,illu/ration ,curiosities ( ! ,sky by ,g>rett ,p4 ,s]viss ,cont5ts ,,preface ,,curiosities ,,( ,,! ,,sky ,i4 ,! ,w9d[s ( ,absolute ,night ,,ii4 ,/>-,cl\ds1 ,/>-,clu/]s1 & ,/>-,/reams ,,iii4 ,/ell> ,migrations ,,iv4 ,! ,pass+ ( ! ,con/ellations ,v4 ,conflagrations 9 ! ,heav5s ,,vi4 ,explosive & ,:irl+ ,nebul ,,vii4 ,! ,bann]s ( ! ,sun ,,viii4 ,! ,zodiacal ,light ,my/]y ,,ix4 ,m>vels ( ! ,aurora ,x4 ,/range ,adv5tures ( ,comets ,,xi4 ,meteors1 ,fire-,balls1 & ,meteorites ,,xii4 ,! ,wreck+ ( ! ,moon ,,xiii4 ,! ,great ,m>s ,problem ,,xiv4 ,! ,riddle ( ! ,a/]oids ,illu/ration3 ,great spiral nebula 9 ,&rom$a ,illu/rations ,great spiral nebula 9 ,&rom$a ,! ,milky ,way ,/>-clu/] 9 ,h]cules ,great s\!rn />-clu/]1 ,omega ,c5tauri ,! ,pleiades ,! 8,great ,dipp]0 ,cassiopeia ,! 8,nor!rn ,cr[n0 ,! 8,s\!rn ,cross0 ,*>t %[+ location ( ,ty*o's />1 #aegb1 & ,nova ,p]sei ( #aija ,nova ,p]sei1 ) its nebul> r+s ,"l ,rosse's nebula ,wond]ful spiral 9 triangulum ,spiral 9 ,ursa ,major ,nebula 9 ,cetus ,! ,orion nebula ,! ,corona ,a sol> 8prom95ce0 ,auroral beams se5 9 ,engl& ,auroral ar*es ( an eliptic =m se5 9 ! ,arctic regions ,auroral curta9 se5 9 ,sc&9avia ,auroral ar*es se5 9 ,sc&9avia ,swift's comet ,daniels' comet ,brooks' comet ,curi\s =ms ( meteorite tra9s ,section ( ! atmosph]e up to #ajj kilomet]s ,a meteor photograph$ 9 flight ,look+ across ,coon ,butte crat] f nor!rn rim ,trail on s\? side1 ,coon ,butte crat] ,! crat]s ,clavius1 ,longomontanus1 ,ty*o1 etc4 ,we/]n "p ( ! ,m>e ,s]5itatis ,m>e ,tranquilitatis & surr\nd+s ,lun> crat]s ,!ophilus & surr\nd+ region ,m>e ,crisium ,s*iap>elli's *>t ( ,m>s1 %[+ ! s-call$ sy/em ( canals ,,preface ,:at ,fr\de says ( hi/ory is true also ( a/ronomy3 x is ! mo/ impressive :]e x transc5ds explanation4 ,x is n ! ma!matics ( a/ronomy1 b ! wond] & ! my/]y t seize ^u ! imag9ation4 ,! calculation ( an eclipse owes all its pre/ige to ! sublimity ( its data2 ! op]ation1 9 itself1 requires no m m5tal ef=t ?an ! prep>ation ( a railway "t-table4 ,! dom9ion :i* a/ronomy has always held ov] ! m9ds ( m5 is ak9 to t ( poetry2 :5 ! =m] becomes m]ely in/ructive & ! latt] purely didactic1 bo? lose _! p[] ov] ! imag9ation4 ,a/ronomy is kn[n z ! olde/ ( ! sci5ces1 & x w be ! longe/-liv$ because x w always h arcana t h n be5 p5etrat$4 ,"s ( ! ?+s describ$ 9 ?is book are little kn[n to ! av]age read]1 :ile o!rs are well kn[n2 b all possess ! fasc9ation ( :atev] is /range1 m>vel\s1 obscure1 or my/]i\s--magnifi$1 9 ?is case1 by ! port5t\s scale ( ! ph5om5a4 ,! idea ( ! au?or is to tell ab\t ^! ?+s 9 pla9 language1 b ) z mu* sci5tific accuracy z pla9 language w p]mit1 %[+ ! wond] t is 9 !m )\t gett+ away f ! facts4 ,mo/ ( !m h hi!rto be5 discuss$ only 9 te*nical =m1 & 9 treatises t ! g5]al public seldom sees & nev] reads4 ,among ! topics t\*$ ^u are3 ,! /range unfix$ness ( ! 8fix$ />s10 ! va/ migrations ( ! suns & worlds con/itut+ ! univ]se4 ,! sl[ pass+ out ( exi/5ce ( ^? collocations ( />s :i* = ?\s&s ( ye>s h =m$ fam\s 8con/ellations10 pres]v+ ! memory ( my?ological h]oes & h]o9es1 & p]haps ( o!rwise unrecord$ hi/ory4 ,! t5d5cy ( />s to assemble 9 imm5se cl\ds1 sw>ms1 & clu/]s4 ,! exi/5ce 9 "s ( ! ri*e/ regions ( ! univ]se ( absolutely black1 />less gaps1 deeps1 or holes1 z if "o 7 look+ out ( a w9d[ into ! murkie/ night4 ,! m>vel\s ph5om5a ( new1 or tempor>y1 />s1 :i* appe> z sudd5ly z conflagrations1 & (t5 turn into some?+ else z ecc5tric z !mselves4 ,! amaz+ =ms ( ! 8:irlpool10 8spiral10 8p9:eel10 & 8lace10 or 8tress10 nebul4 ,! /range surr\nd+s ( ! sun1 only se5 9 p>ticul> circum/ances1 b evid5tly play+ a con/ant "p 9 ! daily ph5om5a ( ! sol> sy/em4 ,! my/]y ( ! ,zodiacal ,light & ! ,geg5s*e94 ,! extraord9>y trans=mations und]gone by comets & _! tails4 ,! prodigies ( meteorites & masses ( /one & metal fall5 f ! sky4 ,! cataclysms t h wreck$ ! moon4 ,! problem ( life & intellig5ce on ! planet ,m>s4 ,! problematical orig9 & fate ( ! a/]oids4 ,! /range ph5om5a ( ! auroral lights4 ,an attempt has be5 made to develop ^! topics 9 an ord]ly way1 %[+ _! connection1 s t ! read] may obta9 a broad g5]al view ( ! *ief my/]ies & problems ( a/ronomy1 & an idea ( ! imm5se field ( discov]y :i* /ill lies1 almo/ unexplor$1 be=e x4 ,,curiosities ,,( ,,! ,,sky ,i ,! ,w9d[s ( ,absolute ,night ,to mo/ m9ds my/]y is m fasc9at+ ?an sci5ce4 ,b :5 sci5ce itself leads /raight up to ! bord]s ( my/]y & !re comes to a dead /op1 say+1 8,at pres5t ,i c no long] see my way10 ! =ce ( ! *>m is r$\bl$4 ,on ! o!r h&1 ! illimitable is no less pot5t 9 my/]y ?an ! invisible1 :5ce ! dramatic effect ( ,keats' 8/\t ,cortez0 />+ at ! b\ndless ,pacific :ile all 8 m5 look at ea* o!r ) a wild surmise1 8sil5t ^u a peak 9 ,d>i540 ,x is ) simil> feel+s t ! a/ronom] reg>ds c]ta9 places :]e f ! peaks ( ! univ]se 8 vision seems to range out into endless empty space4 ,he sees !re ! %ore ( 8 little i/hmus1 &1 beyond1 unexplor$ imm5sity4 ,! "n1 8coal-sacks10 giv5 to ^! /range voids is h>dly descriptive4 ,r !y produce ^u ! m9d ! effect ( blank w9d[s 9 a lonely h\se on a pit*-d>k night1 :i*1 :5 look$ at f ! brilliant int]ior1 become appall+ 9 _! rayless murk4 ,inf9ity seems to acquire a new mean+ 9 ! pres5ce ( ^! black op5+s 9 ! sky1 = z "o cont9ues to gaze x loses its purely metaphysical quality & becomes a k9d ( entity1 l ! ocean4 ,! obs]v] is consci\s t he c actually see ! beg9n+ ( its ebon dep?s1 9 :i* ! visible univ]se appe>s to float l an en*ant$ isl&1 respl5d5t )9 ) lights & life & gorge\s spectacles1 & encircl$ ) scre5s ( cr[d$ />s1 b ) its dazzl+ vi/as end+ at ! fa?omless sea ( pure d>kness :i* encloses all4 ,! ,galaxy1 or ,milky ,way1 surr\nds ! bord]s ( our isl& 9 space l a /ell> g>l&1 & :5 op5+s appe> 9 x !y are1 by contra/1 f> m impressive ?an ! g5]al d>kness ( ! int]/ell> expanse se5 9 o!r directions4 ,yet ev5 t expanse is n ev]y:]e equally d>k1 = x conta9s gloomy deeps disc]nable ) c>eful wat*+4 ,"h1 too1 contra/ plays an important "p1 ?\gh less /rik+ ?an )9 ! galactic region4 ,"s ( ,sir ,william ,h]s*el's obs]vations appe> to indicate an association betwe5 ^! t5ebri\s spots & neighbor+ /> cl\ds & nebul4 ,x is an illum9at+ bit ( a/ronomical hi/ory t :5 he 0 sweep+ ! !n virg9 heav5s ) 8 great telescopes he 0 accu/om$ to say to 8 si/] :o1 note-book 9 h&1 wait$ at 8 side to take d[n 8 words1 fre% ) ! inspiration ( discov]y3 8,prep>e to write2 ! nebul are com+2 "h space is vacant40 ,! mo/ fam\s ( ! 8coal-sacks10 & ! fir/ to be br\ght to g5]al att5tion be=e a/ronom]s _h awak5$ to ! significance ( su* ?+s1 lies adjac5t to ! 8,s\!rn ,cross10 & is truly an amaz+ ph5om5on4 ,x is n alone ! conspicu\sness ( ?is cele/ial vacancy1 op5+ sudd5ly 9 ! mid/ ( "o ( ! ri*e/ p>ts ( ! ,galaxy1 t has giv5 x its fame1 b q z mu* ! sup]/iti\s awe ) :i* x 0 reg>d$ by ! e>ly explor]s ( ! ,s\? ,seas4 ,to !m1 z well z to ^? :o li/5$ 9 rapt wond] to _! tales1 ! 8,coal-sack0 seem$ to possess "s occult connection ) ! my/ic 8,cross40 ,9 ! eyes ( ! sailors x 0 n a vacancy s mu* z a sable reality 9 ! sky1 & z1 %udd]+1 !y />$ at x1 !y pi\sly cross$ !mselves4 ,x 0 ano!r ( ! magical wond]s ( ! unkn[n ,s\?1 & z su* x =m$ ! basis ( _m a 8wild surmise0 & _m a sea-dog's y>n4 ,sci5tific inve/igation has n dim9i%$ its pre/ige1 & today no travel] 9 ! s\!rn hemisph]e is indiff]5t to its fasc9at+ /rang5ess1 :ile "s f9d x ! mo/ impressive spectacle ( ! ant>ctic heav5s4 ,all ar\nd1 up to ! v edge ( ! yawn+ gap1 ! %e5 ( ! ,milky ,way is surpass+ly glori\s2 b !re1 z if 9 ob$i5ce to an almighty edict1 ev]y?+ vani%es4 ,a s+le fa9t /> is visible )9 ! op5+1 produc+ a curi\s effect ^u ! s5sitive spectator1 l ! sight ( a t9y islet 9 ! mid/ ( a black1 motionless1 waveless t>n4 ,! dim5sions ( ! lagoon ( d>kness1 :i* is oval or pe>-%ap$1 are eight degrees by five1 s t x occupies a space 9 ! sky ab\t "o hundr$ & ?irty times great] ?an ! area ( ! full moon4 ,x attracts att5tion z soon z ! eye is direct$ t[>d ! qu>t] :]e x exi/s1 & by virtue ( ! r>ity ( su* ph5om5a x appe>s a f> great] wond] ?an ! drifts ( />s t are heap$ ar\nd x4 ,n[ t obs]vatories are multiply+ 9 ! s\!rn hemisph]e1 ! great au/ral 8,coal-sack0 w1 no d\bt1 receive att5tion proportion$ to its importance z "o ( ! mo/ significant features ( ! sky4 ,already at ! ,sydney ,obs]vatory photographs h %[n t ! s\!rn portion ( ?is ,dead ,sea ( ,space is n q 8bottomless10 al?\gh its nor!rn "p defies ! longe/ s\nd+ l9es ( ! a/ronom]4 ,!re is a simil>1 b less p]fect1 8coal-sack0 9 ! nor!rn hemisph]e1 9 ! con/ellation ( 8,! ,swan10 :i*1 /range to say1 also conta9s a well-m>k$ figure ( a cross outl9$ by />s4 ,?is gap lies ne> ! top ( ! cross-%ap$ figure4 ,x is be/ se5 by av]t$ vision1 :i* br+s out ! contra/ ) ! ,milky ,way1 :i* is q brilliant ar\nd x4 ,x does n1 h[ev]1 ex]cise ! same weird attraction ^u ! eye z ! s\!rn 8,coal-sack10 = in/ead ( look+ l an absolute void 9 ! sky1 x r appe>s z if a canopy ( d>k gauze _h be5 drawn ov] ! />s4 ,we %all see ! possible significance ( ?is appe>ance lat]4 ,illu/ration3 ,! ,milky ,way4 ,region ne> ,m4,s4 ,photograph$ by ,pr(essor ,b>n>d ,j above ! s\!rn horizon ( our nor!rn middle latitudes1 9 summ]1 :]e ! ,milky ,way breaks up into va/ %eets ( nebul\s lum9osity1 ly+ ov] & betwe5 ! con/ellations ,scorpio & ,sagitt>ius1 !re is a rem>kable assemblage ( 8coal-sacks10 ?\gh none is ( great size4 ,"o ( !m1 ne> a conspicu\s />-clu/] 9 ,scorpio1 ,m#hj1 is int]e/+ = hav+ be5 ! fir/ ( ^! /range objects not$ by ,h]s*el4 ,probably x 0 its ne>ness to ,m#hj :i* sugge/$ to 8 m9d ! app>5t connection ( su* vacancies ) />-clu/]s :i* we h already m5tion$4 ,b ! mo/ m>vel\s ( ! 8coal-sacks0 are ^? t h be5 f\nd by photography 9 ,sagitt>ius4 ,"o ( ,b>n>d's e>lie/ & mo/ excell5t photographs includes two ( !m1 bo? 9 ! />-clu/] ,m#h4 ,! l>g]1 :i* is r\ghly rectangul> 9 outl9e1 conta9s "o little />1 & its small] neighbor is lune-%ap$--surely a mo/ s+ul> =m = su* an object4 ,bo? are associat$ ) curi\s d>k lanes runn+ ?r\gh ! clu/]$ />s l trails 9 ! woods4 ,along ! bord]s ( ^! lanes ! />s are rank$ 9 p>allel r[s1 & :at may be call$ ! bottoms ( ! lanes are n entirely d>k1 b pebbl$ ) fa9t /ell> po9ts4 ,"o ( !m :i* skirts ! two d>k gaps & trav]ses ! clu/] along its greate/ diamet] is edg$ ) l9es ( />s1 recall+ ! alignm5t ( ! trees bord]+ a ,fr5* highway4 ,?is road ( />s _c be less ?an _m billions ( miles 9 l5g?6 ,all ab\t ! clu/] ! b$ ( ! ,galaxy is /rangely di/urb$1 & 9 places ne>ly d5ud$1 z if its cont5ts _h be5 rak$ away to =m ! imm5se /ack & ! small] accumulations ( />s ar\nd x4 ,! well-kn[n 8,trifid ,nebula0 is also includ$ 9 ! field ( ! photograph1 :i* cov]s a truly m>vel\s region1 s intricate 9 its m+l+ ( nebul1 />-clu/]s1 />-sw>ms1 />-/reams1 & d>k vacancies t no description c d x ju/ice4 ,yet1 *aotic z x appe>s1 !re is an unmi/akable sugge/ion ( unity ab\t x1 impress+ ! behold] ) ! idea t all ! diff]5t p>ts are 9 "s way connect$1 & h n be5 =tuit\sly ?r[n toge!r4 ,miss ,agnes ,m4 ,cl]ke made ! /rik+ rem>k t ! dusky lanes 9 ,m#h are exemplifi$ on ! l>ge/ scale 9 ! great rift divid+ ! ,milky ,way1 f ,cygnus 9 ! nor!rn hemisph]e all ! way to ! 8,cross0 9 ! s\!rn4 ,simil> lanes are f\nd 9 _m o!r clu/]s1 & !y are g5]ally associat$ ) flank+ r[s ( />s1 resembl+ 9 _! arrangem5t ! ?ick-set h\ses & villas along ! roadways t trav]se ! approa*es to a great city4 ,b to return to ! black gaps4 ,are !y really w9d[s 9 ! />-walls ( ! univ]se8 ,"s ( !m look r z if !y _h be5 made by a %ell fir$ ?r\gh a lum9\s t>get1 all[+ ! eye to range ?r\gh ! hole into ! void space beyond4 ,if sci5ce is discretely sil5t ab\t ^! ?+s1 :at c ! m v5turesome & less responsible imag9ation sugge/8 ,w\ld a huge 8runaway sun10 l ,arcturus1 = in/ance1 make su* an op5+ if x %\ld pass l a projectile ?r\gh ! ,milky ,way8 ,x is at lea/ a /imulat+ inquiry4 ,be+ probably _m ?\s&s ( times m massive ?an ! galactic />s1 su* a /ell> missile w\ld n be /opp$ by !m1 ?\gh its direction ( flight might be alt]$4 ,x w\ld drag ! small />s ly+ close to its c\rse out ( _! sph]es1 b ! ultimate t5d5cy ( its attraction w\ld be to sweep !m r\nd 9 its wake1 ?us produc+ r a />-sw>m ?an a vacancy4 ,^? t 7 v close to x might be swept away 9 its ru% & become its satellites1 c>e]+ away ) x 9 its flight into out] space2 b ^? t 7 f>!r (f1 & !y w\ld1 ( c\rse1 greatly outnumb] ! ne>] ones1 w\ld t5d inw>d f all sides t[>d ! l9e ( flight1 z du/ & leaves collect beh9d a spe$+ motor 7?\gh ! =ces op]at+ w\ld be diff]5t71 & w\ld fill up ! hole1 if hole x 74 ,a sw>m ?us collect$ %\ld be r\nd$ 9 outl9e & bord]$ ) a relatively b>r5 r+ f :i* ! />s _h be5 8suck$0 away4 ,9 a g5]al s5se ! ,m#h clu/] answ]s to ?is description1 b ev5 if we und]took to acc\nt = its exi/5ce by a supposition l ! above1 ! black gaps w\ld rema9 unexpla9$1 unless "o c\ld make a fur!r draft on ! imag9ation & sugge/ t ! />s _h be5 ?r[n into a va/ eddy1 or sy/em ( eddies1 ^: vortices appe> z d>k holes4 ,only a mael/rom-l motion c\ld keep su* a funnel op51 = )\t reg>d to ! impulse d]iv$ f ! projectile1 ! prop] motions ( ! />s !mselves w\ld t5d to fill x4 ,p]haps "s o!r cause ( ! :irl+ motion may be f\nd4 ,z we %all see :5 we come to ! spiral nebul1 gyratory movem5ts are exce$+ly preval5t ?r\gh\t ! univ]se1 & ! /ructure ( ! ,milky ,way is ev]y:]e sugge/ive ( !m4 ,b ?is is haz>d\s sport ev5 = ! imag9ation--to play ) suns z if !y 7 b ?i/le-d[n 9 ! w9d or corks 9 a mill-race4 ,ano!r "q arises3 ,:at is ! ?ickness ( ! h$ge ( />s ?r\gh :i* ! holes p5etrate8 ,is ! dep? ( ! op5+s proportionate to _! wid?8 ,9 o!r words1 is ! ,milky ,way r\nd 9 section l a rope1 or flat & ?9 l a ribbon8 ,! answ] is n obvi\s1 = we h little or no in=mation conc]n+ ! relative di/ances ( ! fa9t galactic />s4 ,x w\ld be easi]1 c]ta9ly1 to conceive ( op5+s 9 a ?9 belt ?an 9 a massive r+1 = 9 ! fir/ case !y w\ld resemble m]e rifts & breaks1 :ile 9 ! second !y w\ld be l wells or bore-holes4 ,!n1 too1 ! fact t ! ,milky ,way is n a cont9u\s body b is made up ( />s ^: actual di/ances ap>t is great1 (f]s ano!r qu&>y2 p]si/5t & %>ply bord]$ ap]tures 9 su* an assemblage are a priori z improbable1 if n impossible1 z /raight1 n>r[ holes runn+ ?r\gh a sw>m ( bees4 ,! difficulty ( ^! que/ions indicates "o ( ! reasons :y x has be5 sugge/$ t ! seem+ gaps1 or _m ( !m1 are n op5+s at all1 b opaque scre5s cutt+ (f ! light f />s beh9d !m4 ,t ?is is q possible 9 "s cases is %[n by ,b>n>d's lat] photographs1 p>ticul>ly ^? ( ! s+ul> region ar\nd ! /> ,rho ,ophiu*i4 ,"h are to be se5 somb] lanes & pat*es1 app>5tly =m+ a connect$ sy/em :i* cov]s an imm5se space1 & :i* _! discov]] ?9ks may con/itute a 8d>k nebula40 ,?is seems at fir/ a />tl+ sugge/ion2 b1 aft] all1 :y %\ld _! n be d>k nebul z well z visible ones8 ,9 tru?1 x has tr\bl$ "s a/ronom]s to expla9 ! lum9osity ( ! bright nebul1 s9ce x is n to be suppos$ t matt] 9 s diffuse a /ate c be inc&esc5t ?r\gh heat1 & phosphoresc5t light is 9 itself a my/]y4 ,! supposition is also 9 accord ) :at we "k ( ! exi/5ce ( d>k solid bodies 9 space4 ,_m bright />s are accompani$ by obscure companions1 sometimes z massive z !mselves2 ! planets are non-lum9\s2 ! same is true ( meteors be=e !y plunge into ! atmosph]e & become heat$ by friction2 & _m plausible reasons h be5 f\nd = believ+ t space conta9s z _m obscure z %9+ bodies ( great size4 ,x is n s difficult1 aft] all1 !n1 to believe t !re are imm5se collections ( %ad[y gases & meteoric du/ ^: pres5ce is only manife/$ :5 !y int]cept ! light com+ f %9+ bodies beh9d !m4 ,?is w\ld acc\nt = ! app>5t ext+ui%m5t ( light 9 op5 space1 :i* is indicat$ by ! fall+ (f 9 relative numb] ( telescopic />s bel[ ! t5? magnitude4 ,ev5 z ?+s are1 ! am\nt ( light com+ to u f />s too fa9t to be se5 ) ! nak$ eye is s great t ! /atem5t ( x g5]ally surprises p]sons :o are unfamili> ) ! inn] facts ( a/ronomy4 ,x has be5 calculat$ t on a cle> night ! total />light f ! entire cele/ial sph]e am\nts to "o-sixtie? ( ! light ( ! full moon2 b ( ?is less ?an "o-tw5ty-fif? is due to />s sep>ately di/+ui%$ by ! eye4 ,if !re 7 no obscur+ m$ium 9 space1 x is probable t ! am\nt ( />light w\ld be noticeably & p]haps enorm\sly increas$4 ,b :ile x seems c]ta9 t "s ( ! obscure spots 9 ! ,milky ,way are due to ! pres5ce ( 8d>k nebul10 or conceal+ veils ( "o k9d or ano!r1 x is equally c]ta9 t !re are _m :i* are true ap]tures1 h[ev] !y may h be5 =m$1 & by :atev] =ces !y may be ma9ta9$4 ,^!1 !n1 are v]itable w9d[s ( ! ,galaxy1 & :5 look+ out ( !m "o is face to face ) ! great my/]y ( inf9ite space4 ,!re ! kn[n univ]se visibly ends1 b manife/ly space itself does n end !re4 ,x is n )9 ! p[] ( ?\ght to conceive an end to space1 = ! in/ant we ?9k ( a t]m9al po9t or l9e ! m9d leaps =w>d to ! beyond4 ,!re mu/ be space outside z well z inside4 ,et]nity ( "t & inf9ity ( space are ideas t ! intellect _c fully grasp1 b nei!r c x grasp ! idea ( a limitation to ei!r space or "t4 ,! metaphysical conceptions ( hyp]geometry1 or f\r?-dim5sional space1 d n aid u4 ,hav+1 !n1 discov]$ t ! univ]se is a ?+ conta9$ 9 some?+ indef9itely great] ?an itself2 hav+ look$ out ( its w9d[s & f\nd only ! gloom ( />less night outside--:at conclusions are we to draw conc]n+ ! beyond8 ,x seems z empty z a vacuum1 b is x really s8 ,if x be1 !n our univ]se is a s+le atom a/ray 9 ! inf9ite2 x is ! only isl& 9 an ocean )\t %ores2 x is ! "o oasis 9 an illimitable des]t4 ,!n ! ,milky ,way1 ) its wide-flung g>l& ( />s1 is afloat l a t9y smoke-wrea? amid a horror ( immeasurable vacancy1 or x is an evanesc5t & solit>y r+ ( sp>kl+ fro? ca/ up = a mom5t on ! viewless bill[s ( imm5sity4 ,f su* conclusions ! m9d in/9ctively %r9ks4 ,x pref]s to ?9k t !re is some?+ beyond1 ?\gh we _c see x4 ,ev5 ! univ]se c\ld n be> to be alone--a ,crusoe lo/ 9 ! ,cosmos6 ,z ! inhabitants ( ! mo/ elegant *teau1 ) its g>d5s1 p>ks1 & cr[ds ( att5dants1 w\ld die ( lonel9ess if !y did n "k t !y h neighbors1 ?\gh n se51 & t a liv+ _w ( indef9ite ext5t surr\nds !m1 s we1 :5 we p]ceive t ! univ]se has limits1 wi% to feel t x is n solit>y2 t beyond ! h$ges & ! hills !re are o!r c5t]s ( life & activity4 ,c\ld any?+ be m t]rible ?an ! ?\ght ( an isolat$ univ]se8 ,! great] ! be+1 ! great] ! av]sion to seclusion4 ,only ! inf9ite satisfies2 9 t alone ! m9d f9ds re/4 ,we are driv51 !n1 to believe t ! univ]sal night :i* envelopes u is n t5antless2 t z we />e out ( ! />-fram$ w9d[s ( ! ,galaxy & see no?+ b uni=m blackness1 ! fault is ) our eyes or is due to an obscur+ m$ium4 ,s9ce our univ]se is limit$ 9 ext5t1 !re mu/ be o!r univ]ses beyond x on all sides4 ,p]haps if we c\ld c>ry our telescopes to ! v]ge ( ! great 8,coal-sack0 ne> ! 8,cross10 be+ !n on ! fronti] ( our />ry sy/em1 we c\ld disc]n1 sp>kl+ af> (f 9 ! va/ night1 "s ( ! out] galaxies4 ,!y may be gr&] ?an ours1 j z _m ( ! suns surr\nd+ u are imm5sely great] ?an ours4 ,if we c\ld take our /& some:]e 9 ! mid/ ( imm5sity &1 ) vision ( inf9ite rea*1 look ab\t u1 we %\ld p]haps see a c\ntless numb] ( /ell> sy/ems1 amid :i* ours w\ld be unnoticeable1 l a s+le /> among ! multitude glitt]+ 9 ! t]re/ial sky on a cle> night4 ,"s might be 9 ! =m ( a wrea?1 l our own2 "s might be globul>1 l ! great />-clu/]s 9 ,h]cules & ,c5taurus2 "s might be glitt]+ circles1 or disks1 or r+s )9 r+s4 ,if we c\ld ent] !m we %\ld probably f9d a va/ v>iety ( composition1 includ+ elem5ts unkn[n to t]re/rial *emi/ry2 = :ile ! visible univ]se appe>s to conta9 few if any sub/ances n exi/+ on ! e>? or 9 ! sun1 we h no w>rant to assume t o!rs may n exi/ 9 inf9ite space4 ,& h[ z to gravitation8 ,we d n "k t gravitation acts beyond ! visible univ]se1 b x is reasonable to suppose t x does4 ,at any rate1 if we let g its su/a9+ h& we are lo/1 & c only w&] hopelessly 9 our speculations1 l *ildr5 a/ray4 ,if ! empire ( gravitation is inf9ite1 !n ! v>i\s out] sy/ems mu/ h "s1 ?\gh measur+ by our /&>ds an imp]ceptible1 attractive influ5ce ^u ea* o!r1 = gravitation nev] lets g its hold1 h[ev] great ! space ov] :i* x is requir$ to act4 ,j z ! />s ab\t u are all 9 motion1 s ! />ry sy/ems beyond our sight may be 9 motion1 & our sy/em z a :ole may be mov+ 9 conc]t ) !m4 ,if ?is be s1 !n aft] int]m9able ages ! aspect ( ! entire sy/em ( sy/ems mu/ *ange1 its v>i\s memb]s assum+ new positions ) respect to "o ano!r4 ,9 ! c\rse ( "t we may ev5 suppose t our univ]se w approa* relatively close to "o ( ! o!rs2 & !n1 if m5 are yet liv+ on ! e>?1 !y may glimpse ?r\gh ! op5+s :i* reveal no?+ to u n[1 ! lights ( ano!r ne>+ /> sy/em1 l ! signals ( a /range squadron1 br++ !m ! assurance 7:i* c be b an inf]5ce at pres5t7 t ! ocean ( space has o!r argosies v5tur+ on its limitless expanse4 ,!re rema9s ! "q ( ! lum9if]\s e!r by ^: ag5cy ! waves ( light are borne ?r\gh space4 ,! e!r is z my/]i\s z gravitation4 ,) reg>d to e!r we only inf] its exi/5ce f ! effects :i* we ascribe to x4 ,evid5tly ! e!r mu/ ext5d z f> z ! mo/ di/ant visible />s4 ,b does x cont9ue on indef9itely 9 out] space8 ,if x does1 !n ! invisibility ( ! o!r sy/ems mu/ be due to _! di/ance dim9i%+ ! quantity ( light t comes f !m bel[ ! limit ( p]ceptibility1 or to ! int]position ( absorb+ m$ia2 if x does n1 !n ! reason :y we _c see !m is ow+ to ! abs5ce ( a means ( conveyance = ! light waves1 z ! lack ( an int]planet>y atmosph]e prev5ts u f he>+ ! ?und] ( sun-spots4 7,x is int]e/+ to recall t ,mr ,edison 0 once cr$it$ ) ! int5tion to con/ruct a gigantic microphone :i* %\ld r5d] ! ro> ( sun-spots audible by trans=m+ ! electric vibrations into s\nd-waves74 ,on ?is supposition ea* />ry sy/em w\ld be envelop$ 9 its own globule ( e!r1 & no light c\ld cross f "o to ano!r4 ,b ! probability is t bo? ! e!r & gravitation are ubiquit\s1 & t all ! /ell> sy/ems are imm]s$ 9 ! =m] l cl\ds ( phosphoresc5t organisms 9 ! sea4 ,s a/ronomy c>ries ! m9d f height to great] height4 ,m5 7 long 9 accept+ ! pro(s ( ! relative insignificance ( ! e>?2 !y 7 m quickly conv9c$ ( ! comp>ative littl5ess ( ! sol> sy/em2 & n[ ! evid5ce assails _! reason t :at !y _h reg>d$ z ! univ]se is only "o mote gleam+ 9 ! sunbeams ( ,inf9ity4 ,,ii ,/>-,cl\ds1 ,/>-,clu/]s1 & ,/>-,/reams ,9 ! prec$+ *apt] we h se5 some?+ ( ! /rangely complicat$ /ructure ( ! ,galaxy1 or ,milky ,way4 ,we n[ proce$ to /udy m compreh5sively t g>l&$ 8,pa?way ( ! ,gods40 ,judg$ by ! eye alone1 ! ,milky ,way is "o ( ! mo/ delicately beautiful ph5om5a 9 ! entire realm ( nature--a %imm] ( silv]y gauze /ret*$ across ! sky2 b /udi$ 9 ! light ( its revelations1 x is ! mo/ /up5d\s object pres5t$ to human k54 ,let u consid]1 fir/1 its appe>ance to ord9>y vision4 ,its app>5t position 9 ! sky %ifts accord+ to ! season4 ,on a s]5e1 cl\dless summ] ev5+1 9 ! abs5ce ( ! moon1 ^: light obscures x1 "o sees ! ,galaxy spann+ ! heav5s f nor? to s\!a/ ( ! z5i? l a phosphoresc5t ar*4 ,9 e>ly spr+ x =ms a simil> b1 ^u ! :ole1 less brilliant ar* we/ ( ! z5i?4 ,betwe5 spr+ & summ] x lies l a long1 fa9t1 twilight b& along ! nor!rn horizon4 ,at ! beg9n+ ( w9t] x aga9 =ms an ar*1 ?is "t spann+ ! sky f ea/ to we/1 a little nor? ( ! z5i?4 ,^! are its positions z view$ f ! mean latitude ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,ev5 ! beg9n] 9 />-gaz+ does n h to wat* x ?r\gh\t ! ye> 9 ord] to be conv9c$ t x is1 9 reality1 a great circle1 ext5d+ entirely ar\nd ! cele/ial sph]e4 ,we appe> to be situat$ ne> its c5t]1 b its p]iph]y is evid5tly f> away 9 ! dep?s ( space4 ,al?\gh to ! casual obs]v] x seems b a delicate sc>f ( light1 bright] 9 "s places ?an 9 o!rs1 b hazy & indef9ite at ! be/1 su* is n its appe>ance to ^? :o /udy x ) c>e4 ,!y p]ceive t x is an organic :ole1 ?\gh m>vel\sly complex 9 detail4 ,! telescope %[s t x consi/s ( />s too fa9t & small ?r\gh excess ( di/ance to be sep>ately visible4 ,( ! hundr$ million suns :i* "s e/imates h fix$ z ! probable population ( ! />ry univ]se1 ! va/ majority 7at lea/ ?irty to "o7 are includ$ 9 ?is /range belt ( mi/y light4 ,b !y are n uni=mly di/ribut$ 9 x2 on ! contr>y1 !y are array$ 9 clu/]s1 knots1 bun*es1 cl\ds1 & /reams4 ,! appe>ance is some:at z if ! ,galaxy consi/$ ( innum]able sw>ms ( silv]-w+$ bees1 m or less int]mix$1 "s mass$ toge!r1 "s cross+ ! pa?s ( o!rs1 b all gov]n$ by a s+le purpose :i* leads !m to encircle ! region ( space 9 :i* we are situat$4 ,f ! beg9n+ ( ! sy/ematic /udy ( ! heav5s1 ! fact has be5 recogniz$ t ! =m ( ! ,milky ,way d5otes ! s*eme ( ! sid]eal sy/em4 ,at fir/ x 0 ?\ght t ! %ape ( ! sy/em 0 t ( a va/ r\nd disk1 flat l a *eese1 & fill$ ) />s1 our sun & 8 relatively few neighbors be+ plac$ ne> ! c5t]4 ,accord+ to ?is view1 ! galactic belt 0 an effect ( p]spective2 = :5 look+ 9 ! direction ( ! plane ( ! disk1 ! eye rang$ ?r\gh an imm5se ext5sion ( />s :i* bl5d$ into a glimm]+ blur1 surr\nd+ u l a r+2 :ile :5 look+ out f ! sides ( ! disk we saw b few />s1 & 9 ^? directions ! heav5s appe>$ relatively blank4 ,f9ally x 0 recogniz$ t ?is !ory did n correspond ) ! obs]v$ appe>ances1 & x became evid5t t ! ,milky ,way 0 n a m]e effect ( p]spective1 b an actual b& ( enorm\sly di/ant />s1 =m+ a circle ab\t ! sph]e1 ! c5tral op5+ ( ! r+ 7conta9+ _m scatt]$ />s7 be+ _m times broad] ?an ! wid? ( ! r+ itself4 ,our sun is "o ( ! scatt]$ />s 9 ! c5tral op5+4 ,z already rem>k$1 ! r+ ( ! ,galaxy is v irregul>1 & 9 places x is p>tly brok54 ,) its s9u\s outl9e1 its p5dant sprays1 its graceful & accordant curves1 its bun*+ ( masses1 its occasional int]/ices1 & ! manife/ ord] ( a g5]al plan gov]n+ ! jumble ( its details1 x be>s a rem>kable resemblance to a g>l&--a fact :i* appe>s ! m wond]ful :5 we recall its composition4 ,t an elm-tree %\ld trace ! l9es ( beauty ) its leafy & p5dul\s bran*es does n surprise u2 b we c only gaze ) gr[+ amazem5t :5 we behold a hundr$ million suns imitat+ ! =m ( a *aplet6 ,& !n we h to rememb] t ?is =m furni%es ! gr\nd-plan ( ! univ]se4 ,z an indication ( ! extraord9>y speculations to :i* ! my/]y ( ! ,milky ,way has giv5 rise1 a !ory rec5tly 7#aiji7 propos$ by ,pr(4 ,george ,c4 ,com/ock may be m5tion$4 ,/>t+ ) ! data 7fir/7 t ! numb] ( />s increases z ! ,milky ,way is approa*$1 & rea*es a maximum 9 its plane1 :ile on ! o!r h& ! numb] ( nebul is greate/ outside ! ,milky ,way & increases ) di/ance f x1 & 7second7 t ! ,milky ,way1 al?\gh a complete r+1 is broad & diffuse on "o side ?r\gh "o-half its c\rse--t half alone conta9+ nebul--& relatively n>r[ & well def9$ on ! opposite side1 ! au?or ( ?is s+ul> speculation av]s t ^! facts c be/ be expla9$ by suppos+ t ! invisible univ]se consi/s ( two int]p5etrat+ p>ts1 "o ( :i* is a *aos ( indef9ite ext5t1 /rewn ) />s & nebul\s du/1 & ! o!r a long1 broad b comp>atively ?9 clu/] ( />s1 includ+ ! sun z "o ( its c5tral memb]s4 ,?is flat />-clu/] is conceiv$ to be mov+ edgewise ?r\gh ! *aos1 &1 accord+ to ,pr(essor ,com/ock1 x acts aft] ! mann] ( a sn[-pl\gh sweep+ away ! cosmic du/ & pil+ x on ei!r h& above & bel[ ! plane ( ! mov+ clu/]4 ,x ?us =ms a transp>5t rift1 ?r\gh :i* we see f>!r & comm& a view ( m />s ?an ?r\gh ! int5sifi$ du/-cl\ds on ei!r h&4 ,?is rift is ! ,milky ,way4 ,! du/ ?r[n aside t[>d ! poles ( ! ,milky ,way is ! sub/ance ( ! nebul :i* ab\nd !re4 ,ahead1 :]e ! front ( ! />-pl\gh is cle>+ ! way1 ! *aos is ne>] at h&1 & consequ5tly !re ! rift subt5ds a broad] angle1 & is fill$ ) primordial du/1 :i*1 hav+ be5 annex$ by ! vangu>d ( ! />-sw>m1 =ms ! nebul se5 only 9 t "p ( ! ,milky ,way4 ,b beh9d1 ! rift appe>s n>r[ because !re we look f>!r away betwe5 du/-cl\ds produc$ ages ago by ! front ( ! pl\gh1 & no scatt]$ du/ rema9s 9 t "p ( ! rift4 ,9 quot+ an outl9e ( ?is /rik+ly orig9al !ory ! pres5t writ] %\ld n be und]/ood z ass5t+ to x4 ,t x appe>s biz>re is n1 9 itself1 a reason = reject+ x1 :5 we are deal+ ) s problematical & enigmatical a subject z ! ,milky ,way2 b ! s]i\s objection is t ! !ory does n suffici5tly accord ) ! obs]v$ ph5om5a4 ,!re is too mu* evid5ce t ! ,milky ,way is an organic sy/em1 h[ev] fanta/ic its =m1 to p]mit ! belief t x c only be a rift 9 *aotic cl\ds4 ,z ) e organism1 we f9d t its p>ts are m or less cle>ly repeat$ 9 its ensemble4 ,among all ! /range ?+s t ! ,milky ,way conta9s !re is no?+ s extraord9>y z itself4 ,e a/ronom] mu/ _m times h f\nd himself m>vel+ at x 9 ^? comp>atively r>e nights :5 x %[s all its beauty & all its /rang5ess4 ,9 its great brok5 rifts1 divisions1 & spirals are f\nd ! gigantic prototypes ( simil> =ms 9 its />-cl\ds & clu/]s4 ,z we h said1 x det]m9es ! g5]al %ape ( ! :ole sid]eal sy/em4 ,"s ( ! brighte/ />s 9 ! sky appe> to hang l jewels susp5d$ at ! ends ( tassels dropp$ f ! ,galaxy4 ,among ^! p5dants are ! ,pleiades & ! ,hyades4 ,orion1 too1 ! 8,mighty ,hunt]10 is caught 9 8a loop ( light0 ?r[n out f x4 ,! majority ( ! great fir/-magnitude />s seem relat$ to x1 z if !y =m$ an inn] r+ incl9$ at an angle ( "s tw5ty degrees to its plane4 ,_m ( ! long curves t set (f f x on bo? sides are accompani$ by correspond+ curves ( lucid />s4 ,9 a ^w1 x (f]s e appe>ance ( /ructural connection ) ! entire />ry sy/em4 ,t ! univ]se %\ld h assum$ ! =m ( a wrea? is c]ta9ly a matt] = a/oni%m5t2 b x w\ld h be5 /ill m a/oni%+ if x _h be5 a cube1 a rhomboid1 or a dodecah$ron1 = !n we %\ld h _h to suppose t some?+ resembl+ ! =ces t %ape cry/als _h act$ ^u ! />s1 & ! difficulty ( expla9+ ! univ]se by ! laws ( gravitation w\ld h be5 increas$4 ,f ! ,milky ,way z a :ole we pass to ! va/ cl\ds1 sw>ms1 & clu/]s ( />s ( :i* x is made up4 ,x may be1 z "s a/ronom]s hold1 t mo/ ( ! galactic />s are mu* small] ?an ! sun1 s t _! fa9tness is n due entirely to ! effect ( di/ance4 ,/ill1 _! intr9sic brilliance atte/s _! sol> "*1 & consid]+ _! remot5ess1 :i* has be5 e/imat$ at n less ?an t5 ?\s& to tw5ty ?\s& light-ye>s 7a light-ye> is equal to ne>ly six ?\s& ?\s& million miles7 _! actual masses _c be extremely small4 ,! m9ute/ ( !m are entitl$ to be reg>d$ z real suns1 & !y v>y enorm\sly 9 magnitude4 ,! effects ( _! attractions ^u "o ano!r c only be inf]r$ f _! clu/]+1 because _! relative movem5ts are n app>5t on acc\nt ( ! brevity ( ! obs]vations t we c make4 ,b imag9e a be+ = :om a million ye>s w\ld be b z a flitt+ mom5t2 to him ! ,milky ,way w\ld appe> 9 a /ate ( ceaseless agitation--swirl+ ) 8a fury ( :irlpool motion40 ,! cl\d-l aspect ( l>ge p>ts ( ! ,galaxy mu/ always h attract$ att5tion1 ev5 f nak$-eye obs]v]s1 b ! true />-cl\ds 7 fir/ satisfactorily repres5t$ 9 ,b>n>d's photographs4 ,! resemblance to actual cl\ds is (t5 />tl+4 ,"s are close-pack$ & d5se1 l cumuli2 "s are wispy or mottl$1 l cirri4 ,! rifts & modulations1 z well z ! g5]al outl9es1 are ! same z ^? ( cl\ds ( vapor or du/1 & "o notices also ! *>act]i/ic ?9n+ out at ! edges4 ,b we mu/ bew>e ( suppos+ t ! compon5t suns are ?ickly cr[d$ z ! p>ticles =m+ an ord9>y cl\d4 ,!y look1 inde$1 z if !y 7 matt$ toge!r1 because ( ! irradiation ( light1 b 9 reality millions & billions ( miles sep>ate ea* /> f its neighbors4 ,nev]!less !y =m real assemblages1 ^: memb]s are f> m closely relat$ to "o ano!r ?an is our sun to ! />s ar\nd him1 & if we 7 9 ! ,milky ,way ! aspect ( ! nocturnal sky w\ld be m>vel\sly diff]5t f its pres5t appe>ance4 ,/ell> cl\ds are *>act]i/ic ( ! ,galaxy & are n f\nd beyond its bord]s1 except 9 ! 8,magellanic ,cl\ds0 ( ! s\!rn hemisph]e1 :i* resemble deta*$ portions ( ! ,milky ,way4 ,^! s+ul> objects =m z /rik+ a peculi>ity ( ! au/ral heav5s z does ! great 8,coal-sack0 describ$ 9 ,*apt] #a4 ,b x is _! isolation t makes !m s rem>kable1 = _! composition is ess5tially galactic1 & if !y 7 includ$ )9 its b\nd>ies !y w\ld n appe> m wond]ful ?an _m o!r p>ts ( ! ,milky ,way4 ,plac$ :]e !y are1 !y look l masses fall5 f ! great /ell> ar*4 ,!y are full ( nebul & />-clu/]s1 & %[ /rik+ evid5ces ( spiral movem5t4 ,/>-sw>ms1 :i* are also *>act]i/ic features ( ! ,galaxy1 diff] f />-cl\ds v mu* 9 ! way t _! "n w\ld imply--i4e41 _! compon5t />s are s arrang$1 ev5 :5 !y are c\ntless 9 numb]1 t ! idea ( an exce$+ly num]\s assemblage r ?an t ( a cl\d is impress$ on ! obs]v]'s m9d4 ,9 a />-sw>m ! sep>ate memb]s are di/+ui%able because !y are ei!r l>g] or ne>] ?an ! />s compos+ a 8cl\d40 ,a spl5did example ( a true />-sw>m is furni%$ by ,*i ,p]sei1 9 t "p ( ! ,milky ,way :i* runs betwe5 ! con/ellations ,p]seus & ,cassiopeia4 ,?is sw>m is mu* co>s] ?an _m o!rs1 & c be se5 by ! nak$ eye4 ,9 a small telescope x appe>s d\ble1 z if ! suns compos+ x _h divid$ into two p>ties :i* keep on _! way side by side1 ) "s comm+l+ ( _! memb]s :]e ! skirts ( ! two companies come 9 contact4 ,small] ?an ei!r />-cl\ds or />-sw>ms1 & diff]+ f bo? 9 _! organization1 are />-clu/]s4 ,^!1 unlike ! o!rs1 are f\nd outside z well z inside ! ,milky ,way1 al?\gh !y are m num]\s inside its b\nd>ies ?an else:]e4 ,! t]m />-clu/] is sometimes appli$1 ?\gh improp]ly1 to assemblages :i* are r gr\ps1 su*1 = in/ance1 z ! ,pleiades4 ,9 _! mo/ *>act]i/ic aspect />-clu/]s are ( a globul> %ape--globes ( suns6 ,a fam\s example ( a globul> />-clu/]1 b "o n includ$ 9 ! ,milky ,way1 is ! 8,great ,clu/] 9 ,h]cules40 ,?is is b>ely visible to ! nak$ eye1 b a small telescope %[s its "*1 & 9 a l>ge "o x pres5ts a m>vel\s spectacle4 ,photographs ( su* clu/]s are1 p]haps1 less effective ?an ^? ( />-cl\ds1 because ! c5tral cond5sation ( />s 9 !m is s great t _! light becomes bl5d$ 9 an indi/+ui%able blur4 ,! beautiful effect ( ! incessant play ( inf9itesimal rays ov] ! app>5tly compact surface ( ! clu/]1 z if x 7 a globe ( ! f9e/ fro/$ silv] %9+ 9 an electric beam1 is also lo/ 9 a photograph4 ,/ill1 ev5 to ! eye look+ directly at ! clu/] ?r\gh a p[]ful telescope1 ! c5tral "p ( ! wond]ful congregation seems almo/ a solid mass 9 :i* ! />s are pack$ l ! ice cry/als 9 a sn[ball4 ,! same "q rises to ! lips ( e obs]v]3 ,h[ c !y possibly h be5 br\ght into su* a situation8 ,! m>vel does n gr[ less :5 we "k t1 in/ead ( be+ closely compact$1 ! />s ( ! clu/] are probably sep>at$ by millions ( miles2 = we "k t _! di/ances ap>t are slight z comp>$ ) _! remot5ess f ! ,e>?4 ,sir ,william ,h]s*el e/imat$ _! numb] to be ab\t f\rte5 ?\s&1 b 9 fact !y are unc\ntable4 ,if we c\ld view !m f a po9t j )9 ! edge ( ! assemblage1 !y w\ld (f] ! appe>ance ( a holl[ hemisph]e emblazon$ ) />s ( a/oni%+ brilliancy2 ! ne>-by ones unp>allel$ 9 spl5dor by any cele/ial object kn[n to u1 :ile ! m di/ant ones w\ld resemble ord9>y />s4 ,an inhabitant ( ! clu/] w\ld n "k1 except by a process ( ratioc9ation1 t he 0 dwell+ 9 a globul> assemblage ( suns2 only f a po9t f> outside w\ld _! sph]ical arrangem5t become evid5t to ! eye4 ,imag9e f\rte5-?\s& fire-balloons ) an approa* to regul>ity 9 a sph]ical space--say1 t5 miles 9 diamet]2 !re w\ld be an av]age ( less ?an ?irty 9 e cubic mile1 & x w\ld be necess>y to g to a consid]able di/ance 9 ord] to see !m z a globul> aggregation2 yet f a po9t suffici5tly f> away !y w\ld bl5d into a gl[+ ball4 ,illu/ration3 ,/>-clu/] 9 ,h]cules 7,photograph$ ) a two-foot reflector7 ,photographs %[ ev5 bett] ?an ! be/ telescopic views t ! great clu/] is surr\nd$ ) a multitude ( disp]s$ />s1 sugge/ively array$ 9 m or less curv+ l9es1 :i* radiate f ! pr9ciple mass1 ) :i* _! connection is manife/4 ,^! />s1 situat$ outside ! c5tral sph]e1 look some:at l vagrant bees buzz+ r\nd a d5se sw>m :]e ! que5 bee is sitt+4 ,yet :ile !re is s mu* to sugge/ ! op]ation ( c5tral =ces1 br++ & keep+ ! memb]s ( ! clu/] toge!r1 ! att5tive obs]v] is also impress$ ) ! idea t ! :ole wond]ful ph5om5on may be ! result ( explosion4 ,z soon z ?is ?\ght seizes ! m9d1 confirmation ( x seems to be f\nd 9 ! appe>ance ( ! outly+ />s1 :i* c\ld be z readily expla9$ by ! supposition t !y h be5 bl[n ap>t z t !y h flock$ toge!r t[>d a c5t]4 ,! probable fact t ! />s con/itut+ ! clu/] are v mu* small] ?an our sun might be reg>d$ z favor+ ! hypo!sis ( an explosion4 ,( _! real size we "k no?+1 b1 on ! basis ( an unc]ta9 e/imate ( _! p>allax1 x has be5 calculat$ t !y may av]age =ty-five ?\s& miles 9 diamet]--some?+ m ?an half ! diamet] ( ! planet ,jupit]4 ,assum+ ! same mean d5sity1 f\rte5 ?\s& su* />s might h be5 =m$ by ! explosion ( a body ab\t twice ! size ( ! sun4 ,?is recalls ! !ory ( ,olb]s1 :i* has nev] be5 altoge!r ab&on$ or disprov$1 t ! ,a/]oids 7 =m$ by ! explosion ( a planet circulat+ betwe5 ! orbits ( ,m>s & ,jupit]4 ,! ,a/]oids1 :atev] _! mann] ( orig91 =m a r+ ar\nd ! sun2 b1 ( c\rse1 ! explosion ( a great indep5d5t body1 n orig9ally revolv+ ab\t a sup]ior c5t] ( gravitational =ce1 w\ld n result 9 ! =mation ( a r+ ( small bodies1 b r ( a disp]s$ mass ( !m4 ,b back ( any speculation ( ?is k9d lies ! problem1 at pres5t insoluble3 ,h[ c\ld ! explosion be produc$8 7,see ! "q ( explosions 9 ,*apt]s #f & #ad74 ,!n1 on ! o!r h&1 we h ! obs]vation ( ,h]s*el1 s9ce abundantly confirm$1 t space is unusually vacant 9 ! imm$iate neighborhood ( cond5s$ />-clu/]s & nebul1 :i*1 z f> z x goes1 might be tak5 z an indication t ! assembl$ />s _h be5 drawn toge!r by _! mutual attractions1 & t ! t5d5cy to aggregation is /ill br++ new memb]s t[>d ! clu/]4 ,b 9 t case !re mu/ h be5 an orig9al cond5sation ( />s at t po9t 9 space4 ,?is c\ld probably h be5 produc$ by ! coagulation ( a great nebula into /ell> nuclei1 a process :i* seems n[ to be tak+ place 9 ! ,orion ,nebula4 ,illu/ration3 ,great s\!rn />-clu/]1 ,omega ,c5tauri ,a yet m rem>kable globul> />-clu/] exi/s 9 ! s\!rn hemisph]e1 ,omega ,c5tauri4 ,9 ?is case ! c5tral cond5sation ( />s pres5ts an almo/ uni=m blaze ( light4 ,l ! ,h]cules clu/]1 t 9 ,c5taurus is surr\nd$ ) />s scatt]$ ov] a broad field & %[+ an appe>ance ( radial arrangem5t4 ,9 fact1 except = its great] ri*ness1 ,omega ,c5tauri is an exact duplicate ( its nor!rn rival4 ,ea* appe>s to an imag9ative spectator z a v]itable 8city ( suns40 ,ma!matics %r9ks f ! task ( dis5tangl+ ! maze ( motions 9 su* an assemblage4 ,x w\ld seem t ! *ance ( collisions is n to be neglect$1 & ?is idea f9ds a c]ta9 degree ( confirmation 9 ! appe>ance ( 8tempor>y />s0 :i* h m ?an once blaz$ out 91 or close by1 globul> />-clu/]s4 ,?is leads up to ! notable fact1 fir/ e/abli%$ by ,pr(essor ,bailey a few ye>s ago1 t su* clu/]s are popul\s ) v>iable />s4 ,omega ,c5tauri & ! ,h]cules clu/] are especially rem>kable 9 ?is respect4 ,! v>iables f\nd 9 !m are all ( %ort p]iod & ! *anges ( light %[ a notewor?y t5d5cy to uni=mity4 ,! fir/ ?\ght is t ^! ph5om5a mu/ be due to collisions among ! cr[d$ />s1 b1 if s1 ! enc\nt]s _c be betwe5 ! />s !mselves1 b probably betwe5 />s & meteor sw>ms revolv+ ar\nd !m4 ,su* p]iodic collisions might g on = ages )\t ! meteors be+ exhau/$ by incorporation ) ! />s4 ,?is explanation appe>s all ! m probable because "o w\ld naturally expect t flocks ( meteors w\ld ab\nd 9 a close aggregation ( />s4 ,x is also consi/5t ) ,p]r9e's discov]y--t ! globul> /> clu/]s are p[d]$ ) m9ute />s /rewn ?ickly among ! bright] ones4 ,9 speak+ ( ,pr(essor ,com/ock's extraord9>y !ory ( ! ,milky ,way1 ! fact 0 m5tion$ t1 broadly speak+1 ! nebul are less num]\s 9 ! galactic belt ?an 9 ! comp>atively op5 spaces on ei!r side ( x1 b t !y are1 nev]!less1 abundant 9 ! broad] half ( ! ,milky ,way :i* he designates z ! front ( ! gigantic 8pl\gh0 suppos$ to be =c+ its way ?r\gh ! envelop+ *aos4 ,9 & ar\nd ! ,sagitt>ius region ! int]m+l+ ( nebul & galactic /> cl\ds & clu/]s is p>ticul>ly rem>kable4 ,t !re is a causal connection no ?\ghtful p]son c d\bt4 ,we are unable to get away f ! evid5ce t a nebula is l a se$-gr\nd f :i* />s spr+ =?2 or we may say t nebul resemble cl\ds 9 ^: bosom ra9drops are =m+4 ,! wond]ful aspect ( ! admixtures ( nebul & />-clu/]s 9 ,sagitt>ius has be5 describ$ 9 ,*apt] #a4 ,we n[ come to a /ill m extraord9>y ph5om5on ( ?is k9d--! ,pleiades nebul4 ,illu/ration3 ,! ,pleiades ,! gr\p ( ! ,pleiades1 al?\gh ly+ outside ! ma9 c\rse ( ! ,galaxy1 is connect$ ) x by a fa9t loop1 & is ! sc5e ( ! mo/ rem>kable association ( />s & nebul\s matt] kn[n 9 ! visible univ]se4 ,! nak$ eye is unaw>e ( ! exi/5ce ( nebul 9 ! ,pleiades1 or1 at ! be/1 m]ely suspects t !re is some?+ ( ! k9d !re2 & ev5 ! mo/ p[]ful telescopes are f> f reveal+ ! full wond] ( ! spectacle2 b 9 photographs :i* h be5 expos$ = _m h\rs consecutively1 9 ord] to accumulate ! impression ( ! act9ic rays1 ! revelation is /unn+4 ,! pr9ciple />s are se5 surr\nd$ by1 &1 z x 71 dr[n$ 91 d5se nebul\s cl\ds ( an unp>allel$ k9d4 ,! =ms assum$ by ^! cl\ds seem at fir/ sight inexplicable4 ,!y look l fleeces1 or p]haps m l spla%es & daubs ( lum9\s pa9t da%$ c>elessly f a bru%4 ,b clos] inspection %[s t !y are1 to a l>ge ext5t1 wov5 out ( innum]able ?reads ( filmy texture1 & !re are _m indications ( spiral t5d5cies4 ,ea* ( ! bright />s ( ! gr\p--,alcyone1 ,m]ope1 ,maia1 ,electra1 ,taygeta1 ,atlas--is ! focus ( a d5se fog 7totally invisible1 rememb]1 alike to ! nak$ eye & to ! telescope71 & ^! p>ticul> />s are veil$ f sight beh9d ! /range mi/s4 ,runn+ 9 all directions across ! relatively op5 spaces are nebul\s wisps & /reaks ( ! mo/ curi\s =ms4 ,on "s ( ! nebul> l9es1 :i* are ei!r /raight ?r\gh\t1 or if !y *ange direction d s at an angle1 little />s are /rung l beads4 ,9 "o case sev5 or eight />s are ?us align$1 &1 z if to emphasize _! dep5d5ce ^u ! *a9 :i* connects !m1 :5 x makes a slight b5d ! file ( />s turns ! same way4 ,_m o!r /> r[s 9 ! gr\p sugge/ by _! arrangem5t t !y1 too1 7 once /rung ^u simil> ?reads :i* h n[ disappe>$1 leav+ ! />s spac$ along _! anci5t tracks4 ,we seem =c$ to ! conclusion t !re 0 a "t :5 ! ,pleiades 7 emb$d$ 9 a va/ nebula resembl+ t ( ,orion1 & t ! cl\d has n[ become s r>e by gradual cond5sation into />s t ! m]e/ trace ( x rema9s1 & ?is w\ld probably h escap$ detection b = ! rem>kable act9ic p[] ( ! radiant matt] ( :i* x consi/s4 ,! ri*ness ( _m ( ^! fa9t nebul\s masses 9 ultra-violet radiations1 :i* are ^? t specifically affect ! photographic plate1 is ! cause ( ! m>vel\s revelatory p[] ( cele/ial photography4 ,s ! v]itable unse5 univ]se1 z di/+ui%$ f ! 8unse5 univ]se0 ( metaphysical speculation1 is %[n to u4 ,a diff]5t k9d ( association betwe5 />s & nebul is %[n 9 "s surpris+ photographic objects 9 ! con/ellation ,cygnus1 :]e long1 wispy nebul1 billions ( miles 9 l5g?1 "s ( !m look+ l tresses /ream+ 9 a breeze1 lie amid fields ( />s :i* seem relat$ to !m4 ,b ! relation is ( a mo/ s+ul> k9d1 = not)/&+ ! delicate /ructure ( ! long nebul !y appe> to act z b>ri]s1 caus+ ! />s to heap !mselves on "o side4 ,! />s are two1 ?ree1 or f\r times z num]\s on "o side ( ! nebul z on ! o!r4 ,^! nebul1 z f> z appe>ance goes1 might be lik5$ to rail f5ces1 or ?9 h$ges1 aga9/ :i* ! w9d is driv+ drifts ( p[d]y sn[1 :i*1 :ile scatt]$ pl5tifully all ar\nd1 t5ds to bank itself on ! leew>d side ( ! ob/ruction4 ,! imag9ation is at a loss to acc\nt = ^! extraord9>y ph5om5a2 yet !re !y are1 fai?fully giv+ u _! images :5ev] ! photographic plate is expos$ to _! radiations4 ,?us ! m we see ( ! univ]se ) improv$ me?ods ( obs]vation1 & ! m we inv5t aids to human s5ses1 ea* enabl+ u to p5etrate a little deep] into ! unse51 ! great] becomes ! my/]y4 ,! telescope c>ri$ u f>1 photography is c>ry+ u /ill f>!r2 b :at z yet unimag9$ in/rum5t w take u to ! bottom1 ! top1 & ! end8 ,& !n1 :at hi!rto untri$ p[] ( ?\ght w enable u to compreh5d ! mean+ ( x all8 ,,iii ,/ell> ,migrations ,to ! untra9$ eye ! />s & ! planets are n di/+ui%able4 ,x is cu/om>y to call !m all alike 8/>s40 ,b s9ce ! planets m or less rapidly *ange _! places 9 ! sky1 9 consequ5ce ( _! revolution ab\t ! sun1 :ile ! />s prop] seem to rema9 always 9 ! same relative positions1 ! latt] are spok5 ( z 8fix$ />s40 ,9 ! beg9n+s ( a/ronomy x 0 n kn[n t ! 8fix$ />s0 _h any motion indep5d5t ( _! app>5t annual revolution ) ! :ole sky ab\t ! e>? z a seem+ c5t]4 ,n[1 h[ev]1 we "k t ! t]m 8fix$ />s0 is p>adoxical1 = !re is n a s+le really fix$ object 9 ! :ole cele/ial sph]e4 ,! app>5t fixity 9 ! positions ( ! />s is due to _! imm5se di/ance1 comb9$ ) ! %ortness ( ! "t dur+ :i* we are able to obs]ve !m4 ,x is l view+ ! plume ( smoke issu+ f a /eam]1 hull d[n1 at sea3 if "o does n cont9ue to wat* x = a long "t x appe>s to be motionless1 al?\gh 9 reality x may be travel+ at great spe$ across ! l9e ( sight4 ,ev5 ! planets seem fix$ 9 position if "o wat*es !m = a s+le night only1 & ! m di/ant ones d n s5sibly *ange _! places1 except aft] _m nights ( obs]vation4 ,neptune1 = in/ance1 moves b little m ?an two degrees 9 ! c\rse ( an entire ye>1 & 9 a mon? its *ange ( place is only ab\t "o-?ird ( ! diamet] ( ! full moon4 ,yet1 fix$ z !y seem1 ! />s are actually mov+ ) a spe$ 9 comp>ison ) :i*1 9 "s cases1 ! planets might almo/ be said to /& fa/ 9 _! tracks4 ,jupit]'s spe$ 9 8 orbit is ab\t eight miles p] second1 ,neptune's is less ?an ?ree & "o-half miles1 & ! e>?'s is ab\t eighte5 & "o-half miles2 :ile !re are 8fix$ />s0 :i* move two hundr$ or ?ree hundr$ miles p] second4 ,!y d n all1 h[ev]1 move ) s great a velocity1 = "s appe> to travel no fa/] ?an ! planets4 ,b 9 all cases1 not)/&+ _! real spe$1 long-cont9u$ & exce$+ly c>eful obs]vations are requir$ to demon/rate t !y are mov+ at all4 ,no m ov]:elm+ impression ( ! frightful dep?s ( space 9 :i* ! />s are buri$ c be obta9$ ?an by reflect+ ^u ! fact t a /> ^: actual motion across ! l9e ( sight am\nts to two hundr$ miles p] second does n *ange its app>5t place 9 ! sky1 9 ! c\rse ( a ?\s& ye>s1 suffici5tly to be notic$ by ! casual obs]v] ( ! heav5s6 ,!re is "o va/ diff]5ce betwe5 ! motions ( ! />s & ^? ( ! planets to :i* att5tion %\ld be at once call$3 ! planets1 be+ "u ! control ( a c5tral =ce emanat+ f _! imm$iate ma/]1 ! sun1 all move 9 ! same direction & 9 orbits conc5tric ab\t ! sun2 ! />s1 on ! o!r h&1 move 9 e conceivable direction & h no app>5t c5t] ( motion1 = all ef=ts to discov] su* a c5t] h fail$4 ,at "o "t1 :5 !ology _h f9ally to accept ! facts ( sci5ce1 a gr&iose conception arose 9 "s pi\s m9ds1 accord+ to :i* ! ,?rone ( ,god 0 situat$ at ! exact c5t] ( ,8 ,creation1 &1 seat$ !re1 ,he wat*$ ! magnific5t spectacle ( ! />ry sy/ems ob$i5tly revolv+ ar\nd ,him4 ,a/ronomical discov]ies & speculations seem$ = a "t to af=d "s w>rant = ?is view1 :i* 01 moreov]1 an acceptable sub/itute = ! ab&on$ geoc5tric !ory 9 m9ds t c\ld only conceive ( ,god z a sup]human artific]1 con/antly admir+ 8 own "w4 ,no long] ago ?an ! middle ( ! n9ete5? c5tury a ,g]man a/ronom]1 ,ma$l]1 believ$ t he _h actually f\nd ! location ( ! c5t] ab\t :i* ! /ell> univ]se revolv$4 ,he plac$ x 9 ! gr\p ( ! ,pleiades1 & ^u 8 au?ority an extraord9>y imag9ative picture 0 sometimes drawn ( ! /> ,alcyone1 ! brighte/ ( ! ,pleiades1 z ! v seat ( ! ,almighty4 ,?is idea ev5 seem$ to ga9 a k9d ( traditional support f ! my/ic significance1 )\t kn[n hi/orical orig91 :i* has = _m ages1 & among widely sep>at$ peoples1 be5 atta*$ to ! rem>kable gr\p ( :i* ,alcyone is ! *ief4 ,b s9ce ,ma$l]'s "t x has be5 demon/rat$ t ! ,pleiades _c be ! c5t] ( revolution ( ! univ]se1 &1 z already rem>k$1 all attempts to f9d or fix su* a c5t] h prov$ abortive4 ,yet s p[]ful 0 ! hold t ! !ory took ^u ! popul> imag9ation1 t ev5 today a/ronom]s are (t5 ask$ if ,alcyone is n ! probable site ( 8,j]usalem ! ,gold540 ,if !re 7 a discov]able c5t] ( pr$om9ant gravitative p[]1 to :i* ! motions ( all ! />s c\ld be ref]r$1 ^? motions w\ld appe> less my/]i\s1 & we %\ld !n be able to conclude t ! univ]se 01 z a :ole1 a prototype ( ! subsidi>y sy/ems ( :i* x is compos$4 ,we %\ld look simply to ! law ( gravitation = an explanation1 &1 naturally1 ! c5t] w\ld be plac$ )9 ! op5+ enclos$ by ! ,milky ,way4 ,if x 7 !re ! ,milky ,way itself %\ld exhibit signs ( revolution ab\t x1 l a :eel turn+ ^u its hub4 ,no !ory ( ! /> motions z a :ole c\ld /& :i* fail$ to take acc\nt ( ! ,milky ,way z ! basis ( all4 ,b ! v =m ( t divid$ wrea? ( />s =bids ! assumption ( its revolution ab\t a c5t]4 ,ev5 if x c\ld be conceiv$ z a :eel hav+ no mat]ial c5t] x w\ld n h ! =m :i* x actually pres5ts4 ,z 0 %[n 9 ,*apt] #b1 !re is abundant evid5ce ( motion 9 ! ,milky ,way2 b x is n motion ( ! sy/em z a :ole1 b motion affect+ its sep>ate p>ts4 ,in/ead ( all mov+ "o way1 ! galactic />s1 z f> z _! movem5ts c be inf]r$1 are gov]n$ by local influ5ces & conditions4 ,!y appe> to travel crosswise & 9 contr>y directions1 & p]haps !y eddy ar\nd foci :]e great numb]s h assembl$2 b ( a univ]sal revolution involv+ ! entire mass we h no evid5ce4 ,mo/ ( our k ( /> motions1 call$ 8prop] motions10 relates to individual />s & to a few gr\ps :i* happ5 to be s ne> t ! effects ( _! movem5ts are measurable4 ,9 "s cases ! motion is s rapid 7n 9 appe>ance1 b 9 reality7 t ! *ief difficulty is to imag9e h[ x c h be5 imp>t$1 & :at w ev5tually become ( ! 8runaways40 ,)\t a collision1 or a s]ies ( v close approa*es to great gravitational c5t]s1 a /> travel+ ?r\gh space at ! rate ( two hundr$ or ?ree hundr$ miles p] second c\ld n be arre/$ or turn$ into an orbit :i* w\ld keep x =ev] fly+ )9 ! limits ( ! visible univ]se4 ,a fam\s example ( ^! spe$+ />s is 8#ahcj ,groombridge10 a /> ( only ! six? magnitude1 & consequ5tly j visible to ! nak$ eye1 ^: motion across ! l9e ( sight is s rapid t x moves ^u ! face ( ! sky a di/ance equal to ! app>5t diamet] ( ! moon e #bhj ye>s4 ,! di/ance ( ?is /> is at lea/ #bjj1jjj1jjj1jjj1jjj miles1 & may be two or ?ree times great]1 s t its actual spe$ _c be less ?an two hundr$1 & may be z mu* z f\r hundr$1 miles p] second4 ,x c\ld be turn$ into a new c\rse by a close approa* to a great sun1 b x c\ld only be /opp$ by collision1 head-on1 ) a body ( enorm\s mass4 ,b>r+ su* accid5ts x mu/1 z f> z we c see1 keep on until x has trav]s$ our /ell> sy/em1 :5ce 9 may escape & pass out into space beyond1 to jo91 p]haps1 "o ( ^? o!r univ]ses ( :i* we h spok54 ,arcturus1 "o ( ! greate/ suns 9 ! univ]se1 is also a runaway1 ^: spe$ ( flight has be5 e/imat$ all ! way f fifty to two hundr$ miles p] second4 ,arcturus1 we h e reason to believe1 possesses hundr$s ( times ! mass ( our sun--?9k1 !n1 ( ! prodigi\s mom5tum t its motion implies6 ,sirius moves m mod]ately1 its motion across ! l9e ( sight am\nt+ to only t5 miles p] second1 b x is at ! same "t approa*+ ! sun at ab\t ! same spe$1 its actual velocity 9 space be+ ! resultant ( ! two displacem5ts4 ,:at has be5 said ab\t ! motion ( ,sirius br+s u to ano!r aspect ( ?is subject4 ,! fact is1 t 9 e case ( /ell> motion ! displacem5t t we obs]ve repres5ts only a "p ( ! actual movem5t ( ! /> conc]n$4 ,!re are />s ^: motion c>ries !m /raight t[>d or /raight away f ! e>?1 & su* />s1 ( c\rse1 %[ no cross motion4 ,b ! va/ majority are travel+ 9 pa?s incl9$ f a p]p5dicul> to our l9e ( sight4 ,tak5 z a :ole1 ! />s may be said to be fly+ ab\t l ! molecules 9 a mass ( gas4 ,! discov]y ( ! radial compon5t 9 ! movem5ts ( ! />s is due to ! spectroscope4 ,if a /> is approa*+1 its spectral l9es are %ift$ t[>d ! violet end ( ! spectrum by an am\nt dep5d+ ^u ! velocity ( approa*2 if x is rec$+1 ! l9es are correspond+ly %ift$ t[>d ! r$ end4 ,spectroscopic obs]vation1 !n1 comb9$ ) micrometric measurem5ts ( ! cross motion1 enables u to detect ! real movem5t ( ! /> 9 space4 ,sometimes x happ5s t a />'s radial movem5t is p]iodically rev]s$2 fir/ x approa*es1 & !n x rec$es4 ,?is indicates t x is revolv+ ar\nd a ne>-by companion1 :i* is (t5 invisible1 & sup]pos$ ^u ?is motion is t ( ! two />s conc]n$1 :i* toge!r may be approa*+ or rec$+ or travel+ across ! l9e ( sight4 ,?us ! complications involv$ 9 ! /ell> motions are (t5 exce$+ly great & puzzl+4 ,yet ano!r s\rce ( complication exi/s 9 ! movem5t ( our own />1 ! sun4 ,!re is no m difficult problem 9 a/ronomy ?an t ( dis5tangl+ ! effects ( ! sol> motion f ^? ( ! motions ( ! o!r />s4 ,b ! problem1 difficult z x is1 has be5 solv$1 & ^u its solution dep5ds our k ( ! spe$ & direction ( ! movem5t ( ! sol> sy/em ?r\gh space1 = ( c\rse ! sun c>ries its planets ) x4 ,"o elem5t ( ! solution is f\nd 9 ! fact t1 z a result ( p]spective1 ! />s t[>d :i* we are go+ appe> to move ap>t t[>d all po9ts ( ! compass1 :ile ^? beh9d appe> to close up toge!r4 ,!n ! spectroscopic pr9ciple already m5tion$ is invok$ = /udy+ ! %ift ( ! l9es1 :i* is t[>d ! violet 9 ! />s ahead ( u & t[>d ! r$ 9 ^? t we are leav+ beh9d4 ,( c\rse ! effects ( ! indep5d5t motions ( ! />s mu/ be c>efully exclud$4 ,! result ( ! /udies devot$ to ?is subject is to %[ t we are travel+ at a spe$ ( twelve to fifte5 miles p] second 9 a nor!rly direction1 t[>d ! bord] ( ! con/ellations ,h]cules & ,lyra4 ,a curi\s fact is t ! m rec5t e/imates %[ t ! direction is n v mu* out ( a /raight l9e drawn f ! sun to ! /> ,vega1 "o ( ! mo/ magnific5t suns 9 ! heav5s4 ,b x %\ld n be inf]r$ f ?is t ,vega is draw+ u on2 x is too di/ant = its gravitation to h su* an effect4 ,_m unaccu/om$ ?\ghts are sugge/$ by ?is mighty voyage ( ! sol> sy/em4 ,:5ce h we come1 & :i!r d we g8 ,e ye> ( our lives we advance at lea/ #cge1jjj1jjj miles4 ,s9ce ! traditional "t ( ,adam ! sun has l$ 8 planets ?r\gh ! wa/es ( space no less ?an #bbe1jjj1jjj1jjj miles1 or m ?an #bdjj times ! di/ance t sep>ates him f ! e>?4 ,g back 9 imag9ation to ! geologic ages1 & try to compreh5d ! di/ance ov] :i* ! e>? has fl[n4 ,:]e 0 our little planet :5 x em]g$ out ( ! cl\ds ( *aos8 ,:]e 0 ! sun :5 8 8?und] m>*0 began8 ,:at /range con/ellations %one d[n ^u our globe :5 its ma/]s ( life 7 ! mon/r\s bea/s ( ! 8,age ( ,reptiles08 ,a million ye>s is n mu* ( a span ( "t 9 geologic reckon+1 yet a million ye>s ago ! e>? 0 f>!r f its pres5t place 9 space ?an any ( ! />s ) a measurable p>allax are n[4 ,x 0 m ?an sev5 times z f> z ,sirius1 ne>ly f\rte5 times z f> z ,alpha ,c5tauri1 ?ree times z f> z ,vega1 & twice z f> z ,arcturus4 ,b "s geologi/s dem& two hundr$1 ?ree hundr$1 ev5 "o ?\s& million ye>s to enable !m to acc\nt = ! evolution>y developm5t ( ! e>? & its inhabitants4 ,9 a ?\s& million ye>s ! e>? w\ld h travel$ f>!r ?an f ! remote/ conceivable dep?s ( ! ,milky ,way6 ,o!r curi\s reflections arise :5 we ?9k ( ! =m ( ! e>?'s track z x foll[s ! lead ( ! sun1 9 a j\rney :i* has nei!r kn[n beg9n+ nor conceivable end4 ,!re are probably _m m9ds :i* h f\nd a k9d ( consolation 9 ! ?\ght t e ye> ! globe returns to ! same place1 on ! same side ( ! sun4 ,?is idea may h an occult connection ) our traditional reg>d = anniv]s>ies4 ,:5 t p]iod ( ! ye> returns at :i* any great ev5t 9 our lives has occurr$ we h ! feel+ t ! e>?1 9 its annual r\nd1 has1 9 a mann]1 br\ght u back to ! sc5e ( t ev5t4 ,we ?9k ( ! e>?'s orbit z a well-worn pa? :i* we trav]se _m times 9 ! c\rse ( a lifetime4 ,x seems famili> to u1 & we gr[ to h a sort ( atta*m5t to x4 ,! sun we are accu/om$ to reg>d z a fix$ c5t] 9 space1 l ! mill or pump ar\nd :i* ! h>ness$ pati5t mule makes 8 endless circuits4 ,b ! real fact is t ! e>? nev] returns to ! place 9 space :]e x has once quitt$4 ,9 consequ5ce ( ! motion ( ! sun c>ry+ ! e>? & ! o!r planets along1 ! track pursu$ by our globe is a va/ spiral 9 space cont9ually develop+ & nev] return+ ^u its c\rse4 ,x is probable t ! tracks ( ! sun & ! o!rs />s are also irregul>1 & possibly spiral1 al?\gh1 z f> z c be at pres5t det]m9$1 !y appe> to be practically /raight4 ,e />1 :]ev] x may be situat$1 is attract$ by its fell[-/>s f _m sides at once1 & al?\gh ! =ce is m9imiz$ by di/ance1 yet 9 ! c\rse ( _m ages its effects mu/ become manife/4 ,look$ at f ano!r side1 is !re n some?+ imm5sely /imulat+ & pleas+ to ! imag9ation 9 ! idea ( s /up5d\s a j\rney1 :i* makes all ( u ! greate/ ( travel]s8 ,9 ! c\rse ( a long life a man is transport$ ?r\gh space ?irty ?\s& million miles2 ,halley's ,comet does n travel "o-qu>t] z f> 9 mak+ "o ( its imm5se circuits4 ,& !re are adv5tures on ?is voyage ( :i* we are j beg9n+ to le>n to take acc\nt4 ,space is full ( /range ?+s1 & ! e>? mu/ enc\nt] "s ( !m z x advances ?r\gh ! unkn[n4 ,_m s+ul> speculations h be5 indulg$ 9 by a/ronom]s conc]n+ ! possible effects ^u ! e>? ( ! v>y+ /ate ( ! space t x trav]ses4 ,ev5 ! alt]nation ( hot & glacial p]iods has sometimes be5 ascrib$ to ?is s\rce4 ,:5 tropical life fl\ri%$ ar\nd ! poles1 z ! rema9s 9 ! rocks assure u1 ! ne$$ high temp]ature may1 x has be5 ?\ght1 h be5 d]iv$ f ! pres5ce ( ! e>? 9 a w>m region ( space4 ,!n1 too1 !re is a c]ta9 int]e/ = u 9 ! ?\ght ( :at our famili> planet has pass$ ?r\gh4 ,we _c b admire x = its long j\rney+ z we admire ! travel] :o comes to u f remote & unexplor$ l&s1 or z we gaze ) a gl[ ( int]e/ ^u ! fir/ locomotive t has cross$ a cont95t1 or a %ip t has visit$ ! ,arctic or ,ant>ctic regions4 ,if we may tru/ ! indications ( ! pres5t c\rse1 ! e>?1 pilot$ by ! sun1 has come f ! ,milky ,way 9 ! f> s\? & may ev5tually rejo9 t mighty b& ( />s 9 ! f> nor?4 ,:ile ! />s 9 g5]al appe> to travel indep5d5tly ( "o ano!r1 except :5 !y are comb9$ 9 b9>y or tr9>y sy/ems1 !re are notable exceptions to ?is rule4 ,9 "s qu>t]s ( ! sky we behold v]itable migrations ( entire gr\ps ( />s ^: memb]s are too widely sep>at$ to %[ any indications ( revolution ab\t a common c5t] ( gravity4 ,?is leads u back aga9 to ! wond]ful gr\p ( ! ,pleiades4 ,all ( ! pr9ciple />s compos+ t gr\p are travel+ 9 virtually p>allel l9es4 ,:atev] =ce set !m go+ evid5tly act$ ^u all alike4 ,?is might be expla9$ by ! assumption t :5 ! orig9al projective =ce act$ ^u !m !y 7 m closely unit$ ?an !y are at pres5t1 & t 9 drift+ ap>t !y h n lo/ ! impulse ( ! primal motion4 ,or x may be suppos$ t !y are c>ri$ along by "s curr5t 9 space1 al?\gh x w\ld be exce$+ly difficult1 9 ! pres5t /ate ( our k1 to expla9 ! nature ( su* a curr5t4 ,yet ! !ory ( a curr5t has be5 propos$4 ,z to an attractive c5t] ar\nd :i* !y might revolve1 none has be5 f\nd4 ,ano!r in/ance ( simil> 8/>-drift0 is furni%$ by five ( ! sev5 />s con/itut+ ! figure ( ! 8,great ,dipp]40 ,9 ?is case ! />s conc]n$ are sep>at$ v widely1 ! two extreme ones by n less ?an fifte5 degrees1 s t ! idea ( a common motion w\ld nev] h be5 sugge/$ by _! aspect 9 ! sky2 & ! case becomes ! m rem>kable f ! fact t among & betwe5 !m !re are o!r />s1 "s ( ! same magnitude1 :i* d n %>e _! motion1 b are travel+ 9 o!r directions4 ,/ill o!r examples ( ! same ph5om5on are f\nd 9 o!r p>ts ( ! sky4 ,( c\rse1 9 ! case ( compact />-clu/]s1 x is assum$ t all ! memb]s %>e a l motion ( translation ?r\gh space1 & ! same is probably true ( d5se />-sw>ms & />-cl\ds4 ,! :ole "q ( />-drift has lately assum$ a new phase1 9 consequ5ce ( ! inve/igations ( ,kapteyn1 ,dyson1 & ,edd+ton on ! 8sy/ematic motions ( ! />s40 ,?is rese>* w1 x is hop$1 lead to an und]/&+ ( ! g5]al law gov]n+ ! movem5ts ( ! :ole body ( />s con/itut+ ! visible univ]se4 ,tak+ ab\t elev5 hundr$ />s ^: prop] motions h be5 asc]ta9$ ) an approa* to c]ta9ty1 & :i* are di/ribut$ 9 all p>ts ( ! sky1 x has be5 %[n t !re exi/s an app>5t d\ble drift1 9 two indep5d5t /reams1 mov+ 9 diff]5t & ne>ly oppos$ directions4 ,! apex ( ! motion ( :at is call$ 8,/ream ,i0 is situat$1 accord+ to ,pr(essor ,kapteyn1 9 "r asc5sion #he1 decl9ation s\? #aa1 :i* places x j s\? ( ! con/ellation ,orion2 :ile ! apex ( 8,/ream ,,ii0 is 9 "r asc5sion #bfj1 decl9ation s\? #dh1 plac+ x 9 ! con/ellation ,ara1 s\? ( ,scorpio4 ,! two apices diff] v ne>ly #ahj 9 "r asc5sion & ab\t #abj 9 decl9ation4 ,! discov]y ( ^! va/ />-/reams1 if !y really exi/1 is "o ( ! mo/ extraord9>y 9 mod]n a/ronomy4 ,x (f]s ! correlation ( /ell> movem5ts ne$$ z ! basis ( a !ory ( ^? movem5ts1 b x seems f> f reveal+ a physical cause = !m4 ,z project$ aga9/ ! cele/ial sph]e ! />s =m+ ! two opposite /reams appe> int]m+l$1 "s obey+ "o t5d5cy & "s ! o!r4 ,z ,pr(essor ,dyson has said1 ! hypo!sis ( ?is d\ble movem5t is ( a revolution>y "*1 & calls = fur!r inve/igation4 ,inde$1 x seems at fir/ glance n less surpris+ ?an w\ld be ! obs]vation t 9 a sn[-/orm ! flakes ov] our heads 7 divid$ into two p>ties & driv+ across ea* o!r's c\rse 9 ne>ly opposite directions1 z if urg$ by int]p5etrat+ w9ds4 ,b :atev] explanation may ev5tually be f\nd = ! motions ( ! />s1 ! k ( ! exi/5ce ( ^? motions mu/ always af=d a new *>m to ! contemplative obs]v] ( ! heav5s1 = !y imp>t a s5se ( life to ! />ry sy/em t w\ld o!rwise be lack+4 ,a /agnant univ]se1 ) e /> fix$ immovably 9 its place1 w\ld n cont5t ! imag9ation or satisfy our long+ = ceaseless activity4 ,! maje/ic gr&eur ( ! evolutions ( ! cele/ial ho/s1 ! inconceivable va/ness ( ! fields ( space 9 :i* !y are execut$1 ! c\ntless numb]s1 ! immeasurable di/ances1 ! involv$ convolutions1 ! flock+ & ! scatt]+1 ! int]p5etrat+ m>*es & c\nt]m>*es1 ! /range community ( impulsion affect+ />s t are wide ap>t 9 space & caus+ !m to trav]se ! g5]al movem5t ab\t !m l aides & despat*-be>]s on a battle-field--all ^! ar\se an int5sity ( int]e/ :i* is height5$ by ! my/]y beh9d !m4 ,,iv ,! ,pass+ ( ! ,con/ellations ,f a hi/orical & picturesque po9t ( view1 "o ( ! mo/ /rik+ results ( ! motions ( ! />s describ$ 9 ! la/ *apt] is _! effect ^u ! =ms ( ! con/ellations1 :i* h be5 wat*$ & admir$ by mank9d f a p]iod s e>ly t ! date ( _! inv5tion is n[ unkn[n4 ,! con/ellations are =m$ by *ance comb9ations ( conspicu\s />s1 l figures 9 a kaleidoscope1 & if our lives 7 comm5surate ) ! ons ( cosmic exi/5ce we %\ld p]ceive t ! kaleidoscope ( ! heav5s 0 ceaselessly turn+ & ?r[+ ! />s into new symmetries4 ,ev5 if ! />s /ood fa/1 ! motion ( ! sol> sy/em w\ld gradually alt] ! configurations1 z ! elem5ts ( a l&scape dissolve & recomb9e 9 fre% gr\p+s ) ! travel]'s progress amid !m4 ,b ) ! />s !mselves all 9 motion at v>i\s spe$s & 9 _m directions1 ! *anges occur m rapidly4 ,( c\rse1 8rapid0 is "h und]/ood 9 a relative s5se2 ! :eel ( human hi/ory to an eye accu/om$ to ! maje/ic progression ( ! univ]se w\ld appe> to revolve ) ! velocity ( a :irl+ dynamo4 ,only ! delib]ation ( geological movem5ts c be contra/$ ) ! evolution & devolution ( ! con/ellations4 ,& yet ?is secul> fluctuation ( ! con/ellation figures is n )\t ke5 int]e/ = ! m$itative obs]v]4 ,x is ano!r rem9d] ( ! swift mutability ( t]re/ial affairs4 ,to ! pass+ glance1 :i* is all t we c be/[ ^u ^! figures1 !y appe> s immutable t !y h be5 call$ into s]vice to =m ! mo/ la/+ records ( anci5t ?\ght & imag9ation t we possess4 ,9 ! =ms ( ! con/ellations1 ! mo/ beautiful1 &1 9 imag9ative quality1 ! f9e/1 my?ology t ! _w has ev] kn[n has be5 p]petuat$4 ,yet1 9 a broad s5se1 ?is scroll ( human ?\ght impr9t$ on ! heav5s is z evanesc5t z ! summ] cl\ds4 ,al?\gh m endur+ ?an p>*m5t1 tombs1 pyramids1 & temples1 x is z f> z !y f truly et]niz+ ! memory ( :at man has fanci$ & done4 ,be=e /udy+ ! effects t ! motions ( ! />s h _h & w h ^u ! con/ellations1 x is wor? :ile to consid] a little fur!r ! importance ( ! /ell> pictures z ar*ives ( hi/ory4 ,to emphasize ! importance ( ^! effects x is only necess>y to recall t ! con/ellations regi/] ! olde/ traditions ( our race4 ,9 ! hi/ory ( primeval religions !y are ! mo/ valuable ( docum5ts4 ,leav+ out ( acc\nt = ! mom5t ! m famili> my?ology ( ! ,greeks1 bas$ on some?+ old] yet1 we may ref] = illu/ration to t ( ! my/]i\s ,maya race ( ,am]ica4 ,at ,izamal1 9 ,yucatan1 says ,mr ,/ansbury ,hag>1 is a gr\p ( ru9s p]*$1 aft] ! ,mexican & ,c5tral-,am]ican plan1 on ! summits ( pyramidal m\nds :i* m>k ! site ( an anci5t !ogonic c5t] ( ! ,mayas4 ,"h ! temples all evid5tly ref] to a cult bas$ ^u ! con/ellations z symbols4 ,! figures & ! names1 ( c\rse1 7 n ! same z ^? t we h d]iv$ f our ,aryan ance/ors1 b ! /> gr\ps 7 ! same or ne>ly s4 ,= in/ance1 ! l(tie/ ( ! temples at ,izamal 0 connect$ ) ! sign ( ! con/ellation kn[n to u z ,canc]1 m>k+ ! place ( ! sun at ! summ] sol/ice1 at :i* p]iod ! sun 0 suppos$ to desc5d at noon l a great bird ( fire & consume ! (f]+s left ^u ! alt>4 ,our ,scorpio 0 kn[n to ! ,mayas z a sign ( ! 8,dea? ,god40 ,our ,libra1 ! 8,balance10 ) :i* ! idea ( a div9e weigh+ out ( ju/ice has always be5 connect$1 seems to be id5tical ) ! ,mayan con/ellation ,teoyaotlatohua1 ) :i* 0 associat$ a temple :]e dwelt ! prie/s ^: special bus9ess x 0 to adm9i/] ju/ice & to =etell ! future by means ( in=mation obta9$ f ! spirits ( ! dead4 ,orion1 ! 8,hunt]0 ( our cele/ial my?ology1 0 among ! ,mayas a 8,w>rior10 :ile ,sagitt>ius & o!rs ( our con/ellations 7 kn[n to !m 7"u diff]5t names1 ( c\rse71 & all 7 end[$ ) a religi\s symbolism4 ,& ! same /> figures1 hav+ ! same significance1 7 famili> to ! ,p]uvians1 z %[n by ! temples at ,cuzco4 ,?us ! imag9ation ( anci5t ,am]ica s\ght 9 ! con/ellations symbols ( ! un*ang+ gods4 ,b1 9 fact1 !re is no nation & no p t has n recogniz$ ! con/ellations1 & at "o p]iod or ano!r 9 its hi/ory employ$ !m 9 "s symbolic or repres5tative capacity4 ,z h&l$ by ! ,greeks f prehi/oric times1 ! con/ellation my?s became ! v s\l ( poetry4 ,! imag9ation ( t wond]ful race idealiz$ ! pr9cipal /> gr\ps s effectively t ! figures & traditions ?us atta*$ to !m h1 = civiliz$ mank9d1 displac$ all o!rs1 j z ,greek art 9 its highe/ =ms /&s )\t p>allel & eclipses e rival4 ,! ,romans translat$ no h]oes & h]o9es ( ! my?ical p]iod ( _! hi/ory to ! sky1 & ! deifi$ ,cs>s nev] ent]$ t l(ty company1 b ! heav5s are fill$ ) ! e>ly my?s ( ! ,greeks4 ,h]akles nightly resumes 8 mighty labors 9 ! />s2 ,zeus1 9 ! =m ( ! :ite 8,bull10 ,taurus1 be>s ! fair ,europa on 8 back ?r\gh ! cele/ial waves2 ,&rom$a /ret*es =? h] %ackl$ arms 9 ! />-gemm$ e!r1 besee*+ aid2 & ,p]seus1 9 a blaze ( diamond armor1 revives 8 h]oic de$s amid sp>kl+ cl\ds ( /ell> du/4 ,!re1 too1 sits ,que5 ,cassiopeia 9 h] dazzl+ *air1 :ile ! ,great ,k+1 ,cepheus1 t[]s gigantic ov] ! pole4 ,pr(essor ,"y has significantly rem>k$ t a great numb] ( ! con/ellations are connect$ 9 "s way or o!r ) ! ,argonautic ,exp$ition--t /rangely fasc9at+ leg5d ( e>lie/ ,greek /ory :i* has nev] lo/ its *>m = mank9d4 ,9 view ( all ?is1 we may well congratulate ourselves t ! con/ellations w outla/ our "t & ! "t ( c\ntless g5]ations to foll[ u2 & yet !y are v f> f be+ et]nal4 ,let u n[ /udy "s ( ! effects ( ! /ell> motions ^u !m4 ,we beg9 ) ! famili> figure ( ! 8,great ,dipp]40 ,he :o has n drunk inspiration f its cele/ial b[l is n yet admitt$ to ! circle ( ,olympus4 ,?is figure is made up ( sev5 conspicu\s />s 9 ! con/ellation ,ursa ,major1 ! 8,great] ,be>40 ,! h&le ( ! 8,dipp]0 corresponds to ! tail ( ! imag9>y 8,be>10 & ! b[l lies ^u 8 flank4 ,9 fact1 ! figure ( a dipp] is s evid5t & t ( a be> s unevid5t1 t to mo/ p]sons ! 8,great ,dipp]0 is ! only "p ( ! con/ellation t is recognizable4 ,( ! sev5 />s m5tion$1 six are ( ne>ly equal brightness1 rank+ z ( ! second magnitude1 :ile ! sev5? is ( only ! ?ird magnitude4 ,! diff]5ce is v /rik+1 s9ce e increase ( "o magnitude involves an increase ( two-&-a-half times 9 brightness4 ,!re appe>s to be little d\bt t ! fa9t />1 :i* is situat$ at ! junction ( ! b[l & ! h&le1 is a v>iable ( long p]iod1 s9ce ?ree hundr$ ye>s ago x 0 z bright z its companions4 ,b h[ev] t may be1 its relative fa9tness at ! pres5t "t int]f]es b little ) ! p]fection ( ! 8,dipp]'s0 figure4 ,9 ord] ! m readily to und]/& ! *anges :i* are tak+ place1 x w be well to m5tion bo? ! names & ! ,greek lett]s :i* are atta*$ to ! sev5 />s4 ,beg9n+ at ! /> 9 ! upp] out] edge ( ! rim ( ! b[l & runn+ 9 regul> ord] r\nd ! bottom & !n out to ! end ( ! h&le1 ! names & lett]s are z foll[s3 ,dubhe 771 ,m]ak 771 ,pha$ 771 ,megrez 771 ,alio? 771 ,miz> 771 & ,b5etnas* 774 ,megrez is ! fa9t /> already m5tion$ at ! junction ( ! b[l & h&le1 & ,miz>1 9 ! middle ( ! h&le1 has a close1 nak$-eye companion :i* is nam$ ,alcor4 ,! ,arabs call$ ?is s+ul> pair ( />s 8,! ,horse & ,rid]40 ,m]ak & ,duhbe are call$ 8,! ,po9t]s10 because an imag9>y l9e drawn nor?w>d ?r\gh !m indicates ! ,pole ,/>4 ,illu/ration3 ,! 8,great ,dipp]0 ,n[ x has be5 f\nd t five ( ^! />s--viz41 ,m]ak1 ,pha$1 ,megrez1 ,alio?1 & ,miz> 7) its comrade7--are mov+ ) practically ! same spe$ 9 an ea/]ly direction1 :ile ! o!r two1 ,dubhe & ,b5etnas*1 are simultane\sly mov+ we/w>d1 ! motions ( ,b5etnas* be+ app>5tly m rapid4 ,! consequ5ce ( ^! oppos$ motions is1 ( c\rse1 t ! figure ( ! 8,dipp]0 _c always h exi/$ & w n cont9ue to exi/4 ,9 ! accompany+ diagrams x has be5 ?\ght int]e/+ to %[ ! relative positions ( ^! sev5 />s1 z se5 f ! po9t :i* ! e>? n[ occupies1 bo? 9 ! pa/ & 9 ! future4 ,arr[s atta*$ to ! />s 9 ! figure repres5t+ ! pres5t appe>ance ( ! 8,dipp]0 indicate ! directions ( ! motions & ! di/ances ov] :i* !y w c>ry ! />s 9 a p]iod ( ab\t five hundr$ c5turies4 ,! "t1 no d\bt1 seems long1 b rememb] ! va/ /ret* ( ages ?r\gh :i* ! e>? has pass$1 & !n reflect t no reason is app>5t :y our globe %\ld n cont9ue to be a sc5e ( animation = t5 ?\s& c5turies yet to come4 ,! fact t ! little /> ,alcor plac$ s close to ,miz> %\ld accompany ! latt] 9 its flight is n surpris+1 b t two ( ! pr9cipal />s ( ! gr\p %\ld be f\nd mov+ 9 a direction directly oppos$ to t pursu$ by ! o!r five is surpris+ 9 ! highe/ degree2 & x recalls ! /range !ory ( a d\ble drift affect+ all ! />s1 to :i* att5tion 0 call$ 9 ! prec$+ *apt]4 ,x w\ld appe> t ,b5etnas* & ,dubhe belong to "o 8curr5t10 & ,m]ak1 ,pha$1 ,megrez1 ,alio?1 & ,miz> to ! o!r4 ,z f> z is kn[n1 ! motion ( ! sev5 />s are n %>$ by ! small] />s scatt]$ ab\t !m1 b on ! !ory ( curr5ts !re %\ld be su* a community ( motion1 & fur!r inve/igation may reveal x4 ,illu/ration3 ,cassiopeia ,f ! 8,great ,dipp]0 we turn to a con/ellation h>dly less conspicu\s & situat$ at an equal di/ance f ! pole on ! o!r side--,cassiopeia4 ,?is fam\s />-gr\p commemorat+ ! romantic ,que5 ( ,e?iopia ^: va9 boa/+ ( h] beauty 0 puni%$ by ! exposure ( h] daught] ,&rom$a to ! 8,sea ,mon/]10 is well-m>k$ by five />s :i* =m an irregul> lett] 8,w0 ) its op5 side t[>d ! pole4 ,?ree ( ^! />s are usually rank$ z ( ! second magnitude1 & two ( ! ?ird2 b to ord9>y obs]vation !y appe> ( ne>ly equal brightness1 & pres5t a v /rik+ picture4 ,!y m>k out ! *air & a "p ( ! figure ( ! beautiful que54 ,beg9n+ at ! "r-h&1 or we/]n1 end ( ! 8,w10 _! ,greek lett] designations are3 ,beta 771 ,alpha 771 ,gamma 771 ,delta 771 & ,epsilon 774 ,f\r ( !m1 ,beta1 ,alpha1 ,delta1 & ,epsilon are travel+ ea/w>dly at v>i\s spe$s1 :ile ! fif?1 ,gamma1 moves 9 a we/]ly direction4 ,! motion ( ,beta is m rapid ?an t ( any ( ! o!rs4 ,x %\ld be said1 h[ev]1 t no little unc]ta9ty atta*es to ! e/imates ( ! rate ( motion ( />s :i* are n go+ v rapidly1 & diff]5t obs]v]s (t5 v>y consid]ably 9 _! results4 ,9 ! beautiful 8,nor!rn ,cr[n10 "o ( ! mo/ p]fect & *>m+ ( all ! figures to be f\nd 9 ! />s1 ! alt]nate comb9+ & scatt]+ effects ( ! /ell> motions are %[n by comp>+ ! appe>ance :i* ! con/ellation mu/ h _h five hundr$ c5turies ago ) t :i* x has at pres5t & t :i* x w h 9 ! future4 ,! sev5 pr9ciple />s ( ! a/]ism1 =m+ a surpris+ly p]fect coronet1 h movem5ts 9 ?ree directions at "r angles to "o ano!r4 ,t 9 ^! circum/ances !y %\ld ev] h arriv$ at positions giv+ !m s /rik+ an appe>ance ( def9ite association is c]ta9ly surpris+2 f its aspect "o w\ld h expect$ to f9d a community ( movem5t gov]n+ ! brilliants ( ! 8,cr[n10 b in/ead ( t we f9d evid5ce t !y w inevitably drift ap>t & ! beautiful figure w dissolve4 ,a simil> fate awaits su* a/]isms z ! 8,nor!rn ,cross0 9 ,cygnus2 ! 8,cr[0 7,corvus71 :i* /&s on ! back ( ! great 8,sea ,s]p5t10 ,hydra1 & pecks at 8 scales2 8,job's ,c(f90 7,delph9us72 ! 8,great ,squ>e ( ,pegasus02 ! 8,tw9s0 7,gem9i72 ! beautiful 8,sickle0 9 ,leo2 & ! exquisite gr\p ( ! ,hyades 9 ,taurus4 ,9 ! case ( ! ,hyades1 two controll+ movem5ts are manife/3 "o1 affect+ five ( ! />s :i* =m ! well-kn[n figure ( a lett] 8,v10 is direct$ nor!rly2 ! o!r1 :i* controls ! direction ( two />s1 has an ea/]ly tr5d4 ,! *ief /> ( ! gr\p1 ,aldeb>an1 "o ( ! f9e/ ( all />s bo? = its brilliance & its color1 is ! mo/ affect$ by ! ea/]ly motion4 ,9 "t x w drift entirely out ( connection ) its pres5t neighbors4 ,al?\gh ! ,hyades d n =m s compact a gr\p z ! ,pleiades 9 ! same con/ellation1 yet _! appe>ance ( relation%ip is suffici5t to awak5 a feel+ ( surprise ov] ! fact t1 z ) ! />s ( ! 8,dipp]10 _! association is only tempor>y or app>5t4 ,illu/ration3 ,! 8,nor!rn ,cr[n0 ,! great figure ( ,orion appe>s to be m la/+1 n because its />s are physically connect$1 b because ( _! great di/ance1 :i* r5d]s _! movem5ts too delib]ate to be exactly asc]ta9$4 ,two ( ! greate/ ( its />s1 ,betelgeuse & ,rigel1 possess1 z f> z has be5 asc]ta9$1 no p]ceptible motion across ! l9e ( sight1 b !re is a little movem5t p]ceptible 9 ! 8,belt40 ,at ! pres5t "t ?is consi/s ( an almo/ p]fect /raight l9e1 a r[ ( second-magnitude />s ab\t equally spac$ & ( ! mo/ /rik+ beauty4 ,9 ! c\rse ( "t1 h[ev]1 ! two "r-h& />s1 ,m9taka & ,alnilam 7h[ f9e are ^! ,arabic /> names67 w approa* ea* o!r & =m a nak$-eye d\ble1 b ! ?ird1 ,alnita1 w drift away ea/w>d1 s t ! 8,belt0 w no long] exi/4 ,= "o m example1 let u g to ! s\!rn hemisph]e1 ^: mo/ celebrat$ con/ellation1 ! 8,s\!rn ,cross10 has f\nd a place 9 all mod]n lit]atures1 al?\gh x has no claim to consid]ation on acc\nt ( association ) anci5t leg5ds4 ,?is mo/ attractive a/]ism1 :i* has nev] ceas$ to fasc9ate ! imag9ation ( ,*ri/5dom s9ce x 0 fir/ dev\tly describ$ by ! e>ly explor]s ( ! ,s\?1 is b a pass+ collocation ( brilliant />s4 ,yet ev5 9 its transfigurations x has be5 = hundr$s ( c5turies1 & w cont9ue to be = hundr$s ( c5turies to come1 a mo/ /rik+ object 9 ! sky4 ,our figures %[ its appe>ance 9 ?ree successive phases3 fir/1 z x 0 fifty ?\s& ye>s ago 7view$ f ! e>?'s pres5t location72 second1 z x is 9 our day2 &1 ?ird1 z x w be an equal "t 9 ! future4 ,! ne>ness ( ^! bright />s to "o ano!r--! l5g? ( ! long] beam ( ! 8,cross0 is only sixdegrees--makes ?is gr\p v noticeable1 :atev] ! arrangem5t ( its compon5ts may be4 ,! l>ge/ />1 at ! base ( ! 8,cross10 is ( ! fir/ magnitude1 two ( ! o!rs are ( ! second magnitude1 & ! f\r? is ( ! ?ird4 ,o!r />s1 n repres5t$ 9 ! figures1 increase ! effect ( a cele/ial blazonry1 al?\gh !y d n help ! resemblance to a cross4 ,illu/ration3 ,! 8,s\!rn ,cross0 ,b s9ce ! motion ( ! sol> sy/em itself w1 9 ! c\rse ( s long a p]iod z fifty ?\s& ye>s1 produce a great *ange 9 ! p]spective ( ! heav5s z se5 f ! e>?1 by c>ry+ u ne>ly n9ete5 trillion miles f our pres5t place1 :y1 x may be ask$1 seek to repres5t future appe>ances ( ! con/ellations :i* we c\ld n hope to see1 ev5 if we c\ld survive s long8 ,! answ] is3 ,because ^! ?+s aid ! m9d to =m a picture ( ! effects ( ! mobility ( ! />ry univ]se4 ,only by %[+ ! *anges f "s def9ite po9t ( view c we arrive at a due compreh5sion ( !m4 ,! con/ellations are m or less famili> to ev]ybody1 s t imp5d+ *anges ( _! =ms mu/ at once /rike ! eye & ! imag9ation1 & make cle>] ! significance ( ! movem5ts ( ! />s4 ,if ! future hi/ory ( mank9d is to resemble its pa/ & if our race is de/9$ to survive yet a million ye>s1 !n our remote desc5d5ts w see a 8new heav5s0 if n a 8new e>?10 & w h to inv5t novel con/ellations to p]petuate _! leg5ds & my?ologies4 ,if our k ( ! relative di/ances ( ! />s 7 m complete1 x w\ld be an int]e/+ ex]cise 9 cele/ial geometry to project ! con/ellations probably visible to ! inhabitants ( worlds revolv+ ar\nd "s ( ! o!r suns ( space4 ,our sun is too insignificant = u to ?9k t he c make a conspicu\s appe>ance among !m1 except1 p]haps1 9 a few cases4 ,z se51 = in/ance1 f ! ne>e/ kn[n />1 ,alpha ,c5tauri1 ! sun w\ld appe> ( ! av]age fir/ magnitude1 & consequ5tly f t /&po9t he might be ! gem ( "s little con/ellation :i* _h no ,sirius1 or ,arcturus1 or ,vega to eclipse him ) its sup]ior spl5dor4 ,b f ! di/ance ( ! va/ majority ( ! />s ! sun w\ld probably be invisible to ! nak$ eye1 & z se5 f ne>] sy/ems c\ld only rank z a fif? or six? magnitude />1 unnotic$ & unkn[n except by ! />-*>t+ a/ronom]4 ,v ,conflagrations 9 ! ,heav5s ,suppose x 7 possible = ! _w to take fire & burn up--z "s pessimi/s ?9k t x w d :5 ! ,div9e wra? %all h suffici5tly accumulat$ aga9/ x--nobody out ( our own little corn] ( space w\ld ev] be aw>e ( ! cata/rophe6 ,) all _! telescopes1 ! a/ronom]s liv+ 9 ! gold5 light ( ,arcturus or ! diamond blaze ( ,canopus w\ld be unable to detect ! lea/ glimm] ( ! conflagration t _h de/roy$ ! seat ( ,adam & 8 desc5d5ts1 j z n[ !y are totally ignorant ( its exi/5ce4 ,b at lea/ fifte5 times 9 ! c\rse ( record$ hi/ory m5 look+ out f ! e>? h beheld 9 ! remote dep?s ( space great outbur/s ( fi]y light1 "s ( !m m spl5didly lum9\s ?an any?+ else 9 ! firmam5t except ! sun6 ,if !y 7 conflagrations1 h[ _m million worlds l ours 7 requir$ to fe$ _! blaze8 ,x is probable t 8tempor>y0 or 8new0 />s1 z ^! wond]ful app>itions are call$1 really are conflagrations2 n 9 ! s5se ( a bonfire or a burn+ h\se or city1 b 9 t ( a sudd5 eruption ( inconceivable heat & light1 su* z w\ld result f ! /ripp+ (f ! %ell ( an encru/$ sun or ! cra%+ toge!r ( two mighty orbs fly+ ?r\gh space ) a hundr$ times ! velocity ( ! swifte/ cannon-%ot4 ,tempor>y />s are ! r>e/ & mo/ erratic ( a/ronomical ph5om5a4 ,! e>lie/ records relat+ to !m are n v cle>1 & we _c 9 e in/ance be c]ta9 t x 0 "o ( ^! appe>ances t ! ignorant & sup]/iti\s old *ronicl]s are try+ to describe4 ,! fir/ tempor>y /> t we are absolutely sure ( appe>$ 9 #aegb1 & is kn[n z 8,ty*o's ,/>10 because ! celebrat$ ,dani% a/ronom] 7^: rema9s1 ) 8 gold-&-silv] artificial nose--made necess>y by a duel--/ill intact1 7 dis9t]r$ & reburi$ 9 #aija7 0 ! fir/ to p]ceive x 9 ! sky1 & ! mo/ assidu\s & successful 9 8 /udies ( x4 ,z ! fir/ fully accr$it$ repres5tative ( its class1 ?is new /> made its entry ^u ! sc5e ) becom+ clat4 ,x is *>act]i/ic ( ^! ph5om5a t !y bur/ into view ) amaz+ sudd5ness1 &1 ( c\rse1 entirely unexpect$ly4 ,ty*o's /> appe>$ 9 ! con/ellation ,cassiopeia1 ne> a n[ well-kn[n & mu*-wat*$ little /> nam$ ,kappa1 on ! ev5+ ( ,novemb] #aa1 #aegb4 ,! /ory has (t5 be5 repeat$1 b x nev] loses int]e/1 h[ ,ty*o1 go+ home t ev5+1 saw p 9 ! /reet po9t+ & />+ at ! sky directly ov] _! heads1 & foll[+ ! direction ( _! h&s & eyes he 0 a/oni%$ to see1 ne> ! z5i?1 an unkn[n /> ( surpass+ brilliance4 ,x out%one ! planet ,jupit]1 & 0 !re=e f> bright] ?an ! fir/ magnitude4 ,!re 0 n ano!r /> 9 ! heav5s t c\ld be comp>$ ) x 9 spl5dor4 ,ty*o 0 n 9 all respects free f ! sup]/itions ( 8 "t--& :o is8--b he _h ! true sci5tific in/9ct1 & imm$iately he began to /udy ! /rang]1 & to record ) ! greate/ c>e e *ange 9 its aspect4 ,fir/ he det]m9$ z well z he c\ld ) ! imp]fect in/rum5ts ( 8 day1 _m ( :i* he himself _h inv5t$1 ! precise location ( ! ph5om5a 9 ! sky4 ,!n he foll[$ ! *anges t x und]w5t4 ,at fir/ x bright5$ until its light equal$ or exce$$ t ( ! planet ,v5us at h] brighte/1 a /atem5t :i* w be appreciat$ at its full value by anyone :o has ev] wat*$ ,v5us :5 %e plays h] dazzl+ rle ( 8,ev5+ ,/>10 fl>+ l an arc light 9 ! sunset sky4 ,x ev5 became s brilliant z to be visible 9 full daylight1 s9ce1 its position be+ circumpol>1 x nev] set 9 ! latitude ( ,nor!rn ,europe4 ,f9ally x began to fade1 turn+ r$ z x did s1 & 9 ,m>*1 #aegd1 x disappe>$ f ,ty*o's se>*+ gaze1 & has nev] be5 se5 aga9 f t day to ?is4 ,none ( ! a/ronom]s ( ! "t c\ld make any?+ ( x4 ,!y _h n yet z _m bases ( speculation z we possess today4 ,illu/ration3 ,*>t %[+ location ( ,ty*o's />1 #aegb1 & ,nova ,p]sei ( #aija ,ty*o's /> has a*iev$ a romantic reputation by be+ fancifully id5tifi$ ) ! 8,/> ( ,be?lehem10 said to h l$ ! wond]+ ,magi f _! ea/]n des]ts to ! cradle-mang] ( ! ,savior 9 ,pale/9e4 ,_m attempts h be5 made to connect ?is traditional 8/>0 ) "s kn[n ph5om5on ( ! heav5s1 & none seems m idle ?an ?is4 ,yet x p]si/5tly survives1 & no a/ronom] is free f eag] que/ions ab\t x address$ by p ^: imag9ation has be5 excit$ by ! leg5d4 ,x is only necess>y to say t ! supposition ( a connection betwe5 ! ph5om5on ( ! ,magi & ,ty*o's /> is )\t any sci5tific f\ndation4 ,x 0 orig9ally bas$ on an unw>rant$ assumption t ! /> ( ,ty*o 0 a v>iable ( long p]iod1 appe>+ once e ?ree hundr$ & fifte5 ye>s1 or !reab\t4 ,if t 7 true !re w\ld h be5 an app>ition some:]e ne> ! traditional date ( ! bir? ( ,*ri/1 a date :i* is itself unc]ta94 ,b ev5 ! data on :i* ! assumption 0 bas$ are inconsi/5t ) ! !ory4 ,c]ta9 monki% records speak ( some?+ wond]ful appe>+ 9 ! sky 9 ! ye>s #abfd & #ide1 & ^! 7 tak5 to h be5 outbur/s ( ,ty*o's />4 ,inve/igation %[s t ! records m probably ref] to comets1 b ev5 if ! objects se5 7 tempor>y />s1 _! dates d n suit ! hypo!sis2 f #ide to #abfd !re is a gap ( #cai ye>s1 & f #abfd to #aegb "o ( only #cjh ye>s2 moreov] #ccg ye>s h n[ 7#aiji7 elaps$ s9ce ,ty*o saw ! la/ glimm] ( 8 />4 ,^u a v>iability s irregul> & unc]ta9 z t1 ev5 if we felt sure t x exi/$1 no conclusion c\ld be f\nd conc]n+ an app>ition occurr+ #bjjj ye>s ago4 ,9 ! ye> #afjj 7! ye> 9 :i* ,giordano ,bruno 0 burn$ at ! /ake = tea*+ t !re is m ?an "o physical _w71 a tempor>y /> ( ! ?ird magnitude broke out 9 ! con/ellation ,cygnus1 & curi\sly en\gh1 consid]+ ! r>ity ( su* ph5om5a1 only f\r ye>s lat] ano!r surpris+ly brilliant "o appe>$ 9 ! con/ellation ,ophiu*us4 ,?is is (t5 call$ 8,kepl]'s />10 because ! great ,g]man a/ronom] devot$ to x ! same att5tion t ,ty*o _h giv5 to ! e>li] ph5om5on4 ,x1 too1 l ,ty*o's1 0 at fir/ ! brighte/ object 9 ! /ell> heav5s1 al?\gh x seems nev] to h q equal$ its fam\s pr$ecessor 9 spl5dor4 ,x disappe>$ aft] a ye>1 also turn+ ( a r$ color z x became m fa9t4 ,we %all see ! significance ( ?is z we g on4 ,"s ( ,kepl]'s contempor>ies sugge/$ t ! outbur/ ( ?is /> 0 due to a meet+ ( atoms 9 space1 & idea be>+ a /rik+ resemblance to ! mod]n !ory ( 8a/ronomical collisions40 ,9 #afgj1 #ahdh1 & #ahfj tempor>y />s made _! appe>ance1 b none ( !m 0 ( great brilliance4 ,9 #ahff "o ( ! second magnitude broke =? 9 ! 8,nor!rn ,cr[n0 & awoke mu* int]e/1 because by t "t ! spectroscope _h begun to be employ$ 9 /udy+ ! composition ( ! />s1 & ,hugg9s demon/rat$ t ! new /> consi/$ l>gely ( inc&esc5t hydrog54 ,b ?is />1 app>5tly unlike ! o!rs m5tion$1 0 n absolutely new4 ,be=e its outbur/ x _h %[n z a /> ( ! n9? magnitude 7entirely invisible1 ( c\rse1 to ! nak$ eye71 & aft] ab\t six weeks x fad$ to its orig9al condition 9 :i* x has ev] s9ce rema9$4 ,9 #ahgf a tempor>y /> appe>$ 9 ! con/ellation ,cygnus1 & atta9$ at "o "t ! brightness ( ! second magnitude4 ,its spectrum & its behavior resembl$ ^? ( its imm$iate pr$ecessor4 ,9 #ahhe1 a/ronom]s 7 surpris$ to see a six?-magnitude /> glimm]+ 9 ! mid/ ( ! hazy cl\d ( ! great ,&rom$a ,nebula4 ,x soon absolutely disappe>$4 ,its spectrum 0 rem>kable = be+ 8cont9u\s10 l t ( ! nebula itself4 ,a cont9u\s spectrum is suppos$ to repres5t a body1 or a mass1 :i* is ei!r solid or liquid1 or compos$ ( gas "u great pressure4 ,9 ,janu>y1 #ahib1 a new /> 0 sudd5ly se5 9 ! con/ellation ,auriga4 ,x nev] rose mu* above ! f\r? magnitude1 b x %[$ a peculi> spectrum conta9+ bo? bright & d>k l9es ( hydrog54 ,b a bewild]+ surprise 0 n[ 9 /ore2 ! _w 0 to behold at ! op5+ ( ! tw5tie? c5tury su* a cele/ial spectacle z _h n be5 on view s9ce ! times ( ,ty*o & ,kepl]4 ,be=e daylight on ! morn+ ( ,febru>y #bb1 #aija1 ! ,rev4 ,doctor ,&]son1 ( ,ed9burgh1 an amateur a/ronom]1 :o _h also be5 ! fir/ to see ! new /> 9 ,auriga1 beheld a /range object 9 ! con/ellation ,p]seus n f> f ! celebrat$ v>iable /> ,algol4 ,he recogniz$ its "* at once1 & imm$iately telegraph$ ! news1 :i* awoke ! />tl$ att5tion ( a/ronom]s all ov] ! _w4 ,:5 fir/ se5 ! new /> 0 no bright] ?an ,algol 7less ?an ! second magnitude71 b )9 tw5ty-f\r h\rs x 0 ablaze1 out%9+ ev5 ! brilliant ,capella1 & f> surpass+ ! fir/ magnitude4 ,at ! spot 9 ! sky :]e x appe>$ no?+ :atev] 0 visible on ! night be=e its com+4 ,?is is kn[n ) c]ta9ty because a photograph _h be5 made ( t v region on ,febru>y #ba1 & ?is photograph %[$ ev]y?+ d[n to ! twelf? magnitude1 b n a trace ( ! /rang] :i* bur/ into view betwe5 ! #ba/ & ! #bbnd l ! explosion ( a rocket4 ,^u "o :o knew ! />s ! app>ition ( ?is intrud] 9 a well-kn[n con/ellation _h ! effect ( a sudd5 invasion4 ,! new /> 0 n f> we/ ( ! z5i? 9 ! e>ly ev5+1 & 9 t position %[$ to ! be/ advantage4 ,to see ,capella1 ! hi!rto un*all5g$ rul] ( t qu>t] ( ! sky1 abas$ by comp>ison ) ?is /rang] ( ali5 aspect1 = !re 0 always an unfamili> look ab\t ! 8nova10 0 decid$ly disconc]t+4 ,x seem$ to port5d ! beg9n+ ( a revolution 9 ! heav5s4 ,"o c\ld und]/& :at ! effect ( su* an app>ition mu/ h be5 9 ! sup]/iti\s times ( ,ty*o4 ,! /> ( ,ty*o _h bur/ =? on ! nor!rn bord] ( ! ,milky ,way2 ?is "o 0 on its s\!rn bord]1 "s =ty-five degrees f>!r ea/4 ,a/ronom]s 7 well-prep>$ ?is "t = ! sci5tific /udy ( ! new />1 bo? a/ronomical photography & spectroscopy hav+ be5 p]fect$1 & ! results ( _! inve/igations 7 calculat$ to increase ! wond] ) :i* ! ph5om5on 0 reg>d$4 ,! /> rema9$ at its brighte/ only a few days2 !n1 l a v]itable conflagration1 x began to langui%2 &1 l ! reflection ( a dy+ fire1 z x sank x began to gl[ ) ! r$ color ( emb]s4 ,b its *anges 7 spasmodic2 once ab\t e ?ree days x fl>$ up only to die away aga94 ,dur+ ^! fluctuations its light v>i$ alt]nately 9 ! ratio ( "o to six4 ,f9ally x took a p]man5t d[nw>d c\rse1 & aft] a few mon?s ! nak$ eye c\ld no long] p]ceive x2 b x rema9$ visible ) telescopes1 gradually fad+ until x _h sunk to ! n9? magnitude4 ,!n ano!r a/oni%+ *ange happ5$3 9 ,augu/ photographs tak5 at ! ,y]kes ,obs]vatory & at ,heidelb]g %[$ t ! 8nova0 0 surr\nd$ by a spiral nebula6 ,! nebula _h n be5 !re be=e1 & no "o c\ld d\bt t x repres5t$ a phase ( ! same cata/rophe t _h produc$ ! outbur/ ( ! new />4 ,at "o "t ! /> seem$ virtually to h disappe>$1 z if all its sub/ance _h be5 exp&$ into ! nebul\s cl\d1 b always !re rema9$ a /ell> nucleus ab\t :i* ! mi/y spiral spread wid] & ev] wid]1 l a wave exp&+ ar\nd a c5t] ( di/urbance4 ,! nebula too %[$ a v>iability ( brightness1 & f\r cond5sations :i* =m$ 9 x seem$ to h a motion ( revolution ab\t ! />4 ,z "t w5t on ! nebula cont9u$ to exp& at a rate :i* 0 comput$ to be n less ?an tw5ty ?\s& miles p] second6 ,& n[ ! /> itself1 %[+ indications ( hav+ turn$ into a nebula1 behav$ 9 a mo/ erratic mann]1 giv+ rise to ! suspicion t x 0 ab\t to bur/ out aga94 ,b ?is did n occur1 & at l5g? x sunk into a /ate ( le?>gy f :i* x has to ! pres5t "t n recov]$4 ,b ! nebul\s spiral has disappe>$1 & ! entire ph5om5a z x n[ 7#aiji7 exi/s consi/s ( a fa9t nebul\s /> ( less ?an ! n9? magnitude4 ,! wond]ful trans=mations j describ$ _h be5 =eca/ 9 advance ( ! discov]y ( ! nebul\s spiral encircl+ ! /> by ! spectroscopic /udy ( ! latt]4 ,at fir/ !re 0 no sugge/ion ( a nebul> con/itution1 b )9 a mon? or two *>act]i/ic nebul> l9es began to appe>1 & 9 less ?an six mon?s ! :ole spectrum _h be5 trans=m$ to ! nebul> type4 ,9 ! mean "t ! %ift+ ( ! spectral l9es indicat$ a complication ( rapid motions 9 sev]al directions simultane\sly4 ,^! motions 7 e/imat$ to am\nt to f "o hundr$ to five hundr$ miles p] second4 ,! human m9d is s con/itut$ t x feels =c$ to seek an explanation ( s m>vel\s a ph5om5on z ?is1 ev5 9 ! abs5ce ( ! data ne$$ = a s\nd conclusion4 ,! mo/ natural hypo!sis1 p]haps1 is t ( a collision4 ,su* a cata/rophe c\ld c]ta9ly happ54 ,x has be5 %[n1 = in/ance1 t 9 inf9ity ( "t ! e>? is sure to be hit by a comet2 9 ! same way x may be ass]t$ t1 if no "t limit is fix$1 ! sun is c]ta9 to run aga9/ "s ob/acle 9 space1 ei!r ano!r />1 or a d5se meteor sw>m1 or "o ( ! d>k bodies :i* !re is e reason to believe ab\nd ar\nd u4 ,! consequ5ces ( su* a collision are easy to =etell1 provid$ t we "k ! masses & ! velocities ( ! collid+ bodies4 ,9 a prec$+ *apt] we h discuss$ ! motions ( ! sun & />s1 & h se5 t !y are s swift t an enc\nt] betwe5 any two ( !m c\ld n b be disa/r\s4 ,b ?is is n all2 = z soon z two />s approa*$ )9 a few million miles _! spe$ w\ld be enorm\sly increas$ by _! reciprocal attractions &1 if _! motion 0 direct$ radially ) respect to _! c5t]s1 !y w\ld come toge!r ) a cra% t w\ld r$uce !m bo? to nebul\s cl\ds4 ,x is true t ! *ances ( su* a 8head-on0 collision are relatively v small2 two />s approa*+ ea* o!r w\ld mo/ probably fall into clos$ orbits ar\nd _! common c5t] ( gravity4 ,if !re 7 a collision x w\ld mo/ likely be a graz+ "o in/ead ( a direct front-to-front enc\nt]4 ,b ev5 a close approa*1 )\t any actual collision1 w\ld probably prove disa/r\s1 ow+ to ! tidal influ5ce ( ea* ( ! bodies on ! o!r4 ,suns1 9 consequ5ce ( _! enorm\s masses & dim5sions & ! peculi>ities ( _! con/itution1 are exce$+ly dang]\s to "o ano!r at close qu>t]s4 ,prop9quity awakes 9 !m a mutually de/ructive t5d5cy4 ,consi/+ ( matt] 9 ! gase\s1 or p]haps1 9 "s cases1 liquid1 /ate1 _! tidal pull ^u ea* o!r if br\ght close toge!r might bur/ !m asund]1 & ! photosph]ic envelope be+ de/roy$ ! int]nal inc&esc5t mass w\ld gu% out1 br++ fi]y dea? to any planets t 7 revolv+ ne>4 ,)\t reg>d to ! result+ di/urbance ( ! e>?'s orbit1 ! close approa* ( a great /> to ! sun w\ld be 9 ! highe/ degree p]il\s to u4 ,b ?is is a dang] :i* may prop]ly be reg>d$ z indef9itely remote1 s9ce1 at our pres5t location 9 space1 we are c]ta9ly f> f e /> except ! sun1 & we may feel confid5t t no great invisible body is ne>1 = if !re 7 "o we %\ld be aw>e ( its pres5ce f ! effects ( its attraction4 ,z to d>k nebul :i* may possibly lie 9 ! track t ! sol> sy/em is pursu+ at ! rate ( #cge1jjj1jjj miles p] ye>1 t is ano!r "q--& !y1 too1 c\ld be dang]\s6 ,illu/ration3 ,nova ,p]sei1 ) its nebul> r+s ,?is br+s u directly back to 8,nova ,p]sei10 = among ! _m sugge/ions (f]$ to expla9 its outbur/1 z well z ^? ( o!r tempor>y />s1 "o ( ! mo/ fruitful is t ( a collision betwe5 a /> & a va/ invisible nebula4 ,pr(essor ,seelig]1 ( ,muni*1 fir/ propos$ ?is !ory1 b x aft]w>d und]w5t "s modifications f o!rs4 ,/at$ 9 a g5]al =m1 ! idea is t a huge d>k body1 p]haps an ext+ui%$ sun1 enc\nt]$ 9 its progress ?r\gh space a widespread flock ( small meteors =m+ a d>k nebula4 ,z x plung$ into ! sw>m ! friction ( ! innum]able collisions ) ! meteors heat$ its surface to inc&esc5ce1 & be+ ( va/ size x !n became visible to u z a new />4 ,mean:ile ! motion ( ! body ?r\gh ! nebula1 & its rotation ^u itself1 set up a gyration 9 ! blaz+ atmosph]e =m$ ar\nd x by ! vaporiz$ meteors2 & z ?is atmosph]e spread wid]1 "u ! laws ( gyratory motion a rotation 9 ! opposite direction began 9 ! inflam$ meteoric cl\d outside ! c5tral "p ( ! vortex4 ,?us ! spectral l9es 7 caus$ to %[ motion 9 opposite directions1 a "p ( ! inc&esc5t mass approa*+ ! e>? simultane\sly ) ! retreat ( ano!r "p4 ,s ! curi\s spectroscopic obs]vations be=e m5tion$ 7 expla9$4 ,?is !ory might also acc\nt = ! appe>ance ( ! nebul\s spiral fir/ se5 "s six mon?s aft] ! orig9al outbur/4 ,! sequ5t *anges 9 ! spectrum ( ! 8nova0 are acc\nt$ = by ?is !ory on ! assumption1 reasonable en\gh 9 itself1 t at fir/ ! invad+ body w\ld be envelop$ 9 a vaporiz$ atmosph]e ( relatively slight dep?1 produc+ by its absorption ! f9e d>k l9es fir/ obs]v$2 b t z "t w5t on & ! incessant collisions cont9u$1 ! blaz+ atmosph]e w\ld become v deep & ext5sive1 :]eupon ! appe>ance ( ! spectral l9es w\ld *ange1 & bright l9es due to ! light ( ! inc&esc5t meteors surr\nd+ ! nucleus at a great di/ance w\ld take ! place ( ! orig9al d>k ones4 ,! vortex ( meteors once =m$ w\ld protect ! fly+ body )9 f fur!r imm$iate collisions1 ! latt] n[ occurr+ ma9ly among ! meteors !mselves1 & !n ! c5tral blaze w\ld die d[n1 & ! orig9al spl5dor ( ! ph5om5on w\ld fade4 ,b ! !ories ab\t ,nova ,p]sei h be5 almo/ z num]\s z ! a/ronom]s :o h speculat$ ab\t x4 ,"o ( ! mo/ />tl+ ( !m assum$ t ! outbur/ 0 caus$ by ! runn+ amuck ( a d>k /> :i* _h enc\nt]$ ano!r /> surr\nd$ ) planets1 ! r5ew$ outbreaks ( light aft] ! pr9cipal "o _h fad$ be+ due to ! successive runn+ d[n ( ! un=tunate planets6 ,yet ano!r hypo!sis is bas$ on :at we h already said ( ! tidal influ5ce t two close approa*+ suns w\ld h ^u ea* o!r4 ,suppos+ two su* bodies :i* _h become encru/$1 b rema9$ inc&esc5t & fluid )91 to approa* )9 almo/ /rik+ di/ance2 !y w\ld :irl ea* o!r ab\t _! common c5t] ( gravity1 & at ! same "t _! %ells w\ld bur/ "u ! tidal /ra91 & _! gl[+ nuclei be+ disclos$ w\ld produce a great outbur/ ( light4 ,apply+ ?is !ory to a 8nova10 l t ( #ahff 9 ! 8,nor!rn ,cr[n10 :i* _h be5 visible z a small /> be=e ! outbreak1 & :i* aft]w>d resum$ its =m] aspect1 we %\ld h to assume t a yet %9+ sun _h be5 approa*$ by a d>k body ^: attraction tempor>ily bur/ op5 its photosph]e4 ,x might be suppos$ t 9 ?is case ! d>k body 0 too f> advanc$ 9 cool+ to suff] ! same fate f ! tidal pull ( its victim4 ,b a close approa* ( t k9d w\ld be expect$ to result 9 ! =mation ( a b9>y sy/em1 ) orbits ( great ecc5tricity1 p]haps1 & aft] ! lapse ( a c]ta9 "t ! outbur/ %\ld be r5ew$ by ano!r approximation ( ! two bodies4 ,a tempor>y /> ( t k9d w\ld r be rank$ z a v>iable4 ,! celebrat$ ,fr5* a/ronom]1 ,janss51 _h a diff]5t !ory ( ,nova ,p]sei1 & ( tempor>y />s 9 g5]al4 ,accord+ to 8 idea1 su* ph5om5a might be ! result ( *emical *anges tak+ place 9 a sun )\t int]f]5ce by1 or collision )1 ano!r body4 ,janss5 0 engag$ = _m ye>s 9 try+ to discov] evid5ce ( ! exi/5ce ( oxyg5 9 ! sun1 & he con/ruct$ 8 obs]vatory on ! summit ( ,m\nt ,blanc specially to pursue t rese>*4 ,he believ$ t oxyg5 mu/ surely exi/ 9 ! sun s9ce we f9d s _m o!r famili> elem5ts includ$ 9 ! con/itution ( ! sol> globe1 & z he 0 unable to discov] satisfactory evid5ce ( its pres5ce he assum$ t x exi/$ 9 a =m unkn[n on ! e>?4 ,if x 7 normally 9 ! sun's *romosph]e1 or coronal atmosph]e1 he said1 x w\ld comb9e ) ! hydrog5 :i* we "k is !re & =m an obscur+ envelope ( wat] vapor4 ,x exi/s1 !n1 9 a special /ate1 uncomb9$ ) hydrog52 b let ! temp]ature ( ! sun s9k to a critical po9t & ! oxyg5 w assume its normal prop]ties & comb9e ) ! hydrog51 produc+ a mighty outbur/ ( light & heat4 ,?is1 ,janss5 ?\ght1 might expla9 ! ph5om5a ( ! tempor>y />s4 ,x w\ld also1 he sugge/$1 acc\nt = _! brief c>e]1 because ! comb9ation ( ! elem5ts w\ld be quickly accompli%$1 & !n ! result+ wat] vapor w\ld =m an atmosph]e cutt+ (f ! radiation f ! /> )94 ,?is !ory may be said to h a liveli] human int]e/ ?an "s ( ! o!rs1 s9ce1 accord+ to x1 ! sun may c>ry 9 its v con/itution a m5ace to mank9d2 "o does n l to ?9k ( x be+ sudd5ly trans=m$ into a gigantic laboratory = ! explosive comb9ation ( oxyg5 & hydrog56 ,b :ile ,janss5's !ory might d = "s tempor>y />s1 x is inadequate to expla9 all ! ph5om5a ( ,nova ,p]sei1 & p>ticul>ly ! appe>ance ( ! great spiral nebula t seem$ to exhale f ! he>t ( ! />4 ,^u ! :ole1 ! !ory ( an enc\nt] betwe5 a /> & a d>k nebula seems be/ to fit ! obs]vations4 ,by t hypo!sis ! exp&+ bill[ ( light surr\nd+ ! core ( ! conflagration is v well acc\nt$ =1 & ! spectroscopic peculi>ities are also expla9$4 ,dr ,gu/ov ,le ,bon (f]s a yet m al>m+ !ory1 sugge/+ t tempor>y />s are ! result ( atomic explosion2 b we %all t\* ^u ?is m fully 9 ,*apt] #ad4 ,twice 9 ! c\rse ( ?is discussion we h call$ att5tion to ! *ange ( color inv>iably und]gone by tempor>y />s 9 ! lat] /ages ( _! c>e]4 ,?is 0 conspicu\s ) ,nova ,p]sei :i* gl[$ m & m r$ly z x fad$1 until ! nebul\s light began to ov]p[] t ( ! /ell> nucleus4 ,no?+ c\ld be m sugge/ive ( ! dy+ out ( a great fire4 ,moreov]1 *ange ( color f :ite to r$ is *>act]i/ic ( all v>iable />s ( long p]iod1 su* z 8,mira0 9 ,cetus4 ,x is also *>act]i/ic ( />s believ$ to be 9 ! lat] /ages ( evolution1 & consequ5tly approa*+ ext9ction1 l ,ant>es & ,betelgeuse1 & /ill m notably c]ta9 small />s :i* 8gleam l rubies 9 ! field ( ! telescope40 ,^! la/ appe> to be suns 9 ! clos+ p]iod ( exi/5ce z self-lum9\s bodies4 ,betwe5 ! :ite />s1 su* z ,sirius & ,rigel1 & ! r$ />s1 su* z ,aldeb>an & ,alpha ,h]culis1 !re is a progressive s]ies ( colors f gold5 yell[ ?r\gh orange to deep r$4 ,! *ange is believ$ to be due to ! increase ( absorb+ vapors 9 ! /ell> atmosph]e z ! body cools d[n4 ,9 ! case ( ord9>y />s ^! *anges no d\bt occupy _m millions ( ye>s1 :i* repres5t ! av]age duration ( sol> life2 b ! tempor>y />s run ?r\gh simil> *anges 9 a few mon?s3 !y resemble ephem]al insects--born 9 ! morn+ & doom$ to p]i% ) ! go+ d[n ( ! sun4 ,,vi ,explosive & ,:irl+ ,nebul ,"o ( ! mo/ surpris+ triumphs ( cele/ial photography 0 ,pr(essor ,keel]'s discov]y1 9 #ahii1 t ! great majority ( ! nebul h a di/9ctly spiral =m4 ,?is =m1 previ\sly kn[n 9 ,"l ,rosse's great 8,:irlpool ,nebula10 _h be5 suppos$ to be exceptional2 n[ ! photographs1 f> excell+ telescopic views 9 ! revelation ( nebul> =ms1 %[$ ! spiral to be ! typical %ape4 ,inde$1 x is a "q :e!r all nebul are n to "s ext5t spiral4 ,! extreme importance ( ?is discov]y is %[n 9 ! effect t x has _h ^u hi!rto prevail+ views ( sol> & planet>y evolution4 ,= m ?an ?ree-qu>t]s ( a c5tury ,laplace's celebrat$ hypo!sis ( ! mann] ( orig9 ( ! sol> sy/em f a rotat+ & contract+ nebula surr\nd+ ! sun _h guid$ speculation on t subject1 & _h be5 t5tatively ext5d$ to cov] ! evolution ( sy/ems 9 g5]al4 ,! app>5t =ms ( "s ( ! nebul :i* ! telescope _h reveal$ 7 reg>d$1 & by "s are /ill reg>d$1 z giv+ visual evid5ce 9 favor ( ?is !ory4 ,!re is a 8r+ nebula0 9 ,lyra ) a c5tral />1 & a 8planet>y nebula0 9 ,gem9i be>+ no little resemblance to ! planet ,saturn ) its r+s1 bo? ( :i* appe> to be practical realizations ( ,laplace's idea1 & ! elliptical r+s surr\nd+ ! c5tral cond5sation ( ! ,&rom$a ,nebula may be cit$ = ! same k9d ( pro(4 ,illu/ration3 ,"l ,rosse's nebula ,b s9ce ,keel]'s discov]y !re has be5 a decid$ turn+ away ( speculation ano!r way4 ,! =m ( ! spiral nebul seems to be entirely inconsi/5t ) ! !ory ( an orig9ally globul> or disk-%ap$ nebula cond5s+ ar\nd a sun & ?r[+ or leav+ (f r+s1 to be subsequ5tly %ap$ into planets4 ,"s a/ronom]s1 inde$1 n[ reject ,laplace's hypo!sis 9 toto1 pref]r+ to ?9k t ev5 our sol> sy/em orig9at$ f a spiral nebula4 ,s9ce ! spiral type prevails among ! exi/+ nebul1 we mu/ make any me*anical !ory ( ! developm5t ( />s & planet>y sy/ems f !m accord ) ! requirem5ts :i* t =m imposes4 ,a glance at ! extraord9>y v>iations ^u ! spiral :i* ,pr(essor ,keel]'s photographs reveal is suffici5t to conv9ce "o ( ! difficulty ( ! task ( bas+ a g5]al !ory ^u !m4 ,9 tru?1 x is mu* easi] to criticize ,laplace's hypo!sis ?an to inv5t a satisfactory sub/itute = x4 ,if ! spiral nebul seem to oppose x !re are o!r nebul :i* appe> to support x1 & x may be t no "o fix$ !ory c acc\nt = all ! =ms ( /ell> evolution 9 ! univ]se4 ,our p>ticul> planet>y sy/em may h orig9at$ v mu* z ! great ,fr5* ma!matician suppos$1 :ile o!rs h und]gone1 or are n[ und]go+1 a diff]5t process ( developm5t4 ,!re is always a too /rong t5d5cy to reg>d an important new discov]y & ! !ories & speculations bas$ ^u x z revolutioniz+ k1 & displac+ or ov]?r[+ ev]y?+ t w5t be=e4 ,^u ! plea t 8,laplace only made a guess0 m rec5t guesses h be5 driv5 to extremes & treat$ by injudici\s expon5ts z 8! solid facts at la/40 ,illu/ration3 ,wond]ful spiral 9 triangulum ,be=e consid]+ m rec5t !ories ?an ,laplace's1 let u see :at ! nature ( ! photographic revelations is4 ,! va/ cele/ial mael/rom discov]$ by ,"l ,rosse 9 ! 8,hunt+ ,dogs0 may be tak5 z ! lead+ type ( ! spiral nebul1 al?\gh !re are less conspicu\s objects ( ! k9d :i*1 p]haps1 bett] illu/rate "s ( _! peculi>ities4 ,"l ,rosse's nebula appe>s f> m wond]ful 9 ! photographs ?an 9 8 draw+s made ) ! aid ( 8 giant reflect+ telescope at ,p>son/[n1 = ! photographic plate records details t no telescope is capable ( %[+4 ,suppose we look at ! photograph ( ?is object z any p]son ( common s5se w\ld look at any great & /range natural ph5om5on4 ,:at is ! fir/ ?+ t /rikes ! m9d8 ,x is c]ta9ly ! appe>ance ( viol5t :irl+ motion4 ,"o w\ld say t ! :ole gl[+ mass _h be5 spun ab\t ) trem5d\s velocity1 or t x _h be5 set rotat+ s rapidly t x _h become ! victim ( 8c5trifugal =ce10 "o huge fragm5t hav+ brok5 loose & />t$ to gyrate (f into space4 ,clos] inspection %[s t 9 addition to ! pr9cipal focus !re are v>i\s small] cond5sations scatt]$ ?r\gh ! mass4 ,^! are conspicu\s 9 ! spirals4 ,"s ( !m are /ell> po9ts1 & b = ! significance ( _! location we might suppose !m to be />s :i* happ5 to lie 9 a l9e betwe5 u & ! nebula4 ,b :5 we obs]ve h[ _m ( !m foll[ mo/ fai?fully ! curves ( ! spirals we _c b conclude t !y =m an ess5tial "p ( ! ph5om5on2 x is n possible to believe t _! pres5ce 9 su* situations is m]ely =tuit\s4 ,"o ( ! out] spirals has at lea/ a doz5 ( ^! />-l po9ts /rung ^u x2 "s ( !m %>p1 small1 & di/9ct1 o!rs m blurr$ & nebul\s1 sugge/+ diff]5t /ages ( cond5sation4 ,ev5 ! "p :i* seems to h be5 flung loose f ! ma9 mass has1 9 addition to its c5tral cond5sation1 at lea/ "o /ell> po9t gleam+ 9 ! half-vani%$ spire atta*$ to x4 ,"s ( ! m di/ant />s scatt]$ ar\nd ! 8:irlpool0 look z if !y too _h be5 %ot out ( ! mighty vortex1 aft]w>d cond5s+ into unmi/akable sol> bodies4 ,!re are at lea/ two curv$ r[s ( m9ute />s a little beyond ! p]iph]y ( ! lum9\s :irl :i* cle>ly foll[ l9es conc5tric ) ^? ( ! nebul\s spirals4 ,su* facts are simply dumbf\nd+ = anyone :o w be/[ suffici5t ?\ght ^u !m1 = ^! are suns1 ?\gh !y may be small ones2 & :at a bir? is t = a sun6 ,look n[ aga9 at ! gl[+ spirals4 ,we obs]ve t h>dly h !y left ! c5tral mass be=e !y beg9 to coagulate4 ,9 "s places !y h a 8ropy0 aspect2 or !y are l peascods fill$ ) gr[+ se$s1 :i* ev5tually w become />s4 ,! great focus itself %[s a simil> t5d5cy1 especially ar\nd its circumf]5ce4 ,! s5se t x imp>ts ( a trem5d\s %att]+ =ce at "w is ov]:elm+4 ,!re is probably m matt] 9 t :irl+ & bur/+ nebula ?an w\ld suffice to make a hundr$ sol> sy/ems6 ,x mu/ be confess$ at once t !re is no confirmation ( ! ,laplacean hypo!sis "h2 b :at hypo!sis w fit ! facts8 ,!re is "o :i* x has be5 claim$ does s1 b we %all come to t lat]4 ,9 ! mean:ile1 z a prep>ation1 fix 9 ! memory ! appe>ance ( t second spiral mass sp9n+ beside its ma/] :i* seems to h spurn$ x away4 ,illu/ration3 ,spiral 9 ,ursa ,major ,= a second example ( ! spiral nebul look at ! "o 9 ! con/ellation ,triangulum4 ,god1 h[ ha? ! imag9ation ( puny man fail$ to compreh5d ,!e6 ,"h is creation ?r\gh de/ruction ) a v5geance6 ,! spiral =m ( ! nebula is unmi/akable1 b x is half oblit]at$ amid ! turmoil ( fly+ masses hurl$ away on all sides ) tornadic fury4 ,! focus itself is splitt+ asund] "u ! intol]able /ra91 & 9 a little :ile1 z "t is reckon$ 9 ! ,cosmos1 x w be gyrat+ into />s4 ,& !n look at ! cyclonic ra9 ( already f9i%$ />s :irl+ r\nd ! outskirts ( ! /orm4 ,obs]ve h[ scores ( !m are yet involv$ 9 ! fad+ /reams ( ! nebul\s spirals2 see h[ !y h be5 ?r[n into va/ loops & curves1 ( a beauty t half r$eems ! t]ror ( ! spectacle enclos$ )9 _! l9es--l iridesc5t cirri hov]+ ab\t ! edges ( a hurricane4 ,& s aga9 are suns born6 ,let u turn to ! exquisite spiral 9 ,ursa ,major2 h[ diff]5t its aspect f t ( ! o!r6 ,"o w\ld say t if ! t]rific coil 9 ,triangulum has all b de/roy$ itself 9 its fury1 ?is "o on ! contr>y has j begun its self-demolition4 ,z "o gazes "o seems to see 9 x ! smoo?1 swift1 accel]at+ motion t prec$es cata/rophe4 ,! c5tral "p is /ill intact1 d5se1 & uni=m 9 texture4 ,h[ graceful are ! spirals t smoo?ly rise f its oval rim &1 gemm$ ) little />s1 w9d (f into ! d>kness until !y h become z delicate z ?reads ( gossam]6 ,b at bottom ! /ory told "h is ! same--creation by gyration6 ,comp>e ) ! above ! curi\s mass 9 ,cetus4 ,"h ! plane ( ! :irl+ nebula ne>ly co9cides ) our l9e ( sight & we see ! object at a l[ angle4 ,x is f> advanc$ & torn to %r$s1 & if we c\ld look at x p]p5dicul>ly to its plane x is evid5t t x w\ld closely resemble ! spectacle 9 ,triangulum4 ,!n take ! fam\s ,&rom$a ,nebula 7see ,frontispiece71 :i* is s va/ t not)/&+ its imm5se di/ance ev5 ! nak$ eye p]ceives x z an enigmatical wisp 9 ! sky4 ,its image on ! s5sitive plate is ! ma/]piece ( a/ronomical photography2 = wild1 incompreh5sible beauty !re is no?+ t c be comp>$ ) x4 ,"h1 if any:]e1 we look ^u ! spectacle ( creation 9 "o ( its e>lie/ /ages4 ,! ,&rom$a ,nebula is app>5tly less advanc$ t[>d trans=mation into /ell> bodies ?an is t 9 ,triangulum4 ,! imm5se cr[d ( />s spr9kl$ ov] x & its neighborhood seem 9 ! ma9 to lie ?is side ( ! nebula1 & consequ5tly to h no connection ) x4 ,b incipi5t />s 79 "s places clu/]s ( !m7 are se5 9 ! nebul\s r+s1 :ile "o or two huge masses seem to give promise ( trans=mation into /ell> bodies ( unusual magnitude4 ,i say 8r+s0 because al?\gh ! loops encompass+ ! ,&rom$a ,nebula h be5 call$ spirals by ^? :o wi% utt]ly to demoli% ,laplace's hypo!sis1 yet !y are n manife/ly su*1 z c be se5 on comp>+ !m ) ! und\bt$ spirals ( ! ,"l ,rosse ,nebula4 ,!y look q z mu* l circles or ellipses se5 at an angle (1 say1 fifte5 or tw5ty degrees to _! plane4 ,if !y are truly elliptical !y accord fairly well ) ,laplace's idea1 except t ! scale ( magnitude is /up5d\s1 & if ! ,&rom$a ,nebula is to become a sol> sy/em x w surpass ours 9 gr&eur beyond all possibility ( comp>ison4 ,illu/ration3 ,nebula 9 ,cetus ,!re is "o circum/ance connect$ ) ! spiral nebul1 & conspicu\s 9 ! ,&rom$a ,nebula on acc\nt ( its brightness1 :i* makes ! "q ( _! orig9 /ill m puzzl+2 !y all %[ cont9u\s spectra1 :i*1 z we h be=e rem>k$1 indicate t ! mass f :i* ! light comes is ei!r solid or liquid1 or a gas "u heavy pressure4 ,?us nebul fall into two classes3 ! 8:ite0 nebul1 giv+ a cont9u\s spectrum2 & ! 8gre50 nebul ^: spectra are di/9ctly gase\s4 ,! ,&rom$a ,nebula is ! great repres5tative ( ! =m] class & ! ,orion ,nebula ( ! latt]4 ,! spectrum ( ! ,&rom$a ,nebula has be5 int]pret$ to mean t x consi/s n ( lum9\s gas1 b ( a flock ( />s s di/ant t !y are sep>ately indi/+ui%able ev5 ) p[]ful telescopes1 j z ! compon5t />s ( ! ,milky ,way are indi/+ui%able ) ! nak$ eye2 & ^u ?is has be5 bas$ ! sugge/ion t :at we see 9 ,&rom$a is an out] univ]se ^: />s =m a s]ies ( elliptical g>l&s surr\nd+ a c5tral mass ( amaz+ ri*ness4 ,b ?is idea is unacceptable if = no o!r reason ?an t1 z j said1 all ! spiral nebul possess ! same k9d ( spectrum1 & probably no "o w\ld be dispos$ to reg>d !m all z out] univ]ses4 ,z we %all see lat]1 ! peculi>ity ( ! spectra ( ! spiral nebul is appeal$ to 9 support ( a mod]n sub/itute = ,laplace's hypo!sis4 ,f9ally1 )\t hav+ by any means exhau/$ ! v>iety exhibit$ by ! spiral nebul1 let u turn to ! great repres5tative ( ! o!r species1 ! ,orion ,nebula4 ,9 "s ways ?is is ev5 m m>vel\s ?an ! o!rs4 ,! e>ly draw+s ) ! telescope fail$ to convey an adequate conception ei!r ( its sublimity or ( its complication ( /ructure4 ,x exi/s 9 a nebul\s region ( space1 s9ce photographs %[ t ne>ly ! :ole con/ellation is int]wov5 ) fa9tly lum9\s coils4 ,to behold ! entry ( ! great nebula into ! field ev5 ( a small telescope is a />tl+ exp]i5ce :i* nev] loses its novelty4 ,z %[n by ! photographs1 x is an inscrutable *aos ( p]fectly amaz+ ext5t1 :]e spiral b&s1 radiat+ /reaks1 d5se masses1 & d>k yawn+ gaps are /rangely int]m+l$ )\t app>5t ord]4 ,9 "o place f\r conspicu\s little />s1 bett] se5 9 a telescope ?an 9 ! photograph on acc\nt ( ! blurr+ produc$ by ov]-exposure1 are sugge/ively situat$ 9 ! mid/ ( a d>k op5+1 & no obs]v] has ev] felt any d\bt t ^! />s h be5 =m$ f ! sub/ance ( ! surr\nd+ nebula4 ,!re are _m o!r />s scatt]$ ov] its expanse :i* manife/ly owe _! orig9 to ! same s\rce4 ,b comp>e ! g5]al appe>ance ( ?is nebula ) ! o!rs t we h /udi$1 & rem>k ! diff]5ce4 ,if ! unmi/akably spiral nebul resemble bur/+ fly-:eels or gr9d/ones f ^: p]imet]s torr5ts ( sp>ks are fly+1 ! ,orion ,nebula r recalls ! aspect ( a cl\d ( smoke & fragm5ts produc$ by ! explosion ( a %ell4 ,?is idea is en=c$ by ! look ( ! out] portion f>!/ f ! bright half ( ! nebula1 :]e %>ply edg$ cl\ds ) d>k spaces beh9d seem to be bill[+ away z if driv5 by a w9d bl[+ f ! c5t]4 ,illu/ration3 ,! ,orion nebula ,next let u consid] :at sci5tific speculation has done 9 ! ef=t to expla9 ^! my/]ies4 ,laplace's hypo!sis c c]ta9ly f9d no /&+ gr\nd ei!r 9 ! ,orion ,nebula or 9 ^? ( a spiral configuration1 :atev] may be its situation ) respect to ! gr& ,nebula ( ,&rom$a1 or ! 8r+0 & 8planet>y0 nebul4 ,"s o!r hypo!sis m consonant ) ! appe>ances mu/ be f\nd4 ,among ! _m t h be5 propos$ ! mo/ elaborate is ! 8,planetesimal ,hypo!sis0 ( ,pr(essors ,*amb]l9 & ,m\lton4 ,x is to be rem>k$ t x applies to ! spiral nebul di/9ctively1 & n to an app>5tly *aotic mass ( gas l ! va/ lum9\s cl\d 9 ,orion4 ,! gi/ ( ! !ory is t ^! curi\s objects are probably ! result ( close approa*es to ea* o!r ( two indep5d5t suns1 rem9d+ u ( :at 0 said on ?is subject :5 we 7 deal+ ) tempor>y />s4 ,( ! previ\s hi/ory ( ^! appuls+ suns ! !ory gives u no acc\nt2 !y are simply suppos$ to arrive )9 :at may be call$ an effective tide-produc+ di/ance1 & !n ! drama beg9s4 ,"s ( ! probable consequ5ces ( su* an approa* h be5 notic$ 9 ,*apt] #e2 let u n[ consid] !m a little m 9 detail4 ,tides always g 9 c\ples2 if !re is a tide on "o side ( a globe !re w be a correspond+ tide on ! o!r side4 ,! cause is to be f\nd 9 ! law t ! =ce ( gravitation v>ies inv]sely z ! squ>e ( ! di/ance2 ! attraction on ! ne>e/ surface ( ! body ex]cis$ by ano!r body is great] ?an on its c5t]1 & great] yet ?an on its opposite surface4 ,if two great globes attract ea* o!r1 ea* t5ds to draw ! o!r out into an ellipsoidal figure2 !y mu/ be m rigid ?an /eel to resi/ ?is--& ev5 !n !y _c altoge!r resi/4 ,if !y are liquid or gase\s !y w yield readily to ! =ce ( di/ortion1 ! am\nt ( :i* w dep5d ^u _! di/ance ap>t1 = ! ne>] !y are ! great] becomes ! tidal /ra94 ,if !y are encru/$ )\t & liquid or gase\s 9 ! int]ior1 ! int]nal mass w /rive to assume ! figure dem&$ by ! tidal =ce1 & w1 if x c1 bur/ ! re/ra9+ envelope4 ,n[ ?is is virtually ! pr$icam5t ( ! body we call a sun :5 9 ! imm$iate pres5ce ( ano!r body ( simil>ly great mass4 ,su* a body is presumably gase\s ?r\gh\t1 ! compon5t gases be+ held 9 a /ate ( rigidity by ! compression produc$ by ! trem5d\s gravitational =ce ( _! own aggregate mass4 ,at ! surface su* a body is envelop$ 9 a %ell ( relatively cool matt]4 ,n[ suppose a great attract+ body1 su* z ano!r sun1 to approa* ne> en\gh = ! diff]5ce 9 its attraction on ! two opposite sides ( ! body & on its c5t] to become v great2 ! consequ5ce w be a tidal de=mation ( ! :ole body1 & x w l5g!n out along ! l9e ( ! gravitational pull & draw 9 at ! sides1 & if its %ell (f]s consid]able resi/ance1 b n en\gh to ex]cise a complete re/ra9t1 x w be viol5tly bur/ ap>t1 or bl[n to atoms1 & ! int]nal mass w leap out on ! two opposite sides 9 great fi]y sp\ts4 ,9 ! case ( a sun fur!r advanc$ 9 cool+ ?an ours ! int]ior might be compos$ ( molt5 matt] :ile ! ext]ior cru/ _h become rigid l ! %ell ( an egg2 !n ! =ce ( ! 8tidal explosion0 produc$ by ! appulse ( ano!r sun w\ld be m viol5t 9 consequ5ce ( ! great] resi/ance ov]come4 ,su*1 !n1 is ! me*anism ( ! fir/ phase 9 ! hi/ory ( a spiral nebula accord+ to ! ,planetesimal ,hypo!sis4 ,two suns1 p]haps ext+ui%$ ones1 h drawn ne> toge!r1 & an explosive outbur/ has occur$ 9 "o or bo?4 ,! second phase calls = a m agile ex]cise ( ! imag9ation4 ,to simplify ! case1 let u suppose t only "o ( ! tugg+ suns is s]i\sly affect$ by ! /ra94 ,its va/ w+s produc$ by ! outbur/ are twi/$ into spirals by _! rotation & ! cont5d+ attractions ex]cis$ ^u !m1 z ! two suns1 l battle%ips 9 desp]ate conflict1 curve r\nd ea* o!r1 conc5trat+ _! de/ructive en]gies4 ,!n imm5se quantities ( dbris are scatt]$ ab\t 9 :i* eddies are creat$1 & f9ally1 z ! sun t caus$ ! damage goes on its way1 leav+ its victim to repair its injuries z x may1 ! disp]s$ matt] cools1 cond5ses1 & turns into /reams ( solid p>ticles circl+ 9 elliptical pa?s ab\t _! p>5t sun4 ,^! p>ticles1 or fragm5ts1 are ! 8planetesimals0 ( ! !ory4 ,9 consequ5ce ( ! inevitable int]section ( ! orbits ( ! planetesimals1 nodes are =m$ :]e ! fly+ p>ticles meet1 & at ^! nodes l>ge masses are gradually accumulat$4 ,! l>g] ! mass ! great] its attraction1 & at la/ ! nodal po9ts become ! nuclei ( great aggregations f :i* planets are %ap$4 ,?is1 9 v brief =m1 is ! ,planetesimal ,hypo!sis :i* we are ask$ to sub/itute = t bas$ on ,laplace's sugge/ion z an explanation ( ! mode ( orig9 ( ! sol> sy/em2 & ! ph5om5a ( ! spiral nebul are appeal$ to z (f]+ evid5t support to ! new hypo!sis4 ,we are rem9d$ t !y are elliptical 9 outl9e1 :i* accords ) ! hypo!sis2 t _! spectra are n gase\s1 :i* %[s t !y may be compos$ ( solid p>ticles l ! planetesimals2 & t _! c5tral masses pres5t an oval =m1 :i* is :at w\ld result f ! tidal effects1 z j describ$4 ,we also rememb] t "s ( !m1 l ! ,"l ,rosse & ! ,&rom$a nebul1 are visually d\ble1 & 9 ^! cases we might suppose t ! two masses repres5t ! tide-bur/ suns t v5tur$ into too close proximity4 ,x may be add$ t ! au?ors ( ! !ory d n insi/ ^u ! appulse ( two suns z ! only way 9 :i* ! planetesimals may h orig9at$1 b x is ! only supposition t has be5 work$ out4 ,b s]i\s que/ions rema94 ,x ne$s1 = in/ance1 b a glance at ! ,triangulum mon/] to conv9ce ! obs]v] t x _c be a sol> sy/em :i* is be+ evolv$ !re1 b r a sw>m ( />s4 ,_m ( ! deta*$ masses are too va/ to admit ( ! supposition t !y are to be trans=m$ into planets1 9 our s5se ( planets1 & ! di/ances ( ! />s :i* appe> to h be5 orig9ally eject$ f ! focal masses are too great to all[ u to lik5 ! assemblage t !y =m to a sol> sy/em4 ,!n1 too1 no nodes su* z ! hypo!sis calls = are visible4 ,moreov]1 9 mo/ ( ! spiral nebul ! appe>ances favor ! view t ! supposititi\s enc\nt]+ suns h n sep>at$ & gone ea* rejoic+ on its way1 aft] hav+ inflict$ ! maximum possible damage on its oppon5t1 b t1 on ! contr>y1 !y rema9 9 close association l two wre/l]s :o _c escape f ea* o!r's grasp4 ,& ?is is exactly :at ! law ( gravitation dem&s2 />s _c approa* "o ano!r ) impunity1 ) reg>d ei!r to _! physical make-up or _! future indep5d5ce ( movem5t4 ,! !ory und]takes to avoid ?is difficulty by assum+ t 9 ! case ( our sy/em ! approa* ( ! =eign body to ! sun 0 n a close "o--j close en\gh to produce ! tidal extrusion ( ! relatively insignificant quantity ( matt] ne$$ to =m ! planets4 ,b ev5 !n ! effect ( ! appulse w\ld be to *ange ! direction ( flight1 bo? ( ! sun & ( its visitor1 & !re is no kn[n /> 9 ! sky :i* c be select$ z ! sun's probable p>tn] 9 _! anci5t pas deux4 ,t !re are unconqu]$ difficulties 9 ,laplace's hypo!sis no "o w\ld d5y1 b 9 simplicity ( conception x is incomp>ably m satisfactory1 & ) prop] modifications c\ld probably be made m consonant ) exi/+ facts 9 our sol> sy/em ?an t :i* is (f]$ to replace x4 ,ev5 z an explanation ( ! spiral nebul1 n z sol> sy/ems 9 process ( =mation1 b z ! bir?places ( /ell> clu/]s1 ! ,planetesimal ,hypo!sis w\ld be op5 to _m objections4 ,grant+ its assumptions1 x has und\bt$ly a /rong ma!matical framework1 b ! tr\ble is n ) ! ma!matics b ) ! assumptions4 ,laplace 0 "o ( ! able/ ma!maticians t ev] liv$1 b he _h nev] se5 a spiral nebula2 if he _h1 he might h inv5t$ a hypo!sis to suit its ph5om5a4 ,8 actual hypo!sis 0 int5d$ only = our sol> sy/em1 & he left x 9 ! =m ( a 8note0 = ! consid]ation ( 8 successors1 ) ! hope t !y might be able to discov] ! full tru?1 :i* he confess$ 0 hidd5 f him4 ,x _c be said t t tru? has yet be5 f\nd1 & :5 x is f\nd ! *ances are t intuition & n logic w h l$ to x4 ,! spiral nebul1 !n1 rema9 among ! greate/ riddles ( ! univ]se1 :ile ! gase\s nebul1 l t ( ,orion1 are no less my/]i\s1 al?\gh x seems impossible to d\bt t bo? =ms give bir? to />s4 ,x is b natural to look to !m = light on ! "q ( ! orig9 ( our planet>y sy/em2 b we %\ld n =get t ! scale ( ! ph5om5a 9 ! two cases is va/ly diff]5t1 & ! =ces 9 op]ation may be equally diff]5t4 ,a hill may h be5 built up by a glaci]1 :ile a m\nta9 may be ! product ( volcanic =ces or ( ! upheaval ( ! /rata ( ! planet4 ,,vii ,! ,bann]s ( ! ,sun ,z all ! _w kn[s1 ! sun1 a bl9d+ globe p\r+ =? an inconceivable quantity ( light & heat1 ^: daily passage ?r\gh ! sky is caus$ by ! e>?'s rotation on its axis1 con/itutes ! mo/ important ph5om5on ( t]re/ial exi/5ce4 ,view$ ) a d>k glass to take (f ! gl>e1 or ) a telescope1 its rim is se5 to be a %>p & smoo? circle1 & no?+ b d>k sky is visible ar\nd x4 ,except = ! int]f]5ce ( ! moon1 we %\ld probably nev] h kn[n t !re is any m ( ! sun ?an our eyes ord9>ily see4 ,b :5 an eclipse ( ! sun occurs1 caus$ by ! int]position ( ! opaque globe ( ! moon1 we see its imm$iate surr\nd+s1 :i* 9 "s respects are m wond]ful ?an ! gl[+ c5tral orb4 ,^! surr\nd+s1 al?\gh n 9 ! s5se 9 :i* we apply ! t]m to ! gase\s envelope ( ! e>?1 may be call$ ! sun's atmosph]e4 ,!y consi/ ( two v diff]5t p>ts--fir/1 ! r$ 8prom95ces10 :i* resemble tongues ( flame asc5d+ ?\s&s ( miles above ! sun's surface2 &1 second1 ! 8corona10 :i* ext5ds to di/ances ( millions ( miles f ! sun1 & %9es ) a s(t1 gl[+ light4 ,! two comb9$1 :5 well se51 make a spectacle )\t p>allel among ! m>vels ( ! sky4 ,al?\gh _m attempts h be5 made to r5d] ! corona visible :5 !re is no eclipse1 all h fail$1 & x is to ! moon alone t we owe its revelation4 ,to cov] ! sun's disk ) a circul> scre5 w n answ] ! purpose because ( ! illum9ation ( ! air all ab\t ! obs]v]4 ,:5 ! moon hides ! sun1 on ! o!r h&1 ! sunlight is )drawn f a great cyl9d] ( air ext5d+ to ! top ( ! atmosph]e & spread+ _m miles ar\nd ! obs]v]4 ,!re is !n no gl>e to int]f]e ) ! spectacle1 & ! corona appe>s 9 all its surpris+ beauty4 ,! prom95ces1 h[ev]1 al?\gh !y 7 discov]$ dur+ an eclipse1 c n[1 ) ! aid ( ! spectroscope1 be se5 at any "t4 ,b ! prom95ces are r>ely l>ge en\gh to be notic$ by ! nak$ eye1 :ile ! /ream]s ( ! corona1 /ret*+ f> away 9 space1 l gho/ly bann]s bl[n out f ! black circle ( ! obscur+ moon1 attract e eye1 & to ?is weird app>ition mu* ( ! fe> inspir$ by eclipses has be5 due4 ,b if ! corona has be5 a cause ( t]ror 9 ! pa/ x has become a s\rce ( gr[+ k 9 our "t4 ,illu/ration3 ,! ,corona ,! /ory ( ! fir/ sci5tific obs]vation ( ! corona & ! prom95ces is ?rill+ly int]e/+1 & 9 fact dramatic4 ,! obs]vation 0 made dur+ ! eclipse ( #ahdb1 :i* =tunately 0 visible all ov] ,c5tral & ,s\!rn ,europe s t scores ( a/ronom]s saw x4 ,! int]e/ c5t]s 9 :at happ5$ at ,pavia 9 ,nor!rn ,italy1 :]e ! ,engli% a/ronom] ,francis ,baily _h set up 8 telescope4 ,! eclipse _h begun & ,bailey 0 busy at 8 telescope :51 to quote 8 own words 9 ! acc\nt :i* he wrote = ! ,memoirs ( ! ,royal ,a/ronomical ,society3 ,i 0 a/\nd$ by a trem5d\s bur/ ( applause f ! /reets bel[1 & at ! same mom5t 0 electrifi$ by ! sight ( "o ( ! mo/ brilliant & spl5did ph5om5a t c well be imag9$2 = at t in/ant ! d>k body ( ! moon 0 sudd5ly surr\nd$ ) a corona1 or k9d ( bright glory1 simil> 9 %ape & magnitude to t :i* pa9t]s draw r\nd ! heads ( sa9ts444 ,pavia conta9s _m ?\s& inhabitants1 ! major "p ( :om 7 at ?is e>ly h\r walk+ ab\t ! /reets & squ>es or look+ out ( w9d[s 9 ord] to witness ?is long-talk$-( ph5om5on2 & :5 ! total obscuration took place1 :i* 0 in/antane\s1 !re 0 a univ]sal %\t f e obs]v] :i* 8made ! welk9 r+10 & = ! mom5t )drew my att5tion f ! object ) :i* ,i 0 imm$iately occupi$4 ,i _h1 inde$1 expect$ ! appe>ance ( a lum9\s circle r\nd ! moon dur+ ! "t ( total obscurity2 b ,i did n expect1 f any ( ! acc\nts ( prec$+ eclipses t ,i _h read1 to witness s magnific5t an exhibition z t :i* took place444 ,spl5did & a/oni%+1 h[ev]1 z ?is rem>kable ph5om5on really 01 & al?\gh x c\ld n fail to call =? ! admiration & applause ( e behold]1 yet ,i mu/ confess t !re 0 at ! same "t some?+ 9 its s+ul> & wond]ful appe>ance t 0 appall+444 ,b ! mo/ rem>kable circum/ance att5d+ ! ph5om5on 0 ! appe>ance ( ?ree l>ge protub]ances app>5tly emanat+ f ! circumf]5ce ( ! moon1 b evid5tly =m+ a portion ( ! corona4 ,!y _h ! appe>ance ( m\nta9s ( a prodigi\s elevation2 _! color 0 r$ t+$ ) lilac or purple2 p]haps ! color ( ! pea*-blossom w\ld m ne>ly repres5t x4 ,!y some:at resembl$ ! tops ( ! sn[y ,alp9e m\nta9s :5 color$ by ! ris+ or ! sett+ sun4 ,!y resembl$ ! ,alp9e m\nta9s 9 ano!r respect1 inasmu* z _! light 0 p]fectly /eady1 & _h none ( t flick]+ or sp>kl+ motion s visible 9 o!r p>ts ( ! corona444 ,! :ole ( ^! protub]ances 7 visible ev5 to ! la/ mom5t ( total obscuration1 & :5 ! fir/ ray ( light 0 admitt$ f ! sun !y vani%$1 ) ! corona1 altoge!r1 & daylight 0 in/antly re/or$4 ,i h quot$ ne>ly all ( ?is rem>kable description n alone = its intr9sic int]e/1 b because x is ! be/ depiction t c be f\nd ( ! g5]al ph5om5a ( a total sol> eclipse4 ,/ill1 n e su* eclipse (f]s an equally magnific5t spectacle4 ,! eclipses ( #aijj & #aije1 = in/ance1 :i* 7 se5 by ! writ]1 ! fir/ 9 ,s\? ,c>ol9a & ! second 9 ,spa91 fell f> %ort ( t describ$ by ,bailey 9 spl5dor & impressiv5ess4 ,( c\rse1 some?+ mu/ be all[$ = ! effect ( surprise2 ,bailey _h n expect$ to see :at 0 s sudd5ly disclos$ to him4 ,b bo? 9 #aijj & #aije ! am\nt ( scatt]$ light 9 ! sky 0 suffici5t 9 itself to make ! corona appe> fa9t1 & !re 7 no v conspicu\s prom95ces visible4 ,yet on bo? occasions !re 0 manife/ among ! spectators t m+l+ ( admiration & awe ( :i* ,bailey speaks4 ,! ,s\? ,c>ol9ians gave a *e] & ! ladies wav$ _! h&k]*iefs :5 ! corona1 ineffably delicate ( =m & texture1 melt$ into sight & !n 9 two m9utes melt$ away aga94 ,! ,spani>ds1 cr[d$ on ! citadel hill ( ,burgos1 ) _! k+ & 8 royal ret9ue 9 _! mid/1 broke out ) a great clapp+ ( h&s z ! await$ spectacle unfold$ itself 9 ! sky2 & on bo? occasions1 be=e ! applause began1 aft] an aw$ sil5ce a l[ murmur ran ?r\gh ! cr[ds4 ,at ,burgos x is said _m made ! sign ( ! cross4 ,x 0 n long be=e ,bailey's idea t ! prom95ces 7 a "p ( ! corona 0 ab&on$1 & x 0 p]ceiv$ t ! two ph5om5a 7 to a great ext5t indep5d5t4 ,at ! eclipse ( #ahfh1 :i* ! a/ronom]s1 ar\s$ by ! wond]ful sc5e ( #ahdb1 & eag] to te/ ! p[]s ( ! newly inv5t$ spectroscope1 flock$ to ,india to witness1 ,janss5 conceiv$ ! idea ( employ+ ! spectroscope to r5d] ! prom95ces visible :5 !re 0 no eclipse4 ,he succe$$ ! v next day1 & ^! ph5om5a h be5 /udi$ 9 t way ev] s9ce4 ,!re are recogniz$ two k9ds ( prom95ces--! 8erruptive0 & ! 8quiesc5t40 ,! latt]1 :i* are cl\d-l 9 =m1 may be se5 almo/ any:]e along ! edge ( ! sun2 b ! =m]1 :i* (t5 %oot up z if hurl$ f mighty volcanoes1 appe> to be associat$ ) sun-spots1 & appe> only above ! zones :]e spots ab\nd4 ,ei!r ( !m1 :5 se5 9 projection aga9/ ! brilliant sol> disk1 appe>s :ite1 n r$1 z aga9/ a backgr\nd ( sky4 ,! quiesc5t prom95ces1 ^: elevation is (t5 f =ty ?\s& to sixty ?\s& miles1 consi/1 z ! spectroscope %[s1 ma9ly ( hydrog5 & helium4 ,! latt]1 x w be rememb]$1 is an elem5t :i* 0 kn[n to be 9 ! sun _m ye>s be=e ! discov]y t x also exi/s 9 small quantities on ! e>?4 ,a fact :i* may h a significance :i* we _c at pres5t see is t ! emanation f radium gradually & spontane\sly *anges into helium1 an al*emi/ical feat ( nature t has op5$ _m curi\s vi/as to speculative ?9k]s4 ,! eruptive prom95ces1 :i* d n spread horizontally l ! o!rs1 b asc5d ) m>vel\s velocity to elevations ( half a million miles or m1 are app>5tly compos$ l>gely ( metallic vapors--i4e4 metals :i* are usually solid on ! e>?1 b :i* at sol> temp]atures are kept 9 a volatiliz$ /ate4 ,! velocity ( _! asc5t occasionally am\nts to ?ree hundr$ or f\r hundr$ miles p] second4 ,x is kn[n f ma!matical consid]ations t ! gravitation ( ! sun w\ld n be able to br+ back any body t />t$ f its surface ) a velocity exce$+ ?ree hundr$ & eighty-?ree miles p] second2 s x is evid5t t "s ( ! matt] hurl$ =? 9 eruptive prom95ces may escape f sol> control & g spe$+ out into space1 cool+ & cond5s+ into solid masses4 ,!re seems to be no reason :y "s ( ! projectiles f ! sun might n rea* ! planets4 ,"h1 !n1 we h on a relatively small scale1 explosions recall+ ^? :i* x has be5 imag9$ may be ! orig9at+ cause ( "s ( ! sudd5 ph5om5a ( ! /ell> heav5s4 ,illu/ration3 ,a sol> 8prom95ce40 ,photograph$ ,may #ba1 #aijg ,( ! sun-spots x is n our int5tion "h specifically to speak1 b !y evid5tly h an intimate connection ) eruptive prom95ces1 z well z "s relation1 n yet fully und]/ood1 ) ! corona4 ,( ! real cause ( sun-spots we "k virtually no?+1 b rec5t /udies by ,pr(essor ,hale & o!rs h reveal$ a /range /ate ( ?+s 9 ! cl\ds ( metallic vapors float+ above !m & _! surr\nd+s4 ,evid5ces ( a cyclonic t5d5cy h be5 f\nd1 & ,pr(essor ,hale has prov$ t sun-spots are /rong magnetic fields1 & consi/ ( columns ( ioniz$ vapors rotat+ 9 opposite directions 9 ! two hemisph]es4 ,a fact :i* may h ! greate/ significance is t titanium & vanadium h be5 f\nd bo? 9 sun-spots & 9 ! rem>kable v>iable ,mira ,ceti1 a /> :i* e elev5 mon?s1 or !reab\t1 flames up ) great brilliancy & !n s9ks back to invisibility ) ! nak$ eye4 ,x has be5 sugge/$ t sun-spots are indications ( ! beg9n+ ( a process 9 ! sun :i* w be int5sifi$ until x falls into ! /ate ( su* a /> z ,mira4 ,/>s v f> advanc$ 9 evolution1 )\t %[+ v>iability1 also exhibit simil> spectra2 s t !re is mu* reason = reg>d+ sunspots z emblems ( advanc+ age4 ,! association ( ! corona ) sun-spots is less evid5t ?an t ( ! eruptive prom95ces2 /ill su* an association exi/s1 = ! =m & ext5t ( ! corona v>y ) ! sun-spot p]iod ( :i* we %all pres5tly speak4 ,! con/itution ( ! corona rema9s to be discov]$4 ,x is evid5tly 9 "p gase\s1 b x also probably conta9s matt] 9 ! =m ( du/ & small meteors4 ,x includes "o sub/ance altoge!r my/]i\s--8coronium40 ,!re are reasons = ?9k+ t ?is may be ! lighte/ ( all ! elem5ts1 & ,pr(essor ,"y1 its discov]]1 said t x 0 8absolutely unique 9 nature2 utt]ly di/9ct f any o!r kn[n =m ( matt]1 t]re/ial1 sol>1 or cosmical40 ,! enorm\s ext5t ( ! corona is "o ( its riddles4 ,s9ce ! developm5t ( ! curi\s subject ( ! 8pressure ( light0 x has be5 propos$ to acc\nt = ! su/5tation ( ! corona by suppos+ t x is borne ^u ! bill[s ( light cont9ually p\r$ out f ! sun4 ,exp]im5t has prov$1 :at ma!matical consid]ations _h previ\sly po9t$ out z probable1 t ! waves ( light ex]t a pressure or driv+ =ce1 :i* becomes evid5t 9 its effects if ! body act$ ^u is suffici5tly small4 ,9 t case ! light pressure w prevail ov] ! attraction ( gravitation1 & propel ! att5uat$ matt] away f ! sun 9 ! tee? ( its attraction4 ,! e>? itself w\ld be driv5 away if1 in/ead ( consi/+ ( a solid globe ( imm5se aggregate mass1 x 7 a cl\d ( microscopic p>ticles4 ,! reason is t ! pressure v>ies 9 proportion to ! surface ( ! body act$ ^u1 :ile ! gravitational attraction is proportional to ! volume1 or ! total am\nt ( matt] 9 ! body4 ,b ! surface ( any body dep5ds ^u ! squ>e ( its diamet]1 :ile ! volume dep5ds ^u ! cube ( ! diamet]4 ,if1 = in/ance1 ! diamet] is repres5t$ by #d1 ! surface w be proportional to #d #d1 or #af1 & ! volume to #d #d #d1 or #fd2 b if ! diamet] is tak5 z #b1 ! surface w be #b #b1 or #d1 & ! volume #b #b #b1 or #h4 ,n[1 ! ratio ( #d to #h is twice z great z t ( #af to #fd4 ,if ! diamet] is /ill fur!r decreas$1 ! ratio ( ! surface to ! volume w proportionally gr[ l>g]2 9 o!r words1 ! pressure w ga9 ^u ! attraction1 & :atev] _! orig9al ratio may h be51 a "t w come1 if ! dim9ution ( size cont9ues1 :5 ! pressure w become m effective ?an ! attraction1 & ! body w be driv5 away4 ,suppos+ ! p>ticles ( ! corona to be bel[ ! critical size = ! attraction ( a mass l t ( ! sun to control !m1 !y w\ld be driv5 (f into ! surr\nd+ space & appe> ar\nd ! sun l ! cl\ds ( du/ ar\nd a mill4 ,we %all return to ?is subject 9 connection ) ! ,zodiacal ,light1 ! ,aurora1 & ,comets4 ,on ! o!r h&1 !re are p>ts ( ! corona :i* sugge/ by _! =ms ! play ( electric or magnetic =ces4 ,?is is beautifully %[n 9 "s ( ! photographs t h be5 made ( ! corona dur+ rec5t eclipses4 ,take1 = in/ance1 t ( ! eclipse ( #aijj4 ,! %eaves ( light emanat+ f ! poles look precisely l ! 8l9es ( =ce0 surr\nd+ ! poles ( a magnet4 ,x w be notic$ 9 ?is photograph t ! corona appe>s to consi/ ( two portions3 "o compris+ ! pol> rays j spok5 (1 & ! o!r consi/+ ( ! broad]1 long]1 & less-def9$ masses ( light ext5d+ out f ! equatorial & middle-latitude zones4 ,yet ev5 9 ?is m diffuse "p ( ! ph5om5on "o c detect ! pres5ce ( subm]g$ curves be>+ m or less resemblance to ^? ab\t ! poles4 ,j :at "p electricity or electro-magnetism plays 9 ! me*anism ( ! sol> radiation x is impossible to say1 b on ! assumption t x is a v important "p is bas$ ! hypo!sis t !re exi/s a direct sol> influ5ce n only ^u ! magnetism1 b ^u ! wea!r ( ! e>?4 ,?is hypo!sis has be5 "u discussion = half a c5tury1 & /ill we d n "k j h[ mu* tru? x repres5ts4 ,x is c]ta9 t ! outbreak ( great di/urbances on ! sun1 accompani$ by ! =mation ( sun-spots & ! up%oot+ ( eruptive prom95ces 7ph5om5a :i* we %\ld naturally expect to be att5d$ by action71 h be5 in/antly foll[$ by correspond+ 8magnetic /orms0 on ! e>? & brilliant displays ( ! auroral lights4 ,!re h be5 occasions :5 ! influ5ce has manife/$ itself 9 ! mo/ />tl+ ways1 a great sol> outbur/ be+ foll[$ by a my/]i\s gripp+ ( ! cable & telegraph sy/ems ( ! _w1 z if an invisible & irresi/ible h& _h seiz$ !m4 ,messages are abruptly cut (f1 sp>ks leap f ! telegraph in/rum5ts1 & ! entire e>? seems to h be5 ?r[n into a magnetic flurry4 ,^! occurr5ces affect ! m9d ) a deep impression ( ! dep5d5ce ( our planet on ! sun1 su* z we d n d]ive f ! m famili> action ( ! sunlight on ! gr[? ( plants & o!r ph5om5a ( life dep5d+ on sol> influ5ces4 ,p]haps ! !ory ( sol> magnetic influ5ce ^u ! wea!r is be/ kn[n 9 connection ) ! 8sun-spot cycle40 ,?is1 at any rate1 is1 z already rem>k$1 closely associat$ ) ! corona4 ,its exi/5ce 0 discov]$ 9 #ahdc by ! ,g]man a/ronom] ,s*wabe4 ,x is a p]iod ( v>iable l5g?1 av]ag+ ab\t elev5 ye>s1 dur+ :i* ! numb] ( spots visible on ! sun fir/ increases to a maximum1 !n dim9i%es to a m9imum1 & f9ally increases aga9 to a maximum4 ,= unkn[n reasons ! p]iod is sometimes two or ?ree ye>s long] ?an ! av]age & sometimes z mu* %ort]4 ,nev]!less1 ! ph5om5a always recur 9 ! same ord]4 ,/>t+1 = in/ance1 ) a "t :5 ! obs]v] c f9d few or no spots1 !y gradually increase 9 numb] & size until a maximum1 9 bo? s5ses1 is rea*$1 dur+ :i* ! spots are (t5 ( enorm\s size & exce$+ly active4 ,aft] two or ?ree ye>s !y beg9 to dim9i% 9 numb]1 magnitude1 & activity until !y almo/ or q disappe>4 ,a /range fact is t :5 a new p]iod op5s1 ! spots appe> fir/ 9 high nor!rn & s\!rn latitudes1 f> f ! sol> equator1 & z ! p]iod advances !y n only increase 9 numb] & size1 b break out ne>] & ne>] to ! equator1 ! la/ spots ( a vani%+ p]iod sometimes l+]+ 9 ! equatorial region aft] ! advance-gu>d ( its successor has made its appe>ance 9 ! high latitudes4 ,spots are nev] se5 on ! equator nor ne> ! poles4 ,x 0 n v long aft] ! discov]y ( ! sun-spot cycle t ! curi\s obs]vation 0 made t a /rik+ co9cid5ce exi/$ betwe5 ! p]iod ( ! sun-spots & ano!r p]iod affect+ ! g5]al magnetic condition ( ! e>?4 ,:5 a curv$ l9e repres5t+ ! v>y+ numb] ( sun-spots 0 comp>$ ) ano!r curve %[+ ! v>iations 9 ! magnetic /ate ( ! e>? ! two 7 se5 to be 9 almo/ exact accord1 a rise 9 "o curve correspond+ to a rise 9 ! o!r1 & a fall to a fall4 ,cont9u$ obs]vation has prov$ t ?is is a real co9cid5ce & n an accid5tal "o1 s t ! connection1 al?\gh z yet unexpla9$1 is accept$ z e/abli%$4 ,b does ! influ5ce ext5d fur!r1 & directly affect ! wea!r & ! seasons z well z ! magnetic elem5ts ( ! e>?8 ,a f9al answ] to ?is "q _c yet be giv51 = ! evid5ce is contradictory1 & ! int]pretations put ^u x dep5d l>gely on ! pr$ilections ( ! judges4 ,b1 9 a broad s5se1 ! sun-spots & ! ph5om5a connect$ ) !m mu/ h a relation to t]re/ial meteorology1 = !y prove ! sun to be a v>iable />4 ,ref]5ce 0 made1 a few l9es above1 to ! resemblance ( ! spectra ( sun-spots to ^? ( c]ta9 />s :i* seem to be fail+ ?r\gh age4 ,?is 9 itself is extremely sugge/ive2 b if ?is resemblance _h nev] be5 discov]$1 we %\ld h be5 ju/ifi$ 9 reg>d+ ! sun z v>iable 9 its output ( en]gy2 & n only v>iable1 b probably increas+ly s4 ,! v inequalities 9 ! sun-spot cycle are suspici\s4 ,:5 ! sun is mo/ spott$ its total light may be r$uc$ by "o-?\s&? "p1 al?\gh x is by no means c]ta9 t its outgiv+ ( !rmal radiations is !n r$uc$4 ,a loss ( "o-?\s&? ( its lum9osity w\ld correspond to a decrease ( 4#jjbe ( a /ell> magnitude1 consid]+ ! sun z a /> view$ f di/ant space4 ,s slight a *ange w\ld n be p]ceptible2 b x is n alone sun-spots :i* obscure ! sol> surface1 its entire globe is envelop$ ) an obscur+ veil4 ,:5 /udi$ ) a p[]ful telescope ! sun's surface is se5 to be ?ickly mottl$ ) relatively obscure specks1 s num]\s t x has be5 e/imat$ t !y cut (f f "o-t5? to "o-tw5tie? ( ! light t we %\ld receive f x if ! :ole surface 7 z brilliant z its brighte/ p>ts4 ,! condition ( o!r />s w>rants ! conclusion t ?is obscur+ envelope is ! product ( a process ( refrig]ation :i* w gradually make ! sun m & m v>iable until its hi/ory ends 9 ext9ction4 ,look+ backw>d1 we see a "t :5 ! sun mu/ h be5 m brilliant ?an x is n[4 ,at t "t x probably %one ) ! bl9d+ :ite spl5dor ( su* />s z ,sirius1 ,spica1 & ,vega2 n[ x resembles ! relatively dull ,procyon2 9 "t x w turn ruddy & fall into ! clos+ cycle repres5t$ by ,ant>es4 ,consid]+ t once x mu/ h be5 m radiantly p[]ful ?an at pres5t1 "o is tempt$ to wond] if t c\ld h be5 ! "t :5 tropical life fl\ri%$ )9 ! e>?'s pol> circles1 su/a9$ by a vivific en]gy 9 ! sun :i* x has n[ lo/4 ,! corona1 z we h said1 v>ies ) ! sun-spot cycle4 ,:5 ! spots are abundant & active ! corona rises /rong above ! spott$ zones1 =m+ imm5se beams or /ream]s1 :i* on "o occasion1 at lea/1 _h an obs]v$ l5g? ( t5 million miles4 ,at ! "t ( a spot m9imum ! corona is less brilliant & has a diff]5t outl9e4 ,x is !n t ! curv$ pol> rays are mo/ conspicu\s4 ,?us ! va/ bann]s ( ! sun1 %ak5 out 9 ! eclipse1 are signals to tell ( its v>y+ /ate1 b x w probably be long be=e we c read correctly _! messages4 ,,viii ,! ,zodiacal ,light ,my/]y ,!re is a s+ul> ph5om5on 9 ! sky--"o ( ! mo/ puzzl+ ( all--:i* has long arre/$ ! att5tion ( a/ronom]s1 defy+ _! ef=ts at explanation1 b :i* probably n "o 9 a hundr$1 & possibly n "o 9 a ?\s&1 ( ! read]s ( ?is book has ev] se54 ,yet its "n is (t5 spok51 & x is a conspicu\s object if "o kn[s :5 & :]e to look = x1 & :5 well se5 x exhibits a my/ical beauty :i* at ! same "t *>ms & awes ! behold]4 ,x is call$ 8,! ,zodiacal ,light10 because x lies )9 ! broad circle ( ! ,zodiac1 m>k+ ! sun's app>5t annual pa? ?r\gh ! />s4 ,:at x is nobody has yet be5 able to f9d out ) c]ta9ty1 & books on a/ronomy usually speak ( x ) s+ul> res]ve4 ,b x has giv5 rise to _m rem>kable !ories1 & a true explanation ( x w\ld probably ?r[ light on a great _m o!r cele/ial my/]ies4 ,! ,milky ,way is a m wond]ful object to look ^u1 b its nature c be compreh5d$1 :ile !re is a sort ( uncann9ess ab\t ! ,zodiacal ,light :i* imm$iately impresses "o ^u see+ x1 = its "p 9 ! great s*eme ( extra-t]re/rial affairs is n evid5t4 ,if y are out-(-doors soon aft] sunset--say1 on an ev5+ late 9 ! mon? ( ,febru>y--y may p]ceive1 j aft] ! angry flu% ( ! dy+ w9t]'s day has fad$ f ! sky1 a pale gho/ly pres5ce ris+ above ! place :]e ! sun w5t d[n4 ,! writ] rememb]s f boyhood ! fir/ "t x 0 po9t$ out to him & ! une>?ly impression t x made1 s t he aft]w>d avoid$ be+ out alone at night1 fe>ful ( see+ ! spectral ?+ aga94 ,! ph5om5on bright5s sl[ly ) ! fad+ ( ! twilight1 & soon di/9ctly assumes ! %ape ( an elongat$ pyramid ( pe>ly light1 lean+ t[>d ! s\? if ! place ( obs]vation is 9 ! nor!rn hemisph]e4 ,x does n impress ! obs]v] at all 9 ! same mann] z ! ,milky ,way2 t looks f> (f & is cle>ly among ! />s1 b ! ,zodiacal ,light seems clos] at h&1 z if x 7 some?+ m intimately conc]n+ ! e>?4 ,to all x imm$iately sugge/s a connection1 also1 ) ! sunk5 sun4 ,if ! night is cle> & ! moon abs5t 7& if y are 9 ! c\ntry1 = city lights ru9 ! spectacles ( ! sky71 y w be able to wat* ! app>ition = a long "t4 ,y w obs]ve t ! light is brighte/ ne> ! horizon1 gradually fad+ z ! pyramidal beam m\nts high]1 b 9 favorable circum/ances x may be trac$ ne>ly to ! m]idian s\? ( ! z5i?1 :]e its apex at la/ vani%es 9 ! />light4 ,x cont9ues visible dur+ ! ev5+s ( ,m>* & "p ( ,april1 aft] :i*1 ord9>ily1 x is se5 no m1 or if se5 is relatively fa9t & unimpressive4 ,b :5 autumn comes x appe>s aga91 ?is "t n l a wrai? hov]+ above ! we/w>d tomb ( ! day-god1 b r l a _s ( ! morn+ ann\nc+ 8 re9c>nation 9 ! ea/4 ,! reason :y ! ,zodiacal ,light is be/ se5 9 our latitudes at ! p]iods j m5tion$ is because at ^? times ! ,zodiac is m ne>ly p]p5dicul> to ! horizon1 fir/ 9 ! we/ & !n 9 ! ea/2 &1 s9ce ! ph5om5on is conf9$ )9 ! bord]s ( ! ,zodiac1 x _c be favorably plac$ = obs]vation :5 ! zodiacal plane is b slightly incl9$ to ! horizon4 ,its fa9t light requires ! contra/ ( a backgr\nd ( d>k sky 9 ord] to be readily p]ceptible4 ,b )9 ! tropics1 :]e ! ,zodiac is always at a favorable angle1 ! my/]i\s light is m con/antly visible4 ,ne>ly all obs]vant travel]s 9 ! equatorial regions h tak5 p>ticul> note ( ?is ph5om5on1 = be+ s mu* m conspicu\s !re ?an 9 ! temp]ate zones x at once cat*es ! eye & holds ! att5tion z a novelty4 ,humboldt m5tions x _m times 9 8 works1 = 8 g5ius 0 always attract$ by ?+s out ( ! ord9>y & difficult ( explanation1 & he made _m c>eful obs]vations on its %ape1 its brilliancy1 & its v>iations2 = !re c be no d\bt t x does v>y1 & sometimes to an a/oni%+ degree4 ,x is said t x once rema9$ practically invisible 9 ,europe = sev]al ye>s 9 succession4 ,dur+ a trip to ,s\? ,africa 9 #aiji an ,engli% a/ronom]1 ,mr ,e4 ,w4 ,maund]1 f\nd a rem>kable diff]5ce betwe5 ! appe>ance ( ! ,zodiacal ,light on 8 go+ & com+ voyages4 ,9 fact1 :5 cross+ ! equator go+ s\? he did n see x at all2 b on return+ he _h1 on ,m>* #f?1 :5 "o degree s\? ( ! equator1 a memorable view ( x4 ,x 0 a bright1 cle> night1 & ! ,zodiacal ,light 0 extraord9>ily brilliant--bright] ?an he _h ev] se5 x be=e4 ,! ,milky ,way 0 n to be comp>$ ) x4 ,! brighte/ "p ext5d$ #ge f ! sun4 ,!re 0 a fa9t & mu* n>r[] ext5sion :i* !y c\ld j make out beyond ! ,pleiades along ! ecliptic1 b ! great] "p ( ! ,zodiacal ,light %[$ z a broad truncat$ column1 & x did n appe> ne>ly z conical z he _h be=e se5 x4 ,:5 out ( ! brief twilight ( int]tropical l&s1 :]e ! sun drops v]tically to ! horizon & night ru%es on l a wave ( d>kness1 ! ,zodiacal ,light %oots to ! v z5i?1 its color is describ$ z a gold5 t9t1 entirely diff]5t f ! silv]y %e5 ( ! ,milky ,way4 ,if ,i may v5ture aga9 to ref] to p]sonal exp]i5ces & impressions1 ,i w recall a view ( ! ,zodiacal ,light f ! summit ( ! cone ( ,mt ,etna 9 ! autumn ( ! ye> #ahif 7m briefly describ$ 9 ,a/ronomy ) ! ,nak$ ,eye74 ,!re are few l(ty m\nta9s s favorably plac$ z ,etna = obs]vations ( ?is k9d4 ,x 0 once resort$ to by ,pr(4 ,george ,e4 ,hale1 9 an attempt to see ! sol> corona )\t an eclipse4 ,ris+ directly f sea-level to an elevation ( ne>ly elev5 ?\s& feet1 ! obs]v] on its summit at night f9ds himself1 z x 71 lo/ 9 ! mid/ ( ! sky4 ,b = ! black flanks ( ! great cone on :i* he /&s he might fancy himself to be 9 a balloon4 ,on ! occasion to :i* ,i ref] ! _w b5ea? 0 virtually invisible 9 ! moonless night4 ,! blaze ( ! con/ellations ov]head 0 a/oni%+ly brilliant1 yet amid all _! magnific5ce my att5tion 0 imm$iately drawn to a great tap]+ light t sprang f ! place on ! horizon :]e ! sun w\ld rise lat]1 & t seem$ to be bl[n out ov] ! />s l a long1 lum9\s veil4 ,x 0 ! f9e/ view ( ! ,zodiacal light t ,i _h ev] enjoy$--?rill+ 9 its /rang5ess--b ,i 0 almo/ di%e>t5$ by ! indiff]5ce ( my guide1 to :om x 0 only a light & no?+ m4 ,if he _h no sci5ce1 he _h less poetry--r a rem>kable ?+1 ,i ?\ght1 = a *ild ( 8 clime4 ,! ,light appe>$ to me to be di/9ctly bright] ?an ! visible "p ( ! ,milky ,way :i* includ$ ! brilliant /ret*es 9 ,auriga & ,p]seus1 & its color1 if "o may speak ( color 9 connection ) su* an object1 seem$ ri*] ?an t ( ! galactic b&2 b ,i did n ?9k ( x z yell[1 al?\gh ,humboldt has describ$ x z resembl+ a gold5 curta9 drawn ov] ! />s1 & ,du ,*aillu 9 ,equatorial ,africa f\nd x ( a bright yell[ color4 ,x may v>y 9 color z 9 conspicu\sness4 ,! fasc9ation ( t extraord9>y sight has nev] fad$ f my memory4 ,i turn$ to reg>d x aga9 & aga91 al?\gh ,i _h nev] se5 ! /ell> heav5s s brilliant1 & x 0 "o ( ! la/ ?+s ,i look$ = :5 ! morn+ gl[ began s(tly to m\nt 9 ! ea/1 & ,sicily & ! ,m$it]ranean sl[ly em]g$ f ! pr(\nd %ad[ b5ea? u4 ,! ,zodiacal ,light seems nev] to h attract$ f a/ronom]s 9 g5]al ! am\nt ( c>eful att5tion t x des]ves2 p]haps because s little c really be made ( x z f> z explanation is conc]n$4 ,i h ref]r$ to ! re/ra9t t sci5tific writ]s app>5tly feel 9 speak+ ( x4 ,! gr\nds = speculation t x af=ds may be too scanty to lead to long discussions1 yet x piques curiosity1 & z we %all see 9 a mom5t has f9ally l$ to a mo/ int]e/+ !ory4 ,once x 0 ! subject ( an elaborate s]ies ( /udies :i* c>ri$ ! obs]v] all r\nd ! _w4 ,t 0 9 #ahde--df1 dur+ ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,explor+ ,exp$ition t visit$ ! !n little kn[n ,japan4 ,! *apla9 ( ! fleet1 ! ,rev4 ,mr ,jones1 w5t out prep>$ to /udy ! my/]i\s light 9 all its phases4 ,he saw x f _m latitudes on bo? sides ( ! equator1 & ! imag9ation _c b foll[ him ) ke5 int]e/ 9 8 _w-circl+ t\r1 keep+ 8 eyes e night fix$ ^u ! phantasm ov]head1 ^: position %ift$ ) t ( ! hidd5 sun4 ,he demon/rat$ t ! fl[ ext5ds at times completely across ! cele/ial dome1 al?\gh x is relatively fa9t directly beh9d ! e>?4 ,on 8 return ! gov]nm5t publi%$ a l>ge volume ( 8 obs]vations1 9 :i* he und]took to %[ t ! ph5om5on 0 due to ! reflection ( sunlight f a r+ ( meteoric bodies encircl+ ! e>?4 ,b1 aft] all1 ?is elaborate inve/igation settl$ no?+4 ,pr(4 ,e4 ,e4 ,b>n>d has m rec5tly devot$ mu* att5tion to ! ,zodiacal ,light1 z well z to a /range att5dant ph5om5on call$ ! 8,geg5s*e910 or ,c\nt]gl[1 because x always appe>s at t po9t 9 ! sky :i* is exactly opposite ! sun4 ,! ,geg5s*e9 is an extremely elusive ph5om5on1 suitable only = eyes t h be5 specially tra9$ to see x4 ,pr(essor ,newcomb has cauti\sly rem>k$ t x is said t 9 t po9t ( ! heav5s directly opposite ! sun !re is an elliptical pat* ( light444 ,?is ph5om5on is s difficult to acc\nt = t its exi/5ce is sometimes d\bt$2 yet ! te/imony 9 its favor is difficult to set aside4 ,x c]ta9ly _c be set aside at all s9ce ! obs]vations ( ,b>n>d4 ,i recall an attempt to see x "u 8 guidance dur+ a visit to ,m\nt ,hamilton1 :5 he 0 occupi$ !re ) ! ,lick telescope4 ,( c\rse1 bo? ! ,geg5s*e9 & ! ,zodiacal ,light are too diffuse to be /udi$ ) telescopes1 :i*1 s to speak1 magnify !m out ( exi/5ce4 ,!y c only be successfully /udi$ ) ! nak$ eye1 s9ce e fa9te/ glimm] t !y af=d mu/ be utiliz$4 ,?is is especially true ( ! ,geg5s*e94 ,at ,m\nt ,hamilton1 ,mr ,b>n>d po9t$ out to me its location ) ref]5ce to c]ta9 />s1 b ) all my gaz+ ,i c\ld n be sure t ,i saw x4 ,to him1 on ! contr>y1 x 0 obvi\s2 he _h /udi$ x = mon?s1 & 0 able to indicate its %ape1 its b\nd>ies1 its diamet]1 & ! decl9ation ( its c5t] ) reg>d to ! ecliptic4 ,!re is n1 ( c\rse1 ! %ad[ ( a d\bt ( ! exi/5ce ( ! ,geg5s*e91 & yet ,i "q if "o p]son 9 a million has ev] se5 or ev] w see x4 ,! ,zodiacal ,light1 on ! o!r h&1 is pla9 en\gh1 provid$ t ! "t & ! circum/ances ( ! obs]vation are prop]ly *os54 ,9 ! attempts to expla9 ! ,zodiacal ,light1 ! favorite hypo!sis has be5 t x is an app5dage ( ! sun--p]haps simply an ext5sion ( ! corona 9 ! plane ( ! ecliptic1 :i* is n v f> f co9cid+ ) t ( ! sun's equator4 ,?is idea is q a natural "o1 because ( ! evid5t relation ( ! light to ! position ( ! sun4 ,! va/ ext5sion ( ! equatorial w+s ( ! corona 9 #ahgh gave app>5t support to ?is hypo!sis2 if ! sub/ance ( ! corona c\ld ext5d t5 million miles f ! sun1 :y might x n ext5d ev5 "o hundr$ million1 gradually fad+ out beyond ! orbit ( ! e>?8 ,a v>iation ( ?is hypo!sis assumes t ! reflection is due to sw>ms ( meteors circl+ ab\t ! sun1 9 ! plane ( its equator1 all ! way f its imm$iate neighborhood to a di/ance exce$+ t ( ! e>?4 ,b 9 nei!r =m is ! hypo!sis satisfactory2 !re is no?+ 9 ! appe>ance ( ! corona to indicate t x ext5ds ev5 z f> z ! planet ,m]cury1 :ile z to meteors1 ! orbits ( ! kn[n sw>ms d n accord ) ! hypo!sis1 & we h no reason to believe t cl\ds ( o!rs exi/ travel+ 9 ! "p ( space :]e !y w\ld h to be 9 ord] to answ] ! requirem5ts ( ! !ory4 ,! ext5sion ( ! corona 9 #ahgh did n resemble 9 its texture ! ,zodiacal ,light4 ,n[1 x has s (t5 happ5$ 9 ! hi/ory ( sci5ce t an important discov]y 9 "o bran* has ?r[n unexpect$ b mo/ welcome light ^u "s p5d+ problem 9 "s o!r bran*1 t a /rong argum5t might be bas$ ^u t fact alone aga9/ ! too exclusive devotion ( _m inve/igators to ! n>r[ l9es ( _! own p>ticul> specialty2 & ! ,zodiacal ,light af=ds a case 9 po9t1 :5 x is consid]$ 9 connection ) rec5t discov]ies 9 *emi/ry & physics4 ,f ! fact t atoms are comp\nd bodies made up ( corpuscles at lea/ a ?\s& times small] ?an ! smalle/ kn[n atom--a fact :i* a/\nd$ mo/ m5 ( sci5ce :5 x 0 ann\nc$ a few ye>s ago--a new hypo!sis has be5 develop$ conc]n+ ! nature ( ! ,zodiacal ,light 7z well z o!r a/ronomical riddles71 & ?is hypo!sis comes n f an a/ronom]1 b f a *emi/ & physici/1 ! ,sw$e1 ,svante ,arrh5ius4 ,9 consid]+ an outl9e ( ?is new hypo!sis we ne$ nei!r accept nor reject x2 x is a case r = susp5sion ( judgm5t4 ,to beg9 )1 x c>ries u back to ! 8pressure ( light0 m5tion$ 9 ! prec$+ *apt]4 ,! mann] 9 :i* ?is pressure is believ$ g5]ally to act 0 !re suffici5tly expla9$1 & x only rema9s to see h[ x is !oretically ext5d$ to ! p>ticles ( matt] suppos$ to con/itute ! ,zodiacal ,light4 ,we "k t corpuscles1 or 8fragm5ts ( atoms0 negatively electrifi$1 are dis*>g$ f hot bodies4 ,/reams ( ^! 8ions0 p\r f _m flames & f molt5 metals2 & ! impact ( ! ca?ode & ultra-violet rays causes !m to gu% ev5 f cold bodies4 ,9 ! va/ laboratory ( ! sun x is b reasonable to suppose t simil> processes are tak+ place4 8,z a v hot metal emits ^! corpuscles10 says ,pr(4 ,j4 ,j4 ,?omson1 8x does n seem an improbable hypo!sis t !y are emitt$ by t v hot body1 ! sun40 ,let x be assum$1 !n1 t ! sun does emit !m2 :at happ5s next8 ,negatively *>g$ corpuscles1 x is kn[n1 s]ve z nuclei to :i* p>ticles ( matt] 9 ! ord9>y /ate are attract$1 & x is probable t ^? emitt$ f ! sun imm$iately pick up loads 9 ?is mann] & s gr[ 9 bulk4 ,if !y gr[ l>ge en\gh ! gravitation ( ! sun draws !m back1 & !y produce a negative *>ge 9 ! sol> atmosph]e4 ,b x is probable t _m ( ! p>ticles d n atta9 ! critical size :i*1 accord+ to ! pr9ciples be=e expla9$1 w\ld enable ! gravitation ( ! sun to reta9 !m 9 opposition to ! pressure ( ! waves ( light1 & ) ^! p>ticles ! light pressure is dom9ant4 ,cl\ds ( !m may be suppos$ to be cont9ually swept away f ! sun into surr\nd+ space1 mov+ mo/ly 9 or ne> ! plane ( ! sol> equator1 :]e ! greate/ activity1 z indicat$ by sunspots & relat$ ph5om5a1 is tak+ place4 ,z !y pass outw>d into space _m ( !m enc\nt] ! e>?4 ,if ! e>?1 l ! moon1 _h no atmosph]e ! p>ticles w\ld imp+e directly on its surface1 giv+ x a negative electric *>ge4 ,b ! pres5ce ( ! atmosph]e *anges all t1 = ! fir/ ( ! fly+ p>ticles t enc\nt] x imp>t to x _! negative electricity1 & !n1 s9ce l electric *>ges repel l1 ! /orm ( p>ticles foll[+ w be %e]$ (f f ! e>?1 & w /ream ar\nd x 9 a maze ( hyp]bolic pa?s4 ,^? t cont9ue on into space beyond ! e>? may be expect$ to cont9ue pick+ up w&]+ p>ticles ( matt] until _! bulk has become s great t ! sol> attraction prevails aga9 ov] ! light pressure act+ ^u !m1 & !y turn aga9 sunw>d4 ,pass+ ! e>? on _! return !y w increase ! am\nt ( du/-cl\ds c>e]+ r\nd x2 & ^! w be fur!r increas$ by ! action ( ! ultra-violet rays ( ! sunlight caus+ p>ticles to %oot radially away f ! e>? :5 ! negative *>ge ( ! upp] atmosph]e has rea*$ a c]ta9 am\nt1 :i* p>ticles1 al?\gh />t+ sunw>d1 w be swept back to ! e>? ) ! oncom+ /reams4 ,z ! f9al result ( all ?is accumulation ( fly+ & gyrat+ p>ticles 9 ! e>?'s neighborhood1 we are told t ! latt] mu/ be trans=m$ into ! semblance ( a gigantic solid-head$ comet provid$ ) /ream+ tails1 ! longe/ ( !m /ret*+ away f ! direction ( ! sun1 :ile ano!r %ort] "o ext5ds t[>d ! sun4 ,?is %ort] tail is due to ! p>ticles t we h j spok5 ( z be+ driv5 sunw>d f ! e>? by ! action ( ultra-violet light4 ,no d\bt ?is :ole subject is too te*nical = popul> /atem5t2 b at any rate ! g5]al read] c und]/& ! picturesque side ( ! !ory1 = its advocates assure u t if we 7 on ! moon we w\ld d\btless be able to see ! comet-l tails ( ! e>?1 & !n we c\ld appreciate ! "p t !y play 9 produc+ ! ph5om5on ( ! ,zodiacal ,light4 ,t ! ,light z we see x c\ld be produc$ by ! reflection ( sunlight f sw>ms ( p>ticles c>e]+ r\nd ! e>? 9 ! mann] suppos$ by ,arrh5ius' hypo!sis is evid5t en\gh2 & x w be obs]v$ t ! new !ory1 aft] all1 is only ano!r v>iant ( ! old] "o :i* attributes ! ,zodiacal ,light to an ext5sion ( ! sol> corona4 ,b x diff]s f ! old] !ory 9 (f]+ an explanation ( ! mann] 9 :i* ! ext5sion is effect$1 & x diff]5tiates betwe5 ! corona prop] & ! /reams ( negative p>ticles %ot away f ! sun4 ,9 its details ! hypo!sis ( ,arrh5ius also af=ds an explanation ( _m peculi>ities ( ! ,zodiacal ,light1 su* z t x is conf9$ to ! neighborhood ( ! ecliptic1 & t x is /rong] on ! side ( ! e>? :i* is j turn+ away f a position "u ! sun ?an on ! o!r side2 b x w\ld c>ry u beyond our limits to g into ^! p>ticul>s4 ,! ,geg5s*e91 accord+ to ?is !ory1 is a "p ( ! same ph5om5on z ! ,zodiacal ,light1 = by ! laws ( p]spective x is evid5t t ! reflection f ! /reams ( p>ticles situat$ at a po9t directly opposite to ! sun w\ld be at a maximum1 & ?is is ! place :i* ! ,geg5s*e9 occupies4 ,ap>t f its geometrical relations to ! position ( ! sun1 ! v>iability ( ! ,zodiacal ,light appe>s to affirm its sol> dep5d5ce1 & ?is too w\ld be acc\nt$ = by ,arrh5ius' hypo!sis bett] ?an by ! old !ory ( coronal ext5sion4 ,! am\nt ( corpuscul> dis*>ge f ! sun mu/ naturally be gov]n$ by ! /ate ( relative activity or inactivity ( ! latt]1 & ?is c\ld n b be reflect$ 9 ! v>y+ spl5dor ( ! ,zodiacal ,light4 ,b mu* m ext5d$ /udy ?an has yet be5 giv5 to ! subject w be requir$ be=e we c feel t we "k ) reasonable c]ta9ty :at ?is my/]i\s ph5om5on really is4 ,by ! hypo!sis ( ,arrh5ius e planet t has an atmosph]e mu/ h a ,zodiacal ,light att5d+ x1 b ! ph5om5on is too fa9t = u to be able to see x 9 ! case1 = in/ance1 ( ,v5us1 ^: atmosph]e is v abundant4 ,! moon has no correspond+ 8comet's tail0 because1 z already expla9$1 ( ! lack ( a lun> atmosph]e to repel ! /reams by becom+ itself electrifi$2 b if !re 7 a lun> ,zodiacal ,light1 no d\bt we c\ld see x because ( ! relative ne>ness ( our satellite4 ,,ix ,m>vels ( ! ,aurora ,"o ( ! mo/ vivid recollections ( my e>ly boyhood is t ( see+ my fa!r return ha/ily into ! h\se "o ev5+ & call out to ! family3 8,come outside & look at ! sky60 ,ours 0 a c\ntry h\se situat$ on a comm&+ site1 & z we all em]g$ f ! doorway we 7 dumbf\nd$ to see ! heav5s fill$ ) pale flames :i* ran lick+ & quiv]+ ov] ! />s4 ,in/antly !re sprang into my t]rifi$ m9d ! recollection ( an awful description ( 8! ,day ( ,judgm5t0 7! ,dies ,ir71 :i* ,i _h he>d ) mu* p]turbation ( _s 9 ! ,dut* ,re=m$ *ur* f ! lips ( a tall1 d>k-br[$1 dreadfully-9-e>ne/ prea*] ( ! old-fa%ion$ type4 ,my he>t lit]ally sank at sight ( ! spectacle1 = x recall$ ! prea*]'s v words2 x 0 j z he _h said x w\ld be1 & x ne$$ ! assur$ be>+ ( my eld]s f9ally to conv9ce me t ,t ,day ( ,wra?1 ,o dreadful day1 ,:5 ,heav5 & ,e>? %all pass away1 ,z ,david & ! ,sibyl say _h n actually come ^u u4 ,& ev5 ! old] memb]s ( ! h\sehold 7 n unt\*$ ) misgiv+s :5 m5ac+ spots ( crimson appe>$1 break+ out n[ "h1 n[ !re1 9 ! %udd]+ sky4 ,t[>d ! nor? ! spectacle 0 appall+4 ,a huge ar* spann$ an unnaturally d>k segm5t re/+ on ! horizon1 & above ?is ar* sprang up beams & /ream]s 9 a /ate ( incessant agitation1 sometimes %oot+ up to ! z5i? ) a velocity t took "o's brea?1 & sometimes sudd5ly fall+ into long ranks1 & m>*+1 m>*+1 m>*+1 l an endless phalanx ( fi]y spect]s1 & mov+1 z ,i rememb]1 always f ea/ to we/4 ,! absolute sil5ce ) :i* ^! my/]i\s evolutions 7 p]=m$ & ! quav]+ reflections :i* 7 ?r[n ^u ! gr\nd increas$ ! awfulness ( ! exhibition4 ,occasionally enorm\s curta9s ( lamb5t flame roll$ & unroll$ ) a maje/ic motion1 or 7 %ak5 to & fro z if by a mighty1 noiseless w9d4 ,at times1 too1 a sudd5 bill[+ ru% w\ld be made t[>d ! z5i?1 & = a m9ute ! sky ov]head w\ld gl[ s brightly t ! />s seem$ to h be5 consum$4 ,! spectacle cont9u$ ) v>y+ int5sity = h\rs4 ,illu/ration3 ,auroral beams se5 9 ,engl& ,?is exhibition occurr$ 9 ,c5tral ,new ,york1 a latitude 9 :i* ! ,aurora ,borealis is seldom se5 ) s mu* spl5dor4 ,i rememb] ano!r simil> "o se5 f ! city ( ,new ,york 9 ,novemb]1 #ahhb4 ,on ?is la/ occasion "s obs]v]s saw a great upright beam ( light :i* maje/ically mov$ across ! heav5s1 /alk+ l an app>ition 9 ! mid/ ( ! auroral pageant1 ( ^: g5]al movem5ts x seem$ to be indep5d5t1 ma9ta9+ always its upright po/ure1 & foll[+ a magnetic p>allel f ea/ to we/4 ,?is my/]i\s beam 0 se5 by no less ?an tw5ty-six obs]v]s 9 diff]5t p>ts ( ! c\ntry1 & a comp>ison ( _! obs]vations l$ to a curi\s calculation indicat+ t ! app>ition 0 ab\t "o hundr$ & ?irty-?ree miles tall & mov$ at ! spe$ ( t5 miles p] second6 ,illu/ration3 ,auroral ar*es ( an eliptic =m se5 9 ! ,arctic regions ,b1 z ev]ybody kn[s1 x is 9 ! ,arctic regions t ! ,aurora1 or ! 8,nor!rn ,lights10 c be/ be se54 ,!re1 9 ! long pol> night1 :5 = mon?s toge!r ! sun does n rise1 ! /range coruscations 9 ! sky (t5 af=d a k9d ( spectral daylight 9 unison ) ! weird sc5]y ( ! _w ( ice4 ,! pages 9 ! n>ratives ( ,arctic exploration t are devot$ to descriptions ( ! wond]ful effects ( ! ,nor!rn ,lights are second to none t man has ev] p5n$ 9 _! fasc9ation4 ,! lights1 z ,i h already intimat$1 display a/oni%+ colors1 p>ticul>ly %ades ( r$ & gre51 z !y flit f place to place 9 ! sky4 ,! discov]y t ! magnetic ne$le is affect$ by ! ,aurora1 quiv]+ & d>t+ ab\t 9 a /ate ( extraord9>y excitem5t :5 ! lights are play+ 9 ! sky1 only add$ to ! my/]y ( ! ph5om5on until its electro-magnetic nature _h be5 e/abli%$4 ,?is became evid5t z soon z x 0 kn[n t ! focus ( ! displays 0 ! magnetic pole2 & :5 ! f> ,s\? 0 visit$ ! ,aurora ,au/ralis 0 f\nd1 hav+ its c5t] at ! ,s\? ,magnetic ,pole4 ,!n1 if n be=e1 x 0 cle> t ! e>? 0 a great globul> magnet1 hav+ its poles ( opposite magnetism1 & t ! auroral lights1 :atev] _! precise cause might be1 7 manife/ations ( ! magnetic activity ( our planet4 ,aft] ! inv5tion ( magnetic telegraphy x 0 f\nd t :5ev] a great ,aurora occurr$ ! telegraph l9es 7 int]rupt$ 9 _! op]ation1 & ! ocean cables ceas$ to "w4 ,su* a ph5om5on is call$ a 8magnetic /orm40 ,! int]e/ excit$ by ! ,aurora 9 sci5tific circles 0 greatly /imulat$ :51 9 ! la/ half ( ! n9ete5? c5tury1 x 0 discov]$ t x is a ph5om5on intimately associat$ ) di/urbances on ! sun4 ,! anci5t 8,zuri* ,*ronicles10 ext5d+ f ! ye> #ajjj to ! ye> #ahjj1 9 :i* bo? sun-spots visible to ! nak$ eye & great displays ( ! auroral lights 7 record$1 fir/ set ,rudolf ,wolf on ! track ( ?is discov]y4 ,! fir/ notable pro( ( ! suspect$ connection 0 furni%$ ) dramatic emphasis by an occurr5ce :i* happ5$ on ,septemb] #a1 #ahei4 ,ne> noon on t day two int5sely brilliant po9ts sudd5ly broke out 9 a gr\p ( sun-spots :i* 7 "u obs]vation by ,mr ,r4 ,c4 ,c>r+ton at 8 obs]vatory at ,r$hill1 ,engl&4 ,! po9ts rema9$ visible = n m ?an five m9utes1 dur+ :i* int]val !y mov$ ?irty-five ?\s& miles across ! sol> disk4 ,mr ,r4 ,hodgson happ5$ to see ! same ph5om5on at 8 obs]vatory at ,highgate1 & ?us all possibility ( deception 0 remov$4 ,b nei!r ( ! />tl$ obs]v]s c\ld h anticipat$ :at 0 to foll[1 &1 inde$1 x 0 an occurr5ce :i* has nev] be5 precisely duplicat$4 ,i quote ! eloqu5t acc\nt giv5 by ,miss ,cl]ke 9 h] ,hi/ory ( ,a/ronomy ,dur+ ! ,n9ete5? ,c5tury4 ,?is unique ph5om5on seem$ z if specially design$ to acc5tuate ! inf]5ce ( a sympa!tic relation betwe5 ! e>? & ! sun4 ,f ,augu/ #bh to ,septemb] #d1 #ahei1 a magnetic /orm ( unp>allel$ int5sity1 ext5t1 & duration 0 9 progress ov] ! entire globe4 ,telegraphic communication 0 ev]y:]e int]rupt$--except1 inde$1 t x 0 9 "s cases f\nd practicable to "w ! l9es )\t batt]ies by ! ag5cy ( ! e>?-curr5ts alone2 sp>ks issu$ f ! wires2 gorge\s auroras drap$ ! skies 9 solemn crimson ov] bo? hemisph]es1 & ev5 9 ! tropics2 ! magnetic ne$le lo/ all trace ( cont9uity 9 its movem5ts & d>t$ to & fro z if /rick5 ) inexplicable panic4 ,! co9cid5ce 0 ev5 clos]4 ,at ! v in/ant ( ! sol> outbur/ witness$ by ,c>r+ton & ,hodgson ! photographic app>atus at ,kew regi/]$ a m>k$ di/urbance ( all ! ?ree magnetic elem5ts2 :ile %ortly aft] ! ensu+ midnight ! electric agitation culm9at$1 ?rill+ ! :ole e>? ) subtle vibrations1 & light+ up ! atmosph]e f pole to pole ) coruscat+ spl5dors :i* p]haps dimly recall ! times :5 our anci5t planet itself %one z a />4 ,if ?is amaz+ occurr5ce /ood alone1 & z ,i h already said x has nev] be5 exactly duplicat$1 d\bt might be felt conc]n+ "s ( ! inf]5ces drawn f x2 b 9 v>y+ =ms x has be5 repeat$ _m times1 s t n[ h>dly anyone que/ions ! reality ( ! assum$ connection betwe5 sol> outbur/s & magnetic /orms accompani$ by auroral displays on ! e>?4 ,x is true t ! late ,"l ,kelv9 rais$ difficulties 9 ! way ( ! hypo!sis ( a direct magnetic action ( ! sun ^u ! e>?1 because x seem$ to him t an inadmissible quantity ( en]gy 0 dem&$ to acc\nt = su* action4 ,b no calculation l t :i* he made is f9al1 s9ce all calculations dep5d ^u ! validity ( ! data2 & no au?ority is un%akable 9 sci5ce1 because no man c possess omnisci5ce4 ,x 0 ,"l ,kelv9 :o1 b a few ye>s be=e ! ?+ 0 actually accompli%$1 decl>$ t a]ial navigation 0 an impracticable dream1 & demon/rat$ its impracticability by calculation4 ,h[ev] ! connection may be br\ght ab\t1 x is z c]ta9 z evid5ce c make x t sol> outbur/s are co9cid5t ) t]re/ial magnetic di/urbances1 & co9cid5t 9 su* a way z to make ! inf]5ce ( a causal connection irresi/ible4 ,! sun is only a little m ?an a hundr$ times its own diamet] away f ! e>?4 ,:y1 !n1 ) ! subtle connection betwe5 !m af=d$ by ! e!r :i* conveys to u ! bl9d+ sol> light & ! life-su/a9+ sol> heat1 %\ld x be s difficult to believe t ! sun's enorm\s electric en]gies f9d a way to u also8 ,no d\bt ! impulse com+ f ! sun acts ^u ! e>? aft] ! mann] ( a t\* ^u a trigg]1 releas+ en]gies :i* are already /or$ up 9 our planet4 ,b besides ! evid5ce af=d$ by su* occurr5ces z h be5 relat$ ( an intimate connection betwe5 sol> outbreaks & t]re/ial magnetic flurries1 att5d$ by magnific5t auroral displays1 !re is ano!r l9e ( pro( po9t+ 9 ! same direction4 ,?us1 x is kn[n t ! sun-spot p]iod1 z rem>k$ 9 a prec$+ *apt]1 co9cides 9 a mo/ rem>kable mann] ) ! p]iodic fluctuations 9 ! magnetic /ate ( ! e>?4 ,?is co9cid5ce runs into ! mo/ a/oni%+ details4 ,= in/ance1 :5 ! sun-spot p]iod %ort5s1 ! auroral p]iod %ort5s to precisely ! same ext5t2 z ! %ort sun-spot p]iods usually br+ ! mo/ int5se outbreaks ( sol> activity1 s ! correspond+ %ort auroral p]iods are att5d$ by ! mo/ viol5t magnetic /orms2 a secul> p]iod ( ab\t two hundr$ & tw5ty-two ye>s affect+ sun-spots is said to h its auroral duplicate2 a %ort] p]iod ( fifty-five & a half ye>s1 :i* "s obs]v]s believe t !y h discov]$ appe>s also to be common to ! two ph5om5a2 & yet ano!r 8sup]pos$0 p]iod ( ab\t ?irty-five ye>s1 :i* "s inve/igators av] exi/s1 affects sun-spots & aurora alike4 ,9 %ort1 ! co9cid5ces are s num]\s & significant t "o w\ld h to ?r[ ! doctr9e ( probability to ! w9ds 9 ord] to be able to reject ! conclusion to :i* !y s pla9ly lead4 ,illu/ration3 ,auroral curta9 se5 9 ,sc&9avia ,b /ill ! "q recurs3 ,h[ is ! influ5ce transmitt$8 ,"h ,arrh5ius comes once m ) 8 hypo!sis ( negative corpuscles1 or ions1 driv5 away f ! sun by light-pressure--a hypo!sis :i* seems to expla9 s _m ?+s--& (f]s x also z an explanation ( ! way 9 :i* ! sun creates ! ,aurora4 ,he w\ld give ! ,aurora ! same l9eage ) ! ,zodiacal ,light4 ,to und]/& ! application ( ?is !ory we mu/ fir/ recall ! fact t ! e>? is a great magnet hav+ its two opposite poles ( magnetism1 "o ne> ! ,arctic & ! o!r ne> ! ,ant>ctic ,circle4 ,l all magnets1 ! e>? is surr\nd$ ) 8l9es ( =ce10 :i*1 aft] ! mann] ( ! curv$ rays we saw 9 ! photograph ( a sol> eclipse1 />t f a pole1 ris+ at fir/ ne>ly v]tically1 !n b5d gradually ov]1 pass+ high above ! equator1 & f9ally desc5d+ 9 conv]g+ %eaves to ! opposite pole4 ,n[ ! axis ( ! e>? is s plac$ 9 space t x lies at ne>ly a "r angle to ! direction ( ! sun1 & z ! /reams ( negatively *>g$ p>ticles come p\r+ on f ! sun 7see ! la/ prec$+ *apt]71 !y arrive 9 ! greate/ numb]s ov] ! e>?'s equatorial regions4 ,!re !y enc\nt] ! l9es ( magnetic =ce at ! place :]e ! latt] h _! greate/ elevation above ! e>?1 & :]e _! direction is horizontal to ! e>?'s surface4 ,obey+ a law :i* has be5 demon/rat$ 9 ! laboratory1 ! p>ticles !n foll[ ! l9es ( =ce t[>d ! poles4 ,:ile !y are above ! equatorial regions !y d n become lum9esc5t1 because at ! great elevation t !y !re occupy !re is virtually no atmosph]e2 b z !y pass on t[>d ! nor? & ! s\? !y beg9 to desc5d ) ! l9es ( =ce1 curv+ d[n to meet at ! poles2 &1 enc\nt]+ a "p ( ! atmosph]e comp>able 9 d5sity ) :at rema9s 9 an exhau/$ ,crookes tube1 !y produce a gl[ ( ca?ode rays4 ,?is gl[ is conceiv$ to repres5t ! ,aurora1 :i* may consequ5tly be lik5$ to a gigantic exhibition ( vacuum-tube lights4 ,anybody :o recalls 8 /ud5t days 9 ! college laboratory & :o has witness$ a display ( ,nor!rn ,lights w at once recognize ! resemblance betwe5 !m 9 colors1 =ms1 & behavior4 ,?is resemblance _h (t5 be5 not$ be=e ,arrh5ius elaborat$ 8 hypo!sis4 ,)\t int5d+ to treat 8 int]e/+ !ory z m ?an a possibly correct explanation ( ! ph5om5a ( ! ,aurora1 we may call att5tion to "s app>5tly confirmatory facts4 ,"o ( ! mo/ /rik+ ( ^! relates to a seasonal v>iation 9 ! av]age numb] ( auror4 ,x has be5 obs]v$ t !re are m 9 ,m>* & ,septemb] ?an at any o!r "t ( ! ye>1 & few] 9 ,june & ,decemb]2 moreov] 7& ?is is a delicate te/ z appli$ to ! !ory71 !y are slightly r>] 9 ,june ?an 9 ,decemb]4 ,n[ all ^! facts seem to f9d a ready explanation 9 ! hypo!sis ( ,arrh5ius1 ?us3 7#a7 ,! p>ticles issu+ f ! sun are suppos$ to come pr9cipally f ! regions ^: excitem5t is indicat$ by ! pres5ce ( sun-spots 7:i* accords ) ,hale's obs]vation t sun-spots are columns ( ioniz$ vapors71 & ^! regions h a def9ite location on ei!r side ( ! sol> equator1 seldom approa*+ x ne>] ?an )9 #e or #aj nor? or s\?1 & nev] ext5d+ mu* beyond #ce t[>d ei!r pole2 7#b7 ,! equator ( ! sun is incl9$ ab\t #g to ! plane ( ! e>?'s orbit1 f :i* x results t twice 9 a ye>--viz41 9 ,june & ,decemb]--! e>? is directly ov] ! sol> equator1 & twice a ye>--viz41 9 ,m>* & ,septemb]--:5 x is f>!/ nor? or s\? ( ! sol> equator1 x is ov] ! inn] edge ( ! sun-spot belts4 ,s9ce ! corpuscles mu/ be suppos$ to be propell$ radially f ! sun1 few w rea* ! e>? :5 ! latt] is ov] ! sol> equator 9 ,june & ,decemb]1 b :5 x is ov]1 or ne>ly ov]1 ! spot belts1 9 ,m>* & ,septemb]1 x w be 9 ! l9e ( fire ( ! m active p>ts ( ! sol> surface1 & relatively ri* /reams ( p>ticles w rea* x4 ,?is1 z w be se5 f :at has be5 said above1 is 9 /rict accord ) ! obs]v$ v>iations 9 ! frequ5cy ( auror4 ,ev5 ! fact t some:at few] auror are se5 9 ,june ?an 9 ,decemb] also f9ds its explanation 9 ! kn[n fact t ! e>? is ab\t ?ree million miles ne>] ! sun 9 ! w9t] ?an 9 ! summ]1 & ! numb] ( p>ticles rea*+ x w v>y1 l ! int5sity ( light1 inv]sely z ! squ>e ( ! di/ance4 ,^! co9cid5ces are c]ta9ly v /rik+1 & !y h a cumulative =ce4 ,if we accept ! !ory1 x w\ld appe> t we ought to congratulate ourselves t ! incl9ation ( ! sun's equator is s slight1 = z ?+s /& ! e>? is nev] directly ov] ! mo/ active regions ( ! sun-spots1 & consequ5tly nev] suff]s f ! maximum bomb>dm5t ( *>g$ p>ticles ( :i* ! sun is capable4 ,incessant auroral displays1 ) _! undulat+ drap]ies1 flitt+ colors1 & m>*+ columns might n be objectionable f ! po9t ( view ( picturesqu5ess1 b "o magnetic /orm ( extreme int5sity foll[+ closely ^u ! heels ( ano!r1 = mon?s on end1 craz+ ! magnetic ne$le & cont9ually putt+ ! telegraph & cable l9es out ( commission1 to say no?+ ( _! effect ^u 8wireless telegraphy01 w\ld h>dly add to ! *>ms ( t]re/rial exi/5ce4 ,illu/ration3 ,auroral ar*es se5 9 ,sc&9avia ,"o or two o!r curi\s po9ts 9 connection ) ,arrh5ius' hypo!sis may be m5tion$4 ,fir/1 ! numb] ( auror1 accord+ to 8 explanation1 ought to be greate/ 9 ! daytime1 :5 ! face ( ! e>? on ! sunw>d side is directly expos$ to ! atomic bomb>dm5t4 ,( c\rse visual obs]vation c give u no in=mation ab\t ?is1 s9ce ! light ( ! ,aurora is nev] suffici5tly int5se to be visible 9 ! pres5ce ( daylight1 b ! records ( ! magnetic obs]vatories c be1 & h be51 appeal$ to = in=mation1 & !y indicate t ! facts actually accord ) ! !ory4 ,beh9d ! veil ( sunlight 9 ! middle ( ! aft]noon1 !re is good reason to believe1 auroral exhibitions (t5 take place :i* w\ld eclipse 9 magnific5ce ^? se5 at night if we c\ld behold !m4 ,obs]vation %[s1 too1 t auror are m frequ5t be=e ?an aft] midnight1 :i* is j :at we %\ld expect if !y orig9ate 9 ! way t ,arrh5ius supposes4 ,second1 ! !ory (f]s an explanation ( ! alleg$ fact t ! =mation ( cl\ds 9 ! upp] air is m frequ5t 9 ye>s :5 auror are mo/ abundant1 because cl\ds are ! result ( ! cond5sation ( moi/ure ^u float+ p>ticles 9 ! atmosph]e 79 an absolutely du/less atmosph]e !re w\ld be no cl\ds71 & x has be5 prov$ t negative ions l ^? suppos$ to come f ! sun play a ma/] "p 9 ! ph5om5a ( cl\d =mation4 ,yet ano!r s+ul> fact1 almo/ my/ical 9 its sugge/ions1 may be m5tion$4 ,x seems t ! dance ( ! auroral lights occurs mo/ frequ5tly dur+ ! abs5ce ( ! moon f ! hemisph]e 9 :i* !y appe>1 & t !y flee1 9 great] "p1 to ! opposite hemisph]e :5 ! moon's revolution 9 an orbit consid]ably incl9$ to ! e>?'s equator br+s h] into t :]e !y h be5 p]=m+4 ,arrh5ius himself discov]$ ?is curi\s relation ( auroral frequ5cy to ! position ( ! moon nor? or s\? ( ! equator1 & he expla9s x 9 ?is way4 ,! moon1 l ! e>?1 is expos$ to ! influx ( ! ions f ! sun2 b hav+ no atmosph]e1 or almo/ none1 to int]f]e ) !m1 !y desc5d directly ^u h] surface & *>ge h] ) an electric negative pot5tial to a v high degree4 ,9 consequ5ce ( ?is %e affects ! electric /ate ( ! upp] p>ts ( ! e>?'s atmosph]e :]e !y lie mo/ directly b5ea? h]1 & ?us prev5ts1 to a l>ge ext5t1 ! negative dis*>ges to :i* ! appe>ance ( ! ,aurora is due4 ,& s 8! extravagant & err+ _s0 ( ! ,aurora avoids ! moon z ,hamlet's gho/ fl$ at ! voice ( ! cock ann\nc+ ! awak5+ ( ! god ( day4 ,!re are ev5 o!r app>5t confirmations ( ! hypo!sis1 b we ne$ n g into !m4 ,we %all1 h[ev]1 f9d "o m application ( x 9 ! next *apt]1 = x appe>s to be a k9d ( cure-all = a/ronomical tr\bles2 at any rate x (f]s a conceivable solution ( ! "q1 ,h[ does ! sun manage to transmit its electric influ5ce to ! e>?8 ,& ?is solution is s gr&iose 9 conception1 & s novel 9 ! m5tal pictures t x (f]s1 t its acceptance w\ld n 9 ! lea/ detract f ! impression t ! ,aurora makes ^u ! imag9ation4 ,x ,/range ,adv5tures ( ,comets ,! fe>s & leg5ds ( anci5t times be=e ,sci5ce 0 born1 & ! sup]/itions ( ! ,d>k ,ages1 s$ul\sly cultivat$ = !ological purposes by monks & prie/s1 h s color$ our ideas ( ! influ5ce t comets h _h ^u ! human m9d t _m read]s may be surpris$ to le>n t x 0 ! app>ition ( a wond]ful comet1 t ( #ahdc1 :i* l$ to ! f\ndation ( our greate/ a/ronomical in/itution1 ! ,h>v>d ,college ,obs]vatory4 ,no d\bt ! comet sup]/ition exi/$ half a c5tury ago1 z1 inde$1 x exi/s yet today1 b 9 ?is case ! m>vel\s spectacle 9 ! sky prov$ less effective 9 inspir+ t]ror ?an 9 awak5+ a desire = k4 ,ev5 9 ! sixte5? c5tury ! views t enlight5$ m9ds took ( comets t5d$ p[]fully to inspire popul> confid5ce 9 sci5ce1 & ,halley's pr$iction1 aft] see+ & /udy+ ! motion ( ! comet :i* appe>$ 9 #afhb1 t x w\ld prove to be a regul> memb] ( ! sun's family & w\ld be se5 return+ aft] a p]iod ( ab\t sev5ty-six ye>s1 toge!r ) ! fulfillm5t ( t pr$iction1 produc$ a revulsion f ! sup]/iti\s notions :i* _h s long prevail$4 ,illu/ration3 ,swift's comet4 ,tak5 at ,arequipa1 ,m>* #cj #ahib ,!n ! facts 7 made pla9 t comets are subject to ! law ( gravitation equally ) ! planets2 t !re are _m :i* regul>ly return to ! neighborhood ( ! sun 7p]ihelion72 & t ^! travel 9 orbits diff]+ f ^? ( ! planets only 9 _! great] ecc5tricity1 al?\gh !y h ! peculi>ity t !y d n1 l ! planets1 all g r\nd ! sun 9 ! same direction1 & d n keep )9 ! g5]al plane ( ! planet>y sy/em1 b trav]se x sometimes f above & sometimes f bel[4 ,o!r comets1 includ+ mo/ ( ! 8great0 ones1 appe> to travel 9 p>abolic or1 9 a few cases1 hyp]bolic orbits1 :i*1 n be+ clos$ curves1 nev] br+ !m back aga94 ,b x is n c]ta9 t ^! orbits may n be extremely ecc5tric ellipses1 & t aft] ! lapse ( hundr$s1 or ?\s&s1 ( ye>s ! comets t foll[ !m may n reappe>4 ,! "q is an int]e/+ "o1 because if all orbits are really ellipses1 !n all comets mu/ be p]man5t memb]s ( ! sol> sy/em1 :ile 9 ! contr>y case _m ( !m are simply visitors1 se5 once & nev] to be se5 aga94 ,! hypo!sis t comets are orig9ally int]lop]s might seem to d]ive "s support f ! fact t ! c]ta9ly p]iodic ones are associat$1 9 gr\ps1 ) ! great out] planets1 ^: attraction appe>s to h s]v$ z a trap = !m by turn+ !m into elliptical orbits & ?us mak+ !m prison]s 9 ! sol> sy/em4 ,jupit]1 ow+ to 8 great mass & 8 comm&+ situation 9 ! sy/em1 is ! *ief 8comet-cat*]20 b he cat*es !m n = himself1 b = ! sun4 ,yet if comets d come orig9ally f )\t ! bord]s ( ! planet>y sy/em1 x does n1 by any means1 foll[ t !y 7 w&]]s at l>ge 9 space be=e !y yield$ to ! ov]ma/]+ attraction ( ! sun4 ,inve/igation ( ! kn[n comet>y orbits1 comb9$ ) !oretical consid]ations1 has l$ "s a/ronom]s to ! conclusion t z ! sun travels onw>d ?r\gh space he 8picks up en r\te0 comet>y masses :i*1 )\t belong+ /rictly to 8 empire1 are borne along 9 ! same va/ 8cosmical curr5t0 t c>ries ! sol> sy/em4 ,b :ile no intellig5t p]son any long] ?9ks t ! appe>ance ( a great comet is a tok5 f ! heav5ly p[]s ( ! approa*+ dea? ( a mighty rul]1 or ! outbreak ( a deva/at+ w>1 or ! infliction ( a t]rible plague ^u wick$ mank9d1 sci5ce itself has discov]$ my/]ies ab\t comets :i* are n less fasc9at+ because !y are m intellectual ?an ! irrational fancies t !y h displac$4 ,to br+ ! subject prop]ly be=e ! m9d1 let u see :at ! pr9cipal ph5om5a connect$ ) a comet are4 ,at ! pres5t day comets are ord9>ily 8pick$ up0 ) ! telescope or ! photographic plate be=e any "o except _! discov]] is aw>e ( _! exi/5ce1 & usually !y rema9 s insignificant 9 appe>ance t only a/ronom]s ev] see !m4 ,yet s great is ! pre/ige ( ! ^w 8comet0 t ! discov]y ( "o ( ^! inconspicu\s w&]]s1 & its subsequ5t movem5ts1 become items ( ! day's news :i* ev]ybody reads ) ! feel+1 p]haps1 t at lea/ he kn[s :at is go+ on 9 ! univ]se ev5 if he doesn't und]/& x4 ,b a truly great comet pres5ts q a diff]5t proposition4 ,x1 too1 is apt to be detect$ com+ out ( ! dep?s ( space be=e ! _w at l>ge c get a glimpse ( x1 b z x approa*es ! sun its aspect und]goes a m>vel\s *ange4 ,agitat$ app>5tly by sol> influ5ce1 x ?r[s out a long /ream+ tail ( nebul\s light1 direct$ away f ! sun & look+ z if bl[n out l a p5non by a p[]ful w9d4 ,:atev] may be ! position ( ! comet ) reg>d to ! sun1 z x circles r\nd him x cont9ually keeps its tail on ! (f side4 ,?is1 z we %all soon see1 is a fact ( capital importance 9 relation to ! probable nature ( comets' tails4 ,almo/ at ! same "t t ! =mation ( ! tail is obs]v$ a rem>kable *ange takes place 9 ! comet's head1 :i*1 by ! way1 is inv>iably & n m]ely occasionally its mo/ important "p4 ,on approa*+ ! sun ! head usually contracts4 ,co9cid5tly ) ?is contraction a nucleus g5]ally makes its appe>ance4 ,?is is a bright1 />-l po9t 9 ! head1 & x probably repres5ts ! totality ( solid matt] t ! comet possesses4 ,b x is reg>d$ z extremely unlikely t ev5 ! nucleus consi/s ( a uni=mly solid mass4 ,if x 7 su*1 comets w\ld be f> m =midable visitors :5 !y pass ne> ! planets ?an !y h be5 f\nd to be4 ,! diamet] ( ! nucleus may v>y f a few hundr$ up to sev]al ?\s& miles2 ! heads1 on ! av]age1 are f tw5ty-five ?\s& to "o hundr$ ?\s& miles 9 diamet]1 al?\gh a few h greatly exce$$ ^! dim5sions2 t ( ! comet ( #ahaa1 "o ( ! mo/ /up5d\s ev] se51 0 a million & a qu>t] miles 9 diamet]6 ,z to ! tails1 n )/&+ _! enorm\s l5g?--"s h be5 m ?an a hundr$ million miles long--!re is reason to believe t !y are ( extreme t5uity1 8z r>e z vacuum40 ,! smalle/ />s h be5 se5 %9+ ?r\gh _! mo/ brilliant portions ) undim9i%$ lu/]4 ,aft] ! nucleus has be5 =m$ x beg9s to ?r[ out bright jets direct$ t[>d ! sun4 ,a /ream1 & sometimes sev]al /reams1 ( light also project sunw>d f ! nucleus1 occasionally appe>+ l a /unt$ tail direct$ oppositely to ! real tail4 ,symmetrical envelopes :i*1 se5 9 section1 appe> z half circles or p>abolas1 rise sunw>d f ! nucleus1 =m+ a conc5tric s]ies4 ,! ends ( ^! /ream backw>d into ! tail1 to :i* !y seem to supply mat]ial4 ,ord9>ily ! =mation ( ^! ejections & envelopes is att5d$ by int5se agitation ( ! nucleus1 :i* twi/s & turns1 sw++ & gyrat+ ) an appe>ance ( ! greate/ viol5ce4 ,sometimes ! nucleus is se5 to break up into sev]al p>ts4 ,! entire heads ( "s comets h be5 split asund] 9 pass+ close ar\nd ! sun2 ,! comet ( #ahhb retreat$ into space aft] its p]ihelion passage ) five heads in/ead ( ! "o t x _h orig9ally1 & ea* ( ^! heads _h its own tail6 ,! possession ( ! spectroscope has enabl$ a/ronom]s dur+ lat] ye>s to /udy ! *emical composition ( comets by analyz+ _! light4 ,at fir/ ! only sub/ances ?us discov]$ 9 !m 7 hydro-c>bon comp\nds1 due evid5tly to ! gase\s envelopes 9 :i* "s comb9ation ( hydrog5 ) c>bon exi/$4 ,beh9d ?is gase\s spectrum 0 f\nd a fa9t cont9u\s spectrum ascrib$ to ! nucleus1 :i* app>5tly bo? reflects ! sunlight & gives =? ! light ( a gl[+ solid or liquid4 ,subsequ5tly sodium & iron l9es 7 f\nd 9 comet>y spectra4 ,! pres5ce ( iron w\ld seem to indicate t "s ( ^! bodies may be mu* m massive ?an obs]vations on _! attractive effects h indicat$4 ,9 "s rec5t comets1 su* z ,moreh\se's1 9 #aijh1 sev]al l9es h be5 f\nd1 ! orig9 ( :i* is unkn[n4 ,)\t go+ back ( ! n9ete5? c5tury we may f9d records ( "s ( ! mo/ extraord9>y comets t man has ev] look$ ^u4 ,9 #ahaa1 /ill spok5 ( z 8! ye> ( ! comet10 because ( ! wond]ful v9tage ascrib$ to ! skyey visitor1 a comet %ap$ l a gigantic sword amaz$ ! :ole _w1 &1 z x rema9$ visible = sev5te5 mon?s1 0 reg>d$ by sup]/iti\s p]sons z a symbol ( ! fe>ful happ5+s ( ,napoleon's ,russian campaign4 ,?is comet1 ! extraord9>y size ( ^: head1 greatly exce$+ t ( ! sun itself1 has already be5 m5tion$1 0 also rem>kable = exhibit+ s great a brilliancy )\t approa*+ ev5 to ! e>?'s di/ance f ! sun4 ,b !re 0 once a comet 7& only once--9 ! ye> #agbi7 :i* nev] got ne>] to ! sun ?an f\r times ! di/ance ( ! e>? & yet appe>$ z a =midable object 9 ! sky4 ,z ,pr(essor ,"y has rem>k$1 8x mu/ h be5 an enorm\s comet to be visible f su* a di/ance40 ,& we are to rememb] t !re 7 no great telescopes 9 ! ye> #agbi4 ,t comet affects ! imag9ation l a phantom ( space pe]+ into ! sol> sy/em1 display+ its enorm\s tra9 af> (f 7:i*1 if x _h approa*$ z ne> z o!r comets1 w\ld probably h become ! cele/ial wond] ( all human memory71 & !n turn+ away & vani%+ 9 ! dep?s ( imm5sity4 ,9 #ahdc a comet appe>$ :i* 0 s brilliant t x c\ld be se5 9 broad day close beside ! sun6 ,?is 0 ! fir/ au!nticat$ in/ance ( t k9d1 b ! occurr5ce 0 to be repeat$1 z we %all see 9 a mom5t1 less ?an =ty ye>s lat]4 ,! spl5did comet ( #aheh1 usually call$ ,donati's1 is rememb]$ by _m p]sons yet liv+4 ,x 01 p]haps1 bo? z se5 by ! nak$ eye & ) ! telescope1 ! mo/ beautiful comet ( :i* we h any record4 ,x too m>k$ a ri* v9tage ye>1 /ill rememb]$ 9 ! v9ey>ds ( ,france1 :]e !re is a popul> belief t a great comet rip5s ! grape & imp>ts to ! w9e a flavor n atta9able by ! m]e skill ( ! cultivator4 ,!re are 8comet w9es10 c>efully treasur$ 9 c]ta9 cell>s1 & br\ght =? only :5 _! own] wi%es to treat 8 gue/s to a sip f p>adise4 ,! ye> #ahfa saw ano!r v rem>kable comet1 ( an aspect /rangely va/ & diffuse1 :i* is believ$ to h swept ! e>? ) its imm5se tail :5 x pass$ betwe5 u & ! sun on ! night ( ,june #cj?1 an ev5t :i* produc$ no o!r kn[n effect ?an ! appe>ance ( an unwont$ am\nt ( scatt]$ light 9 ! sky4 ,! next v notable comet 0 ! 8,great ,s\!rn ,comet0 ( #ahhj1 :i* 0 n se5 f ! nor!rn hemisph]e4 ,x mimick$ ! aspect ( ! fam\s comet ( #ahdc1 & to ! great surprise ( a/ronom]s appe>$ to be travel+ 9 ! same pa?4 ,?is prov$ to be ! ris+ ( ! curta9 = an a/ronomical s5sation unp>allel$ 9 its k9d2 = two ye>s lat] ano!r brilliant comet appe>$1 fir/ 9 ! s\!rn hemisph]e1 & x too foll[$ ! same track4 ,! />tl+ sugge/ion 0 n[ made t ?is comet 0 id5tical ) ^? ( #ahdc & #ahhj1 its return hav+ be5 ha/5$ by ! resi/ance exp]i5c$ 9 pass+ twice ?r\gh ! coronal envelope1 & !re 7 "s :o ?\ght t x w\ld n[ sw+ swiftly r\nd & !n plunge /raight into ! sun1 ) consequ5ces t might be disa/r\s to u on acc\nt ( ! 8fla% ( heat0 t w\ld be produc$ by ! impact4 ,n]v\s p 7 fright5$1 b obs]vation soon prov$ t ! dang] 0 imag9>y1 = al?\gh ! comet almo/ graz$ ! sun1 & mu/ h ru%$ ?r\gh two or ?ree million miles ( ! coronal region1 no ret>dation ( its imm5se velocity 0 p]ceptible1 & x f9ally pass$ away 9 a damag$ condition1 z be=e rem>k$1 & has nev] s9ce appe>$4 ,!n ! probable tru? 0 p]ceiv$--viz41 t ! ?ree comets 7#ahdc1 #ahhj1 & #ahhb7 7 n "o id5tical body1 b ?ree sep>ate ones all travel+ 9 ! same orbit4 ,x 0 f\nd1 too1 t a comet se5 9 #affh bore simil> insignia ( relation%ip4 ,! natural inf]5ce 0 t ^! f\r bodies _h once =m$ a s+le mass :i* _h be5 split ap>t by ! disruptive action ( ! sun4 ,/r5g? 0 l5t to ?is hypo!sis by ! fact t ! comet ( #ahhb 0 app>5tly torn asund] dur+ its p]ihelion passage1 retreat+ into space 9 a dissev]$ /ate4 ,b ,pr(4 ,george ,=bes has a !ory t ! splitt+ ( ! orig9al comet>y mass 0 effect$ by an unkn[n planet1 probably great] ?an ,jupit]1 situat$ at a hundr$ times ! e>?'s di/ance f ! sun1 & revolv+ 9 a p]iod ( a ?\s& ye>s4 ,he supposes t ! orig9al comet 0 n t ( #affh1 b "o se5 9 #aeef1 :i* has s9ce be5 8miss+10 & t its disruption occurr$ f an enc\nt] ) ! supposititi\s planet ab\t ! ye> #agjj4 ,truly f e po9t ( view comets are ! mo/ extraord9>y ( adv5tur]s6 ,! comet ( #ahhb 0 likewise rem>kable = be+ visible1 l its pr$ecessor ( #ahdc1 9 full daylight 9 close proximity to ! sun4 ,! /ory ( its detection :5 almo/ 9 contact ) ! sol> disk is dramatic4 ,x _h be5 discov]$ 9 ! s\!rn hemisph]e only a c\ple ( weeks be=e its p]ihelion1 :i* occurr$ on ,septemb] #ag?1 & on ! =5oon ( t day x 0 se5 by ,doctor ,common 9 ,engl&1 & by ,doctor ,elk9 & ,mr ,f9lay at ! ,cape ( ,good ,hope1 almo/ t\*+ ! sun4 ,x look$ l a dazzl+ :ite bird ) outspread w+s4 ,! s\!rn obs]v]s wat*$ x g "r into ! sun1 :5 x in/antly disappe>$4 ,:at _h happ5$ 0 t ! comet 9 pass+ its p]ihelion po9t _h swung exactly betwe5 ! e>? & ! sun4 ,on ! foll[+ morn+ x 0 se5 f all p>ts ( ! _w close by ! sun on ! opposite side1 & x rema9$ ?us visible = ?ree days1 gradually rec$+ f ! sol> disk4 ,x !n became visible = nor!rn obs]v]s 9 ! morn+ sky be=e sunrise1 br&i%+ a port5t\s sword-%ap$ tail :i*1 if x _h be5 9 ! ev5+ sky1 w\ld h excit$ ! wond] ( hundr$s ( millions1 b situat$ :]e x 01 comp>atively few ev] saw x4 ,illu/ration3 ,daniels' comet4 ,augu/ #aa1 #aijg ,! application ( photography to ! /udy ( comets has reveal$ _m curi\s details :i* might o!rwise h escap$ detection1 or at be/ h rema9$ subject to d\bt4 ,x has 9 p>ticul> %[n n only ! precise =m ( ! tails1 b ! rem>kable vicissitudes t !y und]go4 ,pr(essor ,b>n>d's photographs ( ,brooks' comet 9 #ahic sugge/$1 by ! extraord9>y *anges 9 ! =m ( ! tail :i* !y reveal$1 t ! comet 0 enc\nt]+ a s]ies ( ob/ructions 9 space :i* b5t & twi/$ its tail into fanta/ic %apes4 ,! read] w obs]ve ! /range =m into :i* ! tail 0 ?r[n on ! night ( ,octob] #ba/4 ,a cl\d ( meteors ?r\gh :i* ! comet 0 pass+ might h produc$ su* de=mations ( its tail4 ,9 ! photograph ( ,daniels' comet ( #aijg1 a curi\s /rip+ ( ! tail w be notic$4 ,! %ort bright /reaks se5 9 ! photograph1 x may be expla9$1 are ! images ( />s :i* are drawn out into l9es 9 consequ5ce ( ! fact t ! photographic telescope 0 adju/$ to foll[ ! motion ( ! comet :ile ! />s rema9$ at re/4 ,b ! adv5tures ( comets are n conf9$ to possible enc\nt]s ) unkn[n ob/acles4 ,we h ref]r$ to ! fact t ! great planets1 & especially ,jupit]1 frequ5tly int]f]e ) ! motions ( comets4 ,?is int]f]5ce is n limit$ to ! orig9al alt]ation ( _! orbits f possible p>abolas to ellipses1 b is sometimes ex]cis$ aga9 & aga91 turn+ ! bewild]$ comets into elliptical pa?s ( all degrees ( ecc5tricity4 ,a fam\s example ( ?is k9d ( planet>y horse-play is furni%$ by ! /ory ( ,lexell's miss+ comet4 ,?is comet 0 fir/ se5 9 #aggj4 ,inve/igation %[$ t x 0 mov+ 9 an orbit :i* %\ld br+ x back to p]ihelion e five & a half ye>s2 yet x _h nev] be5 se5 be=e &1 al?\gh (t5 se>*$ =1 has nev] be5 se5 s9ce4 ,laplace & ,lev]ri] prov$ ma!matically t 9 #agfg x _h approa*$ s close to ,jupit] z to be involv$ among ! orbits ( 8 satellites4 ,:at its track _h be5 be=e is n kn[n1 b on t occasion ! giant planet seiz$ ! int]lop]1 ?rew x into a %ort elliptic orbit & s5t x1 l an arre/$ vagrant1 to receive s5t5ce at ! b> ( ! sun4 ,on ?is j\rney x pass$ )9 less ?an #a1ejj1jjj miles ( ! e>?4 ,! =m ( orbit :i* ,jupit] _h impress$ requir$1 z we h said1 its return 9 ab\t five & a half ye>s2 b soon aft] #aggj x _h ! mis=tune a second "t to enc\nt] ,jupit] at close range1 & he1 z if dissatisfi$ ) ! l5i5cy ( ! sun1 or indignant at ! /rang]'s famili>ity1 seiz$ ! comet & hurl$ x out ( ! sy/em1 or at any rate s f> away t x has nev] s9ce be5 able to rejo9 ! family circle t basks 9 ! imm$iate rays ( ! sol> he>?4 ,nor is ?is ! only in/ance 9 :i* ,jupit] has dealt summ>ily ) small comets t h approa*$ him ) too little def]5ce4 ,illu/ration3 ,brooks' comet4 ,photograph$ by ,b>n>d1 ,octob] #ba1 #ahic ,! function :i* ,jupit] s conspicu\sly fulfills z ma/] ( ! h\nds to ! sun is wor? consid]+ a little m 9 detail4 ,to *ange ! figure1 imag9e ! sun 9 its voyage ?r\gh space to be l a maje/ic battle%ip surr\nd$ by its sc\ts4 ,small vessels 7! comets1 z !y are ov]haul$ by ! squadron1 are tak5 9 *>ge by ! sc\ts1 ) ,jupit] = _! *ief1 & are =c$ to accompany ! fleet1 b n all are impress$4 ,if a /range comet und]takes to run across ,jupit]'s b[s ! latt] br+s x to1 & makes prize ( x by ?r[+ x into a relatively small ellipse ) ! sun = its focus4 ,!nce=?1 unless1 z happ5$ to ! unhappy comet ( ,lexell1 x enc\nt]s ,jupit] aga9 9 su* a way z to be div]t$ by him into a m di/ant orbit1 x c nev] get away4 ,ab\t ?irty comets are n[ kn[n to h ?us be5 captur$ by ! great planet1 & !y are call$ 8,jupit]'s ,comet ,family40 ,b1 on ! o!r h&1 if a w&]+ comet crosses ! wake ( ! *ief planet>y sc\t ! latt] simply drives x away by accel]at+ its motion & compels x to /e] (f into op5 space4 ,! trans=mation ( comets into meteors w be consid]$ 9 ! next *apt]1 b "h1 9 pass+1 m5tion may be made ( ! /range fate ( "o memb] ( ,jupit]'s family1 ,biela's comet1 :i*1 hav+ become ov] bold 9 its advances to its captor1 01 aft] a few revolutions 9 is impress$ orbit1 torn to pieces & turn$ into a flock ( meteors4 ,& n[ let u return to ! my/]y ( comets' tails4 ,t we are fully ju/ifi$ 9 speak+ ( ! tails ( comets z my/]i\s is prov$ by ! decl>ation ( ,sir ,john ,h]s*el1 :o av]r$1 9 s _m words1 t 8!re is "s pr(\nd secret & my/]y ( nature conc]n$ 9 ?is ph5om5on10 & ?is pr(\nd secret & my/]y has n yet be5 altoge!r cle>$ up4 ,nev]!less1 ! all-expla9+ hypo!sis ( ,arrh5ius (f]s u once m a c]ta9 am\nt ( aid4 ,comets' tails1 ,arrh5ius assures u1 are b ano!r result ( ! pressure ( light4 ,! read] w recall ! applications ( ?is !ory to ! ,zodiacal ,light & ! ,aurora4 ,9 ! =m 9 :i* we n[ h to deal ) x1 ! supposition is made t z a comet approa*es ! sun eruptions ( vapor1 due to ! sol> heat1 occur 9 its nucleus4 ,^! are naturally mo/ active on ! side :i* is directly expos$ to ! sun1 :5ce ! appe>ance ( ! imm5se gl[+ envelopes t surr\nd ! nucleus on ! sunw>d side4 ,among ! p>ticles ( hydro-c>bon1 & p]haps solid c>bon 9 ! /ate ( f9e du/1 :i* are ?us set free !re w be _m ^: size is )9 ! critical limit :i* enables ! light-waves f ! sun to drive !m away4 ,cl\ds ( su* p>ticles1 !n1 w /ream (f beh9d ! advanc+ comet1 produc+ ! appe>ance ( a tail4 ,?is acc\nts = ! fact t ! tails ( comets are always direct$ away f ! sun1 & x also expla9s ! v>y+ =ms ( ! tails & ! extraord9>y *anges t !y und]go4 ,! spe$ ( ! p>ticles driv5 be=e ! light-waves mu/ dep5d ^u _! size & weight1 ! lighte/ ( a giv5 size travel+ ! mo/ swiftly4 ,by accretion c]ta9 p>ticles might gr[1 ?us los+ velocity & produc+ ! appe>ance ( bun*es 9 ! tail1 su* z h be5 obs]v$4 ,! hypo!sis also falls 9 ) ! rese>*es ( ,br$i*91 :o has divid$ ! tails ( comets into ?ree pr9cipal classes--viz43 7#a7 ,^? :i* appe> z long1 /raight rays2 7#b7 ,^? :i* h ! =m ( curv$ plumes or scimit>s2 7#c7 ,^? :i* are %ort1 bru%y1 & curv$ %>ply backw>d along ! comet's pa?4 ,9 ! fir/ type he calculates ! repulsive =ce at f twelve to fifte5 times ! =ce ( gravity2 9 ! second at f two to f\r times2 & 9 ! ?ird at ab\t "o & a half times4 ,! /raight tails he ascribes to hydrog5 because ! hydrog5 atom is ! lighte/ kn[n2 ! sword-%ap$ tails to hydro-c>bons2 & ! /umpy tails to vaporiz$ iron4 ,x w be se5 t1 if ! =ce driv+ (f ! tails is t :i* ,arrh5ius assumes x to be1 ! =ms ( ^? app5dages w\ld accord ) ^? t ,br$i*9's !ory calls =4 ,at ! same "t we h an explanation ( ! multiple tails ) :i* "s comets h adorn$ !mselves4 ,! comet ( #agdd1 = in/ance1 _h at "o "t no less ?an sev5 tails spread 9 a wide curv$ bru% beh9d x4 ,donati's comet ( #aheh also _h at lea/ two tails1 ! pr9cipal "o sword-%ap$ & ! o!r long1 n>r[1 & z /raight z a rule4 ,accord+ to ,br$i*91 ! /raight tail mu/ h be5 compos$ ( hydrog51 & ! o!r ( "s =m ( hydro-c>bon ^: atoms are heavi] ?an ^? ( hydrog51 &1 consequ5tly1 :5 swept away by ! /orm ( light-waves1 foll[$ a curvature dep5d+ ^u ! resultant ( ! =ces op]at+ ^u !m4 ,! sev5 tails ( ! comet ( #agdd pres5t$ a k9d ( diagram graphically exhibit+ its complex composition1 &1 if we knew a little m ab\t ! con/itu5ts ( a comet1 we might be able to say f ! am\nt ( curvature ( ! diff]5t tails j :at 7 ! sev5 sub/ances ( :i* t comet consi/$4 ,if ^! !ories seem to ! read] fanta/ic1 at any rate !y are no m fanta/ic ?an ! ph5om5a t !y seek to expla94 ,,xi ,meteors1 ,fire-,balls1 & ,meteorites ,"o ( ! mo/ t]roriz+ spectacles ) :i* ! heav5s h ev] caus$ ! he>ts ( m5 to quake occurr$ on ! night ( ,novemb] #ac1 #ahcc4 ,on t night ,nor? ,am]ica1 :i* fac$ ! /orm1 0 "u a cont9ual ra9 ( fire f ab\t t5 o'clock 9 ! ev5+ until daybreak4 ,! fragm5ts ( a comet _h /ruck ! e>?4 ,b ! mean+ ( :at _h happ5$ 0 n discov]$ until long aft]w>d4 ,to ! a/ronom]s :o1 ) a/oni%m5t n less ?an t ( o!r p1 wat*$ ! wond]ful sc5e1 x 0 an unp>allel$ 8%[] ( meteors40 ,!y did n !n suspect t ^? meteors _h once =m$ ! head ( a comet4 ,light dawn$ :51 a ye> lat]1 ,pr(4 ,d5ison ,olm/$1 ( ,yale ,college1 demon/rat$ t ! meteors _h all mov$ 9 p>allel orbits ar\nd ! sun1 & t ^! orbits int]sect$ t ( ! e>? at ! po9t :]e our planet happ5$ to be on ! memorable night ( ,novemb] #ac?4 ,pr(essor ,olm/$ ev5 w5t s f> z to sugge/ t ! cl\d ( meteors t _h enc\nt]$ ! e>? might =m a diffuse comet2 b full recognition ( ! fact t !y 7 comet>y dbris came lat]1 z ! result ( fur!r inve/igation4 ,! key to ! secret 0 pla9ly display$ 9 ! spectacle itself1 & 0 notic$ )\t be+ und]/ood by ?\s&s ( ! t]ror-/rick5 behold]s4 ,x 0 an umbrella ( fire t _h op5$ ov]head & cov]$ ! heav5s2 9 o!r words1 ! meteors all radiat$ f a p>ticul> po9t 9 ! con/ellation ,leo1 &1 be+ c\ntless z ! sn[flakes 9 a w9t] tempe/1 !y ribb$ ! sky ) fi]y /reaks4 ,pr(essor ,olm/$ %[$ t ! radiation ( ! meteors f a fix$ po9t 0 an effect ( p]spective1 & 9 itself a pro( t !y 7 mov+ 9 p>allel pa?s :5 !y enc\nt]$ ! e>?4 ,! fact 0 not$ t !re _h be5 a simil>1 b incomp>ably less brilliant1 display ( meteors on ! same day ( ,novemb]1 #ahcb1 & x 0 rightly conclud$ t ^! _h belong$ to ! same /ream1 al?\gh ! true relation%ip ( ! ph5om5a 0 n imm$iately appreh5d$4 ,olm/$ ascrib$ to ! meteors a revolution ab\t ! sun once 9 e six mon?s1 br++ !m to ! int]section ( _! orbit ) t ( ! e>? e ,novemb] #ac?2 b lat] inve/igators f\nd t ! real p]iod 0 ab\t ?irty-?ree & "o-qu>t] ye>s1 s t ! great displays 7 due ?ree times 9 a c5tury1 & _! return 0 confid5tly pr$ict$ = ! ye> #ahff4 ,! appe>ance ( ! meteors 9 #ahcb1 a ye> be=e ! great display1 0 ascrib$ to ! great l5g? ( ! /ream :i* !y =m$ 9 space--s great t !y requir$ m ?an two ye>s to cross ! e>?'s orbit4 ,9 #ahcb ! e>? _h enc\nt]$ a relatively r>e "p ( ! /ream1 b 9 #ahcc1 on return+ to ! cross+-place1 x f\nd !re ! ri*e/ "p ( ! /ream p\r+ across its orbit4 ,?is explanation also prov$ to be correct1 & ! pr$ict$ return 9 #ahff 0 duly witness$1 al?\gh ! display 0 mu* less brilliant ?an 9 #ahcc4 ,x 0 foll[$ by ano!r 9 #ahfg4 ,illu/ration3 ,curi\s =ms ( meteorite tra9s ,nos4 #a to #f %[ ! *anges und]gone by a tra9 left by a meteorite :i* pass$ ne> ! 8,great ,dipp]02 #g %[s ! *anges & drift ( a tra9 se5 9 ! con/ellation ,virgo2 #h is ! s+ul> tra9 ( ! meteorite ( ,febru>y #bb1 #aiji1 ne> ! ,pole ,/>4 7,f ,la ,nature47 ,9 ! mean "t ,olm/$'s idea ( a comet>y relation%ip ( ! meteors 0 demon/rat$ to be correct by ! rese>*es ( ,s*iap>elli & o!rs1 :o %[$ t n only ! ,novemb] meteors1 b ^? ( ,augu/1 :i* are se5 m or less abundantly e ye>1 travel$ 9 ! tracks ( well-kn[n comets1 & _h und\bt$ly an id5tical orig9 ) ^? comets4 ,9 o!r words ! comets & ! meteor-sw>ms 7 bo? remnants ( orig9al masses :i* _h probably be5 split up by ! action ( ! sun1 or ( "s planet to :i* !y _h made close approa*es4 ,! annual p]iodicity ( ! ,augu/ meteors 0 ascrib$ to ! fact t ! sep>ation _h tak5 place s long ago t ! meteors _h become di/ribut$ all ar\nd ! orbit1 9 consequ5ce ( :i* ! e>? enc\nt]$ "s ( !m e ye> :5 x arriv$ at ! cross+-po9t4 ,!n ,lev]ri] %[$ t ! orig9al comet associat$ ) ! ,novemb] meteors 0 probably br\ght into ! sy/em by ! influ5ce ( ! planet ,uranus 9 ! ye> #abf ( ! ,*ri/ian era4 ,aft]w>d ,alex&] ,h]s*el id5tifi$ ! tracks ( no less ?an sev5ty-six meteor-sw>ms 7mo/ ( !m inconspicu\s7 ) ^? ( comets4 ,! /ill m rec5t rese>*es ( ,mr ,w4 ,f4 ,d5n+ make x probable t !re are no meteors :i* d n belong to a flock or sy/em probably =m$ by ! dis9tegration ( a comet>y mass2 ev5 ! app>5tly sporadic ones :i* %oot across ! sky1 8lo/ s\ls 9 ! night10 be+ memb]s ( flocks :i* h become s widely scatt]$ t ! e>? sometimes takes weeks to pass ?r\gh ! region ( space :]e _! pa?s lie4 ,! ,novemb] meteors %\ld h exhibit$ ano!r pair ( spectacles 9 #ahii & #aijj1 & _! failure to d s caus$ at fir/ mu* disappo9tm5t1 until x 0 made pla9 t a good reason exi/$ = _! abs5ce4 ,x 0 f\nd t aft] _! la/ appe>ance1 9 #ahfg1 !y _h be5 di/urb$ 9 _! movem5ts by ! planets ,jupit] & ,saturn1 ^: attractions _h s %ift$ ! position ( _! orbit t x no long] int]sect$ t ( ! e>?1 z x did be=e4 ,:e!r ano!r planet>y int]f]5ce w sometime br+ ! pr9cipal mass ( ! ,novemb] meteors back to ! =m] po9t ( int]section ) ! e>?'s orbit is a "q = ! future to decide4 ,x w\ld seem t !re may be sev]al p>allel /reams ( ! ,novemb] meteors1 & t "s ( !m1 l ^? ( ,augu/1 are di/ribut$ entirely ar\nd ! orbit1 s t e mid-,novemb] we see a few ( !m4 ,we come n[ to a v rem>kable example ( ! dis9tegration ( a comet & ! =mation ( a meteor-/ream4 ,9 #ahbf ,biela1 ( ,joseph/adt1 ,au/ria1 discov]$ a comet to :i* 8 "n 0 giv54 ,calculation %[$ t x _h an orbital p]iod ( ab\t six & a half ye>s1 belong+ to ,jupit]'s 8family40 ,on "o ( its returns1 9 #ahdf1 x a/oni%$ its wat*]s by sudd5ly splitt+ 9 two4 ,! two comets ?us =m$ out ( "o sep>at$ to a di/ance ( ab\t "o hundr$ & sixty ?\s& miles1 & !n rac$ side by side1 sometimes ) a curi\s ligature connect+ !m1 l ,siamese tw9s1 until !y disappe>$ toge!r 9 int]planet>y space4 ,9 #aheb !y came back1 /ill ne>ly side by side1 b n[ ! di/ance betwe5 !m _h increas$ to a million & a qu>t] ( miles4 ,aft] t1 at e recurr5ce ( _! p]iod1 a/ronom]s look$ = !m 9 va91 until #ahgb1 :5 an amaz+ ?+ happ5$4 ,on ! night ( ,novemb] #bh?1 :5 ! e>? 0 cross+ ! plane ( ! orbit ( ! miss+ comet1 a brilliant %[] ( meteors bur/ f ! nor!rn sky1 travel+ ne>ly 9 ! track :i* ! comet %\ld h pursu$4 ,! a/ronom]s 7 electrifi$4 ,kl9k]fues1 ( ,gtt+51 telegraph$ to ,pogson1 ( ,madras3 8,biela t\*$ e>?2 se>* ne> ,!ta ,c5tauri40 ,pogson se>*$ 9 ! place indicat$ & saw a comet>y mass retreat+ into ! s\!rn heav5s1 :]e x 0 soon swall[$ f sight6 ,illu/ration3 ,section ( ! atmosph]e up to #ajj kilomet]s4 ,%[+ ! mean elevation at :i* meteorites & meteors make _! appe>ance4 ,bel[ are %[n ! elevation ( ,m\nt ,ev]e/1 ! highe/ mann$ balloon asc5t by ,m4 ,b]son2 ! height ( cirrus cl\ds2 ! highe/ free balloon asc5t2 & ! elevation atta9$ by ! cl\ds ( fire-du/ eject$ by ! ,krakatoa eruption 9 #ahhc4 7,f ,la ,nature7 ,s9ce !n ! ,biela meteors h be5 among ! recogniz$ p]iodic spectacles ( ! sky1 & few if any d\bt t !y repres5t a portion ( ! miss+ comet ^: dis9tegration began ) ! sep>ation into two p>ts 9 #ahdf4 ,! comet itself has nev] s9ce be5 se54 ,! fir/ display ( ^! meteors1 sometimes call$ ! 8,&rom$es10 because !y radiate f ! con/ellation ,&rom$a1 0 rem>kable = ! great brilliancy ( _m ( ! fire-balls t %ot among ! %[] ( small] sp>ks1 "s ( :i* 7 describ$ z equal+ ! full moon 9 size4 ,none ( !m is kn[n to h rea*$ ! e>?1 b dur+ ! display ( ! same meteors 9 #ahhe a meteoric mass fell at ,mazapil 9 ,nor!rn ,mexico 7x is n[ 9 ! ,museum at ,vi5na71 :i* _m h ?\ght may actually be a piece ( ! orig9al comet ( ,biela4 ,?is br+s u to ! second bran* ( our subject4 ,m r>e ?an meteors or fall+ />s1 & m />tl+1 except t !y nev] appe> 9 %[]s1 are ! huge balls ( fire :i* occasionally d>t ?r\gh ! sky1 light+ up ! l&scapes b5ea? ) _! gl>e1 leav+ tra9s ( sp>ks beh9d !m1 (t5 produc+ peals ( ?und] :5 !y explode1 & 9 _m cases fall+ ^u ! e>? & bury+ !mselves f a few in*es to sev]al feet 9 ! soil1 f :i*1 m ?an once1 !y h be5 pick$ up :ile yet hot & fum+4 ,^! balls are sometimes call$ bolides4 ,!y are n really r\nd 9 %ape1 al?\gh !y (t5 look s :ile trav]s+ ! sky1 b _! =ms are fragm5t>y1 & occasionally fanta/ic4 ,x has be5 suppos$ t _! orig9 is diff]5t f t ( ! true meteors2 x has ev5 be5 conjectur$ t !y may h orig9at$ f ! giant volcanoes ( ! moon or h be5 %ot out f ! sun dur+ "s ( ! trem5d\s explosions t accompany ! =mation ( eruptive prom95ces4 ,by ! same reason+ "s ( !m might be suppos$ to h come f "s di/ant />4 ,o!rs h conjectur$ t !y are w&]]s 9 space1 ( unkn[n orig91 :i* ! e>? enc\nt]s z x j\rneys on1 & ,"l ,kelv9 made a sugge/ion :i* has become classic because ( its imag9ative rea*--viz41 t ! fir/ g]ms ( life may h be5 br\ght to ! e>? by "o ( ^! bodies1 8a fragm5t ( an explod$ _w40 ,x is a s+ul> fact t a/ronom]s & sci5tific m5 9 g5]al 7 among ! la/ to admit ! possibility ( solid masses fall+ f ! sky4 ,! p _h believ$ 9 ! reality ( su* ph5om5a f ! e>lie/ times1 b ! savants %ook _! heads & talk$ ( sup]/ition4 ,?is 0 ! less surpris+ because no sci5tifically au!nticat$ in/ance ( su* an occurr5ce 0 kn[n1 & ! /ones popul>ly believ$ to h fall5 f ! sky _h become ! objects ( wor%ip or sup]/iti\s rev]5ce1 a fact n calculat$ to recomm5d !m to sci5tific cr$5ce4 ,! celebrat$ 8black /one0 susp5d$ 9 ! ,kaaba at ,mecca is "o ( ^! reput$ gifts f heav52 ! 8,palladium0 ( anci5t ,troy 0 ano!r2 & a /one :i* fell ne> ,ensi%eim1 9 ,g]many1 0 plac$ 9 a *ur* z an object to be religi\sly v5]at$4 ,_m leg5ds ( fall+ /ones exi/$ 9 antiquity1 "s ( !m curi\sly transfigur$ by ! imag9ation1 l ! 8,lion ( ! ,peloponnesus10 :i* 0 said to h sprung d[n f ! sky ^u ! ,i/hmus ( ,cor9?4 ,b ne> ! beg9n+ ( ! n9ete5? c5tury1 9 #ahjc1 a v]itable %[] ( fall+ /ones occurr$ at ,l',aigle1 9 ,nor!rn ,france1 & ?is "t a/ronom]s took note ( ! ph5om5on & sci5tifically inve/igat$ x4 ,?\s&s ( ! /range projectiles came f ! sky on ?is occasion1 & 7 scatt]$ ov] a wide area ( c\ntry1 & "s build+s 7 hit4 ,f\r ye>s lat] ano!r %[] ( /ones occurr$ at ,we/on1 ,conn41 numb]+ ?\s&s ( individuals4 ,! local al>m creat$ 9 bo? cases 0 great1 z well x might be1 = :at c\ld be m intimidat+ ?an to f9d ! blue vault ( heav5 sudd5ly hurl+ solid missiles at ! homes ( m58 ,aft] ^! occurr5ces x 0 impossible = ! mo/ skeptical to d\bt any long]1 & ! regul> /udy ( 8a]olites10 or 8meteorites10 began4 ,"o ( ! fir/ ?+s recogniz$ 0 ! fact t fire-balls are solid meteorites 9 flight1 & n gase\s exhalations 9 ! air1 z "s _h assum$4 ,!y burn 9 ! air dur+ _! flight1 & sometimes1 p]haps1 are entirely consum$ be=e rea*+ ! gr\nd4 ,_! velocity be=e ent]+ ! e>?'s atmosph]e is equal to t ( ! planets 9 _! orbits--viz41 f tw5ty to ?irty miles p] second--a fact :i* proves t ! sun is ! seat ( ! c5tral =ce gov]n+ !m4 ,_! burn+ 9 ! air is n difficult to expla92 x is ! heat ( friction :i* s quickly br+s !m to inc&esc5ce4 ,calculation %[s t a body mov+ ?r\gh ! air at a velocity ( ab\t a mile p] second w be br\ght1 sup]ficially1 to ! temp]ature ( 8r$ heat0 by friction ) ! atmosph]e4 ,if its velocity is tw5ty miles p] second ! temp]ature w become ?\s&s ( degrees4 ,?is is ! /ate ( affairs ) a meteorite ru%+ into ! e>?'s atmosph]e2 its surface is liquefi$ )9 a few seconds aft] ! friction beg9s to act1 & ! melt$ & vaporiz$ portion ( its mass is swept backw>d1 =m+ ! tra9 ( sp>ks t foll[s e great fire-ball4 ,h[ev]1 !re is "o ph5om5on connect$ ) ! tra9s ( meteorites :i* has nev] be5 satisfactorily expla9$3 !y (t5 p]si/ = long p]iods ( "t1 drift+ & turn+ ) ! w9d1 b n ceas+ to gl[ ) a phosphoresc5t lum9osity4 ,! "q is1 ,:5ce comes ?is light8 ,x mu/ be light )\t heat1 s9ce ! f9e du/ or vapor ( :i* ! tra9 c only consi/ w\ld n reta9 suffici5t heat to r5d] x lum9\s = s long a "t4 ,an extremely rem>kable incid5t ( ?is k9d occurr$ on ,febru>y #bb1 #aiji1 :5 an imm5se fire-ball t pass$ ov] s\!rn ,engl& left a tra9 t rema9$ visible dur+ two h\rs1 assum+ _m curi\s %apes z x 0 drift$ ab\t by curr5ts 9 ! air4 ,illu/ration3 ,a meteor photograph$ 9 flight ,b not)/&+ ! enorm\s velocity ) :i* meteorites ent] ! air !y are soon sl[$ d[n to comp>atively mod]ate spe$1 s t :5 !y disappe> !y are usually travel+ n fa/] ?an a mile a second4 ,! c\rses ( _m h be5 trac$ by obs]v]s situat$ along _! track at v>i\s po9ts1 & ?us a k has be5 obta9$ ( _! height above ! gr\nd dur+ _! flight & ( ! l5g? ( _! visible c\rses4 ,!y g5]ally appe> at an elevation ( eighty or a hundr$ miles1 & are seldom visible aft] hav+ desc5d$ to )9 five miles ( ! gr\nd1 unless ! obs]v] happ5s to be ne> ! /rik+-po9t1 :5 he may actually witness ! fall4 ,frequ5tly !y bur/ :ile high 9 ! air & _! fragm5ts are scatt]$ l %rapnel ov] ! surface ( ! gr\nd1 sometimes cov]+ an area ( sev]al squ>e miles1 b ( c\rse n ?ickly2 diff]5t fragm5ts ( ! same meteorite may rea* ! gr\nd at po9ts sev]al miles ap>t4 ,! obs]v$ l5g? ( _! c\rses 9 ! atmosph]e v>ies f fifty to five hundr$ miles4 ,if !y cont9u$ a long "t 9 flight aft] ent]+ ! air1 ev5 ! l>ge/ ( !m w\ld probably be consum$ to ! la/ scrap1 b _! fi]y c>e] is s %ort on acc\nt ( _! great spe$ t ! heat does n h "t to p5etrate v deeply1 & "s t h be5 pick$ up imm$iately aft] _! fall h be5 f\nd cold z ice )94 ,_! size aft] rea*+ ! gr\nd is v>iable )9 wide limits2 "s are kn[n :i* weigh sev]al tons1 b ! great majority weigh only a few p\nds & _m only a few ounces4 ,meteorites are ( two k9ds3 /ony meteorites & iron meteorites4 ,! =m] outnumb] ! latt] tw5ty to "o2 b _m /one meteorites conta9 gra9s ( iron4 ,nickel is commonly f\nd 9 iron meteorites1 s t x might be said t t r$\btable alloy nickel-/eel is ( cosmical inv5tion4 ,"s tw5ty-five *emical elem5ts h be5 f\nd 9 meteorites1 includ+ c>bon & ! 8sun-metal10 helium4 ,! pres5ce ( ! latt] is c]ta9ly highly sugge/ive 9 connection ) ! "q ( ! orig9 ( meteorites4 ,! iron meteorites1 besides metallic iron & nickel1 ( :i* !y are almo/ entirely compos$1 conta9 hydrog51 helium1 & c>bonic oxide1 & ab\t ! only imag9able way 9 :i* ^! gases c\ld h become absorb$ 9 ! iron w\ld be ?r\gh ! imm]sion ( ! latt] :ile 9 a molt5 or vaporiz$ /ate 9 a hot & d5se atmosph]e compos$ ( !m1 a condition :i* we "k to exi/ only 9 ! envelopes ( ! sun & ! />s4 ,! exi/5ce ( c>bon 9 ! ,canyon ,diablo iron meteorites is att5d$ by a circum/ance ( ! mo/ s+ul> "*--a v 8fairy tale ( sci5ce40 ,9 "s cases ! c>bon has become diamond6 ,^! meteoric diamonds are v small2 nev]!less1 !y are true diamonds1 resembl+ 9 _m ways ! little black gems produc$ by ,moissan's me?od ) ! aid ( ! electric furnace4 ,! fact t !y are f\nd emb$d$ 9 ^! iron meteorites is ano!r argum5t 9 favor ( ! hypo!sis ( ! sol> or /ell> orig9 ( ! latt]4 ,to appreciate ?is x is necess>y to recall ! way 9 :i* ,moissan made 8 diamonds4 ,x 0 by a comb9ation ( ! effects ( great heat1 great pressure1 & sudd5 or rapid sup]ficial cool+ on a mass ( iron conta9+ c>bon4 ,:5 he f9ally broke op5 8 iron he f\nd x a pudd+ /uff$ ) m9iature black diamonds4 ,:5 a fragm5t ( ! ,canyon ,diablo meteoric iron 0 poli%$ 9 ,philadelphia ov] fifte5 ye>s ago x cut ! em]y-:eel to pieces1 & exam9ation %[$ t ! damage _h be5 effect$ by microscopic diamonds pepp]$ ?r\gh ! mass4 ,h[ 7 ^? diamonds =m$8 ,if ! sun or ,sirius 0 ! laboratory t prep>$ !m1 we c get a glimpse at ! process ( _! =mation4 ,!re is pl5ty ( heat1 pl5ty ( pressure1 & an abundance ( vaporiz$ iron 9 ! sun & ! />s4 ,:5 a great sol> eruption takes place1 masses ( iron :i* h absorb$ c>bon may be %ot out ) a velocity :i* =bids _! return4 ,plung$ into ! frightful cold ( space1 _! surfaces are quickly cool$1 z ,moissan cool$ 8 prep>$ iron by ?r[+ x into wat]1 & ?us ! requisite /ress is set up )91 &1 z ! iron solidifies1 ! includ$ c>bon cry/allizes into diamonds4 ,:e!r ?is explanation has a g]m ( tru? 9 x or n1 at any rate x is evid5t t iron meteorites 7 n creat$ 9 ! =m 9 :i* !y come to u2 !y mu/ once h be5 p>ts ( immeasurably m massive bodies ?an !mselves4 ,! fall ( meteorites (f]s an appreciable1 ?\gh num]ically insignificant1 p]il to ! inhabitants ( ! e>?4 ,hi/orical records %[ p]haps ?ree or f\r in/ances ( p be+ kill$ by ^! bodies4 ,b = ! protection af=d$ by ! atmosph]e1 :i* acts z a v effective %ield1 ! dang] w\ld d\btless be v mu* great]4 ,9 ! abs5ce ( an atmosph]e n only w\ld m meteorites rea* ! gr\nd1 b _! /rik+ =ce w\ld be incomp>ably great]1 s9ce1 z we h se51 ! l>g] "p ( _! orig9al velocity is de/roy$ by ! resi/ance ( ! air4 ,a meteorite weigh+ _m tons & /rik+ ! e>? ) a velocity ( tw5ty or ?irty miles p] second1 w\ld probably cause frightful havoc4 ,illu/ration3 ,look+ across ,coon ,butte crat] f nor!rn rim ,x is a s+ul> fact t rec5t inve/igations seem to h prov$ t an ev5t ( ?is k9d actually happ5$ 9 ,nor? ,am]ica--p]haps n long] ?an a ?\s& or two ?\s& ye>s ago4 ,! sc5e ( ! suppos$ cata/rophe is 9 nor!rn c5tral ,arizona1 at ,coon ,butte1 :]e !re is a ne>ly circul> crat] 9 ! middle ( a circul> elevation or small m\nta94 ,! crat] is some:at ov] f\r ?\s& feet 9 diamet]1 & ! surr\nd+ rim1 =m$ ( upturn$ /rata & eject$ rock fragm5ts1 rises at its highe/ po9t "o hundr$ & sixty feet above ! pla94 ,! crat] is ab\t six hundr$ feet 9 dep?--t is1 f ! rim to ! visible floor or bottom ( ! crat]4 ,!re is no evid5ce t volcanic action has ev] tak5 place 9 ! imm$iate neighborhood ( ,coon ,butte4 ,! rock 9 :i* ! crat] has be5 made is compos$ ( horizontal s&/one & lime/one /rata4 ,betwe5 ?ree hundr$ & f\r hundr$ million tons ( rock fragm5ts h be5 deta*$1 & a l>ge portion hurl$ by "s cause out ( ! crat]4 ,^! fragm5ts lie conc5trically di/ribut$ ar\nd ! crat]1 & 9 l>ge measure =m ! elevation kn[n z ,coon ,butte4 ,! region has be5 fam\s = ne>ly tw5ty ye>s on acc\nt ( ! masses ( meteoric iron f\nd scatt]$ ab\t & kn[n z ! 8,canyon ,diablo0 meteorites4 ,x 0 "o ( ^! masses1 :i* consi/ ( nickel-iron conta9+ a small quantity ( plat9um1 & ( :i* 9 all "s t5 tons h be5 recov]$ = sale to ! v>i\s collectors ?r\gh\t ! _w1 t z be=e m5tion$ de/roy$ ! gr9d+-tool at ,philadelphia ?r\gh ! cutt+ p[] ( its emb$d$ diamonds4 ,^! meteoric irons are scatt]$ ab\t ! crat]-hill1 9 conc5tric di/ribution1 to a maximum di/ance ( ab\t five miles4 ,:5 ! sugge/ion 0 fir/ made 9 #ahif t a mon/] meteorite might h creat$ by its fall ?is s+ul> lone crat] 9 /ratifi$ rocks1 x 0 greet$ ) incr$ul\s smiles2 b s9ce !n ! matt] has assum$ a diff]5t aspect4 ,! ,/&>d ,iron ,company1 =m$ by ,messrs4 ,d4 ,m4 ,b>r+]1 ,b4 ,c4 ,tilghman1 ,e4 ,j4 ,b5nitt1 & ,s4 ,j4 ,hols+]1 hav+ become1 9 #aijc1 ! own] ( ?is freak ( nature1 sunk %afts & bor$ holes to a great dep? 9 ! int]ior ( ! crat]1 & also tr5*$ ! slopes ( ! m\nta91 & ! result ( _! inve/igations has prov$ t ! meteoric hypo!sis ( orig9 is correct4 7,see ! pap]s publi%$ 9 ! ,proce$+s ( ! ,academy ( ,natural ,sci5ces ( ,philadelphia1 ,decemb]1 #aije1 :]e9 x is prov$ t ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,geological ,survey 0 wrong 9 believ+ ?is crat] to h be5 due to a /eam explosion4 ,s9ce t date !re has be5 discov]$ a great am\nt ( additional confirmatory pro(74 ,mat]ial ( unmi/akably meteoric orig9 0 f\nd by means ( ! drills1 mix$ ) cru%$ rock1 to a dep? ( six hundr$ to sev5 hundr$ feet bel[ ! floor ( ! crat]1 & a great deal ( x has be5 f\nd admix$ ) ! eject$ rock fragm5ts on ! out] slopes ( ! m\nta91 absolutely prov+ syn*ronism betwe5 ! two ev5ts1 ! =mation ( ?is great crat] & ! fall+ ( ! meteoric iron out ( ! sky4 ,! drill locat$ 9 ! bottom ( ! crat] 0 s5t1 9 a numb] ( cases1 mu* deep] 7ov] "o ?\s& feet7 into unalt]$ horizontal r$ s&/one /rata1 b no meteoric mat]ial 0 f\nd bel[ ?is dep? 7sev5 hundr$ feet1 or betwe5 elev5 & twelve hundr$ feet bel[ ! level ( ! surr\nd+ pla971 :i* has be5 assum$ z be+ ab\t ! limit ( p5etration4 ,x is n possible to s9k a %aft at pres5t1 ow+ to ! wat] :i* has dra9$ into ! crat]1 & :i* =ms1 ) ! f9ely pulv]iz$ s&/one1 a v tr\blesome quicks& enc\nt]$ at ab\t two hundr$ feet bel[ ! visible floor ( ! crat]4 ,z soon z ?is wat] is remov$ by pump+ x w be easy to explore ! dep?s ( ! crat] by means ( %afts & drifts4 ,! rock /rata 7s&/one & lime/one7 ( :i* ! walls consi/ pres5t e appe>ance ( hav+ be5 viol5tly upturn$ by a huge body p5etrat+ ! e>? l a cannon-ball4 ,! g5]al aspect ( ! crat] /rik+ly resembles ! impression made by a /eel projectile %ot into an armor-plate4 ,mr ,tilghman has e/imat$ t a meteorite ab\t five hundr$ feet 9 diamet] & mov+ ) a velocity ( ab\t five miles p] second w\ld h made j su* a p]=ation ^u /rik+ rocks ( ! "* ( ^? f\nd at ?is place4 ,!re 0 "s fusion ( ! collid+ masses1 & ! heat produc$ "s /eam f ! small am\nt ( wat] 9 ! rocks4 ,z a result !re has be5 f\nd at dep? a consid]able am\nt ( fus$ qu>tz 7orig9al s&/one71 & ) x innum]able p>ticles or sp>ks ( fus$ nickel-iron 7orig9al meteorite74 ,a projectile ( t size p5etrat+ elev5 to twelve hundr$ feet into ! rocky %ell ( ! globe mu/ h produc$ a %ock :i* 0 p]ceptible sev]al hundr$ miles away4 ,illu/ration3 ,trail on s\? side1 ,coon ,butte crat] ,! great velocity ascrib$ to ! suppos$ meteorite at ! mom5t ( /rik+ c\ld be acc\nt$ = by ! fact t x probably plung$ ne>ly v]tically d[nw>d1 = x =m$ a circul> crat] 9 ! rocky cru/ ( ! e>?4 ,9 t case x w\ld h be5 less ret>d$ by ! resi/ance ( ! atmosph]e ?an are meteorites :i* ent] ! air at a l[] angle & %oot ahead hundr$s ( miles until friction has ne>ly de/roy$ _! orig9al motion :5 !y drop ^u ! e>?4 ,"s meteoric masses ( great size1 su* z ,pe>y's iron meteorite f\nd at ,cape ,york1 ,gre5l&1 & ! almo/ equally l>ge mass discov]$ at ,bacubirito1 ,mexico1 appe> to h p5etrat$ b slightly on /rik+ ! e>?4 ,?is may be expla9$ by suppos+ t !y pursu$ a long1 horizontal c\rse ?r\gh ! air be=e fall+4 ,! result w\ld be t1 _! orig9al velocity hav+ be5 practically de/roy$1 !y w\ld drop to ! gr\nd ) a velocity ne>ly correspond+ to t :i* gravity w\ld imp>t )9 ! p]p5dicul> di/ance ( _! f9al fall4 ,a six-hundr$-&-sixty-p\nd meteorite1 :i* fell at ,knyah9ya1 ,hung>y1 /rik+ at an angle ( #bg f ! v]tical1 p5etrat$ ! gr\nd to a dep? ( elev5 feet4 ,x has be5 rem>k$ t ! ,coon ,butte meteorite may h fall5 n long] ago ?an a few ?\s& ye>s4 ,?is is bas$ ^u ! fact t ! geological indications favor ! supposition t ! ev5t did n occur m ?an five ?\s& ye>s ago1 :ile on ! o!r h& ! r+s ( gr[? 9 ! c$>-trees gr[+ on ! slopes ( ! crat] %[ t !y h exi/$ !re ab\t sev5 hundr$ ye>s4 ,pr(4 ,william ,h4 ,pick]+ has rec5tly correlat$ ?is ) an anci5t *ronicle :i* /ates t at ,cairo1 ,egypt1 9 ! ye> #ajbi1 8_m />s pass$ ) a great noise40 ,he rem>ks t ,cairo is ab\t #ajj1 by great circle1 f ,coon ,butte1 s t if ! meteorite t made ! crat] 0 a memb] ( a flock ( simil> bodies :i* enc\nt]$ ! e>? mov+ 9 p>allel l9es1 "s ( !m might h trav]s$ ! sky tang5t to ! e>?'s surface at ,cairo4 ,t ! spectacle spok5 ( 9 ! *ronicle 0 caus$ by meteorites he deems exce$+ly probable because ( :at is said ab\t 8a great noise20 meteorites are ! only cele/ial ph5om5a att5d$ ) p]ceptible s\nds4 ,pr(essor ,pick]+ conjectures t ?is suppos$ flock ( great meteorites may h =m$ ! nucleus ( a comet :i* /ruck ! e>?1 & he f9ds confirmation ( ! idea 9 ! fact t out ( ! t5 l>ge/ meteorites kn[n1 no less ?an sev5 7 f\nd )9 n9e hundr$ miles ( ,coon ,butte4 ,x w\ld be int]e/+ if we c\ld trace back ! hi/ory ( t comet1 & f9d out :at malici\s planet caught x up 9 its innoc5t w&]+s & hurl$ x ) s true an aim at ! e>?6 ,?is rem>kable crat] is "o ( ! mo/ int]e/+ places 9 ! _w1 = !re is absolutely no record ( su* a mass1 possibly an iron-head$ comet1 f out] space hav+ come into collision ) our e>?4 ,! results ( ! future exploration ( ! dep?s ( ! crat] w be await$ ) mu* int]e/4 ,,xii ,! ,wreck+ ( ! ,moon ,!re are sympa!tic moods "u ^: influ5ce "o gazes ) a c]ta9 poignant t5d]ness at ! worn face ( ! moon2 t little 8fossil _w0 7! *ild ( our "m e>?1 too7 be>s su* t]rible sc>s ( its brief convulsive life t a s5se ( pity is awak5$ by ! sight4 ,! moon is ! wond]-l& ( ! telescope4 ,^? t[]+ m\nta9s1 ^: 8pr\d aspir+ peaks0 ca/ silh\ettes ( %ad[ t seem drawn ) india-ink2 ^? va/ pla9s1 en*a9$ ) g5tle w9d+ hills & bord]$ ) giant ranges2 ^? oval 8oceans10 :]e "o looks expectant = ! fla% ( w9d-:ipp$ waves2 ^? en*ant+ 8bays0 & recesses at ! seaw>d feet ( ! ,alps2 ^? broad /raits pass+ betwe5 gu>dian heights incomp>ably mighti] ?an ,gibralt>2 ^? locket-l valleys z seclud$ among _! m\nta9s z ! ,vale ( ,ca%m]e2 ^? colossal crat]s t make u smile at ! pret5sions ( ,vesuvius1 ,etna1 & ,cotopaxi2 ^? /range :ite ways :i* pass ) ! unconc]n ( ,roman roads across m\nta91 gorge1 & valley--all ^! give ! behold] an irresi/ible impression t x is truly a _w into :i* he is look+1 a _w ak9 to ours1 & yet no m l our _w ?an ,pompeii is l ,naples4 ,its air1 its wat]s1 its cl\ds1 its life are gone1 & only a skeleton rema9s--a mute b eloqu5t witness to a cosmical trag$y )\t p>allel 9 ! range ( human k4 ,"o _c b regret t ! moon1 if x ev] 0 ! seat ( intellig5t life1 has n rema9$ s until our "t4 ,?9k :at ! consequ5ces w\ld h be5 if ?is o!r _w at our v door _h be5 f\nd to be bo? habitable & inhabit$6 ,we talk r airily ( communicat+ ) ,m>s by signals2 b ,m>s nev] approa*es ne>] ?an #ce1jjj1jjj miles1 :ile ! moon :5 ne>e/ is only a little m ?an #bbj1jjj miles away4 ,giv5 an effective magnify+ p[] ( five ?\s& diamet]s1 :i* w p]haps be possible at ! m\nta9 obs]vatories z telescopes improve1 & we %\ld be able to br+ ! moon )9 an app>5t di/ance ( ab\t =ty miles1 :ile ! correspond+ di/ance = ,m>s w\ld be m ?an sev5 ?\s& miles4 ,b ev5 ) exi/+ telescopic p[]s we c see details on ! moon no l>g] ?an "s artificial con/ructions on ! e>?4 ,/ ,pet]'s at ,rome1 ) ! ,vatican palace & ! great piazza1 if exi/+ on ! moon1 w\ld unque/ionably be recognizable z some?+ else ?an a freak ( nature4 ,l>ge cities1 ) _! radiat+ l9es ( communication1 w\ld at once betray _! real "*4 ,cultivat$ tracts1 & ! *anges produc$ by ! int]f]5ce ( intellig5t be+s1 w\ld be cle>ly recognizable4 ,! electric illum9ation ( a l>ge t[n at night w\ld probably be m>k$ly visible4 ,gleams ( reflect$ sunlight w\ld come to u f ! surfaces ( ! lakes & oceans1 & a huge 8l9]0 trav]s+ a lun> sea c\ld probably be foll[$ by its trail ( smoke4 ,z to communications by 8wireless0 signals1 :i* c]ta9 en?usia/s h ?\ght ( 9 connection ) ,m>s1 9 ! case ( ! moon !y %\ld be a relatively simple matt]1 & ! feat might actually be accompli%$4 ,?9k :at a lit]ature w\ld gr[ up ab\t ! moon if x 7 a liv+ _w6 ,its v diff]5ces f ! e>? w\ld only acc5tuate its int]e/ = u4 ,night & day on ! moon are ea* two weeks 9 l5g?2 h[ int]e/+ x w\ld be to wat* ! mann] 9 :i* ! lun>ians dealt ) su* a situation z t4 ,lun> & t]re/rial hi/ory w\ld keep /ep ) ea* o!r1 & we %\ld record !m bo?4 ,truly "o might well wi% to h a neighbor _w to /udy2 "o w\ld feel s mu* ! less alone 9 space4 ,x is n impossible t ! moon did at "o "t h inhabitants ( "s k9d4 ,b1 if s1 !y vani%$ ) ! disappe>ance ( its atmosph]e & seas1 or ) ! adv5t ( its cataclysmic age4 ,at ! be/1 its c>e] z a liv+ _w mu/ h be5 brief4 ,if ! wat] & air 7 gradually absorb$1 z "s h conjectur$1 by its cool+ int]ior rocks1 its surface might1 nev]!less1 h reta9$ !m = long ages2 b if1 z o!rs ?9k1 _! disappe>ance 0 due to ! escape ( _! gase\s molecules 9 consequ5ce ( ! inability ( ! relatively small lun> gravitation to reta9 !m1 !n ! f9al cata/rophe mu/ h be5 z swift z x 0 inevitable4 ,accept+ ,d>w9's hypo!sis1 t ! moon 0 sep>at$ f ! e>? by tidal action :ile bo? 7 yet pla/ic or nebul\s1 we may reasonably conclude t x began its c>e] ) a good supply ( bo? wat] & air1 b did n possess suffici5t mass to hold !m p]man5tly4 ,yet x may h reta9$ !m long en\gh = life to develop 9 _m =ms ^u its surface2 9 fact1 !re are s _m indications t air & wat] h n always be5 lack+ to ! lun> _w t we are driv5 to inv5t !ories to expla9 bo? _! =m] pres5ce & _! pres5t abs5ce4 ,illu/ration3 ,! crat]s ,clavius1 ,longomontanus1 ,ty*o1 etc4 ,b :atev] ! =m] condition ( ! moon may h be51 its exi/+ appe>ance gives x a resi/less fasc9ation1 & x be>s s cle>ly ! /ory ( a va/ cata/rophe sculptur$ on its rocky face t ! ?\ghtful obs]v] _c look ^u x )\t a feel+ ( awe4 ,! gigantic "* ( ! lun> features impresses ! behold] n less ?an ! univ]sality ( ! play ( de/ructive =ces :i* !y atte/4 ,let u make a few comp>isons4 ,take ! lun> crat] call$ 8,ty*o01 :i* is a typical example ( its k9d4 ,9 ! telescope ,ty*o appe>s z a p]fect r+ surr\nd+ a circul> depression1 9 ! c5t] ( :i* rises a gr\p ( m\nta9s4 ,its sup]ficial resemblance to "s t]re/rial volcanic crat]s is v /rik+4 ,vesuvius1 se5 f a po9t v]tically above1 w\ld no d\bt look some?+ l t 7! resemblance w\ld h be5 great] :5 ! ,monte del ,cavallo =m$ a m complete circuit ab\t ! crat] cone74 ,b comp>e ! dim5sions4 ,! rema9s ( ! out] crat] r+ ( ,vesuvius are p]haps half a mile 9 diamet]1 :ile ! active crat] itself is only two or ?ree hundr$ feet across at ! mo/2 ,ty*o has a diamet] ( fifty-f\r miles6 ,! gr\p ( relatively insignificant peaks 9 ! c5t] ( ! crat] floor ( ,ty*o is f> m massive ?an ! entire m\nta9 t we call ,vesuvius4 ,! l>ge/ kn[n volcanic crat] on ! e>?1 ,aso ,san1 9 ,japan1 has a diamet] ( sev5 miles2 x w\ld take sixty crat]s l ,aso ,san to equal ,ty*o 9 area6 ,& ,ty*o1 ?\gh "o ( ! mo/ p]fect1 is by no means ! l>ge/ crat] on ! moon4 ,ano!r1 call$ 8,!ophilus10 has a diamet] ( sixty-f\r miles1 & is eighte5 ?\s& feet deep4 ,!re are hundr$s f t5 to =ty miles 9 diamet]1 & ?\s&s f "o to t5 miles4 ,!y are s num]\s 9 _m places t !y break into "o ano!r1 l ! cells ( a cru%$ honeycomb4 ,! lun> crat]s diff] f ^? ( ! e>? m fundam5tally ?an 9 ! matt] ( m]e size2 !y are n situat$ on ! tops ( m\nta9s4 ,if !y 71 & if all ! proportions 7 ! same1 a crat] l ,ty*o might cr[n a conical peak fifty or "o hundr$ miles high6 ,in/ead ( be+ cavities 9 ! summits ( m\nta9s1 ! lun> crat]s are r gigantic s9k-holes ^: bottoms 9 _m cases lie two or ?ree miles bel[ ! g5]al surface ( ! lun> _w4 ,ar\nd _! rims ! rocks are pil$ up to a height ( f a few hundr$ to two or ?ree ?\s& feet1 ) a comp>atively g5tle incl9ation1 b on ! inn] side !y fall away 9 gigantic brok5 precipices :i* make ! dizzy cliffs ( ! ,matt]horn seem b 8lov]'s leaps40 ,d[n !y drop1 ridge bel[ ridge1 crag "u crag1 tott]+ wall b5ea? wall1 until1 9 a crat] nam$ 8,newton10 ne> ! s\? lun> pole1 !y atta9 a dep? :]e ! rays ( ! sun nev] rea*4 ,no?+ m frightful ?an ! spectacle :i* _m ( ^! t]rible *asms pres5t c be pictur$ by ! imag9ation4 ,z ! lazy lun> day sl[ly advances1 ! sun%9e1 unmitigat$ by cl\ds or atmosph]ic veil ( any k9d1 creeps across _! rims & beg9s to desc5d ! opposite walls4 ,pres5tly x /rikes ! ragg$ cre/ ( a ridge :i* _h la9 hidd5 9 su* d>kness z we nev] "k on ! e>?1 & runs along x l a l9e ( k9dl+ fire4 ,rocky p9nacles & ne$les %oot up into ! sunlight out ( ! black dep?s4 ,d[n s9ks ! l9e ( light1 mile aft] mile1 & cont9ually new precipices & cliffs are br\ght into view1 until at la/ ! va/ floor is atta9$ & beg9s to be illum9at$4 ,9 ! mean:ile ! sun's rays1 d>t+ across ! gulf1 h t\*$ ! summits ( ! c5tral peaks1 tw5ty or ?irty miles f ! crat]'s inmo/ edge1 & !y imm$iately k9dle & blaze l huge />s amid ! d>kness4 ,s pr(\nd are "s ( ^! awful crat]s t days pass be=e ! sun has ris5 high en\gh above !m to *ase ! la/ %ad[s f _! dep?s4 ,al?\gh sev]al long ranges ( m\nta9s resembl+ ^? ( ! e>? exi/ on ! moon1 ! great majority ( its elevations assume ! crat]i=m aspect4 ,sometimes1 in/ead ( a crat]1 we f9d an imm5se m\nta9 r+ ^: =m & aspect h>dly sugge/ volcanic action4 ,b ev]y:]e ! true crat]s are 9 evid5ce1 ev5 on ! sea-b$s1 al?\gh !y atta9 _! greate/ numb] & size on ^? p>ts ( ! moon--cov]+ sixty p] c5t ( its visible surface--:i* are di/9ctly m\nta9\s 9 "* & :i* con/itute its mo/ brilliant portions4 ,broadly speak+1 ! s\?we/]n half ( ! moon is ! mo/ m\nta9\s & brok51 & ! nor!a/]n half ! lea/ s4 ,"r d[n ?r\gh ! c5t]1 f pole to pole1 runs a wond]ful l9e ( crat]s & crat]i=m valleys ( a magnitude /up5d\s ev5 = ! moon4 ,ano!r simil> l9e foll[s ! we/]n edge4 ,?ree or f\r 8seas0 are ?ru/ betwe5 ^! m\nta9\s belts4 ,by ! effects ( 8libration0 p>ts ( ! opposite hemisph]e ( ! moon :i* is turn$ away f ! e>? are f "t to "t br\ght into view1 & _! aspect indicates t t hemisph]e resembles 9 its surface features ! "o :i* faces ! e>?4 ,!re are _m ?+s ab\t ! crat]s :i* seem to give "s w>rant = ! hypo!sis :i* has be5 p>ticul>ly urg$ by ,mr ,g4 ,k4 ,gilb]t1 t !y 7 =m$ by ! impact ( meteors2 b !re are also _m ?+s :i* militate aga9/ t idea1 &1 ^u ! :ole1 ! volcanic !ory ( _! orig9 is to be pref]r$4 ,! enorm\s size ( ! lun> volcanoes is n s difficult to acc\nt = :5 we rememb] h[ slight is ! =ce ( lun> gravity z comp>$ ) t ( ! e>?4 ,) equal size & d5sity1 bodies on ! moon weigh only "o-six? z mu* z on ! e>?4 ,impell$ by ! same =ce1 a projectile t w\ld g t5 miles on ! e>? w\ld g sixty miles on ! moon4 ,a lun> giant ?irty-five feet tall w\ld weigh no m ?an an ord9>y son ( ,adam weighs on 8 great] planet4 ,to %oot a body f ! e>? s t x w\ld n drop back aga91 we %\ld h to />t x ) a velocity ( sev5 miles p] second2 a mile & a half p] second w\ld s]ve on ! moon4 ,x is by no means difficult to believe1 !n1 t a lun> volcano might =m a crat] r+ eight or t5 times broad] ?an ! greate/ to be f\nd on ! e>?1 especially :5 we reflect t 9 addition to ! relatively slight =ce ( gravity1 ! mat]ials ( ! lun> cru/ are probably light] ?an ^? ( our t]re/rial rocks4 ,illu/ration3 ,we/]n "p ( ! ,m>e ,s]5itatis ,= simil> reasons x seems n impossible t ! !ory m5tion$ 9 a =m] *apt]--t "s ( ! meteorites t h fall5 ^u ! e>? orig9at$ f ! lun> volcanoes--is well f\nd$4 ,?is w\ld apply especially to ! /ony meteorites1 = x is h>dly to be suppos$ t ! moon1 at lea/ 9 its sup]ficial p>ts1 conta9s mu* iron4 ,x is surely a sc5e mo/ /range t is ?us pres5t$ to ! m9d's eye--t little att5dant ( ! e>?'s 7! moon has only "o-fiftie? ( ! volume1 & only "o-eightie? ( ! mass ( ! e>?7 fir+ great /ones back at its p>5t planet6 ,& :at c h be5 ! cause ( ?is furi\s outbreak ( volcanic =ces on ! moon8 ,evid5tly x 0 b a pass+ /age 9 its hi/ory2 x _h enjoy$ m quiet times be=e4 ,z x cool$ d[n f ! pla/ic /ate 9 :i* x p>t$ f ! e>?1 x became incru/$ aft] ! normal mann] ( a planet1 & !n oceans 7 =m$1 its atmosph]e be+ suffici5tly d5se to prev5t ! wat] f evaporat+ & ! w\ld-be oceans f disappe>+ cont9ually 9 mi/4 ,?is1 if any1 mu/ h be5 ! p]iod ( life 9 ! lun> _w4 ,z we look ^u ! ve/iges ( t anci5t _w buri$ 9 ! wreck t n[ cov]s s mu* ( its surface1 x is difficult to re/ra9 ! imag9ation f pictur+ ! sc5es :i* 7 once pres5t$ !re2 &1 9 su* a case1 %\ld ! imag9ation be fett]$8 ,we give x free re9 9 t]re/rial life1 & x rew>ds u ) "s ( our greate/ intellectual pleasures4 ,! wond]ful l&scapes ( ! moon (f] x an ideal field ) j en\gh half-hidd5 sugge/ions ( facts to /imulate its p[]s4 ,! great pla9s ( ! ,m>e ,imbrium & ! ,m>e ,s]5itatis 7! 8,sea ( ,%[]s0 & ! 8,sea ( ,s]5ity071 bord]$ 9 "p by l(ty m\nta9 ranges precisely l t]re/rial m\nta9s1 scallop$ along _! %ores ) beautiful bays curv+ back into ! adjo9+ highl&s1 & unit$ by a great /rait pass+ betwe5 ! ne>ly abutt+ ends ( ! 8,lun> ,ap5n9es0 & ! 8,lun> ,caucasus10 (f] ! elem5ts ( a sc5e ( _w beauty su* z x w\ld be difficult to mat* ^u our planet4 ,look at ! f9ely modulat$ bottom ( ! anci5t sea 9 ,mr ,rit*ey's exquisite photograph ( ! we/]n "p ( ! ,m>e ,s]5itatis1 :]e "o seems to see ! play ( ! wat]y curr5ts heap+ ! ocean s&s 9 wav+ l9es1 mak+ %all[s1 b>s1 & deeps = ! m>9] to avoid or seek1 & af=d+ a playgr\nd = ! creatures ( ! ma94 ,:at geologi/ w\ld n wi% to try 8 hamm] on ^? rocks ) _! /ony pages ( fossiliz$ hi/ory8 ,!re is 9 u an in/9ct :i* =bids u to ?9k t !re 0 nev] any life !re4 ,if we c\ld visit ! moon1 !re is n among u a p]son s prosaic & unimag9ative t he w\ld n1 ! v fir/ ?+1 beg9 to se>* = traces ( its inhabitants4 ,we w\ld look = !m 9 ! deposits on ! sea bottoms2 we w\ld exam9e ! %ores :]ev] ! configuration seem$ favorable = h>bors & ! sites ( m>itime cities--=gett+ t x may be a little ridicul\s to ascribe to ! anci5t lun>ians ! same ideas t h gov]n$ ! developm5t ( our race2 we w\ld se>* ?r\gh ! valleys & along ! seem+ c\rses ( vani%$ /reams2 we w\ld explore ! m\nta9s1 n ! t]rible crat]s1 b ! p9nacl$ *a9s t recall our own ,alps & ,rockies2 seek+ ev]y:]e "s ve/ige ( ! trans=m+ pres5ce ( intellig5t life4 ,p]haps we %\ld f9d su* traces1 & p]haps1 ) all our se>*+1 we %\ld f9d no?+ to sugge/ t life _h ev] exi/$ amid t univ]sal ru94 ,illu/ration3 ,m>e ,tranquilitatis & surr\nd+s ,look aga9 at ! bord] ( ! 8,sea ( ,s]5ity0--:at a "n = su* a sc5e6--& obs]ve h[ x has be5 r5t ) almo/ inconceivable viol5ce1 ! wall ( ! colossal crat] ,posidonius dropp+ v]tically ^u ! anci5t %ore & oblit]at+ x1 :ile its giant neighbor1 ,le ,monni]1 op5s a yawn+ m\? z if to swall[ ! sea itself4 ,a sc5e l ?is makes "o "q :e!r1 aft] all1 ^? may n be "r :o h imag9$ t ! s-call$ sea bottoms are really va/ pla9s ( froz5 lava :i* gu%$ up 9 floods s ext5sive t ev5 ! mighty volcanoes 7 half dr[n$ 9 ! fi]y sea4 ,?is sugge/ion becomes ev5 /rong] :5 we turn to ano!r ( ! photographs ( ,mr ,rit*ey's wond]ful s]ies1 %[+ a "p ( ! ,m>e ,tranquilitatis 78,sea ( ,tranquility0674 ,notice h[ ne> ! c5t] ( ! picture ! outl9e ( a huge r+ ) radiat+ ridges %[s ?r\gh ! sea bottom2 a fossil volcano subm]g$ 9 a petrifi$ ocean6 ,?is is by no means ! only in/ance 9 :i* a buri$ _w %[s itself "u ! great lun> pla9s4 ,yet1 z ! new] crat]s 9 ! sea itself prove1 ! volcanic activity surviv$ ?is o!r cata/rophe1 or broke out aga9 subsequ5tly1 br++ m ru9 to pile ^u ru94 ,yet not)/&+ ! evid5ce :i* we h j be5 consid]+ 9 support ( ! hypo!sis t ! 8seas0 are lava floods1 ,messrs4 ,loewy & ,puiseux1 ! sel5ograph]s ( ! ,p>is ,obs]vatory1 are conv9c$ t ^! great pla9s be> *>act]i/ic m>ks ( ! =m] pres5ce ( imm5se bodies ( wat]4 ,9 t case we %\ld be =c$ to conclude t ! lat] oceans ( ! moon lay ^u va/ %eets ( solidifi$ lava2 & ?us ! cata/rophe ( ! lun> _w assumes a d\ble aspect1 ! e>lie/ oceans be+ swall[$ up 9 molt5 floods issu+ f ! int]ior1 :ile ! l&s 7 r$uc$ to *aos by a univ]sal eruption ( trem5d\s volcanoes2 & !n a p]iod ( comp>ative quiet foll[$1 dur+ :i* new seas 7 =m$1 & new life p]haps began to fl\ri% 9 ! lun> _w1 only to end 9 ano!r cataclysm1 :i* f9ally put a t]m to ! exi/5ce ( ! moon z a life-support+ _w4 ,suppose we exam9e two m ( ,mr ,rit*ey's illum9at+ photographs1 &1 fir/1 ! "o %[+ ! crat] ,!ophilus & its surr\nd+s4 ,we h spok5 ( ,!ophilus be=e1 cit+ ! facts t x is sixty-f\r miles 9 diamet] & eighte5 ?\s& feet deep4 ,x w be notic$ t x has two bro!r giants--,cyrillus ! ne>]1 & ,ca?>9a ! m di/ant2 b ,!ophilus is pla9ly ! y\nge/ ( ! trio4 ,c5turies1 & p]haps ?\s&s ( ye>s1 mu/ h elaps$ betwe5 ! p]iods ( _! upheaval1 = ! two old] crat]s are p>tly fill$ ) dbris1 :ile x is manife/ at a glance t :5 ! s\? ea/]n wall ( ,!ophilus 0 =m$1 x broke away & de/roy$ a "p ( ! m anci5t r+ ( ,cyrillus4 ,!re is no m trem5d\s sc5e on ! moon ?an ?is2 view$ ) a p[]ful telescope1 x is absolutely appall+4 ,illu/ration3 ,lun> crat]s ,!ophilus & surr\nd+ region ,! next photograph %[s1 if possible1 a /ill wild] region4 ,x is ! "p ( ! moon ly+ betwe5 ,ty*o & ! s\? pole4 ,ty*o is se5 9 ! l[] left-h& "p ( ! picture4 ,to ! "r1 at ! edge ( ! illum9at$ portion ( ! moon1 are ! crat]-r+s1 ,longomontanus & ,wilhelm ,i1 ! =m] be+ ! l>g]4 ,betwe5 !m are to be se5 ! ru9s ( two or ?ree m anci5t crat]s :i*1 toge!r ) portions ( ! walls ( ,wilhelm ,i & ,longomontanus1 h be5 honeycomb$ ) small] crat]s4 ,! va/ crat]i=m depression above ! c5t] ( ! picture is ,clavius1 an unrival$ wond] ( lun> sc5]y1 a hundr$ & =ty-two miles 9 its greate/ l5g?1 :ile its :ole imm5se floor has sunk two miles bel[ ! g5]al surface ( ! moon outside ! r+4 ,! mon/r\s %ad[-fill$ cavity above ,clavius t[>d ! "r is ,blancanus1 ^: aspect "h gives a good idea ( ! appe>ance ( ^! *asms :5 only _! rims are 9 ! sunlight4 ,b obs]ve ! indescribable savag]y ( ! entire sc5e4 ,x looks z ?\gh ! _s ( de/ruction _h gone mad 9 ?is spot4 ,! mighty crat]s h brok5 =? "o aft] ano!r1 ea* r5d+ its pr$ecessor2 & :5 _! "w 0 f9i%$1 a m9or b yet trem5d\s outbreak occurr$1 & ! face ( ! moon 0 gor$ & punctur$ ) ?\s&s ( small] crat]s4 ,^! relatively small crat]s 7small1 h[ev]1 only 9 a lun> s5se1 = _m ( !m w\ld appe> gigantic on ! e>?7 recall once m ! !ory ( meteoric impact4 ,x does n seem impossible t "s ( !m may h be5 =m$ by su* an ag5cy4 ,"o w\ld n wi% = our planet su* a fate z t :i* has ov]tak5 ! moon1 b we _c be absolutely sure t some?+ ( ! k9d may n be 9 /ore = x4 ,we really "k no?+ ( ! ultimate causes ( volcanic activity1 & "s h sugge/$ t ! int]nal en]gies ( ! e>? may be accumulat+ in/ead ( dy+ out1 & may nev] yet h exhibit$ _! utmo/ de/ructive p[]4 ,p]haps ! be/ assurance t we c f9d t ! e>? w escape ! cata/rophe t has ov]tak5 its satellite is to be f\nd 9 ! relatively great =ce ( its gravitation4 ,! moon has be5 ! victim ( its weakness2 giv5 equal =ces1 & ! e>? w\ld be ! bett] able to )/& !m4 ,x is significant1 9 connection ) ^! consid]ations1 t ! little planet ,m]cury1 :i* seems also to h p>t$ ) its air & wat]1 %[s to ! telescope "s indications t x is pitt$ ) crat]s resembl+ ^? t h torn to pieces ! face ( ! moon4 ,^u ! :ole1 aft] /udy+ ! dreadful lun> l&scapes1 "o _c feel a v en?usia/ic sympa?y ) ^? :o are seek+ indications ( ! cont9u$ exi/5ce ( "s k9d ( life on ! moon2 su* a _w is bett] )\t inhabitants4 ,x has met its fate2 let x g6 ,=tunately1 x is n s ne> t x _c hide its sc>s & appe> beautiful--except :5 curiosity impels u to look ) ! p5etrat+ eyes ( ! a/ronom]4 ,illu/ration3 ,m>e ,crisium ,,xiii ,! ,great ,m>s ,problem ,let any ?\ghtful p]son :o is acqua9t$ ) ! g5]al facts ( a/ronomy look up at ! heav5s "s night :5 !y appe> 9 _! greate/ spl5dor1 & ask himself :at is ! /ronge/ impression t !y make ^u 8 m9d4 ,he may n f9d x easy to frame an answ]1 b :5 he has succe$$ x w probably be to ! effect t ! />s give him an impression ( ! univ]sality ( intellig5ce2 !y make him feel1 z ! sun & ! moon _c d1 t 8 _w is n alone2 t all ?is 0 n made simply to =m a gorge\s canopy ov] ! t5ts ( m54 ,if he is ( a dev\t turn ( m9d1 he ?9ks1 z he gazes into ^? fa?omless deeps & among ^? bewild]+ ho/s1 ( ! inf9ite multitude ( creat$ be+s t ! ,almighty has tak5 "u 8 c>e4 ,! n>r[ ideas ( ! old geoc5tric !ology1 :i* made ! e>? ,god's especial foot/ool1 & man 8 only rational creature1 fall away f him l a veil t _h obscur$ 8 vision2 !y are impossible 9 ! pres5ce ( :at he sees above4 ,?us ! natural t5d5cy1 9 ! light ( mod]n progress1 is to reg>d ! univ]se z ev]y:]e fill$ ) life4 ,b sci5ce1 :i* is responsible = ?is broad5+ ( m5's ?\ghts conc]n+ ! univ]sality ( life1 itself proce$s to set limits4 ,( spiritual exi/5ces x pret5ds to "k no?+1 b z to physical be+s1 x decl>es t x c only ent]ta9 ! supposition ( _! exi/5ce :]e x f9ds evid5ce ( an environm5t suit$ to _! ne$s1 & su* environm5t may n ev]y:]e exi/4 ,sci5ce1 ?\gh repell$ by ! antiquat$ !ological conception ( ! supreme isolation ( man among creat$ be+s1 reg>ds ) complac5cy ! probability t !re are regions 9 ! univ]se :]e no organic life exi/s1 />s :i* %9e ^u no inhabit$ worlds1 & planets :i* n\ri% no animate creatures4 ,! a/ronomical view ( ! univ]se is t x consi/s ( matt] 9 e /age ( evolution3 "s nebul\s & *aotic2 "s j cond5s+ into />s 7suns7 ( e magnitude & ord]2 "s %ap$ into f9i%$ sol> bodies surr\nd$ by dep5d5t planets2 "s =m+ />s t p]haps h no planets1 & w h none2 "s con/itut+ suns t are already ag+1 & w soon lose _! radiant en]gy & disappe>2 & "s aggregat$ into masses t long ago became in]t1 cold1 & rayless1 & t c only be revivifi$ by means ab\t :i* we c =m conjectures1 b ( :i* we actually "k no?+4 ,z ) ! />s1 s ) ! planets1 :i* are ! satellites ( />s4 ,all inve/igations unite to tell u t ! planets are n all 9 ! same /ate ( developm5t4 ,z "s are l>ge & "s small1 s "s are1 9 an evolution>y s5se1 "y1 & "s old4 ,z !y dep5d ^u ! suns ar\nd :i* !y revolve = _! light1 heat1 & o!r =ms ( radiant en]gy1 s _! condition v>ies ) _! di/ance f ^? suns4 ,_m may nev] arrive at a /ate suitable = ! ma9t5ance ( life ^u _! surfaces2 "s :i* are n at pres5t 9 su* a /ate may atta9 x lat]2 & ! =ms ( life !mselves may v>y ) ! peculi> environm5t t diff]5t planets af=d4 ,?us we see t we are n sci5tifically ju/ifi$ 9 affirm+ t life is ubiquit\s1 al?\gh we are ?us ju/ifi$ 9 say+ t x mu/ be1 9 a g5]al s5se1 univ]sal4 ,we might lik5 ! univ]se to a g>d5 kn[n to conta9 e v>iety ( plant4 ,if on ent]+ x we see no fl[]s1 we exam9e ! species be=e u & f9d t !y are n ( ^? :i* bloom at ?is p>ticul> season1 or p]haps !y are su* z nev] be> fl[]s4 ,yet we feel no d\bt t we %all f9d fl[]s some:]e 9 ! g>d51 because !re are species :i* bloom at ?is season1 & ! g>d5 conta9s all v>ieties4 ,:ile x is tacitly assum$ t !re are planets revolv+ ar\nd o!r />s ?an ! sun1 x w\ld be impossible = u to see !m ) any telescope yet inv5t$1 & no in/rum5t n[ 9 ! possession ( a/ronom]s c\ld assure u ( _! exi/5ce2 s ! only planet>y sy/em ( :i* we h visual k is our own4 ,exclud+ ! a/]oids1 :i* c\ld n f any po9t ( view be consid]$ z habitable1 we h 9 ! sol> sy/em eight planets ( v>i\s sizes & situat$ at v>i\s di/ances f ! sun4 ,( ^! eight we "k t "o1 ! e>?1 is inhabit$4 ,! "q1 !n1 arises3 ,are !re any ( ! o!rs :i* are inhabit$ or habitable8 ,s9ce x is our int5tion to discuss ! habitability ( only "o ( ! sev5 to :i* ! "q applies1 ! re/ may be dismiss$ 9 a few words4 ,! smalle/ ( !m1 & ! ne>e/ to ! sun1 is ,m]cury1 :i* is reg>d$ z un9habitable because x has no p]ceptible supply ( wat] & air1 & because1 ow+ to ! extraord9>y ecc5tricity ( its orbit1 x is subject$ to excessive & v rapid alt]ations 9 ! am\nt ( sol> heat & light p\r$ ^u its surface1 su* alt]ations be+ inconsi/5t ) ! supposition t x c support liv+ be+s4 ,ev5 its av]age temp]ature is m ?an six & a half times t prevail+ on ! e>?6 ,ano!r circum/ance :i* militates aga9/ its habitability is t1 accord+ to ! results ( ! be/ telescopic /udies1 x always keeps ! same face t[>d ! sun1 s t "o half ( ! planet is p]petually expos$ to ! fi]ce sol> rays1 & ! o!r half faces ! unmitigat$ cold ( op5 space4 ,v5us1 ! next 9 di/ance f ! sun1 is almo/ ! exact tw9 ( ! e>? 9 size1 & _m argum5ts may be urg$ 9 favor ( its habitability1 al?\gh x is suspect$ ( possess+ ! same peculi>ity z ,m]cury1 9 always keep+ ! same side sunw>d4 ,un=tunately its atmosph]e appe>s to be s d5se t no p]man5t m>k+s on its surface are c]ta9ly visible1 & ! "q ( its actual condition mu/1 = ! pres5t1 be left 9 abeyance4 ,m>s1 ! fir/ planet m di/ant f ! sun ?an ! e>?1 is ! special subject ( ?is *apt]1 & w be describ$ & discuss$ a few l9es fur!r on4 ,jupit]1 ,saturn1 ,uranus1 & ,neptune1 ! f\r giant planets1 all m di/ant ?an ,m>s1 & ea* m di/ant ?an ! o!r 9 ! ord] nam$1 are all reg>d$ z un9habitable because none ( !m appe>s to possess any degree ( solidity4 ,!y may h solid or liquid nuclei1 b ext]iorly !y seem to be m]e balls ( cl\d4 ,( c\rse1 "o c imag9e :at he pleases ab\t ! exi/5ce ( creatures suit$ to ! physical con/itution ( su* planets z ^!1 b !y mu/ be exclud$ f ! category ( habitable worlds 9 ! ord9>y s5se ( ! t]m4 ,we g back1 !n1 to ,m>s4 ,x w be be/ to beg9 ) a description ( ! planet4 ,m>s is #dbcj miles 9 diamet]2 its surface is n mu* m ?an "o-qu>t] z ext5sive z t ( ! e>? 74#bhe74 ,its mean di/ance f ! sun is #ada1ejj1jjj miles1 #dh1ejj1jjj miles great] ?an t ( ! e>?4 ,s9ce radiant en]gy v>ies inv]sely z ! squ>e ( di/ance1 ,m>s receives less ?an half z mu* sol> light & heat z ! e>? gets4 ,m>s' ye> 7p]iod ( revolution r\nd ! sun7 is #fhg days4 ,its mean d5sity is #ga p] c5t ( ! e>?'s1 & ! =ce ( gravity on its surface is #ch p] c5t ( t on ! surface ( ! e>?2 i4e41 a body weigh+ "o hundr$ p\nds on ! e>? w\ld1 if transport$ to ,m>s1 weigh b ?irty-eight p\nds4 ,! incl9ation ( its equator to ! plane ( its orbit diff]s v little f t ( ! e>?'s equator1 & its axial rotation occupies #bd h\rs #cg m9utes4 s t ! l5g? ( day & night1 & ! ext5t ( ! seasonal *anges on ,m>s1 are almo/ precisely ! same z on ! e>?4 ,b ow+ to ! great] l5g? ( its ye>1 ! seasons ( ,m>s1 :ile occurr+ 9 ! same ord]1 are almo/ twice z long z ours4 ,! surface ( ! planet is manife/ly solid1 l t ( our globe1 & ! telescope reveals _m p]man5t m>k+s on x1 recall+ ! appe>ance ( a globe on :i* geographical features h be5 repres5t$ 9 r$di% & dusky t9ts4 ,ar\nd ! poles are pla9ly to be se5 r\nd$ :ite areas1 :i* v>y 9 ext5t ) ! ,m>tian seasons1 ne>ly vani%+ 9 summ] & ext5d+ widely 9 w9t]4 ,! mo/ rec5t spectroscopic det]m9ations indicate t ,m>s has an atmosph]e p]haps z d5se z t to be f\nd on our l(tie/ m\nta9 peaks1 & !re is a p]ceptible am\nt ( wat]y vapor 9 ?is atmosph]e4 ,! surface ( ! planet appe>s to be rem>kably level1 & x has no m\nta9 ranges4 ,no evid5ces ( volcanic action h be5 discov]$ on ,m>s4 ,! dusky & r$di% areas 7 reg>d$ by ! e>ly obs]v]s z respectively seas & l&s1 b at pres5t x is n believ$ t !re are any bodies ( wat] on ! planet4 ,!re has nev] be5 mu* d\bt express$ t ! :ite areas ab\t ! poles repres5t sn[4 ,x w be se5 f ?is brief description t _m rem>kable resemblances exi/ betwe5 ,m>s & ! e>?1 & !re is no?+ wond]ful 9 ! fact t ! "q ( ! habitability ( ! =m] has become "o ( extreme & wide-spread int]e/1 giv+ rise to ! mo/ div]se views1 to _m extraord9>y speculations1 & sometimes to regrettably heat$ controv]sy4 ,! fir/ *ampion ( ! habitability ( ,m>s 0 ,sir ,william ,h]s*el1 al?\gh ev5 be=e 8 "t ! idea _h be5 sugge/$4 ,he 0 conv9c$ by ! revelations ( 8 telescopes1 cont9ually increas+ 9 p[]1 t ,m>s 0 m l ! e>? ?an any o!r planet4 ,he c\ld n resi/ ! te/imony ( ! pol> sn[s1 ^: sugge/ive conduct 0 9 su* /rik+ accord ) :at occurs ^u ! e>?4 ,gradually1 z telescopes improv$ & obs]v]s increas$ 9 numb]1 ! pr9cipal features ( ! planet 7 disclos$ & *>t$1 & 8areography10 z ! geography ( ,m>s 0 call$1 took its place among ! recogniz$ bran*es ( a/ronomical /udy4 ,b x 0 n be=e #ahgg t a fundam5tally new discov]y 9 areography gave a truly s5sational turn to speculation ab\t life on 8! r$ planet40 ,9 t ye> ,m>s made "o ( its ne>e/ approa*es to ! e>?1 & 0 s situat$ 9 its orbit t x c\ld be obs]v$ to great advantage f ! nor!rn hemisph]e ( ! e>?4 ,! celebrat$ ,italian a/ronom]1 ,s*iap>elli1 took advantage ( ?is opportunity to make a trigonometrical survey ( ! surface ( ,m>s--z coolly & confid5tly z if he 7 n tak+ 8 sights across a ?irty-five-million-mile gulf ( empty space--& 9 ! c\rse ( ?is survey he 0 a/oni%$ to p]ceive t ! r$di% areas1 !n call$ cont95ts1 7 cross$ 9 _m directions by n>r[1 dusky l9es1 to :i* he gave ! sugge/ive "n ( 8canals40 ,?us a k9d ( firebr& 0 ca/ into ! field ( a/ronomical speculation1 :i* has ev] s9ce produc$ disputes t h sometimes approa*$ ! viol5ce ( political faction4 ,at fir/ ! accuracy ( ,s*iap>elli's obs]vations 0 conte/$2 x requir$ a p[]ful telescope1 & ! mo/ excell5t 8see+10 to r5d] ! enigmatical l9es visible at all1 & _m se>*]s 7 unable to detect !m4 ,b ,s*iap>elli cont9u$ 8 /udies 9 ! s]5e sky ( ,italy1 & produc$ *>ts ( ! gridiron$ face ( ,m>s conta9+ s mu* a/oni%+ detail t "o _h ei!r to reject !m 9 toto or to confess t ,s*iap>elli 0 "r4 ,z subsequ5t favorable oppositions ( ,m>s occurr$1 o!r obs]v]s began to see ! 8canals0 & to confirm ! sub/antial accuracy ( ! ,italian a/ronom]'s "w1 & f9ally few 7 f\nd :o w\ld v5ture to affirm t ! 8canals0 did n exi/1 :atev] _! mean+ might be4 ,illu/ration3 ,s*iap>elli's *>t ( ,m>s1 %[+ ! s-call$ sy/em ( canals ,:5 ,s*iap>elli began 8 obs]vations x 0 g5]ally believ$1 z we h said1 t ! dusky areas on ,m>s 7 seas1 & s9ce ,s*iap>elli ?\ght t ! 8canals0 inv>iably began & end$ at ! %ores ( ! 8seas10 ! appropriat5ess ( ! title giv5 to ! l9es seem$ app>5t4 ,_! artificial "* 0 imm$iately assum$ by _m1 because !y 7 too /raight & too sugge/ively geometrical 9 _! arrangem5t to p]mit ! conclusion t !y 7 natural wat]c\rses4 ,a mo/ surpris+ circum/ance not$ by ,s*iap>elli 0 t ! 8canals0 made _! appe>ance aft] ! melt+ ( ! pol> sn[ 9 ! correspond+ hemisph]e _h begun1 & t !y grew d>k]1 long]1 & m num]\s 9 proportion z ! pol> liquidation proce$$2 ano!r v puzzl+ obs]vation 0 t _m ( !m became d\ble z ! season advanc$2 close beside an already exi/+ 8canal10 & 9 p]fect p>allelism ) x1 ano!r w\ld gradually make its appe>ance4 ,t ^! ph5om5a actually exi/$ & 7 n illusions 0 prov$ by lat] obs]vations1 & today !y are se5 :5ev] ,m>s is favorably situat$ = obs]vation4 ,9 ! clos+ decade ( ! n9ete5? c5tury1 ,mr ,p]cival ,l[ell took up ! "w :]e ,s*iap>elli _h virtually dropp$ x1 & soon add$ a great numb] ( 8canals0 to ^? previ\sly kn[n1 s t 9 8 *>ts ! surface ( ! wond]ful little planet appe>s cov]$ z ) a spid]'s web1 ! dusky l9es criss-cross+ 9 e direction1 ) conspicu\s knots :]ev] a numb] ( !m come toge!r4 ,mr ,l[ell has demon/rat$ t ! areas orig9ally call$ seas1 & ?us nam$ on ! e>li] *>ts1 are n bodies ( wat]1 :atev] else !y may be4 ,he has also f\nd t ! my/]i\s l9es d n1 z ,s*iap>elli suppos$1 beg9 & end at ! edges ( ! dusky regions1 b (t5 cont9ue on across !m1 rea*+ 9 "s cases f> up into ! pol> regions4 ,b ,s*iap>elli 0 "r 9 8 obs]vation t ! appe>ance ( ! 8canals0 is syn*ron\s ) ! gradual disappe>ance ( ! pol> sn[s1 & ?is fact has become ! basis ( ! mo/ extraord9>y !ory t ! subject ( life 9 o!r worlds has ev] giv5 bir? to4 ,n[1 ! effect ( su* discov]ies1 z we h relat$1 dep5ds ^u ! type ( m9d to ^: att5tion !y are call$4 ,_m are cont5t to accept !m z /range & inexplicable at pres5t1 & to wait = fur!r light ^u !m2 o!rs insi/ ^u an imm$iate inquiry conc]n+ _! probable nature & mean+4 ,su* an inquiry c only be bas$ ^u inf]5ce proce$+ f analogy4 ,m>s1 say ,mr ,l[ell & ^? :o are ( 8 op9ion1 is manife/ly a solidly incru/$ planet l ! e>?2 x has an atmosph]e1 ?\gh "o ( great r>ity2 x has wat] vapor1 z ! sn[s 9 !mselves prove2 x has ! alt]nation ( day & night1 & a succession ( seasons closely resembl+ ^? ( ! e>?2 its surface is sugge/ively divid$ into regions ( contra/+ colors & appe>ance1 & ^u t surface we see an imm5se numb] ( l9es geometrically arrang$1 ) a sy/em ( symmetrical int]sections :]e ! l9es exp& into circul> & oval areas--& all connect$ ) ! annual melt+ ( ! pol> sn[s 9 a way :i* irresi/ibly sugge/s ! int]f]5ce ( intellig5ce direct$ to a def9ite end4 ,:y1 ) s _m concurr5t circum/ances to support ! hypo!sis1 %\ld we n reg>d ,m>s z an inhabit$ globe8 ,b ! diff]5ces betwe5 ,m>s & ! e>? are 9 _m ways z /rik+ z _! resemblances4 ,m>s is relatively small2 x gets less ?an half z mu* light & heat z we receive2 its atmosph]e is s r>e t x w\ld be di/ress+ to u1 ev5 if we c\ld survive 9 x at all2 x has no lakes1 riv]s1 or seas2 its surface is an endless prairie4 & its 8canals0 are ph5om5a utt]ly unlike any?+ on ! e>?4 ,yet x is precisely ^u ^! div]g5ces betwe5 ! e>? & ,m>s1 ?is repudiation ( t]re/rial /&>ds1 t ! !ory ( 8life on ,m>s10 = :i* ,mr ,l[ell is ma9ly responsible1 is bas$4 ,because ,m>s is small] ?an ! e>?1 we are told x mu/ necess>ily be m advanc$ 9 planet>y evolution1 ! und]ly+ cause ( :i* is ! gradual cool+ & contraction ( ! planet's mass4 ,m>s has p>t$ ) its int]nal heat m rapidly ?an ! e>?2 consequ5tly its wat]s & its atmosph]e h be5 mo/ly )drawn by *emical comb9ations1 b en\gh ( bo? yet rema9 to r5d] life /ill possible on its surface4 ,z ! globe ( ,m>s is evolutionally old] ?an t ( ! e>?1 s its =ms ( organic life may be proportionally fur!r advanc$1 & its inhabitants may h atta9$ a degree ( cultivat$ intellig5ce mu* sup]ior to :at at pres5t exi/s ^u ! e>?4 ,und]/&+ ! nature & ! causes ( ! desiccation ( _! planet1 & possess+ eng9e]+ sci5ce & capabilities f> 9 advance ( ours1 !y may be conceiv$ to h grappl$ ) ! /up5d\s problem ( keep+ _! _w 9 a habitable condition z long z possible4 ,suppos+ !m to h become accu/om$ to live 9 _! r>efi$ atmosph]e 7a ?+ n inconceivable1 s9ce m5 c live = a "t at lea/ 9 air h>dly less r>e71 ! mo/ press+ problem = !m is t ( a wat]-supply1 )\t :i* plant life _c exi/1 :ile animal life 9 turn dep5ds = its exi/5ce ^u vegetation4 ,! only direction 9 :i* !y c seek wat] is t ( ! pol> regions1 :]e x is alt]nately cond5s$ into sn[ & releas$ 9 ! liquid =m by ! effect ( ! seasonal *anges4 ,x is1 !n1 to ! annual melt+ ( ! pol> sn[-fields t ! ,m>tian eng9e]s are suppos$ to h rec\rse 9 supply+ ! ne$s ( _! planet1 & ?us provid+ ! means ( prolong+ _! own exi/5ce4 ,x is imag9$ t !y h = ?is purpose con/ruct$ a /up5d\s sy/em ( irrigation ext5d+ ov] ! temp]ate & equatorial regions ( ! planet4 ,! 8canals0 repres5t ! l9es ( irrigation1 b ! n>r[ /reaks t we see are n ! canals !mselves1 b ! irrigat$ b&s cov]$ by !m4 ,_! d>k hue1 & _! gradual appe>ance aft] ! pol> melt+ has begun1 are due to ! gr[? ( vegetation /imulat$ by ! wat]4 ,! r\nd$ areas visible :]e sev]al 8canals0 meet & cross are call$ by ,mr ,l[ell 8oases40 ,^! are suppos$ to be ! pr9cipal c5t]s ( population & indu/ry4 ,x mu/ be confess$ t "s ( !m1 ) _! complicat$ sy/ems ( radiat+ l9es1 appe> to answ] v well to su* a !ory4 ,no attempt to expla9 !m by analogy ) natural ph5om5a on ! e>? has prov$ successful4 ,b a great difficulty yet rema9s3 ,h[ to expla9 ! seem+ly miracul\s p[]s ( ! suppos$ eng9e]s8 ,"h rec\rse is _h once m to ! relative smallness ( ! planet4 ,we h rem>k$ t ! =ce ( gravity on ,m>s is only ?irty-eight p] c5t ( t on ! e>?4 ,a /eam-%ovel driv5 by a c]ta9 horse-p[] w\ld be ne>ly ?ree times z effective !re z "h4 ,a man ( our /ature on ,m>s w\ld f9d 8 effective /r5g? increas$ 9 ! same proportion4 ,b j because ( ! slight =ce ( gravity !re1 a ,m>tian might atta9 to ! traditional /ature ( ,golia? )\t f9d+ 8 own weight an encumbrance to 8 activity1 :ile at ! same "t 8 huge muscles w\ld come into unimp$$ play1 enabl+ him s+le-h&$ to p]=m labors t w\ld be impossible to a :ole gang ( t]re/rial workm54 ,! effective p[]s ( huge ma*9es w\ld be increas$ 9 ! same way2 & to all ?is mu/ be add$ ! fact t ! mean d5sity ( ! mat]ials ( :i* ,m>s is compos$ is mu* less ?an t ( ! con/itu5ts ( ! e>?4 ,comb9+ all ^! consid]ations1 x becomes mu* less difficult to conceive t public works might be successfully und]tak5 on ,m>s :i* w\ld be hopelessly beyond ! limits ( human accompli%m5t4 ,c]ta9 o!r difficulties h also to be met2 z1 = in/ance1 ! relative coldness ( ! climate ( ,m>s4 ,at its di/ance x gets consid]ably less ?an half z mu* light & heat z we receive4 ,9 addition to ?is1 ! r>ity ( its atmosph]e w\ld naturally be expect$ to decrease ! effective temp]ature at ! planet's surface1 s9ce an atmosph]e acts some:at l ! glass cov] ( a hot-h\se 9 reta9+ ! sol> heat :i* has p5etrat$ x4 ,x has be5 calculat$ t1 unless !re are mitigat+ circum/ances ( :i* we "k no?+1 ! av]age temp]ature at ! surface ( ,m>s mu/ be f> bel[ ! freez+-po9t ( wat]4 ,to ?is x is repli$ t ! possible mitigat+ circum/ances spok5 ( evid5tly exi/ 9 fact1 because we c see t ! wat]y vapor cond5ses into sn[ ar\nd ! poles 9 w9t]1 b melts aga9 :5 summ] comes4 ,! mitigat+ ag5t may be suppos$ to exi/ 9 ! atmosph]e :]e ! pres5ce ( c]ta9 gases w\ld completely alt] ! temp]ature gradi5ts4 ,x might also be object$ t x is inconceivable t ! ,m>tian eng9e]s1 h[ev] great may be _! physical p[]s1 & h[ev] gigantic ! me*anical en]gies "u _! control1 c\ld =ce wat] 9 l>ge quantities f ! poles to ! equator4 ,?is is an a*ievem5t t measures up to ! cosmical /&>d4 ,x is admitt$ by ! *ampions ( ! !ory t ! difficulty is a =midable "o2 b !y call att5tion to ! s+ul> fact t on ,m>s !re c be f\nd no *a9s ( m\nta9s1 & x is ev5 d\btful if ranges ( hills exi/ !re4 ,! entire surface ( ! planet appe>s to be almo/ 8z smoo? z a billi>d ball10 & ev5 ! broad regions :i* 7 once suppos$ to be seas app>5tly lie at practically ! same level z ! o!r p>ts1 s9ce ! 8canals0 9 _m cases run un9t]rupt$ly across !m4 ,l[ell's idea is t ^! sombre areas may be expanses ( vegetation cov]+ gr\nd ( a m or less m>%y "*1 = :ile ! l>ge/ ( !m appe> to be p]man5t1 !re are "s :i* v>y co9cid5tly ) ! v>iations ( ! canals4 ,z to ! k9d ( ma*9]y employ$ to =ce ! wat] f ! poles1 x has be5 conjectur$ t x may h tak5 ! =m ( a gigantic sy/em ( pumps & conduits2 & s9ce ! ,m>tians are assum$ to be s f> 9 advance ( u 9 _! ma/]y ( sci5tific pr9ciples1 ! hypo!sis w at lea/ n be h>m$ by suppos+ t !y h le>n$ to h>ness =ces ( nature ^: v exi/5ce 9 a manageable =m is yet unrecogniz$ on ! e>?4 ,if we wi% to let ! imag9ation loose1 we may conjecture t !y h conqu]$ ! secret ( ^? intra-atomic =ces ^: resi/less en]gy is beg9n+ to become evid5t to u1 b ! possibility ( ^: utilization rema9s a dream1 ! fulfillm5t ( :i* nobody d>es to pr$ict4 ,su*1 9 v brief =m1 is ! celebrat$ !ory ( ,m>s z an inhabit$ _w4 ,x c]ta9ly captivates ! imag9ation1 & if we believe x to repres5t ! facts1 we _c b wat* ) ! deepe/ sympa?y ?is gallant /ruggle ( an intellectual race to pres]ve its planet f ! effects ( advanc+ age & dea?4 ,we may1 inde$1 wond] :e!r our own humanity1 confront$ by su* a calamity1 c\ld be c\nt$ on to meet ! em]g5cy ) equal /\tness ( he>t & inexhau/ibl5ess ( res\rce4 ,up to ! pres5t "t we c]ta9ly h %[n no capacity to confront ,nature toe to toe1 & to seize h] by ! %\ld]s & turn h] r\nd :5 %e refuses to g our way4 ,if we c\ld get into wireless telephonic communication ) ! ,m>tians we might le>n f _! own lips ! secret ( _! m ?an 8,roman recov]y40 ,,xiv ,! ,riddle ( ! ,a/]oids ,betwe5 ! orbits ( ,m>s & ,jupit] revolves ! mo/ rem>kable sy/em ( little bodies ) :i* we are acqua9t$--! ,a/]oids1 or ,m9or ,planets4 ,"s six hundr$ are n[ kn[n1 & !y may actually numb] ?\s&s4 ,!y =m virtually a r+ ab\t ! sun4 ,! mo/ /rik+ g5]al fact ab\t !m is t !y occupy ! place 9 ! sky :i* %\ld be occupi$1 accord+ to ,bode's ,law1 by a s+le l>ge planet4 ,?is fact1 z we %all see1 has l$ to ! inv5tion ( "o ( ! mo/ extraord9>y !ories 9 a/ronomy--viz41 t ( ! explosion ( a _w6 ,bode's ,law1 s-call$1 is only an empiric =mula1 b until ! discov]y ( ,neptune x accord$ s well ) ! di/ances ( ! planets t a/ronom]s 7 dispos$ to look ^u x z really repres5t+ "s und]ly+ pr9ciple ( planet>y di/ribution4 ,!y 7 puzzl$ by ! abs5ce ( a planet 9 ! space betwe5 ,m>s & ,jupit]1 :]e ! 8law0 dem&$ t !re %\ld be "o1 & an association ( a/ronom]s 0 =m$ to se>* = x4 ,!re 0 a decid$ s5sation :51 9 #ahja1 ,piazzi1 ( ,pal]mo1 ann\nc$ t he _h f\nd a little planet :i* app>5tly occupi$ ! place 9 ! sy/em :i* belong$ to ! miss+ body4 ,he nam$ x ,c]es1 & x 0 ! fir/ ( ! ,a/]oids4 ,! next ye> ,olb]s1 ( ,brem51 :ile look+ = ,c]es ) 8 telescope1 /umbl$ ^u ano!r small planet :i* he nam$ ,pallas4 ,imm$iately he 0 inspir$ ) ! idea t ^! two planets 7 fragm5ts ( a l>g] "o :i* _h =m]ly occupi$ ! vacant place 9 ! planet>y ranks1 & he pr$ict$ t o!rs w\ld be f\nd by se>*+ 9 ! neighborhood ( ! int]section ( ! orbits ( ! two already discov]$4 ,?is bold pr$iction 0 brilliantly fulfill$ by ! f9d+ ( two m--,juno 9 #ahjd1 & ,ve/a 9 #ahjg4 ,olb]s w\ld seem to h be5 l$ to ! inv5tion ( 8 hypo!sis ( a planet>y explosion by ! fai? :i* a/ronom]s at t "t _h 9 ,bode's ,law4 ,!y appe> to h ?\ght t sev]al planets revolv+ 9 ! gap :]e ! 8law0 call$ = b "o c\ld only be acc\nt$ = ^u ! !ory t ! orig9al "o _h be5 brok5 up to =m ! sev]al4 ,gravitation dem&$ t ! remnants ( a planet bl[n to pieces1 no matt] h[ _! orbits might o!rwise diff]1 %\ld all return at /at$ p]iods to ! po9t :]e ! explosion _h occurr$2 h5ce ,olb]s' pr$iction t any a/]oids t might subsequ5tly be discov]$ w\ld be f\nd to h a common po9t ( orbital int]section4 ,& curi\sly en\gh all ( ! fir/ a/]oids f\nd practically answ]$ to ?is requirem5t4 ,olb]s' !ory seem$ to be e/abli%$4 ,aft] ! fir/ f\r1 no m a/]oids 7 f\nd until #ahde1 :5 "o 0 discov]$2 !n1 9 #ahdg1 ?ree m 7 add$ to ! li/2 & aft] t se>*]s began to pick !m up ) su* rapidity t by ! close ( ! c5tury hundr$s 7 kn[n1 & x _h become almo/ impossible to keep track ( !m4 ,! fir/ f\r are by f> ! l>ge/ memb]s ( ! gr\p1 b _! actual sizes rema9$ unkn[n until less ?an tw5ty ye>s ago4 ,x 0 long suppos$ t ,ve/a 0 ! l>ge/1 because x %9es m brightly ?an any ( ! o!rs2 b f9ally1 9 #ahie1 ,b>n>d1 ) ! ,lick telescope1 def9itely measur$ _! diamet]s1 & prov$ to ev]ybody's surprise t ,c]es is really ! *ief1 & ,ve/a only ! ?ird 9 rank4 ,8 measures are z foll[s3 ,c]es1 #dgg miles2 ,pallas1 #cjd miles2 ,ve/a1 #bci miles2 & ,juno1 #abj miles4 ,!y diff] greatly 9 ! reflective p[] ( _! surfaces1 a fact ( mu* significance 9 connection ) ! "q ( _! orig94 ,ve/a is1 surface = surface1 r m ?an ?ree times z brilliant z ,c]es1 :5ce ! orig9al mi/ake ab\t its magnitude4 ,n[adays new a/]oids are f\nd frequ5tly by photography1 b physically !y are mo/ insignificant bodies1 _! av]age diamet] probably n exce$+ tw5ty miles1 & "s are believ$ n to exce$ t54 ,on a planet only t5 miles 9 diamet]1 assum+ ! same mean d5sity z ! e>?'s1 :i* is und\bt$ly too mu*1 ! =ce ( gravity w\ld be s slight t an av]age man w\ld n weigh m ?an ?ree ounces1 & c\ld jump (f into space :5ev] he lik$4 ,al?\gh ! a/]oids all revolve ar\nd ! sun 9 ! same direction z t pursu$ by ! major planets1 _! orbits are incl9$ at a great v>iety ( angles to ! g5]al plane ( ! planet>y sy/em1 & "s ( !m are v ecc5tric--almo/ z mu* s z ! orbits ( _m ( ! p]iodic comets4 ,x has ev5 be5 conjectur$ t ! two t9y moons ( ,m>s & ! f\r small] satellites ( ,jupit] may be a/]oids gone a/ray & captur$ by ^? planets4 ,two ( ! a/]oids are exce$+ly rem>kable = ! %apes & positions ( _! orbits2 ^! are ,eros1 discov]$ 9 #ahih1 & ,t4 ,g41 #aijf1 f\nd eight ye>s lat]4 ,! latt] has a mean di/ance f ! sun slightly great] ?an t ( ,jupit]1 :ile ! mean di/ance ( ,eros is less ?an t ( ,m>s4 ,! orbit ( ,eros is s ecc5tric t at times x approa*es )9 #ae1jjj1jjj miles ( ! e>?1 ne>] ?an any o!r regul> memb] ( ! sol> sy/em except ! moon1 ?us af=d+ an unrival$ means ( measur+ ! sol> p>allax4 ,b = our pres5t purpose ! *ief int]e/ ( ,eros lies 9 its extraord9>y *anges ( light4 ,^! *anges1 al?\gh irregul>1 h be5 obs]v$ & photograph$ _m times1 & !re seems to be no d\bt ( _! reality4 ,_! significance consi/s 9 _! possible connection ) ! =m ( ! little planet1 ^: diamet] is g5]ally e/imat$ at n m ?an tw5ty miles4 ,von ,oppolz] f\nd1 9 #aija1 t ,eros lo/ ?ree-f\r?s ( its brilliancy once 9 e two h\rs & ?irty-eight m9utes4 ,o!r obs]v]s h f\nd slightly diff]5t p]iods ( v>iability1 b none z long z ?ree h\rs4 ,! mo/ int]e/+ int]pretation t has be5 (f]$ ( ?is ph5om5on is t x is due to a great irregul>ity ( figure1 recall+ at once ,olb]s' hypo!sis4 ,accord+ to "s1 ,eros may be d\ble1 ! two bodies compos+ x revolv+ ar\nd ea* o!r at v close qu>t]s2 b a m /rik+1 & x may be said probable1 sugge/ion is t ,eros has a =m n unlike t ( a dumb-bell1 or h\r-glass1 turn+ rapidly end ov] end s t ! area ( illum9at$ surface pres5t$ to our eyes cont9ually *anges1 rea*+ at c]ta9 times a m9imum :5 ! am\nt ( light t x reflects t[>d ! e>? is r$uc$ to a qu>t] ( its maximum value4 ,v>i\s o!r biz>re %apes h be5 ascrib$ to ,eros1 su*1 = in/ance1 z t ( a flat /one revolv+ ab\t "o ( its long] axes1 s t sometimes we see its face & sometimes its edge4 ,all ( ^! explanations proce$ ^u ! assumption t ,eros _c h a simple globul> figure l t ( a typical planet1 a figure :i* is prescrib$ by ! law ( gravitation1 b t its %ape is :at may be call$ accid5tal2 9 a ^w1 x is a fragm5t1 = x seems impossible to believe t a body =m$ 9 int]planet>y space1 ei!r ?r\gh nebul> cond5sation or ?r\gh ! aggregation ( p>ticles drawn toge!r by _! mutual attractions1 %\ld n be practically sph]ical 9 %ape4 ,nor is ,eros ! only a/]oid t gives evid5ce by v>iations ( brilliancy t !re is some?+ abnormal 9 its con/itution2 sev]al o!rs pres5t ! same ph5om5on 9 v>y+ degrees4 ,ev5 ,ve/a 0 reg>d$ by ,olb]s z suffici5tly v>iable 9 its light to w>rant ! conclusion t x 0 an angul> mass in/ead ( a globe4 ,"s ( ! small] ones %[ v notable v>iations1 & all 9 %ort p]iods1 ( ?ree or f\r h\rs1 sugge/+ t 9 turn+ ab\t "o ( _! axes !y pres5t a surface ( v>iable ext5t t[>d ! sun & ! e>?4 ,! !ory :i* "s h pref]r$--t ! v>iability ( light is due to ! diff]5ces ( reflective p[] on diff]5t p>ts ( ! surface--w\ld1 if accept$1 be h>dly less sugge/ive ( ! orig9 ( ^! little bodies by ! break+ up ( a l>g] "o1 because ! mo/ natural explanation ( su* diff]5ces w\ld seem to be t !y arose f v>iations 9 ! r\ghness or smoo?ness ( ! reflect+ surface1 :i* w\ld be *>act]i/ic ( fragm5t>y bodies4 ,9 ! case ( a l>ge planet alt]nat+ expanses ( l& & wat]1 or ( vegetation & des]t1 w\ld produce a notable v>iation 9 ! am\nt ( reflection1 b on bodies ( ! size ( ! a/]oids nei!r wat] nor vegetation c\ld exi/1 & an atmosph]e w\ld be equally impossible4 ,"o ( ! /ronge/ objections to ,olb]s' hypo!sis is t only a few ( ! fir/ a/]oids discov]$ travel 9 orbits :i* measurably satisfy ! requirem5t t !y %\ld all int]sect at ! po9t :]e ! explosion occurr$4 ,to ?is x 0 at fir/ repli$ t ! p]turbations ( ! a/]oidal orbits1 by ! attractions ( ! major planets1 w\ld soon displace !m 9 su* a mann] t !y w\ld cease to int]sect4 ,"o ( ! fir/ inve/igations und]tak5 by ! late ,pr(4 ,simon ,newcomb 0 direct$ to ! solution ( ?is "q1 & he arriv$ at ! conclusion t ! planet>y p]turbations c\ld n expla9 ! actual situation ( ! a/]oidal orbits4 ,b aft]w>d x 0 po9t$ out t ! difficulty c\ld be avoid$ by suppos+ t n "o b a s]ies ( explosions _h produc$ ! a/]oids z !y n[ are4 ,aft] ! prim>y disruption ! fragm5ts !mselves1 accord+ to ?is sugge/ion1 may h explod$1 & !n ! result+ orbits w\ld be z 8tangl$0 z ! he>t c\ld wi%4 ,?is has s f> rehabilitat$ ! explosion !ory t x has nev] be5 entirely ab&on$1 & ! evid5ce :i* we h j cit$ ( ! probably abnormal %apes ( ,eros & o!r a/]oids has lately giv5 x r5ew$ life4 ,x is a subject t ne$s a ?or\gh r$iscussion4 ,we mu/ n fail to m5tion1 h[ev]1 t !re is a rival hypo!sis :i* comm5ds itself to _m a/ronom]s--viz41 t ! a/]oids 7 =m$ out ( a relatively scant r+ ( matt]1 situat$ betwe5 ,m>s & ,jupit] & resembl+ 9 composition ! imm5sely m massive r+s f :i*1 accord+ to ,laplace's hypo!sis1 ! planets 7 born4 ,x is held by ! support]s ( ?is !ory t ! attraction ( ! giant ,jupit] 0 suffici5t to prev5t ! small1 nebul\s r+ t gave bir? to ! a/]oids f cond5s+ l ! o!rs into a s+le planet4 ,b if we accept ! explosion !ory1 ) its coroll>y t m9or explosions foll[$ ! pr9cipal "o1 we h /ill an unansw]$ "q be=e u3 ,:at caus$ ! explosions8 ,! idea ( a _w bl[+ up is too ,titanic to be %ock+2 x r amuses ! imag9ation ?an s]i\sly impresses x2 9 a ^w1 x seems ess5tially *im]ical4 ,we c by no appeal to exp]i5ce =m a m5tal picture ( su* an occurr5ce4 ,ev5 ! moon did n bl[ up :5 x 0 wreck$ by volcanoes4 ,! explosive nebul & new />s are f> away 9 space1 & sugge/ no connection ) su* a cata/rophe z ! bur/+ ( a planet into hundr$s ( pieces4 ,we _c conceive ( a great globe ?\s&s ( miles 9 diamet] resembl+ a pellet ( gunp[d] only await+ ! t\* ( a mat* to cause its sudd5 disruption4 ,someh[ ! ?\ght ( human ag5cy obtrudes itself 9 connection ) ! ^w 8explosion10 & we smile at ! idea t giant p[d] or nitro-glyc]9e c\ld bl[ up a planet4 ,yet x w\ld only ne$ en\gh ( !m to d x4 ,aft] all1 we may deceive ourselves 9 ?9k+1 z we are apt to d1 t explosive en]gies lock !mselves up only 9 small masses ( matt]4 ,!re are _m causes produc+ explosions 9 nature1 e volcanic eruption manife/s ! activity ( "s ( !m4 ,?9k ( ! giant p[] ( conf9$ /eam2 if en\gh /eam c\ld be sudd5ly g5]at$ 9 ! c5t] ( ! e>? by a d[np\r ( all ! wat]s ( ! oceans1 :at might n ! consequ5ces be = our globe8 ,9 a small] globe1 & x has nev] be5 e/imat$ t ! orig9al a/]oid 0 ev5 z l>ge z ! moon1 su* a cata/rophe w\ld1 p]haps1 be m easily conceivable2 b s9ce we are compell$ 9 ?is case to assume t !re 0 a s]ies ( successive explosions1 /eam w\ld h>dly answ] ! purpose2 x w\ld be m reasonable to suppose t ! cause ( ! explosion 0 "s k9d ( *emical reaction1 or some?+ affect+ ! atoms compos+ ! explod+ body4 ,"h ,dr ,gu/av ,le ,bon comes to our aid ) a mo/ />tl+ sugge/ion1 bas$ on 8 !ory ( ! dissipation ( intra-atomic en]gy4 ,x w be be/ to quote him at "s l5g? f 8 book on ,! ,evolution ( ,=ces4 8,x does n seem at fir/ sight10 says ,doctor ,le ,bon1 v compreh5sible t worlds :i* appe> m & m /able z !y cool c\ld become s un/able z to aft]w>d dissociate entirely4 ,to expla9 ?is ph5om5on1 we w inquire :e!r a/ronomical obs]vations d n all[ u to witness ?is dissociation4 ,we "k t ! /ability ( a body 9 motion1 su* z a top or a bicycle1 ceases to be possible :5 its velocity ( rotation desc5ds bel[ a c]ta9 limit4 ,once ?is limit is rea*$ x loses its /ability & falls to ! gr\nd4 ,pr(4 ,j4 ,j4 ,?omson ev5 int]prets radio-activity 9 ?is mann]1 & po9ts out t :5 ! spe$ ( ! elem5ts compos+ ! atoms desc5ds bel[ a c]ta9 limit !y become un/able & t5d to lose _! equilibria4 ,!re w\ld result f ?is a comm5cem5t ( dissociation1 ) dim9ution ( _! pot5tial en]gy & a correspond+ increase ( _! k9etic en]gy suffici5t to laun* into space ! products ( intra-atomic dis9tegration4 ,x mu/ n be =gott5 t ! atom be+ an enorm\s res]voir ( en]gy is by ?is v fact comp>able ) explosive bodies4 ,^! la/ rema9 in]t s long z _! int]nal equilibria are undi/urb$4 ,s soon z "s cause or o!r modifies ^!1 !y explode & sma% ev]y?+ ar\nd !m aft] be+ !mselves brok5 to pieces4 ,atoms1 !re=e1 :i* gr[ old 9 consequ5ce ( ! dim9ution ( a "p ( _! intra-atomic en]gy gradually lose _! /ability4 ,a mom5t1 !n1 arrives :5 ?is /ability is s weak t ! matt] disappe>s by a sort ( explosion m or less rapid4 ,! bodies ( ! radium gr\p (f] an image ( ?is ph5om5on--a r fa9t image1 h[ev]1 because ! atoms ( ?is body h only rea*$ a p]iod ( in/ability :5 ! dissociation is r sl[4 ,x probably prec$es ano!r & m rapid p]iod ( dissociation capable ( produc+ _! f9al explosion4 ,bodies su* z radium1 ?orium1 etc41 repres5t1 no d\bt1 a /ate ( old age at :i* all bodies mu/ "s day arrive1 & :i* !y already beg9 to manife/ 9 our univ]se1 s9ce all matt] is slightly radio-active4 ,x w\ld suffice = ! dissociation to be fairly g5]al & fairly rapid = an explosion to occur 9 a _w :]e x 0 manife/$4 ,^! !oretical consid]ations f9d a solid support 9 ! sudd5 appe>ances & disappe>ances ( />s4 ,! explosions ( a _w :i* produce !m reveal to u1 p]haps1 h[ ! univ]ses p]i% :5 !y become old4 ,z a/ronomical obs]vations %[ ! relative frequ5cy ( ^! rapid de/ructions1 we may ask ourselves :e!r ! end ( a univ]se by a sudd5 explosion aft] a long p]iod ( old age does n repres5t its mo/ g5]al end+4 ,"h1 p]haps1 x w be well to /op1 s9ce1 entranc+ z ! subject may be1 we "k v little ab\t x1 & ,doctor ,le ,bon's !ory af=ds a limitless field = ! read]'s imag9ation4