DECEMBER 105 



When once these constellations are learned, then with 

 almost any of the numerous Guides to the Heavens, one 

 may locate the others. This is not only a very enjoyable 

 occupation, but will certainly, as nothing else can, put 

 the teacher in touch with such of the myths as have a 

 nature basis. 



The Milky Way is a luminous, cloudlike band, which 

 stretches across the heavens in a great circle, consisting 

 of myriads of stars densely crowded together, but so far 

 distant from us, that to our naked eyes there is only the 

 appearance of diffused light. 



Our earth is travelling forward rapidly through space 

 with the sun, and, in addition to this, the stars them- 

 selves are moving in different directions and with vary- 

 ing velocity, so that ultimately the whole appearance of 

 the heavens must change. Nevertheless, no variation 

 worth mentioning, except by the astronomer, has yet 

 occurred within the memory of man. Nothing is more 

 invariable, apparently, than tlie stars. For this reason 

 they are invaluable aids to the mariner. 



Method : 



Which gives us the most light, the sun or the moon ? 

 the moon or the stars? AVhy is the sun brighter than 

 the moon? Why is the moon brighter than the stars? 

 Which looks to be larger, the moon or the stars ? AVhy ? 

 Some stars are like our earth; others like our sun. 

 What does the earth look like to the people of Mars? 

 If there are other inhabited worlds revolving round the 

 star-suns, what does the earth look like to them? What 

 does our sun look like ? 



Are the stars of any use to us? 



