William Tyler Olcott A Field Book of the Stars 
 
 
 INTRODUCTION Pg 1 
 Considering the ease with which a knowledge of the constellations can 
 be acquired, it seems a remarkable fact that so few are conversant 
 with these time-honored configurations of the heavens. Aside from a 
 knowledge of "the Dipper" and "the Pleiades," the constellations to 
 the vast majority, are utterly unknown. 
   
 To facilitate and popularize if possible this fascinating recreation 
 of star-gazing the author has designed this field-book. It is limited 
 in scope solely to that purpose, and all matter of a technical or 
 theoretical nature has been omitted. 
   
 The endeavor has been to include in these pages only such matter as 
 the reader can observe with the naked eye, or an opera-glass. 
 Simplicity and brevity have been aimed at, the main idea being that 
 whatever is bulky or verbose is a hindrance rather than a help when 
 actually engaged in the observation of the heavens. 
   
 The constellations embraced in this manual are only those visible from 
 the average latitude of the New England and Middle States, and owe 
 their place in the particular season in which they are found to the 
 fact that in that season they are favorably situated for observation. 
   
 With this brief explanatory note of the purpose and design of the 
 book, the author proceeds to outline the scheme of study. 
 
 
 
 SCHEME OF STUDY 
 The table of contents shows the scheme of study to be pursued, and to 
 facilitate the work it is desirable that the student follow the 
 therein circumscribed order. 
   
 A knowledge on the part of the reader of Ursa Major, or "the Dipper" 
 as it is commonly called, and "the Pleiades," the well-known group in 
 Taurus, is presupposed by the author. 
   
 With this knowledge as a basis, the student is enabled in any season 
 to take up the study of the constellations. By following out the order 
 dictated, he will in a few nights of observation be enabled to 
 identify the various configurations making up the several 
 constellations that are set apart for study in that particular season. 
   
 A large plate, showing the appearance of the heavens at a designated 
 time on the first night of the quarter, is inserted before each 
 season's work. This should be consulted by the student before he makes 
 an observation, in order that he may obtain a comprehensive idea of 
 the relative position of the constellations, and also know in what 
 part of the heavens to locate the constellation which he wishes to 
 identify. 
   
 A knowledge of one constellation enables the student to determine the 
 position of the next in order. In this work, the identification of 
 each constellation depends on a knowledge of what precedes, always 
 bearing in mind the fact that each season starts as a new and distinct 
 part to be taken by itself, and has no bearing on that which comes 
 before. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SPRING_URSA MAJOR (er´sa mā´-jor) --THE GREAT BEAR 
 LOCATION.--Ursa Major is probably the best known of the 
 constellations, and in this work I presuppose that the reader is 
 familiar with its position in the heavens. It is one of the most noted 
 and conspicuous constellations in the northern hemisphere, and is 
 readily and unmistakably distinguished from all others by means of a 
 remarkable cluster of seven bright stars in the northern heavens, 
 forming what is familiarly termed "The Dipper." 
   
 The stars α and β are called the pointers, because they always point 
 toward the Pole Star, 28¾° distant from α. 
   
 Alioth is very nearly opposite Shedir in Cassiopeia, and at an equal 
 distance from the Pole. The same can be said of Megres, in Ursa Major, 
 and Caph, in Cassiopeia. 
   
 The star ο is at the tip of the Bear's nose. A clearly defined 
 semicircle begins at ο and ends in the pair ι and κ at the extremity 
 of the Bear's right fore paw. This group of stars resembles a sickle. 
 Note little Alcor close to Mizar. This star was used by the Arabs as a 
 test of good eyesight. 
   
 Mizar and Alcor are known as the horse and his rider. 
   
 This plate shows the Bear lying on his back, his feet projected up the 
 sky; three conspicuous pairs of stars represent three of his four 
 feet. 
   
 The Chaldean shepherds and the Iroquois Indians gave to this 
 constellation the same name. The Egyptians called it "The Thigh." 
   
 α and η are moving through space in a contrary direction to the 
 remaining five stars in "The Dipper."  
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SPRING_URSA MINOR (er´-sa mi´-nor) --THE LITTLE BEAR 
 LOCATION.--The two pointer stars in Ursa Major indicate the position 
 of Polaris, the North Star, which represents the tip of the tail of 
 the Little Bear, and the end of the handle of the "Little Dipper." In 
 all ages of the world, Ursa Minor has been more universally observed 
 and more carefully noticed than any other constellation, on account of 
 the importance of the North Star. 
   
 Polaris is a little more than 1¼° from the true pole. Its light 
 takes fifty years to reach us. 
   
 A line joining β Cassiopeiæ, and Megres, in Ursa Major, will pass 
 through Polaris. 
   
 At the distance of the nearest fixed star our sun would shine as a 
 star no brighter than Polaris which is presumably about the sun's 
 size. 
   
 Polaris revolves around the true pole once in twenty-four hours in a 
 little circle 2½° in diameter. Within this circle two hundred stars 
 have been photographed. 
   
 The North Star is always elevated as many degrees above the horizon as 
 the observer is north of the equator. 
   
 Compare the light of the four stars forming the bowl of the "Little 
 Dipper," as they are each of a different magnitude. A standard 
 first-magnitude star is 2½ times brighter than a standard second 
 magnitude star, etc. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SPRING_GEMINI (jem´-i-ni) --THE TWINS 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from β to κ Ursæ Majoris and prolonged an 
 equal distance ends near Castor, in Gemini. Gemini is characterized by 
 two nearly parallel rows of stars. The northern row if extended would 
 reach Taurus, the southern one Orion. Note the fine cluster 35 M. 
 Herschel discovered Uranus in 1781 a short distance southwest of it. 
 Two wonderful streams of little stars run parallel northwest on each 
 side of the cluster. Where the ecliptic crosses the solstitial colure 
 is the spot where the sun appears to be when it is farthest north of 
 the equator, June 21st. Castor is a fine double for a telescope, and 
 Pollux has three little attendant stars. An isoceles triangle is 
 formed by Castor, Aldebaran in Taurus, and Capella in Auriga. There is 
 a record of an occultation in Gemini noted about the middle of the 
 fourth century B.C. 
   
 The Arabs saw in this group of stars two peacocks, the Egyptians two 
 sprouting plants, and the Hindus twin deities, while in the Buddhist 
 zodiac they represented a woman holding a golden cord. Since classic 
 times, however, the figure has always been that of human twins. 
   
 At the point indicated near θ a new star was discovered by Enebo in 
 March, 1912. It attained a maximum of about magnitude 3.5 and has at 
 this writing waned to the eleventh magnitude. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SPRING_AURIGA (â-ri´-ga) --THE CHARIOTEER 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from δ to α Ursæ Majoris, and prolonged about 
 45°, ends near the bright Capella, in Auriga, a star of the first 
 magnitude, and one of the most brilliant in the heavens. It is 
 unmistakable, having no rival in brightness near it. Auriga is a 
 beautiful and conspicuous constellation. It is characterized by a 
 clearly defined pentagon. Note the three fourth-magnitude stars near 
 Capella known as "The Kids." The star β is common to Auriga and 
 Taurus, being the former's right foot and the latter's northern horn. 
 The field within the pentagon is particularly rich in clusters. 
 Capella forms a rude square with Polaris, ε Cassiopeiæ, and ο Ursæ 
 Majoris, and forms an equilateral triangle with Betelgeuze in Orion, 
 and the Pleiades in Taurus. 
   
 A line from θ to α Aurigæ prolonged about 20° ends near α Persei. 
   
 Capella is visible at some hour of every clear night throughout the 
 year. Of the first-magnitude stars it is nearest to the Pole, and it 
 rises almost exactly in the northeast. 
   
 To the Arabs Capella was "The Driver," because it seemed to rise 
 earlier than the other stars and so apparently watched over them, or 
 still more practically as "The Singer" who rode before the procession 
 cheering on the camels, which last were represented by the Pleiades. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SPRING_CANCER (kan´-ser) --THE CRAB 
 LOCATION.--Cancer lies between Gemini and Leo. A line drawn from Nath 
 in Auriga to Pollux in Gemini, and prolonged about 15°, ends in 
 Præsepe, the Manger, the great star cluster in Cancer, which is also 
 called "The Bee Hive." It contains 300 stars. The stars γ and δ are 
 called the Aselli--the ass's colts feeding from the silver manger. 
   
 The star β lies about 10° northeast of Procyon. Acubens, α lies on the 
 same line the same distance beyond β. These two stars form the tips of 
 the inverted "Y" which distinguishes Cancer. 
   
 An imaginary line from Capella through Pollux will point out Acubens. 
 Close to it are two faint stars. The Bee Hive lies within an irregular 
 square formed by γ, δ, η, and θ, and looks like a nebula to the naked 
 eye. 
   
 In June, 1895, all the planets except Neptune were in this quarter of 
 the heavens, and Halley's comet was in this constellation on its first 
 appearance in 1531. 
   
 The dimness of γ and δ is an infallible precursor of rain, and if the 
 Bee Hive is not visible in a clear sky, it is a presage of a violent 
 storm. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SPRING_HYDRA (hi´-dra) --THE SEA-SERPENT 
 LOCATION.--The head of Hydra, a striking and beautiful arrangement of 
 stars, lies just below the Bee Hive, in Cancer, 6° south of Acubens in 
 that constellation, and forms a rhomboidal figure of five stars. 
   
 Hydra is about 100° in length and reaches almost from Canis Minor to 
 Libra. Its stars are all faint except Alphard, or the Hydra's heart, a 
 second-magnitude star remarkable for its lonely situation, southwest 
 of Regulus, in Leo. A line drawn from γ Leonis through Regulus points 
 it out. It is of a rich orange tint. Castor and Pollux, in Gemini, 
 point southeast to it. 
   
 The constellations Crater, the Cup, and Corvus, the Crow, both stand 
 on the coils of Hydra, south of Denebola, the bright star in the tail 
 of the Lion. 
   
 Hydra is supposed to be the snake shown on a uranographic stone from 
 the Euphrates, 1200 B.C. 
   
 The little asterism Sextans, the Sextant, lies in the region between 
 Regulus and Alphard. It contains no stars brighter than the fourth 
 magnitude. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SPRING_LEO (le´o) --THE LION 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from Pollux, in Gemini, to γ in Cancer, and 
 prolonged about 12°, strikes Regulus, the brilliant star in the heart 
 of the Lion. Regulus lies about 9° east of Acubens, in Cancer, and 
 about 12° northeast of Alphard, in the heart of Hydra. 
   
 Leo is one of the most beautiful constellations in the zodiac. It lies 
 south of the Great Bear, and its principal stars are arranged in the 
 form of a sickle which nearly outlines the Lion's head. This group is 
 so striking as to be unmistakable. Regulus is in the handle of the 
 sickle. It is one of the stars from which longitude is reckoned, lies 
 almost exactly on the ecliptic, and is visible for eight months in the 
 year. 
   
 Denebola, the bright star in the Lion's tail, lies 25° east of 
 Regulus, and about 35° west of Arcturus, in Boötes. It is the same 
 distance northwest of Spica, in Virgo, and forms with Spica and 
 Arcturus a large equilateral triangle. 
   
 ζ is double, and has three faint companion stars. 
   
 ε has two seventh-magnitude companion stars, forming a beautiful 
 little triangle. 
   
 Regulus is white in color, γ yellow, π red. 
   
 γ is a beautiful colored telescopic double star and has a companion 
 visible in an opera-glass. 
   
 The figure of Leo very much as we now have it appears in all the 
 Indian and Egyptian zodiacs. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SPRING_COMA BERENICES (kō´-ma ber-e-ni´-sez) -- BERENICE'S HAIR 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from Regulus to Zosma, in Leo, and prolonged 
 an equal distance, strikes this fine cluster, which is 18° northeast 
 of Zosma, δ Leonis. 
   
 The group lies well within a triangle formed by Denebola, Arcturus, in 
 Boötes, and Cor Caroli, in Canes Venatici, which triangle is the upper 
 half of the Diamond of Virgo. 
   
 Twenty or thirty stars in this group can be counted with an opera-glass, 
 and the group can be easily distinguished with the naked eye, when the 
 moon is not visible. 
   
 The first half of the month of April can be called the most brilliant 
 sidereal period of the year. At this time eleven first-magnitude stars 
 are visible in this latitude at 9 P.M. From east to west they are: 
 Vega, Arcturus, Spica, Regulus, Pollux, Procyon, Sirius, Capella, 
 Aldebaran, Betelgeuze, and Rigel, truly a glorious company, an 
 incomparable sight. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SPRING_CANIS MINOR (kā´-nis mi´-nor) --THE LESSER DOG 
 LOCATION.--Procyon, the Little Dog Star, lies about 23° south of 
 Pollux, in Gemini. A line drawn from Nath, in Auriga, to Alhena, in 
 Gemini, and prolonged about 18°, reaches Procyon. 
   
 Procyon is equidistant from Betelgeuze in Orion, and Sirius in Canis 
 Major, and forms with them an equilateral triangle. It forms a large 
 right-angled triangle with Pollux and Betelgeuze. 
   
 The light from Procyon is golden yellow. Four degrees northwest of it 
 is the third-magnitude star Gomeisa. The glass shows two small stars 
 forming a right-angled triangle with it. 
   
 Procyon was distinctly mentioned by Ptolemy. It rises in this latitude 
 a little north of east about half an hour before Sirius, the Dog Star, 
 hence it was called Procyon from two Greek words which signify "before 
 the dog." 
   
 Procyon is one of our nearest neighbors in space, at a distance of ten 
 light years, and is attended by a very faint companion which is only 
 visible in the largest telescopes. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SPRING_CORVUS (kôr´-vus) --THE CROW 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from the Bee Hive, in Cancer, through Regulus, 
 in Leo, and prolonged about 40°, ends near the conspicuous 
 quadrilateral which distinguishes Corvus. The brightest star in this 
 region of the sky is Spica, in Virgo. It lies about 10° northeast of 
 Algorab. 
   
 ζ is a double star for an opera-glass. A faint pair of stars lie close 
 below and to the west of β. The Crow is represented as standing on, 
 and pecking at, the coils of Hydra. The star Al Chiba is in the Crow's 
 bill. 
   
 Corvus was known as the Raven in Chaucer's time. 
   
 δ is an interesting telescopic double. 
   
 A line drawn from γ to β Corvi and prolonged twice its length locates 
 the third-magnitude star ι Centauri in the right shoulder of the 
 Centaur. The brightest stars in this constellation are not visible in 
 this latitude. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SPRING_CRATER (krā´-ter) --THE CUP 
 LOCATION.--Crater is situated 15° west of Corvus, and due south of θ 
 Leonis. It is easily distinguished by reason of a beautiful and very 
 striking semicircle of six stars of the fourth magnitude, forming the 
 bowl of the cup. 
   
 The constellation resembles a goblet with its base resting on the 
 coils of Hydra. 
   
 The star Alkes is common to Hydra and Crater, and may be seen 24° 
 southeast of Alphard in the heart of Hydra. It is distinguished by its 
 forming an equilateral triangle with α and γ, stars of the same 
 magnitude 6° south and east of it. 
   
 Corvus and Crater are to be seen half-way up the southern sky during 
 the early evenings in spring. 
   
 δ is now the lucida. 
   
 Crater is situated at about the centre of Hydra and is on the 
 meridian, April 26th. Owing to its many faint stars it is best seen on 
 a clear moonless night. 
   
 The zodiacal light is well worth observing at this season of the year. 
 It is to be seen in the western sky shortly after sundown, and is most 
 intense during the evenings of March. 
   
 
 
 
 METEORIC SHOWERS APRIL TO JULY 
 +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ 
 |                   |         |                   |               | Other Dates |       | 
 | Name of Shower     | Date   |   Radiant Point   |Characteristics|     of     |Location| 
 |                   |         |                   |              | Observation |       | 
 +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ 
 |     Beta or Mu     |Apr. 9-16| The Dragon's head |               |             | N.E. | 
 |     Draconids     | Apr. 18 |                    |   Sw. F.     | Apr. 17-25 |       | 
 | Beta Serpentids   |         | The Serpent's head |               |             | S.E. | 
 +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ 
 |     Lyrids,       |         |   About 10° from   |               |             |       | 
 |   rich shower     | Apr. 20 |   Vega toward     |   V. Sw.     |             | N.E. | 
 |                   |         |     Hercules     |               |            |       | 
 +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ 
 |   Eta Aquarids,   | May 6 |   Near the Water   |   Sw. Sk.   | After 2 A.M.|   E.   | 
 | fine annual shower |         |       Jar         |               |             |       | 
 +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ 
 |   Alpha Coronids, | May 11 |     Near Gemma     |   Sl. F.    | May 7-18   |   N.   | 
 |well defined in 1885|         |   (α) Coronæ B.   |               |             |       | 
 +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ 
 |   Iota Pegasids,   |         |   Between Cygnus   |               |   May 29-   |       | 
 |well defined shower | May 30 |   and the Great   |   Sw. Sk.   |June 4 after | N.E. | 
 |                   |         |       Square       |               |   10 P.M.   |       | 
 +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ 
 | Beta Herculids   | June 7 | Near the Crown   |   Sl. B.     | A fire ball | S.E. | 
 |                   |         | About 8°S. of Ras |               |   radiant   |       | 
 | Beta Ophiuchids   | June 10 |     Alhague       |     Sl.     | June 10, 13 | S.E. | 
 +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ 
 |   Delta Cepheids   | June 20 | About 13° from   |               | June 10-28, |       | 
 |                   |         | (β) Cassiopeiæ   |     Sw.     |July 19, Aug.|   N.   | 
 |                   |         |                   |               | 25, etc.   |       | 
 +--------------------+---------+--------------------+---------------+-------------+--------+ 
   
 The Abbreviations under _Characteristics_ are as follows: 
   
 V.--very. 
 M.--moderately. 
 Sw.--swift. 
 Sl.--slow. 
 Sh.--short. 
 B.--bright. 
 F.--faint. 
 Sk.--streak-leaving meteors. 
 T.--train-leaving meteors. 
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER_DRACO (drā´-ko) -- THE DRAGON 
 LOCATION.--About 10° from α Ursæ Majoris--from α to δ is 10°--slightly 
 south of, that is above, the line from α to Polaris, is Giansar, λ in 
 the tip of the Dragon's tail. Above λ, and almost in line with it, are 
 two more stars in Draco, which form with two stars in Ursa Major a 
 quadrilateral. (See diagram.) Draco now curves sharply eastward, 
 coiling about the Little Bear as shown, then turns abruptly southerly, 
 ending in a characteristic and clearly defined group of four stars, 
 forming an irregular square, representing the Dragon's head. This 
 group is almost overhead in the early evening in summer. The star in 
 the heel of Hercules lies just south of the Dragon's head. The 
 brilliant Vega will be seen about overhead, 12° southwest of the 
 Dragon's head. Eltanin, one of the Dragon's eyes, is noted for its 
 connection with the discovery of the law of aberration of light. It is 
 of an orange hue, while the star β, near it, is white. Note Thuban, 
 once the Pole Star, at one corner of a quadrilateral that Draco forms 
 with Ursa Major. 
   
 Thuban could be seen by day or night from the bottom of the central 
 passage of several of the Pyramids in Egypt. 
   
 The rising of Eltanin was visible about thirty-five hundred years B.C. 
 through the central passages of the temples of Hathor at Denderah. The 
 Egyptians called Draco "The Hippopotamus." 
   
 Vega and the four stars in the Dragon's head offer an opportunity to 
 compare the first five stellar magnitudes with which all should be 
 familiar. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER_LYRA (lī´-ra) -- THE LYRE 
 LOCATION.--Lyra may be easily distinguished because of the brilliant 
 Vega, its brightest star, which is situated about 12° southwest of the 
 Dragon's head. It is unmistakable, as it is the brightest star in this 
 region of the heavens, and the third brightest in this latitude. In 
 July and August Vega is close to the zenith in the early evening. 
   
 The six bright stars in Lyra form an equilateral triangle on one 
 corner of a rhomboid. A very characteristic figure. 
   
 ε is a pretty double for an opera-glass, and a 3" glass reveals the 
 duplicity of each star of this pair. ε is therefore a double double. 
   
 ζ is a double for a good glass. 
   
 β is a variable, changing from magnitude 3.4 to 4.4 in twelve days. At 
 its brightest it is about equal to its near neighbor γ Lyræ. 
   
 The noted ring nebula lies between β and γ. A 3" glass reveals it but 
 a powerful telescope is required to render its details visible. 
   
 If the distance from the earth to the sun equalled one inch, the 
 distance from the earth to Vega would be 158 miles. 
   
 Vega was the first star to be photographed, in 1850. It is visible at 
 some hour every clear night, and has been called the arc-light of the 
 sky. Its light has the bluish-white hue that suggests "a diamond in 
 the sky." 
   
 The spectroscope reveals that Vega is a star probably only in its 
 infancy, as hydrogen is its predominating element. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER_CYGNUS (sig´-nus)--THE SWAN, OR THE NORTHERN CROSS 
 LOCATION.--Deneb, the brightest star in Cygnus, is at the top of the 
 cross, and a little over 20° east of Vega. It forms a triangle with 
 Vega and Altair in Aquila--Altair being at the apex, about 35° from 
 Deneb and Vega. 
   
 β Cygni is at the base of the cross, and a line drawn from Vega to 
 Altair nearly touches it. It is a beautiful colored double for a small 
 telescope. 
   
 Note "61," one of the nearest stars to us. It was the first star whose 
 distance was measured (by Bessel in 1838). It is a double star and 
 10.4 light years distant. 
   
 The cross is nearly perfect and easily traced out. It lies almost 
 wholly in the Milky Way. 
   
 Note "The Coal Sack," one of the dark gap in the Milky Way. 
   
 Cygnus contains an unusual number of deeply colored stars and variable 
 stars. 
   
 ο Cygni has a sixth-magnitude companion, and γ is in the midst of a 
 beautiful stream of faint stars. 
   
 This region is perhaps richer than any similar extent in the heavens. 
 An opera-glass will reveal many of its beauties. 
   
 Herschel counted 331,000 stars in an area of only 5° in Cygnus. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER_AQUILA (ak´-wi-lä)--THE EAGLE, AND ANTINOÜS 
 LOCATION.--Half-way up the sky in the Milky Way, you will see three 
 stars in a line, the middle one much brighter than the other two. This 
 bright star is Altair, in Aquila. It forms with Vega and Deneb an 
 isosceles triangle. Altair is at the apex, about 35° from the other 
 two. A triangle is formed by Vega, Altair, and Ras Alhague, in the 
 Serpent Bearer, which is about 30° west of Altair. 
   
 This is a double constellation composed of Aquila and Antinoüs. Altair 
 is in the neck of the Eagle, Alschain in the head of Antinoüs. 
   
 When the moon is absent, a rude arrowhead can be traced out, embracing 
 almost all the stars in Aquila. 
   
 η is an interesting variable star, changing from magnitude 3.5 to 4.7 
 and back again within a period of 7 days 4 hours 12 minutes. 
   
 Altair rises about 8° north of the exact eastern point on the horizon. 
   
 In A.D. 389 a wonderful temporary star flashed out near Altair that 
 equalled Venus in brightness and vanished within three weeks' time. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER_DELPHINUS (del-fi´-nus)--THE DOLPHIN, OR JOB'S COFFIN 
 LOCATION.--The little cluster of five stars forming Delphinus is to be 
 seen about 10° northeast of Altair, and, though there are no bright 
 stars in the group, it can hardly escape notice. A line drawn from 
 Vega to Albireo, and prolonged about 20°, strikes the star ε in the 
 tail of the Dolphin. The four other stars of prominence in the 
 constellation are a little above ε, and form a diamond-shaped figure. 
   
 The little asterisms Sagitta, the Arrow, and Vulpecula and Anser, the 
 Fox and Goose, are shown just above Delphinus. 
   
 Delphinus is also called Job's Coffin. The origin of this appellation 
 is unknown. 
   
 In Greece, Delphinus was the Sacred Fish, the sky emblem of 
 philanthropy. The Arabs called it the "Riding Camel." 
   
 The star γ Delphini is a fine double for a small telescope with a 
 marked and beautiful contrast of colors. 
   
 The names for α and β reversed spell "Nicolaus Venator," the Latinized 
 name of the assistant to the astronomer Piazzi.  
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER_SAGITTARIUS_THE ARCHER 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from Deneb, in Cygnus, to Altair, in Aquila, 
 and prolonged an equal distance, terminates in Sagittarius about 10° 
 east of its distinguishing characteristic, the Milk Dipper. 
 Sagittarius is one of the signs of the zodiac, and lies between 
 Capricornus, on the east, and Scorpius, on the west. 
   
 The bow is easily traced out. γ marks the arrow's tip. 
   
 Note the star μ, which serves to point out the Winter Solstice, where 
 the solstitial colure intersects the ecliptic. 
   
 On a clear night, the pretty cluster known as Corona Australis, the 
 Southern Crown, can be seen about 10° below the bowl of the Milk 
 Dipper. Its lucida, the fourth-magnitude star Alfecca Meridiana 
 culminates at 9 P.M., August 13th. 
   
 Sagittarius is about due south, in a splendid position for 
 observation, during the month of July, between the hours of 
 nine-thirty and eleven o'clock P.M. 
   
 Observe with an opera-glass the fine clusters 20 M. and 8 M., also an 
 almost circular black void near the stars γ and δ, and to the east of 
 this spot another of narrow crescent form. 
   
 The stars φ and ζ in the Milk Dipper are moving in opposite 
 directions. Future generations therefore will not have this 
 time-honored figure to guide them in locating the Archer in their 
 summer night skies. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER_OPHIUCHUS (of-i-ū-kus)--THE SERPENT BEARER, AND SERPENS 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from ε Delphini to γ Aquilæ, prolonged about 
 30°, strikes the star Ras Alhague, the brightest star in the 
 constellation and the head of Ophiuchus. It is at one angle of an 
 isosceles triangle, of which Altair is at the apex, and Vega the third 
 angle. 
   
 Two constellations are here combined. Ophiuchus is represented as an 
 old man, holding in his hands a writhing serpent. 
   
 Ras Algethi, marking the head of Hercules, lies just west of Ras 
 Alhague. 
   
 Equally distant southeast and southwest of Ras Alhague are to be seen 
 two stars close together, representing the shoulders of Ophiuchus. His 
 foot rests on the Scorpion just above Antares. 
   
 The head of Serpens is the star group in the form of an "X" just below 
 the Crown. 
   
 1604 indicates the spot where in that year a famous temporary star 
 appeared, called Kepler's star. 
   
 Note the asterism the "Bull of Poniatowski" just east of γ. The star 
 marked 70 is one of the most distant stars for which a parallax has 
 been obtained. Its distance from the earth = 1,300,000 radii of the 
 earth's orbit, or 120 quadrillion miles. 
   
 There is something remarkable in the central position of this gigantic 
 figure. It is situated almost exactly in the mid-heavens, being nearly 
 equidistant from the poles, and midway between the vernal and autumnal 
 equinoxes. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER_SCORPIUS (skôr´-pi-us)--THE SCORPION 
 LOCATION.--Scorpius, one of the signs of the zodiac, is a beautiful 
 star group, and one that is easily traced out. It lies just under the 
 Serpent Bearer, between Sagittarius and Libra. 
   
 The resemblance to a Scorpion is not difficult to see, hence this 
 constellation is perhaps the most aptly named of any. 
   
 The ruddy star Antares, the brightest star in the constellation, is in 
 the heart of the Scorpion. It lies about 40° southwest of Ras Alhague, 
 in Ophiuchus, and a little over 20° west of the bow of Sagittarius. 
 The fact that it is the most brilliant star in this region of the sky 
 renders its identity unmistakable. It is one of the reddest stars in 
 the firmament. 
   
 There are several star clusters and double stars to be seen in this 
 constellation. Their position is indicated in the diagram. 
   
 The curved tail of the Scorpion is very conspicuous. λ and υ are a 
 striking pair and the fine clusters above them can be seen with the 
 naked eye. 
   
 A record of a lunar occultation of β Scorpii in 295 B.C. is extant. 
   
 Note a pair just below β. They are known as ω¹ and ω². 
   
 In this region of the sky have appeared many of the brilliant 
 temporary stars, the first one in astronomical annals being discovered 
 in 134 B.C. 
   
 Scorpius is mentioned by all the early writers on astronomy and is 
 supposed to be so named because in Egypt it was a sickly time of the 
 year when the sun entered this sign.  
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER_LIBRA (lī´-bra)--THE SCALES 
 LOCATION.--Libra is one of the signs of the zodiac, and lies between 
 Virgo and Scorpius. Its two chief stars, α and β, may be recognized 
 west of and above the head of the Scorpion. 
   
 The star ι Libræ is about 20° northwest of Antares in the Scorpion. 
 Spica in Virgo, a star of the first magnitude, is a little over 20° 
 northwest of α Libræ. 
   
 A quadrilateral is formed by the stars α, β, γ, ε, which characterizes 
 the constellation. 
   
 The star α Libræ looks elongated. An opera-glass shows that it has a 
 fifth-magnitude companion. 
   
 β is a pale green star. Its color is very unusual. 
   
 Lyra, Corona, and Hercules are almost directly overhead in the early 
 evening, during July and August, and can best be observed in a 
 reclining position. Thus placed, with an opera-glass to assist the 
 vision, you may study to the best advantage the wonderful sight spread 
 out before you, and search depths only measured by the power of your 
 glass. 
   
 When the sun enters the sign Libra the days and nights are equal all 
 over the world and seem to observe a certain equilibrium like a 
 balance, hence the name of the constellation. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER_CORONA BOREALIS (kō-rō´nä bō-rē-a´-lis)--THE NORTHERN CROWN 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from α Cygni, to α Lyræ, and projected a 
 little over 40°, terminates in the Crown, which lies between Hercules 
 and Boötes, and just above the diamond-shaped group of stars in the 
 head of the Serpent. 
   
 The characteristic semicircle resembling a crown is easily traced out. 
 The principal stars are of the fourth magnitude excepting Gemma, which 
 is a second-magnitude star and known as the "Pearl of the Crown." 
   
 Gemma, sometimes called Alphacca, forms with the stars Seginus and 
 Arcturus, in Boötes, an isosceles triangle, the vertex of which is at 
 Arcturus. 
   
 Close to ε a famous temporary appeared suddenly May 12, 1866, as a 
 second-magnitude star. It was known as the "Blaze Star" and was 
 visible to the naked eye only eight days, fading at that time to a 
 tenth-magnitude star, and then rising to an eighth-magnitude, where it 
 still remains. 
   
 The native Australians called this constellation "The Boomerang." To 
 the Hebrews it was "Ataroth" and by this name it is known in the East 
 to-day. No two of the seven stars composing the Crown are moving in 
 the same direction or at the same rate. 
   
 α Coronæ is seventy-eight light years distant and sixty times brighter 
 than the sun. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER_HERCULES (her´-kū-lēz)--THE KNEELER 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from either Vega, in Lyra, or Altair, in Aquila, 
 to Gemma, in Corona Borealis, passes through this constellation. The 
 left foot of Hercules rests on the head of Draco, on the north, and his 
 head nearly touches the head of Ophiuchus on the south. 
   
 The star in the head of Hercules, Ras Algethi, is about 25° southeast 
 of Corona Borealis. 
   
 α Ophiuchi and α Herculis are only about 5° apart. 
   
 The cluster 13 M., the Halley Nebula, can be easily seen in an 
 opera-glass. In a recent photograph of this cluster 50,000 stars are 
 shown in an area of sky which would be entirely covered by the full 
 moon. 
   
 Hercules occupies the part of the heavens toward which the sun is 
 bearing the earth and planets at the rate of twelve miles a second or 
 373 million miles a year. 
   
 On a clear night the asterism Cerberus, the three-headed dog, which 
 Hercules holds in his hand, can be seen. 
   
 This constellation is said to have been an object of worship in 
 Phœnicia. There is a good deal of mystery about its origin. The 
 ancient Greeks called it "The Phantom" and "The Man upon his Knees." 
   
 The stars ε, ζ, η, and π form a keystone shaped figure that serves to 
 identify the constellation.  
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER_BOÖTES (bō-ō´tēz)--THE HERDSMAN, OR BEAR DRIVER 
 LOCATION.--Boötes lies just west of the Crown, and east of Cor Caroli. 
 It may be easily distinguished by the position and splendor of its 
 principal star, Arcturus, which shines with a golden yellow lustre. It 
 is about 35° east of Denebola, in Leo, and nearly as far north of 
 Spica, in Virgo, and forms with these two a large equilateral 
 triangle. A line drawn from ζ to η Ursæ Majoris and prolonged about 
 30° locates it, as does one from δ Herculis to γ Coronæ prolonged its 
 length. 
   
 The brightest stars in Boötes outline a characteristic kite-shaped 
 figure. Arcturus is mentioned in the Book of Job and is often referred 
 to as "The Star of Job." 
   
 Three stars of the fourth magnitude are situated in the right hand. 
 They are about 5° north of η Ursæ Majoris. 
   
 Contrast the color of Arcturus with Spica, Antares, and Vega. 
   
 The trapezium β, γ, δ, and μ, was called "The Female Wolves," by the 
 Arabians; θ, ι, κ and λ, "The Whelps of the Hyenas." They knew the 
 constellation as "The Vociferator." 
   
 Arcturus is the fourth brightest star in the northern hemisphere. It 
 is 1000 times the size of our sun and rushes through space toward 
 Virgo at the astounding rate of ninety miles a second. It is forty 
 light years distant. 
   
 The ancient Greeks called this constellation "Lycaon," a name which 
 signifies a Wolf. The Hebrew name for it was "The Barking Dog." 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER_VIRGO (ver´-gō)--THE VIRGIN 
 LOCATION.--An imaginary line drawn from Antares in Scorpius through α 
 Libræ and prolonged a little over 20° strikes Spica, the brightest 
 star in Virgo, which star is about 30° southwest of Arcturus. 
   
 Arcturus, Cor Caroli, Denebola, and Spica form a figure about 50° in 
 length, called the Diamond of Virgo. 
   
 The equator, ecliptic, and equinoctial colure intersect each other at 
 a point close to the star η. This is called the autumnal equinox. 
   
 The star ε is known as the "Grape Gatherer." It is observed to rise 
 just before the sun at vintage time. 
   
 Within the rude square formed by Denebola, and ε, γ, and β, Virginis, 
 the telescope reveals many wonderful nebulæ; hence this region of the 
 sky has been called "The Field of the Nebula." 
   
 Spica is an extremely beautiful pure white star. It rises a very 
 little south of the exact eastern point on the horizon. 
   
 γ is a fine double star for a small telescope. 
   
 Virgo is mentioned by the astronomers of all ages. By the Egyptians it 
 was intended to represent the goddess Isis, and the Greeks knew it as 
 Ceres. Spica represents the ear of corn held in the Virgin's left 
 hand. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF SUMMER_CANES VENATICI (kā´-nēz ve-nat´-i-cī)--THE HUNTING DOGS 
 LOCATION.--Cor Caroli, the bright star in this constellation, when on 
 the meridian is about 17° south of ε Ursæ Majoris. A line drawn from η 
 Ursæ Majoris, through Berenice's Hair, to Denebola, in Leo, passes 
 through it. 
   
 The dogs, Asterion and Chara, are represented as being held in leash 
 by Boötes, the herdsman, in his pursuit of the Great Bear. 
   
 Cor Caroli is in the southern hound, Chara, and represents the heart 
 of Charles II of England. It is a beautiful double star in a small 
 telescope. 
   
 The so-called "Diamond of Virgo," is clearly shown on this plate. It 
 is formed by connecting with lines the stars Cor Caroli, Denebola, 
 Spica, and Arcturus. 
   
 The fifth-magnitude star La Superba, about 7° north and 2½° west of 
 Cor Caroli, is especially noteworthy because of the flashing 
 brilliancy of its prismatic rays. 
   
 
 
 
 METEORIC SHOWERS JULY TO OCTOBER 
 +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ 
 |               |       |               |               |   Other Dates |       | 
 |Name of Shower | Date | Radiant Point |Characteristics|       of       |Location| 
 |               |       |               |               | of Observation |       | 
 +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ 
 |               |       |   Between     |               | June 13-July 7 |       | 
 |Vulpeculids or | July 4 | Cygnus and   |     Sw.       |   Apr. 20,   | E.   | 
 | Eta Sagittids |       |   Delphinus   |               |     May 30     |       | 
 +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ 
 |               |       | Near Deneb   |               | July 11-19,   |       | 
 |   Cygnids     |July 19 |   (α) Cygni   | Sh. Sw. F.   | Aug. 22, July | E.   | 
 |               |       |               |              | 6-Aug. 16     |       | 
 +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ 
 |               |       | Between (α)   | Sw. B. Sk.   | July 23-Aug. 4 |       | 
 |(α)-(β)       |July 25 |     and       |   after     |   Sept. 15,   | N.E. | 
 |Perseids       |       | (β) Persei   |   10 P.M.   |   Nov. 13     |       | 
 +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ 
 |Aquarids, a   |       |   Near the   |               |               |       | 
 |conspicuous   |July 28 | water jar of |   Sl. B.     |               | E.   | 
 |shower         |       |   Aquarius   |               |               |       | 
 +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ 
 |Perseids, fine |Aug. 10 |   Near (α)     | v. Sw. Sk.   |               | N.E. | 
 |shower         |       |   Persei     |               |               |       | 
 +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ 
 |Kappa Cygnids |Aug. 17 |   Near the   | Sw. B.T. Sh. |Jan. 17, Aug. 4,| S.E. | 
 |               |       | Dragon's head |               |Aug. 21-25     |       | 
 +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ 
 |               |       | Near Capella   | After 9.30   |   Sept. 22,   |       | 
 |Alpha Aurigids |Aug. 21 | (α) Aurigæ   |     P.M.     |   Oct. 2     | N.E. | 
 |               |       |               | v. Sw. Sk.   |               |       | 
 +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ 
 |   Omicron     |       |   Near the   |               |                |       | 
 |Draconids. Rich|Aug. 22 | Dragon's head |   Sl. T.     | Aug. 21-25   |   N   | 
 |shower in 1879 |       |               |               |               |       | 
 +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ 
 |               |       |Between Capella | After 10     | Aug. 21, 25, |       | 
 | Epsilon     |Sept. 7 |   and the     |     P.M.     | Sept. 6-8, 21, | N.E. | 
 | Perseids     |       |   Pleiades   | v. Sw. Sk.   |   Nov. 29.   |       | 
 +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ 
 |Alpha Arietids |Sept. 21|   Near Hamal   |   Sl. T.     | Aug. 12, Oct. 7|   E.   | 
 |               |       | (α) Arietis   |              |               |       | 
 +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ 
 |Gamma Pegasids |Sept. 22| Near and S.E. |   Sl.       | July 31, Aug. |   E.   | 
 |               |       | of Great Sq. |               |   25, etc.     |       | 
 +---------------+--------+----------------+---------------+----------------+--------+ 
   
 The Perseids are of a yellowish color, and move with medium velocity. 
 Their line of flight is from northeast to southwest. They are probably 
 visible for more than a month, from the latter half of July to the 
 last week in August. 
   
 The August meteors are known as the "Tears of St. Lawrence." 
   
 The Abbreviations under _Characteristics_ are as follows: 
   
 v.--very 
 Sl.--Slow 
 Sk.--Streak-leaving meteors. 
 M.--Moderately 
 B.--Bright 
 T.--Train-leaving meteors. 
 Sw.--Swift 
 F.--Faint 
 Sh.--Short meteors. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF AUTUMN_CASSIOPEIA (kas-i-ō-pē´-ya)--THE LADY IN THE CHAIR 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from δ Ursæ Majoris, through Polaris, strikes 
 α Cassiopeiæ. It is situated the same distance from Polaris as Ursa 
 Major, and about midway between Polaris and the zenith in the Milky 
 Way. Cassiopeia is characterized by a zigzag row of stars which form a 
 rude "W," but in mid-autumn, to an observer facing north, the "W" 
 appears more like an "M," and is almost overhead. Note the spot marked 
 This is where a very famous temporary star appeared in that 
 
 year. It was bright enough at one time to be seen in full sunshine. 
 The star η is sixteen light years distant. 
   
 Caph is equidistant from the Pole, and exactly opposite the star 
 Megres in Ursa Major; with α Andromedæ and γ Pegasi it marks the 
 equinoctial colure. These stars are known as "The Three Guides." 
   
 The chair can be readily traced out; β, α, and γ mark three of the 
 four corners of the back, and δ and ε, one of the front legs. The word 
 "Bagdei," made up of the letters for the principal stars, assists the 
 memory. 
   
 The stars γ and β are pointer stars to a fifth-magnitude star the 
 lucida of the asterism Lacerta, the lizard about 15° from β. 
   
 Cassiopeia makes an excellent illuminated clock. When β is above 
 Polaris it is noon, when it is in the west at right angles to its 
 first position it is 6 P.M. At midnight it is on the northern horizon, 
 and at 6 P.M. it is due east. 
   
 This is sidereal time which agrees with mean time on March 22d, and 
 gains on the latter at the rate of two hours a month.  
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF AUTUMN_CEPHEUS (sē´-fūs) 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from α to β Cassiopeiæ and prolonged about 18° 
 strikes α Cephei. The nearest bright star west of Polaris is γ Cephei. 
 Cepheus is an inconspicuous constellation, lying partly in the Milky 
 Way. A view of this constellation through an opera-glass will repay 
 the observer. Cepheus is characterized by a rude square, one side of 
 which is the base of an isosceles triangle. Look for the so-called 
 garnet star μ, probably the reddest star visible to the naked eye in 
 the United States. The star ζ has a blue companion star. 
   
 α forms an equilateral triangle with Polaris and ε Cassiopeiæ. 
   
 It is claimed that Cepheus was known to the Chaldæans twenty-three 
 centuries before our era. 
   
 Surrounding δ, ε, ζ, and λ, which mark the king's head, is a vacant 
 space in the Milky Way, similar to the Coal Sack of Cygnus. 
   
 About 4° from γ, in the direction of κ is a pretty pair of 
 sixth-magnitude stars. 
   
 Owing to precession, γ, β, and α Cephei will be successively the Pole 
 Star in 4500, 6000, and 7500 A.D. respectively. 
   
 δ is a double whose components are yellow and blue. It is an 
 interesting variable changing from magnitude 3.7 to 4.9 at intervals 
 of 5 days 8 hours 47 minutes. As it is three times as bright at 
 maximum as at minimum and can be observed with the naked eye its 
 variations are well worth observing. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF AUTUMN_PEGASUS (peg´-a-sus)--THE WINGED HORSE 
 LOCATION.--One corner of the Great Square is found by drawing a line 
 from Polaris to Cassiopeia, and prolonging it an equal distance. 
   
 The Great Square is a stellar landmark. Three of the corners of the 
 square are marked by stars in Pegasus; the fourth, and northeastern, 
 corner is marked by the star Alpheratz in Andromeda. Each side of the 
 square is about 18° long. 
   
 The horse is generally seen upside down, with his fore feet projected 
 up into the sky. Only the head, neck, and fore feet are represented. 
 The star Enif marks the nose. 
   
 π is an interesting double, easily seen in an opera-glass. All the 
 stars of the Square are approaching us at an inconceivable speed. 
   
 The position of the asterism Equus or Equūleus, the Little Horse, or 
 Horse's Head, is shown in the diagram. 
   
 Delphinus, the water jar of Aquarius, and the circlet in the Western 
 Fish, are all in the vicinity of Pegasus, and indicated in the 
 diagram. 
   
 The winged horse is found on coins of Corinth 500 to 430 B.C. The 
 Greeks called this constellation ἱπποσ. 
   
 Pegasus seems to have been regarded in Phœnicia and Egypt as the sky 
 emblem of a ship. 
   
 Within the area of the Square Argelander counted thirty naked-eye 
 stars. 
   
 Note a fine pair in Equūleus just west of the star Enif in Pegasus. 
   
 The position of the equinoctial colure is defined by a line connecting 
 Polaris, β Cassiopeiæ, α Andromedæ, and γ Pegasi. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF AUTUMN_ANDROMEDA (an-drom´-e-dä)--THE CHAINED LADY 
 LOCATION.--The star α Alpheratz is at the northeastern corner of the 
 great square of Pegasus, one of the stellar landmarks. 
   
 Running east from α, at almost equal distances, are four other stars, 
 two of which are of the second magnitude. The most easterly one is β 
 Persei, known as Algol, the famous variable. Lines connecting the 
 stars γ Andromedæ, Algol, and α Persei form a right-angled triangle. 
 The right angle is marked by Algol. 
   
 The chief object of interest in this constellation is the great 
 nebula, the first to be discovered. It can be seen by the naked eye 
 and it is a fine sight in an opera-glass. Its location is indicated in 
 the diagram. 
   
 The star γ is the radiant point of the Bielid meteors, looked for in 
 November. It is a colored double visible in a 3" glass. 
   
 The great nebula has been called the "Queen of the Nebulæ." It is said 
 to have been known as far back as A.D. 905, and it was described 986 
 A.D. as the "Little Cloud." 
   
 Andromeda is very favorable for observation in September, low in the 
 eastern sky. 
   
 Note the characteristic "Y" shaped asterism known as Gloria Frederika 
 or Frederik's Glory. It lies about at the apex of a nearly isosceles 
 triangle of which a line connecting Alpheratz and β Pegasi is the 
 base. A line drawn from δ to α Cassiopeiæ and prolonged a little over 
 twice its length points it out. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF AUTUMN_PERSEUS (per´-sūs)--THE CHAMPION 
 LOCATION.--α Persei lies on a line drawn from β to γ Andromedæ, and is 
 about 9° from the latter. The most striking feature in Perseus is the 
 so-called "segment of Perseus," a curve of stars beginning about 12° 
 below Cassiopeia, and curving toward Ursa Major. Note the famous 
 variable Algol the Demon star. It represents the Medusa's head which 
 Perseus holds in his hand. It varies from the second to the fourth 
 magnitude in about three and one-half hours, and back again in the 
 same time, after which it remains steadily brilliant for two and 
 three-quarters days, when the same change recurs. Algenib and Algol 
 form with γ Andromedæ, a right-angled triangle. 
   
 Note a dull red star near Algol, and a pretty pair just above Algenib. 
   
 An opera-glass reveals much that is worthy of observation in this 
 region of the sky. It has been said of the clusters between Cassiopeia 
 and Perseus that they form the most striking sidereal spectacle in the 
 northern heavens. They are visible to the naked eye. Algenib never 
 sets in the latitude of New York, just touching the horizon at its 
 lower culmination. It is estimated that Algol is a little over a 
 million miles in diameter, η has three faint stars on one side nearly 
 in a line, and one on the other--a miniature representation of Jupiter 
 and his satellites. 
   
 Algol, when on the meridian of New York City, is only one tenth of a 
 degree from the zenith point. This remarkable variable has a dark 
 companion star revolving near it obscuring its light in part from us 
 at stated intervals. By means of the spectroscope the speed diameter 
 and mass of this invisible star has been reckoned. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF AUTUMN_PISCES (pis´ēz)--THE FISHES 
 LOCATION.--This constellation is represented by two fishes each with a 
 ribbon tied to its tail. One, the Northern Fish, lies just below β 
 Andromedæ,--the other, represented by the circlet, is just below 
 Pegasus. The ribbons, represented by streams of faint stars, from a 
 "V" with elongated sides, and terminate in the star Al Rischa, The 
 Knot. 
   
 Below ω, and to the east of λ the spot marked (*) is the place which 
 the sun occupies at the time of the equinox. It is one of the two 
 crossing places of the equinoctial, or equator, of the heavens, and 
 the ecliptic, or sun's path. 
   
 Below Pisces is Cetus, the Whale. 
   
 Pisces is thought to have taken its name from its coincidence with the 
 sun during the rainy season. 
   
 Three distinct conjunctions of Jupiter and Saturn took place in this 
 constellation in the year 747 of Rome. 
   
 Pisces was considered the national constellation of the Jews, as well 
 as a tribal symbol. 
   
 In 1881, Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus were grouped together in Pisces. 
   
 The Circlet is a very striking group forming a pentagon. The glass 
 reveals two faint stars in addition, making the figure seven-sided or 
 elliptical in form. 
   
 As to the number of the stars as classified according to their 
 magnitude, that is their brightness, it may be mentioned that there 
 are approximately 20 stars of the first magnitude, 65 of the second, 
 300 of the third, and 450 of the fourth. We cannot see stars fainter 
 than the sixth magnitude with the naked eye. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF AUTUMN_TRIANGULUM (trī-an´-gū-lum)--THE TRIANGLE 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from the star γ Pegasi to Algol in Perseus 
 passes through β Trianguli. 
   
 The triangle is clearly defined and a beautiful figure. It lies just 
 below Andromeda, and above Aries. 
   
 Triangulum is a very ancient constellation, being formerly named 
 Deltoton, from the Greek letter Delta Δ. 
   
 It was in this locality that Piazzi discovered the asteroid Ceres, 
 January 1, 1800. 
   
 α Trianguli is sometimes called "Caput Trianguli." 
   
 α and β Trianguli were known as "The Scale Beam." According to 
 Argelander the constellation contains fifteen stars. 
   
 The Triangle has been likened to the Trinity, and the Mitre of St. 
 Peter. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF AUTUMN_AQUARIUS (a-kwā´ri-us)--THE WATER CARRIER 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from β Pegasi to α of the same constellation, 
 and prolonged as far again, ends just east of the so-called water jar 
 of Aquarius, which is formed by a group of four stars in the form of a 
 "Y," as indicated in the diagram. The Arabians called these four stars 
 a tent. 
   
 The jar is represented as inverted, allowing a stream of water 
 represented by dim stars in pairs and groups of three stars, to 
 descend, ending in the bright star Fomalhaut, the mouth of the 
 Southern Fish. 
   
 A rough map of South America can be traced in the stars θ, λ, τ, δ, 
 88, ι. 
   
 A rude dipper can be made out in the western part of the 
 constellation, formed of the stars α, β, ν, ε. 
   
 The stars τ and ζ are doubles. Of the former pair, one is white, the 
 other orange in color. Fomalhaut was the object of sunrise worship in 
 the temple of Demeter at Eleusis in 500 B.C. The ancients called this 
 region of the sky "the Sea." 
   
 In the vicinity of δ, Mayer observed in 1756 what he termed a fixed 
 star. Herschel thought it a comet. It proved to be the planet Uranus. 
   
 ζ is almost exactly on the celestial equator. 
   
 λ is a red star, the most prominent of the first stars in the stream. 
 The stars in Piscis Australis can be traced out with an opera-glass. 
   
 Fomalhaut and Capella, in Auriga, rise almost exactly at the same 
 minute. 
   
 Fomalhaut is one of the four "royal stars" of astrology. The others 
 are Regulus, Antares, and Aldebaran. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF AUTUMN_CAPRICORNUS (kap-ri-kôr´-nus)--THE SEA GOAT 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from α Pegasi through ζ and θ in the same 
 constellation, and projected about 25°, strikes α and β in 
 Capricornus. 
   
 This constellation contains three principal stars--α and β mentioned 
 above, and δ about 20° east of them. 
   
 The water jar of Aquarius is about the same distance northeast of δ 
 Capricorni that Fomalhaut, in the Southern Fish, is southeast of it. 
   
 α has a companion which can be seen by the naked eye. It is a fine 
 sight in an opera-glass. These two stars are gradually separating. 
   
 β is a double star, one being blue, the other yellow. 
   
 The constellation resembles a chapeau, or peaked hat, upside down. 
   
 The stars in the head of the Sea Goat, α and β are only 2° apart, and 
 can hardly be mistaken by an observer facing the southwestern sky 
 during the early evening in autumn. 
   
 Five degrees east of δ is the point announced by Le Verrier as the 
 position of his predicted new planet, Neptune. 
   
 Flammarion claims that the Chinese astronomers noted the five planets 
 in conjunction in Capricornus, in the year 2449 B.C. 
   
 The sign of the Goat was called by the ancient Orientalists "The 
 Southern Gate of the Sun." 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF AUTUMN_ARIES (ā´-ri-ēz)--THE RAM 
 LOCATION.--The star α in Aries, known as Hamal, and sometimes as 
 Arietis, a star of the second magnitude, is about 7° south of α 
 Trianguli. A line drawn from the Pole Star to γ Andromedæ, and 
 prolonged about 20°, ends at Hamal. 
   
 Aries contains three principal stars, forming a characteristic 
 obtuse-angled triangle. 
   
 The star γ Arietis was one of the first double stars discovered. A 
 telescope is required to split it. Hamal lies near the path of the 
 moon, and is one of the stars from which longitude is reckoned. 
   
 Below Aries may be seen the characteristic pentagon in the head of 
 Cetus, the Whale. 
   
 More than two thousand years ago Aries was the leading constellation 
 of the zodiac, and now stands first in the list of zodiacal signs. 
   
 The Arabians knew this constellation as Al Hamal, the sheep. 
   
 β and γ are one instance out of many where stars of more than ordinary 
 brightness are seen together in pairs, the brightest star being 
 generally on the east. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF AUTUMN_CETUS (sē´-tus)--THE WHALE 
 LOCATION.--A line drawn from Polaris, to δ Cassiopeiæ, and prolonged 
 two and one third times its original length, reaches the centre of 
 this constellation. 
   
 It lies just below Aries and the Triangle, and resembles the figure of 
 the prehistoric icthyosaurus, while some see in the outline an easy 
 chair. The head of the beast is characterized by a clearly traced 
 pentagon, about 20° southeast of Aries. The brightest star in the 
 constellation is α of the second magnitude. It is at one apex of the 
 pentagon, about 15° east of Al Rischa in Pisces, and 37° directly 
 south of Algol. 
   
 The noted variable Mira also known as ο Ceti is the chief object of 
 interest in this constellation. 
   
 It was discovered by Fabricius in 1596 and varies from the ninth 
 magnitude to the third or fourth in a period of 334 days. It can be 
 observed during its entire range with a 3" glass. 
   
 In 1779 Mira is reported to have been as bright as the first-magnitude 
 star Aldebaran. It lies almost exactly on a line joining γ and ζ Ceti 
 a little nearer the former. Ten degrees south of it are four faint 
 stars about 3° apart forming a square. 
   
 τ Ceti is one of our nearest neighbors at a distance of nine light 
 years. 
   
 ζ is a naked-eye double star.  
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF AUTUMN_MUSCA (mus´-kä)--THE FLY 
 LOCATION.--Musca lies between Triangulum and Aries, the diagram 
 clearly defining its position. 
   
 The four stars composing it form a group shaped like the letter "Y." 
   
 There is nothing of particular interest to be noted in this asterism. 
 It does not appear on modern star charts and is considered obsolete. 
   
 So great is the distance that separates us from the stars that as for 
 the great majority had they been blotted out of existence before the 
 Christian era, we of to-day should still receive their light and seem 
 to see them just as we do. When we scan the nocturnal skies we study 
 ancient history. We do not see the stars as they are but as they were 
 centuries on centuries ago. 
   
 
 
 
 METEORIC SHOWERS OCTOBER TO JANUARY 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
 |                |       |               |               | Other Dates |       | 
 | Name of Shower | Date | Radiant Point |Characteristics|       of     |Location| 
 |                 |       |               |               | Observation |       | 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
 |                 |       | Between Great |               |             |       | 
 |     Ursids     |Oct. 4 |Bear's head and |   Sw. Sk.   | Aug. 20-24 |   N.   | 
 |                 |       |   Polaris     |               |             |       | 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
 |Epsilon Arietids |       | East of Hamal, |               | Oct. 11-24, |       | 
 |   Rich shower   |Oct. 14|   near Musca   |   M. Sw.     |   Oct. 30-   |   E.   | 
 |     1877       |       |               |               |   Nov. 4   |       | 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
 |   Orionids     |Oct. 18| Near Alhena in | After 11 P.M. | Oct. 16-22 |   E.   | 
 |   Fine shower   |       |     Gemini     |   Sw. Sk.   |             |       | 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
 |                 |       |Near Castor and | After 10 P.M. |   Nov. 7,   |       | 
 | Delta Geminids |Oct. 29|     Pollux     | v. Sw. Sk.   |   Dec. 4,   | N.E. | 
 |                 |       |               |               | Oct. 16-22 |       | 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
 |(e) Taurids. Rich|Nov. 2 | About 13° S.E. |   Sl. B.T.   |   Nov. 2-3   |   E.   | 
 | shower in 1886 |       | of Aldebaran |              |             |       | 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
 |     Leonids     |       |Near (γ) Leonis |After midnight.|             |       | 
 |Brilliant shower |Nov. 13| In the Sickle |   v. Sw.     | Nov. 12-14 | N.E. | 
 |                 |       |               |     Sk.     |             |       | 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
 |                 |       | Near (μ) Ursæ | After 10 P.M. | Sept. 15,   |       | 
 | Leo Minorids   |Nov. 16|Maj., the Great | v. Sw. Sk.   |   Oct. 16   |   N.   | 
 |                 |       |Bear's hind feet|               |             |       | 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
 | Andromedids.   |       | Near (γ)     |               | Nov. 17-23 |       | 
 | The Bielids.   |Nov. 27| Andromedæ     |   Sl. T.     | Nov. 21-28 |Overhead| 
 | Fine display   |       |               |               |             |       | 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
 |                 |Nov. 30|Between Capella |               | Aug. 16     |       | 
 |   Taurids     |       |and (α) Persei |   V. Sw.     | Sept. 15,   |Overhead| 
 |                 |       |               |               | Nov. 20     |       | 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
 | Zeta Taurids. |Dec. 6 | Near the horns |               |             |       | 
 | Active shower |       | of the Bull   |   Sl. B.     |             |   E. | 
 |     in 1876     |       |               |               |              |       | 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
 |   Geminids.   |Dec. 10| Near Castor   |     Sw.       |   Dec. 1-14 |   E. | 
 |   Fine shower   |       |               |               |             |       | 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
 | Kappa Draconids |Dec. 22| Near Thuban   |               | Nov. 14-23 |       | 
 |                 |       | (α) Draconis   |   Sw. Sk.   | Dec. 18-29 |       | 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
 | Fire Ball Dates |       |               |               |   Nov. 29   |       | 
 |                 |       |               |              |Dec. 2, 19, 21|       | 
 +-----------------+-------+----------------+---------------+--------------+--------+ 
   
 The Andromedes are usually red, sluggish in their movements, and leave 
 only a small train. 
   
 Brilliant displays were seen in 1872 and 1885. 
   
 The Leonids are characterized by their exceedingly swift flight. They 
 are of a greenish or bluish tint and leave behind them a vivid and 
 persistent train. In most years the display is not especially 
 noteworthy. Once in thirty-three years they afford an exhibition grand 
 beyond description as in 1833 and 1866.  
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF WINTER_TAURUS (tâ´-rus)--THE BULL 
 LOCATION.--Taurus contains the well-known and unmistakable group the 
 Pleiades, on the right shoulder of the Bull. A "V" shaped group known 
 as the Hyades is just to the southeast of the Pleiades, in the face of 
 the Bull, forming one of the most beautiful objects in the sky. 
   
 The brightest star in Taurus is Aldebaran, a ruddy-hued star known as 
 "The Follower." It is at the beginning of the "V" in the Hyades, and 
 is at the apex of a triangle formed by Capella, in Auriga, and α 
 Persei, and equally distant from them both. 
   
 The star β called Nath, is peculiarly white, and is common to Taurus 
 and Auriga. It represents the tip of one of the Bull's horns, and the 
 right foot of the Charioteer. The Pleiades are mentioned in Chinese 
 annals in 2357 B.C. On a photograph of the group over 2000 stars have 
 been counted. 
   
 The ecliptic passes a little south of a point midway between the two 
 horns, where a scattered and broken stream of minute stars can be 
 seen. 
   
 Note two pretty pairs in the Hyades, one south of Aldebaran, the other 
 northwest of it. 
   
 There are rich clusters below the tip of the horn over Orion's head. 
   
 Taurus was an important object of worship by the Druids. 
   
 Aldebaran is near one eye of the Bull, and used to be called "The 
 Bull's Eye." An occultation of it by the moon, which not infrequently 
 occurs, is a striking phenomenon. 
   
 The Eskimos regard the Pleiades as a team of dogs in pursuit of a 
 bear. The group is receding from us at the rate of thirteen miles a 
 second and has a common eastward motion of about ten seconds a 
 century. 
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF WINTER_ORION (ŏ-rī´-on)--THE GIANT HUNTER 
 LOCATION.--Orion is considered the finest constellation in the 
 heavens. A line drawn from Nath to ζ Tauri (the tips of the Bull's 
 horns), and extended 15°, strikes the brilliant Betelgeuze in Orion, 
 known as the martial star. It forms the northeast corner of a 
 conspicuous parallelogram. The splendid first-magnitude star Rigel is 
 diagonally opposite Betelgeuze, and the girdle and sword of the Hunter 
 lie within the parallelogram, a very striking group. The former is 
 represented by three bright stars in a line 3° long known as the 
 "Three Stars," because there are no other stars in the heavens that 
 exactly resemble them in position and brightness. 
   
 In the sword there is the most remarkable nebula in the heavens. It 
 may be seen with an opera-glass and in a telescope it is a wonderful 
 sight. Bellatrix is called the Amazon star. Note the contrasting 
 colours of α and β. 
   
 About 9° west of Bellatrix are eight stars in a curved line running 
 north and south. These point out the Lion's skin held in the Hunter's 
 left hand. 
   
 Below λ there are two stars forming a triangle with it. Flammarion 
 calls this region the California of the sky. 
   
 The celestial equator passes nearly through δ. 
   
 Orion was worshipped in China during the one thousand years before our 
 era, and was known to the Chinese as the "White Tiger." 
   
 The Eskimos see in the Belt stars the three steps cut by some 
 celestial Eskimo in a steep snow bank to enable him to reach the top. 
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF WINTER_LEPUS (lē´-pus)--THE HARE 
 LOCATION.--Lepus crouches under Orion's feet. Four stars in the 
 constellation form an irregular and conspicuous quadrilateral. 
   
 γ is a beautiful double of a greenish hue. 
   
 Four or five degrees south of Rigel are four faint stars which are in 
 the ear of the hare. They can be seen on a clear night with the naked 
 eye. 
   
 The curved line of three stars θ, η, and ζ, are in the back of the 
 hare. 
   
 Lepus is about 18° west of Canis Major, and, by reason of the earth's 
 motion, the Great Dog seems to be pursuing the Hare around the 
 heavens. 
   
 The first-magnitude stars that are visible in the winter season in 
 this latitude present a fine contrast in color. Even the untrained eye 
 can see a decided difference between the bluish white color of the 
 brilliant Sirius, the Dog star that the Belt stars point south to, and 
 Rigel, and the ruddy Betelgeuze. Procyon has a yellowish tinge and 
 resembles the condition of our sun, while Betelgeuze is surrounded by 
 heavy metallic vapors and is thought to be approaching extinction. 
   
 R marks the location of "Hind's crimson star," a famous variable. 
   
 [Illustration: LEPUS] 
   
   
   
   
 COLUMBA NOACHI (co-lum´-bä nō-ä´-ki)--NOAH'S DOVE. (Face South.) 
   
   
 LOCATION.--Columba is situated just south of Lepus. A line drawn from 
 Rigel, in Orion, to β Leporis, and prolonged as far again, ends near α 
 and β, the two brightest stars in Columba. 
   
 A line drawn from the easternmost star in the belt of Orion, 32° 
 directly south, will point out Phaet, in Columba. It makes with 
 Sirius, in Canis Major, and Naos, in the Ship, a large equilateral 
 triangle. 
   
 The star β Columbæ may be known by means of a smaller star just east 
 of it, marked γ. 
   
 The Chinese call α Chang Jin, the old Folks. Lockyer thinks it was of 
 importance in Egyptian temple worship, and observed from Edfu and 
 Philæ as far back as 6400 B.C. 
   
 On a clear starlight night there are not more than a thousand stars 
 visible to the naked eye at one time. The largest telescope reveals 
 nearly a hundred million. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF WINTER_COLUMBA NOACHI (co-lum´-bä nō-ä´-ki)--NOAH'S DOVE 
 LOCATION.--Columba is situated just south of Lepus. A line drawn from 
 Rigel, in Orion, to β Leporis, and prolonged as far again, ends near α 
 and β, the two brightest stars in Columba. 
   
 A line drawn from the easternmost star in the belt of Orion, 32° 
 directly south, will point out Phaet, in Columba. It makes with 
 Sirius, in Canis Major, and Naos, in the Ship, a large equilateral 
 triangle. 
   
 The star β Columbæ may be known by means of a smaller star just east 
 of it, marked γ. 
   
 The Chinese call α Chang Jin, the old Folks. Lockyer thinks it was of 
 importance in Egyptian temple worship, and observed from Edfu and 
 Philæ as far back as 6400 B.C. 
   
 On a clear starlight night there are not more than a thousand stars 
 visible to the naked eye at one time. The largest telescope reveals 
 nearly a hundred million. 
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF WINTER_CANIS MAJOR_THE GREATER DOG 
 LOCATION.--The three stars in Orion's girdle point southeast to 
 Sirius, the dog star, in Canis Major, the most brilliant star in the 
 heavens. It was connected in the minds of the Egyptians with the 
 rising of the Nile, and is receding from the earth at the rate of 
 twenty miles a second. 
   
 The star ν is a triple. The cluster (41 M.) can be seen with an 
 opera-glass, just below it. 
   
 Between δ and ο¹ note a remarkable array of minute stars, also the 
 very red star 22. 
   
 δ and ζ are doubles for an opera-glass. 
   
 Below η there is a fine group. 
   
 Betelgeuze, in Orion, Procyon, in Canis Minor, and Sirius form a 
 nearly equilateral triangle. These stars with Naos, in the Ship, and 
 Phaet, in the Dove, form a huge figure known as the Egyptian "X." 
   
 From earliest times Sirius has been known as the Dog of Orion. It is 
 324 times brighter than the average sixth-magnitude star, and is the 
 nearest to the earth of all the stars in this latitude, its distance 
 being 8.7 light years. At this distance the Sun would appear as a star 
 a little brighter than the Pole Star.  
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF WINTER_ARGO NAVIS (är´-go nā´-vis)--THE SHIP ARGO 
 LOCATION.--Argo is situated southeast of Canis Major. If a line 
 joining Betelgeuze and Sirius be prolonged 18° southeast, it will 
 point out Naos, a star of the second magnitude in the rowlock of the 
 Ship. This star is in the southeast corner of the Egyptian "X." 
   
 The star π is of a deep yellow or orange hue. It has three little 
 stars above it, two of which form a pretty pair. 
   
 The star ζ has a companion, which is a test for an opera-glass. 
   
 The star κ is a double for an opera-glass. 
   
 Note the fine star cluster (46 M.). 
   
 The star Markeb forms a small triangle with two other stars near it. 
   
 The Egyptians believed that this was the ark that bore Osiris and Isis 
 over the Deluge. 
   
 The constellation contains two noted objects invisible in this 
 latitude, Canopus, the second brightest star, and the remarkable 
 variable star η. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF WINTER_MONOCEROS (mō-nos´-e-ros)--THE UNICORN 
 LOCATION.--Monoceros is to be found east of Orion between Canis Major 
 and Canis Minor. Three of its stars of the fourth magnitude form a 
 straight line northeast and southwest, about 9° east of Betelgeuze, 
 and about the same distance south of Alhena, in Gemini. 
   
 The region around the stars 8, 13, 17 is particularly rich when viewed 
 with an opera-glass. 
   
 Note also a beautiful field about the variable S, and a cluster about 
 midway between α and β. 
   
 Two stars about 7° apart in the tail of the Unicorn are pointer stars 
 to Procyon. These stars are known as 30 and 31. The former is about 
 16° east of Procyon, and is easily identified as it has a 
 sixth-magnitude star on either side of it. About 4° southwest of this 
 star a good field-glass will reveal a beautiful star cluster. 
   
 
 
 
 THE CONSTELLATIONS OF WINTER_ERIDANUS (ē-rid´-a-nus)--OR THE RIVER PO 
 LOCATION.--Three degrees north and 2° west of Rigel, in Orion, lies β 
 Eridani, the source of the River. Thence it flows west till it reaches 
 π Ceti, then drops south 5°, thence east southeast, its total length 
 being about 130°. 
   
 The great curve the River takes, just east of the Whale, resembles a 
 horseshoe. 
   
 Acherna, the first-magnitude star in Eridanus, is too far south to be 
 seen in this latitude. 
   
 Note the pretty star group around β and a pair of stars of an orange 
 hue below ν. 
   
 The asterism known as "The Brandenburg Sceptre," consisting of four 
 stars of the fourth and fifth magnitudes, can be seen arranged in a 
 straight line north and south below the first bend in the River just 
 west of Lepus. 
   
 
 
 
 METEORIC SHOWERS JANUARY TO APRIL 
 +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ 
 |               |       |                 |               | Other Dates |         | 
 |Name of Shower | Date   |   Radiant Point |Characteristics|     of     |Location | 
 |               |       |                 |               | Observation |         | 
 +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ 
 | Quadrantids. | Jan. 2 |   (44) Boötis,   |               |            |         | 
 | Rich annual |       |between Boötes and|   M. Sw. B.   |   Jan 3.   |   E.     | 
 |   shower     |       | Dragon's head   |               |             |         | 
 +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ 
 | Zeta Cancrids |Jan. 2-4|   (ζ) Cancri,   |               |             |   E.     | 
 |               |       | near Bee Hive   |               |             |         | 
 +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ 
 | Theta Ursids | Jan. 5 | About 10° from β |     Small     |             |         | 
 |               |       | away from γ     | Sh. Sw. F.   | Jan. 2-8   |   N.     | 
 |               |       |   Ursæ Maj.     |               |             |         | 
 +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ 
 |Alpha Draconids| Feb. 1 |   Near Thuban   |     Sl.     |   Jan. 9   |  N.     | 
 |               |       |   α Draconis     |               |   Dec. 8   |         | 
 +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ 
 |               |       |   Near Capella   |               |   Aug. 21   |High in   | 
 |Alpha Aurigids | Feb. 7 |     α Aurigæ     |     Sl.     | Sept. 12-22 |Southern | 
 |               |       |                 |               |             | Sky     | 
 +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ 
 | Tau Leonids   |Feb. 16 |   τ Leonis,     |               |   Nov. 27   |         | 
 |               |       | between Leo     |   Sl. Sk.   |   Dec. 12   |   E.     | 
 |               |       | and Crater     |               |   Mar. 1-4 |         | 
 +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ 
 | Alpha Canum |Feb. 20 | Near Cor Caroli |               |             |         | 
 |   Ven. Well   |       |   and Coma       |   V. Sw. B.   |             |   E.     | 
 | defined 1877 |       |   Berenices     |               |             |         | 
 +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ 
 |     α-β       |Mar. 1 |   Between α     |     V. Sl.   | July--Dec. |   N.W.   | 
 |   Perseids   |       | and β Persei   |               | Mar. 13-19 |         | 
 +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ 
 |Beta Leonids or|Mar. 14 | Near Denebola   |     Sl. B.   | Mar. 3, 4 |   S.E.   | 
 |Beta Virginids |       |   β Leonis     |               | Dec. 12   |         | 
 +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ 
 |Kappa Cepheids |Mar. 18 |   Near Polaris   |     Sl. B.   | Oct. 4-17 |   N.     | 
 |               |       |                 |               | Mar. 13-19 |         | 
 +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ 
 |               |       |                 |               | Apr. 10-16 |         | 
 | Beta Ursids |Mar. 24 |     Near β       |       Sw.     | Mar. 13-14 |   N.     | 
 |               |       |   Ursæ Maj.     |               | Dec. 2-9   |         | 
 |               |       |                 |               |   Precise   |         | 
 +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ 
 |Zeta Draconids |Mar. 28 |   Near the     |       Sl.     | July 29   |   N.     | 
 |               |       | Dragon's Head   |               |Aug. 24, etc.|         | 
 +---------------+--------+------------------+---------------+-------------+----------+ 
   
 The Abbreviations under _Characteristics_ are as follows: 
   
 Very 
 
 Sh. Short 
 Moderately 
 Bright 
 
 Sw. Swift 
 Faint 
 
 Sl. Slow 
 Sk. Streak leaving meteors 
 Train leaving meteors 
 
   
 If you know the constellations, and memorize the following rhyme you 
 will have ever at hand for reference at night, a reliable time-piece, 
 a compass, and a perpetual calendar. 
   
 The numbers above the star names indicate consecutively the months of 
 the year in which these respective objects rise about the first 
 instant in the eastern sky. In addition to first-magnitude stars the 
 rhyme refers to the head of Capricornus, the Sea Goat, the Great 
 Square of Pegasus, and Orion's Belt. All except Arcturus rise between 
 9 and 9.30 P.M. Arcturus rises at 10 P.M., February 1st. 
   
            1 
 First Regulus gleams on the view, 
      2       3     4 
 Arcturus, Spica, Vega, blue, 
      5           6 
 Antares, and Altair, 
        7             8           9 
 The Goat's head, Square, and Fomalhaut, 
      10         11 
 Aldebaran, the Belt, a-glow, 
          12 
 Then Sirius most fair. 
   
 Eight months of the year are identified by the position of the Dipper 
 at 9 P.M. In April and May it is north of the zenith. During July and 
 August it is west of north. In October and November it lies close to 
 the northern horizon and in January and February it is east of north 
 with the pointers highest. 
 
 
 
 THE PLANETS 
 It is not within the scope of this work to dwell at length on a 
 discussion of the planets. Certain explanatory matter regarding them 
 is necessary, however, to prevent confusion; for the student must bear 
 in mind the fact that from time to time the planets appear in the 
 constellations, and unless identified would lead him to think that the 
 diagrams were inaccurate. 
   
 The reader is referred to any one of the four large plates that 
 precede each season. He will observe that a portion of an ellipse has 
 been traced on each of them, and that this line has been designated 
 the Ecliptic, which simply means the sun's apparent pathway across the 
 sky. 
   
 This pathway is divided into twelve equal parts of thirty degrees 
 each, and to these twelve divisions are given the names of the 
 constellations of the Zodiac in the following order: Aries (♈), Taurus 
 (♉), Gemini (♊), Cancer (♋), Leo (♌), Virgo (♍), Libra (♎), Scorpio 
 (♏), Sagittarius (♐), Capricornus (♑), Aquarius (♒), Pisces (♓). 
   
 The sun, starting from the first degree of Aries, the first day of 
 spring, passes through one constellation a month. The planets follow 
 the same pathway. 
   
 Confusion, therefore, respecting their identity can only arise in 
 connection with a study of one of the twelve constellations named 
 above, so that whenever a star of any size is seen in one of these 
 constellations, not accounted for in the diagram, the student may 
 conclude that this is a planet; especially if the unknown star does 
 not twinkle. It now remains to identify the planet. 
   
 This can best be done by referring to an almanac, which states what 
 planets are above the horizon, and which are morning and evening 
 stars. By morning star is meant that the planet is east of the sun; by 
 evening star, that it is west of the sun. 
   
 If the planet is in the west, and very brilliant, it is safe to assume 
 that it is the planet Venus. 
   
 If it is brighter than any of the fixed stars, and is some distance 
 from the sun, it is doubtless the colossal Jupiter. 
   
 If it is very red, it will probably be Mars. 
   
 Saturn is distinguished because of its pale, steady, yellow light. 
   
 As for Mercury, Uranus, and Neptune, the former is very near the sun, 
 and seldom seen; while Uranus and Neptune are so inconspicuous as to 
 lead to no confusion on the part of the novice. 
   
 A few notes of interest relative to the planets follow, taking them up 
 in regular order passing outward from the sun: Mercury, Venus, Mars, 
 Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. 
   
   
 MERCURY. 
   
 Mercury is the nearest to the sun of any of the planets. On this 
 account, and because of its rapid changes, it is seldom seen. 
   
 The most favorable time for observing it is just after sunset, or just 
 before sunrise, during the months of March, April, August, and 
 September, when it may be seen for a few successive days. 
   
 The greatest distance it ever departs from the sun on either side 
 varies approximately from sixteen to twenty-eight degrees. Its motion 
 resembles a pendulum, swinging from one side of the sun to the other. 
   
   
 VENUS. 
   
 Venus approaches nearer to the earth and is more brilliant than any 
 other planet. It is bright enough to cast a shadow at night, and is 
 sometimes visible even at noonday. It is almost as large as the earth, 
 and appears to oscillate, as Mercury does, on either side of the sun. 
   
 It never appears more than three hours after sunset, and as long 
 before the sunrise, and is never more than forty-eight degrees from 
 the sun. 
   
   
 MARS. 
   
 Mars is most like the earth of any of the planets, and, although not 
 as interesting an object to view as the more brilliant planets, Venus 
 and Jupiter, it claims our attention chiefly because of the surmises 
 respecting its habitability. 
   
 Mars appears to the naked eye as a bright red star, and when at a 
 favorable opposition to the earth (which occurs only once in every 
 fifteen years) it rivals Jupiter in splendor. 
   
 The planet may be mistaken for the first magnitude stars, Antares in 
 Scorpius, and Aldebaran in Taurus, near which it frequently passes. 
   
 The fixed stars, however, twinkle, while Mars glows steadily. If there 
 is any doubt in the student's mind as to the identity of the planet, a 
 few nights of observation, noting the changes in the planet's 
 position, will decide the point. It takes Mars about fifty-seven days 
 to pass through one constellation in the Zodiac. 
   
   
 JUPITER. 
   
 Jupiter is the largest of all the planets in the solar system, and it 
 is easily distinguished from the fixed stars because of its brilliancy 
 and splendor, exceeding in brightness all the planets excepting Venus, 
 and casting a perceptible shadow. 
   
 It moves slowly and majestically across the sky, advancing through the 
 Zodiac at the rate of one constellation yearly. It is therefore a 
 simple matter to forecast its position, for, in whatever constellation 
 it is seen to-day, one year hence it will be seen equally advanced in 
 the next constellation. 
   
 Although Jupiter appears to move slowly, it really travels at the 
 incomprehensible rate of five hundred miles a minute. 
   
 The most interesting feature about Jupiter for the amateur astronomer 
 consists in observing four of its moons, which are visible with a 
 small telescope. They appear like mere dots of light, and their 
 transit of or occultation with the planet (that is, their 
 disappearance before or behind its disk) can be watched, and is a 
 never failing source of pleasure. A large telescope alone reveals 
 Jupiter's four other moons. 
   
   
 SATURN. 
   
 Saturn is farther removed from the earth than any of the planets in 
 the solar system, visible to the naked eye. It is distinguished from 
 the fixed stars by the steadiness of its light, which is dull and of a 
 yellow hue, though to some it appears to be of a greenish tinge. It 
 seems barely to move, so slow is its motion among the stars, for it 
 takes two and one half years to pass through a single constellation of 
 the Zodiac. 
   
 Saturn has eight moons. Titan, its largest one, can be seen with a 3" 
 glass. Its celebrated rings are telescopic objects but a small glass 
 reveals them. 
   
   
 URANUS. 
   
 The student will hardly mistake Uranus for a fixed star, as it is only 
 under the most favorable circumstances that it can be seen with the 
 naked eye. 
   
 At its nearest approach to the earth, it is as bright as a 
 sixth-magnitude star. Uranus is accompanied by four moons, and takes 
 seven years to pass through a constellation of the Zodiac. 
   
   
 NEPTUNE. 
   
 Neptune is the most distant of the planets in the solar system, and is 
 never visible to the naked eye. 
   
 The earth comes properly under a discussion of the planets, but a 
 description of it is hardly within the scope of this work. 
   
 Confusion in identifying the planets is really confined to Mars and 
 Saturn, for Venus and Jupiter are much brighter than any of the fixed 
 stars, and their position in the heavens identifies them, as we have 
 seen before. 
   
 The following table of first-magnitude stars in the Zodiacal 
 constellations confines the question of identifying the planets to a 
 comparison of the unknown star with the following-named stars: 
   
 Castor and Pollux in Gemini. 
 Spica             " Virgo. 
 Regulus           " Leo. 
 Aldebaran         " Taurus. 
 Antares           " Scorpius. 
   
 The first four stars named above are white in color, so that either 
 Mars or Saturn is readily distinguished from them. 
   
 As for Aldebaran and Antares, which are both red stars, not unlike 
 Mars and Saturn in color and magnitude, the fact that the latter do 
 not twinkle, and that they do not appear in the diagrams, should 
 satisfy the observer of their identity. Reference to an almanac, or a 
 few nights of observation, will in any case set at rest any doubt in 
 the matter. 
   
 
 
 
 THE MILKY WAY 
 The Milky Way, or Galaxy as it is sometimes called, is a great band of 
 light that stretches across the heavens. Certain portions of it are 
 worthy of being viewed with an opera-glass, which separates this 
 seemingly confused and hazy stream into numberless points of light, 
 emanating from myriads of suns. 
   
 This wonderful feature of the heavens is seen to best advantage during 
 the months of July, August, September, and October. Beginning near the 
 head of Cepheus, about thirty degrees from the North Pole, it passes 
 through Cassiopeia, Perseus, Auriga, part of Orion, and the feet of 
 Gemini, where it crosses the Ecliptic, and thence continues into the 
 southern hemisphere, beyond our ken in these latitudes. 
   
 It reappears in two branches in the region of Ophiuchus, one running 
 through the tail of Scorpius, the bow of Sagittarius, Aquila, 
 Delphinus, and Cygnus; the other above and almost parallel to it, 
 uniting with the first branch in Cygnus, and passing to Cepheus, the 
 place of beginning. 
   
 The student should note especially the strange gap between α, γ, and 
 ε Cygni. This dark space has been called the "Coal Sack." 
   
 The Milky Way in the vicinity of Cassiopeia is particularly rich, and 
 well repays a search with an opera-glass. 
   
 "The Galaxy covers more than one tenth of the visible heavens, 
 contains nine-tenths of the visible stars, and seems a vast 
 zone-shaped nebula, nearly a great circle of the sphere, the poles 
 being at Coma and Cetus." 
   
 
 
 
 THE MOTIONS OF THE STARS 
 It may be that the student desires to proceed in this conquest of the 
 sky at a more rapid pace than the scheme of study permits. To assist 
 such, it should be borne in mind that the circumpolar constellations, 
 as Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Draco, Cepheus, and Cassiopeia, are 
 designated,--are visible in our latitude in the northern sky every 
 night. 
   
 A reference to their diagrams, and a glance at any of the large plates 
 showing the entire group in their respective positions, will suffice 
 for the student to identify them. 
   
 The hours of darkness alone limit the speed with which a knowledge of 
 the constellations can be acquired. 
   
 Let us suppose that the student begins his search for the 
 constellations on the night of April 1st, at nine P.M. He has for his 
 guide the large plate, and the spring group of eleven constellations 
 set forth in the diagrams. The remaining three constellations of the 
 circumpolar group are, as we have seen before, visible in the north. 
   
 If he faces the western sky, he will see Andromeda just setting, and 
 Perseus, Taurus, Orion, Lepus, and Canis Major but a short distance 
 above the horizon. If he is so fortunate as to be able to identify 
 these, and the spring group, he may turn his attention wholly to the 
 eastern sky, where new constellations await him. 
   
 In the southeast he may see Virgo. In the east well up blazes 
 Arcturus, the gem of Boötes, below which is the beautiful Northern 
 Crown, with the diamond in the head of Serpens beneath it. Hercules is 
 rising, and Vega in the Lyre should be seen just flashing on the view 
 in the northeast. 
   
 This completes the list of wonders visible at this precise time, but 
 the stars apparently are never still, and doubtless, while the student 
 has been passing from one constellation to another in the western and 
 southern skies, others have been rising in the east and northeast. 
   
 At ten P.M. the Lyre is well up, and Ophiuchus and Libra can be 
 discerned. At midnight Scorpius and Cygnus are ready to claim the 
 attention. By two o'clock A.M., Aquila, Delphinus, and Sagittarius 
 have risen, and at break of day Andromeda, Pegasus, and Capricornus 
 can be seen if the student has had the courage to remain awake this 
 length of time. 
   
 In no way can the seeming movement of the stars be better understood 
 than by actual observation. The observer must bear in mind that the 
 movement is an apparent one: that it is the earth that is moving and 
 not the stars. He has only to think of the analogy of the moving train 
 beside the one that is standing still, and the true state of affairs 
 will at once be evident. 
   
 To further appreciate this apparent change in the situation of the 
 constellations, the student should refer to the large plates 
 successively. In each successive one he will note the advancement 
 westward of the constellations mentioned above, rising in the east 
 late at night. 
   
 The student can best get an idea of this westward apparent movement of 
 the stars by noting the position of some bright first-magnitude star 
 from night to night. He will soon be able to calculate the position of 
 this star a month or more ahead, and this calculation applies to all 
 the constellations and stars. 
   
 It is not within the scope of this work to go into this matter in 
 detail. The author merely desires to mention this fact of apparent 
 change of position in the stars, a fact that will be noticeable to the 
 observer in a short time, and a fact that it is hoped he will be able 
 to explain to his own satisfaction with the aid of the foregoing 
 remarks. 
   
 It will be noticed that the stars on the diagrams are all numbered and 
 lettered. The numbers refer to the magnitude of the star,--that is, 
 the brightness of it, the first-magnitude stars being the brightest, 
 the second-magnitude stars two-and-a-half times less bright, etc. 
   
 The letters are those of the Greek alphabet, and the student if not 
 familiar with it is advised to consult a Greek grammar. 
   
 In the text, in referring to certain stars in the constellations, the 
 genitive case of the Latin name of the constellation is given; for 
 example, Vega is known as α Lyrae, meaning alpha of Lyra, Aldebaran as 
 α Tauri, alpha of Taurus, etc. 
   
 The twilight hour affords an excellent opportunity of fixing the 
 relative positions of the first-magnitude stars in the mind, for at 
 that time they alone, save the planets, are visible. 
   
 
 
 
 METEORS, OR SHOOTING-STARS 
 As this work is designed primarily to cover what is observable in the 
 starlit heavens with the naked eye, the subject of meteors, or 
 shooting-stars, comes properly within its scope. 
   
 There are few persons, if any, who have not witnessed the sight of a 
 splendid meteor speeding across the sky, and such a sight always calls 
 forth exclamations of wonder and delight. 
   
 Apparently these evanescent wanderers in space are without distinctive 
 features, and baffle classification; but, like all that nature reveals 
 to us, they have been found, for the most part, to conform to certain 
 laws, and to bear certain marks of resemblance that permit of their 
 identification and classification. 
   
 By careful observation for over fifty years the meteors, generally 
 speaking, have been so arranged that they come under the head of one 
 of the nearly three hundred distinct showers which are now recognized 
 by astronomers. 
   
 Many of these showers are too feeble and faint to be worthy of the 
 attention of one not especially interested in the subject, but certain 
 ones are well worth observing. There is always a pleasure in being 
 able to recognize at a glance a certain definite manifestation of 
 nature, be it a rare flower or a flashing meteor. 
   
 The generally accepted theory respecting the meteors is that they were 
 all originally parts of comets now disintegrated, and the four 
 well-known showers of April 20th, August 10th and 14th, and November 
 27th, bear testimony to this theory. 
   
 The apparent velocity of the meteors is between ten and forty-five 
 miles a second, and their average height is about seventy-six miles at 
 first appearance, and fifty-one miles at disappearance. Occasionally a 
 meteor is so large and compact as to escape total destruction, and 
 falls to the earth. Specimens of these meteorites are to be found in 
 our best museums. 
   
 I have seen fit to divide the principal meteor showers into four 
 groups, according to the seasons in which they appear, and have placed 
 them respectively at the conclusion of each season's work on the 
 constellations. 
   
 By radiant point is meant the point from which the meteors start on 
 their flight. This point is an apparent one, however, due to an 
 illusion of perspective, for the meteors really approach the earth in 
 parallel paths. 
   
 The dates given for these showers are those of the maxima, and the 
 meteors should be looked for several nights before and after the dates 
 specified. 
   
 The showers that are to be seen after midnight are, unless of special 
 note, omitted. 
   
 There are, besides the meteors that have been classified, certain 
 shooting-stars that apparently have no determined radiant point. These 
 are called sporadic meteors. 
   
 In these lists of meteors, the radiant point is only approximately 
 given; for scientific purposes a far more exact position is required 
 in terms of right ascension and declination. There are several good 
 lists of meteoric showers to be obtained, which afford this 
 information for those who care to pursue the matter more in detail. 
 See the Rev. T.W. Webb's book, entitled _Celestial Objects for Common 
 Telescopes_. For purposes of identification, the radiant points here 
 given will be found for the most part sufficient. 
   
 
 
 
 NOTE Pg 2 
    Many readers of this book may be the fortunate possessors of 
    small telescopes. It may be that they have observed the 
    heavens from time to time in a desultory way and have no 
    notion that valuable and practical scientific research work 
    can be accomplished with a small glass. If those who are 
    willing to aid in the great work of astrophysical research 
    will communicate with the author he will be pleased to 
    outline for them a most practical and fascinating line of 
    observational work that will enable them to share in the 
    advance of our knowledge respecting the stars. It is work 
    that involves no mathematics, and its details are easily 
    mastered. 
   
 
 
 
 THE NAMES OF THE STARS AND THEIR MEANINGS 
 ACUBENS, α _Cancri_, "the claws." 
   
    Situated in one of the Crab's claws. It is white in color 
    and culminates[1] March 18th. 
   
 A-DAR´-A, ε _Canis Majoris_, "the virgins," a name for four 
    stars, of which Adara is brightest. 
   
    Situated in the Dog's right thigh. It is pale orange in 
    color, and culminates Feb. 11th. 
   
 ADHIL, ε _Andromedæ_, "the train of a garment." 
   
    Situated in the left shoulder of the chained lady. 
   
 ALADFAR (al-ad-fär), μ _Lyræ_, "the talons" (of the falling 
    eagle) 
   
 AL BALI, ε _Aquarii_, "the good fortune of the swallower." 
   
 AL-BI´-REO, or AL-BIR´Ë-O β _Cygni_, origin doubtful. Means 
    the beak of the hen. 
   
    Situated in the beak of the Swan and the base of the Cross. 
    Its color is topaz yellow, and it culminates Aug. 28th. 
   
 ALCAID, η _Ursæ Majoris_. _See_ Benetnasch. 
   
 ALCHIBA (al-kē-bä´), α _Corvi_, "the tent," the desert title 
    for the constellation. 
   
    Situated in the eye of the Crow. Orange in color. 
   
 ALCOR (al´-kôr), g _Ursæ Majoris_, "the cavalier" or "the 
    rider." 
   
    Situated close to Mizar in the handle of the "Dipper." 
    Silver white in color. The Arabs called this star "Saidak," 
    meaning "the proof," because they used it to test a good 
    eye. 
   
 AL-CY´-O-NE, η _Tauri_. 
   
    Greenish yellow in color. The brightest of the Pleiades. 
    Situated in the neck of the Bull. 
   
 AL-DEB´-A-RAN, α _Tauri_, "the hindmost" or the "follower," 
    _i.e._ of the Pleiades. 
   
    Situated in the eye of the Bull. Pale rose in color. It is 
    receding from the earth at the rate of thirty miles per 
    second, and culminates Jan. 10. 
   
    α Tauri is sometimes called Palilicium. 
   
 ALDERAMIN (Al-der-am´-in), α _Cephei_ "the right arm." It 
    now marks the shoulder of Cepheus. 
   
    White in color. It culminates Sept. 27th. 
   
 ALDHAFERA, ζ _Leonis_. 
   
    Situated in the "Sickle," and the neck of the Lion. It 
    culminates April 8th. 
   
 ALFIRK (al-ferk´), or ALPHIRK, "stars of the flock," β 
    _Cephei_. 
   
    The Arab name for the constellation. Situated in the girdle 
    of Cepheus. White in color. It culminates Oct. 2d. 
   
 ALGEIBA (al-jē´-bä), γ _Leonis_, "the mane." 
   
    Situated in the "Sickle," and the shoulder of the Lion. It 
    is approaching the earth at the rate of twenty-four miles 
    per second, and culminates April 9th. 
   
 AL´-GE-NIB, γ _Pegasi_, "the wing," possibly the "flank" or 
    "side." 
   
    Situated in the wing of the Horse. White in color, and 
    culminates Nov. 14th. 
   
 AL´-GE-NIB, α _Persei_, "the side," or Mirfak, "the elbow." 
   
    Situated in the right side of Perseus. Lilac in color and 
    approaching the earth at the rate of six miles per second. 
    It culminates Jan. 1st. This star is also called Alchemb. 
   
 ALGENUBI (al-je-nö´-bi), ε _Leonis_, "the head of the Lion." 
   
    A yellow star situated in the Lion's mouth. 
   
 AL´-GOL, β _Persei_, "the ghoul" or "demon." 
   
    Situated in the head of the Medusa held in the Hero's left 
    hand. White in color. It is approaching the earth at the 
    rate of one mile per second, and culminates Dec. 23d. 
   
 ALGORAB (al-go-räb´), or ALGORES, (δ) _Corvi_, "the raven." 
   
    Situated on the right wing of the Crow. Pale yellow in 
    color. It culminates May 14th. 
   
 ALHENA (al-hen´-a), γ _Geminorum_, "a brand on the right 
    side of the camel's neck," or a "ring" or "circlet." 
   
    Situated in the left foot of Pollux. White in color, and 
    culminates Feb. 8th. Alhena is sometimes called Almeisam. 
   
 AL-I-OTH, ε _Ursæ Majoris_, disputed derivation. 
   
    Situated in the tail of the Great Bear. It is approaching 
    the earth at the rate of nineteen miles per second. It 
    culminates May 20th. Alioth, the name sometimes given to α 
    and θ Serpentis. 
   
 AL-KAID (al-kād), _See_ ALCAID. 
   
 ALKALUROPS (al-ka-lū´-rops), μ _Boötis_, "a herdsman's club, 
    crook, or staff." 
   
    Situated near the right shoulder of the Herdsman. Its color 
    is flushed white. 
   
 ALKES (al´-kes), α _Crateris_, from Al Kas, "the cup," the 
    Arab name for the constellation. 
   
    Situated in the base of the Cup. Orange in color, and 
    culminates April 20th. 
   
 ALMAC, γ _Andromedæ_, "a badger," possibly "the boot." 
   
    Situated in the left foot of Andromeda. Orange in color, and 
    culminates Dec. 8th. 
   
 AL NAAIM, τ and ν Pegasi, "the cross bars over a well." 
   
 AL NASL (al-nas´l), or ELNASL (el-nas´-l), γ _Sagittarii_, 
    "the point head of the arrow." 
   
    Situated in the arrow's tip. It is yellow in color, and 
    culminates Aug. 4th. This star sometimes called Nushaba and 
    Warida. 
   
 AL NATH, or NATH γ _Aurigæ_, and β _Tauri_, "the heel of the 
    rein-holder," the "butter" _i.e._ the "horn." 
   
    Situated in the right foot of the Charioteer, and the 
    tip of the northern horn of the Bull. Brilliant white in 
    color, and culminates Dec. 11th. 
   
 ALNILAM (al-ni-lam´), ε _Orionis_, "a belt of spheres or 
    pearls." 
   
    Situated in Orion's belt. It is bright white in color, and 
    is receding from the earth at the rate of sixteen miles per 
    second. It culminates Jan. 25th. 
   
 ALNITAK (al-ni-tak´), ζ _Orionis_, "the girdle." 
   
    Situated in Orion's belt. Topaz yellow in color. It is 
    receding from the earth at the rate of nine miles per 
    second, and culminates Jan. 26th. 
   
 AL-NIYAT, σ _Scorpii_, "the outworks of the heart." 
   
    Situated near the Scorpion's heart. It is creamy white in 
    color. 
   
 AL´-PHARD, or (al-färd´), α _Hydræ_, "the solitary one in the 
    serpent." 
   
    Situated in the heart of Hydra. Orange in color, and 
    culminates Mar. 26th. The Chinese called this star "the Red 
    Bird." 
   
 AL-PHEC´-CA, α _Coronæ Borealis_, "the bright one of the 
    dish." _See_ Gemma. Century Dictionary gives meaning "the 
    cup or platter of a dervish." 
   
 AL´-PHE-RATZ or (al-fe-rats´), α _Andromedæ_, "the head of 
    the woman in chains." "The navel of the horse." 
   
    Situated in the head of Andromeda. White and purplish in 
    color. It culminates Nov. 10th. Alpheratz is some times 
    called Sirrah. 
   
 AL-PHIRK, β _Cephei_, from al-Firk, the flock. 
   
 AL RAKIS, μ _Draconis_, "the dancer." 
   
    Situated in the Dragon's nose. Brilliant white in color. The 
    Century Dictionary gives for this star Arrakis, "The 
    trotting camel." 
   
 AL RESCHA, α _Piscium_, "the cord or knot." 
   
    Situated in the knot joining the ribbons that hold the 
    Fishes together. Pale green in color, and culminates Dec. 
    7th. 
   
 ALSAFI σ _Draconis_. 
   
 ALSCHAIN (al-shān´), β _Aquilæ_, part of the Arab name for 
    the constellation. 
   
    Situated in the head of Antinoüs. Pale orange in color, and 
    culminates Sept. 3d. 
   
 AL SHAT, ν _Capricorni_, "the sheep." 
   
 AL´-TAIR, or ATAIR, α _Aquilæ_, "the flying eagle," part of 
    the Arab name for the constellation. 
   
    Situated in the neck of the Eagle. Yellow in color, and 
    culminates Sept. 1st. 
   
 ALTERF (al-terf´), λ _Leonis_, "the glance," _i.e._ the 
    Lion's eye. 
   
    Situated in the Lion's mouth, the point of the Sickle. Red 
    in color. 
   
 ALUDRA (al-ö´-dra), η _Canis Majoris_, "the virgins." The 
    four stars near each other in Canis Major. 
   
    Situated in the Great Dog's tail. Pale red in color, and 
    culminates Feb. 21st. 
   
 ALULA BOREALIS, ν _Ursæ Majoris_. 
   
 ALULA AUSTRALIS, ζ _Ursæ Majoris_ The "northern and southern 
    wing." 
   
    Situated in the Southern hind foot of the Great Bear. The 
    latter star is sometimes called El Acola. 
   
 AL´-YA, θ _Serpentis_. 
   
    Situated in the tip of the Serpent's tail. Pale yellow in 
    color. It culminates Aug. 18th. 
   
 ANCHA, θ _Aquarii_, "the hip." 
   
    Situated in the right hip of Aquarius. 
   
 ANT-ĀR-ES, or AN-TA´-REZ, α _Scorpii_, "the rival of Mars." 
   
    Situated in the heart of the Scorpion. Fiery red and emerald 
    green in color. It culminates July 11th. 
   
 ARC-TŪ-RUS, α _Boötis_, "the leg of the lance-bearer," or 
    "the bear-keeper." 
   
    Situated in the left knee of the Herdsman. Golden yellow in 
    color. It culminates June 8th. 
   
 ARIDED, _See_ DENEB. 
   
 ARNEB (är´-neb), α _Leporis_, "the hare," the Arab name for 
    the constellation. 
   
    Situated in the heart of the Hare. Pale yellow in color. It 
    culminates Jan. 24th. α _Leporis_ is sometimes called Arsh. 
   
 ARKAB (är´-kab), β _Sagittarii_, "the tendon uniting the 
    calf of the leg to the heel." 
   
    Situated in the Archer's left fore leg. 
   
 ASHFAR, μ and ε _Leonis_, "the eyebrows." 
   
    Situated close to the Lion's right eye. μ orange in color, 
    sometimes called Alshemali or Asmidiske. 
   
 ASPIDISKI (as-pi-dis´ke), or ASMIDISKE, ι _Argus_, "in the 
    gunwale." 
   
    Situated in the shield which ornaments the vessel's stern. 
    Pale yellow in color. The Century Dictionary gives "a little 
    shield" as the meaning for this star name. 
   
 ASCELLA, ζ _Sagittarii_, "the armpit." 
   
    Situated near the Archer's left armpit. It culminates Aug. 
    19th. 
   
 ASCELLUS, θ _Boötis_. 
   
    It marks the finger tips of the Herdsman's upraised hand. 
   
 ASCELLUS BOREALIS, ν _Cancri_, "northern ass." 
   
  Straw color. 
   
 ASCELLUS AUSTRALIS, δ _Cancri_, "the southern ass." 
   
    Situated on the back of the Crab. Straw color. 
   
 ATIK, ο _Persei_. 
   
    Situated in the wing on the right foot of Perseus. 
   
 AZELFAFAGE, π _Cygni_, "the horse's foot or track." 
   
 AZHA, η _Eridani_, "the ostrich's nest." 
   
    Pale yellow in color. 
   
   
 BAHAM, θ _Pegasi_, "the young of domestic animals." 
   
    Situated near the left eye of Pegasus. 
   
 BAT´EN KAITOS, ζ _Ceti_, "the whale's belly." 
   
    A topaz-yellow-colored star, which culminates Dec. 5th. 
   
 BEID (bā´-id), ο _Eridani_, "the egg." 
   
    A very white star. 
   
 BEL´-LA-TRIX, γ _Orionis_, "the female warrior." The Amazon 
    star. 
   
    Situated in the left shoulder of Orion. Pale yellow in 
    color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of six 
    miles per second, and culminates Jan. 22d. The Century 
    Dictionary gives the color as very white. 
   
 BE-NET´-NASCH, η _Ursæ Majoris_, "the chief or governor of 
    the mourners" (alluding to the fancied bier). 
   
    Situated in the tip of the Great Bear's tail. Brilliant 
    white in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of 
    sixteen miles per second, and culminates June 2d. This star 
    is also called Alkaid, from al-kaid, "the Governor." 
   
 BETELGEUZE (BET-EL-GERZ´), α _Orionis_, "the giant's 
    shoulder," or "the armpit of the central one." 
   
    Situated in the right shoulder of Orion. Orange in color. It 
    is receding from the earth at the rate of ten miles per 
    second, and culminates Jan. 29th. 
   
    Sometimes called Mirzam, the roarer. 
   
 BOTEIN (bō-tē-in´), δ _Arietis_, "the little belly." 
   
   
 CA-PEL´-LA, α _Aurigæ_, "the she-goat." 
   
    Situated in the left shoulder of the Charioteer. It is a 
    white star, and is receding from the earth at the rate of 
    fifteen miles per second. It culminates Jan. 19th. The color 
    of Capella is nearly that of the sun. 
   
 CAPH (kaf), β _Cassiopeiæ_, "the camel's hump," or "the 
    hand." 
   
    It is white in color, and culminates Nov. 11th. 
   
 CAS´-TOR, α _Geminorum_, "the horseman of the twins." 
   
    Its color is bright white, and it culminates Feb. 23d. 
    Situated in the head of Castor. The Century Dictionary gives 
    the color as greenish. 
   
 CHELEB, β _Ophiuchi_, also CEB´ELRÁI from kelb, the 
    shepherd's dog. 
   
    Situated in the head of the Serpent. It is a yellow star, 
    and culminates Aug. 30th. 
   
 CHORT (chôrt), θ _Leonis_. 
   
    Situated in the hind quarters of the Lion. It culminates 
    April 24th. The Century Dictionary has θ _Centauri_ for this 
    star. 
   
 COR CAROLI (kôr kar´-ō-lī), α _Can. Ven._, "the heart of 
    Charles II." 
   
    It is flushed white in color, and culminates May 20th. A 
    yellowish star according to the Century Dictionary. 
   
 CUJAM, ω _Herculis_. Word used by Horace for the club of 
    Hercules. 
   
 CURSA (KER´ SA), β _Eridani_, "the footstool of the central 
    one," or "the chair or throne." 
   
    Situated about at the source of the river near Orion. Topaz 
    yellow in color, and culminates January 13th. This star is 
    also known as Dhalim (Tha´lim) ("the ostrich"). 
   
   
 DABIH (dä´-be), β _Capricorni_, "the lucky one of the 
    slaughterers," or "the slayer's lucky star." 
   
    Situated in the head of the Sea-Goat. It is an 
    orange-colored star, and culminates Sept. 10th. 
   
 DĒ´-NEB, or ARIDED (ar´-i-ded), α _Cygni_, "the hen's tail," 
    "the hindmost." 
   
    Situated in the tail of the Swan, and at the top of the 
    Cross. Brilliant white in color. It is approaching the earth 
    at the rate of thirty-six miles per second. It culminates 
    Sept. 16th. 
   
 DENEB AL OKAB (den´-eb al-ō-kâb), ε and ζ _Aquilæ_, "the 
    eagle's tail." 
   
 DENEB ALGEDI (den´-eb al´-jē-dē), δ _Capricorni_, "the tail 
    of the goat." 
   
    Situated in the tail of the Sea-Goat. 
   
 DENEB AL SHEMALI (den´-eb-al-she-mä-le), ι _Ceti_ 
   
    A bright yellow star situated at the tip of the northern 
    fluke of the monster's tail. 
   
 DENEB KAITOS (den´-eb kī´-tos), β _Ceti_, "the tail of the 
    whale." 
   
    Situated in the tail of the Whale. It is a yellow star, and 
    culminates Nov. 21st. This star sometimes called Diphda. 
   
 DE-NEB´-O-LA, β _Leonis_, "the lion's tail." 
   
    It is a blue star which is approaching the earth at the rate 
    of twelve miles per second. It culminates May 3d. This star 
    also called Dafirah, and Serpha. 
   
 DSCHUBBA, δ _Scorpii_, "the front of the forehead." 
   
    Situated in the head of the Scorpion. It culminates July 
    4th. 
   
 DSIBAN, ψ _Draconis_. 
   
    Pearly white in color. 
   
 DUB´-HE (döb´-he), α _Ursæ Majoris_, "a bear." 
   
    The northern pointer star. It is a yellow star, and is 
    approaching the earth at the rate of twelve miles per 
    second. It culminates April 21st. The Arabs called the four 
    stars in the Dipper the "bier." 
   
   
 EL NATH β _Tauri_, the one who butts. This star is receding 
    at the rate of five miles a second. 
   
 ELTANIN, or ETANIN (et´-ā-nin), γ _Draconis_, "the dragon," 
    "the dragon's head." 
   
    It is orange in color and culminates Aug. 4th. Rasaben is 
    another name for this star. 
   
 E´-NIF, or en´-if, ε _Pegasi_, "the nose." 
   
    Situated in the nose of Pegasus. It is a yellow star, which 
    is receding from the earth at the rate of five miles per 
    second, and culminates Oct. 4th. This star was also called 
    fum-al-far-as, "the mouth of the horse." 
   
 ER RAI (er-rā´-ē), γ _Cephei_, "the shepherd." 
   
    Situated in the left knee of Cepheus. It is yellow in color 
    and culminates Nov. 10th. 
   
   
 FOMALHAUT (Fō´-mal-ō), (disputed pronunciation), α _Piscis 
    Austri_, "the fish's mouth." 
   
    Situated in the head of the Southern Fish. It is reddish in 
    color, and culminates Oct. 25th. This star was also known as 
    the first frog, the second frog being β Ceti. 
   
 FURUD, or PHURUD (fu-rōd), ζ _Canis Majoris_, "the bright 
    single one." 
   
    Situated in the left hind paw of the Greater Dog. It is 
  light orange in color. 
   
   
 GEM´-MA, α _Coronæ Borealis_, "a bud." 
   
    The brightest star in the Northern Crown. It is brilliant 
    white in color, and is receding from the earth at the rate 
    of twenty miles per second. It culminates June 28th. This 
    star is also known as Alphecca and Alfeta. 
   
 GIANSAR λ _Draconis_, "the twins," "the poison place." 
   
    Situated in the tip of the Dragon's tail. An orange-colored 
    star. It culminates April 28th. 
   
 GIEDI, α _Capricorni_, also called Algied´-i, the goat. 
   
    Situated in the head of the Sea-Goat. It is a yellow star, 
    and culminates Sept. 9th. 
   
 GIENAH, γ _Corvi_, "the right wing of the raven." 
   
    Situated in the Crow's wing. It culminates May 10th. 
   
 GIENAH, ε _Cygni_, "the wing." 
   
    Situated in the Swan's wing. It is a yellow star, and 
    culminates Sept. 17th. 
   
 GOMEISA (gō-mī´-zä), GOMELZA, β _Canis Minoris_, 
    "Watery-eyed, weeping." A white star. 
   
    Situated in the neck of the Lesser Dog. 
   
 GRAFFIAS, β _Scorpii_, derivation unknown; the name may mean 
    "the crab." This star was also called Ak´rab, the Scorpion. 
   
    Situated in the head of the Scorpion. It is a pale white 
    star, and culminates July 5th. 
   
 GRUMIUM (grö´-mi-um), ξ _Draconis_, "the dragon's under 
    jaw." 
   
    A yellow star. 
   
   
 HAM´-AL or (ha-mäl´), α _Arietis_, "the head of the sheep." 
   
    Situated in the forehead of the Ram. It is yellow in color, 
    and is approaching the earth at the rate of nine miles per 
    second. It culminates Dec. 11th. 
   
 HOMAM (ho-mam´), ζ _Pegasi_, "the lucky star of the hero, or 
    the whisperer." 
   
    Situated in the neck of Pegasus. Light yellow in color. It 
    culminates Oct. 22d. The Century Dictionary gives this star 
    name to η _Pegasi_. 
   
 HYADUM I, γ _Tauri_. 
   
    Situated in the Hyades, the nose of the Bull. A yellow star. 
   
   
 IZAR (ē-zär), Mirach, or Mizar, ε _Boötis_, "the girdle." 
   
    Pale orange in color. It is approaching the earth at the 
    rate of ten miles per second, and culminates June 16th. A 
    beautiful colored double star. 
   
   
 JABBAH (Jab´-bä), ν _Scorpii_, "crown of the forehead." 
   
    A triple star. 
   
   
 KAUS (kâs), AUSTRALIS, ε _Sagittarii_, "the southern part of 
    the bow." 
   
    An orange-colored star. It culminates Aug. 8th. 
   
 KAUS (kâs), BOREALIS, λ _Sagittarii_, "the northern part of 
    the bow." 
   
    Orange color. 
   
 KITALPHA, α _Equulei_, the Arab name for the asterism. In 
    the head of the Little Horse. It culminates Sept. 24th. 
   
 KO´-CHAB (kō-käb´), β _Ursæ Minoris_, "the star of the 
    North." 
   
    Situated in the right shoulder of the Little Bear. One of 
    the two Guardians of the Pole. It is reddish in color, and 
    is receding from the earth at the rate of eight miles per 
    second. It culminates June 19th. 
   
 KORNEPHOROS, β _Herculis_, the Arab name for the 
    constellation. 
   
    Situated in the right arm-pit of Hercules. Pale yellow in 
    color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of twenty-two 
    miles per second. It culminates July 12th. 
   
   
 LESUTH, ν _Scorpii_, "the sting." 
   
    Situated in the tip of the Scorpion's tail. It culminates 
    July 27th. 
   
   
 MARFAK (mär´fak), θ _Cassiopeiæ_, "the elbow." 
   
    Situated in the left elbow of Cassiopeia. This star name is 
    also given to μ Cassiopeiæ. 
   
 MARFIC (mär´-fik), λ _Ophiuchi_, "the elbow." 
   
    Situated in the left elbow of the Serpent Bearer. Yellowish 
    white in color. 
   
 MARFIK (mär´ fik), or MARSIC, κ _Herculis_, "the elbow." 
   
    Situated in the right elbow of Hercules. Light yellow in 
    color. 
   
 MAR´-KAB (mär´kab), α _Pegasi_, Arab word for "saddle". 
    Century Dictionary gives "a wagon" or "chariot." 
   
    Situated in the base of the Horse's neck. It is a white star 
    which is receding from the earth at the rate of three 
    quarters of a mile a second. It culminates Nov. 3d. 
   
 MARKEB, κ _Argus_. 
   
    Situated in the stern of the Ship. It culminates Mar. 25th. 
   
 MARSYM, λ _Herculis_, "the wrist." 
   
    Situated in the left wrist of Hercules. Deep yellow in 
    color. 
   
 MATAR or SAD (Säd), "a lucky star," or more fully, 
    Sad-Mator, η _Pegasi_, "the fortunate rain." 
   
    Situated in the left fore leg of Pegasus. 
   
 MEBUSTA, MEBSUTA (Meb-sö´-ta), or MEBOULA, ε _Geminorum_, 
    "the outstretched." 
   
    A brilliant white star situated in the right knee of Castor. 
   
 MEDIA, or KAUS MEDIA, δ _Sagittarii_, "middle (of the) bow." 
   
    Orange yellow in color. It culminates Aug. 8th. 
   
 MĒ-GRES, or (Mē´-grez), δ _Ursæ Majoris_, "the root of the 
    bear's tail." 
   
    It is a pale yellow star, and culminates May 10th. This star 
    is the faintest of the seven which form the Dipper. 
   
 MEISSA, λ _Orionis_. 
   
    Situated in the face of the Giant Hunter. Pale white in 
    color. 
   
 MEKBUDA (mek-bū´-dā), ζ _Geminorum_, "the contracted (arm)." 
   
    Situated in the left knee of Pollux. Pale topaz in color. 
   
 MENKALINAN (men-ka-lē-nan´ or Men-kal´-i-nan), β _Aurigæ_, 
    "the shoulder of the rein-holder or driver." 
   
    Situated in the right arm of the Charioteer. A lucid yellow 
    star which is receding from the earth at the rate of 
    seventeen miles per second. It culminates Jan. 29th. This 
    star was one of the first discovered and most remarkable 
    "spectroscopic binaries." 
   
 MENKAR (men´kär), α _Oeti_, "the nose, or snout." 
   
    Situated in the nose of Cetus. Bright orange in color. It 
    culminates Dec. 21st. Sometimes written Menkab. 
   
 MENKIB, ξ _Persei_, "the shoulder." 
   
    Situated in the calf of the right leg of Perseus. 
   
 MERAK (mē´rak), β _Ursæ Majoris_, "the loin of the bear." 
   
    A greenish white star which is approaching the earth at the 
    rate of eighteen miles per second. It culminates Apr. 20th. 
    The southern of the two "pointers." 
   
 MESARTIM (mē-sär´tim), γ _Arietis_, the Hebrew word for 
    "minister." 
   
    Situated in the Ram's left horn. Bright white in color. 
   
 MINTAKA (min´ta-kä), δ _Orionis_, "the belt (of the 
    giant)." 
   
    One of the three stars in Orion's belt. A brilliant white 
    star with very little motion. It culminates Jan. 24th. 
   
 MĪ´-RA (mī´ra or mē´ra), ο _Ceti_. 
   
    Situated in the neck of Cetus. A famous variable, flushed 
    yellow in color. It culminates Dec. 15th. 
   
 MĪ´RACH, or MIRAK (mī´rak or mē´rak), β _Andromedæ_, "the 
    girdle," or "the loins." 
   
    A yellow star culminating Nov. 28th. 
   
 MĪZAR (mīzär or mē´zär), ζ _Ursæ Majoris_, "a girdle or 
    apron." 
   
    Situated in the tail of the Great Bear. Brilliant white in 
    color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of nineteen 
    miles per second. It culminates May 28th. 
   
 MULIPHEN, γ _Canis Majoris_. 
   
    Situated in the neck of the Greater Dog. It culminates Feb. 
    26th. 
   
 MUPHRID (mū´-frid), η _Boötis_, "the solitary star of the 
    lancer." 
   
    Situated in the calf of the left leg of the Herdsman. Pale 
    yellow in color. It culminates June 4th. 
   
 MURZIM or MIRZAM (mer-zäm´), β _Canis Majoris_, "the 
    announcer" or "the roarer." 
   
    Situated in the Greater Dog's left fore paw. A white star 
    culminating Feb. 5th. 
   
 MUSCIDA, ο _Ursæ Majoris_, "the muzzle." 
   
    Situated in the nose of the Great Bear. 
   
   
 NEKKAR, or NAKKAR (nak´-kär), β _Boötis_, "the herdsman," 
    the Arab name for the whole constellation. 
   
    Situated in the head of Boötes. A golden yellow star which 
    culminates June 20th. 
   
 NAOS (nā´-os), ζ _Argus_, "the ship." 
   
    Situated in the stern of the Ship. It culminates Mar. 3d. 
   
 NASHIRA, γ _Capricorni_, "the fortunate one, or the bringer 
    of good tidings." 
   
    Situated in the tail of the Sea-Goat. It culminates Oct. 3d. 
   
 NIHAL, β _Leporis_. 
   
    Situated in the right foot of the Hare. Deep yellow in 
    color. It culminates Jan. 23d. 
   
 NODUS SECUNDUS, δ _Draconis_, "the second of the four knots 
    or convolutions." 
   
    Deep yellow in color. It culminates Aug. 24th. 
   
 NUNKI, σ _Sagittarii_, "the star of the proclamation of the 
    sea," or SADIRA (sad´-ē-ra), "the ostrich returning from the 
    water." 
   
    Situated in the upper part of the Archer's left arm. It 
    culminates Aug. 17th. 
   
   
 PHAD, PHEC´-DA, or PHAED (fā´-ed), γ _Ursæ Majoris_, "the 
    thigh" (of the bear). 
   
    Topaz yellow in color. It is approaching the earth at the 
    rate of sixteen miles per second. It culminates May 4th. 
   
 PHAET or PHACT, α _Columbæ_. 
   
    Situated in the heart of the Dove. It culminates Jan. 26th. 
   
 PHERKAD (fer´-kad), γ _Ursæ Minoris_, "the calf." 
   
    Situated in the right fore leg of the Little Bear. 
   
 PO-LÁ-RIS, α _Ursæ Minoris_, "the pole star." 
   
    Situated in the tip of the Little Bear's tail. Topaz yellow 
    in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of 
    sixteen miles per second. 
   
 POL´-LUX, β _Geminorum_, Ovid's "Pugil," the pugilist of the 
    two brothers. 
   
    Situated in the head of Pollux. An orange-colored star which 
    is receding from the earth at the rate of one mile per 
    second. It culminates Feb. 26th. The Century Dictionary 
    gives the color of Pollux as very yellow. 
   
 PORRIMA (por´-i-mä), γ _Virginis_, Latin name for "a goddess 
    of prophecy." 
   
    Situated in the Virgin's left arm. It culminates May 17th. 
   
 PRO´-CY-ON, α _Canis Minoris_, "the foremost dog." 
   
    A yellowish-white star. It is approaching the earth at the 
    rate of six miles per second. It culminates Feb. 24th. It is 
    situated in the right side of the Lesser Dog. Dr. Elkin 
    gives its distance as 12.3 light years, and its proper 
    motion as 13.9 miles per second. 
   
 PROPUS (prō´-pus), η _Geminorum_, "the forward foot." 
   
    Situated in the northern foot of Castor. 
   
 RASALAS (ras´-a-las), μ _Leonis_, "the lion's head toward 
    the south." 
   
    Situated in the Sickle, close to the Lion's right eye. An 
    orange-colored star. It culminates Apr. 1st. Alshemali and 
    Borealis are other names for this star. 
   
 RAS ALGETHI (räs-al-ge´-thi), α _Herculis_, "the kneeler's 
    head." 
   
    Orange red in color. It culminates July 23d. 
   
 RAS´-AL-HĀG´-UE, α _Ophiuchi_, "the head of the serpent 
    charmer." 
   
    A sapphire-hued star. It is receding from the earth at the 
  rate of twelve miles per second. It culminates July 28th. 
   
 RASTABAN (räs-ta-bän´), β or γ _Draconis_ "the dragon's 
    head," or "the head of the basilisk." 
   
    A yellow star culminating Aug. 3d. This star also called 
    Alwaid (al-wīd´) "the sucking camel-colts." The three stars 
    near it are included in this appellation. 
   
 REG´-U-LUS, α _Leonis_, diminutive of the earlier Rex. 
   
    Situated in the handle of the Sickle, and the right fore paw 
    of the Lion. It is flushed white in color, and is 
    approaching the earth at the rate of five miles per second. 
    It culminates April 6th. According to Dr. Elkin it is 35.1 
    light years distant, and has a proper motion of 8.5 miles 
    per second. 
   
 RIGEL (ri´-jel), β _Orionis_, "the [left] leg of the Jabbah, 
    or giant." 
   
    A bluish-white star, which is receding from the earth at the 
    rate of ten miles per second. It culminates Jan. 20th. This 
    star is sometimes called Algebar (al´-je-bär). 
   
 ROTANEV (rot´-a-nev), β _Delphini_, from Venator, assistant 
    to Piazzi, his name reversed. 
   
    It culminates Sept. 15th. 
   
 RUCHBA, ω _Cygni_, "the hen's knee." 
   
    A pale red star. 
   
 RUCHBAH, or RUCBAH, δ _Cassiopeiæ_, "the knee." 
   
    Situated in the left knee of Cassiopeia. It culminates Dec. 
    2d. 
   
 RUKBAT, α _Sagittarii_, "the archer's knee." 
   
    Situated in the left fore foot of the Archer. It culminates 
    Aug. 24th. 
   
   
 SABIK, η _Ophiuchi_. 
   
    A pale yellow star in the left leg of the Serpent Bearer. It 
    culminates Aug. 21st. 
   
 SADACHBIA (sād-ak-bē´-yä), γ _Aquarii_, "the luck star of 
    hidden things." 
   
    Greenish in color and situated in the water jar of Aquarius. 
    It culminates Oct. 16th. 
   
 SAD AL BARI, λ and μ _Pegasi_, "the good luck of the 
    excelling one." 
   
    Situated close to the fore legs of Pegasus. 
   
 SADAL MELIK (säd-al-mel´-ik), or RUCBAH, α _Aquarii_, "the 
    lucky star of the king." 
   
    A red star situated in the right shoulder of Aquarius. It 
    culminates Oct. 9th. 
   
 SADALSUND, or SADALSUUD (säd-al-sö-öd), β _Aquarii_, "the 
    luckiest of the lucky." 
   
    Pale yellow in color. Situated in the left shoulder of 
    Aquarius. It culminates Sept. 29th. 
   
 SADATONI (sad-a-tō´-ni), ζ _Aurigæ_. 
   
    One of the three stars known as "the kids." Orange color. 
   
 SADR (sadr), or SADIR (sā´-dēr), γ _Cygni_, "the hen's 
    breast." 
   
    This star is approaching the earth at the rate of four miles 
    per second. It culminates Sept. 11th. 
   
 SAIPH (sā-if´), κ _Orionis_, "the sword of the giant." 
   
    Situated in Orion's right knee. It culminates Jan. 27th. 
   
 SARGAS, θ _Scorpii_. 
   
    A red star situated in the tail of the Scorpion. It 
    culminates July 27th. 
   
 SCHEAT (she´-at), or Menkib, β _Pegasi_, "the upper part of 
    the arm." 
   
    Situated in the left fore-leg of Pegasus. It is deep yellow 
    in color, and is receding from the earth at the rate of four 
    miles per second. It culminates Oct. 25th. 
   
 SCHEMALI, see Deneb al schemali, ι _Ceti_. 
   
 SEGINUS (se-jī´nus), γ _Boötis_, from Ceginus of the 
    constellation, possibly. 
   
    Situated in the left shoulder of Boötes. It culminates June 
    13th. 
   
 SHAULA (shâ´-lä), λ _Scorpii_, "the sting." 
   
    In the tip of the Scorpion's tail. 
   
 SHEDAR, SCHEDIR, or SHEDIR, α _Cassiopeiæ_, "the breast," or 
    from El Seder, "the sedar tree," a name given to this 
    constellation by Ulugh Beigh. 
   
    Pale rose in color. It culminates Nov. 18th. 
   
 SHELIAK, or SHELYAK (shel´-yak), "a tortoise," β _Lyræ_, 
    Arabian name for the constellation. 
   
    A very white star culminating Aug. 17th. 
   
 SHERATAN (sher-a-tan´), β _Arietis_, "a sign," or "the two 
    signs." 
   
    Situated in the Ram's horn. A pearly white star culminating 
    Dec. 7th. 
   
 SIR´-I-US, α _Canis Majoris_, "the sparkling star or 
    scorcher." 
   
    Situated in the mouth of the Great Dog. Brilliant white in 
    color. The brightest of the fixed stars. It culminates Feb. 
    11th. 
   
 SITULA (sit´-ū-lā), κ _Aquarii_, "the water jar or bucket." 
   
    Situated in the rim of the Water Jar. 
   
 SKAT, or SCHEAT, δ _Aquarii_, "a wish," or possibly it means 
    a "shin bone." 
   
    Situated in the right leg of Aquarius. 
   
 SPÏ´CA, α _Virginis_, "the ear of wheat or corn" (held in 
    the Virgin's left hand). 
   
    A brilliant flushed white star, which is approaching the 
    earth at the rate of nine miles a second. It culminates May 
    28th. 
   
 SUALOCIN, or SVALOCIN (sval´-ō-sin), Nicolaus reversed, α 
    _Delphini_. 
   
    A pale yellow star culminating Sept. 15th. 
   
 SULAFAT, or SULAPHAT (sö´-lä-fät), "the tortoise," γ 
    _Lyræ_. 
   
    Arabian title for the whole constellation. It is bright 
    yellow in color, and culminates Aug. 19th. 
   
 SYRMA, ι _Virginis_; this name used by Ptolemy to designate 
    this star in the train of the Virgin's robe. 
   
   
 TALITA (tä´-lē-tä), κ or ι _Ursæ Majoris_, "the third 
    vertebra." 
   
    Situated in the right fore paw of the Great Bear. Topaz 
    yellow in color. 
   
 TANIA BOREALIS, λ _Ursæ Majoris_. 
   
 TANIA AUSTRALIS, μ _Ursæ Majoris_, a red star. 
   
    These stars are situated in the right hind foot of the Great 
    Bear. The former star culminates Apr. 8th. 
   
 TARAZED (tar´-a-zed), γ _Aquilæ_, "the soaring falcon," part 
    of the Persian title for the constellation. 
   
    Situated in the body of the Eagle. A pale orange star, 
    culminating Aug. 31st. 
   
 TEGMENI, ζ _Cancri_, "in the covering." 
   
    A yellow-colored star. 
   
 TE´-JAT, μ _Geminorum_. 
   
 THU´-BAN or (thō-ban´), α _Draconis_, "the dragon," the Arab 
    title for the constellation. 
   
    Situated in one of the Dragon's coils. It is pale yellow in 
    color, and culminates June 7th. 
   
   
 UNUK AL HAY or UNUKALHAI (ū´-nuk-al-hä´-i), α _Serpentis_, 
    "the neck of the snake." 
   
    A pale yellow star which is receding from the earth at the 
    rate of fourteen miles a second. It culminates July 28th. 
   
   
 VË´GA, or WEGA, α _Lyræ_, "falling," _i.e._, the falling 
    bird, "the harp star." 
   
    A beautiful pale star sapphire in color. It is approaching 
    the earth at the rate of nine miles a second. It culminates 
    Aug. 12th. 
   
 VINDEMIATRIX, ε _Virginis_, "the vintager or grape 
    gatherer." 
   
    Situated in the Virgin's right arm. A bright yellow star 
    culminating May 22d. 
   
   
 WASAT (wä´-sat), δ _Geminorum_, "the middle." 
   
    Situated in the body of Pollux. Pale white in color. It 
    culminates Feb. 19th. 
   
 WESEN, δ _Canis Majoris_, "the weight." 
   
    A light yellow star in the right side of the Great Dog. It 
    culminates Feb. 17th. 
   
   
 YED PRIOR (yed), δ _Ophiuchi_, "the hand," "the star behind 
    or following." 
   
    Deep yellow in color. It culminates July 7th. It is in the 
    left hand of the Serpent Bearer. 
   
 YED POSTERIOR, ε _Ophiuchi_, "the hand." 
   
    A red star culminating July 8th. 
   
 YILDUM, δ _Ursæ Minoris_. 
   
    Situated in the tail of the Little Bear. A greenish-hued 
    star culminating Aug. 12th. 
   
   
 ZANIAH, η _Virginis_. 
   
    Situated in the Virgin's left shoulder. 
   
 ZAURAK (zâ´-rak), γ _Eridani_, "the bright star of the 
    boat." 
   
    A yellow star. 
   
 ZAVIJAVA (zav-ija´-va), β _Virginis_, "angle or corner," 
    "the retreat or kennel of the barking dog." 
   
    Situated on the Virgin's left wing. A pale yellow star 
    culminating May 3d. 
   
 ZOSMA (zōs´-ma), δ _Leonis_, "a girdle." 
   
    Situated at the root of the Lion's tail. A pale yellow star 
    which is approaching the earth at the rate of nine miles a 
    second. It culminates Apr. 24th. This star is also called 
    Duhr, and sometimes Zubra. 
   
 ZUBENAKRAVI (zöben-ak´-ra-vi or -bi), γ _Scorpii_, "the claw 
    of the Scorpion." A red star. 
   
 ZUBEN ELGENUBI (zö-ben-el-jen-ū´-bi), α _Libræ_, "the 
    southern claw" (of the Scorpion). 
   
    A pale yellow star culminating June 17th. This star is also 
    called Kiffa Australis. 
   
 ZUBEN ESCHAMALI (zö-ben-es-she-ma´-li), β _Libræ_, "the 
    northern claw." 
   
    A pale emerald color, a very unusual color for a star. It is 
    approaching the earth at the rate of six miles a second and 
    culminates June 23d. This star is also known as "Kiffa 
    Borealis." 
   
 In the compilation of the foregoing list, the author has been greatly 
 assisted by Allen's "Star Names and their Meanings." 
   
 [Footnote 1: It will be noted that the date of culmination is given in 
 almost every case. By culmination is meant the highest point reached by 
 a heavenly body in its path, at which point it is said to be on the 
 meridian. In this hemisphere this is in each case the highest point 
 north. 
   
 For example:--the culmination of the sun occurs at noon. 
   
 The time when the stars here mentioned culminate on the dates specified 
 is in each case nine o'clock P.M.] 
   
   
   
   
 TABLE SHOWING THE STARS OF THE FIRST AND SECOND MAGNITUDE RISING IN 
 THE EASTERN SKY AT NINE O'CLOCK P.M. ON THE DATES SPECIFIED. 
   
 -------------+-----------------+--------------------------- 
        DATE   | NAME OF STAR   |       CONSTELLATION 
 -------------+-----------------+--------------------------- 
 January 1   |Regulus, 1st.   |Leo. 
      "   8   |Alphard, 2d.     |Hydra. 
      "   11   |Cor Caroli.     |Canes Venatici. 
 February 20 |Arcturus, 1st.   |Boötes. 
 March   1   |Spica, 1st.     |Virgo. 
      "   5   |Gemma, 2d.       |Corona Borealis. 
 April   1   |Vega, 1st.       |Lyra. 
      "   20   |Ras Alhague, 2d. |Ophiuchus. 
      "   22   |Deneb, 2d.       |Cygnus. 
 May   9     |Antares, 1st.   |Scorpius. 
      "   26   |Altair, 1st.     |Aquila. 
 June 5     |                 |Delphinus. 
 July 17     |Algenib, 2d.     |Perseus. 
 August 6     |Algol.           |Perseus. 
      "   21   |Capella, 1st.   |Auriga. 
      "   "   |Hamal, 2d.       |Aries. 
      "   27   |Fomalhaut, 1st. |Piscis Australis. 
 September 13 |                 |The Pleiades in Taurus. 
 October 2   |Aldebaran, 1st. |Taurus. 
      "   26   |Bellatrix, 2d.   |Orion. 
      "   30   |Castor, 2d.     |Gemini. 
      "     "   |Betelgeuze, 1st. |Orion. 
 November 4   |Pollux, 1st.     |Gemini. 
      "     "   |Rigel, 1st.     |Orion. 
      "    27 |Procyon, 1st.   |Canis Minor. 
 December 4   |Sirius, 1st.     |Canis Major. 
      "     8   |Phaet, 2d.       |Columba. 
      "     14 |                 |The Bee Hive in Cancer. 
      "     16 |                 |The head of Hydra. 
 ----------------------------------------------------------- 
   
 
 
 
 INDEX Pg 3 
 NAME     PAGE 
   
 Andromeda, 73 
   
 Antinoüs, 39 
   
 Aquarius, 81 
   
 Aquila, 39 
   
 Argo Navis, 107 
   
 Aries, 85 
   
 Auriga, 11 
   
   
 Boötes, 55 
   
 Brandenburg Sceptre, The, 111 
   
 Bull of Poniatowskio, 45 
   
   
 Camelopardalis, 7 
   
 Cancer, 13 
   
 Canes Venatici, 59 
   
 Canis Major, 105 
   
 Canis Minor, 21 
   
 Capricornus, 83 
   
 Cassiopeia, 67 
   
 Cepheus, 69 
   
 Cerberus, 53 
   
 Cetus, 87 
   
 Columba, 103 
   
 Coma Berenices, 19 
   
 Corona Australis, 43 
   
 Corona Borealis, 51 
   
 Corvus, 23 
   
 
 
 
 INDEX Pg 4 
 Crater, 25 
   
 Cygnus, 37 
   
   
 Delphinus, 41 
   
 Draco, 33 
   
   
 Equüleus, 71 
   
 Eridanus, 111 
   
   
 Gemini, 9 
   
 Gloria Frederica, 73 
   
   
 Hercules, 53 
   
 Herschel's Telescope, 11 
   
 Hydra, 15 
   
   
 Leo, 17 
   
 Leo Minor, 95 
   
 Lepus, 101 
   
 Libra, 49 
   
 Lupus, 47 
   
 Lynx, 95 
   
 Lyra, 35 
   
   
 Monoceros, 109 
   
 Musca, 89 
   
   
 Ophiuchus, 45 
   
 Orion, 99 
   
   
 Pegasus, 71 
   
 Perseus, 75 
   
 Pisces, 77 
   
 
 
 
 INDEX Pg 5 
 Piscis Australis, 81 
   
   
 Sagitta, 37 
   
 Sagittarius, 43 
   
 Scorpius, 47 
   
 Serpens, 45 
   
 Sobieski's Shield, 39 
   
   
 Taurus, 97 
   
 Triangulum, 79 
   
   
 Ursa Major, 5 
   
 Ursa Minor, 7 
   
   
 Virgo, 57 
   
 Vulpecular and Anser, 41 
   
 
 
 Publication Date: February 17th 2015 https://www.bookrix.com/-mk496e398f1e345