104 



THOUGHTS ON THE INFLUENCE OF ETHER IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM. 



ing current of ether (which, hypothetically, is the great reservoir of meteoric matter), we 

 may draw conclusions regarding the probable frequency of shooting stars in different sea- 

 sons of the year. 



The earth is at A on the 6th March, at B on the 6 th June, at C on the 10th August, at 

 D on the 8th September, at E on the 12th November, and at F on the 6th December. 



It is evident that while passing from F to 15, the planet is more distant from the ethereal 

 current than while performing the other half of its yearly course. Consequently, we 

 should then expect to observe a comparatively small number of shooting stars. 



While passing from B to F, the planet is twice carried through the ethereal current, 

 and is at no time far removed from it. The distance is greatest in September. 



The richest displays of shooting stars might, therefore, be reasonably expected during 

 the last half of the year. 



M. Arago furnishes several very interesting tables connected with observations upon 



sporadic shooting stars. I have copied below that of MM. Coulvier Gravier and Saigey, 



which is the mean monthly number of shooting stars seen during the hour which includes 



midnight. 



July, 7 



August, 8.5 



September, 6.8 



3.7 October, 9.1 



3.8 November, 9.5 

 3.2 December, 7.2* 



By comparing this table with Figure 6, its agreement with the conclusions drawn from 

 the a priori argument is striking. 



The circulation in the ether is a process which I have taken the pains to deduce from 

 conditions ascertained by different astronomers for abstract purposes. I have pointed out 

 its influence in the production of the zodiacal light, and shown some new effects upon the 

 tails of comets, and its influence upon the seasons. Taken in connection with the rota- 

 tion of the sun, and the revolution of the earth in its orbit, I have offered reasons for be- 

 lieving that the ethereal circulation causes the periodicity in shooting stars. 



Viewing this process as the result of conditions previously determined, and as the cause 

 of the phenomena I have discussed, its existence maybe said to be proved by two systems 

 of reasoning. 



I now resign the subject, with the conviction that as it is one of immense interest, and 

 has received no justice at my hands, it will speedily provoke the inquiry of persons who 

 have made special studies of the phenomena which I have endeavored to combine under 

 one cause. 



* Astronomic Populairc, vol. iv, p. 289. 



January, 3.6 

 February, 3.6 

 March, 2.7 

 April, 



May, 

 June, 



