VI. 



Observations on a Neio Ring of the Planet Saturn. 

 By W. C. bond, 



DIRECTOR OF THE ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY OF HARVARD COLLEGE. 



{Communicated April 15, 1851.) 



In the remarks which follow, reference is made to the drawing accompanying this 

 paper, which is lettered to correspond with the text. 



" 1850, November 11th, 7'^ 30"^ M. S. T. Saturn is seen this evening under very 

 good definition. We notice to-night with full certainty the filling up of light inside of 

 the inner ring at .r and y. Also, where the ring crosses the ball from c to d, or apparent- 

 ly below its projection, is a dark band, no doubt the shadow of the ring upon the ball ; 

 but what is very singular, there is also a dark line from a to 6, or above the ring, very 

 plainly seen, so that there can be no question as to the line where the upper edge of the 

 ring crosses the ball. The light which fills the spaces at x and y is suddenly terminated 

 on the side towards the ball. It does not arise from any optical deception, for this 

 would give a similar appearance to the outside of the ring, or indeed to the edge of any 

 object we look at, which certainly is not the case. 



" G. P. B. is very confident of having seen to-night a second division of the ring, 

 near the inner edge of the inner ring." 



" 1850, November 15th, 7'' 30™. The definition of the rings of Saturn is the best 

 we have ever had. Employed powers from 140 to 400, the latter to advantage. The 

 new ring is sharply defined on the edge next to the ball. W. C. B. thinks he sees the 

 new ring clear of connection with the old. But the side next to the old ring is not so 

 definite as that next to the planet, so that it is not certain whether the new ring is con- 

 nected with the old or not. Where the dusky ring crosses Saturn, it appears a little 

 wider at the outside of the ball than in the centre. "Where it crosses the ball, it is not 

 quite so dark as the shadow of the ring." 



