THE SUN S TRUE ATMOSPHERE. 117 



shaped masses atmospheric or otherwise standing, 

 as it were, upon the sun s surface. I can see no other 

 way of accounting for these conical extensions than by 

 regarding them as phenomena indicating some form of 

 repulsive action exerted by the sun. 



But whatever opinion we may form on this and 

 kindred problems, it seems clear that we must regard 

 the envelope discovered by Professor Young as the only 

 true solar atmosphere : and a very strange and com 

 plex atmosphere it is. Nothing yet learned respecting 

 the sun s surroundings surpasses in interest this fiery 

 envelope, in which some of the most familiar of our 

 metals appear as glowing vapours. If anything could 

 add to the interest attaching to the coloured pro 

 minences and sierra, it is the fact now revealed that 

 they are propelled through this wonderful envelope, 

 over which they float for a while with strangely chang 

 ing figure. Truly the study of solar physics, which 

 twenty years ago seemed at a stand-still, is advancing 

 with rapid strides ; and it seems scarcely possible to 

 exaggerate the interest either of what has been already 

 revealed, or of the discoveries which are likely to be 

 effected during the approaching eclipse. 



From the St. PauTs Magazine for May 1871. 



ADDENDUM. Doubts were urged, for some time after 

 this paper appeared, as to the reality of Young s dis 

 covery. But during the total eclipse of December 1871, 

 and yet again during the annular eclipse of 1872, 

 decisive evidence was obtained in its favour, and it is 

 now received by all. 



