298 



NATURE S TEACHINGS. 



a short time increased in size and brilliancy until it nearly 

 equalled Sirius, Capella, or Vega. It remained bright for some 

 time, and then rapidly faded until it resumed its former size. 



How this change was effected we never should have known 

 but for the Spectroscope. No sooner, however, was this instru- 

 ment pointed at the star than there appeared in the spectrum 

 the three well-known lines red, green, and violet which 

 denote burning hydrogen. There was no doubt on the matter, 

 and the Spectroscope showed us that we were witnessing a 

 conflagration the like of which was never seen or scarcely 

 imagined. 



Supposing our sun, which is known to be one of the stars, 

 and about which there are vast volumes of hydrogen gas, were 



to blaze out in a similar manner, the result would be that the 

 whole of the planets would be consumed in a few seconds, and 

 converted into gases. In an instant every living thing would 

 be swept off the surface of the earth by this fearful heat, and, 

 as Mr. Roscoe says, " our solid globe would be dissipated in 

 vapour almost as soon as drops of water in a furnace." 

 So, as Mr. Huggins observes, the old nursery rhyme, 



" Twinkle, twinkle, little star, 

 How I wonder what you are," 



