m 



PLANET SAtURHr. 



ObseTvations ^^^ Y^^^^ SO tliat the figure of the planet seems to have 

 shewing the niidergone some small alteration, which may be easily ac- 



apparent figure counted for from our \iewinff it now in a different 

 of Saturn and ° 



the variations aspects 



it is subject to. The planet Jupiter not being visible, we cannot com- 

 pare the figure of Saturn with it ; but from memory I am 

 <|uite certain that the flattening Of the Saturnian polar 

 regions is considerably more extended than those of 

 Jupiter. 



May 4. 10-feet, power 527. The equatorial region 

 of Saturn appears to be a little more elevated than last 

 year. This part of the Saturnian figure could not be 

 examined so well then as it may at present, the ring inter- 

 fering with our view of it in four places, which are now 

 visible. 



The flattening on both sides of the pole is continued to 

 a greater extent than in a figure merely spheroidical, 

 Huch as that of Jupiter ; and this makes the planet more 

 curved in high latitudes. 



The planet being in the meridian, the equatorial shape 

 of Saturn appears a little more curved than last year ; 

 but the air is not sufficiently pure to bear high powers 

 well, 

 s May 5 . lO-feet, power 527. The air is very favour- 



able, and I see the planet well with this power; its 

 figure is very little different from what it was last year. 



The polar regions are more extend edly flat than I sup- 

 pose they would have been if the planet had received its 

 form only from the eflect of the centrifugal force arising 

 from its rotatory motion. 



The equatorial region is a little more elevated than it 

 appeared last year. 



The diameter which intersects the equator in an angle 

 of about 40 or 45 degrees is apparently a litfle longer 

 / than the equatorial, and the curvature is greatest in that 



latitude. 



The planet being in the meridian and the night beauti- 

 ful, I have had a complete view of its figure. It has 

 undergone no change since last year, except what arises 

 fVom its different situation^ and a. greater opening of th^^ 

 ring. 

 ' ' May 



