Of the two objects in our Table above, the first is too near the horizon to be very well seen, albeit signs of central condensation are observable. 53 Hersch. iv. Camelopardi, though relatively pale, is, as we have remarked, a well-defined planetary nebula. Its brightness suffers by contrast with that of the pretty field of stars in which it is situated. Our task is done! For with the third hour of Right Ascension our list of Nebulæ terminates. Originally commenced in No. 4 of the Astronomical Register for April 1863, it has been continued, almost without intermission, up to the present time. A very pleasant occupation to the writer has the observation and description of these marvellous objects been; and he now lays down his pen at the conclusion of twenty months' delightful labour with the fervent hope that the gratification which he has himself derived may be shared by very many whom the perusal of his descriptions may tempt to "go and do likewise." W. N. Erratum in List of Nebula.-In Table of Nebulæ, Right Ascension 22 hours (p. 157 of vol. i.), Dele 75 Hersch. 8 Lacertæ. THE PLANETS FOR JANUARY. During the month of January, Mercury continues in the constellation of Sagittarius, setting after the sun at the beginning of the month, about a quarter past 5 in the evening; it arrives at inferior conjunction on the 8th, and reaches its greatest westerly elongation on the 31st. 1st R.A. 19 46 13 31st ་ Venus sets after the sun about half-past 7 at the beginning and about 6 o'clock at the end of January, when it will be getting very favourably placed for observation. It passes from Capricornus to Pisces during the month. 1st R.A. 21 38 3 Dec. S. 16 I Diameter 15"o 31st 23 47 42 1 332 188 Mars rises about the middle of the day during January, and continues to be a brilliant object in the evenings. It continues in the constellation Taurus. 1st R.A. 3 55 51 31st 99 4 11 47 Dec. N. 23 I 23 40 Diameter 13" 2 9"-6 Illuminated portion of the disc of Mars=0'933. Jupiter rises shortly after 6 o'clock in the morning at the beginning of the month, and about a quarter to 5 on the last day-remaining in the constellation Ophiuchus during January. The satellites may now again be observed. 1st R.A. 16 57 24 31st "" 17 23 11 Dec. S. 22 8 Saturn rises about 2 o'clock in the morning at the beginning and about midnight at the end of the month, and remains in Virgo. 1st R.A. 13 51 49 Dec. S. 8 54 Diameter 15"0 31st 99 13 56 21 16"0 Dimensions of ring :-outer major axis, 38"; outer minor axis, 11′′. Uranus continues, like Mars, well fixed for observation. 1st R.A. 5 46 37 5 42 18 29th Neptune may still be seen in the evenings, maintaining its position on the equator; it passes the meridian between 5 and 6 o'clock at the beginning of January. The following are the Minor Planets which will arrive at Opposition this month. Full particulars will be found in the Supplement to the Nautical Almanac for 1868. Proserpine ... Right Ascension h. m. 653 7 43 Declination о N. 27 28 23 56 Jan. 1 ... II ... I I ... ... CORRESPONDENTS' QUERIES AND REPLIES. Might Admiral Smyth get a hint to adorn the new edition of the Cycle with a likeness of himself? I think many would value the work the more if it had a good likeness of its author, who has done, perhaps, more than any living person to instruct and encourage the tribe of "rough-and-ready" star-gazers. G. J. W. f I hope you will bear in mind that a table of the positions o Saturn's satellites would be very interesting to-among many of your readers-yours truly, D. A. F. Can you inform me whether Lescarbault's Planet has been seen during the year? According to its supposed period, it ought to have appeared in October 22. The day was rainy here, I believe, but I have failed to observe any notice of it. D. A. B., Warrington. Could you give us in the Register a map of the Planet Uranus and the adjacent stars, so as to enable it to be found with non-equatoreal instruments ? Also maps of other interesting objects? I know not if your work is intended for the lower order of amateurs. THOS. D. [The subject of our correspondent's enquiry is under consideration, and we may add that it is our endeavour to render the Register useful to every class of_amateurs, however slightly they may be acquainted with astronomy.] In answer to J. T. B. (Variable Stars and Nebula), I do not think that any portion of Mr. Pogson's Atlas has been issued. The title of Auwer's Catalogue is Verzeichnissen von Nebelflecken und Sternhaufen. G. F. Č. J. F.-We learn from enquiry that the Supplement to the Nautical Almanac can only be obtained by purchasers of the almanac itself. A coloured slip will be found in the book which, upon presentation at Mr. Murray's (the publisher), will entitle them to a copy of the supplement. See our notice in No. 13, page 24. |