the naked eye as a bright red star, and when at afavorable opposition to the earth (which occurs only once in everyfifteen years) it rivals Jupiter in splendor. The planet may be mistaken for the first magnitude stars, Antares inScorpius, and Aldebaran in Taurus, near which it frequently passes. The fixed stars, however, twinkle, while Mars glows steadily. If thereis any doubt in the student's mind as to the identity of the planet, afew nights of observation, noting the changes in the planet'sposition, will decide the point. It takes Mars about fifty-seven daysto pass through one constellation in the Zodiac. JUPITER. Jupiter is the largest of all the planets in the solar system, and itis easily distinguished from the fixed stars because of its brilliancyand splendor, exceeding in brightness all the planets excepting Venus, and casting a perceptible shadow. It moves slowly and majestically across the sky, advancing through theZodiac at the rate of one constellation yearly. It is therefore asimple matter to forecast its position, for, in whatever constellationit is seen to-day, one year hence it will be seen equally advanced inthe next constellation. Although Jupiter appears to move slowly, it really travels at theincomprehensible rate of five hundred miles a minute. The most interesting feature about Jupiter for the amateur astronomerconsists in observing four of its moons, which are visible with asmall telescope. They appear like mere dots of light, and theirtransit of or occultation with the planet (that is, theirdisappearance before or behind its disk) can be watched, and is anever failing source of pleasure. A large telescope alone revealsJupiter's four other moons. SATURN. Saturn is farther removed from the earth than any of the planets inthe solar system, visible to the naked eye. It is distinguished fromthe fixed stars by the steadiness of its light, which is dull and of ayellow hue, though to some it appears to be of a greenish tinge. Itseems barely to move, so slow is its motion among the stars, for ittakes two and one half years to pass through a single constellation ofthe Zodiac. Saturn has eight moons. Titan, its largest one, can be seen with a 3"glass. Its celebrated rings are telescopic objects but a small glassreveals them. URANUS. The student will hardly mistake Uranus for a fixed star, as it is onlyunder the most favorable circumstances that it can be seen with thenaked eye. At its nearest approach to the earth, it is as bright as asixth-magnitude star. Uranus is accompanied by four moons, and takesseven years to pass through a constellation of the Zodiac. NEPTUNE. Neptune is the most distant of the planets in the solar system, and isnever visible to the naked eye. The earth comes properly under a discussion of the planets, but adescription of it is hardly within the scope of this work. Confusion in identifying the planets is really confined to Mars andSaturn, for Venus and Jupiter are much brighter than any of the fixedstars, and their position in the heavens identifies them, as we haveseen before. The following table of first-magnitude stars in the Zodiacalconstellations confines the question of identifying the planets to acomparison of the unknown star with the following-named stars: Castor and Pollux in Gemini. Spica " Virgo. Regulus " Leo. Aldebaran " Taurus. Antares " Scorpius. The first four stars named above are white in color, so that eitherMars or Saturn is readily distinguished from them. As for Aldebaran and Antares, which are both red stars, not unlikeMars and Saturn in color and magnitude, the fact that the latter donot twinkle, and that they do not appear in the diagrams, shouldsatisfy the observer of their identity. Reference to an almanac, or afew nights of observation, will in any case set at rest any doubt inthe matter. [Illustration: THE PLANETARY ORBITS] [Illustration: COMPARATIVE SIZE OF THE PLANETS. ] THE MILKY WAY. The Milky Way, or Galaxy as it is sometimes called, is a great band oflight that stretches across the heavens. Certain portions of it areworthy of being viewed with an opera-glass, which separates thisseemingly confused and hazy stream into numberless points of light, emanating from myriads of suns. This wonderful feature of the heavens is seen to best advantage duringthe months of July, August, September, and October. Beginning near thehead of Cepheus, about thirty degrees from the North Pole, it passesthrough Cassiopeia, Perseus, Auriga, part of Orion, and the feet ofGemini, where it crosses the Ecliptic, and thence continues into thesouthern hemisphere, beyond our ken in these latitudes. It reappears in two branches in the region of Ophiuchus, one runningthrough the tail of Scorpius, the bow of Sagittarius, Aquila, Delphinus, and Cygnus; the other above and almost parallel to it, uniting with the first branch in Cygnus, and passing to Cepheus, theplace of beginning. The student should note especially the strange gap between α, γ, andε Cygni. This dark space has been called the "Coal Sack. " The Milky Way in the vicinity of Cassiopeia is particularly rich, andwell repays a search with an opera-glass. "The Galaxy covers more than one tenth of the visible heavens, contains nine-tenths of the visible stars, and seems a vastzone-shaped nebula, nearly a great circle of the sphere, the polesbeing at Coma and Cetus. " THE MOTIONS OF THE STARS. It may be that the student desires to proceed in this conquest of thesky at a more rapid pace than the scheme of study permits. To assistsuch, it should be borne in mind that the circumpolar constellations, as Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Draco, Cepheus, and Cassiopeia, aredesignated, --are visible in our latitude in the northern sky everynight. A reference to their diagrams, and a glance at any of the large platesshowing the entire group in their respective positions, will sufficefor the student to identify them. The hours of darkness alone limit the speed with which a knowledge ofthe constellations can be acquired. Let us suppose that the student begins his search for theconstellations on the night of April 1st, at nine P. M. He has for hisguide the large plate, and the spring group of eleven constellationsset forth in the diagrams. The remaining three constellations of thecircumpolar group are, as we have seen before, visible in the north. If he faces the western sky, he will see Andromeda just setting, andPerseus, Taurus, Orion, Lepus, and Canis Major but a short distanceabove the horizon. If he is so fortunate as to be able to identifythese, and the spring group, he may turn his attention wholly to theeastern sky, where new constellations await him. In the southeast he may see Virgo. In the east well up blazesArcturus, the gem of Boötes, below which is the beautiful NorthernCrown, with the diamond in the head of Serpens beneath it. Hercules isrising, and Vega in the Lyre should be seen just flashing on the viewin the northeast. This completes the list of wonders visible at this precise time, butthe stars apparently are never still, and doubtless, while the studenthas been passing from one constellation to another in the western andsouthern skies, others have been rising in the east and northeast. At ten P. M. The Lyre is well up, and Ophiuchus and Libra can bediscerned. At midnight Scorpius and Cygnus are ready to claim theattention. By two o'clock A. M. , Aquila, Delphinus, and Sagittariushave risen, and at break of day Andromeda, Pegasus, and Capricornuscan be seen if the student has had the courage to remain awake thislength of time. In no way can the seeming movement of the stars be better understoodthan by actual observation. The observer must bear in mind that themovement is an apparent one: that it is the earth that is moving andnot the stars. He has only to think of the analogy of the moving trainbeside the one that is standing still, and the true state of affairswill at once be evident. To further appreciate this apparent change in the situation of theconstellations, the student should refer to the large platessuccessively. In each successive one he will note the advancementwestward of the constellations mentioned above, rising in the eastlate at night. The student can best get an idea of this westward apparent movement ofthe stars by noting the position of some bright first-magnitude starfrom night to night. He will soon be able to calculate the position ofthis star a month or more ahead, and this calculation applies to allthe constellations and stars. It is not within the scope of this work to go into this matter indetail. The author merely desires to mention this fact of apparentchange of position in the stars, a fact that will be noticeable to theobserver in a short time, and a fact that it is hoped he will be ableto explain to his own satisfaction with the aid of the foregoingremarks. It will be noticed that the stars on the diagrams are all numbered andlettered. The numbers refer to the magnitude of the star, --that is, the brightness of it, the first-magnitude stars being the brightest, the second-magnitude stars two-and-a-half times less bright, etc. The letters are those of the Greek alphabet, and the student if notfamiliar with it is advised to consult a Greek grammar. In the text, in referring to certain stars in the constellations, thegenitive case of the Latin name of the constellation is given; forexample, Vega is known as α Lyrae, meaning alpha of Lyra, Aldebaran asα Tauri, alpha of Taurus, etc. The twilight hour affords an excellent opportunity of fixing therelative positions of the first-magnitude stars in the mind, for atthat time they alone, save the planets, are visible. METEORS, OR SHOOTING-STARS. As this work is designed primarily to cover what is observable in thestarlit heavens with the naked eye, the subject of meteors, orshooting-stars, comes properly within its scope. There are few persons, if any, who have not witnessed the sight of asplendid meteor speeding across the sky, and such a sight always callsforth exclamations of wonder and delight. Apparently these evanescent wanderers in space are without distinctivefeatures, and baffle classification; but, like all that nature revealsto us, they have been found, for the most part, to conform to certainlaws, and to bear certain marks of resemblance that permit of theiridentification and classification. By careful observation for over fifty years the meteors, generallyspeaking, have been so arranged that they come under the head of oneof the nearly three hundred distinct showers which are now recognizedby astronomers. Many of these showers are too feeble and faint to be worthy of theattention of one not especially interested in the subject, but certainones are well worth observing. There is always a pleasure in beingable to recognize at a glance a certain definite manifestation ofnature, be it a rare flower or a flashing meteor. The generally accepted theory respecting the meteors is that they wereall originally parts of comets now disintegrated, and the fourwell-known showers of April 20th, August 10th and 14th, and November27th, bear testimony to this theory. The apparent velocity of the meteors is between ten and forty-fivemiles a second, and their average height is about seventy-six miles atfirst appearance, and fifty-one miles at disappearance. Occasionally ameteor is so large and compact as to escape total destruction, andfalls to the earth. Specimens of these meteorites are to be found inour best museums. I have seen fit to divide the principal meteor showers into fourgroups, according to the seasons in which they appear, and have placedthem respectively at the conclusion of each season's work on theconstellations. By radiant point is meant the point from which the meteors start ontheir flight. This point is an apparent one, however, due to anillusion of perspective, for the meteors really approach the earth inparallel paths. The dates given for these showers are those of the maxima, and themeteors should be looked for several nights before and after the datesspecified. The showers that are to be seen after midnight are, unless of specialnote, omitted. There are, besides the meteors that have been classified, certainshooting-stars that apparently have no determined radiant point. Theseare called sporadic meteors. In these lists of meteors, the radiant point is only approximatelygiven; for scientific purposes a far more exact position is requiredin terms of right ascension and declination. There are several goodlists of meteoric showers to be obtained, which afford thisinformation for those who care to pursue the matter more in detail. See the Rev. T. W. Webb's book, entitled _Celestial Objects for CommonTelescopes_. For purposes of identification, the radiant points heregiven will be found for the most part sufficient. NOTE. Many readers of this book may be the fortunate possessors of small telescopes. It may be that they have observed the heavens from time to time in a desultory way and have no notion that valuable and practical scientific research work can be accomplished with a small glass. If those who are willing to aid in the great work of astrophysical research will communicate with the author he will be pleased to outline for them a most practical and fascinating line of observational work that will enable them to share in the advance of our knowledge respecting the stars. It is work that involves no mathematics, and its details are easily mastered. THE NAMES OF THE STARS AND THEIR MEANINGS. ACUBENS, α _Cancri_, "the claws. " Situated in one of the Crab's claws. It is white in color and culminates[1] March 18th. A-DAR´-A, ε _Canis Majoris_, "the virgins, " a name for four stars, of which Adara is brightest. Situated in the Dog's right thigh. It is pale orange in color, and culminates Feb. 11th. ADHIL, ε _Andromedæ_, "the train of a garment. " Situated in the left shoulder of the chained lady. ALADFAR (al-ad-fär), μ _Lyræ_, "the talons" (of the falling eagle) AL BALI, ε _Aquarii_, "the good fortune of the swallower. " AL-BI´-REO, or AL-BIR´Ë-O β _Cygni_, origin doubtful. Means the beak of the hen. Situated in the beak of the Swan and the base of the Cross. Its color is topaz yellow, and it culminates Aug. 28th. ALCAID, η _Ursæ Majoris_. _See_ Benetnasch. ALCHIBA (al-kē-bä´), α _Corvi_, "the tent, " the desert title for the constellation. Situated in the eye of the Crow. Orange in color. ALCOR (al´-kôr), g _Ursæ Majoris_, "the cavalier" or "the rider. " Situated close to Mizar in the handle of the "Dipper. " Silver white in color. The Arabs called this star "Saidak, " meaning "the proof, " because they used it to test a good eye. AL-CY´-O-NE, η _Tauri_. Greenish yellow in color. The brightest of the Pleiades. Situated in the neck of the Bull. AL-DEB´-A-RAN, α _Tauri_, "the hindmost" or the "follower, " _i. E. _ of the Pleiades. Situated in the eye of the Bull. Pale rose in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of thirty miles per second, and culminates Jan. 10. α Tauri is sometimes called Palilicium. ALDERAMIN (Al-der-am´-in), α _Cephei_ "the right arm. " It now marks the shoulder of Cepheus. White in color. It culminates Sept. 27th. ALDHAFERA, ζ _Leonis_. Situated in the "Sickle, " and the neck of the Lion. It culminates April 8th. ALFIRK (al-ferk´), or ALPHIRK, "stars of the flock, " β _Cephei_. The Arab name for the constellation. Situated in the girdle of Cepheus. White in color. It culminates Oct. 2d. ALGEIBA (al-jē´-bä), γ _Leonis_, "the mane. " Situated in the "Sickle, " and the shoulder of the Lion. It is approaching the earth at the rate of twenty-four miles per second, and culminates April 9th. AL´-GE-NIB, γ _Pegasi_, "the wing, " possibly the "flank" or "side. " Situated in the wing of the Horse. White in color, and culminates Nov. 14th. AL´-GE-NIB, α _Persei_, "the side, " or Mirfak, "the elbow. " Situated in the right side of Perseus. Lilac in color and approaching the earth at the rate of six miles per second. It culminates Jan. 1st. This star is also called Alchemb. ALGENUBI (al-je-nö´-bi), ε _Leonis_, "the head of the Lion. " A yellow star situated in the Lion's mouth. AL´-GOL, β _Persei_, "the ghoul" or "demon. " Situated in the head of the Medusa held in the Hero's left hand. White in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of one mile per second, and culminates Dec. 23d. ALGORAB (al-go-räb´), or ALGORES, (δ) _Corvi_, "the raven. " Situated on the right wing of the Crow. Pale yellow in color. It culminates May 14th. ALHENA (al-hen´-a), γ _Geminorum_, "a brand on the right side of the camel's neck, " or a "ring" or "circlet. " Situated in the left foot of Pollux. White in color, and culminates Feb. 8th. Alhena is sometimes called Almeisam. AL-I-OTH, ε _Ursæ Majoris_, disputed derivation. Situated in the tail of the Great Bear. It is approaching the earth at the rate of nineteen miles per second. It culminates May 20th. Alioth, the name sometimes given to α and θ Serpentis. AL-KAID (al-kād), _See_ ALCAID. ALKALUROPS (al-ka-lū´-rops), μ _Boötis_, "a herdsman's club, crook, or staff. " Situated near the right shoulder of the Herdsman. Its color is flushed white. ALKES (al´-kes), α _Crateris_, from Al Kas, "the cup, " the Arab name for the constellation. Situated in the base of the Cup. Orange in color, and culminates April 20th. ALMAC, γ _Andromedæ_, "a badger, " possibly "the boot. " Situated in the left foot of Andromeda. Orange in color, and culminates Dec. 8th. AL NAAIM, τ and ν Pegasi, "the cross bars over a well. " AL NASL (al-nas´l), or ELNASL (el-nas´-l), γ _Sagittarii_, "the point head of the arrow. " Situated in the arrow's tip. It is yellow in color, and culminates Aug. 4th. This star sometimes called Nushaba and Warida. AL NATH, or NATH γ _Aurigæ_, and β _Tauri_, "the heel of the rein-holder, " the "butter" _i. E. _ the "horn. " Situated in the right foot of the Charioteer, and the tip of the northern horn of the Bull. Brilliant white in color, and culminates Dec. 11th. ALNILAM (al-ni-lam´), ε _Orionis_, "a belt of spheres or pearls. " Situated in Orion's belt. It is bright white in color, and is receding from the earth at the rate of sixteen miles per second. It culminates Jan. 25th. ALNITAK (al-ni-tak´), ζ _Orionis_, "the girdle. " Situated in Orion's belt. Topaz yellow in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of nine miles per second, and culminates Jan. 26th. AL-NIYAT, σ _Scorpii_, "the outworks of the heart. " Situated near the Scorpion's heart. It is creamy white in color. AL´-PHARD, or (al-färd´), α _Hydræ_, "the solitary one in the serpent. " Situated in the heart of Hydra. Orange in color, and culminates Mar. 26th. The Chinese called this star "the Red Bird. " AL-PHEC´-CA, α _Coronæ Borealis_, "the bright one of the dish. " _See_ Gemma. Century Dictionary gives meaning "the cup or platter of a dervish. " AL´-PHE-RATZ or (al-fe-rats´), α _Andromedæ_, "the head of the woman in chains. " "The navel of the horse. " Situated in the head of Andromeda. White and purplish in color. It culminates Nov. 10th. Alpheratz is some times called Sirrah. AL-PHIRK, β _Cephei_, from al-Firk, the flock. AL RAKIS, μ _Draconis_, "the dancer. " Situated in the Dragon's nose. Brilliant white in color. The Century Dictionary gives for this star Arrakis, "The trotting camel. " AL RESCHA, α _Piscium_, "the cord or knot. " Situated in the knot joining the ribbons that hold the Fishes together. Pale green in color, and culminates Dec. 7th. ALSAFI σ _Draconis_. ALSCHAIN (al-shān´), β _Aquilæ_, part of the Arab name for the constellation. Situated in the head of Antinoüs. Pale orange in color, and culminates Sept. 3d. AL SHAT, ν _Capricorni_, "the sheep. " AL´-TAIR, or ATAIR, α _Aquilæ_, "the flying eagle, " part of the Arab name for the constellation. Situated in the neck of the Eagle. Yellow in color, and culminates Sept. 1st. ALTERF (al-terf´), λ _Leonis_, "the glance, " _i. E. _ the Lion's eye. Situated in the Lion's mouth, the point of the Sickle. Red in color. ALUDRA (al-ö´-dra), η _Canis Majoris_, "the virgins. " The four stars near each other in Canis Major. Situated in the Great Dog's tail. Pale red in color, and culminates Feb. 21st. ALULA BOREALIS, ν _Ursæ Majoris_. ALULA AUSTRALIS, ζ _Ursæ Majoris_ The "northern and southern wing. " Situated in the Southern hind foot of the Great Bear. The latter star is sometimes called El Acola. AL´-YA, θ _Serpentis_. Situated in the tip of the Serpent's tail. Pale yellow in color. It culminates Aug. 18th. ANCHA, θ _Aquarii_, "the hip. " Situated in the right hip of Aquarius. ANT-ĀR-ES, or AN-TA´-REZ, α _Scorpii_, "the rival of Mars. " Situated in the heart of the Scorpion. Fiery red and emerald green in color. It culminates July 11th. ARC-TŪ-RUS, α _Boötis_, "the leg of the lance-bearer, " or "the bear-keeper. " Situated in the left knee of the Herdsman. Golden yellow in color. It culminates June 8th. ARIDED, _See_ DENEB. ARNEB (är´-neb), α _Leporis_, "the hare, " the Arab name for the constellation. Situated in the heart of the Hare. Pale yellow in color. It culminates Jan. 24th. α _Leporis_ is sometimes called Arsh. ARKAB (är´-kab), β _Sagittarii_, "the tendon uniting the calf of the leg to the heel. " Situated in the Archer's left fore leg. ASHFAR, μ and ε _Leonis_, "the eyebrows. " Situated close to the Lion's right eye. μ orange in color, sometimes called Alshemali or Asmidiske. ASPIDISKI (as-pi-dis´ke), or ASMIDISKE, ι _Argus_, "in the gunwale. " Situated in the shield which ornaments the vessel's stern. Pale yellow in color. The Century Dictionary gives "a little shield" as the meaning for this star name. ASCELLA, ζ _Sagittarii_, "the armpit. " Situated near the Archer's left armpit. It culminates Aug. 19th. ASCELLUS, θ _Boötis_. It marks the finger tips of the Herdsman's upraised hand. ASCELLUS BOREALIS, ν _Cancri_, "northern ass. " Straw color. ASCELLUS AUSTRALIS, δ _Cancri_, "the southern ass. " Situated on the back of the Crab. Straw color. ATIK, ο _Persei_. Situated in the wing on the right foot of Perseus. AZELFAFAGE, π _Cygni_, "the horse's foot or track. " AZHA, η _Eridani_, "the ostrich's nest. " Pale yellow in color. BAHAM, θ _Pegasi_, "the young of domestic animals. " Situated near the left eye of Pegasus. BAT´EN KAITOS, ζ _Ceti_, "the whale's belly. " A topaz-yellow-colored star, which culminates Dec. 5th. BEID (bā´-id), ο _Eridani_, "the egg. " A very white star. BEL´-LA-TRIX, γ _Orionis_, "the female warrior. " The Amazon star. Situated in the left shoulder of Orion. Pale yellow in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of six miles per second, and culminates Jan. 22d. The Century Dictionary gives the color as very white. BE-NET´-NASCH, η _Ursæ Majoris_, "the chief or governor of the mourners" (alluding to the fancied bier). Situated in the tip of the Great Bear's tail. Brilliant white in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of sixteen miles per second, and culminates June 2d. This star is also called Alkaid, from al-kaid, "the Governor. " BETELGEUZE (BET-EL-GERZ´), α _Orionis_, "the giant's shoulder, " or "the armpit of the central one. " Situated in the right shoulder of Orion. Orange in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of ten miles per second, and culminates Jan. 29th. Sometimes called Mirzam, the roarer. BOTEIN (bō-tē-in´), δ _Arietis_, "the little belly. " CA-PEL´-LA, α _Aurigæ_, "the she-goat. " Situated in the left shoulder of the Charioteer. It is a white star, and is receding from the earth at the rate of fifteen miles per second. It culminates Jan. 19th. The color of Capella is nearly that of the sun. CAPH (kaf), β _Cassiopeiæ_, "the camel's hump, " or "the hand. " It is white in color, and culminates Nov. 11th. CAS´-TOR, α _Geminorum_, "the horseman of the twins. " Its color is bright white, and it culminates Feb. 23d. Situated in the head of Castor. The Century Dictionary gives the color as greenish. CHELEB, β _Ophiuchi_, also CEB´ELRÁI from kelb, the shepherd's dog. Situated in the head of the Serpent. It is a yellow star, and culminates Aug. 30th. CHORT (chôrt), θ _Leonis_. Situated in the hind quarters of the Lion. It culminates April 24th. The Century Dictionary has θ _Centauri_ for this star. COR CAROLI (kôr kar´-ō-lī), α _Can. Ven. _, "the heart of Charles II. " It is flushed white in color, and culminates May 20th. A yellowish star according to the Century Dictionary. CUJAM, ω _Herculis_. Word used by Horace for the club of Hercules. CURSA (KER´ SA), β _Eridani_, "the footstool of the central one, " or "the chair or throne. " Situated about at the source of the river near Orion. Topaz yellow in color, and culminates January 13th. This star is also known as Dhalim (Tha´lim) ("the ostrich"). DABIH (dä´-be), β _Capricorni_, "the lucky one of the slaughterers, " or "the slayer's lucky star. " Situated in the head of the Sea-Goat. It is an orange-colored star, and culminates Sept. 10th. DĒ´-NEB, or ARIDED (ar´-i-ded), α _Cygni_, "the hen's tail, " "the hindmost. " Situated in the tail of the Swan, and at the top of the Cross. Brilliant white in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of thirty-six miles per second. It culminates Sept. 16th. DENEB AL OKAB (den´-eb al-ō-kâb), ε and ζ _Aquilæ_, "the eagle's tail. " DENEB ALGEDI (den´-eb al´-jē-dē), δ _Capricorni_, "the tail of the goat. " Situated in the tail of the Sea-Goat. DENEB AL SHEMALI (den´-eb-al-she-mä-le), ι _Ceti_ A bright yellow star situated at the tip of the northern fluke of the monster's tail. DENEB KAITOS (den´-eb kī´-tos), β _Ceti_, "the tail of the whale. " Situated in the tail of the Whale. It is a yellow star, and culminates Nov. 21st. This star sometimes called Diphda. DE-NEB´-O-LA, β _Leonis_, "the lion's tail. " It is a blue star which is approaching the earth at the rate of twelve miles per second. It culminates May 3d. This star also called Dafirah, and Serpha. DSCHUBBA, δ _Scorpii_, "the front of the forehead. " Situated in the head of the Scorpion. It culminates July 4th. DSIBAN, ψ _Draconis_. Pearly white in color. DUB´-HE (döb´-he), α _Ursæ Majoris_, "a bear. " The northern pointer star. It is a yellow star, and is approaching the earth at the rate of twelve miles per second. It culminates April 21st. The Arabs called the four stars in the Dipper the "bier. " EL NATH β _Tauri_, the one who butts. This star is receding at the rate of five miles a second. ELTANIN, or ETANIN (et´-ā-nin), γ _Draconis_, "the dragon, " "the dragon's head. " It is orange in color and culminates Aug. 4th. Rasaben is another name for this star. E´-NIF, or en´-if, ε _Pegasi_, "the nose. " Situated in the nose of Pegasus. It is a yellow star, which is receding from the earth at the rate of five miles per second, and culminates Oct. 4th. This star was also called fum-al-far-as, "the mouth of the horse. " ER RAI (er-rā´-ē), γ _Cephei_, "the shepherd. " Situated in the left knee of Cepheus. It is yellow in color and culminates Nov. 10th. FOMALHAUT (Fō´-mal-ō), (disputed pronunciation), α _Piscis Austri_, "the fish's mouth. " Situated in the head of the Southern Fish. It is reddish in color, and culminates Oct. 25th. This star was also known as the first frog, the second frog being β Ceti. FURUD, or PHURUD (fu-rōd), ζ _Canis Majoris_, "the bright single one. " Situated in the left hind paw of the Greater Dog. It is light orange in color. GEM´-MA, α _Coronæ Borealis_, "a bud. " The brightest star in the Northern Crown. It is brilliant white in color, and is receding from the earth at the rate of twenty miles per second. It culminates June 28th. This star is also known as Alphecca and Alfeta. GIANSAR λ _Draconis_, "the twins, " "the poison place. " Situated in the tip of the Dragon's tail. An orange-colored star. It culminates April 28th. GIEDI, α _Capricorni_, also called Algied´-i, the goat. Situated in the head of the Sea-Goat. It is a yellow star, and culminates Sept. 9th. GIENAH, γ _Corvi_, "the right wing of the raven. " Situated in the Crow's wing. It culminates May 10th. GIENAH, ε _Cygni_, "the wing. " Situated in the Swan's wing. It is a yellow star, and culminates Sept. 17th. GOMEISA (gō-mī´-zä), GOMELZA, β _Canis Minoris_, "Watery-eyed, weeping. " A white star. Situated in the neck of the Lesser Dog. GRAFFIAS, β _Scorpii_, derivation unknown; the name may mean "the crab. " This star was also called Ak´rab, the Scorpion. Situated in the head of the Scorpion. It is a pale white star, and culminates July 5th. GRUMIUM (grö´-mi-um), ξ _Draconis_, "the dragon's under jaw. " A yellow star. HAM´-AL or (ha-mäl´), α _Arietis_, "the head of the sheep. " Situated in the forehead of the Ram. It is yellow in color, and is approaching the earth at the rate of nine miles per second. It culminates Dec. 11th. HOMAM (ho-mam´), ζ _Pegasi_, "the lucky star of the hero, or the whisperer. " Situated in the neck of Pegasus. Light yellow in color. It culminates Oct. 22d. The Century Dictionary gives this star name to η _Pegasi_. HYADUM I, γ _Tauri_. Situated in the Hyades, the nose of the Bull. A yellow star. IZAR (ē-zär), Mirach, or Mizar, ε _Boötis_, "the girdle. " Pale orange in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of ten miles per second, and culminates June 16th. A beautiful colored double star. JABBAH (Jab´-bä), ν _Scorpii_, "crown of the forehead. " A triple star. KAUS (kâs), AUSTRALIS, ε _Sagittarii_, "the southern part of the bow. " An orange-colored star. It culminates Aug. 8th. KAUS (kâs), BOREALIS, λ _Sagittarii_, "the northern part of the bow. " Orange color. KITALPHA, α _Equulei_, the Arab name for the asterism. In the head of the Little Horse. It culminates Sept. 24th. KO´-CHAB (kō-käb´), β _Ursæ Minoris_, "the star of the North. " Situated in the right shoulder of the Little Bear. One of the two Guardians of the Pole. It is reddish in color, and is receding from the earth at the rate of eight miles per second. It culminates June 19th. KORNEPHOROS, β _Herculis_, the Arab name for the constellation. Situated in the right arm-pit of Hercules. Pale yellow in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of twenty-two miles per second. It culminates July 12th. LESUTH, ν _Scorpii_, "the sting. " Situated in the tip of the Scorpion's tail. It culminates July 27th. MARFAK (mär´fak), θ _Cassiopeiæ_, "the elbow. " Situated in the left elbow of Cassiopeia. This star name is also given to μ Cassiopeiæ. MARFIC (mär´-fik), λ _Ophiuchi_, "the elbow. " Situated in the left elbow of the Serpent Bearer. Yellowish white in color. MARFIK (mär´ fik), or MARSIC, κ _Herculis_, "the elbow. " Situated in the right elbow of Hercules. Light yellow in color. MAR´-KAB (mär´kab), α _Pegasi_, Arab word for "saddle". Century Dictionary gives "a wagon" or "chariot. " Situated in the base of the Horse's neck. It is a white star which is receding from the earth at the rate of three quarters of a mile a second. It culminates Nov. 3d. MARKEB, κ _Argus_. Situated in the stern of the Ship. It culminates Mar. 25th. MARSYM, λ _Herculis_, "the wrist. " Situated in the left wrist of Hercules. Deep yellow in color. MATAR or SAD (Säd), "a lucky star, " or more fully, Sad-Mator, η _Pegasi_, "the fortunate rain. " Situated in the left fore leg of Pegasus. MEBUSTA, MEBSUTA (Meb-sö´-ta), or MEBOULA, ε _Geminorum_, "the outstretched. " A brilliant white star situated in the right knee of Castor. MEDIA, or KAUS MEDIA, δ _Sagittarii_, "middle (of the) bow. " Orange yellow in color. It culminates Aug. 8th. MĒ-GRES, or (Mē´-grez), δ _Ursæ Majoris_, "the root of the bear's tail. " It is a pale yellow star, and culminates May 10th. This star is the faintest of the seven which form the Dipper. MEISSA, λ _Orionis_. Situated in the face of the Giant Hunter. Pale white in color. MEKBUDA (mek-bū´-dā), ζ _Geminorum_, "the contracted (arm). " Situated in the left knee of Pollux. Pale topaz in color. MENKALINAN (men-ka-lē-nan´ or Men-kal´-i-nan), β _Aurigæ_, "the shoulder of the rein-holder or driver. " Situated in the right arm of the Charioteer. A lucid yellow star which is receding from the earth at the rate of seventeen miles per second. It culminates Jan. 29th. This star was one of the first discovered and most remarkable "spectroscopic binaries. " MENKAR (men´kär), α _Oeti_, "the nose, or snout. " Situated in the nose of Cetus. Bright orange in color. It culminates Dec. 21st. Sometimes written Menkab. MENKIB, ξ _Persei_, "the shoulder. " Situated in the calf of the right leg of Perseus. MERAK (mē´rak), β _Ursæ Majoris_, "the loin of the bear. " A greenish white star which is approaching the earth at the rate of eighteen miles per second. It culminates Apr. 20th. The southern of the two "pointers. " MESARTIM (mē-sär´tim), γ _Arietis_, the Hebrew word for "minister. " Situated in the Ram's left horn. Bright white in color. MINTAKA (min´ta-kä), δ _Orionis_, "the belt (of the giant). " One of the three stars in Orion's belt. A brilliant white star with very little motion. It culminates Jan. 24th. MĪ´-RA (mī´ra or mē´ra), ο _Ceti_. Situated in the neck of Cetus. A famous variable, flushed yellow in color. It culminates Dec. 15th. MĪ´RACH, or MIRAK (mī´rak or mē´rak), β _Andromedæ_, "the girdle, " or "the loins. " A yellow star culminating Nov. 28th. MĪZAR (mīzär or mē´zär), ζ _Ursæ Majoris_, "a girdle or apron. " Situated in the tail of the Great Bear. Brilliant white in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of nineteen miles per second. It culminates May 28th. MULIPHEN, γ _Canis Majoris_. Situated in the neck of the Greater Dog. It culminates Feb. 26th. MUPHRID (mū´-frid), η _Boötis_, "the solitary star of the lancer. " Situated in the calf of the left leg of the Herdsman. Pale yellow in color. It culminates June 4th. MURZIM or MIRZAM (mer-zäm´), β _Canis Majoris_, "the announcer" or "the roarer. " Situated in the Greater Dog's left fore paw. A white star culminating Feb. 5th. MUSCIDA, ο _Ursæ Majoris_, "the muzzle. " Situated in the nose of the Great Bear. NEKKAR, or NAKKAR (nak´-kär), β _Boötis_, "the herdsman, " the Arab name for the whole constellation. Situated in the head of Boötes. A golden yellow star which culminates June 20th. NAOS (nā´-os), ζ _Argus_, "the ship. " Situated in the stern of the Ship. It culminates Mar. 3d. NASHIRA, γ _Capricorni_, "the fortunate one, or the bringer of good tidings. " Situated in the tail of the Sea-Goat. It culminates Oct. 3d. NIHAL, β _Leporis_. Situated in the right foot of the Hare. Deep yellow in color. It culminates Jan. 23d. NODUS SECUNDUS, δ _Draconis_, "the second of the four knots or convolutions. " Deep yellow in color. It culminates Aug. 24th. NUNKI, σ _Sagittarii_, "the star of the proclamation of the sea, " or SADIRA (sad´-ē-ra), "the ostrich returning from the water. " Situated in the upper part of the Archer's left arm. It culminates Aug. 17th. PHAD, PHEC´-DA, or PHAED (fā´-ed), γ _Ursæ Majoris_, "the thigh" (of the bear). Topaz yellow in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of sixteen miles per second. It culminates May 4th. PHAET or PHACT, α _Columbæ_. Situated in the heart of the Dove. It culminates Jan. 26th. PHERKAD (fer´-kad), γ _Ursæ Minoris_, "the calf. " Situated in the right fore leg of the Little Bear. PO-LÁ-RIS, α _Ursæ Minoris_, "the pole star. " Situated in the tip of the Little Bear's tail. Topaz yellow in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of sixteen miles per second. POL´-LUX, β _Geminorum_, Ovid's "Pugil, " the pugilist of the two brothers. Situated in the head of Pollux. An orange-colored star which is receding from the earth at the rate of one mile per second. It culminates Feb. 26th. The Century Dictionary gives the color of Pollux as very yellow. PORRIMA (por´-i-mä), γ _Virginis_, Latin name for "a goddess of prophecy. " Situated in the Virgin's left arm. It culminates May 17th. PRO´-CY-ON, α _Canis Minoris_, "the foremost dog. " A yellowish-white star. It is approaching the earth at the rate of six miles per second. It culminates Feb. 24th. It is situated in the right side of the Lesser Dog. Dr. Elkin gives its distance as 12. 3 light years, and its proper motion as 13. 9 miles per second. PROPUS (prō´-pus), η _Geminorum_, "the forward foot. " Situated in the northern foot of Castor. RASALAS (ras´-a-las), μ _Leonis_, "the lion's head toward the south. " Situated in the Sickle, close to the Lion's right eye. An orange-colored star. It culminates Apr. 1st. Alshemali and Borealis are other names for this star. RAS ALGETHI (räs-al-ge´-thi), α _Herculis_, "the kneeler's head. " Orange red in color. It culminates July 23d. RAS´-AL-HĀG´-UE, α _Ophiuchi_, "the head of the serpent charmer. " A sapphire-hued star. It is receding from the earth at the rate of twelve miles per second. It culminates July 28th. RASTABAN (räs-ta-bän´), β or γ _Draconis_ "the dragon's head, " or "the head of the basilisk. " A yellow star culminating Aug. 3d. This star also called Alwaid (al-wīd´) "the sucking camel-colts. " The three stars near it are included in this appellation. REG´-U-LUS, α _Leonis_, diminutive of the earlier Rex. Situated in the handle of the Sickle, and the right fore paw of the Lion. It is flushed white in color, and is approaching the earth at the rate of five miles per second. It culminates April 6th. According to Dr. Elkin it is 35. 1 light years distant, and has a proper motion of 8. 5 miles per second. RIGEL (ri´-jel), β _Orionis_, "the [left] leg of the Jabbah, or giant. " A bluish-white star, which is receding from the earth at the rate of ten miles per second. It culminates Jan. 20th. This star is sometimes called Algebar (al´-je-bär). ROTANEV (rot´-a-nev), β _Delphini_, from Venator, assistant to Piazzi, his name reversed. It culminates Sept. 15th. RUCHBA, ω _Cygni_, "the hen's knee. " A pale red star. RUCHBAH, or RUCBAH, δ _Cassiopeiæ_, "the knee. " Situated in the left knee of Cassiopeia. It culminates Dec. 2d. RUKBAT, α _Sagittarii_, "the archer's knee. " Situated in the left fore foot of the Archer. It culminates Aug. 24th. SABIK, η _Ophiuchi_. A pale yellow star in the left leg of the Serpent Bearer. It culminates Aug. 21st. SADACHBIA (sād-ak-bē´-yä), γ _Aquarii_, "the luck star of hidden things. " Greenish in color and situated in the water jar of Aquarius. It culminates Oct. 16th. SAD AL BARI, λ and μ _Pegasi_, "the good luck of the excelling one. " Situated close to the fore legs of Pegasus. SADAL MELIK (säd-al-mel´-ik), or RUCBAH, α _Aquarii_, "the lucky star of the king. " A red star situated in the right shoulder of Aquarius. It culminates Oct. 9th. SADALSUND, or SADALSUUD (säd-al-sö-öd), β _Aquarii_, "the luckiest of the lucky. " Pale yellow in color. Situated in the left shoulder of Aquarius. It culminates Sept. 29th. SADATONI (sad-a-tō´-ni), ζ _Aurigæ_. One of the three stars known as "the kids. " Orange color. SADR (sadr), or SADIR (sā´-dēr), γ _Cygni_, "the hen's breast. " This star is approaching the earth at the rate of four miles per second. It culminates Sept. 11th. SAIPH (sā-if´), κ _Orionis_, "the sword of the giant. " Situated in Orion's right knee. It culminates Jan. 27th. SARGAS, θ _Scorpii_. A red star situated in the tail of the Scorpion. It culminates July 27th. SCHEAT (she´-at), or Menkib, β _Pegasi_, "the upper part of the arm. " Situated in the left fore-leg of Pegasus. It is deep yellow in color, and is receding from the earth at the rate of four miles per second. It culminates Oct. 25th. SCHEMALI, see Deneb al schemali, ι _Ceti_. SEGINUS (se-jī´nus), γ _Boötis_, from Ceginus of the constellation, possibly. Situated in the left shoulder of Boötes. It culminates June 13th. SHAULA (shâ´-lä), λ _Scorpii_, "the sting. " In the tip of the Scorpion's tail. SHEDAR, SCHEDIR, or SHEDIR, α _Cassiopeiæ_, "the breast, " or from El Seder, "the sedar tree, " a name given to this constellation by Ulugh Beigh. Pale rose in color. It culminates Nov. 18th. SHELIAK, or SHELYAK (shel´-yak), "a tortoise, " β _Lyræ_, Arabian name for the constellation. A very white star culminating Aug. 17th. SHERATAN (sher-a-tan´), β _Arietis_, "a sign, " or "the two signs. " Situated in the Ram's horn. A pearly white star culminating Dec. 7th. SIR´-I-US, α _Canis Majoris_, "the sparkling star or scorcher. " Situated in the mouth of the Great Dog. Brilliant white in color. The brightest of the fixed stars. It culminates Feb. 11th. SITULA (sit´-ū-lā), κ _Aquarii_, "the water jar or bucket. " Situated in the rim of the Water Jar. SKAT, or SCHEAT, δ _Aquarii_, "a wish, " or possibly it means a "shin bone. " Situated in the right leg of Aquarius. SPÏ´CA, α _Virginis_, "the ear of wheat or corn" (held in the Virgin's left hand). A brilliant flushed white star, which is approaching the earth at the rate of nine miles a second. It culminates May 28th. SUALOCIN, or SVALOCIN (sval´-ō-sin), Nicolaus reversed, α _Delphini_. A pale yellow star culminating Sept. 15th. SULAFAT, or SULAPHAT (sö´-lä-fät), "the tortoise, " γ _Lyræ_. Arabian title for the whole constellation. It is bright yellow in color, and culminates Aug. 19th. SYRMA, ι _Virginis_; this name used by Ptolemy to designate this star in the train of the Virgin's robe. TALITA (tä´-lē-tä), κ or ι _Ursæ Majoris_, "the third vertebra. " Situated in the right fore paw of the Great Bear. Topaz yellow in color. TANIA BOREALIS, λ _Ursæ Majoris_. TANIA AUSTRALIS, μ _Ursæ Majoris_, a red star. These stars are situated in the right hind foot of the Great Bear. The former star culminates Apr. 8th. TARAZED (tar´-a-zed), γ _Aquilæ_, "the soaring falcon, " part of the Persian title for the constellation. Situated in the body of the Eagle. A pale orange star, culminating Aug. 31st. TEGMENI, ζ _Cancri_, "in the covering. " A yellow-colored star. TE´-JAT, μ _Geminorum_. THU´-BAN or (thō-ban´), α _Draconis_, "the dragon, " the Arab title for the constellation. Situated in one of the Dragon's coils. It is pale yellow in color, and culminates June 7th. UNUK AL HAY or UNUKALHAI (ū´-nuk-al-hä´-i), α _Serpentis_, "the neck of the snake. " A pale yellow star which is receding from the earth at the rate of fourteen miles a second. It culminates July 28th. VË´GA, or WEGA, α _Lyræ_, "falling, " _i. E. _, the falling bird, "the harp star. " A beautiful pale star sapphire in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of nine miles a second. It culminates Aug. 12th. VINDEMIATRIX, ε _Virginis_, "the vintager or grape gatherer. " Situated in the Virgin's right arm. A bright yellow star culminating May 22d. WASAT (wä´-sat), δ _Geminorum_, "the middle. " Situated in the body of Pollux. Pale white in color. It culminates Feb. 19th. WESEN, δ _Canis Majoris_, "the weight. " A light yellow star in the right side of the Great Dog. It culminates Feb. 17th. YED PRIOR (yed), δ _Ophiuchi_, "the hand, " "the star behind or following. " Deep yellow in color. It culminates July 7th. It is in the left hand of the Serpent Bearer. YED POSTERIOR, ε _Ophiuchi_, "the hand. " A red star culminating July 8th. YILDUM, δ _Ursæ Minoris_. Situated in the tail of the Little Bear. A greenish-hued star culminating Aug. 12th. ZANIAH, η _Virginis_. Situated in the Virgin's left shoulder. ZAURAK (zâ´-rak), γ _Eridani_, "the bright star of the boat. " A yellow star. ZAVIJAVA (zav-ija´-va), β _Virginis_, "angle or corner, " "the retreat or kennel of the barking dog. " Situated on the Virgin's left wing. A pale yellow star culminating May 3d. ZOSMA (zōs´-ma), δ _Leonis_, "a girdle. " Situated at the root of the Lion's tail. A pale yellow star which is approaching the earth at the rate of nine miles a second. It culminates Apr. 24th. This star is also called Duhr, and sometimes Zubra. ZUBENAKRAVI (zöben-ak´-ra-vi or -bi), γ _Scorpii_, "the claw of the Scorpion. " A red star. ZUBEN ELGENUBI (zö-ben-el-jen-ū´-bi), α _Libræ_, "the southern claw" (of the Scorpion). A pale yellow star culminating June 17th. This star is also called Kiffa Australis. ZUBEN ESCHAMALI (zö-ben-es-she-ma´-li), β _Libræ_, "the northern claw. " A pale emerald color, a very unusual color for a star. It is approaching the earth at the rate of six miles a second and culminates June 23d. This star is also known as "Kiffa Borealis. " In the compilation of the foregoing list, the author has been greatlyassisted by Allen's "Star Names and their Meanings. " [Footnote 1: It will be noted that the date of culmination is given inalmost every case. By culmination is meant the highest point reached bya heavenly body in its path, at which point it is said to be on themeridian. In this hemisphere this is in each case the highest pointnorth. For example:--the culmination of the sun occurs at noon. The time when the stars here mentioned culminate on the dates specifiedis in each case nine o'clock P. M. ] TABLE SHOWING THE STARS OF THE FIRST AND SECOND MAGNITUDE RISING INTHE EASTERN SKY AT NINE O'CLOCK P. M. ON THE DATES SPECIFIED. -------------+-----------------+--------------------------- DATE | NAME OF STAR | CONSTELLATION -------------+-----------------+--------------------------- January 1 |Regulus, 1st. |Leo. " 8 |Alphard, 2d. |Hydra. " 11 |Cor Caroli. |Canes Venatici. February 20 |Arcturus, 1st. |Boötes. March 1 |Spica, 1st. |Virgo. " 5 |Gemma, 2d. |Corona Borealis. April 1 |Vega, 1st. |Lyra. " 20 |Ras Alhague, 2d. |Ophiuchus. " 22 |Deneb, 2d. |Cygnus. May 9 |Antares, 1st. |Scorpius. " 26 |Altair, 1st. |Aquila. June 5 | |Delphinus. July 17 |Algenib, 2d. |Perseus. August 6 |Algol. |Perseus. " 21 |Capella, 1st. |Auriga. " " |Hamal, 2d. |Aries. " 27 |Fomalhaut, 1st. |Piscis Australis. September 13 | |The Pleiades in Taurus. October 2 |Aldebaran, 1st. |Taurus. " 26 |Bellatrix, 2d. |Orion. " 30 |Castor, 2d. |Gemini. " " |Betelgeuze, 1st. |Orion. November 4 |Pollux, 1st. |Gemini. " " |Rigel, 1st. |Orion. " 27 |Procyon, 1st. |Canis Minor. December 4 |Sirius, 1st. |Canis Major. " 8 |Phaet, 2d. |Columba. " 14 | |The Bee Hive in Cancer. " 16 | |The head of Hydra. ----------------------------------------------------------- INDEX NAME PAGE Andromeda, 73 Antinoüs, 39 Aquarius, 81 Aquila, 39 Argo Navis, 107 Aries, 85 Auriga, 11 Boötes, 55 Brandenburg Sceptre, The, 111 Bull of Poniatowskio, 45 Camelopardalis, 7 Cancer, 13 Canes Venatici, 59 Canis Major, 105 Canis Minor, 21 Capricornus, 83 Cassiopeia, 67 Cepheus, 69 Cerberus, 53 Cetus, 87 Columba, 103 Coma Berenices, 19 Corona Australis, 43 Corona Borealis, 51 Corvus, 23 Crater, 25 Cygnus, 37 Delphinus, 41 Draco, 33 Equüleus, 71 Eridanus, 111 Gemini, 9 Gloria Frederica, 73 Hercules, 53 Herschel's Telescope, 11 Hydra, 15 Leo, 17 Leo Minor, 95 Lepus, 101 Libra, 49 Lupus, 47 Lynx, 95 Lyra, 35 Monoceros, 109 Musca, 89 Ophiuchus, 45 Orion, 99 Pegasus, 71 Perseus, 75 Pisces, 77 Piscis Australis, 81 Sagitta, 37 Sagittarius, 43 Scorpius, 47 Serpens, 45 Sobieski's Shield, 39 Taurus, 97 Triangulum, 79 Ursa Major, 5 Ursa Minor, 7 Virgo, 57 Vulpecular and Anser, 41 Popular Books on Astronomy By William Tyler Olcott _Excellently arranged, and copiously illustrated, these littlemanuals--real field-books--should prove valuable for all who want tobecome familiar with the stars_ A Field Book of the Stars _16mo. With Fifty Diagrams. _ To facilitate the fascinating recreation of star-gazing the author has designed this field-book. All matters of a technical or theoretical nature have been omitted. Only what the reader can observe with the naked eye or with an opera-glass have been included in it. Simplicity and brevity have been aimed at, the main idea being that whatever is bulky or verbose is a hindrance rather than a help when one is engaged in the observation of the heavens. In Starland with a Three-Inch Telescope A Conveniently Arranged Guide for the Use of the Amateur Astronomer _16mo. With Forty Diagrams of the Constellations and Eight of theMoon. _ The _raison d'etre_ therefore for the book is convenience and arrangement. The author has found by experience that what the student most needs when he is observing with a telescope, is a page to glance at that will serve as a guide to the object he desires to view, and which affords concise data relative to that object. The diagrams therefore direct the student's vision and the subject-matter affords the necessary information in each case. Star Lore of All Ages A Collection of Myths, Legends, and Facts Concerning theConstellations of the Northern Hemisphere _8vo. Fully Illustrated. _ Will appeal alike to those who are interested in folk-lore and those who are attracted by astronomy. In it the author has gathered together the curious myths and traditions that have attached themselves from the earliest times to different constellations and even to individual stars. G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS New York London The Essence of Astronomy Things Every One Should Know About the Sun, Moon and Stars By Edward W. Price _12mo. Fully Illustrated. _ Here is a volume quite different from the usual "popular book on astronomy. " It answers in untechnical language the every-day questions of every-day people, the material being so arranged that it is readily available for quick reference use, as well as for interesting consecutive reading. An individual chapter is devoted to each member of the Solar System. Special space is given to "Curiosities of the Skies. " The illustrations are from photographs taken at the great observatories. The drawings of Mars are the most recent published, being made by Professor Lowell in January, 1914. The chronological table and annotated bibliography are of real value. Sun Lore of All Ages A Collection of Myths and Legends Concerning the Sun and its Worship By William Tyler Olcott Author of "Star Lore of All Ages, " "A Field Book of the Stars, " etc. _8vo. With 30 Illustrations. _ A companion volume to _Star Lore of All Ages_ by the same author. It comprises a compilation of the myths, legends, and facts concerning the sun, of equal interest to the lay-reader or to the student. The literature of the subject is teeming with interest, linked as it is with the life story of mankind from the cradle of the race to the present day, for the solar myth lies at the very foundation of all mythology, and as such must forever claim pre-eminence. G. P. Putnam's Sons New York London Astronomy in a Nutshell The Chief Facts and Principles Explained in Popular Language forGeneral Readers and for Schools By Garrett P. Serviss _Cr. 8vo. With 47 Illustrations. _ Presents the subject of astronomy in a succinct, popular form. No mathematical knowledge beyond the simplest outlines is assumed on the part of the reader. The great underlying facts and principles of astronomy are presented in a shape which any intelligent person can comprehend. The book may be used either for self-instruction or for schools. History of Astronomy By George Forbes, M. A. , F. R. S. , M. Inst. C. E. Formerly Professor of Natural Philosophy, Anderson's College, Glasgow _16mo. Adequately Illustrated. _ _No. 1. A History of the Science Series_ The author traces the evolution of intellectual thought in the progress of astronomical discovery, recognizing the various points of view of the different ages, giving due credit even to the ancients. It has been necessary to curtail many parts of the history, to lay before the reader in unlimited space enough about each age to illustrate its tone and spirit, the ideals of the workers, the gradual addition of new points of view and of new means of investigation. An Easy Guide to the Constellations With a Miniature Atlas of the Stars By James Gall Author of "The People's Atlas of the Stars, " etc. _New and Enlarged Edition, with 30 Maps 16mo. _ This new edition of _An Easy Guide to the Constellations_ has been thoroughly revised: five additional plates have been added, so as to include all the constellations of the Zodiac, and render the book complete for Southern Europe and the United States. G. P. Putnam's Sons New York London The Destinies of the Stars By Svante Arrhenius Author of "Worlds in the Making, " etc. _12mo. 26 Illustrations. _ With keenness, brilliancy, and distinguished learning, Dr. Arrhenius, a Nobel Prize winner, having had occasion repeatedly to treat new questions of a cosmological nature, questions largely arisen from new discoveries and observations within the scope of astronomy, opens to the reader vast new vistas, through the study of the relation of the stars to the "Milky Way" and through observations of our neighbor planets. G. P. Putnam's Sons New York London Transcriber's notes: Corrections made: Page 12 Au iga corrected to Auriga. Page 118 preceptible corrected to perceptible. Page 148 Oeti corrected to Ceti. Page 163 cometimes corrected to sometimes. Inconsistencies retained: Alphecca and Alphacca. Gloria Frederika and Gloria Frederica. Bull of Poniatowskio and Bull of Poniatowski.