The Chautauquan, Vol. 03, May 1883Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle
History
The Chautauquan, Vol. 03, May 1883
Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle
Chautauqua Institution -- Periodicals; Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle -- Periodicals
=Pennsylvania (Erie).=—We commend to local circles everywhere the
following excellent plan for studying the geography of the heavens,
sent us by Prof. H. A. Strong, of Erie:—At the beginning of the study
of astronomy, the circle took up the subject of celestial geography,
and intend to pursue it the entire two months until the map of the
heavens becomes as well outlined as that of the earth. We turned to the
chart of the heavens given on pages 201, etc., in Warren’s Astronomy,
and entered on the study of these celestial maps immediately. We had
no trouble with the circumpolar constellations as given in figure
67 of the text-book. These were readily found in the heavens above,
traced and mastered. But further on we find the other constellations
are described and located in the heavens for September and November,
and such location only confused and led astray for the present study.
Our researches in the heavens were well nigh blocked, when we had the
good fortune to find a chart of the entire heavens that removed all our
difficulties and made the study of the stars easy and delightful. This
chart is entitled a “Movable Planisphere of the Heavens,” the work of
Henry Whitall, 130 Grand St., New York, adapted as an atlas to go with
Burritt’s “Geography of the Heavens,” and the chart was copyrighted
in the year 1862. The perfection of this atlas of the heavens is that
it can be so arranged by a simple adjustment as to show the visible
heavens, with the position of all the constellations, and the names of
all the principal stars, for any observer in any hour or any night of
the whole year. It is a key that unlocks the heavens, and any layman
can use it. The chart consists of two circular boards about fifteen
inches in diameter attached to each other, with the upper one pivoted
upon and revolving about the lower one. The lower and immovable board
has painted upon it the geography of the starry heavens as divided into
constellations, and the upper board being set for any night of the
month shows what constellations are rising, setting, on the meridian,
or in any part of the firmament. Actual trial has proved its use and
success as compass and guide book. Such a method in this study gives
a delight that only trial can reveal. Astronomy thus studied illumines
the page of inspiration; and the works of God explain the Word of God.
Such readings of the heavens gem with added lustre the divine question,
“Canst thou bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades or loose the
bands of Orion?”
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