SCIENTIFIC SUMMARY . 
513 
and lithographs, where accuracy of detail has been principally kept 
in view. We trust that “ Our Satellite ” may be liberally patronized and find 
a place both in the libraries of the learned and the drawing-rooms of the. rich, 
where the beauty of the photographs will no doubt be fully appreciated.'*' 
The publisher is A. W. Bennett, 5, Bishopsgate Street Without, and the finst 
number is to appear on July 1. 
New Comets and Planets . — We have not to record any discoveries in those 
objects during the last quarter. It may astonish many, however, to ham 
that the great comet of July, 1861, is still visible. It was observed, be- 
tween March 20 and April 16, at St. Petersburg. On July 1 it comes 
within a degree of the North Pole, at about four hours of right ascension ; but, 
it is needless to add, that it can only be perceived by the help of the most 
powerful telescopes. M. Struve thinks that the light of the comet is 
variable, and does not depend on the distance from the sun and earth alto- 
gether. On April 16 it showed distinct traces of concentration. The orbit, 
calculated by M. Seeling, and which gives a period of 419^ years to this cornet, 
appears from those later observations to be the most correct. In regard to 
planets, it may be stated that between May 29 and June 13 of 1861, am 
object was observed for Maja, at the Hamilton College Observatory (U.S.), 
which turns out, however, to be a different object. It has received the 
name of Feronia, and is No. 71 of the group of asteroids. It may be 
expected to reappear in the month of September, when, no doubt, it will be 
eagerly sought after. The comet of Encke was observed by Mr. Hartnup at 
the Liverpool Observatory up to January 25 of the present year. On March 22 
the comet of July, 1861, was estimated of the same brightness as the 
“ missing ” nebula by M. Struve. 
Solar Spots, &c . — A circular spot seen upon the sun’s disk, in 1862, March 20, 
between 8h. 37m. and 8h. 59m. a.m., is worthy of notice from the extraor- 
dinary motion -which was perceptible. It was observed at Manchester by 
W. Lummis, Esq., whose observation was confirmed by a friend. Din-Lag 
the above interval it appeared to move over about twelve minutes of arc ; 
although, from the diagram communicated, Mr. Hind thinks it could nab 
have been more than six minutes. The spot, according to Mr. Lummis, was 
quite circular, perfectly defined, and about seven seconds in diameter. The 
sun was particularly free from spots for several mornings previously. 
Planets . — Mars will be a very conspicuous object during the autumn 
months, arriving at opposition at the beginning of October, when his appa- 
rent diameter will amount to 22 seconds. As this planet is above the 
equator at this epoch, it will be much more favourably seen than during 
the opposition of 1860, Avhen, although its diameter amounted to 22 - 6 
seconds, it was at the same time 28 degrees of south declination, which, of 
course, made any delicate observation almost impossible in those latitudes. 
Many years must elapse before the planet will be seen again to such 
advantage. 
Variable Stars and their Measurement . — The subject of variable stars is one 
* We have seen two or three proofs of these photographs, each of which 
represents different portions of the moon’s surface, and consider them very 
well executed. 
