Recreations in Astronomy: With Directions for Practical Experiments and Telescopic WorkWarren, Henry White
Religion
Recreations in Astronomy: With Directions for Practical Experiments and Telescopic Work
Warren, Henry White
Astronomy
_Future Discoveries_--_A Trans-Neptunian Planet._--Professor Asaph
Hall says: "It is known to me that at least two American astronomers,
armed with powerful telescopes, have been searching quite recently for
a trans-Neptunian planet. These searches have been caused by the fact
that Professor Newcomb's tables of Uranus and Neptune already begin
to differ from observation. But are we to infer from these errors of
the planetary tables the existence of a trans-Neptunian planet? It
is possible that such a planet may exist, but the probability is, I
think, that the differences are caused by errors in the theories of
these planets. * * * A few years ago the remark was frequently made
that the labors of astronomers on the solar system were finished, and
that henceforth they could turn their whole attention to sidereal
astronomy. But to-day we have the lunar theory in a very discouraging
condition, and the theories of Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus,
and Neptune all in need of revision; unless, indeed, Leverrier's
theories of the last two planets shall stand the test of observation.
But, after all, such a condition of things is only the natural
result of long and accurate series of observations, which make
evident the small inequalities in the motions, and bring to light
the errors of theory."
Future discoveries will mostly reveal the laws and conditions of
the higher and finer forces. Already Professor Loomis telegraphs
twenty miles without wire, by the electric currents between mountains.
We begin to use electricity for light, and feel after it for a
motor. Comets and Auroras show its presence between worlds, and
in the interstellar spaces. Let another Newton arise.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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