1866. | Astronomy. , 255 
the Kew photographs of the sun, as regards the decrease of actinic 
effect from the centre to the circumference of the sun, which is, 
without doubt, caused by the presence of a comparatively cold solar 
atmosphere. 
In conformity with their views, this atmospheric effect ought to 
be greater at the epoch of maximum than at that of minimum spot 
frequency ; and furthermore, if there is any reference to ecliptical 
longitudes in the behaviour of spots—that is to say, if at any time 
the spots on the sui attain their maximum at any ecliptical longi- 
tude, there ought (according to these views) to be a greater amount 
of absorbing atmosphere at the same longitude, since such an 
atmosphere is supposed conducive to the outbreak of spots. 
There is reason to think that spots attain they maximum in the 
ecliptical longitude opposite to that where Venus exists, so that we 
might expect (according to these views) a diminution in atmospheric 
effect in the same longitude as Venus, and an increase in their effect 
in the longitude opposite to Venus. If, therefore, Venus be at 
the longitude of the left limb of the Sun, this limb should exhibit 
less atmospheric effect than the right limb, and if Venus be at the 
right limb, we should have most atmospheric effect at the left 
limb. 
It appears, from a jomt and careful imvestigation of the Kew 
pictures by Miss Beckly and Mr. Stewart, that 
(1.) When Venus is considerably to the left, there is most 
atmospheric effect to the right. 
(2.) When she is in conjunction or opposition, there is a 
tendency to equality. 
(3.) When she is considerably to the right, there is most atmo- 
spheric effect to the left. 
Referrmg to these solar photographs, the President of the 
Astronomical Society stated, at the January meeting, that the Kew 
photographs are now taken by Miss Beckly, the daughter of the 
mechanical assistant of Kew ; and it seems to be a work peculiarly 
fitting to a lady. During the day she watches for opportunities for 
photographing the Sun with that patience for which the sex is 
distinguished, and she never lets an opportunity escape her. It is 
extraordinary that even on very cloudy days, between gaps of cloud, 
when it would be imagined that it was almost impossible to get a 
photograph, yet there is always a record at Kew. 
Mr. De la Rue remarked that all these investigations on the 
solar spots occupy a considerable time, and that the results may be 
interpreted differently by different persons. All that we have to do 
is to record faithfully the result of our observations ; and it is hoped 
the Kew photo-heliograph will conduce very much to the advance 
of solar physics. Some time ago some experiments were made by 
