120 
CELESTIAL DAY OBSERVATIONS. 
Observations 
upon the 
planet Venus 
iu liie day- 
time. 
of magnifying powerj the moment of her superior conjunction 
with the sun, when her geocentric latitude> either north or 
south, at the time of conjunction, is not less than 3 degrees. 
This conclusion is deduced from the observation of June 5th j 
for if Venus may be seen when only 3® east of the sun, it is 
evident, and requires no illustration, that she may be equally 
well seen at the same distance, either north or south of the sun’s 
centre. Nay, the latter are better positions than the former for 
such an observation ; as the direct solar rays can be more easily 
and Conveniently intercepted when Venus is north or south of 
the sun, than when she is on the east or the west of him. I hate 
stated 3° as the limit beyond which she may be seen j because I 
have not had occular demonstration that she may be seen within 
this limit ; but I am at the same time of opinion, from the 
degree of distinctness with which she appear^ at the time 
referred to, that she may be perceived when she is distant only 
from the centre of the sun j provided his rays be properly 
intercepted. — In order to view this planet to advantage at any 
future conjunction, when in south latitude, it will be proper to 
fix a board at a small distance beyond the object end of the 
telescope, having such a degree of concave curvature, as shall 
nearly correspond with a segment of the diurnal arc, at that 
time described by the sun j with its lower concave edge at an 
elevation a small degree above the line of collimation of the 
telescope when adjusted for viewing the planet ; in order com- 
pletely to intercept the solar rays. When the planet is in north 
latitude the curvature of the board must be made convex, and 
placed a little below the line of sight. The opposite figures 
will illustrate my idea j where A B (fig. 1) represents the con- 
cave curve of the board to be used when the planet is in south 
, elusions respecting any unusual plienotnenon, which we have but 
once observed, and had no time to examine ; since the ingenious 
matijiematiciaii and pliilosoplier now mentioned ; seems to liave con- 
cluded, that, vhatwasin reality a flight of birds, were ‘‘large Imnixious 
globes in the heavens.” — This note, suggested by tlie subject »f this 
paper, though not necessarily connected with it, it is hoped will bo 
excused. 
latitude j 
