ASTRONOMICAL NOTES FOR OCTOBER, 1883. 355 
Sun. At second contact, this line was 12' longitude east and 3' west. The 
length of 1474 east diminished, while 1474 west increased. At mid totality these 
were equal. Before the third contact, the appearances were reversed ; 1474 west 
was longer and brighter than 1474 east." The results of the observation coincided 
with previous computations made by Dr. Hastings, whose calculations were based 
on the mathematical laws developed by the wave theory of propagation of light. 
The expedition gives two results most valuable to science. It aids us dispel 
beUef in the existence of a corona around the Sun, besides serving to remove this 
barrier which has so long stood in the way of comprehension of solar physics ; 
and lends confirmation to the undulatory theory of light, since computations 
made by means of its laws were verified. If it shall be demonstrated that there 
is no corona, — matters will be much less complex in solar studies; no unknown 
laws will be required to be assumed in action on the Sun ; nor hitherto unsus- 
pected force. With the corona gone, we can behold in the Sun a heated sphere 
with no more gases surrounding it than would naturally arise from so massive a 
body in the Sun's known chemical activity. With the revival of astronomy two 
centuries ago, mysteries in cosmical research begun to vanish, and if the corona 
shall prove illusory ; and if more delusive ideas disappear, doubtless we shall all 
be surprised at the simplicity of that vast machine — the solar system. 
New Windsor, III., September 10, 1883. 
ASTRONOMICAL NOTES FOR OCTOBER, 1883. 
W. W. ALEXANDER, KANSAS CITY, MO. 
The earth's annual motion around the Sun brings time on the ist to R. A. 
12 h. 30 min., on the 31st 14 h. 22 min. His south declination will increase 
from 3° 14' on the ist, to 14° 9' on the 31st. The sidereal time of local Mean 
Noon on the ist is 12 h. 40 min. 32.4 sec, on the 31st 14 h. 38 min. 49 o sec. 
Venus — is evening star, but as yet too near the Sun to be of much promi- 
nence. On the 4th she will be in conjunction with Mercury. 
Mercury — will pass inferior conjunction on the 6th, and attain its great- 
est western elongation on the 22d. A few days before or after that date it 
can be seen risng about eighty minutes before the Sun at a point on the horizon 
almost due east- On the 20th it will be close to Gamma Virginis; the star will 
be to the north 1° 07'. 
Mars — is in the constellation Gemini on the ist, where it will remain until 
the 7th, after that time it will be in Cancer. On the 3d it is in hne with Castor 
and Pollux and south from these two stars. It rises about 11 o'clock P. M , 20° 
north of east. Its apparent diameter is slowly increasing, also its brilliancy. On 
the 19th Jupiter pays him a visit and at nearest conjunction will be south 59', or 
about one and a half times the Moon's apparent diameter. On the 24th it goes 
