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Dr. Herschel’s Observations to investigate 
OF THE SOLAR ATMOSPHERE. 
The Sun has a pla?ietary Atmosphere. 
Our observations on the double regions of clouds in the sun, 
are certainly a sufficient proof of the existence of a solar atmo- 
sphere. The clouds of the lower regions of the sun bear such 
a resemblance to our own, that they can only, like ours, be 
upheld by a thin elastic medium, in which, like ours in air, 
they may freely move about in all directions. 
The Sun’s planetary Atmosphere extends to a great Height. 
If we have concluded, from the appearance of the clouds of 
the lower regions, that they were supported by an atmosphere, 
the same will hold good with regard to the self-luminous clouds 
of the upper regions. For, though probably they do not swim 
or float in the planetary atmosphere of the sun, like the lower 
ones, it is evident, from observation, that they arrange themselves 
regularly at certain given altitudes ; which can only be ascribed 
to the specific gravity of the gases to which they owe their exist- 
ence. Besides, as the solar atmosphere is elastic, it can be no 
otherwise confined than by its gravitation to the sun, in the same 
manner as the air, by its own weight, is kept down to the earth ; 
and the solar atmosphere must therefore expand itself consider- 
ably above the highest ridges and nodules. 
The planetary Atmosphere of the Sun is of a great Density. 
This may be deduced directly from the known quantity of 
matter in the sun. Sir Isaac Newton has proved, that the gra- 
vitation of bodies on the surface of the sun, is 27 times stronger 
