XVII. THE HEAVENS 



1. Write the names of several stars known to you. Tell 

 in what way you recognize any one of these when seen. 



2. Write the names of several groups of stars (constel- 

 lations) known to you. Represent on your paper the ar- 

 rangement of the brighter stars in any one of these groups, 

 thus showing the form by which it can be recognized and 

 pointed out to anyone else. 



3. The stars are supposed to be bodies much like the sun, 

 and many of them vastly larger. What is the explanation 

 for their apparent smallness, and their lack in heat and 

 light ? When only are stars to be seen, and why so ? What 

 is the number of the stars? 



4. At what season of the year do the stars generally 

 seem to be brightest? What is true of the amount of 

 water vapor present in the atmosphere then? What com- 

 monly is the cause of any haze overcasting the sky, dim- 

 ming the light of the stars or hiding them altogether? 

 What differences are there in the appearance of stars other 

 than brightness? 



5. What significance has the rising and setting of stars, 

 i.e., what occasions it? What is the real name of the so- 

 called "shooting stars"? What is their nature? 



6. After some sufficient time (which the weather and 

 other conditions will determine), be prepared from obser- 



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