The World of Comets |
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Page xii
... portions of matter distributed in immense masses in certain unresolvable nebulæ , and successively de- tached in separate globules , would continue to describe hyper- bolæ or other curves of endless branches , on their passage from star ...
... portions of matter distributed in immense masses in certain unresolvable nebulæ , and successively de- tached in separate globules , would continue to describe hyper- bolæ or other curves of endless branches , on their passage from star ...
Page xiii
... portion ; and , were it omitted , it would be difficult to understand how the world has passed from the most extra- vagant prejudices to the calm and reassuring conceptions of contemporary science . In ancient Greece , in heroic times ...
... portion ; and , were it omitted , it would be difficult to understand how the world has passed from the most extra- vagant prejudices to the calm and reassuring conceptions of contemporary science . In ancient Greece , in heroic times ...
Page 28
... portion of the whole , and are contained in a separate chapter , which might well be entitled Cometary Astrology . ' The details of cometary warnings , resting only upon the principles of astrology , cannot fail to be ridiculous ...
... portion of the whole , and are contained in a separate chapter , which might well be entitled Cometary Astrology . ' The details of cometary warnings , resting only upon the principles of astrology , cannot fail to be ridiculous ...
Page 38
... difference between the two kinds of celestial bodies - viz . , that comets are only visible in a small portion of their orbits . Amongst the ancient philosophers who believed comets to be stars 3838 THE WORLD OF COMETS .
... difference between the two kinds of celestial bodies - viz . , that comets are only visible in a small portion of their orbits . Amongst the ancient philosophers who believed comets to be stars 3838 THE WORLD OF COMETS .
Page 49
... portion of this matter , and issue thence to form the track of light which we call the tail of the comet . This action of the solar rays attenuates the particles which compose the body of the comet . It drives them away ; it dissipates ...
... portion of this matter , and issue thence to form the track of light which we call the tail of the comet . This action of the solar rays attenuates the particles which compose the body of the comet . It drives them away ; it dissipates ...
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Common terms and phrases
according action amongst ancient aphelion apparition Arago astronomers atmosphere axis believe Biela's comet bolides bright bright bands brilliant calculated cause celestial bodies century Coggia's comet cometary orbits cometary tails curve described diameter direction diurnal motion Donati's comet earth eccentricity elliptic orbit Encke Encke's comet Ephorus epoch fact Faye globe gravitation Halley Halley's comet heat heavens hyperbolic hypothesis ideas inclination influence John Herschel July Jupiter Kepler law of Kepler laws less light longitude luminous mass matter mean distance meteors moon motion move movement Myndus nearly nebulosity Newton node November nucleus number of comets observed opinion parabolic orbit passed perihelion distance perihelion passage periodical comets perturbations phenomena physical Pingré planetary planets portion position prediction presage rays regarded region remarkable repulsive force retrograde revolution SECTION seen Seneca solar system space stars supposed telescope theory tion velocity visible whilst Winnecke Yvon Villarceau
Popular passages
Page 479 - We could tell, for example, the number of degrees which this amount of heat would impart to a globe of water equal to the earth in size. Mayer and...
Page 512 - A combustion irresistible, all devouring, omni-prevalent, immediate ; — the entire fulfilment, in all their minute and terrible details, of the fiery and horror-inspiring denunciations of the prophecies of the Holy Book. ' Why need I paint, Charmion, the now disenchained frenzy of mankind ? That tenuity in the comet which had previously inspired us with hope, was now the source of the bitterness of despair. In its impalpable gaseous character we clearly perceived the consummation of Fate. Meantime...
Page 26 - So spake the grisly terror, and in shape, So speaking: and so threatening, grew tenfold More dreadful and deform : on the other side, Incensed with indignation, Satan stood Unterrified, and like a comet burned, That fires the length of Ophiuchus huge In the arctic sky, and from his horrid hair Shakes pestilence and war.
Page 265 - I could only get four comparisons with an anonymous star, it had moved forward 2"~5 in four minutes, and that settled its being the right object. I recorded it as " Circular; bright, with a decided nucleus, but no tail, and about 45
Page 102 - Wherefore if according to what we have already said it should return again about the year 1758, candid posterity will not refuse to acknowledge that this was first discovered by an Englishman.
Page 12 - Seneca also expressed the opinion that some comets portend mischief: ' Some comets,' he said, 'are very cruel and portend the worst misfortunes ; they bring with them and leave behind them the seeds of blood and slaughter.
Page 265 - Just about 17|h. mean time a brief blue space enabled me to find Biela, and though I could only get four comparisons with an anonymous star, it had moved forward 2.5 s.
Page 457 - Je viens vous annoncer une grande nouvelle. Nous l'avons en dormant, Madame, échappé belle : Un monde près de nous a passé tout du long, Est chu tout au travers de notre tourbillon; Et s'il eût en chemin rencontré notre terre, Elle eût été brisée en morceaux comme verre.
Page 349 - When the slit was brought back past the nucleus on to the commencement of the tail, the gaseous spectrum became rapidly fainter, until, at a short distance from the nucleus, the continuous spectrum predominated so strongly that the middle band only, which is the brightest, could be detected on it. We have presented to us, therefore, by the light of the comet three spectra : — 1. The spectrum of bright bands. 2. The continuous spectrum of the nucleus. 3. The continuous spectrum which accompanies...
Page 475 - We see why the animals and plants of the south may have existed in the climates of the north, where their relics and impressions are still to be found. Lastly, it explains the short period of the existence of the moral world, whose earliest monuments do not go much farther back than three thousand years.