Half-hours with the Telescope

We now commence a series of observations suited to the third quarter of the year, and to the following hours: -- Ten o'clock on the 22nd of July; nine on the 8th of August; eight on the 23rd of August; seven on the 8th of October; and intermediate hours on days intermediate to these.

We look first for the Great Bear towards the north-west, and thence find the Pole-star. Turning towards the north we see Capella and β Aurigæ low down and slightly towards the left of the exact north point. The Milky Way crosses the horizon towards the north-north-east and passes to the opposite point of the compass, attaining its highest point above the horizon towards east-south-east. This part of the Milky Way is well worth observing, being marked by singular variations of brilliancy. Near Arided (the principal star of Cygnus, and now lying due east -- some twenty-five degrees from the zenith) there is seen a straight dark rift, and near this space is another larger cavity, which has been termed the northern Coal-sack. The space between γ, δ, and β Cygni is covered by a large oval mass, exceedingly rich and brilliant. The neighboring branch, extending from ε Cygni, is far less conspicuous here, but near Sagitta becomes brighter than the other, which in this neighborhood suddenly loses its brilliancy and fading gradually beyond this point becomes invisible near β Ophiuchi. The continuous stream becomes patchy -- in parts very brilliant -- where it crosses Aquila and Clypeus. In this neighborhood the other stream reappears, passing over a region very rich in stars. We see now the greatest extent of the Milky Way, towards this part of its length, ever visible in our latitudes -- just as in spring we see its greatest extent towards Monoceros and Argo.

Plate IV