116 
CELESTIAL DAY OBSEIlVATTOJfS. 
Observations ^ late writer on Astronomy, whose diction is more original than 
upon the 
j>laiiet Venus several other popular writers on that subject, repeals the follow- 
time^ proposition in a different form three different times, “ when 
Venus is on the other side of the sun, in which she appears in 
the same sign with him, she cajinot le seen in the heavens, being 
lost in the refulgence of the solar rays,” &c. Bryan's Astronomy, 
3d edition, pp. 238. 244. Dr. Brewster, the latest and most 
respectable writer I have had access to consult, when describing 
the phases of Mercury and Venus, says, " their luminous side 
is completely turned to the earth at the time of their superior 
conjunction, when they would appear like the full moon, 
if they were not then eclipsed by the rays of the sun*." The 
same opinion is expressed in similar phrases by Ferguson, in his 
** Astronomy explained,” &c. Adams, in his “ Astronomical 
Essays,” G. Gregory, in his '' Lectures," and by every other 
writer on the subject to whose works I have had access. How 
far such expressions are correct will appear from the following 
observations and remarks. 
April 24, 1813, lOh. 50'. A. M. Observed Venus with a 
power of 30 j the aperture not contracted. She was then about 
3l' in time of right ascension distant from the sun. Their 
difference of declination 3°. 59 '. She appeared distinct and 
weU defined. With a power of 100 could distinguish her 
gibbous phase. — May 1, lOh, 20'.A, M. Viewed Venus with 
a power of 60 j the aperture, not contracted. She appeared 
very distinct. Saw her at the same time with a power of 15 ; 
the aperture being contracted to Q-lOths of an inch. Having 
contracted the aperture to i inch, saw her more distinctly. When 
the contracted apertures were removed, she could with difficulty 
be distinguished, on account of the direct rays of the sun strik- 
ing on the inside of the tube of the telescope. The sun was 
shining bright, and the planet about 25' in time of R. A. were 
of his centre ; their difference of declination being 3°. — 
May 7, lOh. A. M. Saw Venus distinctly with a power of 60 ; 
the sun shining bright. She was then about 19' in time of R. A. 
Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, Art. Astronomy, p. 655. 
and 
