HOW TO OBSERVE THE HEAVENS. 



stars. 17. Use of the imaginary figure to express the position of the 

 stars. 18. Ursa minor: the pole star. 19. How it makes a 

 nocturnal clock. 20. Arctic circle : origin of the name. 21. Cassio- 

 peia's chair. 22. Pegasus and Andromeda. 23. Perseus. 24. 

 Auriga. 25. General view of the region of these constellations : 

 Capella, Vega, Adrided, and Altair. 26. Orion. 



1. To all persons in whose minds a taste for the study of nature 

 has been awakened, there is no spectacle which excites an interest 

 so intense as that which is offered by the firmament on a clear 

 night ; and to such there is no occupation more pleasing than from 

 season to season to observe on clear nights the changes which take 

 place in that glorious scene. But to render such contemplation still 

 more agreeable, and to enable the intelligent spectator to turn his 

 observations to profitable account, it is necessary that he should 

 render himself familiar with the objects which are there presented 

 in such countless numbers and endless variety. 



2. It is a great error to suppose that all useful astronomical 

 observations must necessarily be confined to observatories, and 

 that no one can taste the pleasures offered by practical astro- 

 nomy who is not supplied with telescopes and other optical and 

 astronomical apparatus. Our Maker has given us, in the eye, an 

 instrument of exquisite structure, and has supplied us with an 

 understanding, by which that organ may be directed to the most 

 sublime speculations. But even when it is useful that the natural 

 limits of our organs of vision may be extended, and their aim 

 directed with greater precision by artificial and scientific aid, 

 much may be accomplished by the most simple and economical 

 means. A common opera-glass will often give us a distinct view 

 of numerous objects which would otherwise escape the naked eye. 

 The most ordinary telescope will be still more useful. And those 

 who occupy themselves habitually with the celestial scenery, so 

 as to be familiarised with its general features, character, and 

 apparent motions, will not be slow to contrive various simple 

 expedients by which the relative position of objects can be 

 ascertained and measured and the succession of their appearances 

 and disappearances anticipated. 



"We shall therefore, on the present occasion, endeavour to give 

 such plain and simple rules as may enable every one, by the mere 

 use of his eyes, and still more by the occasional use of such 

 optical aids as are almost universally accessible, to occupy him- 

 self advantageously with the contemplation of the heavens. 



3. Let us then suppose a person totally ignorant of astronomy 

 to stand with his face directed to the south, and to view the 

 heavens on a clear starlight night. No long time will elapse 

 before he will be rendered conscious that the splendid panorama 



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